Item 15 - On-Call Environmental Review Services for Federally Funded Programs

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RFP #21-017: On-Call Environmental Review Services for the Housing Division City of Santa Ana Community Development Agency 6 63675 The EA will be prepared utilizing the format preferred by HUD, which includes the following sections: 1. Project Information 2. Funding Information 3. Compliance with 24 CFR 50.4, 58.5, and 58.6 Laws and Authorities 4. EA Factors 5. Mitigation Measures and Conditions The analysis of the environmental effects and significance will address direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of all the alternatives considered. These include the discussion of the Project’s compliance with statutes, executive orders, and regulations listed at 24 CFR 50.4, 58.5 and 58.6, and environmental assessment factors including land development, socioeconomic, community facilities and services, and natural features as appropriate. Upon completion of the EA, Chambers Group will enter the EA and associated documents into the HUD Environmental Review Online System (HEROS). HUD Environmental Review Online System (HEROS) To help Responsible Entities facilitate the environmental review process, HUD’s Office of Environment and Energy (OEE) has developed HEROS. HEROS is a web-based system for Responsible Entities to prepare and manage their Environmental Review Records (ERR). HEROS applies to all environmental reviews for HUD-assisted projects. HEROS streamlines the environmental review process for Users by replacing the existing paper-based process with a comprehensive web-based system. Users can create electronic Environmental Review Records and manage their reviews from a single, electronic portal. HEROS facilitates easier organization, sharing, and communications between a Responsible Entity and its partners. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) An EIS would be required if a federal action would result in the significant effects of the quality of the human environment. Chambers Group would prepare Chambers Group would prepare the NOI for publication in the Federal Register for the Project. The comments received on the NOI will be used to further refine those impact areas that will be analyzed in the EIS, if needed. The comments reviewed will be discussed with the City and federal agency to determine whether the scope of the EIS should be expanded. The NOI, comments received, and all correspondence will be included in the EIS appendices. The EIS will address direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts relevant to the proposed action. Following the public review period, the Final EIS would incorporate comments, responses, and changes to the Draft EIS (DEIS). The EIS process ends with a Record of Decision that outlines that federal agency’s decision, describes alternatives considered, and discusses any necessary mitigation or monitoring plans. Technical Studies The following studies and services are in response to services listed in the RFP, however, if additional studies (such as visual impact assessments and simulations or hydrologic/hydraulic assessments) are required as part of completing CEQA compliance and documentation, we would be happy to provide those services through a combination of in-house and subconsultant personnel. Biological and Resource Technical Reports Biological Resources Chambers Group’s biology team may utilize our deep bench of well-rounded biologists allowing for scheduling of simultaneous tasks at multiple sites. Our biological resources staff hold permits from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for collecting select species, conducting protocol surveys for sensitive species, and following specialized habitat evaluation procedures. The biology staff includes botanists and restoration ecologists who survey for sensitive plant species as well as specialize in restoration, revegetation, and soil analysis. In addition, Chambers Group staff are certified to perform wetland delineations. Our staff have conducted numerous database searches, Habitat Assessments, threatened and endangered species surveys, mitigation monitoring, and reports in Orange County. EXHIBIT 2