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MEMORANDUM <br />Review of Geotechnical Study <br />Proposed Main Street Apartments <br />353 Main Street, Redwood City, California <br />May 18, 2018 <br />Project No. 1-1089 <br />Page 3 of 7 <br />materials do not identify the elevations of the adjacent waterways or a discussion of the <br />rise and fall of the water levels in the creek. Our review of Google Earth Images of the site <br />show that approximately half the perimeter of the Project — essentially the contiguous <br />northerly and easterly boundaries of the Project - are directly proximal to Redwood Creek. <br />Also, there exists a narrow "buffer zone" of approximately 20 feet horizontal distance from <br />the edge of proposed parking lot to the creek system. There is also no meaningful <br />discussion of the vertical separation elevations between the existing 1 proposed grade of <br />the parking lot and the adjacent creek. It is our opinion that a small horizontal and vertical <br />"buffer" may be inadequate to properly isolate the project from the creek. The referenced <br />materials need to be updated with a study to confirm that the development and the <br />operation of the proposed Project will not adversely impact the water quality, flow, or safety <br />of Redwood Creek. This could occur from storm water surface flow and/or from <br />groundwater infiltration and potential connection between the project site and the adjacent <br />creek. One should also note that any negative impacts on Redwood Creek will <br />immediately find their way into the nearby San Francisco Bay watershed. <br />The directly adjacent Redwood Creek is a major local environmental feature. It is also <br />interconnected with multiple major local water features beneath and just downstream of <br />the Project site. The interconnected surface water features just downstream appear to be <br />environmentally significant and sensitive. The ground and groundwater underlying the <br />local area is geologically strongly interconnected with and interrelated as a function of its <br />proximity to these waterways. Review of historic aerials and topographic maps show that <br />the ground directly underlying the site previously contained numerous channels, fingers, <br />and other hydrogeologic / stratigraphic features that produce potentials for <br />intercommunication of storm water and groundwater from the Project site with and into <br />these adjacent water bodies. Reference Nos, 1,2, 5 and 6 of the Materials do not provide <br />any data or analysis that would allow one to draw conclusions regarding the <br />interconnection (or prevention of such connection) between storm water and groundwater <br />from the Project site with and into these adjacent water bodies. Accordingly, the City <br />should be provided with adequate studies and related analysis to show how the Project <br />site can be properly isolated from the adjacent Redwood Creek and other downstream <br />water bodies. These studies should address site drainage and groundwater transmission, <br />both during the construction period, and after development of the proposed Project. <br />Reference Nos. 1 and 2 were not signed by a State of California Registered Engineering <br />Geologist and Reference Nos. 5 and 6 were not signed by a Registered Geologist or <br />Engineer and may therefore lack appropriate professional oversight considering that this <br />Project site has a complex geologic sedimentary and hydrogeologic setting. Professional <br />standards and State law require that all studies that relate to engineering, geotechnical, <br />and water be reviewed and signed by appropriately registered and experienced persons. <br />Accordingly, the State of Califomia professional standards may not allow these references <br />to be considered as proper expert study and analysis for CEQA purposes. <br />350 Fischer Ave. Front • Costa Mesa, CA 92626 • P; 714 668 5600 • www.G3SoilWorks.com <br />