HomeMy WebLinkAboutChambers Group, Inc.JULY 31, 2025
CEQA DOCUMENT FOR A
49-UNIT ATTACHED AND
DETACHED RESIDENTIAL
CONDOMINIUM PROJECT
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR CA DGSCERTIFIED
CGISBE
AN EMPLOYEE-OWNED COMPANY
CGI
ESOP
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
i
63621
Table of Contents
1. Cover Letter ................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2. Qualifications ................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
3. Project List and Schedule .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
4. Scope of Work ............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
5. Budget Estimated ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
6. Acceptance of Conditions ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
Appendix A: Project Team Resumes
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1. Cover Letter
July 31, 2025
Mayuko Nakajima, Senior Planner
City of Diamond Bar
Community Development
21810 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Subject: CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached Residential Condominium Project
Dear Mayuko Nakajima,
For over 45 years, Chambers Group’s focus has been helping public government agencies to keep their projects in
compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and other environmental impact regulations. Drawing
from this experience and the firm’s proven and streamlined project management process, Chambers Group is prepared
to provide the City of Diamond Bar (City) with CEQA consulting services for the 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project (Project).
Our success is grounded in our thorough understanding of CEQA compliance, enabling us to provide our clients with
creative solutions that deliver legally defensible documents while maintaining project budgets and schedules.
Conducting environmental analyses and documentation for development projects, including complex and potentially
controversial projects, is Chambers Group’s specialty. The firm is accomplished in the area of multi-agency coordination,
processing permits, and regulatory compliance. Chambers Group’s staff maintains ongoing relationships with numerous
state and local agencies, and our staff has provided specialized expertise in understanding evolving environmental
legislation and meeting the stringent requirements of federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. In addition, our staff
has experience working on both sides of the counter, which allows us to expedite the process by understanding both
the developer and city perspective.
Chambers Group’s Project Manager and main point of contact for day-to-day management, Thomas Strand, has wide-
ranging experience successfully managing the planning and CEQA processes for our clients. Thomas has over 11 years
of experience performing the tasks identified in the Scope Requirements and has worked specifically and extensively
on many Project and On-Call contracts throughout Southern California.
We are eager to discuss our proposal in more detail and answer any questions you may have.
Please contact Thomas Strand via email at tstrand@chambersgroupinc.com or Chambers Group’s main telephone
number, (949) 261-5414.
As Chief Executive Officer, I have the authority to bind Chambers Group. I can be reached at (949) 261-5414 or
mmcentee@chambersgroupinc.com.
Sincerely,
CHAMBERS GROUP, INC.
Mike McEntee
CEO
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2. Qualifications
Firm Introduction
Chambers Group is known for providing technically proficient experts who are exceptionally responsive and
communicative with our clients. Chambers Group has built this reputation on decades of experience preparing
appropriate CEQA and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents for complex projects; preparing required
resource agency permit applications, preparing mitigation plans; and monitoring construction activities for compliance.
Chambers Group realizes that the complex processes necessary to produce legally defensible environmental
documentation cannot be accomplished without a close relationship with City staff and an in-depth understanding of
the project details and characteristics of the local environment. We work seamlessly with project applicants and City
staff to meet schedules, work within budget, and produce environmental documentation that is thorough and
complete. Services include:
• CEQA and NEPA compliance
• Biological surveys and agency consultations
• Biological, Cultural, and Marine and Aquatic resources
• Construction mitigation monitoring
• Habitat restoration and revegetation
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Environmental planning and permitting
CEQA Documents
Our environmental and planning professionals are thoroughly familiar with CEQA requirements, as well as regulatory
compliance and permitting. We have successfully prepared thousands of environmental and planning reports,
documents, and studies in compliance with relevant regulations, including Environmental Impact Reports (EIR), Initial
Studies (IS), Negative Declarations (ND), Mitigated Negative Declarations (MND), and Categorical Exemptions (CE).
Chambers Group also has experience in preparing joint CEQA documents for complex projects that are federally funded
or located on federal land in California. Our staff includes former Bureau of Land Management (BLM), United States
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), United States Forest Service (USFS),
and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) employees. Our knowledge and expertise enable us to advise
clients on complex federal, state, and local requirements and legislation under CEQA, NEPA, the Clean Air Act, Clean
Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Historic Preservation Act, Archaeological Resource Protection Act,
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and other
regulations.
CEQA Documentation Services:
• EIRs
• ISs
• NDs
• MNDs
• CEs
NEPA Documentation Services:
• Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)
• Environmental Assessments (EA)
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• Finding of No Significant Impacts (FONSI)
• Categorical Exclusion (CE)
• Joint CEQA/NEPA Documents
Other Planning Services:
• Public Review, Distribution, & Responses
• Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting Plans
• Notices of Determination and Completion
• Scoping Meetings & Public Engagement
Project Team, Key Personnel, Subconsultants
The organization chart below identifies our Key Staff members, their roles, and the overall team reporting structure.
Resumes for the project team members are provided in Appendix A. Resumes highlight qualifications and experience
in providing CEQA services.
Contact Information:
Thomas Strand, Project Manager
3151 Airway Ave., Suite F208, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(949) 261-5414, (866) 261-3100 (fax)
Subconsultant
Vista Environmental: Air Quality, Energy, Greenhouse Gas (GHG)s, and Noise Analyses - Vista Environmental
specializes in air quality, energy, GHG emissions, and noise impact analyses for governmental agencies and the business
community and has completed numerous complex studies that conform to both CEQA and NEPA requirements. Vista
utilizes California Emissions Estimator Model® (CalEEMod) (Version 2020.4.0) to calculate air quality and GHG emissions
and to estimate energy usage. Vista Environmental’s experience includes a wide range of project types, including
residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational projects as well as public projects that include specific plans and
general plans. Greg Tonkovich with Vista has prepared studies to specific standards and formats such as Caltrans Air
Quality and Noise Study Reports, and has completed air quality and/or noise analyses in over 200 different local
jurisdictions throughout California.
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Time Availability (%)
The table below lists the Project Manager’s and Staff’s time availability for the Project.
Name Availability (%)
Thomas Strand, Project Manager 85%
Eunice Bagwan, Environmental Planning 85%
Aliya Glick, Environmental Planning 85%
Owen Baer, Environmental Planning 85%
Lucas Tutschulte, Cultural Resources Lead 60%
Efrain Arroyo, MA, RPA, Cultural Resources Specialist 40%
Paul Morrissey, Biological Resources Lead 50%
Heather Clayton, Botany 40%
Heather Madera, Wildlife 40%
Greg Tonkovich, AICP, INCE, Air, GHG, Noise 40%
Project Approach
Our proposed Project Manager, Thomas Strand, is supported by a staff of regulatory specialists, environmental
planners, biologists, botanists, cultural resource specialists, and restoration specialists, which allows us to mobilize in
multiple locations simultaneously, ensuring projects always have the right mix of knowledgeable, responsive staff to
enable the City to successfully accomplish its mission. As leaders in the environmental industry, our team will apply our
comprehensive understanding of the latest regulatory guidance to all issue areas to ensure the most advanced technical
approach is applied to every aspect of any project.
Our team knows how to mobilize on very short notice. So even if the unexpected occurs, we will respond to the City’s
needs immediately - regardless of rigorous conditions or demanding schedules - to be on-site and problem-solving
within just a few hours or less.
While it’s not anticipated, if Thomas is not available to work on the Project, Eunice Bagwan will be available to assist.
Eunice has assisted with the preparation, writing, and editing of environmental documents, including IS/MNDs,
Categorical Exemptions, EIRs, and safety-related documents such as job hazard safety forms and safety plans. Eunice
has also managed and co-managed various projects as a Deputy Project Manager and Project Manager.
City Reference Projects
City of La Puente, 22-Unit Condominium Residential Project, La Puente, CA
Client: City of La Puente, Contact: John Di Mario, (626) 855-1517, Dates: 10/2017 – 5/2019
Chambers Group worked with the City of La Puente to complete a Focused EIR and associated technical studies for the
development of a 22-Unit Condominium Residential Project, which included demolition of the Star Theater, a resource
eligible for listing on the California Register of Historic Resources (CRHR). As part of the EIR, Chambers Group completed
a Historic Assessment Report, a traffic memo, and air quality and noise assessments for the development of the Project.
As part of the Historic Assessment Chambers Group’s architectural historian conducted the survey and evaluation of
the theater to determine if it meets the criteria as a significant historical resource as defined by the CEQA and the CRHR.
The analysis complies with state environmental regulations concerning the protection of historic architectural
resources. To this end, the study was conducted in accordance with Section 15064.5(a) (2)-(3) of the CEQA.
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The Focused EIR carried through Historic Resources, as well as air quality, energy, and noise (although these later
resources were primarily to allow for a more complete, quantitative analysis in light of a potential litigation threat than
the potential for significant impacts). Special care was given that addressed the Project Objectives and Alternatives
Analysis to provide a legally defensible document. The Project Objectives needed to address the City’s objectives, but
without being written so narrowly that alternatives to the proposed project couldn’t meet them. Further, alternatives
were sorted between those considered but rejected and those carried through to the Focused EIR for full analysis. The
Draft EIR was circulated for public review in December of 2018, and Chambers Group completed the Final EIR, receiving
unanimous Planning Commission and City Council approval in February and March, respectively.
City of Moorpark, On-Call for Environmental Consulting Services, Ventura County, Moorpark, CA
Client: City of Moorpark, CA, Douglas Spondello, (805) 517-6251, Dates: 9/2019 - Current
Commencing in September 2019, Chambers Group has worked on a series of task orders to support the City with the
peer review of project applications and CEQA documents. The following are examples of task orders under this contract:
High Street Station Mixed Use Project, Moorpark, CA
The City of Moorpark requested assistance from Chambers Group to support the City for the High Street Station Mixed-
Use Project (Project). The Project involves the development of approximately 2.15 acres, including 91 multi-family
residential units, 13,656 sf of commercial development, and associated surface parking spaces within the Moorpark
Downtown Specific Plan Area. As part of the project construction, the existing vacant granary, restaurant, and industrial
buildings onsite were proposed to be demolished. An IS/MND was prepared. Chambers Group provided support to City
Staff in reviewing the Traffic and Noise Study conducted for the Project. Chambers Group staff and selected
subconsultants reviewed these technical studies for CEQA consistency as well as technical analysis.
Hitch Ranch Peer Review Project, Moorpark, CA
The City of Moorpark requested the assistance of Chambers Group to support the City for the Hitch Ranch Project
(Project). The Project involves the development of approximately 271.8 acres of land housing a maximum of 755
residential units (approximately 261 single-family units and 494 multiple-family units). An EIR is underway. Chambers
Group is providing support to City Staff in reviewing the Biological Resources Assessment, Cultural Resources
Assessment, Geological Assessment, Hydrology Study, and Phase 1 ESA conducted for the Project. Support for this
Project is ongoing as the Applicant submits reports for review, Chambers Group will continue to provide review for both
CEQA sufficiency and technical analysis.
Everett Street Terraces Project, Moorpark, CA
Chambers Group is assisting the City of Moorpark in support of the Everett Street Terraces Project (Project). The Project
includes the construction of a 60-unit multifamily development on 2.4 acres at the intersection of Walnut Canyon and
Everett Street. Unit sizes range from 1,080 square feet to 1,586 square feet, and the units will be generally organized
into three terraces that follow the topography up toward Wicks Road. Chambers Group is providing support to City
Staff in reviewing the Geotechnical Analysis, Hydrology Report, Tree Report, and Traffic Impact Study that were
previously prepared by the Applicant. Ongoing support of the Project includes review of technical studies for both CEQA
sufficiency and technical analysis. In addition, Chambers Group will be assisting with CEQA environmental
documentation and additional technical studies to analyze the Project.
City of San Jacinto, Extension of Staff Task Order, Environmental Services On-Call, Riverside County,
CA
Client: City of San Jacinto, Contact: Travis Randel, (951) 487-7330, Dates: 5/2023 to Current
To address a recent boom in economic development with significant new commercial and residential development,
Chambers Group was contracted as a consultant to act as an extension of the City’s staff. Services provided under this
contract included the review and approval processes on development projects and functioning as the Project Planner
for development applications for specific projects. Services included project management, environmental review,
analysis, and staff reports/presentations. The Planner worked on specific, highly complex projects, such as new Specific
Plans and Specific Plan Amendments, and managed both the Specific Plan and CEQA consultants through the process.
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As one of the first task order assignments under this MSA, Chambers Group had a full-time planner who assisted the
City of San Jacinto, as an extension of City Staff. Chambers Group assisted the City in processing applications from minor
pavement replacement to residential and commercial development. This included a preliminary review of site plans,
development applications, and preparing staff reports and memos for various City departments. This helped the City
process all the projects and applications received from its residents and future developers. This hands-on assistance
also gave Chambers Group further insight into how different cities are managed. This was an on-site assignment.
3. Project List Schedule
We have provided relevant descriptions where Chambers Group prepared environmental documents for projects of
similar complexity to the proposed residential development project.
City of San Fernando, On-Call Environmental Services, San Fernando, Los Angeles County, CA
Client: City of San Fernando, CA, Contact: Marina Khrustaleva, Associate Planner (818) 898-1378, Dates: 4/2024
- Current
Chambers Group is working with the City of San Fernando to assist in the preparation of CEQA documents for private
or public development projects, planning projects, and initiatives. The work will also include preparing NOEs, ISs,
NDs/MNDs, and EIRs in San Fernando.
Some of these Projects include:
• CEQA Services for 319 N. Hagar Street
• CEQA Support for a 12-Unit Multi-Family Complex
• Griswold Avenue – A Categorical Exemption (CE) for a 10,000-square-foot extension to an existing residential
treatment center in the City of San Fernando.
• 228 Jessie Street – Provided Project coordination and management and prepared a CE report and technical
studies that included an Air Quality report, Noise report, and Water Quality Analysis for the new construction
of a 17-unit apartment.
City of Beaumont On-Call for Environmental Consulting Services, Riverside County, Beaumont, CA
Client: City of Beaumont, Contact: Jillian Fountain, Associate Planner, (951) 769-8526, Dates: 7/2016 - Current
Commencing in July 2016, Chambers Group has completed a series of task orders to support the City with general CEQA
compliance as well as conduct peer review of project applications and CEQA documents. Chambers Group has provided
guidance and assistance with the preparation of all required environmental impact documentation (including CEQA
documents, Consistency Evaluations, Environmental Check Lists, etc.); preparation and/or peer review of technical
environmental reports and analyses (GHG studies, traffic studies, noise studies, surveys, water supply assessments
[WSA], etc.); participation and testimony in public meetings; consultation on CEQA processes and requirements.
The following are examples of task orders under this contract:
High Sands IS/MND Peer Review Conditional Use Permit (CUP)2020-0049
Chambers Group conducted peer reviews and Assembly Bill (AB) 52 consultation for the development of a drive-thru-
restaurant and a 6,400 square-foot (SF) office building, and the remodel of an existing car wash on a 2.38-acre on
Highland Springs Avenue, in the City of Beaumont, Riverside County. Highland Springs Avenue will be widened to 55
feet along the vacant parcels, thereby reducing the buildable area of the Project site to 2.31 acres.
Legacy Highlands Partially Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report Peer Review
Legacy Highlands Partially Recirculated Draft EIR (PRDEIR) Peer Review City of Beaumont certified the Legacy Highlands
Specific Plan Project EIR, SCH No. 2005031155 (the 2008 EIR), and approved the Legacy Highlands Specific Plan Project.
The 2008 EIR evaluated potential environmental impacts of the Project. The Project, as approved by the City, would
provide for a total of up to 2,868 dwelling units (1,107 single family residential units and 1,761 active adult, low density
residential units), 100 acres (approximately 1.20 million SF) of commercial/industrial uses, a 20-acre school site, various
neighborhood parks, undeveloped open space, and all supporting infrastructure and utilities. The EIR was published in
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2007. In 2009, the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside released a Statement of Decision to revise portions
of the EIR; thus, a Recirculated Draft EIR has been prepared.
General Plan Update EIR Peer Review and AB 52 Consultation
Chambers Group contributed to the preparation of all 20 resource areas of the City of Beaumont’s EIR for the General
Plan Update (GPU) 2040. This included the Executive Summary, Introduction, Project Description, Environmental Impact
Analysis, Consistency with Regional Plans, Alternatives, and other CEQA Considerations sections. The EIR included a
discussion of the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) fair share of regional housing needs. The RHNA was
a mandated State Housing law that is part of periodic process of updating the housing elements of the General Plan.
On behalf of the City, Chambers Group reviewed and edited the GPU EIR to ensure it would meet all of the requirements
as outlined in the CEQA’s guidelines, Section 15166, for preparing an EIR for a general plan. Chambers Group also
assisted the City in conducting AB 52 and Senate Bill (SB) 18 consultation, which requires public agencies to consult
with Native American tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated to a Project area or geographic area of
jurisdiction. Following consultation, Chambers Group successfully completed an expedited review of all sections of the
EIR within the requested timeframe, which allowed the document to be circulated for public review and be approved
by City Council within the year.
Hidden Canyon Industrial Park Plot Specific Plan Updated Site Plan Review
The City of Beaumont requested assistance from Chambers Group to support the City for the Hidden Canyon Industrial
Park Plot Plan. The Project proposes to construct a 2.89 million square foot (SF) warehouse Project in two buildings. A
CEQA review was conducted for the Hidden Canyon Specific Plan in 1995. The EIR was prepared and certified. An
addendum was prepared and certified to the EIR by the City in 2012 during plan modifications. Chambers Group
provided support to City Staff in reviewing the proposed Project plot plan and preparing Staff reports and presentations.
Further, Chambers Group attended and answered questions from elected officials and the public at planning
commission and City Council meetings.
Southwest Corner 8th and Highland
Chambers Group conducted a peer review of the CEQA document and associated technical reports for the development
of a 3,500 square-foot quick service restaurant, gas station, and convenience store. Chambers Group also worked with
the City to conduct AB 52 consultation to discuss the Project’s potential impact on Tribal Cultural Resources (TCRs).
Due to expedited deadlines tied to Project funding, Chambers Group allocated additional staff dedicated to the Project,
and worked in tandem with the City regarding deliverables and review times to make sure the Project was kept on
schedule. Due to deadlines tied to Project funding, Chambers Group and the City worked in tandem.
Santa Angelina Senior Community EA, Placentia, CA
Client: County of Orange, Reference: Craig Fee, OC Housing & Community Development, (714) 480-2918
Dates: 4/2020 – 4/2021
The Project involved the development of two residential buildings accommodating 65 units (64 rental units) of
affordable housing for senior households, including a community center and recreational amenities. Building 1 was
proposed to include 41 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units. Building 2 includes 18 one-bedroom units. The
project provided a total of 59 one-bedroom units that average 709 gross square feet in size and six two-bedroom units
that average 871 gross square feet in size. The 3.9-acre Project site is currently home to Blessed Sacrament Episcopal
Church, a well-established anchor in the community. The purpose of the project was to provide low- and moderate-
income housing to seniors ages 62 and up, earning less than 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Seniors have specialized housing needs and fixed incomes that are not able to meet the demand of market-rate housing.
The project provided the opportunity for seniors to live in a safe, supportive, and affordable environment. Developing
a housing community with rent-restricted units for senior residents also enables the City to meet the unique housing
needs of senior residents and advance the City’s effort to meet their RHNA of 231 units for low and very low-income
households. Preparation of this document helped the Orange County Housing and Community Development
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Department secure grants to build the proposed housing. The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Environmental
Review Online System (HEROS) was utilized with this project.
Orchard View Gardens EA, Buena Park, CA
Client: County of Orange, Craig Fee, OC Housing & Community Development, (714) 480-2918, Dates: 9/2020 –
2/2021
The Project involved the development of 65 affordable units for senior citizens and one exempt (i.e., market-rate)
manager’s unit. These units were built to assist senior citizens with low and moderate incomes by providing affordable
housing. The project would also help the City meet its RHNA. The Project involved the subdivision of the existing parcel
into two new parcels. The southern parcel (Parcel 1) would maintain St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church and surface parking
on 1.44 acres. The newly created 1.76-acre parcel occupying the eastern and northern portion of the site (Parcel 2)
would be developed with a primary residential apartment building with a 3,000-square-foot community center and
nine single-story casitas that would be located within three single-story buildings, accommodating 66 residential units
in total. Preparation of this document helped the Orange County Housing and Community Development Department
secure grants to build the proposed housing. HEROS was utilized with this project.
Mountain View Affordable Housing Community Project, City of Lake Forest, Lake Forest, CA
Client: County of Orange, Reference: Craig Fee, OC Housing & Community Development, (714) 480-2918,
Dates: 2/2020 – 4/2021
The Project involved the demolition of an existing office building located at 24551 Raymond Way and construct a 71-
unit affordable housing apartment complex on the proposed 1.965-acre site. The development provided several
recreational amenities, including an approximately 2,050-square-foot community center, a small playground for young
children, an outdoor fireplace with seating areas, and a large activity lawn. The Project required approval of a General
Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Tentative Parcel Map, Site Development Permit, Affordable Housing agreement, and
Planned Sign Program. The Project proposed to provide affordable units to households earning less than 60% of the
Area Median Income, of which 12 of the units were set aside for Permanent Supporting Housing. HEROS was utilized
with this project.
Schedule
Task 1: Kick-Off Meeting/Project Description 1Week*
Task 2: AB 52 Consultation 4 Weeks*
Task 3.1: Cultural Resources Assessment 10 Weeks***
Task 3.2: Biological Assessment and Memo Report 4 Weeks**
Task 3.3: Air Quality and GHG Emissions Memo 4 Weeks**
Task 3.4: Noise Memo 4 Weeks**
Task 4.1: Administrative Draft IS 4 Weeks**
Task 4.2: Prepare Administrative Draft MND 2 Weeks**
Task 4.3: Prepare/Distribute the Draft MND and Noticing 1 Week
Public Review 30 Days
Task 5: Prepare Final MND with Response to Comments 2 Weeks
Task 6: Attendance at Meetings TBD
Task 7: Check-In Calls TBD
Approximate Total 24 Weeks
Approximate Schedule: 10.1.2025 to 6.23.2025
*Tasks will occur concurrently.
** Tasks will occur concurrently
*** Includes a six-week record search timeframe, Tasks will also occur concurrently
Note: Due to overlapping tasks, the total duration of the project is less than the cumulative number of weeks to
complete each task.
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4. Scope of Work
The Project is located at 1400 Montefino Avenue. The subject property is a developed, 3.93-acre parcel located on the
south side of Montefino Avenue, between South Diamond Bar Boulevard and Porto Grande Drive. The site is surrounded
by residential condominiums to the north and west, residential condominiums and single-family residences to the
south, and the Montefino Plaza shopping center to the east. The site is characterized by a south-facing, descending
slope that starts from the west of the adjacent condominiums to the east property line of the project site. The property
is located within the Commercial Office (CO) zoning district, with an underlying General Plan land use designation of
General Commercial (C). The Assessor’s Parcel Numbers are 8293-044-015 & 8293-044-016.
The proposed 49-unit development includes nine Plan 1 condominium units (4-Bedrooms at 1,929 square feet), ten
Plan 2 condominium units (4-Bedrooms at 1,940 square feet), and 30 Plan 3 condominium units (3-Bedrooms at 1,966
square feet), with private drive aisles. The buildings are planned for three stories with a concrete slab on grade.
The Applicant is requesting the following discretionary approvals for this project:
• Tentative Tract Map – For condominium purposes.
• General Plan Amendment and Zone Change – To change the land use designation to Medium High Density
Residential (RMH) and rezone the site to Medium-Height Density Residential (RMH) with a Planned
Development (PD) Overlay to allow for the proposed residential development.
• Development Review – Design review of 49 attached and detached residential condominiums.
• CUP – Required for all development proposed on a site with a PD Overlay, which may include specific
modifications to any development standards.
The following scope of work reflects our understanding of the Project as described above and detailed in the RFP.
Task 1: Kick-Off Meeting/Project Description
After receiving the Notice to Proceed (NTP), the Chambers Group Project Manager, Thomas Strand, and relevant key
staff will be prepared to meet with representatives from the City for a Project Initiation/Kick-Off Meeting via
teleconference to discuss the project description, specific project issues, upcoming construction schedules and CEQA
schedule; as well as receive any pertinent project information or reports.
Chambers Group will review all available Project-related data and reports provided by the City. Following the review of
existing data, any gaps in the data and recommendations for correcting the gaps would be discussed with the City.
Chambers Group will work closely with the City to determine what additional data must be collected in support of the
CEQA document being prepared. It is assumed that the documents are accurate and that Chambers Group can use
these documents in the environmental analysis of the Project.
In addition, Chambers Group will develop a comprehensive description for the Project that will form the basis for the
analysis of the potential impacts on the environment, based on the information provided by the City and Applicant. The
Project Description will include a narrative and graphical presentation of the proposed Project, including components,
location and boundaries, regional and vicinity maps, and a statement of the Project goals and objectives.
Deliverables: One electronic PDF copy and one electronic copy in Microsoft Word format of the Project Description for
City review.
Task 2: AB 52 Consultation
AB 52 required an update to CEQA Appendix G to include a new category titled “Tribal Cultural Resources”. As a Lead
Agency, the City is required to conduct AB 52 consultation with requesting tribal groups on a government-to-
government basis. This task will provide support to the City, including but not limited to preparing and transmitting
Request to Consult Letters to respective tribes via email and follow-up phone calls; support with consultation regarding
the proposed Project plans and potential impacts; support arranging conference calls with tribes; and/or development
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of mitigation measures, as appropriate. Should any tribe request a site visit or require further calls to conclude
consultation, it is assumed that the City or Applicant will cover this expense and provide the tribe(s) with an opportunity
to visit the Project site.
Assumptions
• This task includes the issuance of Request to Consult Letters under AB 52 to City-listed points of contact to offer
noticing tribal groups an opportunity to request consultation. It is assumed that the City has a prepared list of
no more than three Tribal Representatives who have previously expressed a desire to be notified when a project
requires AB 52 consultation. Nevertheless, it is unknown how many tribal contacts will respond with a request
to consult, and it is also unknown how many meetings will be required to fulfill the requirement of engaging in
meaningful consultation with requesting tribes as mandated under AB 52 guidelines.
• This task includes AB 52 consultation support with requesting tribal groups and includes time for up to three
one-hour meetings with City Staff and tribal members in an online forum, and assistance reviewing or drafting
potential mitigation measure language. Additional meeting requests will require substantial additional time to
coordinate and will require additional fees.
Deliverables: Support drafting up to three Request to Consult Letters and Project site maps for City review; transmittal
and tracking support, assistance with coordination, and attending up to three one-hour consultation meetings.
Task 3: Technical Studies
It is our understanding that the applicant will be submitting a traffic study, sewer study, geotechnical report, Low Impact
Development (LID) report, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) report, and hydrology/hydraulic report,
subject to peer review by the City; therefore, these studies are not included in our scope of work below.
Task 3.1: Cultural Resources Assessment
Records Search/Literature Review
Chambers Group will conduct a literature review in support of the cultural resources investigation for the proposed
Project. This will include a review of the findings of a records search through the California Historical Resources
Information System (CHRIS) database at the appropriate Information Center (IC). The records search will be conducted
by IC staff or Chambers Group staff, and review relevant previously recorded cultural resources and previous
investigations completed for the half-mile search radius surrounding the Project site. Information to be reviewed will
include location maps for all previously recorded cultural resources, previously conducted investigation boundaries,
National Archaeological Database (NADB) citations, and copies for associated reports, historic maps, and historic
addresses. Chambers Group will also review properties listed with the California Points of Historical Interest (CPHI),
California Historical Landmarks (CHL), California Historical Resources Inventory, local city and county registries of
historic properties, the California Register of Historic Resources (CRHR), and the National Register of Historic Places
(NRHP). Additional sources of information that may be reviewed include, but are not limited to, Certified Local
Government annual reports and other data, Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record
(HABS/HAER) records, Calisphere Digital Resources, Online Archive of California, General Land Office Plat Maps,
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, local historical societies and libraries, historic imagery, as well as inventory files and data
on-file with other agencies that control property near the area. The task will also include a search for potential
prehistoric and/or historic burials (human remains) evident in previous site records and/or historical maps (i.e., Sanborn
Fire Insurance Maps, General Land Office Plat Maps). A paleontological records search will also be completed for the
half-mile search radius surrounding the Project site by the relevant Natural History Museum to support a brief
paleontological resources review.
In addition to the above research, a request that the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) will be submitted
for a review of their sacred land files (SLF). This search will identify if any resources important to Native Americans have
been recorded within the Project site and the surrounding vicinity. The NAHC will provide the results and a list of
affiliated tribal representatives to contact for additional information. Chambers Group will provide the results of the
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NAHC SLF search directly to the City upon receipt and detail all results in the Cultural Resources Report. Note: This
research alone does not satisfy the lead permitting agencies' requirements under AB 52. It is assumed that the CEQA
lead agency will conduct AB 52 Tribal Consultation. Upon request, Chambers Group can assist the Town with AB 52
consultation requirements.
Cultural Resources Desktop Study Report
Chambers Group will prepare a Cultural Resources Desktop Study Letter Report, prepared according to California State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Guidelines, detail the methods used, and describe the results of the records search,
all additional research and literature review, and any related recommendations. Based on the current proposed scope
of work, the report will not include results from an on-ground survey of the proposed Project site. This report task scope
and cost assume that no cultural resources will be identified within the Project site. The negative report is assumed to
contain up to 25 pages of text, plus graphics and appendices. The report will also detail the general geologic context,
results of the paleontological records search and review of publicly available geologic mapping, to address the potential
for proposed construction activities to impact paleontological resources and recommend appropriate mitigation
measures as necessary. As well as addressing the results of the NAHC SLF records search.
Chambers Group will provide a draft report to the City for review within 4 weeks after all records search data are
processed. This task cost estimate assumes that one round of consolidated report comments from the City will be
received to be incorporated into the final document after draft review. After one round of review by the City, Chambers
Group will address comments and provide an updated draft within two weeks. If additional comments are received
beyond the single round assumed, a revised scope of work and cost for additional review will be necessary.
Assumptions
• This task assumes that no previously documented cultural resources are recorded within the Project site and
no previously undocumented cultural resources will be identified during the desktop review. If cultural
resources are identified within the Project site as a result of the records search or desktop review, a change
order will be required to address them appropriately.
• This task does not currently include a potential on-site field survey. If necessary, based on the records search
data and initial minimal research and/or upon request, Chambers Group is happy to provide additional cultural
resources support under a revised scope and cost.
• This task does not include survey and analysis of historic-period built environment resources. It is assumed that
no such resources are located within the Project site or adjacent right-of-way. If historic-period built
environment infrastructure is identified within the Project right-of-way, and may be affected by the Project,
these resources would need to be evaluated for eligibility for listing on the NRHP, the CRHR, and/or a local
register. If historic-period built environment resources that may be affected by the Proposed Project are
identified, a separate scope and cost will be required to assess these resources.
• The report associated with this task will focus on the known areas of direct impact as illustrated in the
associated documents within the Request for Proposal. Laydown, storage, utility yards, or the like, have not
been identified within the RFP documents, and are therefore not part of this study proposal.
• This task does not include cultural resources survey, testing, data recovery, analysis, monitoring, or similar
programs.
Deliverables: Cultural Resources Report deliverable, and response to up to one round of comments from the City.
Task 3.2: Biological Assessment and Memo Report
Chambers Group will conduct a literature search in order to determine if there are any records of listed and/or sensitive
plant and wildlife species and communities occurring on or in the immediate vicinity of the project site. This task will
include a review of the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) and the California Native Plant Society’s
Electronic Inventory (CNPSEI), the USFWS, National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps and blue-line drainages, and the
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United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service soil survey maps. A survey
area map will be created to identify the area to be analyzed in the report.
After conducting the literature search, biologists will conduct a habitat assessment survey of the project site. Chambers
Group biologists will survey the approximate 3.93-acre project site and include up to a 500-foot buffer (survey area),
documenting the presence of common and sensitive biological resources, both flora and fauna, within the proposed
project boundaries. The field survey will focus on determining the potential presence of federal- and state-listed or
otherwise sensitive plant and wildlife species and sensitive habitats, including coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila
californica californica), least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), and yellow warbler (Setophaga petechia).
Based on aerial images, no water features occur within or directly adjacent to the site. However, Chambers Group will
assess the site for jurisdictional waters that may fall under the regulatory jurisdiction of the USACE pursuant to Section
404 of the Clean Water Act, the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) jurisdiction pursuant to Section 401 of
the Clean Water Act, and CDFW jurisdiction pursuant to Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code. If any sensitive species
are present, the biologists will determine the appropriate avoidance and minimization measures. Plant communities
will be mapped, and the habitat will be assessed for the potential occurrence of sensitive species. Photographs will be
taken to document the current conditions of the survey area. Lists of all species of plants and animals observed during
the survey will be recorded.
After completing the biological survey, Chambers Group will prepare a biological letter report for the project. The report
will include an introduction, methods used to conduct the survey, results of the survey documenting the existing
biological resources, including any waters or wetlands onsite, and a discussion of sensitive plant and wildlife species
with the potential to occur on site. The report will include current photographs and a map documenting existing
conditions and the locations of any sensitive or listed species occurring or potentially occurring on site. Protection
measures for sensitive species that are known to occur on site or in the immediate vicinity of the site will also be
included.
The report will include up to 25 pages of text and 8 graphics, photographs of the site, and appendices. One electronic
copy of the draft memo report will be provided to the City for review within 3 weeks of completion of the survey.
Chambers Group will incorporate one round of comments into the final report within one week of receiving comments
on the draft report. Electronic copies of the final report will be submitted to the City.
Assumptions
• This scope of work does not include focused surveys for listed species; if required, Chambers Group will be
pleased to provide these under a separate scope of work and cost.
• This scope of work does not include a formal jurisdictional delineation; if required, Chambers Group will be
pleased to provide these under a separate scope of work and cost.
Deliverables: Biological resources memo report, and response to up to one round of comments from the City.
Task 3.3: Air Quality and GHG Emissions Memo
Vista Environmental will conduct the analysis and prepare a memorandum for Air Quality and GHG Emissions for the
proposed Project as follows:
• Provide a project description that details the project location and nearby sensitive receptors.
• Identify South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and City of Diamond Bar thresholds of
significance for criteria pollutants, energy, and GHG emissions.
• Evaluate and quantify criteria pollutants and GHG emissions associated with construction and operational
activities for the proposed project utilizing the CalEEMod Model and construction assumptions provided by the
client, and compare to both the SCAQMD regional and local thresholds.
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• Calculate construction and operational fuel, electricity, and natural gas usage from the project and provide an
assessment of how the applicable renewable energy and energy efficiency rules and regulations will be
implemented by the project.
• Compare the construction-related and operation-related GHG emissions to the SCAQMD’s draft threshold of
3,000 metric tons of CO2e per year and provide a consistency analysis with the Diamond Bar Climate Action
Plan 2040, adopted December 17, 2019.
• Prepare an air quality, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions technical memorandum documenting the results
of the previous work tasks, and include an attachment that contains the CalEEMod printouts.
Deliverables: Air Quality and GHG Emissions memo report, and response to up to one round of comments from the
City.
Task 3.4: Noise Memo
Vista Environmental will conduct the analysis and prepare a memorandum for Noise for the proposed Project as follows:
• Provide a project description that details the project location and nearby sensitive receptors.
• Identify applicable noise and vibration regulations and thresholds of significance.
• Evaluate the existing noise environment and obtain three (3) short-term (15-minute) noise measurements in
the vicinity of the project site to determine the ambient noise conditions at the project site and the nearby
sensitive receptors.
• Utilize the Federal Highway Administration’s Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM) Version 1.1 to analyze
potential noise impacts at the nearest homes from each phase of construction activities for the proposed project
and compare the results to the applicable City noise standards.
• Analyze potential vibration impacts associated with construction activities through application of the
methodology used in the Transportation- and Construction-Induced Vibration Guidance Manual (Vibration
Guidance Manual), prepared for Caltrans.
• Provide an operational project trip analysis that shows the percent increase of project-generated trips on the
nearby roads and how the small incremental increase would not create a noticeable roadway noise increase to
the nearby homes.
• Calculate the onsite noise impacts to the nearby homes from the operation of the proposed homes air
conditioning units. Utilize the sound levels provided by the air conditioning unit specification sheets and typical
drop-off rates to determine the noise levels at the nearby homes. Compare the air conditioner noise levels at
the nearby homes to the City noise standards.
• Provide a qualitative operational noise and vibration analysis that details how the project would not include any
known sources of noise or vibration.
• Prepare a noise and vibration technical memorandum documenting the results of the previous work tasks and
provide responses to each of the noise-related CEQA checklist questions and an attachment that contains the
noise measurement and RCNM printouts.
Deliverables: Noise memo report, and response to up to one round of comments from the City.
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Task 4: Preparation of the Administrative Draft IS and MND
Task 4.1: Administrative Draft IS
Utilizing the Project Description, AB 52 Consultation, and technical studies provided under Task 1, Task 2, and Task 3,
Chambers Group will prepare an Administrative Draft IS pursuant to the requirements of the Public Resources Code
and State CEQA Guidelines. Chambers will prepare an IS Checklist to confirm the preparation of an appropriate CEQA
Documentation for the Proposed Project, an MND in this case. The IS will be prepared using the most recent revision
of the IS Environmental Checklist Form suggested in the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G.
In compliance with CEQA Section 15063, the IS will contain the following, in brief form:
• A description of the Project, including the location of the Project;
• An identification of the environmental setting;
• A preliminary identification of environmental effects by the use of a checklist, matrix, or other method, with
some evidence to support the entries; and
• A preliminary discussion of the ways to mitigate the significant effects identified, if any.
The environmental factors outlined in the CEQA checklist include:
Aesthetics GHG Emissions Public Services
Agricultural and Forestry Resources Hazards and Hazardous Materials Recreation
Air Quality Hydrology and Water Quality Transportation
Biological Resources Land Use and Planning Tribal Cultural Resources
Cultural Resources Mineral Resources Utilities and Service Systems
Energy Noise Wildfire
Geology and Soils Population and Housing Mandatory Findings of
Significance
Deliverables: One electronic PDF copy and one electronic copy in Microsoft Word format of the Administrative Draft IS
for City review.
Task 4.2: Prepare Administrative Draft MND
For each CEQA environmental checklist discipline item described above under the IS scope, the existing environmental
setting of the Project site and surroundings will be characterized from the existing literature base, and a site visit by an
environmental analyst and an environmental impacts analysis will be prepared for each checklist entry. If one or more
significant impacts are identified during the IS process, including the results from the technical analyses mentioned
above, CEQA allows the preparation of an MND when those impacts can be mitigated to a less than significant level.
Based on CEQA-defined significance criteria, Chambers Group will determine the potential for any adverse or significant
adverse impacts and present mitigation measures to reduce any such impacts to a level below significance. The
following is a list of the required contents of an MND:
• a brief description of the Project;
• the location of the Project (preferably shown on a map);
• the name of the Project proponent;
• a finding that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment;
• mitigation measures included in the Project to avoid potentially significant effects; and
• a copy of the IS.
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Deliverables: One electronic PDF copy, one electronic copy in Microsoft Word format, and five hard copies of the
Administrative Draft MND for City review.
Task 4.3: Prepare/Distribute the Draft MND and Noticing
After receipt of one set of integrated comments on the Administrative Draft MND from the City, Chambers Group will
revise the document accordingly. Chambers Group will prepare and distribute copies of the Draft MND to the City, State
Clearinghouse Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and affected public agencies.
Chambers Group will prepare and file all notices to adopt an MND with OPR and the County Clerk. For submittal to the
OPR, Chambers Group will draft a Notice of Intent (NOI), Notice of Completion (NOC), Summary Form, and the Draft
MND with associated appendices to be submitted electronically on behalf of the City. The City must approve Chambers
Group as a submitter for the City on the OPR CEQANet Web portal. For submittal to the County Clerk, documents will
be sent via mail. Chambers Group will distribute up to 20 copies of the NOI to affected public agencies and to the mailing
list provided by the City.
Deliverables: One electronic PDF copy, one electronic copy in Microsoft Word format, and five hard copies of the Public
Draft MND for the City. One electronic copy of each of the NOI, NOC, Summary Form, and Draft MND for OPR. One hard
copy of the NOI for the County Clerk. Twenty hard copies of the NOI for public distribution.
Task 5: Prepare Final MND with Response to Comments
Based on comments received from public review, responses to the comments will be prepared. We anticipate no more
than 10 comment letters with an average of five comments each (50 comments total) will be received and addressed,
but with no new analysis required. A draft of these responses will be provided to the City. Upon receipt of one complete
set of comments from the City on the responses, a Final MND will be prepared. This document, combined with the
Draft MND, will constitute the Final MND to be used by the City when considering approval of the Project.
Prepare Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP). Following preparation of the Final MND, Chambers
Group will prepare a Draft MMRP as required by CEQA for review by the City. The Final MMRP incorporating the City’s
comments will be incorporated into the Final MND.
Notice of Determination (NOD). The NOD is filed following the City’s decision to carry out or approve the Project for
which the MND has been prepared. Chambers Group will prepare the NOD and will file the NOD with OPR and the
County Clerk. The City will be responsible for CDFW filing fees, if necessary.
Deliverables: One electronic PDF copy, one electronic copy in Microsoft Word format, and five hard copies of the Final
MND. One electronic copy of the NOD for OPR. One hard copy of the NOD for the County Clerk.
Task 6: Attendance at Meetings
As previously discussed, after receiving NTP, the Chambers Group Project Manager, Thomas Strand, will be prepared
to meet with representatives from the City for a Project Initiation/Kick-Off Meeting via teleconference to discuss the
project description, specific Project issues, upcoming construction schedules, and CEQA schedule; as well as receive any
pertinent project information or reports.
Thomas Strand will also attend up to two additional meetings with the City to discuss the work program and progress,
resolve issues, review comments on administrative documents, and/or receive any necessary direction from City staff.
Chambers Group may also attend any other additional meetings requested by the City on a time and materials basis.
Additionally, Chambers Group’s Project Manager, Thomas Strand, will attend up to two public hearings to answer any
questions that decision makers have on the proposed Project’s environmental document and impacts analysis.
Chambers Group will also address any substantive comments or questions submitted during the public comment period
or raised at the public hearings as previously noted.
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Task 7: Check-In Calls
At Chambers Group, effective communication begins with actively listening to our clients’ needs on a consistent basis.
Communication with the City will be established through the Project Manager and other designated team members
and maintained consistently, along with support from Technical Managers to provide access to the combined expertise
at our firm. This constant contact ensures that the City is informed about Project activities, thereby providing frequent
opportunities to ask questions about the Project, and to assure that there are no unresolved problems. Chamber’s
Group will meet with the City via teleconference at least three times as the Project progresses, however we find it
beneficial to meet on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to help with cost and schedule.
Deliverables
The deliverables have been described under each task above. If additional deliverables are required, they can be
provided on a time and materials basis.
5. Budget Estimated
Below is a detailed cost proposal outlining the scope of work, broken down by task and including the number of person-
hours required for each task.
Task Staff/Labor Classification Hourly
Rate Hours Total
Task 1: Kick-Off Meeting/Project Description
Thomas Strand - Project Manager $224 5 $1,120.00
Eunice Bagwan – Environmental Planner 4 $166 12 $1,992.00
Aliya Glick/Owen Baer – Environmental
Planner 1 $116 12 $1,392.00
Phillip Carlos – GIS Analyst 1 $123 2 $246.00
Total Task 1 31 $4,750.00
Task 2. AB 52
Lucas Tutschulte – Principal Cultural Specialist $199 8 $1,592.00
Efrain Arroyo – Cultural Resources Specialist 4 $166 6 $996.00
Kellie Kandybowicz – Cultural Resources
Specialist 2 $128 6 $768.00
Phillip Carlos – GIS Analyst 1 $123 1 $123.00
Total Task 2 21 $3,479.00
Task 3.1 Cultural Resources Assessment
Lucas Tutschulte – Principal Cultural Specialist $199 9 $1,791.00
Efrain Arroyo – Cultural Resources Specialist 4 $166 6 $996.00
Richard Shultz - Cultural Resources Specialist 3 $141 40 $5,640.00
Kellie Kandybowicz – Cultural Resources
Specialist 2 $128 8 $1,024.00
Phillip Carlos – GIS Analyst 1 $123 14 $1,722.00
Record Search Fee - - $1,040.00
Total Task 3.1 77 $12,213.00
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Task Staff/Labor Classification Hourly
Rate Hours Total
Task 3.2 Biological Assessment and Memo Report
Heather Clayton – Biologist 6 $199 2 $398.00
Heather Madera – Biologist 5 $189 2 $378.00
Biologist 3 $141 24 $3,384.00
Corey Jacobs – Biologist 2 $128 22 $2,816.00
Phillip Carlos – GIS Analyst 1 $123 10 $1,230.00
Total Task 3.2 60 $8,206.00
Task 3.3: Air Quality and GHG Emissions Memo
Greg Tonkovich – Senior Analyst $140 21 $2,940.00
Subconsultant markup (15%) - - $441.00
Total Task 3.3 21 $3,381.00
Task 3.4: Noise Memo
Greg Tonkovich – Senior Analyst $140 22 $3,080.00
Subconsultant markup (15%) $462.00
Total Task 3.4 22 $3,542.00
Task 4: Preparation of the
Administrative Draft IS and
MND
Thomas Strand - Project Manager $224 16 $3,584.00
Eunice Bagwan – Environmental Planner 4 $166 25 $4,150.00
Aliya Glick/Owen Baer – Environmental
Planner 1 $116 80 $9,280.00
Phillip Carlos – GIS Analyst 1 $123 8 $984.00
Total Task 4 129 $17,998.00
Task 5: Prepare Final MND
with Response to Comments
Thomas Strand - Project Manager $224 8 $1,792.00
Eunice Bagwan – Environmental Planner 4 $166 12 $1,992.00
Aliya Glick/Owen Baer – Environmental
Planner 1 $116 30 $3,480.00
Total Task 5 50 $7,264.00
Task 6: Attendance at
Meetings
Thomas Strand - Project Manager $224 12 $2,688.00
Mileage $0.70
per mile 150 miles $105.00
Total Task 6 12 $2,793.00
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Task Staff/Labor Classification Hourly
Rate Hours Total
Task 7: Check-In Calls
Thomas Strand - Project Manager $224 12 $2,688.00
Total Task 7 12 $2,688.00
GRAND TOTAL $66,314.00
6. Acceptance of Conditions
Under Section 9: Indemnification, paragraph (2), we request the addition of the words underlined as shown:
(2) Any and all claims arising out of Consultant's negligent performance or willful misconduct in the performance of
work hereunder or its failure to comply with any of its obligations contained in this Agreement. Should City in its sole
discretion find Consultant’s legal counsel unacceptable, then Consultant shall reimburse the City its costs of defense,
including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees, expert fees and all other costs and fees of litigation. The
Consultant shall promptly pay any final judgment rendered against the Indemnitees. Except for the Indemnitees, this
Agreement shall not be construed to extend to any third-party indemnification rights of any kind; and
Reason: Professional liability policy mandates that the obligation to indemnify and defend be clarified using these
additional terms for the insurability to be applicable.
No impact on cost.
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Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
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Appendix – Resumes
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City of Diamond Bar
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Thomas Strand
Project Manager
Professional Experience
Thomas Strand is an environmental and land planner with over 11 years of experience
managing and preparing CEQA documents. He has been with Chambers Group for 4
years. His experience also includes developing permitting strategies for large and
complex projects that involve 401 (Regional Water Quality Control Board) and 404
permits (USACE) documents, and 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreement (California
Department of Fish and Wildlife [CDFW]) permits.
He is well versed in researching, writing, and editing planning and environmental
documents and permit applications, preparing them for publication/submission, and
processing them through government agency review and approval processes. His
experience includes projects across the following sectors: water/wastewater, industrial,
renewable energy, K-12 education, residential, transportation, commercial and mixed-
use development projects, and programmatic-level environmental documents (i.e., EIRs
for general plans, community plans, specific plans, etc.). He works with both public
agency and private clients alike and is familiar with both statewide and local regulations.
A seasoned project manager, Thomas regularly works with staff in other disciplines on
complex assignments.
Project Experience
22-Unit Condominium Project, Environmental Impact Report, La Puente, CA
Environmental Planner. Prepared CEQA documentation for the 22-unit condominium project that would include the
demolition of a historic theater. The Project included technical analysis for air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and a
historical assessment. Thomas wrote portions of the IS Checklist, and also authored sections of both the Draft and Final
EIR for the development project.
City of San Fernando, On-Call Planning Environmental CEQA Services, San Fernando, CA
Project Manager: Chambers Group is working with the City of San Fernando to assist in the preparation of EAs under
CEQA, and NEPA for private or public development projects, planning projects, and initiatives. The work will also include
preparing NOEs, ISs, NDs/MNDs, and EIRs in San Fernando. Some of these projects include:
• CEQA Services for 319 N. Hagar Street
• CEQA Support for a 12-Unit Multi-Family Complex
• Griswold Avenue – A Categorical Exemption (CE) for a 10,000-square-foot extension to an existing residential
treatment center in the City of San Fernando.
• 228 Jessie Street – Provided Project coordination and management and prepared a CE report and technical
studies that included an Air Quality report, Noise report, and Water Quality Analysis for the new construction
of a 17-unit apartment.
City of Beaumont On-Call for Environmental Services, Task Order Beaumont Brookside, Beaumont,
CA
Project Manager. The proposed project consists of drafting an Initial Study for an existing RV storage facility in the City
of Beaumont. The existing RV storage facility, located on a 24.77 acre-site, was constructed prior to the annexation of
the project area, and was not issued a Conditional Use Permit. Chambers Group reviewed the Initial Study supporting
the adoption of an MND and technical studies such as a Trip Generation Analysis, Biological Resources Study, Cultural-
Archaeological Study, and Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, and Noise models.
Education
MS, Watershed Science, San
Diego State University, 2016
BA, Geography, San Diego State
University, 2014
Training
AEP Advanced CEQA Workshop,
2018-2022
AEP Legislative Update 2018-2022
AEP Institute 2018-2019
NEPA Essentials Workshop, 2019
Affiliations
Association of Environmental
Professionals, Vice President of
Membership, 2018-2020,
American Planning Association,
Member
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Lincoln-Fairhaven Access Trail Addendum, City of Santa Ana, CA
Project Manager. Chambers Group was retained by the City to provide CEQA environmental services. Chambers Group
provided the City with two options for how to prepare environmental documentation for the project. After the City
selected the CEQA Addendum option, Chambers Group prepared a high quality CEQA Addendum to the Second Main
Track Project Final EIR that analyzed potential impacts associated with construction of a pedestrian/bicycle pathway.
Chambers Group completed the CEQA Environmental Checklist and determined that the proposed project would not
result in any new environmental impacts that had not been identified in the Second Main Track Final EIR and would not
require a supplemental EIR.
CEQA On-Call Services, City of Palm Springs, CA
Project Manager. Managed numerous CEQA projects for the City of Palm Springs. Thomas worked with Staff and City
Council to help streamline the CEQA approach. All the task orders identified below were unanimously approved and
Thomas was often acknowledged for his thorough work at City Council meetings. Task Orders include:
• 2700 East Alejo Road IS/MND
• Desert AIDS Campus Expansion IS/MND
• Desert Flower Farm IS/MND
Contract Planning Services, City of Moreno Valley, CA
Project Manager. Tasks include review of architectural site plans, elevations, technical reports, environmental technical
studies, landscape plans, subdivision maps and other documentation routinely associated with applications for land use
entitlements. The focus of the reviews is to evaluate compliance with the City of Moreno Valley General Plan, all local
ordinances, and state and federal laws pertaining to planning, zoning, and environmental quality.
CEQA Peer Review On-Call Services, City of Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Project Manager. Managed and conducted peer review of CEQA documents and associated technical studies for private
development projects. The following documents were reviewed for CEQA adequacy and legal defensibility. Task Order
include:
• Arapaho Road IS/MND
• Speedway Commerce Center EIR
• East Avenue IS/MND
• Banyan 9 IS/MND.
Program EIR, City of Huntington Beach General Plan Update, Huntington Beach, CA
Project Manager. Responsible for the development of the Technical Background Reports and management of the
Quality Control process for the General Plan Update EIR. Additionally, authored the transportation and traffic,
hydrology and water quality, population and housing, air quality, and greenhouse gas emissions section of the Program
EIR (PEIR). The project prescribed overall development capacity for the City of Huntington Beach and serves as a policy
guide for determining the appropriate physical development and character of Huntington Beach over an approximate
25-year planning horizon (to 2040).
Environmental Impact Report, South Glendale Community Plan, City of Glendale, Glendale, CA
Project Manager. Responsible for managing the environmental document and authoring the biological resources,
hydrology and water quality, population and housing, noise, air quality, and greenhouse gas sections of the
environmental impact report. Also, modeled air quality and greenhouse gas impacts and prepared the air quality report,
the health risk assessment, GHG, and noise report. This project involves the preparation of a South Glendale Community
Plan.
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Eunice Bagwan
Environmental Planner
Professional Experience
Eunice Bagwan has a background in CEQA and NEPA environmental impact assessments
as well as technical writing and editing. She has assisted with the preparation, writing,
and editing environmental documents, such as IS/MNDs, Categorical Exemptions, EIRs
and safety related documents such as job hazard safety forms and safety plans. Eunice
has also managed and co-managed various projects as a Deputy Project Manager and
Project Manager.
Project Experience
Oakridge RV Storage, City of Beaumont, Beaumont, CA
Environmental Planner. The Proposed Project would develop a recreational vehicle
storage facility on a 2.67-acre parcel in the City of Beaumont east of Maple Avenue and
north for First Street. The project site is located on a privately owned, undeveloped
property in the City of Beaumont. Chambers Group evaluated the Cultural Resources
Report, Biological Survey Report, Draft IS/MND, and Air Quality and Noise analyses.
Hidden Canyon Industrial Park Plot Plan, City of Beaumont, Beaumont, CA
Assistant Environmental Planner. Eunice supported the City for the Hidden Canyon
Industrial Park Plot Plan. The project proposed to construct a 2.89 million square foot
warehouse project in two buildings. Amendments to the plan were processed in 2005
and 2012 utilizing addendums to the EIR. The City proposed to approve an update to
the project plot plan, however, delays were met due to responses from LIUNA that the
project required a new CEQA review due to plot changes from the original project.
Chambers Group provided the City guidance by identifying CEQA guidelines that applied
to the project on identifying whether a new CEQA process was required.
IS/MND for Commercial Center, City of Beaumont, Beaumont, CA
Assistant Environmental Planner. Eunice evaluated the permit application for
compliance with the City’s General and Specific Plan and conducted peer review of the
applicant prepared IS/MND to evaluate impacts associated with the project and ensure compliance with CEQA. The
proposed commercial shopping center consists of approximately 37,800 square feet of shopping center, a 4,300-square
foot bread/donut/bagel shop, a 4,370-square foot car wash, and an 8-service bay tire store. The proposed project site
covers a total of 7.07 acres. The remaining area of the project site would consist of 56,991 square feet of landscaping
and 188,947 square feet of roads and walkways.
City of Beaumont On-Call for Environmental Services, Task Order Hidden Canyon Industrial Park Plot
Plan, Beaumont, CA
Assistant Planner. Eunice supported the City for the Hidden Canyon Industrial Park Plot Plan. The Project proposed to
construct a 2.89 million square foot warehouse project in two buildings. Amendments to the plan were processed in
2005 and 2012 utilizing addendums to the EIR. The City proposed an update to the project plot plan, however, delays
were met due to responses from LIUNA that the project required a new CEQA review due to plot changes from the
original project. Chambers Group provided the City guidance by identifying CEQA guidelines that applied to the project
on identifying whether a new CEQA process was required.
Beaumont Brookside, City of Beaumont, Beaumont, CA
Environmental Planner. The proposed project consists of drafting an IS for an existing RV storage facility in the City of
Beaumont. The existing RV storage facility, located on a 24.77 acre-site, was constructed prior to the annexation of the
project area and was not issued a Conditional Use Permit. Chambers Group reviewed the Initial Study supporting the
Education
MS, Environmental Management
and Planning, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, MD 2015
BS, Environmental and
Occupational Health and Safety,
California State University,
Northridge, CA 2011
Training
NEPA Basics – Fundamentals:2018
Advanced CEQA Essentials: 2019
SCE’s EDGE Program Safety First
Workshop 2016
Affiliations
Association of Environmental
Professionals: Inland Empire Vice
President of Membership
Conservation Steward: North
Etiwanda Preserve
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
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adoption of an MND and technical studies such as a Trip Generation Analysis, Biological Resources Study, Cultural-
Archaeological Study, and Air Quality, GHG, and Noise models.
The Rincon Development Project Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, City of Chino Hills, CA
Environmental Planner. Eunice assisted in the development and approval of an IS/MND consistent with CEQA. Chino
Hills Golden Triangle LLC proposes to develop a 10.42-acre parcel located in the City of Chino Hills at the southwest
corner of the Soquel Canyon Parkway off-ramp and State Route 71 (SR 71) as a 157,100-square-foot mixed commercial
center. Since the approval of the IS/MND, the developer has revised the site plan and Eunice is assisting with a
Subsequent MND to analyze the changes to the original Project.
JMD Hospitality, Home2Suites by Hilton Hotel Project, Environmental Studies, Redlands, CA
Project Manager. Eunice managed the preparation of environmental studies for the proposed hotel development in
the City of Redlands. The project was a hotel commercial development on vacant land, nearby existing commercial
facilities. She coordinated with the Client and City in obtaining updated traffic data. Chambers Group provided a quick
turn-around in completing the technical studies in order to meet submission deadlines of the Client.
City of Beaumont On Call for Environmental Services, Task Order Initial Study/Mitigated Negative for
Commercial Center, Beaumont, CA
Assistant Planner. Eunice evaluated the permit application for compliance with the City’s General and Specific Plan and
conducting peer review of the applicant-prepared IS/MND to evaluate impacts associated with the project and ensure
compliance with CEQA. The proposed commercial shopping center consisting of approximately 37,800 square feet of
shopping center, a 4,300-square foot bread/donut/bagel shop, a 4,370-square foot car wash, and an 8-service bay tire
store. The proposed project site covers a total of 7.07 acres. The remaining area of the project site would consist of
56,991 square feet of landscaping and 188,947 square feet of roads and walkways.
Superior Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge and Parking Lot, City of Newport Beach, Orange
County, CA
Environmental Planner. Eunice aided the project team as an Environmental Planner for the Superior Avenue Pedestrian
and Bicycle Bridge and Parking Lot project. The project is intended to expand recreational options in the City as well as
provide improved safety and access to Sunset Ridge Park for pedestrians and bicyclists. The entire project site is located
within the boundary of the coastal zone as established by the California Coastal Act and is therefore under the land use
planning and regulatory jurisdiction not only of local government agencies, but also the California Coastal Commission.
The project required consideration of two architectural design options, application for a Coastal Development Permit,
as well as completion of a Visual Assessment, a Hazards Assessment, a Jurisdictional Delineation under Section 404 of
the Clear Water Act, a NEPA categorical exclusion, a Biological Technical Report, and various documents for the
California Department of Transportation. Eunice assisted the project team by preparing and analyzing sections of the
IS/MND and incorporated technical information from the NES and Hazardous Materials Assessment. She also assisted
in preparing a Visual Technical Memo to evaluate the potential impacts to visual resources of the project. Eunice also
drafted the Final MND as well as assisted the Project Manager in drafting Responses to Comments received during the
public review period.
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
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Owen Baer
Environmental Planner
Professional Experience
Owen Baer has a background in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental impact assessments as well as
technical writing and editing. He has assisted with the preparation, writing, and editing
environmental documents, such as Initial Studies/Mitigated Negative Declarations
(IS/MNDs), Categorical Exemptions (CatEx), Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) and
Environmental Impact Statements (EISs).
Project Experience
Citrus College 2020-2030 Educational and Facilities Master Plan Initial
Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, Glendora, CA
Environmental Planner. The Project consisted of the implementation of a new Master
Plan for Citrus College in the City of Glendora. Owen worked closely with Vista
Environmental and the City of Glendora to develop an IS/MND for the Project.
Palmdale Market Place Environmental Impact Report, Palmdale, CA
Environmental Planner. The Project consisted of the construction of 239 single-family
homes in the City of Palmdale. Owen worked closely with the City of Palmdale to
develop an EIR for the Project.
Beaumont Master Drainage Plan Line 2, Stage 1 Initial Study/Mitigated
Negative Declaration, Beaumont, CA
Environmental Planner. The Project consisted of the construction of 5,000 linear feet
of reinforced concrete pipe in the City of Beaumont. Owen worked closely with the City
of Beaumont to develop an IS/MND for the Project.
Tract 38652 Oak Hills West Project Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration, Menifee, CA
Environmental Planner. The Project consisted of the construction of 74 duplex units in
the City of Menifee. Owen worked closely with the City of Beaumont to respond to
public comments and develop a Final IS/MND for the Project.
Education
BS, Environmental Management
and Protection, California
Polytechnic University, San Luis
Obispo, CA 2022
Affiliations
Association of Environmental
Professionals
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
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Aliya Glick
Environmental Planner
Professional Summary
Aliya Glick is an early career environmental planner. She has worked on a variety of
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) projects related to education, energy,
transportation, water resources, and development. She assists the project management
team with writing technical documents such as initial studies (ISs) and Environmental
Impact Reports (EIR’s) and provides administrative support by filing documents with
various counties.
Project Experience
Conditional Use Permit, Private Bus Charter Transportation Facility,
Colton, CA
Environmental Planner. Aliya performed environmental planning services for a
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow development of a new proposed Private Bus
Charter Transportation Facility located on two different locations. Chambers Group
prepared a Categorical Exemption Justification Report, a Trip Generation and Vehicle
Miles Traveled (VMT) Screening, and a Noise Technical Study to facilitate the
implementation of the Project.
Addams Elementary School Modernization, Long Beach Unified School
District, Long Beach, CA
Environmental Planner. Aliya performed Environmental Planning services in order for
Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) to make the necessary upgrades to the
permanent buildings on campus. This includes HVAC installation, audio visual systems,
and more.
Polytechnic High School Transformation, Long Beach Unified School
District, Long Beach, CA
Environmental Planner. Aliya performed Environmental Planning services in order for
the Polytechnic High School to make repairs and upgrades for technology, air
conditioning systems, and safety infrastructure. Chambers Group prepared an Initial
Study to support implementation of the Project.
32nd Street/USC Magnets Modernization, Los Angeles Unified School
District, Los Angeles, CA
Environmental Planner. Aliya performed Environmental Planning services for the
modernization of a portion of the University of Southern California (USC) campus. This
Project involves the construction of about 23 general and specialty classrooms and
support spaces. Additionally, the Project includes landscaping, hardscaping, and
infrastructure upgrades, including sanitary sewer, water, stormwater, and electrical
utilities. Chambers Group is currently in the process of developing a Mitigated Negative
Declaration (MND) in support of the Project’s implementation.
Taylor Storage, Idemitsu Renewables Americas Development, Rancho
Peñasquitos, CA
Environmental Planner. The Taylor Project is a proposed 100 MW storage only facility
located in the Rancho Peñasquitos area of San Diego, California. Aliya performed
Environmental Planning services to support the Preliminary Review Process for this
project. She prepared Preliminary Review paperwork that aided the client in gathering
Education
BA, Environmental Studies,
University of California, Santa
Barbara, CA 2024
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
Appendix
64819
necessary information from the City of San Diego regarding CUPs and other project-related permitting tasks. This
Project is pending approval.
CEQA Services, Altadena Main Library Renovation, City of Altadena, Altadena, CA
Environmental Planner. Aliya performed environmental planning services for the renovation and expansion of the Main
Library, which has been determined to be eligible for historic registry. She helped prepare an EIR that would support
making necessary upgrades to outdated infrastructure and improve user experience for residents that frequent the
library. The Project required an Air Quality Screening Assessment, Architectural History Report, Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
Emissions Screening Assessment, a Historical Resource Impact Report, and Construction Noise Screen Assessment. This
Project is pending approval.
Categorical Exemption, Lomita Sheriff Station, County of Los Angeles Public Works, Lomita, CA
Environmental Planner. Aliya performed environmental planning services for this Project which is part of the County's
Facility Reinvestment Program and includes the replacement of building systems that have exceeded their expected
service life. The scope includes replacement of the main electrical systems, mechanical systems, and fire alarm
components that have been found to be obsolete. Aliya aided in drafting the Notice of Exemption (NOE) Justification
Report as the Project was determined to be a Class 1 Categorical Exemption. The Project is pending approval.
2400 Juanita Way Road Extension, City of Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
Environmental Planner. Aliya performed environmental planning services for them to prepare an IS for the road
extension Project that would facilitate the construction of a single-family residence. She provided extensive revisions
to the IS, ensuring the final document is accurate and complete. Unique challenges on this Project included navigating
regulatory hurdles given the Project site’s slope and emergency vehicle access. This Project is pending approval.
CEQA for Cherry Channel Drainage, City of Beamont, Beaumont, CA
Environmental Planner. Aliya performed environmental services and CEQA compliance for lining the existing
trapezoidal earthen channel along Cherry Avenue. The existing channel is lined with a turf reinforced geo-mat along
the side slope and channel bottom. The existing geo-mat is in poor condition with many sections torn or missing. The
channel is adversely affected by urban runoff. The constant supply of nutrient-rich runoff has increased the City
maintenance cost and efforts. Aliya prepared the Notice of Completion (NOC) and related forms for the public review
process. This Project is pending approval.
CEQA for Wastewater Treatment Plant Recycled Water Reservoir, City of Redlands, Redlands, CA
Environmental Planner. Aliya performed environmental services for CEQA compliance with documents prepared for
the construction of one 2.75 million gallon (MG) recycled water reservoir and pump station to be located at the City of
Redlands Wastewater Treatment Plant. Aliya is in the process of drafting an IS/MND encompassing all CEQA Appendix
G Checklist items.
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
Appendix
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Lucas Tutschulte
Cultural Resources Team Lead
Professional Experience
Lucas Tutschulte has over 18 years of cultural resource management experience
including prehistoric and historic period archeological sites. Lucas has extensive
experience leading archaeological field surveys, conducting cultural resources literature
searches, historic/archival research, Native American coordination, site recordation and
mapping, and construction monitoring. He has experience creating and implementing
archaeological resource mitigation and monitoring programs, treatment plans; and is
familiar with both laboratory, field testing and data recovery procedures.
Project Experience
Everett St Terraces Project, City of Moorpark, Ventura County, CA
Cultural Resources Project Manager. Lucas managed all tasks related to cultural
resources for this CEQA review of the Applicant proposed residential development. This
included a CEQA compliant cultural resources desktop study and report, as well as
support with the relevant sections of the CEQA IS/MND for the proposed Project.
Pentair Industrial Expansion Project, City of Moorpark, Ventura County,
CA
Cultural Resources Project Manager. Lucas managed all tasks related to cultural
resources for this CEQA review of the City’s proposed expansion of Pentair Industrial
facility. This included a CEQA compliant cultural resources desktop study and report, as
well as support with the relevant sections of the CEQA IS/MND prepared for the
proposed Project.
West Side Fire Station Project, City of Beaumont, Riverside County, CA
Cultural Resources Project Manager. Lucas managed all tasks related to cultural resources for this CEQA review of the
Applicant proposed residential development. This included a CEQA compliant cultural resources pedestrian survey and
report, as well as support with the relevant sections of the CEQA IS/MND for the proposed Project. Additionally, Lucas
supported the lead agency with the necessary AB 52 outreach and resulting tribal consultation.
Superior Avenue Pedestrian Bridge and Bikeway Project, City of Newport Beach, Orange County, CA
Cultural Resources Team Lead. Lucas provided project management support for the construction phase of the Project,
including the implementation and management of the required archaeological and paleontological resources mitigation
monitoring programs. The required monitoring programs were successfully implemented and carried forth for the
duration of applicable construction activity. This included the implementation of required mitigation for significant
paleontological resources encountered during construction monitoring and limiting associated costs by performing
additional mitigation protocols on-site in conjunction with ongoing monitoring.
Kabian Park Restoration Mitigation Monitoring Compliance Project, Riverside County Parks and
Recreation, Menifee, Riverside County, CA
Cultural Resources Project Manager. Lucas managed all tasks related to the required cultural resources mitigation
monitoring of Riverside County Parks and Recreation Departments proposed restoration of Kabian Park. This included
managing all cultural resources monitoring for the duration of applicable construction activity, and associated reporting
to maintain compliance with the related mitigation measures adopted for the Project.
Education
BS, Anthropology emphasis in
Archaeology; University of
Kansas, 2006 Minor - Geography
emphasis in Cultural Geography
Huaca de la Luna y Sol Project,
Field School Program, 2005;
Pontificia Universidad Catolica,
Trujillo, Peru
Affiliations
Society for American Archaeology
Society for California Archaeology
Association of Environmental
Professionals San Diego Chapter
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
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64819
Environmental Programs Contractor Support- Cultural Resources, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E),
San Diego and Orange Counties, CA
Cultural Resources Contractor Support. Lucas Tutschulte has been providing direct support to SDG&E
Environmental Programs as an archaeologist and cultural resources contractor for five years. Lucas conducts
cultural resources reviews; including background research, conduct field surveys, monitoring and determining
appropriate mitigation measures to prevent unnecessary impacts on new or previously recorded archaeological
and historical resources. This task also includes the use of ESRI ArcMap GIS to research and generate appropriate
map documents to support the necessary mitigation and/or coordination with local, State, and federal agencies.
Lucas assists in delegating survey and monitoring tasks to many cultural resources consultants working under
contract with SDG&E. He supports management of ongoing operations and maintenance activity throughout the
northern districts of SDG&E service area, including San Diego and Orange Counties. Lucas has assisted the cultural
resources team in reviewing and supporting the management of hundreds of individual operations and
maintenance projects to ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations pertaining to cultural
resources and paleontological resources.
Collier Park Archaeological Testing Project, City of La Mesa, San Diego County, CA
Field Director. Lucas served as the Field director for the systematic subsurface testing conducted for the City of La
Mesa’s Collier Park Historic District. The project actions included the design and implementation of a subsurface testing
plan to determine the nature of subsurface deposits encountered in earlier studies of the Historic District.
CEQA-NEPA Compliance Services for Willey Reservoir Bank Stabilization Project, Imperial Irrigation
District, San Diego County, CA
Cultural Resources Specialist. Chambers Group managed the preparation of the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative
Declaration and associated technical studies for the project; additionally, Chambers Group prepared the 401, 404
permit application and 1602 notification letter. The project involves the stabilization of 525 linear feet of the
embankment separating the New River from Willey Reservoir.
Preparation of Environmental Analysis for the Newport Beach Tennis Club Project Revision, Newport
Beach, CA
Cultural Resources Team Lead. Chambers Group provided services for environmental documentation and analysis for
the amendment of the Newport Beach Tennis Club Project. The Newport Beach Tennis Club Project was previously
approved by the City of Newport Beach in 2012, for a mixed-use development consisting of a tennis clubhouse and spa,
7 tennis courts, 27 hotel units with a concierge and guest meeting facility, and 5 single-unit residential dwellings.
Balboa Theater Project, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA
Assistant Architectural Historian. Lucas provided an initial assessment of the history and physical integrity of the
subject property. He conducted the intensive field survey of the existing Balboa Theater, capturing photo
documentation and recording findings with the appropriate DPR523 Series forms. Lucas assisted in the resources
evaluation in accordance with Section 15064.5(a)(2)-(3) of CEQA. Co-authored the associated historical resources
report, submitted to City of Newport Beach Community Development Department Planning Division.
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
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64819
Efrain Arroyo, MA, RPA
Cultural Resources Specialist/Principal Investigator
Professional Summary
Efrain Arroyo is a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) with 7 years of technical
and research experience in environmental consulting and academic projects for
government and private sector clients and universities throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Efrain is skilled in project management, technical reporting, field investigations, and
artifact analysis. He has served as principal investigator, project manager, project
archaeologist, field director, and field technician for numerous monitoring, survey,
testing, and data recovery projects throughout Southern California. Efrain meets the
Secretary of the Interior’s (SOI) Qualification Standards in archaeology and has a solid
understanding of Section 106 and 110 of National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA),
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA).
Project Experience
Veterans Memorial Park Project, California Department of Parks and
Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS), La Puente, CA
Cultural Resources Specialist. Efrain drafted a NAHC scoping notification letter for non-
federally recognized tribes in support of this City’s proposed revitalization of this urban
park.
Washington Middle School Transformation Project, Long Beach Unified
School District (LBUSD), Long Beach, CA
Cultural Monitor. Efrain performed cultural resource monitoring services for this LBUSD
project. Efrain performed spot check and continuous monitoring in collaboration with
Native American Monitors during ground disturbance activities.
Class III Cultural Resources Inventory for the Jacumba Gap Closure (Phase I
and II) Project, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Jacumba, CA
Principal Investigator/Field Director. Efrain performed cultural resource inventory services for Phase I and II for this
CBP barrier project at the U.S.-Mexico International Border, considered two separate undertakings. Efrain performed a
records review, pedestrian survey, and isolate and site recordation in support of a new border barrier construction in
the San Diego Sector. Efrain managed field operations, authored the inventory report, and coordinated with CPB and
participating Native American tribes to ensure Section 106 compliance.
Table Mountain Road Maintenance Project, CBP, Jacumba, CA
Project Manager/Field Director. Efrain performed cultural resource compliance services for this CBP road maintenance
project. Efrain managed field operations, authored the monitoring report, and coordinated with CPB and participating
Native American tribes to ensure Section 106 compliance.
Class III Intensive Cultural Resources Inventory (Historic Architectural Survey) for the Grand Forks
Border Patrol Station Annex, CBP, Grand Forks, ND
Project Archaeologist/Field Director. Efrain performed historic architectural inventory services for CBP’s Grand Forks
Border Patrol Station Annex proposed interior construction. Efrain performed photo documentation of this border
patrol station’s architecture to support a NRHP eligibility assessment by an architectural historian prior to proposed
interior modifications. Efrain co-authored the inventory report.
Education
Master of Arts, Anthropology,
Binghamton University
Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology:
Archaeology, California State
University Dominguez Hills
Registrations
Registered Professional
Archaeologist, 5966
Affiliations
Society for American Archaeology
Expertise
Writing: technical reporting,
regulatory writing, proposal
writing
Technical: GIS, GPS, drone
piloting, records review, archival
research
Archaeological: survey, site
assessment, testing, data
recovery, monitoring,
photography, illustration, lithic
analysis, ceramic analysis
Language: English (native),
Spanish (intermediate)
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Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
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64819
Class III Cultural Resources Inventory for the Gila to Knob 161-Kilovolt Transmission Line Rebuild
Project, Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), Winterhaven and Quechan Reservation, CA
Principal Investigator/Field Director. Efrain performed cultural resource class III inventory services for this WAPA
project. Efrain performed a records review and pedestrian survey in support of a transmission line rebuild. Efrain
managed field operations, authored the inventory report, and coordinated with WAPA and participating Native
American tribes to ensure Section 106 compliance.
Burbank Emergency Operations Center Project, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
Burbank, CA
Cultural Resources Specialist. Efrain performed cultural resource inventory services for this FEMA project. Efrain
performed a records search and authored a SHPO letter in support of a proposed interior construction of an emergency
operations center inside Burbank City Hall, a listed NRHP property.
El Paso Sector Border Barrier Projects, CBP, Hidalgo and Luna Counties, NM
Cultural Resources Specialist. Efrain performed cultural resource inventory services for this FEMA project. Efrain
performed a records search and authored a SHPO letter in support of a proposed interior construction of an emergency
operations center inside Burbank City Hall, a listed NRHP property.
Sequoia National Forest Heritage Inventory Project, U.S. Forest Service, Tulare County, CA
Crew Chief/Field Technician. Efrain performed Phase I cultural resource inventory services for this fire restoration
project. Efrain performed reconnaissance and pedestrian survey, and isolate and site recordation. Unique challenges
on this project included working at high altitude and mountainous forested terrain. Efrain led survey crews and drove
4WD vehicles during field operations.
McCanna Hills Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) Compliance Project, City of
Perris Development Services Department, Perris, CA
Cultural/Paleontological Monitor. Efrain performed cultural and paleontological resource monitoring services for this
MMRP Project. Efrain performed spot check and continuous monitoring.
Perris Logistics Center North Project, IDI Logistics, LLC, Perris, CA
Cultural/Paleontological Monitor. Efrain performed cultural and paleontological resource monitoring services for this
development project. Efrain performed spot check and continuous monitoring.
West Valley Logistics Center Project, City of Fontana Community Development Department,
Bloomington and Fontana, CA
Cultural/Paleontological Monitor. Efrain performed cultural and paleontological resource monitoring services for this
development project. Efrain performed spot check and continuous monitoring in collaboration with Native American
during ground disturbance activities.
Riverwalk Village Project, City of Menifee Community Development Department, Menifee, CA
Cultural Monitor. Efrain performed cultural resource monitoring services for this development project, the filling in of
an open pit from past mining and soil activities. Efrain performed spot check and continuous monitoring in collaboration
with Native American Monitors during ground disturbance activities.
Oak Valley Town Center Project, Oak Valley Development Company, Calimesa, CA
Field Technician. Efrain performed Phase II testing and Phase III data recovery excavation services for this development
project, to mitigate impacts to cultural resources prior to constructing a proposed commercial and business center.
Efrain performed shovel test pits (STPs) and 1-meter units.
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
Appendix
64819
Paul Morrissey
Director of Biology / Biological Services Lead
Professional Experience
Paul Morrissey has more than 20 years of experience participating in and conducting
terrestrial and aquatic/marine studies, with a comprehensive background in both
collecting data and performing biological monitoring surveys. He is an experienced
biologist, field manager, and project manager. He has coordinated with state and
federal agencies to develop and implement effective mitigation and monitoring plans
for listed and sensitive species and to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
Working on and managing complex projects in LACPW On-Call contracts for Program
Development Division, Flood Maintenance, and Water Resources, as well as contracts
for Los Angeles Sanitation District for almost two decades, he is familiar with the
agencies’ concerns and provides studies and analysis to support documents that satisfy
CEQA compliance. He has conducted wetland delineations pursuant to Section 404 of
the CWA and riparian delineations pursuant to Section 1601/1603 of the CDFW Code.
He has also prepared jurisdictional delineation reports and prepared permit
applications for the USACE, CDFW, and RWQCB. He has performed agency
consultations, prepared CDFW and USFS and USFWS permits for state and federal-listed
species and developed habitat mitigation monitoring plans and restoration plans for
associated impacts. He has authored technical biological sections of IS/MNDs, EIRs, and
Caltrans compliance documents such as NES and NES-MI. Paul has successfully
negotiated mitigation measures with the agencies to receive authorization of
construction projects.
Project Experience
Mountain View Affordable Housing Project, Lake Forest, CA
Director of Biological Services. The Project involved the demolition of an existing office
building located at 24551 Raymond Way and constructing a 71-unit affordable housing
apartment complex on the proposed 1.965-acre site. The development will provide
several recreational amenities, including an approximately 2,050-square-foot
community center, a small playground for young children, an outdoor fireplace with
seating areas, and large activity lawn. The Project required approval of a General Plan
Amendment, Zone Change, Tentative Parcel Map, Site Development Permit, Affordable
Housing Agreement, and Planned Sign Program. The Project proposed to provide
affordable units to households earning less than 60% of the Area Median Income, of
which 12 of the units will be set aside for Permanent Supporting Housing.
Superior Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA
Biological Services Lead. Chambers Group is working with the City of Newport Beach in the construction of a pedestrian
and bicycle bridge overcrossing Superior Avenue, a new larger parking lot with a range of 100 to 128 parking spaces
and a fenced dog park on an approximately 3.4-acre site in the City of Newport Beach. The proposed bridge will connect
Sunset Ridge Park to the new asphalt parking lot located at the northeast corner of West Coast Highway and Superior
Avenue. Due to the location of the project and being partially funded by federal funding, Chambers Group is responsible
for preparing CEQA documentation, NEPA documentation and California Coastal Development Permits for the project.
Technical Studies (air quality, GHG emissions, energy and noise analyses, initial site assessments, hazardous materials
analysis, Coastal California Gnatcatcher focused surveys, visual assessment) and subsequent IS/MND were prepared as
an appropriate CEQA documentation to provide the public and responsible agencies with information about the
potential environmental impacts associated with implementation of the proposed Project. This IS/MND includes a
Education
MS, Biology, California State
University, Dominguez Hills, 2005
BS, Biology, California State
University, Dominguez Hills, 2001
Certifications
USFWS Permit, #TE182550-1,
CDFW Scientific Collector’s
Permit, #SC-008151
Board of Directors, Los Cerritos
Wetlands Trust
USACE, Wetland Training
Institute, Wetland Delineator
Certification
Desert Tortoise Surveying
Techniques Workshop, Desert
Tortoise Council, qualified desert
tortoise biologist
CDFW authorized to take,
possess, and transport flat-tailed
horned lizards, 2007 Marvin M.
Black Excellence in Partnering
Award for the San Gabriel River
Project
Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
Workshop, Southern Sierra
Research Station;
Basic Tracking, Earth Skills
Electrofishing and Fish Handling
Techniques
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
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project-level analysis of the potential effects associated with the Project. As a part of the NEPA documentation,
Chambers Group was responsible for coordination with the Caltrans Local District and the resulting preparation of a
Categorical Exclusion as the appropriate form of NEPA documentation.
On-Call for Environmental Consulting Services, City of Moorpark, Moorpark, CA
Lead Biologist. Commencing in September 2019, Chambers Group is working on a series of task orders to support the
City with the peer review of project applications and CEQA documents. Chambers Group is providing guidance and
assistance through the peer review of technical environmental reports and analyses (traffic studies, noise studies,
geologic assessments, etc.).
Otay Lakes Campground MND, County of San Diego, Boy Scouts of America, San Diego County, CA
Biological Services Lead. Chambers Group prepared an IS Checklist and associated CEQA notices for the renovation and
construction of camping facilities and supplemental amenities. The project requires coordination with the County of
San Diego Parks and Recreation Department and the Boy Scouts of America to develop new camping facilities, a flag
plaza, archery range, fire ring and amphitheater, zip-line, Camporee Field, and COPE course; renovate the existing
restroom; construct a fenced storage facility; and complete minor road improvements.
On-Call Environmental Services, Los Angeles County Public Works (LACPW), Los Angeles County,
CA
Principal Biologist. Paul was responsible for coordination with Public Works and oversight for CEQA compliance,
biological surveys, and wetlands delineations, involving numerous sites located in Los Angeles County and the Angeles
National Forest. Over 100 task orders have been completed on the on-call contract over the past decade. The surveys
and reports were required by the USFS to allow Los Angeles County to conduct maintenance and improvement
activities. Individual projects have included: Angeles Forest Highway Over Mill Creek, NES and Biological Assessment;
Big Tujunga Wash Master Mitigation Bank Plan, Biological Services; Sierra Highway Widening and Realignment,
Biological Services, Jurisdictional Delineation, and Permitting; Cooks Canyon Crib Dam M1-A Debris Basin Dewatering
System, Vegetation Surveys; Live Oak Reservoir Cleanout, Environmental Services; Spunky Canyon Road Sediment
Removal, Biological Services; Avalon Bridge Over Dominguez Channel, Biological Resource Survey and Jurisdictional
Delineation; Fitch Avenue Bridge Replacement, Biological and Cultural Services; and Sierra Highway Over Mint Canyon
Wash, Biological Survey.
On-Call Environmental Services, Orange County Public Works (OCPW), Orange County, CA
Project Manager. Paul provides oversight into Chambers Group coordination with OCPW regarding regulatory
permits, including coastal permits, biological resource surveys for sensitive species/habitat, protocol-level
surveys, environmental documentation, jurisdictional delineations of waters and wetlands, and construction
monitoring in support of regulatory permits in Orange County.
Marblehead Coastal Development Project, SunCal, San Clemente, Orange County, CA
Principal Biologist. This 250-acre site is the last large coastal property to be developed along the Orange County
coastline. Mike provided environmental consulting services, which included supplying technical assistance needed to
acquire a Coastal Development Permit and ensure compliance with all other applicable permits, as well as conduct
focused gnatcatcher surveys, construction monitoring, ecological restoration, and performance monitoring for five
years. He ensured compliance with all conditions of the Habitat Management Plan (HMP) during initial vegetation
clearing/grubbing, erosion control and project construction phases. Restoration efforts included enhancement of native
grasslands and coastal bluff scrub. The HMP was designed to maximize the habitat value for coastal California
gnatcatcher and other species dependent on sage scrub as well as to enhance the functional value of the
preserved/restored wetlands within the canyons by improving connectivity and allowing for wildlife movement
between each area.
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
Appendix
64819
Heather Clayton
Permitted Botanist, Arborist, Restoration Lead
Professional Experience
Heather Clayton has over 21 years of experience and serves as project manager and
lead botanist/restoration ecologist on numerous habitat restoration and monitoring
projects. She is responsive to stringent deadlines and works with her field team to see
that tasks are handled efficiently and effectively at each project site. As a certified field
botanist through the California Native Plant Society, and experienced in conducting rare
plant surveys throughout California, Heather is an excellent asset to any project
involving special status plant species. She can tailor an in-depth habitat mitigation and
monitoring plan for a variety of habitats in southern California including habitats along
the coast within wetland communities and has been instrumental in implementing and
monitoring the restoration effort for sites with unproductive/problematic soils, for sites
in environmentally sensitive areas with special status plant species and for sites overrun
with invasive weeds. She recognizes the early signs of site decline and knows what
remedial actions to take before problems escalate. She communicates effectively with
landscape contractors and agencies and is incredibly adept at maintaining budgets.
Project Experience
Superior Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, Newport Beach, Orange
County, CA
Biological Services Lead. Chambers Group is working with the City of Newport Beach in
the construction of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge overcrossing Superior Avenue, a
new, larger parking lot with a range of 100 to 128 parking spaces, and a fenced dog park
on an approximately 3.4-acre site in the City of Newport Beach. The proposed bridge
will connect Sunset Ridge Park to the new asphalt parking lot located at the northeast
corner of West Coast Highway and Superior Avenue. Due to the location of the project
and partial federal funding, Chambers Group is responsible for preparing CEQA and
NEPA documentation, and California Coastal Development Permits for the project.
Technical Studies (air quality, GHG emissions, energy and noise analyses, initial site
assessments, hazardous materials analysis, Coastal California Gnatcatcher focused
surveys, visual assessment) and subsequent IS/MND were prepared as appropriate
CEQA documentation to provide the public and responsible agencies with information
about the potential environmental impacts associated with implementation of the
proposed Project. This IS/MND includes a project-level analysis of the potential effects
associated with the Project. As part of NEPA documentation, Chambers Group was
responsible for coordination with the Caltrans Local District and the resulting
preparation of a Categorical Exclusion as the appropriate form of documentation.
Vidal Energy Project, CDH Vidal LLC, Vidal, San Bernardino County, CA
Senior Biologist. Heather mapped the vegetation types throughout the 1,220-acre
project site and assess the potential for special status plant species. The project is composed of a solar photovoltaic
component and battery energy storage facility component located approximately 2.5 miles southeast of Vidal, San
Bernardino County, California. CORE plans to construct and operate a 1,220-acre photovoltaic and battery energy
storage system facility to generate 160 megawatts of alternating current (MW-AC) of renewable energy. The Project’s
permanent facilities would include PV panels, BESS, fencing, service roads, a power collection system, communication
cables, overhead and underground transmission lines, electrical switchyards, a Project substation, and operations and
maintenance facilities.
Education
MS, Biology, California State
University, Fullerton, 2003
BA, Biology, Environmental
Emphasis, Occidental College, Los
Angeles, CA, 1999
Training
California Native Plant Society
Vegetation Rapid Assessment
Protocol for Vegetation Sampling
Workshop
Certifications
ISA Certified Arborist WE-13716A
California Native Plant Society
Certified Field Botanist CFB-0012
Plant Voucher Collecting Permit
to Collect Voucher Specimens of
State-Listed Endangered,
Threatened and Rare Plants. No.
2081(a) 16 129 V.
CDFW Scientific Collection Permit
No. SC-009907
California Native Plant Society
Member
Southern California Botanists
Member
California Society for Ecological
Restoration Member
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
Appendix
64819
Chambers Group is providing surveys and analysis to assist the design engineers with the layout format of the solar
arrays to avoid and minimize impacts to special status species and costly backend mitigation. Once design is finalized,
Heather will assist with the preparation of permit applications and habitat restoration plans for drainages and
vegetation that cannot be avoided.
ASCON Landfill, Mitigation and Monitoring Program Implementation, Project Navigator, Ltd.,
Huntington Beach, Orange County, CA
Project Manager, Senior Botanist. Heather conducted implementation of the mitigation and monitoring program
pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) at the ASCON IRM Landfill Site in Huntington Beach. She
conducted a literature review and prepared a status report for the sensitive southern tarplant as it pertained to the
mitigation program. Heather coordinated the systematic seed collection and cleaning of southern tarplant seeds from
a donor site in preparation for restoration efforts to be fulfilled at Fairview Hidden Park. The mitigation site, located
less than 10 miles away from the donor site, was cleared of weeds and inappropriate vegetation and soil amendments
were added where necessary. After Heather and her team scattered the seeds within the mitigation area, they
performed exotic weed control and continued maintenance and monitoring of the site throughout the next five years.
Heather is intimately knowledgeable in all stages of southern tarplant identification and understands the conditions
necessary to achieve success for this species.
Cleveland National Forest (CNF) Master Use Permit, Focused Plant Surveys, San Diego Gas & Electric
(SDG&E), Throughout Eastern San Diego County, CA
Staff Botanist, Technical Lead. Heather conducted focused plant surveys throughout areas (approximately 100 miles in
length) with habitat potentially supporting sensitive plant species within the CNF in eastern San Diego County. She
organized teams each day and coordinated with the project manager regarding safety concerns and findings for each
survey.
Kerrigan Ranch Development Site, Biological Resources Surveys and Restoration, Pulte Group, Yorba
Linda, Orange County, CA
Project Manager, Senior Botanist. Heather conducted extensive biological resources surveys to document the
biological conditions on several large restoration sites on behalf of this private developer. She designed mitigation
programs, both on site and off site, for coastal sage scrub and riparian habitats. Heather located suitable mitigation
areas and made necessary arrangements with California State Parks. She also mapped invasive giant reed in an offsite
mitigation area and monitored progress for 5 years. She performed maintenance and annual performance monitoring
for a 2-acre riparian site and coordinated with the landscape contractor to ensure required performance standards
could be met. Currently, Heather is managing the restoration effort on a 22-acre coastal sage scrub site in Chino Hills
State Park. Seed was contract-collected from within the State Park and seeded by Chambers Group’s in-house
restoration crew throughout the mitigation area. The site burned in 2008 during the Freeway Complex Fire and again
in 2020 during the Blue Ridge Fire which has made restoration efforts challenging in this canyon where such fires driven
by powerful Santa Ana winds are common. Continued efforts to create coastal sage scrub habitat surrounded by
disturbed fields of non-native invasive mustard and thistle while protecting special status bird species in the area (e.g.,
least Bell’s vireo) remains difficult, but remains on a positive trajectory toward sign-off.
Sea Summit at Marblehead Coastal Development and Outlets Center, SunCal Companies/Lehman
Bros./Taylor Morrison/Craig Realty, San Clemente, Orange County, CA
Senior Botanist, Restoration Ecologist, Project Manager. Heather conducted vegetation sampling and rare plant surveys
on-site and within reference populations to determine appropriate species composition and planting densities for the
Habitat Mitigation Plan. She provided restoration tasks, including plant and seed acquisition, nursery and resource
agency coordination, annual performance monitoring within coastal sage scrub and riparian habitats (for nearly 10
years), coastal California gnatcatcher monitoring, and general oversight of the 100-acre preserve to ensure the success
criteria could be achieved. Her close communication with the CCC, the CDFW, and the USFWS as well as the Center for
Natural Lands Management kept construction progressing smoothly within this Environmentally Sensitive Habitat area.
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
Appendix
64819
Heather Madera
Permitted Biologist
Professional Experience
Heather Madera has a diverse background in wildlife biology including 15 years of
experience in a variety of habitats including coastal sage scrub, desert, marine, and
riparian. Heather holds a United States Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) Section 10(a)(1)(A)
recovery permit to survey for coastal California gnatcatcher. She has followed survey
protocols to perform vegetation and wildlife inventories and functional analysis
surveys. She is a project manager, environmental compliance monitor and is
knowledgeable in field identification of avian species, small mammals, and fish. Her
strengths include conducting regulatory compliance, reconnaissance-level biological
surveys, preconstruction surveys, and construction mitigation monitoring for federal-
and state-listed species and California special-concern species (e.g., California
gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, snowy plover, burrowing owl, and desert tortoise).
Project Experience
Mountain Drive and 4th Avenue Culvert Installation, County of San
Bernardino, CA
Staff Biologist. Chambers Group provided environmental consulting services provided
to the District and Department of Public Works in the Environmental Management
Division (EMD) for the Project located at Mountain Drive at Devil Creek Channel just
north of Kendall Drive, and 4th Avenue at Devil Creek Channel just north of Kendall
Drive, in the Arrowhead Farms area of San Bernardino County and the City of San
Bernardino. Chambers Group conducted technical studies, including a reconnaissance
level biological survey, jurisdictional delineation of waters of the US and state, and
records search cultural resources survey. CEQA documentation was prepared along with
regulatory permitting for the Mountain Drive and 4th Ave Culvert Installation Project.
Lisa prepared the regulatory permit applications, including the CDFW 1602 Streambed
Alteration Agreement via EPIMS and RWQCB 401 Water Quality Certification, as well as
supporting documentation for a non-notifying USACE Section 404 Nationwide Permit
14. Lisa also assisted with coordinating responses to RWQCB requests for additional
information as well as providing input on the overall permitting process.
San Francisquito Bridge Replacement, Los Angeles County Public Works
(LACPW), Santa Clarita & Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA
Biologist. Heather conducted sensitive reptile and amphibian species surveys (including
California red-legged frog), and sensitive bat nocturnal surveys. Heather successfully located a population of California
red-legged frogs and conducted both breeding season and winter surveys, observing over 20 individual adults. In
addition, she 20262, 20263, 20399 prepared a Natural Environment Study (NES) and Biological Assessment and
Biological Evaluation (BA/BE) for this project, including identification of appropriate mitigation measures, where
applicable. Chambers Group prepared the Joint National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)/ California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) document for the bridge replacement at San Francisquito Canyon Creek Bridges 53C-518, 53C-0519
and 53C-0517 for LACPW.
Education
MS, Biology, California State
University, Fullerton, 2010
BS, Wildlife Biology Colorado
State University, Fort Collins, CO,
2006
Certifications
USWFS Recovery Permit, Coastal
California Gnatcatcher, TE-
53787B-0
Training
California Rapid Assessment
Method (CRAM) Training, April
15-19, 2019
San Diego Sensitive Butterflies
Workshop, December 8, 2012
Biology and Management of the
California Red-Legged Frog
Workshop, April 25-26, 2012
Sea and Sage Audubon
Introduction to Birding by Sound
Workshop, January- February,
2012
Desert Tortoise Introduction to
Surveying, Monitoring, and
Handling Techniques Workshop,
November 4-6, 2011
Sea and Sage Audubon
Introduction to Southern
California Birds Workshop,
November –December, 2011
Earth Skills Tracking Skills
Workshop
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
Appendix
64819
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)/National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance
Services for Willey Reservoir Bank Stabilization Project, Imperial Irrigation District, San Diego County,
CA
Biologist. Chambers Group managed the preparation of the Initial Study (IS) and Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND)
and associated technical studies for the project; additionally, Chambers Group prepared the 401, 404 permit application
and 1602 notification letter. The project involves the stabilization of 525 linear feet of the embankment separating the
New River from Willey Reservoir.
Vidal Energy Project, Focused Surveys, Jurisdictional Delineation and Permitting Imperial County, CA
Biologist. Conducted a jurisdictional delineation of waters and wetlands in support of permitting requirements for the
Vidal Energy Project. Completed wetland datasheets and mapped aquatic features in a georeferenced digital database
called Collector which were incorporated into a jurisdictional delineation report. In addition to the delineation,
Chambers Group was retained by CDH Vidal LLC (CORE) to provide environmental services including habitat
assessments, focused surveys for desert tortoise, burrowing owl, rare plant surveys, habitat restoration plan and permit
application packages for the Vidal Energy Project. The project is composed of a solar photovoltaic component and
battery energy storage facility component located approximately 2.5 miles southeast of Vidal, San Bernardino County,
California. The project consists of converting 1,220 acres of fallow agricultural land along the Colorado River into a solar
farm.
Brawley Solar Project, Ormat Nevada Inc., Imperial County, CA
Biologist. Conducted biological survey, habitat assessment, and wetland/jurisdictional water delineations for the
preparation of permit application packages. Chambers Group is providing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
services for development and submittal of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), and all supplemental and supporting
documents as required by Imperial County (County) for a proposed solar and storage project just north of Brawley,
California. All of the proposed Project parcels are currently zoned General Agriculture (A-2-G), thus in accordance with
the County’s Zoning Ordinance, development of the Project requires a CUP. The solar site is within private property,
wholly owned by ORNI 29 LLC, a subsidiary of Ormat.
Energy Source Mineral Project, County of Imperial, Imperial County, El Centro, CA
Lead Biologist. Conducted biological survey and habitat assessment, and wetland/jurisdictional water delineation for
the preparation of permit application packages. Recommended sensitive species mitigation requirements. Chambers
Group is providing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) services and all supplemental and supporting
documents as required by Imperial County for the development of a mineral extraction plant located near Niland,
California.
Desert Valley Monofil California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)Technical Studies, Terraphase
Engineering, Imperial County, CA
Biologist. Conducted independent technical review for the Biological Resources Report and the Hydrology and Water
Quality Study. The Desert Valley Company Monofill (DVCM) is an active Class II Solid Waste Management Facility
(SWMF) used for the disposal of certain geothermal non-hazardous waste streams and byproducts generated by
CalEnergy Operating Corporation’s (CalEnergy) geothermal power plant operations in Imperial County, California. The
purpose of the Project is to provide additional disposal capacity through continued operation of the DVCM to meet the
solid waste management needs of CalEnergy’s geothermal plants. Chambers Group provided consulting services to
assist in the preparation of a comprehensive EIR associated with the general plan amendment, zone change and CUP.
These technical studies supported a full-scope EIR to include a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP).
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
Appendix
64819
Greg Tonkovich, AICP, INCE
Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, Noise Impacts |Vista Environmental
Project Experience
Greg Tonkovich has over 20 years of air quality and noise analysis experience. He
specializes in air quality and noise impact analyses for governmental agencies and the
business community and has completed numerous complex air and noise studies that
conform to both CEQA and NEPA requirements.
Greg’s air quality analysis experience includes global climate change analyses and health
risk assessments. He is proficient in utilizing California Emissions Estimator Model®
(CalEEMod), CALINE4, ISCST3, AERMOD, EMFAC2017, and OffRoad2017 models, in
order to quantify emissions impacts as well as to assess the efficacy of proposed
mitigation.
Greg is also experienced in noise analyses and is proficient in utilizing Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) Traffic Noise Model (TNM), FHWA Roadway Construction Noise
Model (RCNM), FAA Integrated Noise Model (INM), and SoundPlan. In addition, he has
created and implemented a noise program based on the FHWA-RD-77-108 Standard.
Through the use of the above models he is able to efficiently determine noise impacts
to nearby sensitive land uses and assess the efficacy of proposed mitigation.
He has successfully run an environmental consulting business for over 15 years and has
been responsible in managing costs, scheduling, and accounting. Greg has a proven
record of preparing air quality and noise impact analyses to successful completion.
During his 17+ year career he has prepared more than 500 environmental documents
with a 100 percent success rate.
He is experienced in a wide range of project types, including residential, commercial,
industrial, and recreational projects as well as public projects that include specific plans
and general plans. He has experience in preparing studies to specific standards and
formats such as Caltrans Air Quality and Noise Study Reports and NEPA Environmental
Assessments and has completed air quality and/or noise analyses in over 200 different
local jurisdictions throughout California.
Project Experience
22-Unit Condominium Project, Environmental Impact Report, La Puente,
CA
Prepared technical analysis for air quality and greenhouse gas emissions for preparation
of CEQA documentation for the 22-unit condominium project that would include the
demolition of a historic theater which required a historical assessment.
Mountain View Affordable Housing Community, Lake Forest, CA
Prepared air quality, GHG emissions, and noise initial study sections, provided
assistance on the associated NEPA sections for HUD approval, and peer reviewed the
air quality analysis, GHG emissions analysis, and noise analysis for the development of
71 apartment homes with a community center.
38580 9th Street East Property Demolition Project, City of Palmdale, CA
Prepared air quality, GHG emissions, and noise initial study sections, and provided
assistance on the associated NEPA sections. The Project is to eliminate blight for the
Project site, on a spot basis through property acquisition and clearance and demolition
Education
MS, Electrical Engineering,
University of Southern California
BS, Planning and Development,
University of Southern California
Certifications
American Institute of Certified
Planners (AICP)
American Planning Association
(APA)
Institute of Noise Control
Engineering (INCE)
State of California General ‘B’
Contractors License
Training
Stays up to date with modeling
techniques and regulations
through continuing education
courses
CEQA Document for a 49-Unit Attached and Detached
Residential Condominium Project
City of Diamond Bar
Appendix
64819
of the vacant, unsightly 1,715 square foot building, associated parking lot and paved walkways. The Project site is
situated in a central part of the City of Palmdale. The Project is funded by the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Program through HUD. Environmental review was conducted to comply with CEQA and NEPA and all HUD rules
and regulations that govern the environmental review process, as described in 24 CFR Part 58. Chambers Group
conducted the Environmental Assessment Determinations and Compliance Findings for HUD-assisted Projects 24 CFR
Part 58 and associated technical studies to assist the City in completing the Environmental Assessment analyzing the
potential effects on the human environment
Rincon Mixed-Use Project, Chino Hills, CA
Prepared an air quality, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and health risk assessment impact analysis and a noise impact
analysis for the development of medical offices, a hotel, retail space and restaurant on a 10.4 acre project site located
at SR-71 and Soquel Canyon Parkway. The air quality and GHG report analyzed the regional construction and operational
air emissions with the CalEEMod model and utilized the SCAQMD Look-Up Tables for the localized analysis as well as
provide a qualitative health risk assessment of the impacts from toxic air contaminants. The analysis found that with
implementation of project design features of limiting the area that may be graded per day and providing access ways
to the nearby bus stop that air quality and GHG impacts would be less than significant. The noise report analyzed
construction noise levels with the FHWA RCNM, utilized the FHWA-RD-77-108 model to analyze operational vehicular
noise and utilized reference noise measurements of typical commercial noise sources to analyze noise impacts from
the onsite sources to the nearby sensitive receptors. No significant construction or operational noise impacts were
found.
Rincon Project Amendment, Chino Hills, CA
Subsequent technical analysis for air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and traffic for supplemental
documentation for the Rincon Development Amendment Project. Since the approval of the 2016 IS/MND, the
developer revised the site plan and the firm prepared a Subsequent MND to analyze the changes to the original Project.
The results from the technical reports were incorporated into a Subsequent MND as additional mitigation measures
were required for the proposed changes.
General Plan Update (GPU) EIR Addendum, City of Desert Hot Springs On-Call Contract, CA
Senior Analyst Air Quality, GHG and Noise. Chambers Group is assisting the City of Desert Hot Springs in preparing an
Addendum to the City’s GPU. The City prepared and adopted the GPU in May 2020. The City is proposing a zone change
for four parcels, two are currently developed and two are vacant. The land use and zone change would allow expanded
development for commercial uses for the vacant parcels, and will update the zoning of the two developed parcels to
be consistent with existing uses. Chambers Group will be reviewing the GPU’s EIR to determine if the Project meets the
criteria set forth in Section 15162 of the CEQA Guidelines which requires the preparation of a subsequent or
supplemental EIR. In addition to preparing an Addendum, the Project will include the preparation of an Air Quality, GHG
and Noise to supplement their analysis.
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