Final Mitigated Negative Declaration for the La Brucherie Avenue Road Widening City of El Centro, California

Transcription

1 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration for the La Brucherie Avenue Road Widening City of El Centro, California Prepared for Prepared by City of El Centro RECON Environmental, Inc. Public Works 1927 Fifth Avenue 1275 Main Street San Diego, CA El Centro, CA P F RECON Number 7294 October 14, 2014 Submitted to City of El Centro Community Development Department 1275 Main Street Lance Unverzagt, Project Manager El Centro, CA 92243

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3 City of El Centro Final Mitigated Negative Declaration for the La Brucherie Avenue Road Widening Project Letters of Comment and Responses Three letters of comment to the Draft MND were received from state and local agencies. The comment letters received during the Draft MND public review period contained comments that resulted in changes to the Final MND text. These changes to the text are indicated by strikeout (deleted) and underline (inserted) markings. Revisions to the Final MND are intended to correct minor discrepancies and provide additional clarification. The revisions do not constitute significant changes to the project or environmental setting, or the conclusions regarding environmental impacts. The letters received during the public review period are listed as follows: State and Local Agencies Imperial Irrigation District (IID) July 23, 2014 Page 2 Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (ICAPCD) July 23, 2014 Page 14 Imperial County Department of Public Works (ICDPW) July 25, 2014 Page 17 Page 1

4 LETTER RESPONSE Letter A A-1 A-1 Comment noted. The City of El Centro shall contact the IID Energy Customer Operations Center to address concerns about potential impacts on energy infrastructure in the project area. Page 2

5 LETTER RESPONSE A-2 A-3 A-2 Comment noted. A-3 Comment noted. The City of El Centro shall contact the IID Water Engineering Services and provide project plans and drawings prior to installation of facilities adjacent to IID s water infrastructure. A-4 A-4 Comment noted. The City of El Centro shall coordinate IID Water Engineering Services. A-5 A-5 Comment noted. The City acknowledges that an encroachment permit would need to be submitted to IID should any project-related construction be required in IID property, rights-of-way, or easements. A-6 A-6 Comment noted. The City of El Centro shall contact the IID prior to installation of facilities adjacent to IID s facilities. The City also acknowledges that certain conditions may be placed if necessary to mitigate or avoid impacts to IID facilities. A-7 A-7 Comment noted. Page 3

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16 LETTER RESPONSE Letter B B-1 All construction and earth-moving activities that occur in the county are required to follow and implement ICAPCD Rules and Regulations. Of importance to the air quality analysis, Regulation VIII provides requirements for construction and earth-moving activities to reduce the amount of PM 10 emissions. The rules contained in this regulation were developed pursuant to U.S. EPA guidance for Serious PM 10 non-attainment areas. When modeling criteria pollutant emissions from construction activities, it is assumed that projects would comply all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including ICAPCD Regulation VIII. Specifically, per Regulation VIII, the project would water exposed areas at least once per day, reduce vehicle speed on unpaved roads, and clean paved roads. In order to account for these requirements, the CalEEMod mitigation module was used. However, because these measures are required by law, they are not considered mitigation. It was calculated that unmitigated construction activities would emit 116 pounds of PM 10 per day. B-1 B-2 B-3 B-2 Worst-case emissions are projected to be less than the ICAPCD thresholds for all criteria pollutants. However, as required by the ICAPCD, the standard mitigation measures for construction equipment and fugitive PM 10 control for construction activities shall be implemented at all construction sites. Additional enhanced and discretionary measures also apply to the proposed project, because the project area is greater than five acres. The measures listed in comment B-7 have also been included. Thus, it has been concluded that the impact would be significant mitigation incorporated. B-3 Please see response B-1. Unmitigated construction activities would emit 116 pounds of PM 10 per day. Page 14

17 LETTER RESPONSE B-4 B-5 B-6 B-4 Please see response B-1. Emissions of PM 10 would be less than the ICAPCD thresholds. However, the project would be required to implement standard, enhanced, and discretionary mitigation measures for fugitive PM 10 control and construction equipment. As stated in comment B-4, incorporation of these measures, PM 10 emissions would be successfully reduced to less than significant. B-5 Comment noted. The project shall adopt the enhanced measures for fugitive dust emissions. B-6 Comment noted. B-7 B-7 has been incorporated as recommended. B-8 B-9 B-8 The City of El Centro project would improve the existing roadway by widening and rehabilitating a 2,600-foot segment of La Brucherie Avenue from Orange Avenue to Barbara Worth Drive. The widening and pavement rehabilitation would not generate additional traffic to the roadway network and therefore a traffic impact analysis would not be required or prepared. B-9 Comment noted. The City shall provide the Air District a Dust Control Plan, Construction Notification Form, and a list of construction equipment. Page 15

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19 Letter C C-1 C-2 C-1 Comment noted. C-2 Comment noted. The applicant shall research, protect, and preserve survey monuments per the Professional Land Surveyor s Act (8771(b)). Page 17

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21 Mitigated Negative Declaration for the La Brucherie Avenue Road Widening City of El Centro, California Prepared for Prepared by City of El Centro RECON Environmental, Inc. Public Works 1927 Fifth Avenue 1275 Main Street San Diego, CA El Centro, CA P F RECON Number 7294 June 25, 2014 Submitted to City of El Centro Community Development Department 1275 Main Street Lance Unverzagt, Project Manager El Centro, CA 92243

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23 TABLE OF CONTENTS Glossary of Terms and Acronyms iii 1.0 Introduction Project Needs and Objectives Project Location and Setting Project Description Land Use and Zoning Authority to Prepare a Mitigated Negative Declaration Results of Public Review Mitigated Negative Declaration Air Quality Greenhouse Gas Emissions Noise Monitoring and Reporting Program Air Quality Initial Study References Cited 75 FIGURES 1: Regional Location 3 2: Project Location on USGS Map 4 3: Preliminary Site Plan 5 4: Parcels ed 7 5: Existing Vehicle Noise Contours 25 6: Existing Plus Project Vehicle Noise Contours 28 7: Future Vehicle Noise Contours 29 Page i

24 TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont.) TABLES 1: Surrounding Land Use and Zoning 2 2: Thresholds of Significance for Construction Activities 11 3: Construction Equipment Parameters 13 4: Summary of Worst-Case Construction Emissions out (pounds/day) 13 5: Construction GHG Emissions 20 6: 20-minute Noise Measurements 23 7: 20-minute Traffic Counts 23 8: Modeled Receiver Noise Levels 24 APPENDICES A: CalEEMod Output Air Quality B: CalEEMod Output GHG Emissions C: Noise Analysis Page ii

25 Glossary of Terms and Acronyms AAQS Ambient Air Quality Standards AEP Association of Environmental Professionals AQAP Air Quality Attainment Plan AVR Average Vehicle Ridership BAU Business as Usual CalEEMod California Emissions Estimator Model CAPCOA California Air Pollution Control Officers Association CARB California Air Resources Board CEQA California Environmental Quality Act CH 4 methane CO carbon monoxide CO 2 carbon dioxide EPA Environmental Protection Agency F degrees Fahrenheit GHG greenhouse gas ICAPCD Imperial County Air Pollution Control District MND Mitigated Negative Declaration Mph miles per hour MTCO 2 E metric-ton of carbon dioxide equivalent NO 2 nitrogen dioxide N 2 O nitrous oxide OEHHA Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment O 3 ozone Pb lead PM 2.5 particulates 2.5 microns or less in diameter PM 10 particulates 10 microns or less in diameter ROW Right-of-way SIP State Implementation Plan SO 2 sulfur dioxide SO x sulfur oxide SSAB Salton Sea Air Basin Page iii

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27 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Project Needs and Objectives The primary objective of the proposed La Brucherie Avenue Road Widening project (hereafter: project) is to acquire additional right-of-way (ROW) in order to accommodate the expansion of La Brucherie Avenue from 77 feet to 112 feet. The roadway classification for the project site is 4-Lane Arterial according to the Circulation Element of the City of El Centro s General Plan. Currently, the existing road segment does not meet this standard. Implementation of the proposed project would achieve the 4-lane Arterial objective and ensure consistency the Circulation Element. 1.2 Project Location and Setting The project site is located along South La Brucherie Avenue from Barbara Worth Drive at the northern extent to Holt Avenue at the southernmost extent. La Brucherie Avenue connects El Centro the City of Imperial to the north and is one of the major north south roadways in the western portion of the City of El Centro, Imperial County, California (City). Figures 1, 2, and 3 show the regional location, the project vicinity, and the project improvement plans, respectively. The linear project site traverses a primarily single-family residential area in the City. Other land uses along the ROW include the U.S. District Courthouse, multi-family residential, general commercial, public utility, a school, and a park. In its existing condition, La Brucherie is approximately 95 feet in width near the U.S. District Courthouse, but narrows to approximately 48 feet when it reaches West Main Street due to a lack of a public ROW south of a water tank. 1.3 Project Description The La Brucherie Avenue Road Widening project consists of ROW acquisition and road widening and pavement rehabilitation improvements. The improvements would occur along a 2,600-foot segment of La Brucherie Avenue from Orange Avenue to the intersection of La Brucherie Avenue and Commercial Avenue/Barbara Worth Drive in the City of El Centro. The existing right of way is currently 77 feet along the segment affected by the project. Implementation of the project will require the City to acquire additional ROW from existing residential properties along La Brucherie Avenue. The acquisition of additional land for this project would allow La Brucherie Avenue to be expanded to 112 feet. The 112-foot ROW width is consistent the 4-lane arterial standards from the Circulation Element of the General Plan (City of El Centro 2009), which requires 102 feet for the travel lanes and median, and an additional 10 feet for sidewalks (total of 112 feet). Page 1

28 A total of eleven properties would be partially or fully acquired by the project. Nine properties would be partially acquired and The City would fully acquire two other properties, which would require temporary and/or permanent relocations of two residences. As some of the parcels contain multiple residences, more than 11 addresses would be affected. The two residences to be fully acquired are 2010 West Main Street and 266 South La Brucherie Avenue, El Centro, CA The twelve residences that would be partially acquired include: 479, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, and 2003 West Main Street; 2010 Main Street; 202, 234, and 298 South La Brucherie Avenue; 1871 La Brucherie Avenue; and 501 West Olive Street, El Centro, California (Figure 4). In addition to the properties that would be fully or partially acquired, there are an unknown number of properties that may have private raw water lines which feed from a raw water crossing near 2003 West Main Street. Any private water lines would need to be capped and abandoned. The following properties do not have active water and sewer accounts, but have not been confirmed to have private raw water lines: 202, 234, 266, and 298 South La Brucherie Avenue; 1871 La Brucherie Avenue; 501 West Olive Street; and 2003 West Main Street, El Centro, California. 1.4 Land Use and Zoning The land use and zoning designations surrounding the project site are shown in the table below. TABLE 1 SURROUNDING LAND USE AND ZONING Land Use Zoning East High Medium Density Residential Multi-family Residential West North South Low-density Residential General Commercial Public General Commercial Public Low-density Residential Single-family Residential General Commercial Limited Use Zone General Commercial Heavy Commercial Limited Use Zone Single-family Residential The roadway classification for the project site is 4-Lane Arterial according to the Circulation Element of the City s General Plan. 1.5 Authority to Prepare a Mitigated Negative Declaration As provided in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section , a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) may be prepared for a project when the Initial Study has identified potentially significant effects on the environment, but revisions in the project plans or proposals Page 2

29 UV 111 I M P E R I A L C O U N T Y Imperial Seeley kj El Centro 8 UV 86 Heber SAN BERNARDINO ORANGE RIVERSIDE SAN DIEGO IMPERIAL UV 98 Calexico MEXICO kj M:\JOBS4\7294\common_gis\fig1.mxd 3/14/2014 fmm Project Location M E X I C O 0 3 Miles [ FIGURE 1 Regional Location

30 Map Source: USGS 7.5 minute topographic map series, El Centro quadrangle 1979, T16S R13E 0 Feet 2,000[ Project Area M:\JOBS4\7294\common_gis\fig2.mxd 3/14/2014 fmm FIGURE 2 Project Location on USGS Map

31 Map Source: DMC Design FIGURE 3 Preliminary Site Plan M:\JOBS4\7294\env\graphics\MND\fig3.ai 03/14/14

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33 Solano Ave N 21st St S 21st St Image Source: Microsoft (flown May 2011) W Barbara Worth Dr N 22nd St N La Brucherie Rd W Main St W Olive Ave Porter Rd W Olive Ave W Brighton Ave W Orange Ave S 23rd St W Holt Ave S La Brucherie Rd Project Area ed Parcels \\serverfs01\gis\jobs4\7294\common_gis\fig4_ismnd.mxd 4/7/2014 fmm 0 Feet 300 [ FIGURE 4 Parcels ed

34 made by, or agreed to by, the applicant before the proposed Negative Declaration and Initial Study are released for public review would avoid the effects or mitigate the effects to a point where clearly no significant effect on the environment would occur, and there is no substantial evidence in light of the whole record before the public agency that the project, as revised, may have a significant effect on the environment. The City is the Lead Agency under CEQA and is responsible for planning and implementation of the proposed improvements to La Brucherie Avenue. Based on the findings of the Initial Study/Environmental Checklist for this project, the City has determined that preparation of a MND is the appropriate method by which to obtain compliance CEQA. The Initial Study/Environmental Checklist is included as Section 4.0 of this report. 1.6 Results of Public Review ( ) No comments were received during the public input period. ( ) Comments were received during the public input period, but they do not address the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration findings or the accuracy or completeness of the Initial Study. No response is necessary. The letters are attached. (X) Comments addressing the findings of the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration and/or accuracy or completeness of the Initial Study were received during the public input period. The letters and responses are presented at the beginning of this Final MND. Copies of the Mitigated Negative Declaration and any Initial Study support material are available for review at the City of El Centro, 1275 Main Street, El Centro, California /25/2014 Signature Date Norma Villicaña, Community Development Director 10/14/2014 City of El Centro Date of Final MND Page 8

35 2.0 Mitigated Negative Declaration 2.1 Air Quality Existing Conditions Air pollution affects all southern Californians regardless of where they live or their environmental lifestyles. Effects can include the following: Increased respiratory infection; Increased discomfort; Missed days from work and school; and Increased mortality. In addition to the human impact, polluted air also damages the agricultural industry and natural environment. The notorious southern California smog can often be aesthetically unpleasant as well. Air pollution can also lead to acid rain, which can be harmful to plant life and building materials. The analysis of impacts is based on State of California (state) and federal ambient air quality standards and assessed in accordance the guidelines, policies, and standards established by the City of El Centro and the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (ICAPCD) Regulatory Framework The state of California is divided geographically into 15 air basins for the purpose of managing the air resources of the state on a regional basis. Areas in each air basin are considered to share the same air masses and, therefore, are expected to have similar ambient air quality. If an air basin is not in either federal or state attainment for a particular pollutant, the basin is classified as moderate, serious, severe, or extreme (there is also a marginal classification for federal non-attainment areas) non-attainment area. The project site is located in the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB). Emission standards for mobile sources are established by state and federal agencies such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Reducing mobile source emissions requires the technological improvement of existing mobile sources and the examination of future mobile sources such as those associated new or modification projects. Stationary sources of air pollution are generally regulated through the permitting process as implemented by the local air district. The regulatory framework described below details the federal and state agencies that are in charge of monitoring and Page 9

36 controlling mobile and stationary source air pollutants and what measures are currently being taken to achieve and maintain healthful air quality in the SSAB. Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS) represent the maximum levels of background pollution considered safe, an adequate margin of safety, to protect the public health and welfare. Six pollutants of primary concern are designated: ozone (O 3 ), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), lead (Pb), and suspended particulates that are 10 microns or less in diameter (PM 10 ). The ICAPCD is the agency that regulates air quality in the SSAB. The ICAPCD provides guidance to mitigate adverse impacts to air quality from development projects in Imperial County. The ICAPCD has prepared guidelines for the implementation of CEQA in their CEQA Air Quality Handbook, dated November 2007 (ICAPCD 2007). The document is intended to develop protocol to address air quality impacts in the SSAB. The State Implementation Plan (SIP) is a collection of documents that set forth the state s strategies for achieving the air quality standards. The ICAPCD is responsible for preparing and implementing the portion of the SIP applicable to the SSAB. The ICAPCD adopts rules, regulations, and programs to attain state and federal air quality standards, and appropriates money (including permit fees) to achieve these objectives Existing Air Quality Air quality at a particular location is a function of the kinds and amounts of pollutants being emitted into the air locally and throughout the basin and the dispersal rates of pollutants in the region. The major factors affecting pollutant dispersion are wind speed and direction, vertical dispersion of pollutants (which is affected by inversions), and local topography. The Salton Sea Air Basin is a federal non-attainment area for 8-hour ozone, PM 10, and PM 2.5, and a state nonattainment area for 1-hour ozone, 8-hour ozone, and PM 10.Air quality is commonly expressed as the number of days in which air pollution levels exceed state standards set by the CARB or federal standards set by the EPA. The ICAPCD maintains air quality monitoring stations throughout Imperial County. Air pollutant concentrations and meteorological information are continuously recorded at these stations. Measurements are then used by scientists to help forecast daily air pollution levels. The El Centro Ninth Street monitoring station, located approximately one mile east of the project site, is the nearest station to the project area. Ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, PM 10, and suspended particulates that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM 2.5 ) are monitored at the Ninth Street monitoring station. Natural wind events and agricultural operations are major sources of air pollution in the SSAB. Other sources of emissions are categorized as stationary and mobile. Stationary sources are generally categorized as either point sources or area sources. Point sources are large emitters at an identified location such as power plants and manufacturing facilities. Area sources consist of small emissions in a general area such as water heaters and architectural coating. Mobile sources are categorized as either on-road or off-road. On-road mobile sources are vehicles on Page 10

37 freeways and roadways. Off-road sources include trains, ships, construction equipment, and other emitters that operate off freeways and roadways Significance Thresholds The ICAPCD CEQA Air Quality Handbook establishes the following four separate evaluation categories (ICAPCD 2007). 1. Comparison of calculated project emissions to ICAPCD emission thresholds. 2. Consistency the most recent Clean Air Plan for Imperial County. 3. Comparison of predicted ambient pollutant concentrations resulting from the project to state and federal health standards, when applicable. 4. The evaluation of special conditions which apply to certain projects. According to the ICAPCD CEQA Air Quality Handbook, the Initial Study of a development project should only consider long-term emissions from its operation when determining the level of significance. The analysis of construction impacts is to emphasize implementation of effective and comprehensive control measures rather than produce a detailed evaluation of the emissions. In the case of the proposed project, there would be no change in operational emissions, since there would be no increase in vehicle traffic due to road widening. Emissions due to construction were calculated and compared to the ICAPCD Thresholds of Significance for Construction Activities (Table 2). TABLE 2 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES Pollutant Threshold (pounds per day) PM ROG 75 NO x 100 CO 550 PM 10 = suspended particulates 10 microns or less in diameter ROG = reactive organic gases NO x = nitrogen oxide CO = carbon monoxide SOURCE: ICAPCD 2007 Page 11

38 The standard mitigation measures for construction equipment and fugitive PM 10 control for construction activities should be implemented at all construction sites. Additional measures may apply to construction sites greater than five acres. Control measures for fugitive PM 10 construction emissions in Imperial County are found in the ICAPCD Regulation VIII and in the Imperial County CEQA Air Quality Handbook, and are discussed below in Section To evaluate long-term air quality impacts due to operation of a project, the ICAPCD has provided Thresholds of Significance for Project Operations. However, because the proposed project would not result in additional operational emissions, these are not included in this analysis Analysis of s Air quality impacts would result from the construction of the project. Construction impacts are short term and result from fugitive dust, equipment exhaust, and indirect effects associated construction workers and deliveries. In the case of this project, operational (vehicle) emissions would remain unchanged, since the proposed project would not generate additional vehicle trips. Rather, the widening of La Brucherie Avenue would improve traffic flow in the vicinity ICAPCD Emissions Thresholds a. Construction Emissions Heavy-duty construction equipment is usually diesel powered. In general, emissions from diesel-powered equipment contain more nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter than gasoline-powered engines. However, diesel-powered engines generally produce less carbon monoxide and less reactive organic gases than gasoline-powered engines. Standard construction equipment includes dozers, rollers, scrapers, dewatering pumps, backhoes, loaders, paving equipment, delivery/haul trucks, jacking equipment, welding machines, pile drivers, and so on. Emissions associated construction of this project were calculated using the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) computer program assuming that construction would begin in February 2015 and last until October The phases, lengths of phases, and required construction equipment are summarized in Table 3. Additionally, the proposed project would require the demolition of two properties. Page 12

39 TABLE 3 CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT PARAMETERS Phase Length (Months) Equipment Type Amount Horsepower Load Factor Demolition 2 Skid Steer Loader Grubbing/Land Clearing 0.5 Skid Steer Loader Graders Grading/Excavation 0.5 Utilities/Construction 3 Paving 2 Compactor Roller Excavators Compactor Surfacing Equipment Tractor/Loader/Backhoe Grader Paver Paving Equipment Roller Tractor/Loader/Backhoe Table 4 shows the total projected construction maximum daily emission levels for each criteria pollutant along the ICAPCD threshold of significance. CalEEMod output is contained in Appendix A. TABLE 4 SUMMARY OF WORST-CASE CONSTRUCTION EMISSIONS WITHOUT MITIGATION (pounds/day) Emissions Year 2015 ICAPCD Threshold of Significance 2 ROG 3 75 NO x CO SO x 0 -- PM PM ROG = reactive organic gases NO x = nitrogen oxide CO = carbon monoxide SO x = sulfur oxide 1 Emissions calculated by CalEEMod are for SO 2. PM 10 = suspended particulates 10 microns or less in diameter PM 10 = suspended particulates 2.5 microns or less in diameter Page 13

40 Emissions summarized in Table 4 are the maximum emissions for each pollutant and they may occur during different phases of construction. These are, therefore, the worst-case emissions. For assessing the significance of the air quality emissions resulting during construction of the proposed project, the construction emissions were compared to the ICAPCD thresholds of significance for construction activities (see Table 2). As shown in Table 4, worst-case emissions are projected to be less than the thresholds for all criteria pollutants. s would be less than significant. b. Fugitive Dust Fugitive dust is any solid particulate matter that becomes airborne directly or indirectly as a result of human activities or natural events (such as windborne dust), other than that emitted from an exhaust stack. Fugitive dust is recognized by Imperial County as a contributor to PM 10 pollution and a health hazard. All construction sites, regardless of size, must comply the requirements contained in Regulation VIII. Although compliance Regulation VIII does not constitute mitigation under the reductions attributed to environmental impacts, its main purpose is to reduce the amount of PM 10 entrained into the atmosphere as a result of anthropogenic (man-made) fugitive dust sources. Therefore, under all preliminary modeling, a presumption is made that all projects are in compliance Regulation VIII Plan Consistency The current Clean Air Plans in the project area include the ozone Air Quality Attainment Plan (AQAP) and PM 10 SIP. The ICAPCD CEQA Air Quality Handbook states that a consistency analysis the Clean Air Plans is required for large residential developments and large commercial developments which are required to develop an EIR and/or a Comprehensive Air Quality Analysis Report. The basis for the Clean Air Plans is the distribution of population in the region, which is based in part on the land uses established by the General Plan. The proposed project would widen La Brucherie Avenue and does not propose new development or increase traffic on the roadway network. Additionally, construction emissions would be less than ICAPCD thresholds. As such, the proposed project would not conflict the ozone AQAP or PM 10 SIP Pollutant Concentrations As discussed in Section , to help protect public health and welfare, the state and federal governments established AAQS for criteria pollutants. When a large residential and/or commercial project is deemed to have the potential to cause an exceedance of the AAQS, an ICAPCD air quality dispersion model may be required to determine localized concentrations. The proposed project would not result in an increase in operational emissions. Widening the roadway would improve traffic flow on roadway segments and at intersections. Thus, the proposed project would not result in an increase in pollutant concentrations. Page 14

41 Special Conditions Additional analysis is required for development projects that are located in proximity to existing industrial operations that have the potential to emit toxic or hazardous air pollutants, or for commercial or industrial projects proposed in 1,000 feet of a school. The proposed project would not result in the exposure of sensitive receptors to toxic or hazardous air pollutants from project operation. Construction equipment is diesel powered. Diesel particulate matter has been identified as a toxic air contaminant. The health risks associated diesel particulate matter are those related to long-term exposures (i.e., cancer and chronic effects) (California EPA Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment [OEHHA] 2003). Long-term health risk effects to residents are generally evaluated for an exposure period of 70 years (i.e., lifetime exposure) (OEHHA 2003). Residential and school uses are located adjacent to La Brucherie Avenue. However, because risk is based on a lifetime of exposure and because construction would be short-term, impacts due to construction diesel particulate matter would be less than significant Significance of s Although impacts would be less than significant, the ICAPCD CEQA Air Quality Handbook contains standard mitigation measures for construction equipment and fugitive PM 10 that shall be implemented at all construction sites, as appropriate and feasible, regardless of site size. The ICAPCD CEQA Air Quality Handbook also contains discretionary measures for fugitive PM 10 control that shall be implemented at non-residential construction sites greater than five acres and residential construction sites greater than ten acres. The proposed project is nonresidential and is approximately six acres. Therefore, all standard and discretionary measures for construction-related emissions (listed below in Section 2.1.5) shall apply Measures The following measures have been shown to significantly reduce emissions and shall be implemented as part of project construction: 1. Standard Measures for Construction Equipment Use alternative fueled or catalyst-equipped diesel-construction equipment, including all off-road and portable diesel-powered equipment. Minimize idling time either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reduce the time idling to five minutes as a maximum. Limit, to the extent feasible, the hours of operation of heavy-duty equipment and/or the amount of equipment in use. Page 15

42 Replace fossil-fueled equipment electrically driven equivalents (provided they are not run via a portable generator set). During construction activities, only Tier 2 or above equipment shall be used. 2. Enhanced Measures for Construction Equipment Curtail construction during periods of high ambient pollutant concentrations; this may include ceasing of construction activity during the peak hour vehicular traffic on adjacent roadways. Implement activity management (e.g., reschedule activities to reduce short-term impacts). Curtail construction during periods of wind speeds greater than 15 miles per hour (mph). Recordkeeping: a record of wind speeds and a description of the selected mitigation measures frequency of application shall be maintained and made available to ICAPCD staff upon request. 3. Standard Measures for Fugitive PM 10 Control All disturbed areas, including bulk material storage that is not being actively utilized, shall be effectively stabilized, and visible emissions shall be limited to no greater than 20 percent opacity for dust emissions by using water, chemical stabilizers, dust suppressants, tarps, or other suitable material such as vegetative ground cover. All on-site and off-site unpaved roads shall be effectively stabilized, and visible emissions shall be limited to no greater than 20 percent opacity for dust emissions by paving, chemical stabilizers, dust suppressants, and/or watering. All unpaved areas of one acre or more 75 or more average vehicle trips per day shall be effectively stabilized, and visible emissions shall be limited to no greater than 20 percent opacity for dust emissions by paving, chemical stabilizers, dust suppressants, and/or watering. The transport of bulk material shall be completely covered, unless six inches of freeboard space from the top of the container is maintained no spillage and loss of bulk material. In addition, the cargo compartment of all haul trucks is to be cleaned and/or washed at delivery site after removal of bulk material. All track-out or carry-out shall be cleaned at the end of each workday or immediately when mud or dirt extends a cumulative distance of 50 linear feet or more onto a paved road in an urban area. Page 16

43 Movement of bulk material handling or transfer shall be stabilized prior to handling or at points of transfer the application of sufficient water, chemical stabilizers, or by sheltering or enclosing the operation and transfer line. The construction of any new unpaved road is prohibited in any area a population of 500 or more, unless the road meets the definition of a temporary unpaved road. Any temporary unpaved road shall be effectively stabilized, and visible emissions shall be limited to no greater than 20 percent opacity for dust emission by paving, chemical stabilizers, dust suppressants, and/or watering. 4. Discretionary Measures for Fugitive PM 10 Control Water exposed soil adequate frequency for continued moist soil. Replace ground cover in disturbed areas as quickly as possible. Install automatic sprinkler systems on all soil piles. Restrict vehicle speed for all construction vehicles to 15 miles per hour maximum on any unpaved surface at the construction site. Develop a trip reduction plan to achieve a 1.5 AVR (Average Vehicle Ridership) for construction employees. Implement a shuttle service to and from retail services and food establishments during lunch hours. Water exposed soil, piles, and bulk material adequate frequency for continued moist soil and to assure a minimum of 20 percent moisture content. Recordkeeping: a record of frequency of watering on exposed soil, piles, and bulk materials must be maintained and made available to ICAPCD staff upon request. In addition, project construction operations must adhere to the ICAPCD Regulation VIII to reduce the amount of PM 10 emissions as a result of fugitive dust emissions (ICAPCD 2007) Significance after Implementation of the ICAPCD CEQA Air Quality Handbook standard and discretionary measures for construction equipment and fugitive PM 10 would ensure that impacts would be less than significant. Page 17

44 2.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Existing Conditions Many scientists are of the opinion that the earth s temperature is increasing and that the increase is expected to have wide-ranging effects on the environment. Although global climate change is anticipated to affect all areas of the globe, there are numerous implications of direct importance to California. Statewide average temperatures are anticipated to increase by between 3 and 10.5 degrees Fahrenheit ( F) by 2100 (California Climate Change Center 2006). Some climate models indicate that this warming may be greater in the summer than in the winter. This could result in widespread adverse impacts to ecosystem health, agricultural production, water use and supply, and energy demand. Increased temperatures could reduce the Sierra Nevada snowpack and put additional strain on the region s water supply. In addition, increased temperatures could result in lower inversion levels leading to a decrease in air quality. It is important to note that even if greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were to be eliminated or dramatically reduced, it is projected that the effect of those emissions would continue to affect global climate for centuries. Regulations have been developed to reduce national, state, and local GHG emissions by primarily targeting the largest emitters of GHGs: the transportation and energy sectors. Plan goals and regulatory standards are thus largely focused on the automobile industry and public utilities. For the transportation sector, the reduction strategy is generally three pronged: to reduce GHG emissions from vehicles by improving engine design; to reduce the carbon content of transportation fuels through research, funding, and incentives to fuel suppliers; and to reduce the miles vehicles travel through land use change and infrastructure investments. For the energy sector, the reduction strategies aim to reduce energy demand; impose emission caps on energy providers; establish minimum building energy and green building standards; transition to renewable non-fossil fuels; incentivize homeowners and builders; fully recover landfill gas for energy; expand research and development; and so forth. California Assembly Bill 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, requires California s GHG emissions to decrease to 1990 levels by Subsequently, California Senate Bill 97 directed the Office of Planning and Research to adopt CEQA Guidelines on analyzing GHG emissions. The new regulations became effective as part of the CEQA Guidelines on March 18, The guidelines do not require or recommend a specific analytical methodology or set a quantitative threshold for determining the significance of GHG emissions. They state that lead agencies should analyze each project individually to determine whether the project s GHG impacts are cumulatively considerable and that the analysis of GHG impacts should consider the extent that the project would increase or reduce GHG emissions or exceed a locally applicable threshold of significance. The project GHG emissions are limited to road construction, and no change in operational emissions would occur. The federal and state regulatory standards are focused mainly on Page 18

45 vehicle emissions and energy emissions that would be associated land use and development projects. Because the emissions associated the project would be limited to construction, many of these standards would not apply directly to the project Significance Thresholds With respect to GHG emissions, the following thresholds based on applicable criteria in the state CEQA Guidelines (CCR ), Appendix G, are used to determine if a significant impact related to GHG emissions may occur. A significant impact would occur if the project would: 1. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment; or 2. Conflict an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gas. The City does not currently have adopted thresholds of significance for GHG emissions. Therefore, a 900-metric-ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO 2 E) screening criterion for determining when a detailed GHG analysis is used by the City following guidance from the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) report CEQA & Climate Change dated January The CAPCOA report references the 900-metric-ton guideline as a conservative threshold for requiring further analysis and mitigation. This emission level is based on the amount of vehicle trips, typical energy and water use, and other factors associated projects. CAPCOA identifies project types that are estimated to emit approximately 900 MTCO 2 E of GHGs annually. Projects that meet the criterion are not required by the City to prepare a detailed Business as Usual (BAU) GHG technical analysis report Analysis of s GHG Emissions Operational sources of GHG emissions would be those associated vehicle traffic. However, the proposed project would not result in a change in existing or future traffic volumes on La Brucherie Avenue or other roadways in the vicinity. Therefore, GHG emissions associated the proposed project would only be due to construction activities. Construction activities emit GHGs primarily though combustion of fuels (mostly diesel) in the engines of off-road construction equipment and through combustion of diesel and gasoline in on-road construction vehicles, as well as part of the commute vehicles of the construction workers. Smaller amounts of GHGs are also emitted through the energy use embodied in any water use (for fugitive dust control) and lighting for the construction activity. Every phase of the Page 19

46 construction process, including demolition, grading, utilities, and paving, emits GHGs in volumes proportional to the quantity and type of construction equipment used. The heavier equipment typically emits more GHGs per hour of use than the lighter equipment because of their greater fuel consumption and engine design. GHG emissions were estimated for the proposed project using the CalEEMod computer program and were calculated for the three GHGs of primary concern (carbon dioxide [CO 2 ], methane [CH 4 ], and nitrous oxide [N 2 O]) that would be emitted from construction. GHG emissions associated each phase of project construction are calculated using the anticipated construction equipment parameters shown in Table 3. Total construction emissions over the entire construction period were calculated. The Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) has recently recommended that total construction GHG emissions resulting from a project be amortized over 30 years (the estimated lifetime of a given project) and added to operational GHG emissions (AEP 2010). This results in a project s estimated combined annual construction and operational GHG emissions over the lifetime of a project. As discussed previously, there would be no change in operational GHG emissions and these were not included in this analysis. Table 5 summarizes the total GHG emissions for each phase of project construction. CalEEMod output is contained in Appendix B. As shown, construction emissions would total MTCO 2 E (5.28 MTCO 2 E when amortized over 30 years). As such, emissions would be less than the 900 MTCO 2 E annual threshold and impacts would therefore be less than significant. TABLE 5 CONSTRUCTION GHG EMISSIONS GHG Emissions Phase (MTCO 2 E) Demolition Grubbing/Land Clearing 1.04 Grading/Excavation 4.78 Utilities/Construction Paving Total Construction Emissions Total Construction Emissions (Amortized over 30 years) Plan Consistency The adopted federal and state plans and policies aim to reduce national and state GHG emissions by primarily targeting the largest emitters of GHGs: the transportation and energy sectors. The project GHG emissions are limited to construction, and no operational emissions are expected. The project does not alter the land use designation nor would it affect the growth forecast in the City of El Centro General Plan or any regional emissions inventories or planning efforts. Therefore, the project is consistent the goals of any applicable plans, policies, or regulations pertaining to the reduction of GHGs, and impacts would be less than significant. Page 20

47 2.2.4 Significance of s Construction emissions would not exceed the 900 MTCO 2 E annual threshold of significance. Additionally, the proposed project would not conflict the goals of any applicable plans, policies, or regulations pertaining to the reduction of GHGs. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant Measures s would be less than significant. No mitigation is required Significance after s would be less than significant. 2.3 Noise The following discussion of noise impacts is based upon the noise technical report that was prepared for the proposed project by RECON in March The report can be found in its entirety in Appendix C Existing Conditions Applicable Standards Construction noise is regulated by Section of the City s Noise Abatement and Control Ordinance, and transportation-related noise is regulated by the Noise Element of the City of El Centro General Plan. The following is a discussion of the applicable standards. a. Traffic Noise Transportation-related noise is regulated by the Noise Element of the City of El Centro General Plan. Land uses located in the vicinity of the proposed road widening include residential and government (courthouse) uses. Residential uses are normally acceptable up to 60 Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) and conditionally acceptable up to 70 CNEL. Office uses are normally acceptable up to 65 CNEL and conditionally acceptable up to 75 CNEL. b. Construction Noise Section of the City s Noise Abatement and Control Ordinance states that: Except for emergency work, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate construction equipment at any construction site, except as outlined in subsections (a) and (b) below: Page 21

48 a. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate construction equipment at any construction site on Sundays, and days appointed by the president, governor, or the city council for a public holiday. Notstanding the above, a person may operate construction equipment on the above specified days between the hours of 10 A.M. and 5 P.M. in compliance the requirements of subsection (b) of this section at his residence or for the purpose of constructing a residence for himself, provided such operation of construction equipment is not carried on for profit or livelihood. In addition, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate construction equipment at any construction site on Mondays through Saturdays except between the hours of 6 A.M. and 7 P.M. b. No such equipment, or combination of equipment regardless of age or date of acquisition, shall be operated so as to cause noise at a level in excess of seventy-five (75) decibels for more than eight (8) hours during any twenty-four (24) hour period when measured at or in the property lines of any property which is developed and used either in part or in whole for residential purposes On-site Noise Levels Noise-sensitive receptors are generally considered humans engaged in activities or utilizing land uses that may be subject to the stress of significant interference from noise. Activities usually associated noise-sensitive receptors include, but are not limited to, talking, reading, and sleeping. Land uses often associated noise-sensitive receptors include residential dwellings, mobile homes, hotels, motels, hospitals, nursing homes, education facilities, and libraries. The project segment of La Brucherie Avenue is bordered by multi-family residential uses to the east; single-family residential, general commercial, and public land uses to the west; multi-family residential and general commercial uses to the north; and single-family residential and school and park uses to the south. Existing noise levels adjacent to La Brucherie Avenue were measured on February 13, Noise measurements were taken to obtain existing noise levels adjacent to La Brucherie Avenue in the vicinity of the proposed widening. The weather was warm and clear a slight breeze. Three 20-minute measurements were taken as described below. The primary source of noise was due to traffic on La Brucherie Avenue. Traffic on La Brucherie Avenue was counted during each of the measurement periods. The noise measurements are summarized in Table 6. The traffic counts are summarized in Table 7. Page 22

49 TABLE 6 20-MINUTE NOISE MEASUREMENTS ID Location Time Noise Level db(a) L eq 1 50 feet west of La Brucherie Avenue in empty lot located between Orange Avenue and Olive Road 10:50 A.M feet east of La Brucherie Avenue at St. Mary Catholic Church 11:24 A.M feet east of La Brucherie Avenue in empty lot located between Barbara Worth Drive and Adams Avenue 12:02 P.M Measurement Roadway Direction La Brucherie Avenue La Brucherie Avenue La Brucherie Avenue TABLE 7 20-MINUTE TRAFFIC COUNTS Traffic Counts Medium Heavy Trucks Trucks Automobiles Motorcycles Buses Northbound Southbound Total Northbound Southbound Total Northbound Southbound Total Measurement 1 was located in an empty lot between Orange Avenue and Olive Road at 50 feet west of the edge of La Brucherie Avenue and 95 feet south of the residential property line to the north. The main noise source at this location was vehicle traffic on La Brucherie Avenue. The posted speed is 40 miles per hour. During the measurement period, traffic was measured to be traveling at 30 to 35 mph due to the stop sign located at the corner of La Brucherie Avenue and Orange Avenue. Traffic volumes were counted and the results are shown in Table 7. The average measured noise level during Measurement 1 was 60.0 db(a) L eq. Measurement 2 was located at St. Mary s Catholic Church at 50 feet east of the edge of La Brucherie Avenue in the center of the church sidewalk. The main noise source at this location was vehicle traffic on La Brucherie Avenue. The posted speed is 40 miles per hour. During the measurement period, traffic was measured to be traveling at 35 to 40 mph. Traffic volumes were counted and the results are shown in Table 7. The average measured noise level during Measurement 2 was 59.5 db(a) L eq. Measurement 3 was located in an empty lot between Barbara Worth Drive and Adams Avenue at 50 feet west of the edge of La Brucherie Avenue and 100 feet north of the curb at Barbara Worth Drive. The main noise source at this location was vehicle traffic on La Brucherie Avenue. When traffic was not present on La Brucherie Avenue, other audible noise sources included traffic on Adams Avenue and a barely audible pump located at the southeast corner of La Page 23