Alpine Natural Gas Project Mitigation Monitoring Table
 
Impact Mitigation Measure Monitoring/Reporting Action Effectiveness Criteria Responsible Agency Footnote1  Timing
GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
1. Mudflows from construction work alongside the roads and Highway. 1-1. Alpine shall cease construction during significantly rainy periods.  
 
  

Construction shall not commence until the Commission approves the notice of intent to construct. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

1-2. Irrigation and drainage ditches will be protected and restored if necessary. Attached as condition to county and CalTrans encroachment permits.

Alpine shall file a notice of the intent to construct with the mitigation monitor prior to construction. The notice shall include a specific timeline for completion, and copies of permits, reports and other data described in this document. 
 
  

When construction is complete, Alpine shall file a notice with the mitigation monitor.  
 
 
 
  

Copy of permits filed with the mitigation monitor. Occasional field inspections. 
 
 

No mudflows from construction due to rain. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Irrigation and drainage ditches functioning effectively.

CPUC 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

CPUC 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

CPUC 

County Public Works Dept., 

CalTrans 
 
 

Notice of intent to construct shall be filed at least 12days prior to construction. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Notice of completion shall be filed within 7 days of completion of construction.  
 
 
 
 
 
  

Before and during construction.

2. Erosion to shoulders due to roadside construction. 2-1. Alpine shall employ standard erosion control techniques. Attached as condition to county and CalTrans encroachment permits. Copy of permits filed with the mitigation monitor. Occasional field inspections Erosion effectively controlled during construction. County Public Works Dept., 

CalTrans

Before and during construction.
 
 
Impact Mitigation Measure Monitoring/Reporting 
Action
Effectiveness Criteria Responsible Agency Timing
WATER RESOURCES
1. The project crosses two creeks (Cosgrove and Indian) and is adjacent to the creeks at different points. Construction during wet season may impact drainage and runoff patterns, and may also create unintended discharge into surface waters.  1-1. Construction of the project either over or adjacent to natural water resources shall be prohibited during wet season (generally between October 1 and March 30).  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

1-2. Alpine shall file a status report on those sections that are either over or adjacent to natural water resources. If areas of construction impacting water resources are not complete by September 30, Alpine shall describe the location and amount of work necessary in its notification. Completion of the unfinished areas shall not commence until approved by the Mitigation Monitor.

See discussion in Geologic Resources. (Alpine shall file a notice for the start and end of construction with the mitigation monitor. )  
 
 
 
 
 
  

The report shall be filed with the Commission's Mitigation Monitor.

Creek crossings and work adjacent to water resources shall occur only during the dry season.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

The mitigation monitor will have record of those areas of construction that are incomplete and prohibited from work during the wet season. The mitigation monitor will approve the timing for the completion of the unfinished area that may affect water resources.

CPUC 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

CPUC

Notice of intent to construct filed at least 7days prior to construction. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Notification of the complete and incomplete construction areas that impact water resources shall be filed by September 23. If all water-sensitive areas are complete, status report may be filed with the completion notice if earlier than Sept. 23.

2. Construction without adequate setbacks of materials, equipment and waste may result in disturbance to dry creek beds. This in turn could later impact drainage and runoff patterns when the beds fill with water. 2-1. All construction materials, equipment, and waste shall be secured at an adequate setback for work adjacent to water resources. Included in its construction notice, Alpine shall describe the setbacks for work adjacent to water resources. Occasional field inspections. Equipment, materials and waste are secured behind setbacks preventing any disturbance to water resources, wet or dry. CPUC, 

County Public Works Dept.

Before and during construction.
AIR QUALITY 
1. Violate local visible air emissions standards (general public nuisance standards).  1-1. Alpine shall employ appropriate emission control techniques such as water sprinkling or misting. Occasional field inspections. County may impose fines on Alpine for violations. Substantial visible emissions cannot seen from 150 feet from the point of construction, or no more than three complaints filed by neighbors and visually confirmed upon inspection (county public nuisance standard).  County Pollution Control Dept. County Sheriff's Dept., 

CPUC

During construction.
2. The project's interconnection with PG&E's line may emit odors. Also potential aesthetic and noise impacts from the facility. 2-1. Alpine shall install the facility in accord w/ federal and state safety standards and mitigation for other impacts. Plans for interconnection reviewed and approved by Commission. Field inspections. Leaks are prevented or repaired expeditiously. Facility meets safety standards, and has insignificant aesthetic or noise impacts. CPUC Before and during construction.
 
 
Impact Mitigation Measure Monitoring/Reporting Action Effectiveness Criteria Responsible Agency Timing
TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION
1. The project will require trenching in roads, streets and Highway 26. Traffic congestion, hazards to pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and inadequate emergency access may result.  1-1. Alpine shall employ traffic management principles contained in CalTrans' Manual of Traffic Controls for Construction and Maintenance Work Zones. These principles include use of tapers, flaggers, warning signs, etc.  
 
  

1-2. Alpine shall obtain encroachment permits from the county and CalTrans 

Copies of local and CalTrans permits provided to mitigation monitor before commencement of construction. 
 
 
 
  

Field inspections made by CalTrans and county.

Traffic congestion and hazards to pedestrians and bicyclists are managed appropriately. County Public Works Dept., CalTrans 

CPUC

Before and during construction.
2. Increase in congestion and parking impacts due to construction personnel.  2-1. Alpine's construction personnel shall gather at a temporary off-site location and be transported to work sites.  Field inspections made by CalTrans and county. Congestion and parking impacts at construction sites at negligible levels. County Public Works Dept., CalTrans During construction.
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 
1. Construction over (on existing bridges) and adjacent to water resources (two creeks) could disturb potential habitats for California red-leg frog and pond turtles.  1-1. Construction over (on existing bridges) and adjacent to water resources shall be limited to only the dry season (generally between April 1 and September 30).  
 
 
 
  

1-2. Alpine shall file a notification of the completion of work either over or adjacent to natural water resources. If areas of construction impacting water resources are not complete by September 30, the Applicant shall describe the location and amount of work necessary in its notification. Completion of the unfinished areas shall not commence until approved by the Mitigation Monitor. 
 
  

1-3. All construction adjacent to water resources shall have adequate setbacks established to prevent equipment, materials and waste from entering the resource. 

See discussion in Geologic Resources. (Alpine shall file a notice for the start and end of construction with the mitigation monitor. )  
 
  

The notification shall be filed with the Commission's Mitigation Monitor. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Describe the setbacks as part of the Notice to construct. Field inspections. 
 
 
 
 

Creek crossings and work adjacent to water resources shall occur only during the dry season. 
 
 
 
 
 
  

The mitigation monitor will have record of those areas of construction that are incomplete and prohibited from work during the wet season. The mitigation monitor will approve the timing for the completion of the unfinished area that may affect water resources. 
 
 
 
  

Equipment, materials and waste are secured behind setbacks preventing any disturbance to water resources, wet or dry.

CPUC 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

CPUC 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

CPUC

Notice of intent to construct shall be filed at least 12days prior to construction. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Notification of the complete and incomplete construction areas that impact water resources shall be filed by September 23.  

If all water-sensitive areas are complete, status report may be filed with the completion notice if earlier than Sept. 23. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

During construction. 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Impact Mitigation Measure Monitoring/Reporting Action Effectiveness Criteria Responsible Agency Timing
HAZARDS
1. The installation of natural gas facilities carries the risk of accidental explosion or the release of natural gas if not installed properly. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-1. Alpine shall rely on U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and the Commission's General Order 112-E for construction, design, operation, testing, reporting and emergency standards for small gas operators. These standards are embodied in Alpine's Safety Manual. 
 
 
 
  

1-2. Alpine shall employ specific safety measures contained in its Safety Manual during its installation of its facilities. 

Alpine shall file a final draft of its Safety Manual with the mitigation monitor. The Commission shall review and approve the manual prior to construction. 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Commission shall inspect Alpine's installation of its line. 
 
 

Alpine's facilities are installed in accordance with DOT and Commission regulations. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Same as above.

CPUC 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

CPUC

Final draft of Alpine's Safety manual shall be filed with the mitigation monitor at least 30 days prior to construction. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

During construction. 

2. Installation of the pipeline at depths less than 4.5 feet may impact Caltran's plan for realignment of Highway 26. Realignment of the highway could require Alpine to relocate its facilities if such are located at less than 4.5 feet. 2-1. Alpine shall install its pipeline facilities at depths of at least 4.5 feet for work along Highway 26. Condition attached to encroachment permit from CalTrans. Copy of CalTrans permit filed with the mitigation monitor. Field inspections by CalTrans. Alpine's pipeline installed at depths no less than 4.5 feet. CalTrans, 

CPUC

Before and during construction.
3. Caltrans' ongoing maintenance of drainage ditches along Highway 26 could be disrupted by the lack of information on the location of Alpine's pipeline. Potential ruptures of the line may occur without such information. 3-1 Alpine shall record coordinates and elevations of the pipeline along Highway 26, and provide this database to CalTrans' maintenance crews when needed at future dates.  
 
 
 
 
 
  

3-2. Alpine shall also place warning or caution tapes and other markers above its installed pipe along Highway 26 to mitigate against accidental ruptures by CalTrans maintenance crews.

Copy of Alpine's database filed with mitigation monitor. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  

Alpine shall file a report with the mitigation monitor that the mitigation is complete. Field inspections by CalTrans. 

Database shall contain coordinates and elevations of the facilities along Highway 26. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Tapes are placed in observable areas along the pipe installation in Highway 26.

CPUC, 

CalTrans 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

CPUC

During and after construction. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

During construction.

 
 
Impact Mitigation Measure Monitoring/Reporting Action Effectiveness Criteria Responsible Agency Timing
CULTURAL RESOURCES
1. Installation of the line may uncover and disturb unrecorded historical resources. 
 
  

(Note: Cultural Resource mitigation measures 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3 shall apply to all four phases of the project, even though Alpine has no plans for Phases II, III and IV at this time.)

1-1. Alpine shall train its construction crews with an qualified archaeologist on the possibility of uncovering historical resources and the proper protocol should they be uncovered. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

1-2. Should historical resources be uncovered during construction, proponent shall stop work immediately and consult with a qualified archaeologist and the Commission. 
 
 
 
 
 
  

1-3. Should human remains be discovered, proponent shall cease construction and notify and consult with the county coroner's office, the Commission and the Native American Heritage Commission.

Report by Alpine shall be filed with the CPUC upon completion of this task. Report shall contain the name and qualifications of the archaeologist as well as a description of the training. 
 
  

Alpine shall immediately notify the mitigation monitor of any cultural resource findings. Mitigation monitor may conduct occasional field inspections. 
 
 
 
  

Alpine shall immediately notify the mitigation monitor of any uncovered human remains. The county coroner and the Native American Heritage Commission shall also be notified immediately.

Construction crews have been briefed on cultural resources and how to properly handle uncovery of such resources. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Any uncovered historical resources will not be disturbed and will be handled according to standard archaeological protocols 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Any uncovered human remains will not be disturbed and will be handled according to standard archaeological protocols..

CPUC 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

CPUC, 

Office of Historic Preservation 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

CPUC,  

County Coroner, Native American Heritage Commission.

Before construction. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

During construction. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

During construction.

2. Expansion of the project into Phases II, III and IV may impact other unidentified historical resources or a recorded historical site (Jenny Lind).  2-1. Alpine shall conduct a comprehensive survey for potential cultural resources of each phase before construction of each phase commences and shall modify its routes plans if the surveys reveal potential impacts to historical resources. Alpine shall also avoid impacts to recorded sites.  
 
 
 
 
Alpine shall file a copy of its archaeologist's comprehensive surveys and its specific route plans for each phase with the mitigation monitor. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Any historical resources discovered by the survey, or already recorded, shall be avoided by Alpine's proposed routes or facilities. 
 
 
 
 
CPUC 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Surveys and specific route plans shall be filed with the Commission's mitigation monitor at least 45 days prior to construction for each phase. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Footnote1

* The CPUC is ultimately responsible for compliance with the mitigation measures listed in this document, but may defer the responsibility to state and local agencies where noted.
 
 



Return to: | Alpine Project Information | Current Projects | Environmental Information