HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDOT Environmental Clearance Letter Frontage Rd Vail May 20.pdf
AMEC Earth & Environmental
1002 Walnut Street, Suite 200
Boulder, Colorado 80302
Tel: 303.443.7839
Fax: 303.442.0616
www.amec.com
SENT VIA FTP AND FEDERAL EXPRESS
April 2, 2010
Tammie Smith
Colorado Department of Transportation
222 South 6th Street
Room 317
Grand Junction, Colorado 81501
Tammie.Smith@DOT.STATE.CO.US
RE: Draft Environmental Clearance Documentation for the South Frontage Road
Realignment in Vail, Colorado
Dear Ms. Smith:
On behalf of our client, Vail Resorts Development Company, AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc.
(AMEC) is submitting the enclosed documentation pertaining to the proposed realignment of
South Frontage Road in the West Lionshead area of Vail, Colorado. The road realignment is
the first stage in the construction of a new, environmentally-friendly resort village to be called
Ever Vail. The South Frontage Road Realignment Project is now currently nearing the 90%
design submittal phase; as part of this project, AMEC is required to provide information to the
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for Environmental Clearance. This letter and
associated exhibits should be considered in draft form and are for your preliminary review. The
final Environmental Clearance documentation will be submitted through the Town of Vail at a
later date.
It is our understanding, based upon information provided by you via email, that CDOT requires
clearance reports for the following resource areas: wetlands; archaeology, historical resources,
and paleontology; threatened and endangered species; and hazardous waste. In addition,
CDOT requires copies of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 404 permits and any
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) permits. The entire site was
evaluated for the occurrence of wetlands. This documentation includes wetland delineations of
areas where USACE jurisdiction wetlands were thought to exist. Areas not addressed in the
report were found to have no evidence of wetland vegetation.
The enclosed documentation provides you with what we have to-date for the above-listed
resource areas and permits. Because the South Frontage Road Realignment Project has only
been approved for the 90% design submittal phase, not all of the above-listed permits and
reports have been generated. As was discussed with you, we will submit the remaining
required documents to CDOT as soon as they become available to us. Below is a summary of
what is included with this letter, as well as what will be submitted to CDOT at a later date.
Environmental clearance documents included with this letter (listed by Exhibit number):
Exhibit 1: Wetland delineation report by Western Ecological Resource, Inc.
Ms. Tammie Smith April 2, 2010
Page 2
AMEC Earth & Environmental
Exhibit 2: Report on archaeological, historical, and paleontological resources by Metcalf
Archaeological Consultants, Inc.
Exhibit 3: Summary table on Threatened & Endangered species by AMEC, as well as a
letter from the Colorado Division of Wildlife stating that there is no suitable
habitat for Canada Lynx on the Site.
Exhibit 4: Phase I Environmental Assessment. Environmental Investigation of the Southern
Portion of Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) I-70 Right of Way,
Vail, Colorado by Braun Environmental, Inc.
Exhibit 5: On Disc. Glen Lyon Office Building Phase I Environmental Assessment by Braun
Environmental, Inc.
Exhibit 6: On Disc. EverVail Phase I Environmental Assessment by Braun Environmental,
Inc.
Environmental clearance documents to be submitted to CDOT as soon as they become
available:
1. USACE 404 permit for impacts to waters of the United States and associated wetlands.
Please note that AMEC has already had a pre-application meeting with Mr. Nick Mezei,
the USACE representative for projects in Vail, and the notification documentation is
currently being compiled.
2. CDPHE Construction Stormwater Discharge Permit & CDPHE Construction Dewatering
Discharge Permit
After your preliminary review of these documents, please let me know if you need further
information on any of the resource areas. A final draft of the Environmental Clearance reports
will be submitted through the Town of Vail at a later date. I can be reached at 303.443.7839 or
at Sara.Born@amec.com. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc.
Sara R. Born
cc: Bill Kennedy, Vail Resorts Development Company (sent via FTP only)
Ms. Tammie Smith April 2, 2010
Page 3
AMEC Earth & Environmental
Enclosures
EXHIBIT 1: Wetland delineation report by Western Ecological Resource,
Inc.
Draft CDOT Environmental Clearance Documentation
December 22, 2008
Wetland Delineation
Ever Vail Project
Eagle County, Colorado
prepared for:
Vail Resorts Development Company
PO Box 959, Avon, Colorado 81620
prepared by:
Western Ecological Resource, Inc.
711 Walnut Street, Boulder, Colorado 80302
March 2008
Table of Contents
Section / Title Page
1.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................................1
2.0 Environmental Setting...........................................................................................................1
3.0 Delineation Methods.............................................................................................................1
3.1 Agency Coordination.........................................................................................................1
4.0 Wetlands Present..................................................................................................................1
4.1 Red Sandstone Creek Wetland...........................................................................................4
4.1.1 Location......................................................................................................................4
4.1.2 Classification...............................................................................................................4
4.1.3 Vegetation..................................................................................................................4
4.1.4 Hydrology...................................................................................................................4
4.1.5 Soils............................................................................................................................4
4.2 Gore Creek Wetland..........................................................................................................7
4.2.1 Location......................................................................................................................7
4.2.2 Classification...............................................................................................................7
4.2.3 Vegetation..................................................................................................................7
4.2.4 Hydrology...................................................................................................................7
4.2.5 Soils............................................................................................................................7
4.3 Wetland A.........................................................................................................................7
4.2.1 Location......................................................................................................................7
4.3.2 Classification...............................................................................................................7
4.3.3 Vegetation..................................................................................................................7
4.3.4 Hydrology...................................................................................................................8
4.3.5 Soils............................................................................................................................8
5.0 Analysis of Jurisdictional Status..............................................................................................8
6.0 Photos...................................................................................................................................9
7.0 References..........................................................................................................................14
Appendix A. Field Data Forms..................................................................................................15
List of Figures
Number / Title Page
Figure 1. Project Location Map...................................................................................................2
Figure 2. Wetland Map...............................................................................................................3
List of Tables
Number / Title Page
Table 1. Vascular Plant Species List............................................................................................5
List of Photos
Number / Title Page
Photo 1. Red Sandstone Creek Wetland, view upstream from the road crossing. (5/2/07)..........10
Photo 2. This small island in Red Sandstone Creek contains both wetland & upland habitats.....10
Photo 3. Red Sandstone Creek Wetland, view downstream from the road crossing. (5/2/07).....11
Photo 4. Wetlands are more extensive on the small floodplain. (5/2/07)....................................11
Photo 5. Gore Creek Wetland, western portion. View upstream from the bridge. (5/2/07)........12
Photo 6. Reed canarygrass grows in small stands amongst the large boulders. (5/2/07)..............12
Photo 7. Gore Creek Wetland, view downstream from the Forest Road Bridge. (5/2/07)............13
Photo 8. Wetland A is located in a man-made drainage swale near the culvert outfall................13
1
1.0 Introduction
Vail Resorts Development Company has plans to re-develop a 9.5 acre parcel in West Lionshead
into a new earth-friendly development called Ever Vail. Specifically, the project site is located in
Sections 6 and 7 of Township 5 South and Range 80 West, and Section 12 of Township 5 South
and Range 81 West (Figure 1). The development would include a new hotel, condominiums,
commercial/retail space, a parking garage, and a new gondola to access Vail Mountain. To aid in
project planning, a wetland delineation was completed for the 9.5 acre project site.
Please note, all Tables and Figures are included with the text or are located inside the back cover,
and all Photos are located in Section 6.0.
2.0 Environmental Setting
The Ever Vail project site is located on an irregularly shaped parcel in West Vail bounded by
Interstate 70 to the north and Gore Creek to the south. The South Frontage Road for I-70 bisects
the project site, and roadways and existing developments are located to the east and west.
Red Sandstone Creek, a perennial stream, flows south from a culvert under I-70 through the Ever
Vail project site. Approximately 320 feet south of I-70, it flows through a box culvert under the
South Frontage Road and then continues south for approximately 200 feet before flowing into
Gore Creek. Gore Creek, also a perennial stream, flows into the Eagle River approximately 2½
miles southwest of the project site.
The project site is dominated by existing commercial and retail developments and by a
maintenance equipment yard for the Vail Ski Resort. Elevations range from a high of
approximately 8,138 feet in the northeast corner to a low of approximately 8,054 feet along Gore
Creek in the southeast corner.
3.0 Delineation Methods
Wetlands were delineated by Heather Houston of Western Ecological Resource, Inc. and David
Buscher of Buscher Soil & Environmental Consulting, Inc. in accordance with the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers’ Wetland Delineation Manual (1987) on May 2, 2007. Specifically, wetland
boundaries were delineated and flagged based upon the prevalence of hydrophytic vegetation,
hydric soils, and indicators of a wetland hydrology. Field forms for the five test pits with
vegetation, soils, and hydrology data are included in Appendix A. In general, plant species names
follow Weber and Whitmann (1992). The wetland status of plants follows the 1988 National List
for the Intermountain Region. Classification of wetlands follows Cowardin et al. (1979). Wetland
flagging was surveyed by Gore Range Surveying of Vail, Colorado.
3.1 Agency Coordination
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has not visited the project site to review the flagged wetland
boundary.
4.0 Wetlands Present
Herbaceous wetlands were mapped along the two perennial streams present within the project
site, Red Sandstone Creek and Gore Creek, and in a shallow depression just south of I-70 near the
northeastern corner of the ski area maintenance equipment yard. Each wetland is described
below and is illustrated by Figure 2, the Wetland Map.
4
4.1 Red Sandstone Creek Wetland
4.1.1 Location
Herbaceous wetlands were mapped on both the east and west banks of Red Sandstone Creek and
on a small island within the channel, located just south of the culvert under I-70 (Photos 1-4).
Upstream of the Frontage Road, the Red Sandstone Creek Wetland occurs in a narrow band due
to the steepness of the banks and limited floodplain development. Downstream of the Frontage
Road, the wetland is more extensive on the small floodplain created where Red Sandstone Creek
flows into Gore Creek.
4.1.2 Classification
The riparian wetlands delineated along Red Sandstone Creek are classified in the Palustrine
System, with Forested, Scrub-Shrub and Emergent Persistent Wetland Classes under the Cowardin
Classification System for Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats (Cowardin et al., 1979).
4.1.3 Vegetation
The riparian wetland located along Red Sandstone Creek has a woody overstory dominated by
blue spruce and Engelmann spruce (Picea pungens; P. engelmannii) with occasional narrowleaf
cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) trees. The diverse shrub layer includes several native species
including mountain willow (Salix monticola), whitestem gooseberry (Ribes inerme), bush
honeysuckle (Distegia involucrata), Woods’ rose (Rosa woodsii), and red raspberry (Rubus idaeus
ssp. strigosus). In the herbaceous understory, common graminoids include redtop (Agrostis
gigantea), bluejoint reedgrass (Calamagrostis canadensis), beaked sedge (Carex utriculata), water
sedge (Carex aquatilis), smallwing sedge (Carex microptera), and bog bluegrass (Poa leptocoma),
and the upland grasses smooth brome (Bromus inermis), Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa),
slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus), and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata). The native
perennials scouring rush (Equisetum hyemale) and field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) are also
present in the saturated soil habitat. The most abundant forbs in the understory are the native
perennial cow parsnip (Heracleum sphondylium ssp. montanum) and the noxious weed Canada
thistle (Cirsium arvense). Other common forbs include chiming bells (Mertensia ciliata), largeleaf
avens (Geum macrophyllum) and New Mexico checkermallow (Sidalcea neomexicana) in the
wetter soils, with fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), leafy bracted aster (Aster foliaceous),
Richardson’s geranium (Geranium richardsonii), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) in the drier
portions of the wetland. Table 1 lists the vascular plant species observed on the project site
during the wetland delineation.
4.1.4 Hydrology
The Red Sandstone Creek Wetland is supported by perennial flows in Red Sandstone Creek,
seasonal flooding, and the high ground water table associated with the alluvial aquifer of the
creek. Several small, poorly defined drainage swales also convey stormwater runoff from the
adjacent developments into the Red Sandstone Creek Wetland.
4.1.5 Soils
Five soil pits were evaluated to determine the boundary of the Red Sandstone Creek Wetland. Pit
3 is located within the surveyed wetland boundary, and Pits 1, 2, 4, and 5 are located in the
adjacent uplands. Pits 2 and 3 are located on the small island in Red Sandstone Creek, which
contains both upland and wetland habitats. Pit 3, located within the wetland, was saturated
below a depth of ten inches, and a few mottles and oxidized root channels were also identified in
the upper 12 inches. The hydric soil in Pit 3 is classified in the Typic Cryaquolls. Pit 2, located in
the upland portion of the small island, did not contain saturated soils and lacked any
redoximorphic features. The soil in Pit 2 is classified in the Fluvaquentic Haplocryolls. The
upland soil in Pit 1 is classified in the Oxyaquic Eutrocryepts, and Pits 4 and 5 contain
Fluvaquentic Haplocryolls. None of these pits was saturated at the time of the wetland
delineation and no mottles or oxidized root channels were present.
5
TABLE 1
Vascular Plant Species List
Ever Vail Project
Scientific Name
Common Name
Family
Origin*
Wetland
Status**
Trees
Picea engelmannii Engelmann spruce Pinaceae N FACU-*
Picea pungens Blue spruce Pinaceae N FAC-
Populus angustifolia Narrowleaf cottonwood Salicaceae N FAC*
Populus tremuloides Aspen Salicaceae N FAC
Shrubs
Cornus sericea
(C. stolonifera)
Redosier dogwood Cornaceae N FACW
Distegia involucrata Bush honeysuckle Caprifoliaceae N FAC
Ribes inerme Whitestem gooseberry Grossulariaceae N FAC+
Ribes montigenum Gooseberry currant Grossulariaceae N NL
Rosa woodsii Woods' rose Rosaceae N FAC-
Rubus idaeus
spp. strigosus
Red raspberry Rosaceae N FACU
Salix drummondiana Drummond willow Salicaceae N FACW+
Salix exigua Sandbar willow Salicaceae N OBL
Salix monticola Mountain willow Salicaceae N OBL
Salix planifolia Planeleaf willow Salicaceae N OBL
Symphoricarpos rotundifolius Snowberry Caprifoliaceae N NL
Perennial Graminoids
Agrostis gigantea
(A. alba)
Redtop Poaceae I FACW
Bromus inermis Smooth brome Poaceae I NL
Calamagrostis canadensis Bluejoint reedgrass Poaceae N OBL
Carex aquatilis Water sedge Cyperaceae N OBL
Carex microptera Smallwing sedge Cyperaceae N FAC
Dactylis glomerata Orchard grass Poaceae I FACU
Elymus trachycaulus Slender wheatgrass Poaceae N FACU
Glyceria grandis
(G. maxima)
American mannagrass Poaceae N OBL
Juncus tracyi Tracy’s rush Juncaceae N FACW+
Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canarygrass Poaceae I OBL
Phleum pratense Timothy Poaceae I FACU
Poa compressa Canada bluegrass Poaceae I FACU
Poa leptocoma Bog bluegrass Poaceae N FACW
Poa palustris Fowl bluegrass Poaceae N FACW
Triticum aestivum Wheat Poaceae I NL
Perennial Forbs
Achillea lanulosa Yarrow Asteraceae N FACU
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Kinnickinnick Ericaceae N UPL
Aster foliaceus Leafy bracted aster Asteraceae N FACU
6
TABLE 1
Vascular Plant Species List
Ever Vail Project
Scientific Name
Common Name
Family
Origin*
Wetland
Status**
Cardamine cordifolia Heartleaf bittercress Brassicaceae N FACW+
Cardaria draba White top Brassicaceae I+ NL
Cirsium arvense Canada thistle Asteraceae I+ FACU
Epilobium angustifolium Fireweed Onagraceae N FACU
Fragaria virginiana Mountain strawberry Rosaceae N FACU
Geranium richardsonii Richardson's Geranium Geraniaceae N FACU
Geum macrophyllum Largeleaf avens Rosaceae N OBL
Heracleum sphondylium
ssp. montanum
Cow parsnip Apiaceae N FAC
Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye daisy Asteraceae I+ NL
Mertensia ciliata Chiming bells Boraginaceae N OBL
Noccaea montana Alpine pennycress Brassicaceae N NL
Paxistima myrsinites Mountainlover Celastraceae N NL
Ranunculus cymbalaria Shore buttercup Ranunculaceae N OBL
Rudbeckia occidentalis
var. montana
Montane coneflower Asteraceae N NL
Sidalcea neomexicana New Mexico
checkermallow
Malvaceae N FACW
Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Asteraceae I FACU+
Trifolium hybridum Alsike clover Fabaceae I FAC-
Urtica gracilis
ssp. gracilis
Stinging nettle Urticaceae N FAC
Ferns & Fern Allies
Equisetum arvense Field horsetail Equisetaceae N FAC+
Equisetum hyemale Scouring rush Equisetaceae N FACW
Annual/Biennial Forbs
Carduus nutans
ssp. macrolepis
Musk thistle Asteraceae I+ NL
Chorispora tenella Purple mustard Brassicaceae I+ NL
Conium maculatum Poison hemlock Apiaceae I+ FACW
Cynoglossum officinale Houndstongue Boraginaceae I+ NL
Verbascum thapsus Great mullein Scrophulariaceae I+ NL
* Origin ** Wetland Status
N = Native OBL = Obligate Wetland
I = Introduced FACW = Facultative Wetland
I+ = Colorado State Noxious Weed FAC = Facultative
FACU = Facultative Upland
UPL = Obligate Upland
NI/NO/NL = No Status in this Region
7
4.2 Gore Creek Wetland
4.2.1 Location
The Gore Creek Wetland forms a narrow band along the southern boundary of the project site,
where the steep banks and abundance of large boulders limit the area available for wetland
development (Photos 5-7).
4.2.2 Classification
Under the Cowardin Classification System for Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats (Cowardin et al.,
1979), the riparian wetland along Gore Creek is classified in the Palustrine System, with Forested
and Scrub-Shrub Wetland Classes.
4.2.3 Vegetation
The steep, partially shaded north bank of Gore Creek supports a narrow band of herbaceous
wetlands. The forested overstory is comprised of mature blue spruce and Engelmann spruce trees.
In the shrub layer, mountain willow is common, where it grows with Drummond willow (Salix
drummondiana), planeleaf willow (Salix planifolia), whitestem gooseberry, Woods’ rose, bush
honeysuckle, and snowberry (Symphoricarpos rotundifolius). Less abundant shrubs include
sandbar willow (Salix exigua), gooseberry currant (Ribes montigenum), and dogwood (Cornus
sericea). Very little herbaceous wetland vegetation is present within the surveyed wetland
boundary due to the abundance of boulders and the limited area of saturated soil habitat. The
most abundant species in the Gore Creek Wetland is reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), an
introduced agricultural grass. Other less abundant herbaceous species in the wetland include
scouring rush, field horsetail, slender wheatgrass, orchard grass, and the forbs Canada thistle,
stinging nettle (Urtica gracilis ssp. gracilis), and fireweed. In addition to Canada thistle, the
noxious weeds houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), great mullein (Verbascum thapsus), oxeye
daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), musk thistle (Carduus nutans ssp. macrolepis), and purple mustard
(Chorispora tenella) are all present in uplands just outside the wetland boundary.
4.2.4 Hydrology
Perennial flows in Gore Creek, a tributary of the Eagle River, saturate the banks and provide the
hydrology for the Gore Creek Wetland. In addition, the wetland is influenced by seasonal
flooding during snowmelt and the seasonally high ground water table associated with the alluvial
aquifer of Gore Creek.
4.2.5 Soils
No soil pits were dug within the surveyed boundary of the Gore Creek Wetland, however it is
reasonable to assume hydric soils are present along this perennial stream.
4.3 Wetland A
4.2.1 Location
Wetland A is located just outside the northeastern corner of the project site, in a shallow man-
made drainage swale that receives stormwater runoff from a culvert under I-70. The small
wetland, measuring approximately 70 square feet, is located near the mouth of the culvert outfall
(Photo 8).
4.3.2 Classification
Wetland A is classified in the Palustrine System, Emergent Persistent Wetland Class.
4.3.3 Vegetation
Wetland A contains a mixture of wetland and upland plants. The most abundant species in the
wetland is American mannagrass (Glyceria grandis), a native perennial, however timothy (Phleum
pratense), an upland pasture grass, is also common. Other common plants in the small wetland
include Tracy’s rush (Juncus tracyi), willowherb (Epilobium sp.), alsike clover (Trifolium
hybridum), smooth brome, and slender wheatgrass. As soil moisture is reduced farther down the
8
drainage swale, the plant species composition shifts toward the introduced upland grasses
timothy, slender wheatgrass, orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), smooth brome, and a small
amount of wheat (Triticum aestivum), which was seeded as a nurse crop during revegetation.
4.3.4 Hydrology
Hydrology for Wetland A is provided by a culvert that carries stormwater runoff below I-70 and
into the man-made drainage swale. A shallow depression near the mouth of the culvert pools a
small volume of water to create saturated soil conditions. The swale has been constructed to
convey stormwater flows toward Red Sandstone Creek.
4.3.5 Soils
It was not possible to dig a soil pit within the boundary of Wetland A because the man-made ditch
is lined with permanent erosion control fabric which should not be disturbed. Therefore, the
presence of hydric soils was assumed.
5.0 Analysis of Jurisdictional Status
The Red Sandstone Creek Wetland and the Gore Creek Wetland are jurisdictional because Gore
Creek is a tributary of the Eagle River, which flows into the Colorado River, an interstate water.
Wetland A is located in a man-made drainage swale in the immediate vicinity of the culvert outfall
and does not have a surface hydrologic connection to any other wetlands or waters of the U.S.
Wetland A is more than 800 feet away and 28 feet higher in elevation than the nearest portion of
the Red Sandstone Creek Wetland, and water is seldom conveyed down the man-made swale,
which is vegetated by upland plants. Therefore, in our professional opinion, Wetland A is isolated
and non-jurisdictional.
9
6.0 Photos
10
Photo 1. Red Sandstone Creek Wetland, view upstream from the South Frontage Road
crossing. (5/2/07).
Photo 2. This small island in Red Sandstone Creek contains both wetland and upland
habitats. (5/2/07).
11
Photo 3. Red Sandstone Creek Wetland, view downstream from the South Frontage Road
crossing toward the junction with Gore Creek. (5/2/07).
Photo 4. Wetlands are more extensive on the small floodplain where Red Sandstone Creek
flows into Gore Creek. (5/2/07).
12
Photo 5. Gore Creek Wetland, western portion. View upstream from the pedestrian bridge
crossing. (5/2/07).
Photo 6. Reed canarygrass grows in small stands amongst the large boulders that line the
north bank of Gore Creek. (5/2/07).
13
Photo 7. Gore Creek Wetland, view downstream from the Forest Road Bridge at the eastern
boundary of the project area. (5/2/07).
Photo 8. Wetland A is located in a man-made drainage swale near the culvert outfall, and
is dominated by American mannagrass. (5/16/07).
14
7.0 References
Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP). 2003. Field Guide to the Wetland and Riparian
Plant Associations of Colorado. Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Fort Collins,
Colorado.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. La Roe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and
deepwater habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pub. FWS/OBS-
79/31, Washington, D.C., 103 p.
Harrington, H.D. 1964. Manual of the Plants of Colorado. The Swallow Press, Inc. Chicago,
Illinois 60605.
Kartesz, J.T. 1994a. A Synonymized Checklist of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada,
and Greenland. Vol. 1 - Checklist. Second edition. Timber Press, Inc. Portland, Oregon.
622 p.
Kartesz, J.T. 1994b. A Synonymized Checklist of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada,
and Greenland. Vol. 2 - Thesaurus. Second edition. Timber Press, Inc. Portland, Oregon.
816 p.
National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands. 1988 List. Intermountain (R8) Region.
http://www.nwi.fws.gov/bha/
NatureServe Explorer: An Online Encyclopedia of Life. http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1987. Wetlands Delineation Manual, Technical Report Y-87-1.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
USDA, NRCS. 2007. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center,
Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
University of Colorado Herbarium (COLO). Specimen Database of Colorado Vascular Plants.
http://cumuseum.colorado.edu/Research/Botany/Databases/search.php
Weber, W. A. and R. C. Whitmann. 2001. Colorado Flora: Western Slope, Third edition.
University Press of Colorado. Boulder, Colorado.
Weber, W.A. & R.C. Wittmann, 1992. Catalog of the Colorado Flora: a Biodiversity Baseline.
University Press of Colorado. Niwot, Colorado. Including most recent addenda available
from CU Herbarium (COLO), Boulder, Colorado.
15
Appendix A. Field Data Forms
EXHIBIT 2: Report on archaeological, historical, and paleontological
resources by Metcalf Archaeological Consultants, Inc.
Draft CDOT Environmental Clearance Documentation
December 22, 2008
EXHIBIT 3: Summary table on Threatened & Endangered species by
AMEC & Colorado Division of Wildlife Letter on Canada Lynx
Draft CDOT Environmental Clearance Documentation
December 22, 2008
Threatened & Endangered Species Summary for the South Frontage Road Relocation
Project, Vail - CDOT Environmental Clearance Documentation
The following table provides a list of the federally-listed threatened (T), endangered (E),
proposed (P), and candidate (C) species that occur or may occur in Eagle County and their
status. This list includes four listed endangered fish species that are found in the Colorado River
to the west of Eagle County.
Common Name
Scientific Name Status Rational for Occurrence in Project Area
(Habitat)
Black-footed ferret
Mustela nigripes
E
No suitable habitat.
(Plains grasslands with prairie dog complexes)
Bonytail chub*
Gila elegans
E
No impact to habitat.
(Colorado River below Rifle, Colorado)
Canada lynx
Lynx canadensis
T
No suitable habitat; see attached letter from CDOW.
(Dense coniferous forests in the subalpine zone and
timberline where they use caves, rock crevices,
overhanging banks or hollow logs for denning)
Colorado pikeminnow*
Ptychocheilus lucius
E
No impact to habitat.
(Colorado River below Rifle, Colorado)
Humpback chub*
Gila cypha
E
No impact to habitat.
(Colorado River below Rifle, Colorado)
Razorback sucker*
Xyrauchen texanus
E
No impact to habitat.
(Colorado River below Rifle, Colorado)
Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly
Boloria acrocnema
E
No suitable habitat.
(Snow willow stands between 12,000 feet and 12,600
feet)
Yellow-billed cuckoo
Coccyzus americanus
C
No suitable habitat.
(Woodlands with cottonwoods and dense understory
foliage)
Mexican spotted owl
Strix occidentalis lucida
T
No suitable habitat.
(San Juan Mountains above 13,000 feet)
Ute ladies’-tresses orchid
Spiranthes diluvialis
T
No suitable habitat.
(Moist meadows associated with perennial stream
terraces, floodplains, and oxbows at elevations
between 4,300 and 7,000 feet)
Notes:
1. *Water depletions in the Upper Colorado River and San Juan River Basins may affect the species
and/or critical habitat in downstream reaches in other states.
2. Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Endangered, Threatened, Proposed and Candidate Species –
Colorado Counties. http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/endspp/CountyLists/Colorado.pdf. February
2008 publication. Accessed November 17, 2008.
No suitable habitat for any of the above-listed species exists at the site. The proposed project
will not result in any change in previously approved water depletions or diversions, so there will
be no impact on downstream habitat for the endangered fish species listed above. A letter from
the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW), which indicates that there is no habitat for Canada
lynx at the site, is included below. Please note that AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc. of
Boulder was formerly called Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, Inc., as noted in the CDOW
letter.
AMEC Earth & Environmental
ST
A
T
E
OF
CO
L
O
R
A
D
O
Bi
l
l
Ri
t
t
e
r
,
Jr
.
,
Go
v
e
r
n
o
r
DE
P
A
R
T
M
E
N
T
OF
NA
T
U
R
A
L
RE
S
O
U
R
C
E
S
DI
V
I
S
I
O
N
OF
WI
L
D
L
I
F
E
AN
E
Q
U
A
L
OP
P
O
R
T
U
N
I
T
Y
EM
P
L
O
Y
E
R
Th
o
m
a
s
E.
Re
m
i
n
g
t
o
n
,
Di
r
e
c
t
o
r
60
6
0
B
r
o
a
d
w
a
y
De
n
v
e
r
,
Co
l
o
r
a
d
o
8
0
2
1
6
Te
l
e
p
h
o
n
e
:
(3
0
3
)
29
7
-
1
1
9
2
wi
!
d
l
i
f
e
.
s
t
a
t
e
.
c
o
.
u
s
Ja
n
u
a
r
y
21
,
20
0
8
Me
g
a
n
Ri
t
c
h
i
e
Pa
l
a
d
i
n
o
&
Co
m
p
a
n
y
,
In
c
.
11
0
Un
i
o
n
St
.
,
Su
i
t
e
40
0
Se
a
t
t
l
e
,
WA
98
1
0
1
-
2
0
2
8
RE
:
Ly
n
x
Ha
b
i
t
a
t
in
th
e
Ev
e
r
Va
i
l
Pr
o
j
e
c
t
Ar
e
a
De
a
r
Ms
.
Ri
t
c
h
i
e
:
Th
i
s
l
e
t
t
e
r
r
e
s
p
o
n
d
s
to
an
in
q
u
i
r
y
t
h
a
t
I
re
c
e
i
v
e
d
fr
o
m
Bo
b
We
a
v
e
r
,
of
H
y
d
r
o
s
p
h
e
r
e
Re
s
o
u
r
c
e
Co
n
s
u
l
t
a
n
t
s
In
c
.
,
re
g
a
r
d
i
n
g
t
h
e
St
a
t
e
’
s
ha
b
i
t
a
t
ma
p
p
i
n
g
fo
r
ly
n
x
in
th
e
vi
c
i
n
i
t
y
of
th
e
pr
o
p
o
s
e
d
Ev
e
r
Va
i
l
Pr
o
j
e
c
t
.
It
is
my
un
d
e
r
s
t
a
n
d
i
n
g
th
a
t
th
e
Ev
e
r
Va
i
l
pr
o
j
e
c
t
is
pr
o
p
o
s
e
d
to
ta
k
e
pl
a
c
e
wi
t
h
i
n
To
w
n
s
h
i
p
5S
,
Ra
n
g
e
81
W
,
Se
c
t
i
o
n
12
an
d
To
w
n
s
h
i
p
5S
,
Ra
n
g
e
80
W
,
Se
c
t
i
o
n
7,
wi
t
h
po
s
s
i
b
l
e
o
v
e
r
l
a
p
on
t
o
To
w
n
s
h
i
p
SS
,
Ra
n
g
e
80
W
,
Se
c
t
i
o
n
6.
Th
i
s
ar
e
a
is
bo
u
n
d
e
d
on
th
e
no
r
t
h
by
1-
7
0
an
d
on
th
e
s
o
u
t
h
by
Go
r
e
Cr
e
e
k
wi
t
h
th
e
so
u
t
h
Fr
o
n
t
a
g
e
Ro
a
d
th
a
t
se
r
v
e
s
th
e
T
o
w
n
of
Va
i
l
ru
n
n
i
n
g
t
h
o
u
g
h
th
e
m
i
d
d
l
e
of
th
e
ar
e
a
.
Th
i
s
ar
e
a
is
lo
c
a
t
e
d
wi
t
h
i
n
th
e
T
o
w
n
of
Va
i
l
on
la
n
d
th
a
t
ha
s
b
e
e
n
pr
e
v
i
o
u
s
l
y
de
v
e
l
o
p
e
d
an
d
is
su
r
r
o
u
n
d
e
d
by
ur
b
a
n
i
z
e
d
ar
e
a
s
.
Be
c
a
u
s
e
of
th
e
pr
o
j
e
c
t
s
l
o
c
a
t
i
o
n
wi
t
h
i
n
an
ar
e
a
of
pr
e
v
i
o
u
s
d
e
v
e
l
o
p
e
d
us
e
,
pr
o
x
i
m
i
t
y
o
f
he
a
v
i
l
y
us
e
d
ro
a
d
s
,
an
d
th
e
la
c
k
of
su
i
t
a
b
l
e
ha
b
i
t
a
t
wi
t
h
i
n
th
e
pr
o
j
e
c
t
bo
u
n
d
a
r
y
.
Th
e
p
r
o
p
o
s
e
d
E
v
e
r
Va
i
l
pr
o
j
e
c
t
wo
u
l
d
no
t
ta
k
e
p
l
a
c
e
wi
t
h
i
n
ha
b
i
t
a
t
t
h
a
t
is
su
i
t
a
b
l
e
fo
r
ly
n
x
.
If
yo
u
ha
v
e
qu
e
s
t
i
o
n
s
pl
e
a
s
e
co
n
t
a
c
t
DW
M
Bi
l
l
An
d
r
e
e
at
97
0
-
32
8
-
6
5
6
3
Si
n
c
e
r
e
l
2
~
_
_
~
_
_
_
_
il
l
Wi
l
d
l
i
f
e
M
a
n
a
g
e
r
cc
:
Ve
l
a
r
d
e
,
A
n
d
r
e
e
,
fi
l
e
,
We
a
v
e
r
,
Hy
d
r
o
s
p
h
e
r
e
Re
s
o
u
r
c
e
C
o
n
s
u
l
t
a
n
t
s
,
In
c
.
DE
P
A
R
T
M
E
N
T
OF
NA
T
U
R
A
L
RE
S
O
U
R
C
E
S
,
H
a
n
i
s
D.
Sh
e
r
m
a
n
,
Ex
e
c
u
t
i
v
e
Di
r
e
c
t
o
r
WI
L
D
L
I
F
E
CO
M
M
I
S
S
I
O
N
,
To
m
Bu
r
k
e
,
ch
a
i
r
•
cl
a
i
r
e
O’
N
e
a
I
,
Vi
c
e
Ch
a
i
r
•
Ro
b
e
r
t
Br
a
y
,
Se
c
r
e
t
a
r
y
Me
m
b
e
r
s
,
De
n
n
i
s
Bu
e
c
h
l
e
r
•
Br
a
d
Co
o
r
s
s
Je
f
f
r
e
y
Cr
a
w
f
o
r
d
•
Ti
m
Gl
e
n
n
•
Ro
y
Mc
A
n
a
I
I
y
•
Ri
c
h
a
r
d
Ra
y
Ex
Of
f
i
c
i
o
Me
m
b
e
r
s
,
Ha
n
i
s
S
h
e
r
m
a
n
an
d
Jo
h
n
St
u
l
p
Fo
r
Wi
l
d
4
f
t
-
Fo
r
Pe
o
p
l
e
EXHIBIT 4: Phase I Environmental Assessment by Braun Environmental,
Inc.
Draft CDOT Environmental Clearance Documentation
December 22, 2008
Braun
Braun Environmental, Inc.
355 S. Teller St. Ste. 200, Lakewood, Colorado 80226 Office:303-988-7697 888-988-7697 Fax:303-697-2140
November 11, 2008
Bill Kennedy
Vail Resorts Development Company
P.O. Box 959
Avon, Colorado 81620
RE: Environmental Investigation of the Southern Portion of Colorado Department of
Transportation (CDOT) I-70 Right of Way, Vail, Colorado
Dear Mr. Kennedy:
In October 2008, Braun Environmental, Inc. was requested by Vail Resorts Development
Company to conduct a site visit to a parcel of land (Subject Property) located along the southern
edge of Interstate 70 Road at Vail Colorado (Figure 1). The southern edge of the land is
bounded by private land including the Vail Ski Area Maintenance Yard area, the Vail
Professional Building, and the Cascade Crossing Building. The parcel has an average width of
less than 10 feet and a length of a little over 1,700 feet to make an estimated area of about one
third of an acre. Its entire surface, with exception of the stream area around Red Sandstone
Creek has been disturbed and regraded during construction of I-70 in the late 1960's. The
ground surface is fully vegetated along its majority with imported planted grass species; the
dominant one being brome. The eastern portion bordering the Vail Maintenance Yard area is
either gravel or contains asphalt. This area is used for storage of equipment and supplies. Small
diameter culverts drain surface water below the I-70 road surface onto the area. To keep water
from flowing onto developed land to the south, shallow swales have been developed along
portions of the southern edge of the Subject Property to pond the water on the parcel, and that if
sufficient water should collect, drain it into the larger drainage channels that cross the private
properties to the south. A water, sewer, and natural gas line cross from north to south across the
Subject Property as show in Figure 1.
C. A. Braun of Braun Environmental, Inc., inspected the site during the afternoon of October 29,
2008. The entire area from the private property on the south to the south edge of the asphalt
surface on the north was inspected. That inspection found no negative environmental conditions
including evidence of any chemical or fuel spills or any anomalous odors. As part of our
research, we interviewed Bill Kennedy who has worked in the Vail area for many years. He
knew of no vehicle wrecks or any spills associated with the traffic on the highway in this area
nor of any other events or incidents that would cause any negative conditions on the Subject
Property
Photo 1 was taken from the west edge of the South Frontage Road and looks west along the
Subject Property. The vehicles that are traveling toward the camera are moving east along the
eastbound lane of I-70. Traffic moving westbound can be seen behind them. The north edge of
I-70 Right of Way, Vail, Colorado
Page 2 of 3
the Subject Property lies approximately at the base of the sloping shoulder adjacent to the asphalt
road surface. The southern boundary of the Subject Property is approximately marked by fence
lines. The southern property boundary at this point is located near the fir tree located in the
photo behind the turn sign that is visible at the left side of the photo. The Vail Maintenance
Yard is visible to the left of the tree at the extreme left edge of the photo. There are two posts
barely visible near the center of the photo. These posts mark a water line and a sewer line that
cross the Subject Property from north to south. A natural gas line is also located in the same
area. An overhead electric power line can be seen in front of the green trees near the center of
the photo. A gentle swale for drainage can be seen running westward along the center of the
grassy area.
Photo 2 views west from the location of the water and sewer lines. The eastbound lane of I-70 is
on the right and the Vail Maintenance Yard is on the left. One of their on-site buildings is
visible. A brown wooden fence is located immediately to the building’s right that marks the
property boundary. The grass in the photo is in good condition, having seed and is now
maturing in preparation for winter. There is no soil staining or distressed vegetation visible in
the photo. It is recognized that the CDOT uses winter highway treatments in this area and that
these treatments have had no ill effects on the vegetation. In fact the grass looks very healthy.
Photo 3 was taken adjacent to the large fir trees that are located in the distance in Photo 1. The
eastbound traffic lane of I-70 can be seen to the right, the sloping shoulder is in the center
adjacent to the section of guardrail. The chainlink fence seen in the center has been curved
northward for ease of installation over the Red Sandstone Creek crossing. Stored items in the
Vail Maintenance Yard can be seen through the chainlink fence at the left edge of the photo.
The gentle swale that follows the length of the Subject Property is easily seen in this photo.
Photo 4 was taken at the west end of the Red Sandstone Creek I-70 Highway crossing and looks
west. The shoulder has dropped off some and the eastbound side of I-70 is somewhat higher
than the leveled area below it. The grass in the view is dominantly made up of brome with
several other planted varieties. The chainlike fence visible on the left side of the photograph
separates the Subject Property from the private land to the south. The greenish colored roof of
the Vail Professional Building can be seen to the left (south) of the fence. A highway sign
dominates the right side of the photo and a survey stake can be seen to its left. The purpose of
the survey stake has not been determined and it assumed that it is some point used by the local
surveyors.
Photo 5 looks east from the South Frontage Road and shows the west end of the chainlink fence.
This location of the camera is to the west of the west end of the Subject Property. Vehicles
traveling in the eastbound lane of I-70 can be seen on the left and the South Frontage Road can
be seen on the right. According to the surveys, the tree near the center of the photo is located
within the Subject Property. The area is vegetated with planted grasses and shows no negative
environmental conditions.
Photo 6 was taken from within the Vail Maintenance Yard. The wooden fence can be seen at
I-70 Right of Way, Vail, Colorado
Page 3 of 3
center left and the grassy area separating the yard area from the South Frontage Road can be
seen to the right center. The yard is an example of good housekeeping and no negative
environmental conditions were found within the Subject Property
Braun Environmental, Inc., has inspected the above described property and based on its
inspection and on available information concludes that there are no negative environmental
conditions associated with the Subject Property.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, give me a call.
Sincerely,
BRAUN ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
/S/
C. A. Braun, P.E.
enc.
CAB/rl
Photo1LookingWestfromEasternEndofSubjectProperty
Photo2LookingWestfromAreaofUtilityLineCrossing
Photo3LookingWestfromaPointLocatedJustEastofSandstoneCreek
Photo4LookingEastfromJustEastofSandstoneCreek
Photo5LookingEastfromWestEndofSubjectProperty
Photo6ViewtoNortheastShowingEasternEndofVailMaintenanceYard