For the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Tehama County, California

This project involved alternatives screening, concept plan development, and environmental documentation for repair or replacement of a steel mesh stream crossing on Antelope Creek within the California Department of Fish & Game (CDFG) Tehama Wildlife Area, which created a barrier at certain flows for upstream migrating adult Chinook salmon. Questa compiled basic information on the existing conditions of the site, including initial environmental and engineering studies that quantified the hydrologic and hydraulic environment, investigated the existing geomorphic pattern of the stream, and documented structural constraints. The pros and cons of each alternative, as well preliminary cost estimates, were outlined. Through discussions with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the CDFG, Questa recommended a clear-span bridge to replace the existing low-flow crossing. Questa devloped this preferred alternative into a concept plan, which was used as the project description to prepare a CEQA Initial Study Checklist and a NEPA Environmental Assessment. Questa also prepared a Geotechnical Report, Biological Assessment, and all waterway regulatory permit applications, including Army Corps of Engineers, CDFG, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board.