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During the completion of a Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the 735-acre Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore for the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District (LARPD), clear technical evidence indicated that the third largest sycamore grove in the state was suffering from an Anthracnose disease outbreak resulting from unnatural hydrological conditions created by water releases/conveyance.
In order to provide water to a significant population within the Tri-Valley area, Zone 7 recharges the groundwater basin through summer water releases from the Arroyo del Valle Dam into the Sycamore Grove Park where the grove exists. The necessary water releases have created unnatural hydrological conditions that have resulted in significant mortality and a decline of this valuable resource. To facilitate recovery of the sycamore grove, LARPD and Zone 7 have engaged Sycamore Associates LLC to analyze flood conveyance alternatives, regulatory and cost implications, and engineering considerations.
Key issues included: Water Conveyance Facilities; Biological Assessment & Impact Analysis; Restoration, Mitigation & Permitting; Resource Management Planning; and Water Resources and Water Quality
In response to groundwater concerns expressed by city, state, and federal officials, Sycamore Associates LLC evaluated the hydrological and biological issues associated with the management of watering and fertilizing of a golf course in Morgan Hill, Santa Clara County.
Responding to an ADEIR, studies were conducted to determine the presence/absence and mobility of potential surface and groundwater pollutants in conjunction with evaluations of the management and application of chemicals to the golf course, to impacts upon the aquifer due to pumping, and to modification of site and local stream flows. The golf course and the watershed surface and shallow subsurface drainage water system were modeled, water bodies were sampled and analyzed, and the water table was compared over time. Our findings refuted many of the impacts speculated upon in the ADEIR. Sycamore also conducted special-status species surveys and initiated a planning process for enhancing special-status species habitat within the golf course.
Keys issues included: Biological Assessment & Impact Analysis and Water Resources & Water Quality
Sycamore Associates LLC developed a customized water quality management plan
for this residential project in Danville planned for development in an area
characterized by steep slopes and erosive soils. Water quality
treatment options were selected for their compatibility with
endangered species breeding habitat, steep topography, and soil
permeability constraints. A variety of conceptual management
options were evaluated to mitigate for potential downstream hydromodification
impacts, including onsite detention measures, velocity dissipation
structures, and stream restoration plans.
Key issues included: Water Resources & Water Quality
Sycamore Associates LLC conducted field surveys of residential, commercial, and public landscapes throughout Santa Barbara County, assessing vegetation losses due to drought and irrigation restrictions. A drought susceptibility index was designed for the plant species encountered in the numerous field surveys, allowing calculation of theoretical vegetation loss scenarios for Santa Barbara County in the event of future droughts. The role of vegetation in the 1990 Santa Barbara fire was also analyzed as Sycamore teamed with economists to identify vegetation-related economic losses to the community.
Findings were considered in relation to state water policy, and water conservation and landscaping practices were developed for the City of Santa Barbara and presented in a booklet for its citizens entitled Unique Unthirsty Replacements for Common Plants.
Key issues included: Biological Assessment & Impact Analysis; Water Resources & Water Quality; and Economic & Feasibility Analysis
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