California Environmental Quality Act. Initial Study - Environmental Checklist Form. Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Project

Transcription

1 ATTACHMENT A California Environmental Quality Act Initial Study - Environmental Checklist Form For The Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Project MASTER CASE NO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO DESIGN REVIEW NO VARIANCE NO City of Fontana, California Prepared for: City of Fontana Community Development Department Planning Division 8353 Sierra Avenue Fontana, California Prepared by: The Planning Consortium Modjeska Canyon Road Silverado, California June 2017

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3 INITIAL STUDY - ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM 1. Project Title: Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility 2. Lead Agency Name and Address: City of Fontana, 8353 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, California Contact Person and Phone Number: Alejandro Rico, Assistant Planner (909) Project Location: The project site is located adjacent to the east of the Interstate 15 Freeway, in western Fontana, between the Pacific Electric Bike Trail to the South and Victoria Street to the north. Assessor Parcel Number Project Sponsor's Name and Address: Michael D. Mancinelli, Victoria RV and Boat Storage, Victoria Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA (949) General Plan Designation: RMU, Regional Mixed Use, Specific Plan #17, Westgate Specific Plan. 7. Zoning: #17 Westgate Specific Plan, MU, Mixed Use 8. Description of Project: (Describe the whole action involved, including but not limited to later phases of the project, and any secondary, support, or off-site features necessary for its implementation. The project proposes an 8.8 acre recreational vehicle and boat storage facility that consists of approximately 409 canopied and uncovered RV and boat storage spaces, 9 standard parking spaces and one handicapped space, totaling 419 parking spaces. The project includes a 962 square foot Manager's Office and two storage buildings totaling 6,636 square feet. Hours of operation are seven days a week, 8AM to 5PM. Once a customer has acquired a space they will have access to the site twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Storm water will be directed through a gravel retention basin. Offsite improvements include the construction of a 0.5 acre, 650 foot long, 30-foot wide access street from Victoria Street to the site adjacent to the I-15 Freeway right-of-way, with a Fire Department required hammerhead turnaround close to the entrance into the storage facility. A right-turn only lane into the project's access road will be constructed on the south side of Victoria Street. The project will be built in one phase. 9, Surrounding Land Uses and Setting: (Briefly describe the project's surroundings.) The project site is located adjacent to the I-15 Freeway to the west and north, to vacant land and the San Sevaine Flood Control Channel to the east, and the Pacific Electric Bike Trail and existing single-family residential beyond to the south. 10. Other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation agreement): City of Fontana Conditional Use Permit, Variance and Design Review; Ministerial Grading Permit and Building Permit. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a " " as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. Aesthetics Agriculture and Forestry Air Quality Biological Resources Cultural Resources Geology/Soils Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hazards and Hazardous Hydrology/Water Quality Materials Land Use/Planning Mineral Resources ise Population/Housing Public Services Recreation Transportation/Traffic Utilit ies/service Systems Mandatory Findings of Significance Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 1 June 2017

4 DETERMINATION: On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. Signature Zai AbuBakar, Director of Community Development Date City of Fontana Community Development Department, Planning Division Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 2 June 2017

5 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: 1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except " " answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A " " answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g. the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A " " answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g. the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis). 2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts. 3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. " " is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect is significant. If there are one or more " " entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 4) "Negative Declaration: " applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from " " to a "Less than." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level (mitigation measures from Section XVII, "Earlier Analyses," may be crossreferenced). 5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following: a) Earlier Analyses Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b) s Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Measures. For effects that are "Less than with Measures," describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project. 6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g. general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated. 7) Supporting Information Sources. A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project's environmental effects in whatever format is selected. 9) The explanation of each issue should identify: a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance. Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 3 June 2017

6 c) Issues: I. AESTHETICS. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?. The project's proposed improvements meet the Westgate Specific Plan regulations and design guidelines for walls, fencing and landscaping. However the project is requesting a variance for a setback along the western edge of the site due to unique physical constraints. The City does not consider Victoria Street a scenic corridor, and the project's proposed buildings and RV storage areas will not affect any scenic vista, as designated by the City of Fontana General Plan or Caltrans. The site is approximately 30 feet below grade from the northbound lanes of the I-15 Freeway and does not create a substantial adverse visual effect of a scenic vista from the Freeway resulting from the setback variance. Based on this documentation, the Lead Agency finds project impacts to a scenic vista are not considered substantially adverse. Reference: Fontana General Plan; Open Space & Conservation Element and Parks, Recreation & Trails Element; Westgate Specific Plan Regulations and Design Guidelines. b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, tress, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?. The project site does not contain any protected trees, rock outcroppings or significant historic buildings. The project site is not located within or near a state scenic highway. Based on this documentation the Lead Agency finds the project will not damage any scenic resources visible from a local or state scenic highway. Reference: Project Site Plan; Fontana General Plan; Open Space & Conservation Element and Parks, Recreation & Trails Element; Westgate Specific Plan Regulations and Design Guidelines. Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 4 June 2017

7 c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings?. See response to 1. a), above. The project's proposed improvements meet the Westgate Specific Plan regulations and design guidelines for walls, fencing and landscaping. However, the project is requesting a variance for a setback along the western edge of the site due to unique physical constraints. The Lead Agency has required the applicant to make material changes to elevations facing the Pacific Electric Trail and residential to the south to i mprove the visual character of the south side of the project site. Based on Lead Agency required material changes, the Lead Agency finds the Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility project will not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings. Reference: Fontana DAB review process requirements; Project Site Plan and Landscape Plan; Westgate Specific Plan Regulations and Guidelines; Lead Agency Required Changes. Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 5 June 2017

8 d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?. The RV and Boat Storage project proposes seventeen (17) 20-foot tall light standards within the central uncovered RV storage area. Each standard will have a four-head light assembly. The project's eastern and southern exterior elevations also provide 8-foot high, downward directed light fixtures. All proposed lighting is downward directed and shielded from surrounding uses. The design of the RV Storage Facility site improvements do not create new sources of substantial nighttime light or daytime glare. The project is required to undergo design review and obtain approval of a conditi onal use permit and variance by the City's Planning Commission prior to the issuance of a grading permit or building permit. These reviews include building, landscape, hardscape and lighting. This standard development review process requires the applicant to agree to project modifications that mitigate potential visual impacts on the surrounding area, avoiding conditions that could substantially degrade the current visual character or quality of the site's surroundings during construction and during ongoing RV storage operations. Based on Planning Commission review and approval requirements, the Lead Agency finds the project will not create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. Reference: Fontana Planning Commission review and approval ; Project Site Plan, Elevations and Landscape Plan; Westgate Specific Plan Regulations and Guidelines. Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 6 June 2017

9 II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES. In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to nonagricultural use?. The California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection, Farmland Mapping & Monitoring Program and the Fontana General Plan; Open Space & Conservation Element demonstrate that the project site and surrounding area do not contain any Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance. The proposed project does not convert any type of farmland to a non-agricultural use. Based on this documentation, the Lead Agency finds the project creates no impact related to the conversion of Prime or Unique Farmland to a non-agricultural use. Reference: California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection, Farmland Mapping & Monitoring Program, County of San Bernardino Important Farmland 2012 Map, Sheet 2 of 2 (South), Map Published Feb. 6, 2015; Fontana General Plan; Open Space & Conservation Element; Westgate Specific Plan Regulations and Guidelines. Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 7 June 2017

10 b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?. The project site is currently zoned for regional mixed use and does not conflict with any existing City, County or state zoning for agricultural uses, or an existing or proposed Williamson Act contract. Based on this documentation, the Lead Agency finds the project creates no impact to agricultural zoned lands or to a Williamson Act contract. Reference: California Resources Agency Farmland Mapping & Monitoring Program; Fontana General Plan and Zoning Code; San Bernardino County General Plan and Municipal Code ; Westgate Specific Plan Regulations and Guidelines. c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section (g))?. See responses II. a) & II. b) above. The project site does not contain any forest land, timberland or timberland zoned Timberland Production as defined by the Public Resources Code or the Government Code. Based on this documentation, the Lead Agency finds the proposed project creates no zoning conflicts related to forest lands defined by the Public Resource Code and the Government Code. Reference: California Resources Agency Timberland Production Mapping & Monitoring Program; Fontana General Plan; Open Space & Conservation Element; Westgate Specific Plan Regulations and Guidelines. Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 8 June 2017

11 d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?. See responses II. a), II. b) & II. c) above. The proposed project does not result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to a non-forest use. Based on this documentation, the Lead Agency finds the project creates no impact related to the loss or conversion of forest land to a non-forest use. Reference: California Resources Agency Timberland Production Mapping & Monitoring Program; Fontana General Plan; Open Space & Conservation Element; Westgate Specific Plan Regulations and Guidelines. e) Involve other changes in the existing environment, which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use?. See responses II. a) through II. d) above. The proposed project site does not contain any farmland and is zoned for regional mixed use. Therefore, the Lead Agency finds this project will not involve other changes in the existing environment, which, due to their location or nature, could result in the conversion of farmland, to non-agricultural use. Reference: California Resources Agency Farmland and Timberland Production Mapping & Monitoring Program; Fontana General Plan; Open Space & Conservation Element; Westgate Specific Plan Regulations and Guidelines. Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 9 June 2017

12 III. AIR QUALITY. Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? Regional Air Quality: In their "1993 CEQA Air Quality Handbook, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has established significance thresholds to assess the impact of project related air pollutant emissions. Table 1 presents these significance thresholds. There are separate thresholds for short-term construction and long-term operational emissions. Projects with daily emission rates below these thresholds are considered to have a less than significant effect on air quality. It should be noted the thresholds recommended by the SCAQMD are very low and subject to controversy. It is up to the individual lead agencies to determine if the SCAQMD thresholds are appropriate for their projects. Table 1 SCAQMD Regional Pollution Emission Thresholds of Significance Pollutant Emissions (lbs/day) CO ROG NOx PM10 PM2.5 SOx Construction Operation Source: SCAQMD Localized Significance Thresholds: As part of the SCAQMD s environmental justice program, attention was focused on localized effects of air quality. In accordance with Governing Board direction, SCAQMD staff developed localized significance threshold (LST) methodology and mass rate look-up tables by Source Receptor Area (SRA) that can be used to determine whether or not a project may generate significant adverse localized air quality impacts. LSTs represent the maximum emissions from a project that will not cause or contribute to an exceedance of the most stringent applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard, and are developed based on the ambient concentrations of that pollutant for each source receptor area. The LST methodology is described in Final Localized Significance Threshold Methodology updated in 2009 by the SCAQMD and is available at the SCAQMD website ( Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 10 June 2017

13 The LST mass rate look-up tables provided by the SCAQMD allow one to determine if the daily emissions for proposed construction or operational activities could result in significant localized air quality impacts. If the calculated on-site emissions for the proposed construction or operational activities are below the LST emission levels found on the LST mass rate look-up tables and no potentially significant impacts are found to be associated with other environmental issues, then the proposed construction or operation activity is not significant for local air quality. The LST mass rate look-up tables are applicable to the following pollutants only: oxides of nitrogen (NOX), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter less than 10 microns in aerodynamic diameter (PM10), and particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5). LSTs are derived based on the location of the activity (i.e., the source/receptor area); the emission rates of NOX, CO, PM2.5 and PM10; and the distance to the nearest exposed individual. The LST methodology presents mass emission rates for each SRA, project sizes of 1, 2, and 5 acres, and nearest receptor distances of 25, 50, 100, 200, and 500 meters. For project sizes between the values given, or with recept ors at distances between the given receptors, the methodology uses linear interpolation to determine the thresholds. If receptors are within 25 meters of the site, the methodology document says that the threshold for the 25-meter distance should be used. The project is located in Source Receptor Area (SRA) 34. The nearest existing sensitive land use are the residences south of the project site, and are about 118 feet from any significant construction area. Table 2 summarizes the LSTs for construction and operation. The thresholds listed in Table 2 are based on a 5-acre site and a 118 feet distance. A project with daily emission rates below the thresholds during construction and operation is considered to have a less than significant effect on local air quality. Table 2 Localized Significance Thresholds at the Nearest Receptors Localized Significance Threshold (lbs/day) Description NOx CO PM10 PM2.5 Construction Operation Source: Greve Associates Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 11 June 2017

14 Construction Source Emissions Temporary impacts can result from project construction activities. Air pollutants are emitted by construction equipment and fugitive dust is generated during grading and construction. Emissions during the phases of construction were calculated using the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod version ). CalEEMod is a computer program developed by the SCAQMD in conjunction with the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The model calculates emissions for construction and operation of various projects. For on-road vehicular emissions, the CalEEMod model utilizes the EMFAC2014 emission rates that have also been developed by CARB. Regional Peak Construction Emissions: : CalEEMod considers the following phases in its calculation of construction emissions; demolition, site preparation, grading, building construction, paving, and painting. The activities for this project associated with demolition and painting will be minimal. The appropriate number of acres, duration of each construction phase, and other key elements of the project were input into the CalEEMod to generate the estimate of emissions. It was assumed that the overlap between construction phases would be minimal. mitigation is assumed for this analysis. Table 3 presents the results of the total emissions calculations for the construction activities discussed above. The highest construction emissions are presented below and represent a worst-case scenario. mitigation is included in the emissions presented below. Table 3 Peak Construction Emissions Pollutant Emissions (lbs/day) PM PM 2.5 Activity ROG NOx CO SOx 10 Site Preparation Grading Building Const Paving SCAQMD Threshold Exceeds Threshold Source: Greve Associates The projected construction emissions are all well below the significance thresholds established by the SCAQMD. Therefore, there will be no significant regional air quality impacts due to peak construction. mitigation is required. Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 12 June 2017

15 Based upon this analysis, the Lead Agency finds the project will not exceed peak construction emission thresholds set forth by the SCAQMD for the six criteria pollutants set identified above. Reference: Focused Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emission Analysis for the Victoria II RV Storage Project, City of Fontana, Greve & Associates, December Local Air Quality s Due to Construction - with : The on-site construction emissions were calculated utilizing the CalEEMod. The emissions presented in Table 4 are those that would be emitted from activity within the project site. The total on-site construction emissions are compared to the Localized Significance Thresholds (LSTs) previously described. Table 4 On-Site Emissions by Construction Activity Daily Emissions(lbs /day) Activity NOx CO PM10 PM2.5 Site Preparation Grading Building. Const Paving SCAQMD Thresholds Exceeds Threshold? Yes Source: Greve Associates ne of the emissions will exceed the LST significance thresholds, except for PM2.5, and only during site preparation. watering has been assumed during site preparation. The following mitigation measures are set forth, which will bring site preparation PM2.5 emissions below the SCAQMD threshold. AQ-1: Prior to the issuance of grading permits or approval of grading plans, the project shall include a dust control plan as part of the construction contract standard specifications. The dust control plan shall include measures to meet the requirements of SCAQMD Rules 402 and 403. Such measures may include, but are not limited to the following: Phase and schedule activities to avoid high-ozone days and first-stage smog alerts. Discontinue operation during second-stage smog alerts. Comply with SCAQMD Rule 403 to minimize fugitive dust to surrounding areas. Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 13 June 2017

16 Moisten soil each day prior to commencing grading to depth of soil cut. Water exposed surfaces at least twice a day under calm conditions, and as often as needed on windy days or during very dry weather in order to maintain a surface crust and minimize the release of visible emissions from the construction site. Treat any area that will be exposed for extended periods with a soil conditioner to stabilize soil or temporarily plant with vegetation. Wash mud-covered tires and under carriages of trucks leaving construction sites. Provide for street sweeping, as needed, on adjacent roadways to remove dirt dropped by construction vehicles or mud, which would otherwise be carried off by trucks departing project sites. Cease grading during periods when winds exceed 25 miles per hour Provide for permanent sealing of all graded areas, as applicable, at the earliest practicable time after soil disturbance. Use low-sulfur diesel fuel in all equipment. Use electric equipment whenever practicable. Shut off engines when not in use. During site preparation, the work area needs to be watered 2 times per day. This will bring the PM2.5 impacts on-site emissions down to 7.3 pounds per day for site preparation. This is below the 9 pounds per day LST thresholds for PM2.5. The Lead Agency is also requiring other SCAQMD Rule 402 and 403 measures to further reduce PM10 and PM2.5 pollution. Therefore, with these mitigation measures the short-term PM2.5 emissions will be reduced to a level considered less than significant. Based upon this analysis, the Lead Agency finds the project will not adversely affect near by sensitive uses, and will not conflict with regional or federal air quality standards for local peak construction emissions with required mitigation incorporated. Reference: Focused Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emission Analysis for the Victoria II RV Storage Project, City of Fontana, Greve & Associates, December Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 14 June 2017

17 Diesel Particulate Matter Emissions During Construction -. : In 1998, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) identified particulate matter from diesel fueled engines (Diesel Particulate Matter or DPM) as a Toxic Air Contaminant (TAC). It is assumed that the majority of the heavy construction equipment utilized during construction would be diesel fueled and emit DPM. s from toxic substances are related to cumulative exposure and are assessed over a 70-year period. Cancer risk is expressed as the maximum number of new cases of cancer projected to occur in a population of one million people due to exposure to the cancercausing substance over a 70-year lifetime (California Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Guide to Health Risk Assessment.) Grading for the project, when the peak diesel exhaust emissions would occur, is expected to take less than 1 month with all construction expected to be completed in several months. Because of the relatively short duration of construction compared to a 70-year lifespan, diesel emissions resulting from the construction of the project, including truck traffic associated with the project, are not expected to result in a significant impact. Based upon this analysis, the Lead Agency finds the project will not result in significant diesel particulate matter emissions adversely affecting nearby sensitive uses, and will not conflict with regional or federal air quality standards for diesel construction emissions. Reference: Focused Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emission Analysis for the Victoria II RV Storage Project, City of Fontana, Greve & Associates, December Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 15 June 2017

18 Operational Source Emissions: Regional Operational s: : Air pollutant emissions due to the project were calculated using the CalEEMod program. The program calculated operational emissions for the proposed project. The primary source of emissions generated by the proposed project will be from motor vehicles. Natural gas combustion and re-current painting of the facilities will also contribute to the emissions. CalEEMod calculates maximum daily emissions for the summertime and wintertime periods. The results presented below are from the summer or winter emissions, whichever are the higher emissions. Output files from the Table 5 below presents the results of the CalEEMod model showing the maximum daily air pollutant emissions projected for buildout year. Table 5 Regional Operational Pollution Emission Pollutant Emissions (lbs/day) CO ROG NOx PM10 PM2.5 SOx Total Project Emissions SCAQMD Thresholds Exceeds Threshold? Source: SCAQMD; Greve & Associates Table 5 shows that the total project emissions are below the SCAQMD thresholds for all criterion pollutants. Therefore, the project will not result in a significant regional air impact and mitigation is not necessary to reduce operational emissions. Based upon this analysis, the Lead Agency finds the project will not result in significant regional operational pollution emissions. Reference: Focused Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emission Analysis for the Victoria II RV Storage Project, City of Fontana, Greve & Associates, December Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 16 June 2017

19 Tabl e 6 compares the net change in emissions due to the project to the projected basinwide emissions from the 2016 AQMP. Table 6 Comparison of Project Emissions with SCAB Emission Pollutant Emissions (tons/day) CO ROG NOx PM10 PM2.5 SOx Project Emissions South Coast Air Basin Project as Percentage of Basin N/A % % % N/A % Source: Table 3-4E Final 2016 AQMP; Greve & Associates % This comparison shows that the project would result in a net increase in emissions that is insignificant in comparison to basinwide South Coast Air Basin (SCAB) emissions. Based upon this comparison, the Lead Agency finds the project will not result in significant regional operational pollution emissions when compared to basinwide emissions. Reference: Focused Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emission Analysis for the Victoria II RV Storage Project, City of Fontana, Greve & Associates, December Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 17 June 2017

20 Local Air Quality s Due to Operations: The on-site operational emissions were calculated utilizing CalEEMod. The emissions presented in Table 7 are those that would be emitted from activity within the project site. The total onsite operational emissions are compared to the Localized Significance Thresholds (LSTs) previously described. Table 7 On-Site Emissions by Operations Daily Emissions(lbs /day) Activity NOx CO PM10 PM2.5 On-site Emissions LST Threshold 284 2, Exceeds Threshold? Source: Greve & Associates ne of the emissions will exceed the LST significance thresholds. Therefore, the nearby residences will not be adversely affecte d during operations. Local air quality impacts during operation will be less than significant, and mitigation measures are not required. Based upon this analysis, the Lead Agency finds that project operations will not exceed localized significant thresholds of significance for the four criteria pollutants listed above. Reference: Focused Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emission Analysis for the Victoria II RV Storage Project, City of Fontana, Greve & Associates, December Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 18 June 2017

21 b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? See response to III. a) above. : The analysis contained in the Focused Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emission Analysis for the Victoria II RV Storage Project prepared by Greve and Associates in December 2016 documents that the project's short-term construction impacts does exceed one SCAQMD significance thresholds for PM2.5 during site preparation; however, mitigation has been incorporated that reduces PM2.5 impacts to levels below SCAQMD's threshold of significance (See Measure AQ-1, Pages 13-14). long-term operational emission impacts exceed SCAQMD's threshold of significance. Therefore, no mitigation is required. Based on this documentation, the Lead Agency finds the proposed project will not violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation with mitigation incorporated, as set forth in Measure AQ-1 (see Pages 13-14). In addition, the project is incorporating standard SCAQMD conditions and rules to further mitigate potential air quality impacts. Reference: Focused Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emission Analysis for the Victoria II RV Storage Project, City of Fontana, Greve & Associates, December Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 19 June 2017

22 c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? : Cumulative projects include local development as well as general growth within the project area. However, as with most development, the greatest source of emissions is from mobile sources, which travel well out of the local area. Therefore, from an air quality standpoint, the cumulative analysis would extend beyond any local projects and when wind patterns are considered would cover an even larger area. Accordingly, the cumulative analysis for the project s air quality must be generic by nature. The project area is out of attainment for both ozone and PM10 particulate matter. Construction and operation of cumulative projects will further degrade the local air quality, as well as the air quality of the South Coast Air Basin. The greatest cumulative impact on the quality of regional air cell will be the incremental addition of pollutants mainly from increased traffic from residential, commercial, and industrial development and the use of heavy equipment and trucks associated with the construction of these projects. Air quality will be temporarily degraded during construction activities that occur separately or simultaneously. However, in accordance with the SCAQMD methodology, projects that do not exceed the SCAQMD criteria or can be mitigated to less than criteria levels are not significant and do not add to the overall cumulative impact. respect to long-term emissions, this project would create no significant cumulative impact because the project does not exceed SCAQMD significance thresholds with mitigation incorporated into the project for both short-term construction and long-term operational emission impacts. Based on this documentation, the Lead Agency finds the proposed project will not result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is considered nonattainment, under the applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard. Reference: Focused Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emission Analysis for the Victoria II RV Storage Project, City of Fontana, Greve & Associates, December Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 20 June 2017

23 d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? : The closest sensitive uses are single family residential homes located approximately 100 feet south of the project site. The greatest potential for toxic air contaminant emissions would be related to diesel particulate emissions associated with heavy equipment operations during construction of the proposed project. According to SCAQMD methodology, health effects from carcinogenic air toxics are usually described in terms of individual cancer risk. Individual Cancer Risk is the likelihood that a person exposed to concentrations of toxic air contaminants over a 70-year lifetime will contract cancer, based on the use of standard risk-assessment methodology. Given the relatively limited number of heavy-duty construction equipment and the nature of the RV storage facility that generates relatively light operational traffic, the proposed project would not result in a long-term (i.e., 70 years) substantial source of toxic air contaminant emissions and corresponding individual cancer risk. Based upon this documentation, the Lead Agency finds the project will not expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. Reference: Focused Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emission Analysis for the Victoria II RV Storage Project, City of Fontana, Greve & Associates, December Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 21 June 2017

24 e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? : Potential sources that may emit odors during construction activities include the application of materials such as asphalt pavement. The objectionable odors that may be produced during the construction process are short-term in nature and the odor emissions are expected to cease upon the drying or hardening of the odor producing materials. Due to the short-term nature and limited amounts of odor producing materials being utilized, no significant impact related to odors would occur during construction of the proposed project. Based on this information, the Lead Agency finds the proposed project will not create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people. Reference: Focused Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emission Analysis for the Victoria II RV Storage Project, City of Fontana, Greve & Associates, December Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 22 June 2017

25 IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? Introduction: The project site is located in the City of Fontana (U. S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute Cucamonga Peak quadrangle at N; W). The site is 9 kilometers southwest of Lytle Creek Wash in a broad alluvium below the southern flank of the San Gabriel Mountains. It is bounded by Interstate 15 to the northwest, a dirt road to the east and the Pacific Electric Regional Bike Trail to the south. There are residential neighborhoods to the south and the San Sevaine Flood Control Channel and undeveloped open space to the east and northeast. The project site is flat, ranging in elevation from 1308 to 1321 feet above sea level. There are no drainages, canyons, or hillside slopes on the site. The substrate is sandy to sandy-loam with gravel and scattered small rocks. The analysis included the 8.8 acre project site and the approximate 0.5 acre roadway area from Victoria Avenue to the project site. Plants - : special-status plant species were found on the site, nor are any likely to occur in the vicinity of the site. Much of the Westgate Specific Plan area is undeveloped, and contain mostly annual grasses. The Fontana General Plan, Open Space and Conservation Element Natural Biotic Communities Map (Figure 9.3) indicates the site and surrounding area to the east consist primarily of n-native Grasslands. Plant Communities: officially designated threatened or endangered plant communities exist on the project site. However, coastal sage scrub has been designated as critical habitat by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for the federally threatened California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). A small part of southwestern San Bernardino County, where the California gnatcatcher still occurs in small numbers, has been designated as critical habitat. The 0.4-acre patch of California buck wheat plants found on the project site does not constitute a plant community, only an isolated remnant of what was likely a Riversidian or alluvial fan sage scrub association at one time (an inland sub-classification of coastal sage scrub). Therefore, this 0.4 acre area on the site does not serve as critical habitat and does not serve in any way as a habitat linkage with extant Riversidian or alluvial fan sage scrub vegetation in the region, such as at Lytle Creek 9 kilometers northeast of the project site. Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 23 June 2017

26 Mainland cherry forest is a plant community that is considered to be of highest-inventory priority by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, indicating that it is declining in acreage throughout its range due to land use changes. Mainland cherry forest has been state-ranked as S1.1 (<2,000 acres, very threatened) by the CNDDB. In the more arid, inland regions of California west of the deserts, holly-leafed cherry is more scrub-like in stature than nearer the coast where it grows taller and in dense masses. In inland areas, it is more often represented as a component of the alluvial fan sage scrub association rather than as a separate plant community. The few holly-leafed cherries remaining in the vicinity of the site are widely scattered and, like the relatively few remaining California buckwheat, long -stemmed buckwheat, California croton, and deerweed plants on the site, are likely alluvial fan sage scrub remnants. hollyleafed cherries were found on the site; however, several isolated trees or shrubs were present just offsite to the east. Animals - : special-status animal species were found on the site, although the loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) may forage on the site occasionally. This species has been declining throughout its range, most recently in California, and is classified as a California Bird Species of Special Concern, Priority 2 (CDFW and PRBO 2003). Diurnal raptors (hawks, kites, harriers, eagles, and falcons) are expected to use the site occasionally for foraging. The two most common raptors in the vicinity of the site, and therefore most likely to forage on the site, are the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and American kestrel (Falco sparverius), neither of which is a species of special concern. One of these two species, an American kestrel, was observed on the site during the site visit. Another special-status species evaluated for this project site was the western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea). Like the loggerhead shrike, it has declined rapidly in California in recent decades and is considered by the CDFW to be a Species of Special Concern, Priority 1 (CDFW and PRBO 2003). The likelihood of one or more burrowing owls using the site for shelter, foraging, or nesting is low because of the site s location adjacent to a freeway and residential neighborhoods, the loose sandy soil which is not conducive for burrows large enough to support this species, and the near absence of ground squirrel burrows, which burrowing owls often utilize, on the site. Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 24 June 2017

27 The preponderance of highly disturbed and imported soils on the site and their associated ruderal vegetation preclude the occurrence of either the federally endangered San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipidomys merriami parvus) or the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) on the project site. However, all migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA), a law implemented as a result of treaties with Britain (on behalf of Canada), Mexico, the U.S.S.R. (now Russia), and Japan that makes it unlawful, except as formally permitted, to take (pursue, hunt, capture, or kill) migratory birds except under permits for special situations such as imminent threat to human safety or scientific research. The law currently applies to more than 1,000 species including most native birds and covers the destruction or removal of active nests of those species. These protections apply whether or not there was intent and regardless of whether other entitlements are in place, such as approvals under the California Environmental Quality Act. In practice, adult birds are seldom directly harmed incidentally to construction and related activities because they can easily avoid construction equipment and humans; however, eggs, nestlings, and still-dependent fledglings are vulnerable to harm, either directly or indirectly, by these activities. It is unlikely that any resident bird species would nest in the low-growing ruderal (weedy) habitat on the site, and the small, isolated remnants of Riversidian (or alluvial fan) sage scrub on the site are not substantial enough to support any breeding species typical of that habitat. However, the trees and larger shrubs located just beyond the eastern boundary of the project site may support nesting species such as the house finch, mourning dove, American kestrel, and northern mockingbird. Nest abandonment due to nearby construction-related activities could result indirectly in the destruction of their eggs or nestlings, and would therefore constitute a significant adverse impact. However, impacts on nesting native birds, which are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Ac t, would be significant if their eggs or dependent young are abandoned as the result of construction-related activities. Therefore, the following mitigation measure is required: Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 25 June 2017

28 B-1: Between three (3) and seven (7) days prior to commencement of vegetation clearance, the site and a buffer zone of 100 feet around the site shall be surveyed by a qualified biologist for nests containing viable eggs or nestlings. Such surveys are only necessary if vegetation clearance is to take place during the breeding season, which is typically defined as 1 March to 1 September. If any active nests are found, construction-related activities shall be postponed until all young have fledged and are no longer dependent on the adults. Therefore, the Lead Agency finds the proposed project will not have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with Measure B-1 incorporated into the proposed project. Reference: Fontana General Plan, Open Space & Conservation Element, Figure 9-3, Natural Biotic Communities, and Figure 9-4, Potential Habitat for Sensitive Wildlife; Biological Resources Assessment, Proposed RV and Boat Storage Facility in Fontana, San Bernardino County, California, H. Lee Jones, Ph.D.; January b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?. See response to IV. a) above. There is no riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified for this project site in the Fontana General Plan, or in other local or regional plans or policies by the CDFW or the USFWS. Therefore, the Lead Agency finds the proposed project will not have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Reference: City of Fontana General Plan, Open Space and Conservation Element, Figure 9-3, Natural Biotic Communities, and Figure 9-4, Potential Habitat for Sensitive Wildlife; Biological Resources Assessment, Proposed RV and Boat Storage Facility in Fontana, San Bernardino County, California, H. Lee Jones, Ph.D.; January Victoria II RV and Boat Storage Facility Project 26 June 2017