CITY OF CHINO HILLS GENERAL PLAN UPDATE 13GPA02

Transcription

1 INITIAL STUDY CITY OF CHINO HILLS GENERAL PLAN UPDATE 13GPA02 Prepared by: Community Development Department City Center Drive Chino Hills, CA Attention: Jerrod Walters, Associate Planner May 22, 2013

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. Executive Summary... 1 Project Description... 1 Enviornmental Factors Potentially Affected Determination Evaluation of Environmental s Environmental s Checklist Mandatory Findings of Significance LIST OF TABLES Table No. Page No. LU-1 Draft General Plan Update Land Use Plan Designations & Acreages... 7 LU-2 Existing General Plan Land Use by Designation, Acreage and % of Total Acreage... 8 LU-3 Existing Developed Land Use by Land Use Designation, Acreage and % of Total Area Developed... 9 LIST OF FIGURES Figure No. Page No. 1. Chino Hills General Plan Regional Location Map Draft General Plan Update Land Use Map California Department of Conservation 2010 Important Farmland Map for San Bernardino County 16

3 CITY OF CHINO HILLS GENERAL PLAN UPDATE 13GPA02 INITIAL STUDY Executive Summary: This Initial Study assesses the potential environmental impacts of the General Plan Update for the. The General Plan Update would update and supersede the City s current General Plan, which was adopted in September 13, 1994 and subsequently amended. The General Plan Update encompasses all text and figures of six General Plan Elements: Land Use Element, Circulation Element, Conservation Element, Safety Element, Noise Element and Economic Development Element. The environmental review for the General Plan Update is expected to encompass proposed changes to these six elements and associated changes to the City of Chino Hills Zoning Map and Municipal Code to maintain consistency with the General Plan Update. Referred to within this document as the proposed Project, the General Plan Update plans for the continued development during the next twenty years. This Initial Study finds that consistent with Section of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, a Program EIR will be prepared for the General Plan Update. A program EIR will be used to assess the comprehensive nature of the General Plan Update and will serve as a resource from which the potential environmental impacts of future development activities in the City can be evaluated. The Program EIR will address the following topics identified as potentially significant within this Initial Study: Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology/Soils, Greenhouse Gas, Hazards/Hazard Materials, Hydrology/Water Quality, Land Use and Planning, Noise, Population/Housing, Public Services, Recreation, Transportation/Traffic and Utilities/Service Systems. In addition, although potential impacts relative to Aesthetics are not identified, the Program EIR will present a review of existing City scenic resources and visual character and how the General Plan Update will affect the resources and character. Project Description: 1. Project title: General Plan Update. 2. Lead agency name and address:, City Center Drive, Chino Hills, CA Contact person and phone number: Jerrod Walters, Associate Planner, Community Development Department (909) , jwalters@chinohills.org. 4. Project location: Chino Hills is located in the Chino Valley within the County of San Bernardino. As shown in Figure 1, Chino Hills Regional Location Map, it is uniquely located at the extreme southwestern corner of San Bernardino County, where the boundaries of four counties meet. Chino Hills is bordered by Los Angeles County on the north and west, by Orange General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 1

4 County on the south and west, and by Riverside County on the south and east. Surrounding cities include Chino, Pomona, Diamond Bar, Brea, Yorba Linda and Corona. 5. Project sponsor's name and address: Community Development Department, City of Chino Hills, City Center Drive, Chino Hills, CA Figure 1, Chino Hills General Plan Regional Location Map 6. 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.) PROJECT BACKGROUND Incorporated on December 1, 1991, it s been over twenty years since Chino Hills laid out its vision for the future. Following the desires of its citizens, Chino Hills set out to be a community with high quality residential and commercial areas in a rural setting, a high level of public services, and a pleasing environment in which to live, work and shop. Today, Chino Hills has achieved its vision. General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 2

5 Chino Hills is known for its high quality of life and beautiful rural atmosphere. The community, with its current population of 74,799 1, has access to 3,420 acres of publicly owned open space, 40 parks, 38 miles of trails, and 5 community buildings. Its city boundaries encompass approximately 28,816 acres, 7,366 acres of which are part of the Chino Hills State Park of land area. The General Plan Update plans for the continued development during the next twenty years. To this end, the General Plan addresses the critical issues that will shape Chino Hills future, specifically: Are there opportunities for new commercial and employment generating land uses? Where will future growth occur? What are the opportunities to enhance the community s sustainability through transit and mixed-use development? How will Chino Hills ensure its older and special neighborhoods continue to be maintained? How will Chino Hills ensure its special and cohesive community identity is retained? How will the City maintain its rural setting? How will the City be able to designate space for its State-mandated allocation of housing units under the Regional Housing Needs Assessment? Is traffic adequately managed? How should the community maintain its open spaces? Are there opportunities for additional open space and recreational facilities? How can the City support more energy efficient facilities and practices? What can the community do to support healthy living? GENERAL PLAN CONTENTS Every California city must adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan. The General Plan must cover a local jurisdiction s entire planning area and address the broad range of issues associated with the City s development. The General Plan is the City s constitution or blueprint for its long-range physical development. California law requires every general plan to cover, at minimum, seven major issue areas: land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, noise and public safety. Within the General Plan, these issue areas are addressed in the following seven chapters (referred to as elements). In addition, the City General Plan includes one optional element which addresses economic development. 1. Land Use Element: The Land Use Element is required by State law. It designates all lands within the City for specific uses such as housing, commercial, industrial, and open space uses. The Land Use Element also provides development regulations for each land use category, and overall land use policies for the City U.S. Census Report, Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics. General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 3

6 2. Circulation Element: The Circulation Element is required by State law. It specifies the general location and extent of existing and proposed major streets and other transportation facilities. It also specifies infrastructure facilities that carry water, wastewater, and storm water. 3. Housing Element: The Housing Element is required by State law and requires separate review by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Housing Elements are required to be updated every eight years. 4. Parks, Recreation and Open Space Element: Although the Parks and Recreation components of this Element are not required by State law, the Open Space component is required. This Element provides guidance for development of future park and recreation facilities and programs, and the preservation, acquisition, management, and use of open space in the City. 5. Conservation Element: The Conservation Element is required by State law. It addresses land resources, biological resources, cultural resources, air quality and greenhouse gas emissions, water resources, and drainages. 6. Safety Element: The Safety Element is required by State law. It addresses protection of the community from risks associated with the effects of flooding, seismic and other geologic hazards, hazardous materials and wild land fires. 7. Noise Element: The Noise Element is required by State law. It addresses existing and potential noise concerns in the community. 8. Economic Development Element: While not required by State law, the Economic Development Element is included to promote a diversified economy and to promote sound fiscal policies. The General Plan Update covers six of these elements: Land Use Element, Circulation Element, Conservation Element, Safety Element, Noise Element and Economic Development Element. The Housing Element and the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Element are not included. Schedules for Housing Element updates are established by the California Government Code and promulgated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). According to these schedules, the City s current Housing Element was adopted on September 12, The next Housing Element schedule requires all cities and counties within the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) region to submit drafts of their Housing Element to HCD by October In compliance with this requirement, the submitted its draft to HCD on March 5, The City s current Parks, Recreation and Open Space Element was adopted on June 10, This element guides the development of future park and recreation facilities and programs; the preservation, acquisition, management, and use of open space in the City; and the planning of trails. No changes to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Element are proposed as part of the General Plan Update; therefore, the element is not included. Planning Area: The Planning Area for the Chino Hills General Plan encompasses the approximately 28,816 acres (45 square miles) that are contained within the City boundaries, General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 4

7 shown in Figure 2, Draft General Plan Update Land Use Map. The City has no sphere of influence outside its borders. Planning Horizon: This General Plan provides the goals, policies and actions that will guide the City during its next twenty years, placing the horizon for this General Plan at about In accordance with state general plan guidelines, the horizon year does not mark an end point, but rather provides a general context from which the City can make shorter-term decisions. Planning is a continuous process, and the commits to reviewing this General Plan regularly to ensure consistency with new information and changes in community needs and values. LAND USE PLAN The Land Use Plan describes graphically the location and size of designated land uses. Figure 2, Draft General Plan Update Land Use Map, presents the proposed General Plan Land Use Plan. Boundaries of the Map define the planning area addressed by the General Plan Update and this environmental document. Table LU-1, Draft General Plan Update Land Use Plan Designations & Acreages, presents the estimated area for each of the proposed General Plan land use designations within the City. General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 5

8 Figure 2, Draft General Plan Update Land Use Map General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 6

9 Table LU-1 DRAFT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE LAND USE PLAN DESIGNATIONS AND ACREAGES General Plan Percent of Total Land Use Category Acres Acres Agriculture/Ranches 7, Rural Residential Low Density Residential 3, Medium Density Residential High Density Residential Very High Density Residential Subtotal Residential 12, General Commercial Business Park Commercial Recreation Subtotal Commercial 1, Public Park Public Open Space 3, Private Open Space 1, State Park 7, Subtotal Open Space 12, Institutional / Public Facility Mixed Use TOTALS 26,845 [1] 100 Notes: [1] The 26,845-acre figure represents the total acreage of properties within the City that are provided with Land Use Designations in the General Plan Land Use Map. Public and private streets and State Route 71 are not provided with a Land Use Designation and are not included within the Total General Plan Acres figure. Public and private right-of-way occupies an additional 1,971 acres within the City s boundaries. The City s total area, including properties with Land Use Designations and right-of-way, is 28,816 acres (or approximately 45 square miles). ZONING MAP The Zoning Map converts the Land Use Plan into designations consistent with the City of Chino Hills Municipal Code. Changes to the Zoning Map and Municipal Code to maintain consistency with the General Plan Update will be assessed as part of this environmental review process. 7. Existing setting, including existing General Plan, land uses, transportation, infrastructure, geology, biological resources and cultural resources in the City of Chino Hills Area: General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 7

10 EISTING GENERAL PLAN Physical development in the is currently governed by the City s existing (1994, and as amended) General Plan. The existing General Plan disaggregates the City according to the land use designations listed in Table LU-2, which summarizes the current distribution of Chino Hills area by existing General Plan land use designation and by percent of City total acreage. Table LU-2 EISTING GENERAL PLAN LAND USE BY DESIGNATION, ACREAGE AND PERCENT OF TOTAL ACREAGE General Plan Percent of Total Land Use Category Acres Acres Agriculture/Ranches 8, Rural Residential 1, Low Density Residential 4, Medium Density Residential High Density Residential Very High Density Residential Subtotal Residential 16, Commercial Business Park Commercial Recreation Subtotal Commercial 1, Public Open Space 3, State Park 7, Subtotal Open Space 11, Institutional / Public Facility TOTALS 29,726 [1] 100 Notes: [1] The 29,726-acre figure represents the total acreage of land within the City on the existing General Plan Land Use map. Please note that the existing General Plan Land Use map included acreage counts from public and private streets and State Route 71 as well as acreage counts from previous mapping errors that have now been corrected. Figure 2 and Table LU-1 reflects the correct total acreage figures for the Draft Update General Plan Land Use Map. EISTING LAND USES Table LU-3, below, summarizes the currently developed Chino Hills land by existing General Plan land use designation, land use acreage, and by percent of total dwelling units and/or nonresidential square footage area currently developed. For residential, there are approximately 23,793 total existing dwelling units, which represents 84.6% of the existing General Plan dwelling unit buildout and 80.3% of the proposed General Plan residential buildout. For nonresidential square footage, specifically commercial, there are approximately 4,070,810 General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 8

11 commercial square feet of development, which represents 80.8% of the existing General Plan commercial square footage buildout and 81.1% of the proposed General Plan commercial buildout. Table LU-3 EISTING DEVELOPED LAND USE BY LAND USE DESIGNATION, ACREAGE AND PERCENT OF TOTAL AREA DEVELOPED Land Use Category Percent of Total Percent of General Square Feet Square Feet Dwelling Total Dwelling Plan (Non- (Non-Residential) Units Units Acres Residential) Developed Developed Agriculture/Ranches 8,681 9, Rural Residential 1, Low Density Residential 4,035 28, , Medium Density Residential , High Density Residential , , Very High Density Residential , Subtotal Residential 16, , , Commercial 562 3,386, Business Park , Commercial Recreation , Subtotal Commercial 1,620 4,070, Public Open Space 3, State Park 7, Subtotal Open Space 11, Institutional / Public Facility 866 1,775, Subtotal Institutional / Public Facility 866 1,775, TOTALS 29,726 6,177, , TRANSPORTATION Roadways: The City s roadway system is comprised of the State Route 71 Freeway and its interchanges, 6-Lane Major Arterials, 4-Lane Major Highways, 4-Lane Secondary Highways, 4- Lane Commercial Collectors, and 2-Lane Collectors. Local streets connect to these roadways, providing access to Chino Hills neighborhoods and non-residential developments. Transit: Omnitrans is the largest public transit provider in San Bernardino County, serving over 15 million passengers each year throughout 16 cities and unincorporated areas. In Chino Hills, Omnitrans provides bus service from Chino Hills Parkway and Pipeline Avenue to the TransCenter in the city of Montclair and extends service to Chino Hills locations such as Ayala and Chino Hills High Schools, Chino Campus of Chaffey College, Chino Spectrum, and City Hall. Omnitrans also operates a demand-response transportation system known as OmniLink, which provides curb-to-curb service for the general public. Bicycle and Pedestrian Ways: Bike lanes are marked on all arterial, highway and collector streets in the City. Pedestrian ways connect neighborhoods to schools, commercial areas and parks and open spaces. General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 9

12 INFRASTRUCTURE Water, sewer and storm drainage infrastructure (wet utilities) and electricity, natural gas, and telecommunications infrastructure (dry utilities) comprise the City infrastructure system. Such infrastructure is typically installed in conjunction with development to serve that development or be reasonably related to it. Utility systems usually follow the street system and are installed within the public right of way. Planning and maintenance of wet utilities is the City s responsibility. The Storm Drain Master Plan and Water, Recycled Water, and Sewer Master Plan anticipate the infrastructure improvements needed to serve current and expected development. GEOLOGY The is located in the eastern Puente Hills, in the northern portion of the Peninsular Ranges geomorphic province. The Peninsular Ranges province is characterized by a series of northwest to southeast-oriented valleys, hills, and mountains separated by faults associated with, and parallel to the San Andreas Fault System. Two of these faults, the Chino and the Whittier, are located in and near the, respectively. These faults, and the bedrock and sediment types that occur in the Chino Hills area, control to a large extent the potential geologic impacts that could occur in the City. Other geologic conditions within the City include liquefaction and landslides. Liquefaction is a soil strength and stiffness loss phenomenon that typically occurs in loose, saturated cohesionless soils as a result of strong ground shaking during earthquakes. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Chino Hills is home to a wide diversity of plant and animal species, often located in the canyons. Native and non-native vegetation occur within the eleven following vegetation communities: 1. Annual Grasslands, 2. Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub, 3. Coast Live Oak Woodland, 4. Chaparral, Southern Willow Scrub, 5. Walnut Woodland, 6. Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest, 7. Riverine, 8. Coastal Sage Scrub/Chaparral Ecotone, 9. Freshwater Emergent Wetland, 10. Sycamore-Alder Riparian Woodland, 11. Open Water. Within these vegetation communities are a number of special-status animal species that inhabit the native plants communities within Chino Hills. Special-status animals include fish, birds, reptiles and mammals that are listed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) and/or California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) as either endangered, threatened or a species of concern. Special-status animals identified by the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) also occur in Chino Hills. General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 10

13 CULTURAL RESOURCES All of Chino Hills is within the traditional tribal territory of the Tongva/Gabrielino, which is believed to have inhabited the area beginning in the Milling Stone or Intermediate period, approximately 3000 years before present. These people are believed to have established the village of Pashiinonga that was located on a rise above Chino Creek. This village would have been a base with smaller satellite villages and seasonal camps in the vicinity. Because of this history, the entire City is sensitive for prehistoric resources. A records search at the San Bernardino Archaeological Information Center at the San Bernardino County Museum identified 121 recorded cultural resources within the (records search June 9-11, 2010 by Molly Valasik of Cogstone). Twenty-six are prehistoric-era sites, 55 are historic-era sites, 38 are prehistoric isolates and 2 are historic isolates within the city limits of Chino Hills. Two of the historic-era sites have additional listings. The Ranch Chino Adobe site is a California State Historical Landmark and the Battle of Chino marker is a California Point of Interest. Known paleontological resources in the City consist of Miocene Epoch (15-9 million years old) and Pleistocene Epoch (1.8 million to 10 thousand years old) fossils. Miocene fossils represented the time period when Chino Hills was ocean floor and includes many kinds of marine life but also leaves from terrestrial plants that were washed into the ocean by streams and rivers. The Miocene marine fossils include marine mammals of 8 types, boney fishes of 41 types, cartilaginous fishes of 4 types, marine invertebrates of 18 types and marine plants of 10 types. Miocene land plants of 32 types are represented along with freshwater snails. The single most scientifically significant fossil is the Chino Hills Dolphin, Atocetus anguloi, recovered during construction excavations for Vellano in Soquel Canyon. This dolphin is a new and previously unknown species and has no living relatives. Pleistocene terrestrial mammals are represented by 8 types, including a prehistoric bison, horse, giant horse, Mammoth, deer, two types of ground sloths and rodent. 8. Surrounding land uses and setting: (Briefly describe the project's surroundings) Areas surrounding the City generally follow similar development patterns. To the north is the City of Pomona, where land uses adjacent to Chino Hills include undeveloped land, State Route (SR) 60 and residential. To the east are SR 71, the City of Chino and portions of unincorporated Riverside County and the City of Corona. The adjacent land uses within the City of Chino consist of a mix of residential, commercial and industrial. Within the unincorporated County, the adjacent land use is the Prado Dam flood control basin. Within the City of Corona, the adjacent land uses are undeveloped land and SR 71. To the south are the SR 91, then undeveloped land and residential land uses within the cities of Corona, Yorba Linda and Brea. To the west are undeveloped land and residential land within the cities of Yorba Linda and Diamond Bar. 9. Other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation agreement.) Once the General Plan Update is adopted by the Chino Hills City Council, there will be no other permits necessary from other public agencies, including responsible agencies, in order for General Plan Update to become effective. General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 11

14 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially " as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. Aesthetics Agriculture/ Forest Resources Air Quality Biological Resources Cultural Resources Geology/Soils Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hazards/Hazard Materials Hydrology/Water Quality Land Use and Planning Mineral Resources Noise Population/Housing Public Services Recreation Transportation/Traffic Utilities/Service Systems Mandatory Findings of Significance Determination: (To be completed by the Lead Agency) 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 the mitigation measures described on the attached pages have been added to the project. 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. x I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect(s) on the environment; and a PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. 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 legal 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 Date Joann Lombardo Community Development Director Printed Name Title Agency General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 12

15 Evaluation of Environmental s: An Environmental Checklist Form (Form) has been used to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed project. The Form has been prepared by the Resources Agency of California to assist local governmental agencies, such as the, in complying with the requirements of the Statutes and Guidelines for implementing the California Environmental Quality Act. In the Form, environmental effects are evaluated as follows: 1. A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No " answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in its response. A "No " 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 "No " 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, Less Than With Mitigation, or Less Than. "Potentially " is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more "Potentially " entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 4. "Negative Declaration: Less Than With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially " 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 an "Earlier Analyses," as described in #5 below, may be cross-referenced). 5. Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following: (a) Earlier Analysis 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) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than with Mitigation Measures Incorporated," 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). 7. Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 8. The explanation of each issue should identify: General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 13

16 (a) The significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question. (b) The mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significant. Environmental s Checklist: 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 and quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Potentially Less Than With Mitigation Incorporation Less than No Explanation: I. a-d. Potentially. The existing General Plan and Municipal Code identifies scenic vistas and resources within the City, contains policies and standards to protect the visual character of the community, and provides standards to control light and glare. The General Plan Update proposes to maintain and strengthen the policies and standards that address community aesthetics, and is not expected to result in adverse impacts relative to this topic. However, because community aesthetics are a vital part of the character, the Program EIR will present a review of existing City scenic resources and visual character and how the General Plan Update will affect the resources and character. II. AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST 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. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment Project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. 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? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 14

17 or a Williamson Act contract? 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 51104(g))? d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? 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? Potentially Less Than With Mitigation Incorporation Less than No Explanation: II. a-e. No. According to the California Department of Conservation 2010 Important Farmland Map for San Bernardino County, Figure 3, the majority of Chino Hills is classified as Grazing Land and Urban and Built-Up Land. Grazing Land is defined by the state as land on which the existing vegetation is suited to the grazing of livestock. In Chino Hills, Grazing Lands are located primarily within the hillside areas on properties with Open Space and Agriculture/Ranches land use designations. The existing General Plan defines an Agriculture/Ranches land use classification that allows a residential density of up to 0.2 dwelling units per acre, along with equestrian estates, agricultural uses and cattle grazing. The proposed General Plan Update maintains this classification, and clarifies that equestrian uses, agricultural uses and cattle grazing may be permitted as a primary land use. Urban and Built-Up Land is defined by the state as land that is occupied by structures with a building density of at least one unit to 1.5 acres, or approximately six structures to a 10-acre parcel. Common examples include residential, industrial commercial, institutional, golf courses and infrastructure facilities. In Chino Hills, these urban lands are primarily located on relatively flat land near the S-R 71 and other arterial roadways. Prime Farmland is identified on portions of the Boys Republic property, which consists of approximately 196 acres, most of which is used for grazing and alfalfa or hay production to feed the cattle. Prime Farmland is defined by the state as land with the best combination of physical and chemical features to be able to sustain long-term agricultural projections. This land has the soil quality, growing season and moisture needed to produce sustained high yields. Land must have been used for irrigated agricultural project at some time during the four years prior to the mapping date. The General Plan Update does not propose to alter any of the uses or land use designations within the identified Grazing Land properties or Boys Republic. No properties within the City remain in an agricultural preserve. Timberland is defined by PRC Section 4526 as land, other than federal land, which is available for, and capable of, growing a crop of trees of any commercial species used to produce lumber and other forest products including Christmas trees. There is no timberland and no designated forest lands within Chino Hills. Consequently, no impacts relative to the conversion of farmlands, timberlands or forest land will occur as a result of the General Plan Update. This topic will not be addressed with the Program EIR. General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 15

18 Figure 3, California Department of Conservation 2010 Important Farmland Map for San Bernardino County General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 16

19 III. AIR QUALITY. Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute 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 non-attainment 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? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? Potentially Less Than With Mitigation Incorporation Less than No Explanation: III. a-e. Potentially. Chino Hills is within the South Coast Air Basin (the Basin), which is under the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). As the local air quality management agency, the SCAQMD is required to monitor air pollutant levels to ensure that state and federal air quality standards are met and, if they are not met, to develop strategies to meet the standards. Depending on whether or not the standards are met or exceeded, the Basin is classified as being in attainment or nonattainment. The part of the Basin within which Chino Hills is located is in nonattainment for both the federal and state standards for ozone, PM10, and PM2.5, as well as the state standard for nitrogen dioxide (California Air Resources Board, Area Designations Maps/State and National, May 2012). Thus, the Basin currently exceeds several state and federal ambient air quality standards and is required to implement strategies to reduce pollutant levels to recognized acceptable standards. This non-attainment status is a result of several factors, the primary ones being the naturally adverse meteorological conditions that limit the dispersion and diffusion of pollutants, the limited capacity of the local airshed to eliminate pollutants from the air, and the number, type, and density of emission sources within the Basin. Build-out of the City consistent with the General Plan Update could conflict with implementation of the SCAQMD air quality plan, violate applicable air quality standards and contribute substantially to existing air quality violations; expose sensitive receptors (including children, elderly and the infirmed) to substantial pollutant contributions; and create objectionable odors affecting substantial numbers of people. The Program EIR will identify whether or not development pursuant to the General Plan Update would impact the abovelisted air quality issues. Where appropriate, the EIR will recommend mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts to air quality. IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modification, on any species identified as candidate, sensitive or special status species in local or regional plans, General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 17

20 policies or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife? 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 sites? 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 Conservancy Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? Potentially Less Than With Mitigation Incorporation Less than No Explanation: IV. a-f. Potentially. As discussed in Section 7 of this Initial Study, Chino Hills contains numerous vegetation communities and species listed by the USFWS and/or CDFW as either endangered, threatened or a species of concern. Continued development of the City pursuant to the General Plan Update could potentially impact these resources. The Program EIR will identify whether or not development pursuant to the General Plan Update would impact the above-listed biological resource issues. Where appropriate, the EIR will recommend mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts to biological resources. V. CULTURAL AND 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 ? General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 18

21 c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? Potentially Less Than With Mitigation Incorporation Less than No Explanation: V. a-d. Potentially. As discussed in Section 7 of this Initial Study, Chino Hills contains potential historical sites and archeological and paleontological resources. There is reasonable expectation that internment sites could exist. Continued development of the City pursuant to the General Plan Update could potentially impact these resources. The Program EIR will identify whether or not development pursuant to the General Plan Update would impact the above-listed cultural resource issues. Where appropriate, the EIR will recommend mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts to cultural resources. 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 onor off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table LU-18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 19

22 are not available for the disposal of wastewater? Potentially Less Than With Mitigation Incorporation Less than No Explanation: VI. a-e. Potentially. Geographically, Chino Hills is susceptible to seismic activity, landslides, erosion, liquefaction, expansive soils. Current City development policies allow septic tanks in certain large hillside residential areas. Continued development of the City could potentially impact these geologic and soils conditions. The Program EIR will identify whether or not development pursuant to the General Plan Update would impact the above-listed geology and soils issues. Where appropriate, the EIR will recommend mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts to geology and soils. VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. Would the project: a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? b) Conflict with any applicable plan, policy or regulation of an agency adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? Explanation: VII. a-b. Potentially. In 2005, in recognition of California s vulnerability to the effects of climate change, Governor Schwarzenegger established Executive Order S-3-05, which sets forth a series of target dates by which statewide emission of greenhouse gas (GHG) would be progressively reduced, as follows: By 2010, reduce GHG emissions to 2000 levels; By 2020, reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels; and By 2050, reduce GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels. In 2006, California passed the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32; California Health and Safety Code Division 25.5, Sections 38500, et seq.), which requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to design and implement emission limits, regulations, and other measures, such that feasible and costeffective statewide greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to 1990 levels by 2020 (representing an approximate 25 percent reduction in emissions). To provide guidance to local lead agencies on determining significance for GHG emissions in their CEQA documents, the SCAQMD has convened a GHG CEQA Significance Threshold Working Group. The SCAQMD is in the process of establishing a threshold for GHG emissions to determine a project s regional contribution toward global climate change impacts for California. On December 5, 2008, SCAQMD adopted a threshold of 3,000 metric tons (MTons) of CO2e 2 per year for residential and commercial projects for which it is the lead agency under CEQA. These levels were reaffirmed by SCAQMD in The Program EIR will identify whether or not development pursuant to the General Plan Update would generate significant levels of GHG and would comply with applicable state and regional GHG policies. Where appropriate, the EIR will recommend mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts to GHG. 2 CO2e, or carbon dioxide equivalent, is a standard unit for measuring carbon footprints. General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 20

23 Potentially VIII. 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? 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? Less Than With Mitigation Incorporation Less than No 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? General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 21

24 Potentially Less Than With Mitigation Incorporation Less than No Explanation: VIII. a-e, g-h. Potentially. Chino Hills does not contain known hazardous materials producing industries, and the General Plan Update does not propose to alter currently designated industrial sites within the City. According to the State of California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Envirostor database (accessed May 2, 2013), the Aerojet Chino Hills Facility is the only active site in the City currently monitored by DTSC. Aerojet is a former munitions assembly and test facility that operated from 1954 until the facility closed in November It is located on approximately 800 acres in an undeveloped area adjacent to Chino Hills State Parks. Ordnance assembled and tested at the Facility included high explosive incendiary (HEI) rounds, armor piercing incendiary (API) rounds containing depleted uranium and a wide variety of fuses. Solid rocket motors containing perchlorate were tested in one area of the facility. Aerojet has been working with DTSC on corrective actions to complete clean-up of the site and plan for its future use. To address potential impacts associated with the Aerojet clean-up process as well as other potential hazardous materials in or adjacent to the City, the Program EIR will review the adequacy of General Plan Update policies to address these hazardous materials issues. Other potential hazard issues of concern for Chino Hills is the Chino Airport which is located approximately 6 miles from the Chino Hills eastern border, and risk of wildland fires in the hillside and less developed areas of the City. The Program EIR will review the adequacy of General Plan Update policies to address these hazards and the City s emergency response plans. Where appropriate, the EIR will recommend mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts to hazards and hazardous materials. Explanation: VIII. f. No. No private airstrips are located within or adjacent to the City. Therefore, no hazard impacts relative to private airstrips will occur as a result of the General Plan Update. This topic will not be addressed with the Program EIR. I. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? 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 stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of General Plan Update 13GPA02 - Initial Study Page 22