The County of Ventura is proposing to replace the existing low-water crossing on Old Creek Road with a multi-span bridge. The existing road crosses San Antonio Creek over a slightly raised concrete grade crossing. During low flow periods, this low-water crossing creates an impediment to the migration of the federally endangered southern steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus). In winter months, the high flows at the crossing create a safety hazard that prevents vehicles from crossing the creek. The purpose of the Old Creek Road Bridge Crossing Improvement Project is to provide a safe, year-round vehicular crossing over the San Antonio Creek while restoring the creek bottom to allow for the safe passage of fish. In addition to the presence of federally endangered fish and other protected species, the project was complicated by the presence of invasive giant cane (Arundo donax), which necessitated a complicated site revegetation plan.
PMC biologists prepared a natural environment study for the project, the biological assessment for southern steelhead trout, and coordinated endangered species act consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the NOAA Fisheries Service. PMC has also been contracted to complete the regulatory permitting, including a Section 404 Dredge and Fill Permit from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, a Section 401 water quality certification from the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, and a Section 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreement from the California Department of Fish and Game. PMC will also be conducting mitigation monitoring for the project during the construction phase