Project Description
The Sacramento River Erosion Contract 2 project is a critical component of the American River Common Features (ARCF) Project, designed to mitigate flood risk in the Sacramento Region. Authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, this project focuses on addressing erosion and levee failure risks along the Sacramento River east levee, particularly adjacent to the Pocket neighborhood of Sacramento. The project involves the placement of rock revetment to reinforce the levee, ensuring its stability and effectiveness in flood protection. The Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) for Contract 2 evaluates the environmental impacts of specific project elements that were not detailed in the 2016 ARCF General Reevaluation Report and Environmental Impact Statement/Report (FEIS/FEIR).
Major Challenges
The Sacramento Delta project faces significant challenges in its execution. The primary hurdles include the project’s massive scale, requiring the placement of over half a million tons of riprap along 3.4 miles of levee, and an extremely tight schedule constrained to two narrow “work windows” to protect sensitive fish species. This demanding timeline necessitates meticulous planning and intense work schedules. Additionally, the project grapples with complex logistical issues, involving the transportation of enormous quantities of material via barge from San Rafael to Sacramento.
Further complicating matters are the environmental considerations, which require balancing flood protection with habitat preservation and creation. The project must incorporate native riparian species and integrate woody material from approximately 1,600 trees. Safety concerns are also paramount, as workers contend with changing river conditions and operate heavy machinery in challenging environments. Lastly, the project’s location in a densely populated area of Sacramento adds another layer of complexity, requiring careful management of community impact and potential disruptions.
Project Highlights
A key highlight of the Sacramento River Erosion Contract 2 project is the implementation of advanced erosion control measures, including the placement of rock revetment, which significantly enhances the levee’s resilience against flood events. The project also includes the removal and replacement of municipal drainage systems at Sump 63, ensuring continued effective water management. The use of modified methods for rock placement and the careful planning of barge traffic and logistics demonstrate the project’s commitment to minimizing environmental impacts. The comprehensive mitigation measures outlined in the SEA ensure that the project’s effects on air quality, water quality, vegetation, wildlife, and special-status species are kept to a minimum.
Project Scope
The scope of the Sacramento River Erosion Contract 2 project includes the placement of rock revetment along the Sacramento River east levee to address erosion and levee failure risks. The project involves the removal and replacement of municipal drainage systems at Sump 63, the establishment of haul/access routes and staging areas, and the implementation of two modified methods for rock placement. The project also includes refinements to barge traffic estimates and logistics on the Sacramento River and through the Delta. Environmental compliance is a critical aspect of the project, with all practicable means to avoid or minimize adverse effects incorporated into the Proposed Action. Mitigation measures will be implemented to address impacts on air quality, water quality, vegetation, wildlife, and special-status species. The project aims to enhance the levee’s stability and effectiveness, contributing to the overall flood risk reduction efforts in the Sacramento Region.
