TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a first amendment to Agreement No. 30246 with LSA Associates, Inc., for $124,465, and to execute any future documents necessary to complete the environmental assessment phase for the Colorado Lagoon Restoration Project, including any required amendments to the contract to extend the term. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
The Colorado Lagoon (Lagoon) is a 28.3-acre tidal lagoon located in the middle of a suburban neighborhood. It serves three main functions: 1) hosting sensitive estuarine habitat; 2) providing public recreation (including swimming); and 3) retaining and conveying storm flows. The Lagoon is used by hundreds of visitors from communities within and surrounding the City of Long Beach (City).
The water and sediment quality within the Lagoon has degraded over time. The Lagoon is currently listed on California's 303(d) list of impaired water bodies due to elevated levels of lead, zinc, chlordane, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediment and high-bacteria levels in the water. Contaminants of concern have also been found in fish and mussel tissue. While swimming remains a popular activity at the Lagoon, beach closures are common due to unacceptable levels of bacteria.
The purpose of the Colorado Lagoon Restoration Project is to restore the site's ecosystem, enhance recreational opportunities, and improve water and sediment quality while adequately managing storm water flows. In 2005, with funding support from the State Coastal Conservancy, Moffatt & Nichol Engineers prepared a Restoration Feasibility Study that set the groundwork for the current environmental assessment phase.
On August 14, 2007, the City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with LSA Associates for the project's environmental assessment, as required under the California Environmental Quality Act. On May 28, 2008 the City released a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The City also accepted p...
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