Chapter 9 Seismic and Safety Element

Transcription

1 Chapter 9 Seismic and Safety Element The quality of life in Mojave is directly impacted by the sense of security of its residents and businesses. Addressing the issues of crime and violence and other human-caused hazards, as well as preparing for natural hazards, are important for providing a safe and enjoyable environment. 9.1 Purpose, Scope and Content The Seismic and Safety Element establishes policies to protect the residents and businesses within the Plan area from both built environment (human-caused) and natural hazards. The Element identifies and addresses those features or characteristics existing in or around the Plan area that represent a potential hazard to people, structures, and public facilities. Potential natural hazards in the area include earthquakes, soil erosion, and flooding. This Element establishes policies to minimize risks from these hazards through the use of the Physical Constraints Overlay map from the General Plan and building requirements that provide the best possible seismic standards. With regard to hazards from the built environment, policies are included to address issues including the use, transport, and storage of hazardous materials and hazards presented by the presence of abandoned mines and burn dumps in the Plan area. Adequate public safety services are an integral part of promoting safety in a community. Services provided by the County Sheriff s and Fire Departments, in addition to preventative measures for reducing criminal activity, are included. 9.2 Overview of Baseline (2001) Conditions Natural Hazards Locations within the Plan area potentially affected by natural hazards are depicted in Figure 9-1, the Mojave Specific Plan Physical Constraints Map. Mojave is located on the western edge of the Mojave Desert geomorphic province. The province is a large, wedge-shaped, landlocked region bounded on the southwest by the San Andreas fault and the Transverse Ranges; on the north and northeast by the Garlock fault with the associated Techachapi, El Paso, and Granite Mountains; and on the east by the Colorado River. October Mojave Specific Plan

2 ROPER ST P ST Q ST AIRPORT BLVD 20 To Tehachapi Union Pacific Railroad 26 RANDSBURG CUTOFF 25 R36E R35E To Red Rock Canyon CALIFORNIA CITY BLVD To California City T32S T12N 3 33 H o r n e d T o a d H i l l s 35 T12N T11N 2 5OTH ST TH ST 35 6 HOLT ST Union Pacific Railroad ROSEWOOD BLVD T32S T12N T12N T11N Los Angeles Aqueduct 11 OAK CREEK RD Union Pacific Railway ARROYO AVE DOUGLAS AVE ALTUS AVE CAMELOT BLVD PURDY AVE See Inset UNITED ST Mojave Airport ARROYO AVE TH ST 11 TWIN BUTTE AVE DENISE AVE ALTUS AVE 23 PURDY AVE 15TH ST TH ST Mojave Airport Union Pacific Railroad 3 B.N. & S.F. Railway 58 To Boron C e n t r a l M o j a v e M a p M ST I ST L ST K ST H ST MONO ST NADEAU ST BELSHAW ST CERRO GORDO ST INYO ST PANAMINT ST N ST O ST T11N T10N 35 SILVER QUEEN RD 2 LAGUNA AVE T11N T10N SHASTA ST TRINITY ST 12 7 BYERS ST MYER ST LUCILLE ST RICHARD AVE LESLIE ST BARSTOW RD BLACKFIELD ST SHIRLEY ST CAROL ST To Rosamond Sources: KernCOG, Cotton/Bridges/Associates, Physical Constraints Overlay 2.1 Seismic Hazards Landslide Shallow Ground Water Steep Slope Flood Hazards 100- Year Floodplain Revised to Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) Dated October, Feet 0 2,000 6,000 10, Planning Area Boundary Aqueduct Fault Location October Public Land Survey Boundary Section Number Major Roads Railways Note: Modified September, 2003 Per Responses to Comments. Figure 9-1 Physical Constraints Map Mojave Specific Plan

3 Mojave is located in one of the most active and potentially dangerous seismic regions of the United States. The community falls within Seismic Zone 4 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC). Severe groundshaking would be anticipated in the event of movement along any of the relevant fault regions such as the San Andreas, Garlock, Sierra Nevada, and Willow Springs-Rosamond. The Randsburg-Mojave fault is only inferred and is considered an inactive fault. The soil formations throughout most of the Planarea are comprised of thick, unconsolidated, coarse-textured alluvial sediments composed of gravel, sand and silt of granitic composition. Due to the great depth to groundwater in the Mojave area, liquefaction does not present a major potential hazard within the Plan area. The area of the Mojave community near the foothills of the eastern Tehachapi Mountains faces a potential hazard from earthquake-induced landslides. However, although local slope failure may occur during a significant earthquake, the most severe types of major landslides are not a danger to the community since little development occurs near the foothills. Mojave historically has been subjected to flash flooding. A Flood Insurance Study prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 1989 attributes the flooding problems in Mojave to poorly defined channels and obstructed and undersized culvert crossings. Consequently, shallow flooding can occur even during low-intensity storms. Flooding in the area is characterized primarily as sheet flow across the alluvial fan. Built Environment Potential human-caused hazards in the Mojave community include leaking underground storage tanks, hazardous substance releases and spills, hazardous waste generation, landfills, abandoned mine sites and shafts, landfills, burn dumps, aircraft incidents and transportation of hazardous wastes on highways and the railroad. Illegal dumping of trash at sites throughout the Mojave area is also a persistent problem. Hazardous materials are used in Mojave for a variety of purposes, including by service industries, small businesses, schools, and households. Many chemicals used in household cleaning, construction, dry cleaning, film processing, landscaping, and automotive maintenance and repair are considered hazardous. The Waste Management Department (KCWMD) owns and formerly operated two separate 20-acre sites identified as Mojave Burn Dump No. 1 and Burn Dump No. 2. These sites are located south of SR-58 and east of SR- and the railroad tracks in the Specific Plan area. Historically, these sites were used for the surface incineration of municipal waste, including household materials, yard clippings, and commercial, industrial and hazardous materials. Because the range of waste types deposited and burned is unknown, the burn dumps contain materials that may still present hazardous conditions. Both burn dumps have been remediated, covered, and October Mojave Specific Plan

4 fenced, and KCWMD has no plans to sell the two sites. However, KCWMD may lease portions of the site for approved non-public purposes. Public Safety Fire Protection Station of the Fire Department (KCFD) is located at 1953 Highway 58 in Mojave. Staffing consists of three full-time firefighters and six volunteers in the call-reserve program. The station houses 2 fire trucks: an engine company truck and a patrol truck. Station is responsible for responding to calls over a 100-square-mile area. The average response time for calls within the community of Mojave is approximately three minutes. If a situation requires fire-fighting capacity beyond what Station can provide, other KCFD stations provide support. Police Protection The Mojave Substation of the Sheriff Department is located at 1771 Highway 58 in Mojave. Staffing includes 15 law enforcement officers with 19 vehicles. The substation is responsible for covering Mojave and Boron from Cameron Canyon Road west to the San Bernardino County line and Backus Road north to the base of the Piute Mountains. The response time for calls within the community of Mojave is approximately five minutes. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Office #830 is located at 1365 Highway 58 in Mojave. The station has 30 officers and 10 civilian workers. The CHP is available to handle major accidents anywhere in Mojave. When a Sheriff's Deputy encounters an accident, he or she will notify the CHP and wait for them to arrive. Emergency Services and Disaster Preparedness An emergency response plan has been created for the community of Mojave. Because the trains running through the community may carry hazardous materials, the plan was devised to deal primarily with hazardous materials scenarios. Depending on the direction of the wind and the accident location, the plan calls for three evacuation road routes for residents: SR-58 toward Tehachapi, SR-58 toward Barstow, and SR- toward Lancaster. The response plan also contains coordination strategies for responding agencies in the event of a major earthquake, aircraft incident, railroad accident, flood, windstorm, or war. 9.3 Planning Issues The potential for earthquakes exists throughout the Plan Area. The physical constraints that exist in Mojave are shown in Figure 9-1. Areas west of SR- and north of Altus Avenue are identified as lying within the Seismic Hazard Physical Constraints Overlay (Map Code 2.1). Severe groundshaking would be anticipated in the event of movement along the San Andreas, Garlock, Sierra Nevada, and Willow Springs-Rosamond regional fault systems. The Randsburg-Mojave fault shown in Figure 9-1 is only inferred and is considered an inactive fault. Mojave Specific Plan 9-4 October 2003

5 The major source of runoff in Mojave is from the Horned Toad Hills to the northwest. Alluvial fans from the base of the hills funnel runoff from the watershed area toward Mojave. Some surface flow may be diverted by streets, railroads, and other structures. Mojave historically has been subjected to flash flooding due to poorly defined channels and obstructed and undersized culvert crossings. Consequently, shallow flooding can occur even during low-intensity storms. Flooding in the area is characterized as sheet flow across the alluvial fan. Figure 9-1 shows the flood hazards in the Specific Plan Area. Much of the Central Mojave area is located within the flood hazard zone. Existing knowledge of potential geologic hazards can play an important role in land use decisions and help ensure the safety of residents and businesses in Mojave. Geologic and seismic conditions are well documented and useful for planning purposes. Numerous potential human-caused hazards exist within the Plan area, including leaking underground storage tanks, hazardous substance releases and spills, hazardous waste generation, landfills, abandoned mine sites and shafts, landfills, burn dumps, illegal trash dumping, aircraft incidents and transportation of hazardous wastes on highways and the railroad. Promoting awareness of emergency preparedness procedures and clearly establishing what should be done by whom during emergency situations represents a key strategy for protecting the Mojave community. Members of any community want to feel safe and protected when at home, work, or out in the community. Maintaining public safety includes ensuring adequate levels of County fire and law enforcement services throughout the area. Community safety can also be promoted through the use of defensible space planning and Community Policing Through Environmental Design (CPTED). CPTED encourages design that eliminates or reduces criminal behavior and at the same time encourages people to keep an eye out for each other. CPTED is a proven method of crime prevention, and use of CPTED principles in building and subdivision design is encouraged by the Sheriff s Department. 9.4 Seismic and Safety Element Goals The following element goals guide future decisions pertaining to seismic and safety hazards within the Specific Plan area: Protect structures from potential damage caused by earthquakes. Promote awareness of potential flood and geologic hazards. Promote awareness of potential human-caused hazards. Ensure that new development does not create a burden on adequate levels of fire and law enforcement services. October Mojave Specific Plan

6 9.5 Seismic and Safety Objectives and Policies The following objectives and policies demonstrate the County s commitment to mitigating development hazards presented by seismic conditions, flood hazards, hazardous materials, fire, and crime. These goals and policies will be accomplished through timely completion of specified implementation actions associated with each policy, which are fully detailed in Chapter 10. Element Goal: Protect structures from potential damage caused by earthquakes. Objective 9.1: Minimize the potential damage to structures and loss of life that could result from earthquakes (A-1,A-3, M-2) (H-1, M-2) (M-2) Safety measures required by the Uniform Building Code and the Kern County Seismic Safety Element during construction of new buildings are hereby incorporated by reference. Encourage residential property owners to implement seismic safety improvements in older buildings, such as anchoring buildings to foundations, bolting water heaters to walls, and performing other preventative measures. Participate in State-sponsored earthquake preparedness programs. Element Goal: Promote awareness of potential flood and geologic hazards. Objective 9.2: Prevent loss of life, reduce personal injuries and property damage, and minimize economic loss resulting from flood hazards (A-1,A-3, M-1, M-3) (C-1, C-4, M-1, M-3) (M-3) Require new construction within a special flood hazard area, as specified on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) (shown on the Physical Constraints Overlay Map in this Plan), to conform to the Floodplain Management Ordinance. Encourage clustering of residential development within areas identified on the Physical Constraints Map to mitigate physical hazards. Investigate and mitigate flood hazards, or locate development away from such hazards, to preserve life and protect property. Mojave Specific Plan 9-6 October 2003

7 9.2.4 (K-1) (C-5) (C-5, E-1) (K-1) Protect drainage channels located within the Specific Plan area from development with the use of drainage easements. Maintain open areas needed to retain stormwater and prevent flooding in developed areas. Require flood studies as part of discretionary permit application and site plan review within flood hazard overly areas (as identified on the Physical Constraints Map) and as required by the Engineering and Survey Services Department. Plan and build drainage facilities following applicable standards. Consider Development of a master drainage plan for those areas of the Specific Plan that will support future development. Emphasize appropriate water management and resource improvements as part of any such plan.. Element Goal: Promote awareness of potential human-caused hazards. Objective 9.3: Protect the community from human-caused hazards related to air and ground transportation, hazardous materials, and other human activities (M-5, M-7) (M-5, M-7) (B-4,C-5,G-3) (M-7) (M-4) Encourage all generators and processors of hazardous waste to develop long-term waste management programs in compliance with the Kern County General Plan. Ensure that hazardous materials used in business and industry are properly handled, and that information on their handling and use is available to fire protection and other safety agencies in accordance with the Fire Code. Ensure that development projects are consistent and compatible with the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan and Mojave Specific Plan. Reduce the risk of potential spills and exposure from ground transportation hazards, such as rail, truck, and roadway systems. Continue to educate residents about household hazardous waste (HHW), including what is classified as HHW and disposal options. October Mojave Specific Plan

8 9.3.6 (M-8) (M-10) Coordinate with the State to monitor hazardous sites located in the Plan Area. General Plan Amendments for new residential development shall be discouraged on a burn dump site. Development which is located on a burn dump site, and which requires a discretionary permit approval, shall be found consistent for land use compatibility and possible soil contamination. Burn Dump maps are available on file at the Waste Management Department. Element Goal: Ensure that new development does not create a burden on adequate levels of fire and law enforcement services. Objective 9.4: Ensure that new development does not degrade fire and law enforcement service levels (L-2) (L-1, L-2) (F-2) (K-2) (L-1) (L-2, M-11) Continue to administer the Mojave Desert Community Response Plan through the County Office of Emergency Services. Work with the Fire Department and the Sheriff s Department to ensure sufficient services can adequately protect and serve the community. Ensure that street widths and clearance areas are sufficient to accommodate fire protection and emergency vehicles during land division review and site plan review. Monitor fire-flow capability throughout the community. Continue to enforce the Health, Fire and Building standards for new development and rehabilitation of existing structures. The County will ensure adequate fire and police protection to all Kern County residents. Mojave Specific Plan 9-8 October 2003