Res 2013-163(a)/Approving an agreement w/Halff Assocates for services in connection with the Old Ranch Road 12 bike/ped and widening

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;;; HALFF Page 17 2.6 Evaluate Environmental Consequences Evaluate and compare the environmental consequences of implementing the proposed project. Details concerning certain resource studies are provided below: • Air Quality — An air quality analysis is not anticipated to be required for this project. • Noise - A noise analysis is not anticipated to be required for this project. • Jurisdictional Waters of the United States - An evaluation of applicable Section 404 permit requirements is included in this scope of work. Documentation and a summary of findings would be incorporated into the environmental document as appropriate. Permitting issues and requirements will be identified. Navigational clearance under Section 9 and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 is not anticipated for this project. • Socio- economic Conditions - The general population and income characteristics of the immediate project area will be documented, and business operations in the study area likely to be affected by the proposed project will be identified. • Wildlife/Vegetation — A Biological Resources Technical Report will be prepared to document vegetation and wildlife habitat in the project area, and a determination will be made of habitat impacts in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between TxDOT and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Development of detailed mitigation plans, if required, is not included in this scope of work and would be performed under supplemental work order. • Threatened/Endangered Species - This scope includes a limited investigation of state- and federal - listed threatened and endangered species for the project area in Hays County. This investigation will include a review of current species lists from the TPWD and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service ( USFWS) for Hays County, and a search request from the Texas Natural Diversity Database ( TXNDD). The TXNDD is a record of occurrences for rare plant and animal resources that is based upon the best available information maintained by TPWD. The TXNDD data is to support determinations of potential species occurrence for the study area, and provide specific information where available. Conclusions will be made, based on general observations from a visual survey and the literature review and database search, regarding whether preferred habitat or designated critical habitat for any listed species is present within the project area, whether any listed species is likely to occur, and whether there is a potential effect to listed species. If additional surveys or species assessments and/or coordination with TPWD and USFWS are required, these additional services would be performed under supplemental work order. • Cultural Resources (Historic Structures) - Identified resources will be photographed, described, and mapped. Information gathered from research for the project area of potential effects (APE) to identify known eligible and listed National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) sites, State and National Historical Landmarks, State Historical Markers, and non - archeological resources of historic -age (i.e., anticipated let date minus 45 years) will be included in a Historical Studies Project Coordination Request (PCR). The PCR will be submitted to TxDOT ENV in accordance with TxDOT SOUs. • Cultural Resources (Archeology) - This scope includes efforts to prepare a PCR for Archeological Studies that conforms to TxDOT SOUs for submittal to TxDOT for review and approval. The scope of work is based on the typical level of effort and extent of jurisdiction of similar projects. Records previously obtained from the Texas Archeological Research Old RR 12—Design—Option 1