Below are some examples of discrepancies from the original plan presented to the community:
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The plan estimated 80 total disturbed acres - they have disturbed 120 acres.
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The plan called for slope cuts of 6' maximum - some are 80'.
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The plan called for fill slopes of no greater than 6' - some fill slopes are greater than 20'.
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The fencing was to have the top strand removed to allow deer an easier exit from the highway - Caltrans is keeping the top strand.
In addition, construction work to date has resulted in two citations for environmental damage:
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A "Notice of Violation" issued by Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board for sediment discharge into Lee Vining Creek.
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A fine issued by Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District for allowing fugitive dust during construction.
Things we've learned with the Rush Creek 4-Laning Project include:
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Final project can be different than original design. The actual work deviated from the original environmental review documents and plans. What was initially presented to the community was not what took place on the landscape.
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Lack of trust. The information about the discrepancies was not immediately disclosed to the public. Only when MLC and others repeatedly expressed concern to Caltrans did they admit to 12 discrepancies from the original plan.
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Timing. The time to act is now - before the project begins. Once the project begins, little can be done to alter the project's course or suggest modifications.
Back to Rush Creek Project Page
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