Campus Photovoltaic Energy Project at California State University Channel Islands

Transcription

1 Negative Declaration and Initial Study Campus Photovoltaic Energy Project at California State University Channel Islands The Trustees of the California State University Project Proponent: California State University Channel Islands October 2009

2 Negative Declaration Campus Photovoltaic Energy Project at California State University Channel Islands The Trustees of the California State University Project Proponent: California State University Channel Islands October 2009 Lead Agency The Trustees of the California State University Represented by: California State University Channel Islands Operations, Planning and Construction One University Drive Camarillo, CA Consultant to Lead Agency Parsons Brinckerhoff 444 South Flower Street, Suite 3700 Los Angeles, CA 90071

3 NEGATIVE DECLARATION California State University Channel Islands Campus Photovoltaic Energy Project Lead Agency: Mailing Address: Project Proponent: Project Location: The Trustees of the California State University The California State University Office of the Chancellor Capital Planning, Design and Construction 401 Golden Shore, 2 nd Floor Long Beach, CA California State University Channel Islands Operations, Planning and Construction One University Drive Camarillo, CA California State University Channel Islands; City of Camarillo, Ventura County Description of Project: The project consists of retrofitting various parking lots within California State University Channel Islands (CSU Channel Islands) with photovoltaic (PV), i.e. solar, panels that will provide approximately 5 megawatts (mw) of electricity to the campus. The solar power will be provided by solar utility providers that will design, install, and operate the panels and sell the power generated by the panels back to the campus, and/or by the campus through a direct purchase of installations. Panels will be installed on canopies at the campus surface parking lots. The proposed retrofit is part of the University s ongoing initiative to create a more sustainable campus environment. Finding: The Trustees of the California State University have determined that the proposed project will not result in a significant adverse effect on the environment. Supporting Documentation: The documentation supporting this determination is discussed in the attached Initial Study prepared for this project. CALIFORNIASTATEUNIVERSITY 1 NEGATIVE DECLARATION

4 Initial Study Campus Photovoltaic Energy Project at California State University Channel Islands October 2009 Lead Agency The Trustees of the California State University Project Proponent: California State University Channel Islands Operations, Planning and Construction One University Drive Camarillo, CA Consultant to Lead Agency Parsons Brinckerhoff 444 South Flower Street, Suite 3700 Los Angeles, CA 90071

5 Table of Contents Page Environmental Checklist Form... 2 Environmental Factors Affected... 9 References Preparers of the Initial Study Figures Figure 1: CSU Channel Islands Potential PV Panel Locations... 4 Figure 3: Surface Parking Lot SH Figure 4: Surface Parking Lot A10 Expansion... 5 Figure 5: Surface Parking Lot A Figure 6: Surface Parking Lot SH Figure 7: Site of Future Lots... 7 Figure 8: Surface Parking Lot A Figure 9: Campus Vicinity... 8

6 Environmental Checklist Form 1. Project Title: Campus Photovoltaic Energy Project 2. Lead Agency Name and Address: The Trustees of the California State University The California State University Office of the Chancellor Capital Planning, Design and Construction 401 Golden Shore, 2 nd Floor Long Beach, CA Project Proponent: California State University Channel Islands Operations, Planning and Construction One University Drive Camarillo, CA Contact Person and Phone Number: Alan Paul, Associate Architect California State University Channel Islands Operations, Planning and Construction (805) Project Location: The approximately 1,100-acre California State University Channel Islands (CSU Channel Islands) campus is located in the City of Camarillo, in Ventura County. Figure 1 illustrates the campus regional location, the campus master plan, and a sample of parking lots being considered for retrofit with solar panels. 5. Project Sponsor's Name and Address: California State University Channel Islands Operations, Planning and Construction One University Drive Camarillo, CA Campus Master Plan Designation: Various support campus facilities. 7. Zoning: n/a 8. Description of Project: The project consists of retrofitting campus parking lots within CSU Channel Islands with photovoltaic (PV) panels to provide approximately 5 megawatts (mw) 1 of energy to the campus. The proposed retrofit is part of the University s ongoing initiative to create a more sustainable campus environment. 1 1 megawatt (mw) equals 1,000 kilowatts (kw) or 1 million watts 2

7 The retrofit involves installation of canopy-mounted panels at surface parking lots. The campus contains numerous existing and planned surface parking lots which can be retrofitted with solar panels, including: Lot SH2 (see Figure 2) Lot A10 Expansion (see Figure 3) Lot A10 (see Figure 4) Lot SH1 (see Figure 5) Future Lots (see Figure 6) Lot A11 (see Figure 7) The power will be provided by solar utility providers that will design, install, and operate the panels and sell the power generated by the panels back to the campus, and/or by the campus through a direct purchase of installations. 9. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting: Surface parking lots planned for retrofit with solar panels are located within the approximately 1,100-acre campus. They are surrounded by various existing and future planned campus facilities, including academic, administrative, parking, student housing, and other campus support facilities. The campus is surrounded primarily by agricultural fields and undeveloped land and is separated from surrounding uses by streets and roadways, including Potrero Road to the south and west and Lewis Road to the north. Figure 8 illustrates the campus vicinity facing west. 10. Other public agencies whose approval may be required: ne. 3

8 Figure 1: CSU Channel Islands Potential PV Panel Locations Sample PV Panel Locations 4

9 Figure 2: Surface Parking Lot SH2 Figure 3: Surface Parking Lot A10 Expansion CALIFORNIA STATE U NIVERSITY CHANNEL I SLANDS 5 I NITIAL STUDY

10 Figure 4: Surface Parking Lot A10 Figure 5: Surface Parking Lot SH1 CALIFORNIA STATE U NIVERSITY CHANNEL I SLANDS 6 I NITIAL STUDY

11 Figure 6: Site of Future Lots Figure 7: Surface Parking Lot A11 CALIFORNIA STATE U NIVERSITY CHANNEL I SLANDS 7 I NITIAL STUDY

12 Figure 8: Campus Vicinity CSU Channel Islands 8

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14 with I. AESTHETICS -- Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the project area and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? a through d. The retrofit with canopy-mounted solar panels at surface parking lots will retain the existing views at the eye-level of people walking by. Due to the canopies low height, they have no potential to significantly obstruct existing views from the campus. The views from the surrounding area, including Potrero Road, encompass a multiplicity of elements including existing campus facilities as well as major overhead power lines along Potrero Road. While the provision of canopies with solar panels at surface parking lots will be another element within those views, it has no potential to substantially obstruct the existing views from the surrounding area. The panels will appear similar to residential carports, will be set back approximately 50 feet or more from surrounding roads, and will have no potential to substantially degrade the existing visual character of the area. The canopies will also be at a considerable distance from the existing old hospital buildings and will be located at the surface parking lots to minimize the potential for visual intrusion. The project could result in a beneficial effect of eliminating the existing sights and glare associated with rows of cars parked in the lots. With new technologies, the panels do not create glare that could substantially affect views. If any landscaping is affected by the installation of the canopies, the landscaping, including trees, will be replaced within the campus as part of the project and no significant adverse aesthetic impact will result. 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 Project Area Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project: 10

15 with 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? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of farmland to non-agricultural use? a through c. The University campus does not accommodate any agricultural uses or designated farmland. Solar panels will be installed in surface parking lots within the campus and no impact to agricultural resources will result. 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? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? 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)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? 11

16 with e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? a through d. The project consists of installation of solar panels in campus parking lots to generate electricity. Thus, the project will result in a beneficial effect of incrementally contributing to the reduction in air pollutant emissions associated with the extraction, transport, and use of fossil fuels in conventional power plants. The installation of the panels involves a minimal short-term activity - i.e. installing posts for a canopy and mounting the prefabricated panels, which has no potential to generate substantial emissions. adverse impact will result. e. The solar panels do not generate odors and no adverse impact will result. 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? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery project areas? 12

17 with e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? a through f. The campus facilities to be retrofitted with solar panels are surface parking lots located within the University campus environment and are surrounded by structures, pavement, and ornamental landscaping. native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species, native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or native wildlife nursery project areas are known to be located within or adjacent to these parking lots. species identified as a candidate, sensitive or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulation, or by the California Department of Fish and Games (CDFG) or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are known to live, forage, or visit the parking lots where the solar panels will be installed. riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulation or by CDFG or USFWS exist within or near these parking lots. federally protected wetlands (as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act), wildlife nurseries, wildlife corridors, natural communities, or habitats exist within the campus. The campus is not included in any habitat conservation plan, and no local policies regarding biological resources are applicable to the retrofit parking lots or surrounding campus facilities. adverse impact on biological resources will occur. V. CULTURAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in ? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to ? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or project area or unique geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? a. The existing and new campus parking lots that will be retrofitted with solar panels are not considered historic resources, nor are any other nearby structures or features. adverse impact is anticipated. 13

18 with b through d. The project consists of installing solar panels on canopies at campus surface parking lots. The installation of the panels does not involve any significant excavations or earthwork that would have a potential to disturb such resources. adverse impact is anticipated. VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? iv) Landslides? b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-project area landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? 14

19 with e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? a through e. The installation of solar panels on canopies at surface parking lots will not result in changes to the existing geotechnical conditions or affect seismic safety of these lots. With minimal installation activity associated with installing posts for a canopy and mounting the prefabricated panels, the proposed retrofit project has no potential to result in an adverse impact related to geology or soils. VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS -- Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? 15

20 with e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? a through d. The project consists of installing solar panels on canopies at surface parking lots. Neither the installation nor operation of the solar panel involves the use, storage, or transport of hazardous materials. The panels do not emit hazardous emissions, and no hazard to the public or the environment will be created. e and f. The campus is not located in the vicinity of any private airstrip, nor is it located within any airport land use plan. adverse impact will result. g. The project will result in a retrofit of campus parking lots with solar panels that will not impair implementation of or physically interfere with any adopted emergency response or evacuation plan. h. The retrofit of campus parking lots with solar panels does not create any hazards related to wildland fires. adverse impact will result. VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY -- Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? 16

21 with b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site area? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? 17

22 with i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? a through f. The project consists of retrofitting campus surface parking lots with solar panels that will not alter or otherwise affect the existing stormwater flows or stormwater facilities. rivers or streams will be affected. erosion, siltation, or flooding will result from the installation of solar panels on canopies at paved parking lots. adverse impact will result. g and h. The project involves retrofit of campus parking lots with solar panels, and does not include or affect any housing. adverse impact will result. i and j. bodies of water, levees, or dams are located uphill from the campus; therefore the surface parking lots where the solar panels will be installed will not be exposed to seiche and/or flooding due to dam or levee failure. The campus is located inland, several miles from the ocean, and is not experience significant risk of damage from tsunami or mudflows. adverse impact will result. IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING -- Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? a through c. The project involves retrofitting campus parking lots with solar panels in support of the University s planning objective to create a more sustainable campus environment. natural community or habitat conservation plans apply to the campus. adverse impact will result. X. MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: 18

23 with a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important mineral resource recovery project area delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? a and b. The campus is not known to contain any important mineral resources. Therefore, the project will not result in the loss of any known mineral resources. adverse impact will result. XI. NOISE -- Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive ground-born vibration or ground-born noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? 19

24 with f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? a and c. The project involves retrofitting campus parking lots with solar panels that do not generate noise. The installation of the panels involves a minimal short-term activity of installing posts for a canopy and mounting the prefabricated panels in surface parking lots that has no potential to generate substantial noise. The impact will be less than significant. b and d. Due to the minor nature of installation activity associated with solar panels that does not involve any massive excavation or other vibration or noise-generating activity, no adverse impact will result. e and f. private airstrips are located in the campus vicinity. The solar panels will not expose any persons to excessive noise levels, and no adverse impact will result. XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING -- Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? a through c. The project involves retrofitting campus parking lots with solar panels that will not result in either new infrastructure or any increase in student enrollment that might induce population growth. housing or people will be displaced. adverse impact will result. XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES 20

25 with a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Fire protection? Police protection? Schools? Parks? Other public facilities? a. The project is a retrofit of campus parking lots with solar panels that will not increase student enrolment. Therefore, no increase in demand for police or fire protection, schools, parks, or other public facilities will result. need for new or physically altered governmental facilities that might cause significant environmental impacts will result from the project. XIV. RECREATION a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? a and b. The project is a retrofit of campus parking lots with solar panels that will not require construction or expansion of recreational facilities. increase in the use of parks or recreational facilities will result. adverse impact will result. 21

26 with XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC -- Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location which results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? a through g. The project is a retrofit of campus parking lots with solar panels that will not result in an increased enrollment at the University and therefore, no increase in vehicle trips or any changes to the existing traffic and street patterns, air patterns, emergency access, or parking will occur. adverse impact will result. XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS -- Would the project: 22

27 with a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project s projected demand in addition to the provider s existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project s solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, State, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? a through g. The project involves retrofitting campus parking lots with solar panels that will not use water or generate wastewater or solid waste. adverse impact will result. XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE 23

28 with a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? a through c. The project involves retrofitting campus parking lots with solar panels that will not affect any known biological, historic, archaeological, or paleontological resources. adverse impact on people will result. Overall, the project will result in a beneficial cumulative effect of incrementally contributing to the reduction of air pollutant emissions and other adverse effects associated with extraction, transport, and use of fossil fuels to generate electricity. 24

29 References California State University Channel Islands, Campus Master Plan, October ( California State University Channel Islands, ( Google Earth Lead Agency The Trustees of the California State University The California State University Office of the Chancellor Capital Planning, Design and Construction 401 Golden Shore, 2 nd Floor Long Beach, CA Project Proponent California State University Channel Islands Operations, Planning and Construction One University Drive Camarillo, CA Contact: Alan Paul, Associate Architect (805) Consultant to the Lead Agency Parsons Brinckerhoff 444 South Flower Street, Suite 3700 Los Angeles, CA Preparers of the Initial Study Irena Finkelstein, AICP Stephanie Roberts, PE Ayelet Ezran Rebecca Kalauskas Principal-in-Charge Project Manager Environmental Analyst Environmental Analyst Phone: (213) Fax: (213)