IV.ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS H. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

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1 IV.ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS H. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS This section summarizes a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Report prepared for parcels located at 11703, and San Vicente Boulevard and and Gorham Avenue, which make up the project site. This report was prepared by Jack Orswell and Associates on February 23, This section also summarizes the results of a Bulk Survey conducted by WPM Construction Technology in July 1992, for the purposes of determining the presence of asbestos-containing materials for the structure located at Gorham Avenue. Environmental Setting Phase I Site Assessment The Phase I Site Assessment conducted for the project site consisted of: regulatory agency records review, local government records review, analysis of available aerial photographs, and on-site inspection. Regulatory Database Review The regulatory data base review consisted of searches of pertinent federal, state and regional regulatory agency records. The following sections describe the agency records reviewed and the findings of the data base search. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Lists. The USEPA listing of federal Superfund sites (National Priorities List) does not include any locations within one mile of the project site. The USEPA listing of Superfund Lien sites does not include any sites on or adjacent to the site. The USEPA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) listing for the County of Los Angeles, which indicates potential and confirmed contaminated properties that are under investigation, does not include any locations within one half-mile of the project site. The USEPA maintains a list of facilities that have been authorized to receive hazardous waste. In addition, the USEPA publishes a list of those facilities that are subject to a corrective action, based on the facilities waste handling and storage procedures. The facilities that are subject to a corrective action are identified as CORRACTS sites. The listing of Treatment, Storage or Disposal Facilities (TSDF) does not include any TSD facilities within a one-half mile radius of the project site. Further, the list does not include any CORRACTS facilities within a one-mile radius of the project site. The USEPA Emergency Response Notification System (ERNS) listing of locations that have reported a release of oil or hazardous substances to the federal government does not include any reported spills on the project site. Environmental Impact Report (EIR) No CUB (CUZ)(ZV)(DA) Page IV.H -1

2 State and Regional Agencies. The analysis also examined databases maintained by various State of California agencies that regulate the use and disposal of hazardous materials. California Department of Conservation Division of Oil and Gas (CDOG). CDOG publishes maps that identify the locations of active, idle or abandoned wells, which are located on or adjacent to proposed construction sites. A map of the project area indicates that there are no producing, idle or abandoned oil wells on or adjacent to the project site. California Environmental Protection Agency (CAL-EPA) Department of Toxic Substances Control. CAL-EPA regulates companies involved in the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of hazardous substances. CAL-EPA records include the CalSites database, which is a listing of 7,800 known active, inactive and abandoned hazardous waste sites. These sites have previously been reported in the Abandoned Site Program Information System (ASPIS), Bond Expenditure Plan (BEP), and Cortese databases. CAL-EPA records also include the California Integrated Waste Management Board s Active and Closed and Inactive landfills database. The CAL-EPA records indicate there are no CalSite facilities are located within a one-half mile radius of the project site. Additionally, there are no active, closed or inactive landfill sites within a one-half mile radius of the project site. California Water Resources Control Board Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). The RWQCB compiles lists of known leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) and monitors any contamination problems, the investigation, and any remedial action. In December 1999, a review of the RWQCB lists of USTs determined that the project site is not listed as being a source of a known leaking storage tank. However, according to RWQCB records, four known leaking underground tank sites are located within a one-half mile radius of the project site. All of these sites are reported to have had groundwater contaminated with gasoline. One site is the USA Petroleum Gas Station #106 located at San Vicente Boulevard, directly to the east of the project site, was first reported in September According to the records, the responsible party is implementing a corrective action plan to remove the contaminants from the site; the station meets 1998 federal and state regulations concerning the operation of underground storage tanks. The second site, the Chevron Service Station # located at San Vicente Boulevard approximately one-quarter mile west the project site, was first reported in February According to the records, the responsible party is installing additional monitoring equipment to determine the vertical and lateral extent of the contamination problem. The third site, the Unocal Gas Station #3104 located at San Vicente Boulevard approximately one-quarter mile west the project site, was first reported in January According to the records, the gasoline contamination has been removed from the site. However, the site is still being monitored to determine the effectiveness of the remedial action program. The fourth site, formerly Chevron Gas Station # located at Wilshire Boulevard approximately one-half mile southeast of the project site, was first reported in March According to the records, the gasoline contamination has been removed from the site; the site is Environmental Impact Report (EIR) No CUB (CUZ)(ZV)(DA) Page IV.H -2

3 still being monitored to determine effectiveness of the remedial action program. Through the remedial action programs, most if not all of the gasoline contamination at sites one, three, and four has been removed. Because the groundwater flow in the area is to the south, it not like that contamination from these sites, including site two, has migrated onto the project site. Local Agencies South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). AQMD maintains a Hot Spot list of facilities whose air emissions pose as a risk to the surrounding community. AQMD records indicate that there are no Hot Spot facilities on or adjacent to the project site. Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACOFD) Health Hazardous Materials Division. LACOFD maintains records concerning hazardous materials sites in Los Angeles County. The Active Site Mitigation Complaint Control Log indicates that there are no sites on or adjacent to the project site. Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Waste Management Division (DPW/WMD). DPW/WMD maintains maps showing the locations of active, inactive or future solid waste landfill sites in Los Angeles County. According to DPW s major waste systems map, no landfill sites are located within a one-half mile radius of the project site. Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Hydraulic/Water Conservation Division (DPW/HWC). DPW/HWC maintains contour maps and data of the groundwater levels in Los Angeles County area. The map shows the depth to the aquifer, as well as the approximate flow direction. A review of this data revealed the site is located at an elevation of approximately 320 feet above sea level, with the closest well located about two miles northeast of the site, near Bonsall Avenue and Grant Avenue. The elevation of the well is 334 feet above sea level, and the groundwater levels are 263 feet above sea level or 71 feet below the ground surface. Based on the topography of the area, the groundwater flow is expected to be to the south, although this cannot be confirmed due to lack of nearby wells. Fire Department (LAFD). The LAFD maintains inspection and inventory records of companies involved in the storage and use of hazardous materials or petrochemicals. LAFD records indicate that there are no files pertaining to the existence of underground tanks on the project site. Further, no hazardous material inventory records for the site exist on file with the LAFD. Previous Environmental Reports In 1991, Technical Waste, Inc. removed a UST from San Vicente Boulevard. Thirty cubic yards of contaminated soil were excavated and stockpiled on the site. Soil samples were obtained from the bottom of the excavation to determine if additional excavation was required. Analysis of the soil samples Environmental Impact Report (EIR) No CUB (CUZ)(ZV)(DA) Page IV.H -3

4 confirmed that the level of contaminates was well below EPA s guidelines. No further excavation was required. The UST and contaminated soil were removed from the site and transported to permitted disposal facilities. A closure report was issued for the site in In 1991 and 1993, Jack Orswell & Associates prepared Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Reports for the project site. In addition, limited surveys for asbestos containing materials (ACMs) were conducted at San Vicente Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard. These reports determined that only the structure located at San Vicente Boulevard contains ACMs. A bulk survey report for ACMs conducted for San Vicente Boulevard concluded that the structure at this location contains ACMs. However, no other significant environmental conditions were observed with the subject property, and no significant environmental threats were identified with the identified nearby offsite locations. Historical Site Information Review of the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of the project area shows that in 1928, a Los Angeles Public Library was located on the Gorham Avenue property, and a gasoline station was located on the San Vicente Boulevard property. A residence was located to the north of the site; the land to the south and west was vacant. In 1948, a frozen food locker and a vacant lot were located on the Gorham Avenue property, and a gasoline station was located on the San Vicente Boulevard property. The property at San Vicente Boulevard was occupied by a store and a furniture refinishing business. A residence was located to the north of the site, San Vicente Boulevard and several small stores were located to the south, and the property to the west was occupied by a small store and vacant land. Historic aerial photos of the project site taken in 1938 and 1952 show the project site occupied with a gasoline station and commercial uses. Surrounding land uses include commercial development to the north and south and commercial development to the south. By 1964, an aerial photo shows the project site was occupied with the existing structures. The type of land uses surrounding the site did not change, although the amount of surrounding development increased. An aerial photo shows that by 1985, more residential and commercial development had been constructed around the project site, while no further additions were made to the structures on the project site. The site and surrounding area appear to be about the same in a 1992 aerial photo as shown in the 1985 photo. Visual Site Inspection Visual site inspections were conducted at the five addresses for which the Reports were prepared. The purpose of the inspections was to determine if any hazardous substances or detrimental environmental conditions exist on or near the subject properties and to survey for possible ACMs. No large quantities of hazardous materials were observed being stored or used on any of the properties. A sample taken from the acoustical ceiling tile from the structure located at San Vicente Boulevard was tested for Environmental Impact Report (EIR) No CUB (CUZ)(ZV)(DA) Page IV.H -4

5 asbestos. The results of the examination indicated the sample did not contain asbestos. Ten samples of various building materials were taken from the structure located at San Vicente Boulevard for the purposes of asbestos testing. The results determined that no ACMs were located inside the building. However, the structure s roofing material does contain asbestos but does not pose as a health hazard to the building occupants. No AMCs were observed in the structure located at Gorham Avenue; no samples were taken for asbestos testing. A Bulk Survey, which is described below, was conducted to determine the presence of AMCs in the structure. Bulk Survey In accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency s (EPA) publication 560/ , Guidance for Controlling Asbestos Containing Materials in Buildings, the bulk survey conducted on the project site included the extraction of 19 samples taken from various materials throughout the building. These samples were submitted to an independent laboratory for analysis by Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), which is used in the identification of the mineral asbestos in a bulk sample. Regulations set forth by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) define the categories in which asbestos exists. Asbestos classifications are as follows: a) Friable: This is the same definition as used by the EPA. Examples include acoustical plaster and thermal system insulation. b) Class I Non-Friable: Any non-friable material containing more than one percent asbestos by area, or weight that can potentially be broken, crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder in the course of demolition or renovation activities. This includes vinyl floor tiles, roofing materials and transite sheeting or piping. c) Class II Non-Friable: All other asbestos containing material that is neither friable nor Class I non-friable, including certain types of window putty. Test results indicate that non-friable asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are present in the facility in the form of vinyl asbestos floor tiles and floor tile adhesives. Additionally, the sealant used on roof penetrations and roofing material on the parapet walls tested positive for asbestos. Although not tested for asbestos, a four-inch diameter transite pipe protruding through the roof is assumed to contain asbestos. However, the type of asbestos (i.e., non-friable) detected on the project site has not been associated with any known health risk. The survey concluded that the non-friable ACMs identified may be left in place without further action, with periodic surveillance of the ACMs to document their condition and to note any deterioration that may take place. The survey recommends that any work activities planned in close Environmental Impact Report (EIR) No CUB (CUZ)(ZV)(DA) Page IV.H -5

6 proximity to the ACMs identified or demolition of the structure be monitored to ensure that damage to the ACMs does not occur. Upon demolition of the structure, the owner must comply with Federal Regulation 40 CFR 61, Subpart M (NESHAPS), Subsection , which states that all friable ACMs materials, including non-friable materials that may become friable due to demolition activities, must be removed prior to the building demolition. Further, State Assembly Bill Number 2791 relating to building demolition requires all city and county building departments to require that applicants submit a copy of the asbestos notification, when applying for a demolition and renovation permit. Environmental Impact Threshold of Significance. Impacts related to hazardous materials would be significant if the project were located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled by federal, state, or local agencies, and remedial action would not occur prior to occupancy of the site, or if the use, production, or disposal of hazardous materials from the project results in a hazard to the public or the environment in or near the area affected by the proposed project. Project Impacts. The agency reviews, aerial photographs, and on-site inspection of the subject site did not reveal any current activities presenting potential environmental impacts. No instances of historical subsurface contamination on the property were identified during the records review. Additionally, the project site is not located in any federal or state databases that list sites known to generate, store, or be contaminated with hazardous materials. As mentioned previously, the project site is located within a one-half mile radius of four known properties that have groundwater contaminated with gasoline. According to the ESA, there is no indication contaminants from three of these sites (i.e., Chevron #9-9623, Unocal #3104, and Chevron #9-7748) have migrated onto the project site. Further, contaminants have been removed from two of these sites (Unocal #3104 and Chevron #9-7748), and the effectiveness of the remedial action programs continues to be monitored. A corrective action plan to remove contaminants from the USA Petroleum Gas Station site, which is located just to the south of the project site, has been in operation since It is probable that most if not all of the contamination has been removed. Further, it is unlikely that contaminants have migrated to the project site due to the southerly flow of groundwater in the project area. A bulk survey report conducted for the structure located at Gorham Avenue and an inspection for asbestos in the structure located at San Vicente Boulevard identified that these structures contain ACMs. No ACMs were found during an inspection for asbestos in the structure located at and San Vicente Boulevard. During demolition of the existing structures containing ACMs prior to project construction, all structures would be stabilized, removed, and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations including, but not limited to, SCAQMD Rule 1403 and Cal/OSHA requirements. Therefore, Environmental Impact Report (EIR) No CUB (CUZ)(ZV)(DA) Page IV.H -6

7 risk of upset impacts would be less than significant under existing regulations and no mitigation would be required. Mitigation Measures Although no hazardous materials impacts resulting from the proposed project have been identified, the following measure is required to ensure that hazardous materials impacts would not be significant: 1. Asbestos removal shall conform to Rule 1403 of the South Coast Air Quality Management District and EPA s NESHAP regulation. Cumulative Impacts Possible impacts resulting from implementation of cumulative projects would result from (a) new developments using or generating hazardous materials in the course of their production/service provision process, and (b) proximity of new developments to existing facilities which generate or have generated, hazardous materials. The related projects discussed in Section III.B all involve construction of residential uses that do not generate substantial quantities of hazardous materials. Based on existing regulations dealing with the use, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials, laws governing underground storage tanks, and the location and nature of surrounding land uses, no significant cumulative impacts would occur. Level of Significance After Mitigation Impacts related to hazardous materials compliance resulting from the proposed project would be less than significant. Environmental Impact Report (EIR) No CUB (CUZ)(ZV)(DA) Page IV.H -7