(See Construction
Contracts for more information on
these components.)
After conclusion of the environmental
review process, which included the
preparation of an Environmental Impact
Statement/Statutory Exemption, the
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
approved the East Span Project in
a Record of Decision dated July 11,
2001. The Record of Decision explained
the reasons for the decision and
summarized the mitigation measures
that were to be incorporated into
the project.
Caltrans has also coordinated with a variety of state and federal
resource and regulatory agencies. Caltrans and the agencies came
to agreement on mitigation measures and Caltrans obtained permits
to construct the new bridge (see Permits
section for specific information).
Biological mitigation and monitoring are being implemented in
accordance with the requirements of FHWA and the various permits.
Biological resources and related items which may be affected by
construction of the project and are covered as part of the biological
monitoring program include birds, fish, marine mammals, eelgrass,
and water quality (see Monitoring
Subjects Overview section for more information). Monitoring
protocols have been developed for each resource that specify how
the monitoring is to be performed (see Monitoring
Protocols section for specific information).
Caltrans is also working with multiple agencies to develop off-site
mitigation opportunities for creation or improvement of habitat
in the north and central Bay (see Off-Site
Mitigation section for more information).
Another component of construction that has biological implications
is the disposal and reuse of dredged material. Options for disposal
and reuse will depend on site availability and cost effectiveness.
See Dredged Material Disposal
and Reuse section for the latest information on disposal and
reuse activities.
