6/8/2016. Development Factors. Part 58 Review. Environmental Assessment Development Factors

Transcription

1 Development Factors Part 58 Review Environmental Assessment Development Factors 1

2 Environmental Assessment Development Factors Impact Codes Make a Determination of Impact for each factor by choosing the applicable code that describes the situation: Impact Code Reason (1) Minor beneficial impact (2) No impact anticipated (3) Minor Adverse Impact May require mitigation (4) Significant or potentially significant impact requiring avoidance, modification, or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Determining the Impact Define the Baseline Identify any impacts to: the natural environment, the surroundings, community services, area facilities, the site occupants/neighboring occupants (as applicable). Will the project impact any known factors? Will any known factors impact the project? 2

3 Determining the Impact Measures of Significance to Consider Intensity of the impact Extent of the impact - quantifiable (# of cars, etc.) Duration of the impact (short term vs. long term) Scarcity or Uniqueness of the Factor Importance or Priority of the Factor (public need - subjective?) Identify impacts and significance thresholds. Discuss beneficial enhancements as well as adverse effects. Determining the Impact If thresholds are exceeded, create Mitigation Measures to reduce the adverse effects below the level of the significance. If the impact exceeds a threshold, can tailored mitigation be developed? Is there standard mitigation for the potentially adverse impact that avoids adverse impact? E.g., construction erosion mitigated by sediment controls Explain and cite the source(s) that support these determinations and conclusions for each factor. 3

4 Determining the Impact In order for the environmental review to be valid, all mitigation identified in the analysis must be: Included in the Conditions for Approval section of the EA. Incorporated into project contracts, development agreements, and other relevant documents. Identified in the public notice. Categories Land Development Socioeconomic Community Facilities and Services Natural Features Other Factors 4

5 Land Development Conformance with Plans and Zoning Compatibility and Urban Impact Erosion and Slope Soil Suitability Hazards and Nuisances, including Site Safety (natural and man-made) Land Development (continued) Energy Consumption Contribution to Community Noise Levels Air Quality and Contribution to Air Pollutant Levels Environmental Design Visual Quality Coherence, Diversity, Compatible Use, and Scale 5

6 Impact of ambient air quality on sensitive receptors Is the site within 500 feet of a major roadway carrying a high volume of diesel truck traffic? Proximity to other significant air pollution source? Sensitive occupants? (i.e., senior housing, hospitals, long-term care, HOPWA projects) If yes, seek additional info from local gov t and local air quality management district. This factor should also be referenced under the Toxics section of the Statutory Worksheet. Socioeconomic Demographic Character Changes Displacement Employment and Income Patterns 6

7 Community Facilities and Services Educational Facilities Commercial Facilities Health Care Social Services Solid Waste/Recycling Management Waste Water Storm Water Water Supply Community Facilities and Services (continued) Public Safety/Police Services Fire Fighting Services Emergency/Medical Services Open Space Recreation Activities Cultural Facilities Transportation 7

8 Natural Features Water Resources Surface Water Unique Natural Features and Agricultural Lands Vegetation and Wildlife Other Factors Growth-Inducing Impacts Cumulative Effects Greenhouse Gas Emissions Factors that are unique to the site/area/region 8

9 Data Sources Maps, aerial photography, online sources Project-specific plans and studies Phase I ESA Other federal EA or EIS reviews State or local environmental reviews General studies local planning documents Field observation Information Gathering Agencies to Contact Regional and Local Planning Agencies Public Works Department Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Department of Fish and Wildlife (State and Federal) Local Conservation and Historic Commissions Social Services Department 9

10 Information Gathering Agencies to Contact (continued) Parks and Recreation Department Fire, Police, and Emergency Services Departments Utility Companies State and Local Transportation Agencies Energy Auditor/Green Building Consultant CDC Project Case Study Wilmington and 118 th Street Senior Housing and Library Community Development Commission County of Los Angeles 10

11 Wilmington and 118 th Street Senior Housing and Library CDC Project Case Study Wilmington and 118 th Street Senior Housing and Library New construction at a currently vacant site. 109 units of affordable housing for seniors. Four stories in height, one level underground. New public library onsite also included in the project scope. Bordered by residences, commercial, and a freeway onramp/off-ramp. Phase 1 and Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessments completed. Included several rounds of soil borings. 11

12 CDC Project Determinations Wilmington and 118 th Street Senior Housing and Library Determined to be a FONSI Highlighted Factors of this review Compatibility and Urban Impact Soil Suitability Water Supply Transportation CDC Project Determinations Wilmington and 118 th Street Senior Housing and Library Compatibility and Urban Impact Identify the scale and architectural style of the project is similar to that of nearby properties. Determine if the proposed use poses any potential conflicts with nearby uses. This discussion will often be cross-referenced to issues such as noise and hazards if potential conflicts are present. Determine if the project would affect or block the view of an identified scenic resource (e.g., historic building, mature trees, mountains, ocean). 12

13 CDC Project Determinations Wilmington and 118 th Street Senior Housing and Library Soil Suitability Typically considers whether site soils are prone to liquefaction, soil settlement, expansion, etc. For hillside properties, landslides and erosion may be factors. Except in unusual circumstances, following the existing building code standards for that jurisdiction presumes compliance and should address any potential issues. The Web Soil Survey (WSS) is a valuable resource. It is operated by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 13

14 CDC Project Determinations Wilmington and 118 th Street Senior Housing and Library Water Supply Focuses on whether current water supplies are available to serve the project. Every water provider in California is required to prepare an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) every 5 years that details its supplies and demand as well as any deficiencies and how such deficiencies can be addressed. Water Conservation Efforts CDC Project Determinations Wilmington and 118 th Street Senior Housing and Library Transportation Goal is to comply with locally adopted standards. Determine if the project would generate a substantial increase in traffic. LA County uses 500 daily trips as a guideline. If >500 trips, CDC consults with a traffic engineering firm to prepare a detailed level of service (LOS) analysis that compares the impact of the project to local standards. Determine project site accessibility via mass transit, sidewalks, and bike lanes. 14

15 CDC Project Determinations Wilmington and 118 th Street Senior Housing and Library Conditions for Approval Acoustical Mitigation Removal of Soil Contamination Compliance with County of Los Angeles Green Building Program Protection of Nesting/Breeding Native Birds Additional Factors Portion of the project site located within 500 feet of a Freeway CDC Project Mitigation Wilmington and 118 th Street Senior Housing and Library CDC 500-Foot Setback Rule from Freeways CDC policy prevents new residential projects from being funded if it is located within 500 feet from a Freeway. Recommendation by California Air Resources Board (CARB). South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) supports CARB s findings and recommendations. Environmental Assessments for housing projects located within 500 feet from a freeway must be submitted to EPA for comment. Environmental Justice review may be triggered for housing of low-mod income level residents. 15

16 Wilmington and 118 th Street Senior Housing and Library Wilmington and 118 th Street Senior Housing and Library 16

17 Questions and Answers Thank You! Brian Talbot, Environmental and Planning Specialist Community Development Commission County of Los Angeles (626)