4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 1

Transcription

1 MEETING DATE: April 22, 2015 PREPARED BY: Katherine Weldon, Program Administrator DEPT. DIRECTOR: Glenn Pruim DEPARTMENT: Public Works CITY MANAGER: Lawrence A. Watt SUBJECT: AWARD OF A CALIFORNIA COASTAL CONSERVANCY GRANT FOR A CARDIFF STATE BEACH LIVING SHORELINE CONCEPTUAL PLAN RECOMMENDATION: City Council take the following actions: 1. Accept grant funds from the California Coastal Conservancy in the amount of $150,000 for the development of a Cardiff State Beach Living Shoreline Conceptual Plan. 2. Adopt Resolution designating the City Manager or his designee as an authorized representative for the City of Encinitas to execute agreements with the California Coastal Conservancy. 3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement, not to exceed $150,000, for the development of the Cardiff State Beach Living Shoreline Conceptual Plan. STRATEGIC PLAN: This project aligns with the Strategic Plan goals for: Environment By enhancing the natural environment while protecting existing infrastructure. Public Safety By creating a safe and secure environment for pedestrians traveling the area. Recreation By improving recreational access and open space. FISCAL CONSIDERATIONS: The State Coastal Conservancy has approved an allocation of $150,000 for development of the Cardiff State Beach Living Shoreline conceptual plan. As an in-kind service, $50,000 of city staff time will be dedicated to project management for contracting, agency coordination, and grant reporting. 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 1

2 BACKGROUND: The southernmost shoreline segment in the City of Encinitas between Restaurant Row and South Cardiff State Beach has been identified as being extremely vulnerable to projected rates of sea-level rise and coastal flooding (Attachment 1). In the past, high tides and high surf caused over 42 road closures along this low-elevation barrier spit fronting the San Elijo Lagoon on which the Coast Highway 101 and numerous utility corridors are located. The highway also provides critical protection for the San Elijo Lagoon and emergency access to Solana Beach. On June 18th, 2014 the City Council approved an application to the State Coastal Conservancy for a Living Shoreline Grant opportunity. This grant project consists of the development of a conceptual dune restoration plan along the west side of Highway 101 to reduce the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure and natural resources in this region. Coastal dune systems have been found to provide multiple benefits in that they provide valuable habitat and coastal storm damage reduction during extreme events. ANALYSIS: The conceptual plan would investigate the appropriate design and approach for restoring historic dunes along Coast Highway 101 to reduce the potential of wave overtopping, undermining, and reduce the vulnerability of Coast Highway 101, San Elijo Lagoon, and other coastal infrastructure and natural resources due to sea level rise. In addition, dune restoration would restore a habitat that has been severely impacted in this area due to urbanization. This project is closely tied to the San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project (SELRP), offering a beneficial reuse option for the export materials generated during construction. This grant project will develop a range of feasible dune restoration alternatives at Cardiff State Beach through close coordination with the SELRP team, resource agencies and the public. Specific tasks for this project include conceptual alternative development, seed collection and bulking, CEQA analysis and document preparation and permit applications. The conceptual alternative development will include outreach meetings with relevant stakeholders and the public, collection and assimilation of existing data, and dune concept development ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: The project would include the acquisition of numerous permits from the following agencies: Coastal Development Permit (California Coastal Commission) Right of Entry Permit (California Department of Park and Recreation) Section 10 & 404 Permit (US Army Corps of Engineers) 401 Certification (Regional Water Quality Control Board) Lease of State Lands (California State Lands Commission) A CEQA compliant document will be prepared to analyze and communicate the potential impacts associated with the project. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Vicinity Map 2. Grant Application 3. Letters of Support 4. California Coastal Conservancy Staff Report, March 26, Resolution /22/2015 Item #8B Page 2

3 Attachment 1 Cardiff State Beach Feet NCTD RAIL LINE SOUTH COAST HIGHWAY É SAN ELIJO LAGOON Seaside Terrace Dune Project South Cardiff State Beach 4/22/2015 Proposed Project Location Item #8B Figure 2: Site-scale Map 2012 San Page Diego3

4 GRANT APPLICATION FORM (Click in the shaded text fields to enter text, numbers and dates. The fields will expand to accommodate the data. Press the tab key to move between fields.) PART A: SUMMARY APPLICANT INFORMATION: Applicant name (organization): City of Encinitas Address: 505 Vulcan Avenue Contact name: Katherine Weldon, Project Manager Telephone: (760) Fax: (760) Federal Tax ID#: Position(s) whose incumbents are authorized to negotiate agreements and amendments: Gus Vina, City Manager Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach Page 1 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 4

5 PROJECT INFORMATION: Project name (limit 75 characters): Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach Project location: City: Encinitas Street: Coast Highway 101 Proposed start date: 10/1/2014 County: San Diego Cross street: NA Estimated completion: 2/1/2017 Acreage (if relevant): Approximately 8 acres APN s (if an acquisition): NA Trail length (if relevant miles or linear feet): NA Stream miles (if relevant miles or linear feet): NA Latitude (e.g ): Longitude: (e.g ): Note: Latitude/Longitude can be determined using Google Earth, and other on-line resources What point is represented by the lat/longs (i.e., parking lot, center of site, etc): Center of Site - Cardiff Beach between Restaurant Row and Seaside State Park. Elected Representatives for Project: Congressional District(s): District number 49th Name Darrel Issa State Senate District(s): District number 38th Name Mark Wyland Assembly District(s): District number 76th Name Rocky Chavez Page 2 Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 5

6 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Provide a clear, detailed description of the project proposed for Conservancy funding. Include: 1) specific need for the project; 2) the project s goals and objectives; 3) specific tasks that will be undertaken (tasks in the budget and schedule should be explained here); and 4) work products or other deliverables. Please limit description to two pages. Project Need The southernmost shoreline segment in the City of Encinitas (City) has been identified as being extremely vulnerable to projected rates of sea-level rise (SLR). The area consists of a low-lying, barrier spit fronting the San Elijo Lagoon on which the Coast Highway 101 (HWY 101) and numerous utility corridors are located. The land also provides critical protection to the San Elijo Lagoon from coastal overwash. The San Elijo Lagoon is proposed to be restored in January 2016 and construction is estimated to yield over one million cubic yards of export material. A majority of the materials to be exported have been determined to be beach compatible. A portion of these materials are proposed to be used for this Project to construct a dune system fronting HWY 101 to reduce the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure and natural resources in this region. Coastal dune systems have been found to provide multiple benefits in that they provide valuable habitat and coastal storm damage reduction during extreme events. HWY 101 is owned and maintained by the City of Encinitas and currently supports approximately 20,000 average daily trips (ADT). Thus, HWY 101 is critical to regional transportation, emergency evacuation and homeland security. The highway has been damaged and flooded on numerous occasions in the past as a result of extreme wave events and high tides. Increased still water levels associated with projected SLR would result in increased frequency and severity of flooding and damage to the highway. The City wishes to form a partnership with regional entities and the State to address the potential impacts of SLR to this vulnerable stretch of shoreline. Project Goals and Objectives The Project s goal is to develop a natural SLR adaptation approach to protect a vulnerable segment of Cardiff Beach by beneficially re-using export materials generated from the San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project (SELRP). The objectives of the Project are to: Decrease the vulnerability of HWY 101 and the San Elijo Lagoon to impacts from future rates of SLR through construction of a natural dune system; Provide an environmentally sensitive and beneficial reuse option for compatible dredge materials generated from the SELRP. Proposed Tasks Five specific tasks have been identified to develop the Project, as follows: 1) Concept Development: A number of conceptual dune restoration alternatives would be developed by the engineer and dune biologist in coordination with the Project Partners. Page 3 Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 6

7 The concepts will then be presented to the stakeholders and the public to receive comments before proceeding to final engineering. 2) Prepare CEQA Compliance Document: A CEQA compliance document would be prepared to analyze the potential impacts associated with building the dunes as proposed. It is envisioned that this document would tier off of the environmental document (EIS/EIR) prepared for the SELRP in the form of an addendum or supplemental document. An environmental planning consultant would be commissioned to complete this task. 3) Acquire Resource Agency Permits: This task would include securing permits for the proposed Project. Permits identified include a Coastal Development Permit (processed under the City s Local Coastal Plan) and a right-of-entry permit from the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Other potential permits (contingent on the seaward terminus of the dune design) include Sections 10 and 404 Permit (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), 401 Certification (Regional Water Quality Control Board) and lease of state lands (California State Lands Commission). 4) Prepare Plans, Specification and Estimate: Engineering detail in the form of plans, specification and estimate (PS&E) would be prepared for the Project. The task would allow the Project to be bid by a contractor and constructed. It is envisioned that the PS&E be submitted for review at the 30%, 60%, 90% and Final milestones. Meetings with the Project Team would take place during each of these milestones to ensure concurrence and consistency with the Project s overall goals and objectives. It is envisioned that this task would be completed by the Project Engineer in coordination with the Dune Biologist and Project Partners. 5) Project Construction and Dune Planting: A budget is set aside for construction and planting of the dune restoration project. The budget amount is an estimate of the necessary funding needed over and above costs already allocated for by SANDAG for the SELRP construction. The additional budget would be used for earthwork to allow contouring the placed material in the form of hummocks in order to prepare the ground for planting. As part of this task, a Dune Biologist would acquire dune plant seed from the San Elijo Lagoon (or possibly neighboring lagoons) to be grown as container plants in a local nursery. Container plants would be transported to the Project site in an adaptive fashion to identify best methods for establishment and to minimize plant losses. The California Conservation Corps will assist with the dune planting and maintenance efforts, under the direction of the Dune Biologist. Irrigation approaches would be identified later in consideration of desired plantings, aesthetics and budget. 6) Project Meetings: A number of meetings are included in this scope of work to coordinate and gather input for the proposed Project from Project Partners (i.e. San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, SANDAG, California Department of Parks and Recreation and California State Coastal Conservancy), stakeholders, resource agencies and the public. The City, consultant team and Project Partners are collectively referred to as the Project Team. Proposed meetings are described below: Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach Page 4 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 7

8 a. Concept Development Meetings A total of two meetings with the Project Team are assumed during the Task 1, Concept Development. b. Plans Specifications & Estimate Meetings A total of three meetings with the Project Team will be held during final engineering design (Task 3) to ensure that the all parties are in general agreement on the proposed design. c. Stakeholder Meetings - Two meetings with applicable stakeholders are assumed to gain input on conceptual design options and any jurisdictional issues prior to submittal of permit applications. d. Public Outreach Two public outreach meetings will be held to notify the public of the proposed Project and to receive input regarding the proposed concepts. It is assumed that one meeting will be held at the end of Task 1 and one during the public review of the CEQA compliance document. 7) Fund Sub-Grantee: The San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy (SELC) is administering the SELRP design and approvals contract from which this Project would derive the sand to achieve dune elevations. Thus, their involvement and partnership with this effort is critical. A letter of support and commitment to partner with the City for this Project is included as Attachment A. A budget is included for the SELC as a sub-grantee, which will fund their staff attendance at Project Team meetings and other coordination efforts. Deliverables (1) Amended CEQA Document A Draft and Final CEQA compliance document will be prepared. (2) Resource Agency Permits Applicable permits for Project construction would be secured. (3) Plans, Specifications & Estimates A completed set of engineering drawings, construction specifications and estimates would be prepared that would allow the Project to be bid and built by a contractor. Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach Page 5 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 8

9 FUNDING REQUEST: Funding amount requested from Conservancy: $500,000 Month and Year Conservancy funding needed: October 2014 Other Funding Sources (not including in-kind services): Source of funds Amount ($) Estimated commitment date SANDAG (dredging and disposal of 200,000 cy of sand from SELRP assuming $10/cy) 2,000,000 1/1/2017 Total Project Cost: $500,000 In-kind Services In-kind services or contributions include volunteer time and materials, bargain sales, and land donations. Please describe and estimate value, and differentiate between expected in-kind contributions and contributions (work or other types of contributions) already obtained/completed. The City will provide in-kind services in the form of staff time to administer the grant and manage the Project. The total in-kind contribution from the City is $50,000. PROJECT GRAPHICS See Attachment A: Project Graphics. Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach Page 6 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 9

10 PART B: BUDGET, TIMELINE, AND ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS PRELIMINARY BUDGET: In the budget matrix below, list the major tasks of the proposed project, the estimated cost of the task, and the funding sources (applicant, Conservancy, and other) for the task. The listed tasks should correlate with the tasks described in the Project Description and listed on the Schedule. Task Number 1 2 Task 6 Concept Development Prepare CEQA Compliance Document Acquire Resource Agency Permits Prepare Plans, Specifications and Estimates Project Construction and Dune Planting Meetings 7 Fund Sub-Grantee Applicant s Funding $5,000 $10,000 Coastal Conservancy $40,000 $50,000 $10,000 $60,000 $70,000 $10,000 $90,000 $100,000 $12,000 $220,000 $232,000 $3,000 $30,000 $33,000 $10,000 $ 10,000 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $550,000 TOTAL $ 50,000 $500,000 Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach 4/22/2015 Other Funds Total Cost $45,000 $60,000 $ 0 Page 1 Item #8B Page 10

11 SCHEDULE: List the project tasks and all significant project milestones related (for example, California Environmental Quality Act compliance, obtaining of permits, appraisal preparation and other land acquisition documents, commencement of construction, and project completion). For each item provide the expected completion date and any factors that could influence the timely implementation of the project. Task or Milestone Expected Completion Date 1. Concept Development 2/1/ Prepare CEQA Compliance Document 6/16/ Acquire Resource Agency Permits 12/15/ Prepare Plans, Specification and Estimate 6/15/ Project Construction and Dune Planting 2/1/ Project Meetings (conducted throughout work plan) 2/1/2017 Click here to enter a date. Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach Page 2 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 11

12 ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS: Questions 1-7 should be answered by all applicants. For each question, limit your answer to a half page, with one concise paragraph preferred. See grant application instructions for more information. 1. Project and Applicant History: Provide a history of the project, and any background information not provided in the project description. Is the project related to any previous or proposed Coastal Conservancy projects? If so, which ones and how are they related? The CSCC is the contract administrator for the SELRP, and was also a partial source of funds for Phase 1 of this project (i.e. Preliminary Engineering). Construction of the SELRP is planned for January 2017 and is estimated to generate over one million cubic yards of beach compatible export materials over ten months. A number of beneficial re-use options are being considered for the placement of sediment including beach nourishment and nearshore placement. Other less desirable options are also being considered such as disposal offshore at LA-5 and at SANDAG borrow pits. The proposed Project complements the SELRP by providing a beneficial reuse placement site for export materials generated during construction. It is estimated that the Project would utilize approximately 200,000 cy of export material from the SELRP. The proposed Project is related to and is generally consistent with the Seaside Terrace Dune Plant Restoration Project, as funded by the Coastal Conservancy and led by David Varner (SELC). The proposed Project s southern terminus is located at the edge of this project. SELC s partnership in the proposed grant effort would allow for consistency and symbiosis between these projects. 2. Site Description: Describe the project site or area, including site characteristics that are tied to your project objectives (i.e.: for acquisition of habitat, describe current vegetation assemblages, condition of habitats, known wildlife migration corridors, etc.). When relevant, include ownership and management information. The Project Area extends from the south end of Restaurant Row to the north end of the Seaside State Park parking lot (Figure 1). The Study Area consists of the back beach portion of Cardiff Beach, which is owned and managed by California Department of Parks and Recreation (letter of support attached). The Project Area includes sandy beach habitat, which supports invertebrate communities. The Project site straddles the Swami s State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) and the San Elijo Lagoon SMCA, both managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 3. Consistency with Plans: Describe how the project is supported by, consistent with, or in conflict with any applicable local or regional plans, such as Local Coastal Plans, San Francisco Bay Plan, general plans, county or regional trail plans, specific area plans, regional conservation plans, climate action plans, the 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy, Habitat Conservation Plans/Natural Community Conservation Plans, watershed management plans, Integrated Regional Water Management Plans, etc. Identify the pertinent plan(s) and the date adopted by the applicable local/regional entity. Page 3 Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 12

13 The proposed Project is consistent with or supported by the following plans: o City of Encinitas plans including the: Local Coastal Plan, Climate Action Plan (2010), Natural Resource Management Plan (1986), and the Hazard Mitigation Plan (2012). o SANDAG Regional Plans including: Shoreline Preservation Strategy (1993), Climate Action Strategy (2010), North Coast Corridor Transportation and Resource Enhancement Program and Highway Public Works Plan (2010), and the Coastal Regional Sediment Management Plan (2009), o Statewide SLR Adaptation plans including the Climate Adaptation Strategy (2009). 4. Support: What public agencies, non-profit organizations, elected officials, and other entities and individuals support the project and why? Agencies and public institutions that support the project include: San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy The Project would protect the San Elijo Lagoon from coastal overwash in the existing and future condition and would provide a low-cost disposal option for materials generated during the construction of the restoration project. The SELC also encourages the use of green adaptation approaches (Letter of Support enclosed) California Department of Parks and Recreation - The Project would benefit park users, residents, and natural resources by improving the sustainability of recreational activities at Cardiff and San Elijo State Beaches; providing coastal dune restoration opportunities; and improving the sustainability of coastal infrastructure (Highway 101, utility infrastructure, coastal businesses, and the San Elijo State Park Campground). Additionally, this would support the San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project (SELRP) by providing a suitable site for placement of beach quality sand borrowed from the SELRP excavation. The placed sand would serve to improve beach area, function, and aesthetics by raising the back beach elevation and covering existing rip rap revetment along HWY 101. (Letter of Support enclosed) San Diego Association of Governments The proposed Project also provides a lowcost disposal location for export materials derived from the SERLP. The Project is consistent with SANDAG s regional initiative to restore dune habitats (implemented through the TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program). 5. Regional Significance: Describe the regional significance of the project with respect to recreation (regional trails and parks, staging areas, environmental education facilities, etc.) and natural resources (including listed species, identified high priority habitat, wildlife Page 4 Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 13

14 corridors, watersheds, and agricultural soils). Who will benefit from the project? Will it serve a greater than local need? The proposed Project would benefit the SELRP by providing a low-cost placement site for a portion of the export material to be generated during construction and protecting the lagoon from coastal overwash during extreme events. The Project would serve as a pilot project for the region to evaluate the effectiveness of a living shoreline approach to SLR adaptation. The Project would support dune-dependent species sensitive species such as the California Least Tern, Western Snowy Plover, and Nuttall s lotus. The Project would serve the general public providing a positive aesthetic to recreational users of this reach and reducing the vulnerability of HWY 101 to future closures. 6. Need for Conservancy Funds: What would happen to the project if no funds were available from the Conservancy? What project opportunities or benefits could be lost and why if the project is not implemented in the near future? Other placement options, such as beach nourishment, nearshore and offshore placement, would be pursued for the SELRP. Damage incurred to HWY 101 during extreme events would continue to be addressed on an emergency and ad hoc basis. 7. Compliance with CEQA: Projects funded by the Coastal Conservancy must be reviewed subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA ). CEQA does not apply to projects that will not have either a direct or indirect effect on the environment. For all other projects, if the project is statutorily or categorically exempt under CEQA, no further review is necessary. If the proposed project is not exempt, it must be evaluated by a public agency that is issuing a permit, providing funding, or approving the project, to determine whether the activities may have a significant effect on the environment. The evaluation results in a Negative Declaration, Mitigated Negative Declaration, or Environmental Impact Report. If the proposed project qualifies for a CEQA exemption, please specify which exemption and why it qualifies. If the project does not qualify for a CEQA exemption, specify who will be the lead agency under CEQA, the status of preparing the environmental review document, and your views as to which type of document would be required for the project. Please note that the Conservancy will need to review and approve any CEQA document. For more information on CEQA, visit: The proposed Project would require CEQA compliance as this placement option was not evaluated in the EIR/EIS, currently under public review. A sub-consultant would commissioned to prepare an amendment or supplement to the existing EIR/EIS. This task is included in the proposed scope of work. 8. California Conservation Corps: Applicants proposing construction projects are urged to consider using the California Conservation Corps. If your project involves construction, please indicate whether you have contacted the Corps regarding your project and the results of that contact. The applicant spoke with Sara Weaver from the California Conservation Corps regarding potential involvement with the construction of the proposed Project. It was determined that Page 5 Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 14

15 the Corps could assist with the planting and maintenance of the dune restoration project under the direction of the Dune Biologist. A portion of the Task 5 (Construction and Dune Planting) budget would be allocated to this agency. 9. Willing Seller: Projects that involve acquisition of property must involve a willing seller. If your project includes property acquisition, please describe the status and expected conclusion of landowner negotiations. Not applicable 10. Management and Monitoring: For projects involving restoration, construction or land acquisition, describe your management and monitoring plans? Who will be responsible for funding and implementing ongoing management and monitoring? Please describe your plans for compiling baseline data, undertaking future monitoring and implementing adaptive management strategies if necessary. The San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy has agreed to consider supporting ongoing monitoring and management of the dune restoration project. The California Conservation Corps or other volunteer organizations may also be able to assist with this effort. 11. Sea Level Rise Vulnerability: If the project involves a site that is close to a shoreline (i.e. potentially flooded or eroded due to climate change), please identify vulnerabilities of the site in relation to flooding, erosion, and sea level rise/storm surges for the years 2050 and 2100 (assume 16 inches and 55 inches of sea level rise respectively). For reference, see the State of California s Sea Level Rise Task Force Interim Guidance Document. Describe any adaptive management approaches you have considered for addressing Sea Level Rise. What is the expected lifespan or duration of the project? The Project site has been identified is being extremely vulnerable to SLR, as the area consists of a low-lying sand spit that has a history of flooding and erosion. Overtopping of HWY 101 along this reach is estimated to occur on a 25-year return period event (M&N 2001). Increased still water levels associated with projected SLR would result in an increase in the frequency and severity of damage and flooding. The proposed Project would implement an SLR adaptation response to offset this vulnerability. 12. Vulnerability from Climate Change Impacts Other than Sea Level Rise: Using Exhibit F: Climate Change Guidance, and the latest regional scenarios, predictions and trends, describe how the project objectives or project may be vulnerable to impacts (fire, drought, species and habitat loss, etc.) from climate change, other than sea level rise, coastal erosion or flooding? What design, siting, or other measures are you incorporating into the project to reduce these vulnerabilities? Describe any adaptive management, project monitoring, and stewardship measures you intend to use. Drought may affect the proposed Project in that it could result in restrictions on the irrigation schedule for dune plantings. This may result in a slower establishment period for the plantings. Dune species are drought tolerant once established, therefore, the impact from a continuation of current drought conditions is not anticipated to be significant. Page 6 Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 15

16 13. Greenhouse Gas Emissions/Climate Change: If the proposed project will result in production of greenhouse gas emissions (including construction impacts and vehicle miles travelled as part of a public access component), describe the measures your project includes to reduce, minimize or avoid greenhouse gas emissions through project design, implementation construction, or maintenance (Refer to Exhibit F: Climate Change Guidance for resources on Best Management Practices and green building techniques and materials). What, if any, are the possible sources or sinks of greenhouse gases for your project, such as carbon sequestration from habitats at the site? If one of the project goals is to sequester carbon (reduce greenhouse gas concentrations), how do you intend to ensure continued long term sequestration while achieving project objectives? Do you have any plans to seek carbon credits for the carbon sequestration activities on the project site? Construction of the proposed Project would result in production of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the Project would provide a placement option in close proximity to the SELRP site; therefore, GHG emissions would be minimized as compared to some of the other disposal options being considered. Proposed dune plantings would provide a sink for GHG s as compared to the existing, non-vegetated condition of this area. No carbon credits are being sought for the proposed Project. Page 7 Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 16

17 ATTACHMENT A: PROJECT GRAPHICS Figure 1. Regional Map Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 17

18 Figure 2. Site-scale Map Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 18

19 Figure 3. Design Plan Typical Section Exampled of Dune Hummocks - City of Coronado Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 19

20 Overtopping of HWY 101 Flooding of HWY 101 Wave-induced Damage to HWY 101 Wave attack on revetment fronting Restaurant Row Site Photos. Historic Flooding within the Study Area Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 20

21 Site Photos (cont.). Cardiff Beach - Existing Conditions Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 21

22 ATTACHMENT B: LETTERS OF SUPPORT Living Shoreline for Cardiff State Beach 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 22

23 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 23

24 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 24

25 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 25

26 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 26

27 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 27

28 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 28

29 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 29

30 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 30

31 COASTAL CONSERVANCY Staff Recommendation March 26, 2015 CARDIFF STATE BEACH LIVING SHORELINE CONCEPTUAL PLAN Project No Project Manager: Megan Cooper RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorization to disburse up to $150,000 to the City of Encinitas for the development of conceptual dune restoration alternatives at Cardiff State Beach, County of San Diego. LOCATION: San Elijo Lagoon, City of Encinitas, County of San Diego (Exhibit 1). PROGRAM CATEGORY: Resource Enhancement EXHIBITS Exhibit 1: Project Location Exhibit 2: Site Maps Exhibit 3: Photos Exhibit 4: Project Letters RESOLUTION AND FINDINGS: Staff recommends that the State Coastal Conservancy adopt the following resolution pursuant to Sections 31111, and of the Public Resources Code: The State Coastal Conservancy hereby authorizes the disbursement of up to one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) to the City of Encinitas ( City ) to develop conceptual dune restoration alternatives at Cardiff State Beach. Prior to the disbursement of funds, the City shall submit for the review and written approval of the Conservancy s Executive Officer a work program, including budget and schedule, and any contractors to be employed for these work program tasks. Staff further recommends that the Conservancy adopt the following findings: Based on the accompanying staff report and attached exhibits, the State Coastal Conservancy hereby finds that: 1. The proposed authorization is consistent with Chapter 3 of Division 21 of the Public Resources Code regarding funding feasibility studies and plans and addressing impacts of Page 1 of 8 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 31

32 CARDIFF STATE BEACH LIVING SHORELINE CONCEPTUAL PLAN climate change, and with Chapter 6 of Division 21 of the Public Resources Code, regarding resource enhancement. 2. The proposed project is consistent with the current Conservancy Project Selection Criteria and Guidelines. PROJECT SUMMARY: Staff recommends that the Conservancy authorize the disbursement of up to $150,000 to the City of Encinitas ( City ) to develop conceptual dune restoration alternatives at Cardiff State Beach. The proposed restoration plan will investigate a living shoreline approach, which will both restore a heavily-impacted habitat and will also provide natural sea-level rise adaptation by protecting a vulnerable segment of Cardiff State Beach. The plan will propose to construct eight acres of beach dunes from exported materials generated from the adjacent San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project ( SELRP ). The plan will consist of project design, CEQA analysis and document preparation, permit applications, and the collection of dune plant seeds to facilitate future restoration. Coastal dunes are a valuable habitat type in Southern California that supports several endangered plants and birds. In addition, dunes can reduce coastal storm damage during extreme storms by buffering the shoreline from waves and tides. But dunes have been heavily-impacted by coastal development and very little of this habitat type remains in Southern California. In many areas, the Pacific Coast Highway ( Coast Highway ) was built in areas that were once coastal dune habitat. The Coast Highway is a critical infrastructure in the City, connecting it with other cities to the North and South, and providing approximately 20,000 vehicle trips per day, allowing public access to the City s many beaches and coastal resources. The southernmost shoreline segment in the City has been identified as being extremely vulnerable to projected rates of sea-level rise. The area consists of a low-lying, barrier spit fronting the San Elijo Lagoon on which the Coast Highway and numerous utility corridors are located. The land also provides critical protection to the San Elijo Lagoon from coastal overwash. Coast Highway has been damaged and flooded on numerous occasions in the past as a result of extreme wave events and high tides. Increased water levels associated with projected sea-level rise would result in increased frequency and severity of flooding and damage to the highway. The proposed plan will investigate the appropriate design and approach for restoring historic dunes along Coast Highway at Cardiff State Beach. Implementation of the proposed plan would potentially reduce the vulnerability of Coast Highway, San Elijo Lagoon, and other coastal infrastructure and natural resources to sea level rise. In addition, dune restoration would restore a habitat that has been severely impacted in this area. The eventual construction of the project would see significant cost savings through utilization of approximately 100,000 cubic yards of beach-compatible material from the SELRP. Specific tasks for this project include conceptual alternative development, seed collection and bulking, CEQA analysis and document preparation and permit applications. The conceptual Page 2 of 8 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 32

33 CARDIFF STATE BEACH LIVING SHORELINE CONCEPTUAL PLAN alternative development will include outreach meetings with relevant stakeholders and the public, collection and assimilation of existing data, and dune concept development. The dune concepts would focus on constructability, sustainability, and resilience while maintaining project goals and objectives. Variations in dune design amongst the concepts may include alternate dune crest elevations, planting arrangements (i.e. perennial anchoring versus native dune plants), sand fence design, or inclusion of a cobble toe protection. Maintenance needs and strategies for adaptive management will be identified for each of the alternatives. Site protection and outreach and interpretation will also be addressed in this task. Fencing would be used to demarcate the boundary of the restoration area. Symbolic fencing may be used to correlate with the permanent outreach and education signage with the goal of deterring human disturbance of the site. Dune concept development will include schematic plan views, sections, and cost estimates for each of the alternatives. The preferred alternative will be designed to the 30% level, once identified by the project team and stakeholders. A CEQA compliance document will be prepared to analyze and communicate the potential impacts associated with the project. The document would utilize existing environmental information from the site derived from Encinitas / Solana Beach Shoreline Feasibility Study EIS, the SELRP EIR/EIS and the City of Encinitas Opportunistic Beach Fill Mitigated Negative Declaration ( MND ). The type of CEQA document needed for this project (EIR or MND) will be analyzed as part of this task. Draft and final CEQA compliance documents will be the deliverables for this task. The proposed project also includes coordinating acquisition of necessary permits. Permits identified include a Coastal Development Permit (processed under the City s Local Coastal Plan) and a right-of-entry permit from the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Other potential permits (contingent on the seaward terminus of the dune design) include Sections 10 and 404 Permit (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), 401 Certification (Regional Water Quality Control Board) and lease of state lands (California State Lands Commission). A mean high tide line survey is included in this task to delineate this boundary along the Project site. Simultaneous with development of project alternatives, collection and bulking of native coastal dune plant seeds will take place as soon as possible in order to generate sufficient seed for the proposed dune planting. Seed will be collected within San Elijo Lagoon and possibly neighboring lagoons, over multiple seasons. Collected seed will also be bulked (planted in order to generate more seed) at a local native plant nursery in parallel to the seed collection efforts. While the project area is fairly large (eight acres), this type of project is relatively new and innovative for California. The plan will investigate the amount of shoreline protection that would be gained through reduction of wave energy and the appropriate design to maximize both habitat value and shoreline protection. The grantee will also include the development of a scientific monitoring and data sharing program as part of the project design. A rigorous monitoring program will facilitate sharing the lessons learned from this project with other local agencies throughout the State. Page 3 of 8 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 33

34 CARDIFF STATE BEACH LIVING SHORELINE CONCEPTUAL PLAN The City has been a successful partner with the Conservancy. Most recently, the City implemented the Cottonwood Creek Restoration Project, which was completed in In addition, the City has formed a partnership with the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy ( SELC ), a current and long-time partner of the Conservancy, to implement this project. This City will provide the project management, administration, engineering, and planning, while the SELC will provide the dune biologists. SANDAG and the California Department of Parks and Recreation will also be members of the project team. Site Description: The project area is located at Cardiff State Beach in the City of Encinitas (Exhibit 1). The project area extends from the south end of Restaurant Row to the north end of the Seaside State Park parking lot (Exhibit 2). The project area straddles the Swami s State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) and the San Elijo Lagoon SMCA, both managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The project area consists of the back beach portion of Cardiff Beach, which is owned and managed by California Department of Parks and Recreation. The design of the restoration alternatives will include analysis of proper location for the dunes within the project area. Project History: The Conservancy has been working with the SELC on the restoration and management of San Elijo Lagoon for over 25 years. We are currently the contract administrator for the SELRP, we partially funded the preliminary engineering for that project, and we have been on the stakeholder group for seven years. The SELRP will include the export of approximately one million cubic yards of beach-compatible materials over ten months. A number of beneficial re-use options are being considered for the placement of sediment including beach nourishment and nearshore placement. Other less desirable options are also being considered such as disposal offshore at LA-5 and at SANDAG borrow pits. The proposed project complements the SELRP by providing a beneficial reuse placement site for approximately one hundred thousand cubic yards of export materials generated during construction. The proposed project also compliments the SELRP by investigating options for protecting the estuary, and the restoration project, from sea level rise. The proposed project is related to and generally consistent with the Seaside Terrace Dune Plant Restoration Project, which was recently completed by SELC. The proposed project is directly adjacent to the Seaside Terrace project, and SELC s involvement in both projects would allow for consistency between both projects. PROJECT FINANCING Coastal Conservancy Funds $150,000 Project Total $150,000 The expected source of Conservancy funds for this project is the Violation Remediation Account (VRA), using funds deposited from the Coastal Commission, from multiple violations. Consistent with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Coastal Commission and the Page 4 of 8 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 34

35 CARDIFF STATE BEACH LIVING SHORELINE CONCEPTUAL PLAN Conservancy (dated April 2012) (Agreement II (A)(a)), the proposed project is either in close proximity to or within the region of the violation locations. In addition, the violations resulted in impacts to beaches or dune habitat, which will be restored through the proposed project. CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY S ENABLING LEGISLATION: The proposed project would be undertaken pursuant to Chapter 3 of the Conservancy s enabling legislation, Public Resource Code, Sections 31111, and 31113, and Chapter 6 Sections Section permits the Conservancy to award grants to public agencies for the purpose of funding and undertaking plans and feasibility studies. Section permits the Conservancy to address the impacts and potential impacts of climate change on resources within its jurisdiction. Pursuant to this authorization, the proposed project will develop a natural solution for adapting to address sea level rise. Consistent with Section of the Public Resources Code, the proposed project would award a grant to a public agency to undertake activities necessary for the enhancement of the natural resources of Southern California, which has been impacted by indiscriminate dredging and filling, improper location of improvements, human-induced events, and incompatible land uses and has suffered the loss of natural and scenic values. The proposed project is intended to assist the Conservancy in meeting its purposes and objectives under this section by increasing the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and persistence of wetland restoration and enhancement projects in Southern California s coastal zone and coastal watersheds. The City s work on this project will help to develop innovative sea level rise adaptation strategies that provide multiple benefits. The City is a local public agency within the meaning of Public Resources Code Section 31010, which may enter into an agreement with the Conservancy to carry out the recommended authorization. Section permits the Conservancy to provide up to the total cost of any coastal resource enhancement project, consistent with established project eligibility and priority factors. In determining the amount of Conservancy funding for this project, the factors identified in Section have been considered and applied, as described in detail below, under the heading Consistency With Conservancy's Project Selection Criteria & Guidelines. CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY S 2013 STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL(S) & OBJECTIVE(S): Consistent with Goal 5, Objective A of the Conservancy s Strategic Plan, the proposed project will develop a plan for the restoration of coastal dunes. Consistent with Goal 7, Objective B, the proposed project will develop an adaptation strategy to address threats to coastal communities and public infrastructure in a way that protects natural resources and provides maximum public benefits. Page 5 of 8 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 35

36 CARDIFF STATE BEACH LIVING SHORELINE CONCEPTUAL PLAN CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY S PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA & GUIDELINES: The proposed project is consistent with the Conservancy s Project Selection Criteria and Guidelines, last updated on October 2, 2014, in the following respects: Required Criteria 1. Promotion of the Conservancy s statutory programs and purposes: See the Consistency with Conservancy s Enabling Legislation section above. 2. Consistency with purposes of the funding source: See the Project Financing section above. 3. Promotion and implementation of state plans and policies: The proposed project is consistent with the following state plans and policies promoting global climate change resilience and adaptation: a. The project implements 50 Million: The Environmental Goals and Policy Report (Governor s Office of Planning and Research, 2013 Draft) by pursuing the action to invest in climate adaptation pilot programs, tools and approaches b. The project aligns with the goals listed in the CA Climate Adaptation Strategy/Safeguarding California: Reducing Climate Risk Plan (CA Natural Resources Agency, July 2014) by implementing an innovative shoreline management project. The proposed project will provide insight into managing shorelines in the era of rising sea levels and storm surges; c. The project will implement the Regional Strategy for the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project (2001) by restoring dunes to buffer wetland habitat. 4. Support of the public: The project is supported by a number of elected officials and community organizations. See Exhibit 3 for support letters. 5. Location: The proposed project would be located within the coastal zone at Cardiff State Beach between the cities of Encinitas and Solana Beach. 6. Need: The stretch of Coast Highway at Cardiff State Beach, which provides coastal access for about 20,000 users each day, is already affected by coastal erosion and wave overtopping. With predicted rates of sea level rise, the impacts to this highway are predicted to increase. The City wants to investigate the use of natural solutions for shoreline protection, such as dune restoration, instead of waiting until natural solutions might be too late and hard structures are used instead. The City does not having the funding available for this kind of project and this project will not occur without Conservancy funding. 7. Greater-than-local interest: Developing and implementing living shorelines projects is of interest for the entire State. The information gathered from this project will allow us to replicate projects like this throughout the State. 8. Sea level rise vulnerability: Coast Highway at Cardiff State Beach is highly vulnerable to sea level rise because of its location on the coast. This project will investigate an innovative Page 6 of 8 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 36

37 CARDIFF STATE BEACH LIVING SHORELINE CONCEPTUAL PLAN method for the City to protect built and natural infrastructure from sea level rise, while also restoring habitat. Additional Criteria 9. Urgency: The proposed project is urgent as threats of SLR continue to increase in California s coastal zones. In addition, the SELRP is on schedule to begin construction in January The SELRP will be a low-cost source of beach sand for restoring dunes along Coast Highway. The City must develop the conceptual alternatives, complete CEQA and permitting and complete engineering prior to construction for the SELRP begins, in order to take advantage of the availability of beach sand. 10. Leverage: The City will donate approximately $50,000 of in-kind services for the project through the donation of City staff time. In addition, implementation of the project would save approximately $1,000,000 by receiving sand from the SELRP. 12. Innovation: Living shorelines projects, such as the one proposed, are an innovative approach to sea level rise adaptation. 13. Readiness: The project team is ready to begin working on specific tasks as soon as the funding is approved. 14. Realization of prior Conservancy goals: See Project History above 16. Cooperation: The City, the SELC, the Department of Parks and Recreation and SANDAG have coordinated in the development of the project, and will work together in the development and implementation of the plan. See attached letters of support (Exhibit 4). 17. Vulnerability from climate change impacts other than sea level rise: This project will not be particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts other than sea level rise. CONSISTENCY WITH LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM POLICIES: The California Coastal Commission and Ocean Protection Council are currently undertaking a large effort to support local governments in planning for sea-level rise and climate change, and developing new or updating existing Local Coastal Programs ( LCP ), consistent with the California Coastal Act. The City of Encinitas is currently updating its LCP to incorporate climate change effects. This project is consistent with the City s current LCP in its goals to undertake programs to ensure that coastal areas are maintained and remain safe and scenic for both residents and wildlife, and to preserve the integrity, function, productivity and long-term viability of environmentally-sensitive habitats throughout the City. COMPLIANCE WITH CEQA: The proposed project is statutorily exempt from the provisions of CEQA under 14 California Code of Regulations, Section exempting feasibility studies for possible future actions that the Conservancy has not approved, adopted or funded and which do not require preparation of an Page 7 of 8 4/22/2015 Item #8B Page 37