FINAL FOCUSED TIERED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT D IGITAL A RTS F ACILITY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ

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1 FINAL FOCUSED TIERED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT D IGITAL A RTS F ACILITY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ S EPTEMBER 2005 State Clearinghouse #

2 SECTION 2.0 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 2.1 PROJECT UNDER REVIEW The proposed project is the construction of a new Digital Arts Facility (DAF) and an addition to the Theater Arts Center on the UCSC campus. The proposed project sites are located in the southern portion of the lands designated as Campus Core, in an area currently developed with several Arts Division facilities. The Digital Arts Facility Project includes a total of 26,535 assignable square feet [asf] (46,165 gross square feet [gsf]) in two components: 1) a new, approximately 25,336 asf (44,777 gsf) DAF; and 2) a 1,199 asf (1,388 gsf) addition to the existing Experimental Theater. The DAF would provide instructional, research, and administrative office space for the Digital Arts and New Media (DANM) program and for the Visual Arts, Theater Arts, and Music departments. The building would contain digital media labs, faculty studios and offices, administrative offices, and laboratory support space. The Theater Arts Addition (TAA) would provide a back of theater suite with a dressing room, shower, and a cueing/staging/waiting area. The Digital Arts Facility project would accommodate approximately 71 students in instructional labs and classrooms. The building would also provide studios, offices, and laboratory support space that would accommodate approximately 20 faculty and staff. 2.2 AREAS OF POTENTIAL CONTROVERSY On January 19, 2005, the Notice of Preparation (NOP) and an Initial Study checklist for this Draft EIR were circulated to state, regional, and local agencies and to several community organizations and individuals. Written comments on the NOP were received from the California Department of Transportation and the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District. A scoping meeting was held on February 7, 2005 at the UCSC Physical Planning and Construction Office at the UCSC campus. The meeting was advertised and the public was invited to attend; no agency representatives or members of the public attended the meeting to provide recommendations regarding the proposed content of the EIR. The only potentially controversial issue identified in the scoping process is traffic. 2.3 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Under CEQA, a significant effect on the environment is defined as a substantial or potentially substantial adverse change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected by a project including effect on land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historical or aesthetic significance. The significance criteria used to determine whether or not effects are significant are included in the introduction to each topic discussed in this EIR. F INAL EIR 2-1 S EPTEMBER 2005

3 Digital Arts Facility Summary Because the project EIR is tiered to the 1988 LRDP EIR and subsequent EIRs that update the 1988 LRDP EIR, impact topics that were adequately addressed in those documents are not analyzed again in this report. This EIR provides new analyses (and identifies new impacts and mitigation measures) for issue topics (a) that were not addressed in sufficient detail in the 1988 LRDP EIR to allow for an informed decision on the proposed project; (b) for which there is new information that would assist in the decision making process; and (c) for which substantial changes in circumstances involve new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of environmental effects. The Initial Study Checklist (Appendix C) identified potentially significant impacts that could be reduced to less than significant levels with mitigation for the following: Aesthetics (potential construction damage to trees) and Cultural Resources. This EIR presents analyses in the following impact categories: Aesthetics, Biological Resources, Hydrology, Noise, Transportation & Circulation, and Cumulative Impacts. This EIR identifies construction noise as a significant unavoidable project level impact. The EIR identifies potentially significant or significant project impacts related to biological resources (nesting bird species and special status species [bats and badger]). Mitigation measures are proposed that would reduce these potentially significant impacts to less thansignificant levels. The EIR identifies less than significant impacts related to aesthetics (impacts on scenic vistas, scenic resources, and surrounding visual character), biological resources (special status species [California red legged frog] and disruption of wildlife movement), hydrology (increased drainage and drainage related erosion), and traffic (increased traffic, parking, and construction traffic). The EIR also proposes mitigation measures for several less than significant impacts. Table 1 summarizes all project impacts identified in the Initial Study and in this EIR. The EIR identifies significant cumulative impacts related to aesthetics and energy (significant and unavoidable under 1988 LRDP analyses), traffic, and water supply, but the proposed project s incremental effects were not found to be cumulatively considerable. The contribution of overall campus growth by 2009 to cumulative traffic impacts would not be cumulatively considerable with implementation of previously adopted University mitigation measures and one new mitigation measure identified below. Digital Arts Cumulative 1: The University shall contribute its fair share toward the cost of improvements to the High Street / Laurent Street intersection. The contribution of overall campus growth to cumulative water supply impacts would be cumulatively considerable; however, this impact would not exceed the level previously analyzed in the Physical Sciences Building EIR (which is incorporated by reference), in which a significant cumulative impact to water supply was identified. Additionally, the campus contribution would not be greater than the level previously analyzed in the 1988 LRDP EIR and in the Physical Sciences Building EIR. F INAL EIR 2-2 S EPTEMBER 2005

4 Digital Arts Facility Summary Table 1 summarizes all project impacts identified in the Initial Study and in this EIR. 2.4 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROJECT The 1988 LRDP EIR considered a range of reasonable, broad alternatives to campus development configurations. This EIR partially relies on the 1988 LRDP EIR to help identify potential project alternatives, because circumstances on the campus remain substantially the same as they relate to this project. The alternatives presented below represent a range of reasonable alternatives that would permit the campus to achieve most of the proposed project objectives while potentially reducing some project impacts. Alternative 1, the No Project Alternative, would eliminate all of the project impacts but would not contribute to the achievement of any of the project objectives. Alternative 2, the Reduced Project Alternative, would eliminate the Theater Arts Addition from the project, but the size of the DAF building would remain the same as under the proposed project. This alternative would eliminate the significant unavoidable construction noise impact related to the Theater Arts Addition. The other impacts would be similar to those of the proposed project. The alternative would not fully meet the objective of remedying existing space deficiencies. Alternative 3, the Arts Area Alternative Sites, would construct the DAF on one of two alternative sites (1 and 4 as shown on Figure 22) in the Arts Area of the campus. Compared to the proposed project, this alternative would result in greater tree removal, biological resource and construction noise impacts (on both sites), and construction on Alternative Site 1 potentially would increase erosion impacts. All other impacts would be similar to those of the proposed project. The alternative would meet all of the project objectives. F INAL EIR 2-3 S EPTEMBER 2005

5 Digital Arts Facility Summary INITIAL STUDY IMPACTS Aesthetics Project Impact 1: Mature trees not removed by construction may be subject to damage by construction activities, both mechanical damage to trunks and branches, and damage to root systems due to trenching, excavation, or soil compaction by heavy construction vehicles. Such damage could weaken or kill these trees. Cultural Resources Project Impact 2: Construction of the proposed project could result in the disturbance of previously undiscovered historic or prehistoric cultural resources, deposits, or artifacts. Project Impact 3: Construction of the proposed project could disturb previously unknown human burial sites of Native American groups. 1. Prohibit encroachment of construction activities within the drip line of mature trees not planned for removal by erecting construction fencing at the edge of the tree dripline for protection during construction to prevent inadvertent grading or disturbance/compaction by construction equipment. _2. If any indicators of the presence of cultural resources are discovered during the construction of the project, earthdisturbing work will be halted in an area within a radius of 10 meters (33 feet) around the suspected deposits, and an archaeologist or cultural resource specialist will be consulted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. If deemed appropriate under CEQA, data and artifact recovery will be conducted during the period when construction work is halted. 3. If human remains are discovered during the construction of the project, the County Coroner and an appropriate representative of Native American groups will be informed and consulted, as required by law. 2 would also apply in such a situation. F INAL EIR 2-4 S EPTEMBER 2005

6 Digital Arts Facility Summary EIR IMPACTS Aesthetics Project Impact 1-1: Project development would be visible as part of a distant view seen from Hagar Drive, but would not result in a substantial adverse effect on a scenic view or vista. Project Impact 1-2: Project development would result in removal of three small onsite trees and could result in the removal of two aging oak tree that are in serious decline, but none of the trees are considered aesthetically valuable. Project Impact 1-3: Project development would introduce a new building within a developed area that contains a mix of building sizes, styles and design, and would not significantly degrade the visual character of the surrounding area. Project Mitigation If the two large oak trees cannot be retained due to declining condition or health based on an arborist s review, include replacement trees in the project landscaping plan or include replacement trees in other parts of the campus as part of the UCSC Site Stewardship Program which has as one of its mission the planting of oak acorns in identified parts of the campus. Biological Resources Project Impact 2-1: Construction of detention basin improvements associated with the Digital Arts Facility project could temporarily disrupt potential non reproductive California red legged frog habitat or impact individual frogs if any are present during construction, but would not have a substantial adverse effect on the local or regional population as the site does not contain aquatic breeding habitat and is not part of a known dispersal corridor. Project Mitigation Limit initial ground disturbing activities and vegetation removal at the detention basin to the period of between June 1 and before October 15, when the basin is more likely to be dry. Project Mitigation Conduct a pre construction/grading survey (two days and two nights) of the detention basin improvement area prior to initial ground disturbance. The survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist, and shall occur no earlier than 14 days prior to commencement of construction related activities. If CRLFs are observed, grading/construction activities shall be postponed and the USFWS shall be consulted to identify measures to avoid impacts to the frogs. F INAL EIR 2-5 S EPTEMBER 2005

7 Digital Arts Facility Summary Project Mitigation Prohibit initial ground disturbance activities (including grading and vegetation removal) in the detention basin area while it is raining, and require that a biological monitor be present during all initial ground disturbance activities that occur between October 15 th and May 31 st. The biological monitor shall meet with the construction crew at the onset of construction and provide the following information: (1) identification and general life history of the CRLF ; (2) procedures for minimizing harm/harassment of frogs encountered during construction; and (3) the need to halt construction activities if red legged frogs are encountered. Project Impact 2-2: Project construction could result in the disruption of nesting habitat for a variety of special status birds, including Western burrowing owl, white tailed kite, loggerhead shrike, and grasshopper sparrow, which could be significant depending on the number and extent of bird nests that may be disturbed or removed and the rarity of the species in the region. Project Mitigation A qualified biologist shall conduct a preconstruction nesting survey on and adjacent to the project site no more than 30 days prior to initiation of any construction related activities that occur during the nesting/breeding season of native bird species (typically February through August). The survey areas shall include all potential nesting habitat for raptors and songbirds, including grasslands, shrubs, and oak trees within 200 feet of the grading boundaries and grasslands within 250 feet of the project boundary for Western burrowing owls. If active nests are found, prohibit construction within 200 feet of the nest site for special status songbird or raptor bird species, within 250 feet of nesting burrowing owls, or within 160 feet of wintering burrowing owls, until after the birds have fledged. Project Mitigation To the extent possible, retain all trees and/or tree limbs supporting nest structures, regardless of nesting activity. Limit tree removal or pruning activity outside of the breeding bird season (September to February). Project Mitigation Preserve avian foraging habitat by relandscaping the site with local native species that have the same or similar vegetation structure. F INAL EIR 2-6 S EPTEMBER 2005

8 Digital Arts Facility Summary Project Impact 2-3: Project construction could result in the disruption of foraging habitat for a variety of special status passerine and raptor birds. Project Impact 2-4: Project construction could result in the disturbance to and/or removal of bat maternity roosting habitat, which could be significant, depending on the number and extent of maternity roosts that may be disturbed or removed. Project Mitigation A qualified biologist shall conduct a preconstruction survey to determine if active roosts of special status bats are present on or in areas bordering the project site, including the oak trees adjacent to the DAF site to the north. The survey shall be conducted no earlier than 30 days prior to commencement of any grading activity that would occur during the breeding season of native bat species potentially utilizing the site (April 1 through August 31). If roosting bats are found (prior to the establishment of an active maternity roost), coordinate with CDFG to exclude the bats from establishing maternity roosts by removing suitable roost features (e.g., branches with cavities). If an established maternity roost is found, either (A) postpone or halt construction within 200 feet of the roost until the roost is vacated and juveniles have fledged, or (B) require that a qualified biologist coordinate with CDFG to develop alternative measures. Project Impact 2-5: Project construction could result in the temporary disturbance to an active badger den and/or removal of potential badger denning habitat. Project Mitigation A qualified biologist shall conduct a preconstruction field survey to determine if active badger dens are present on or within areas 200 feet bordering of the project area and detention improvement area. The survey shall be conducted no earlier than 14 days prior to any grading activity. If active badger dens are found within the area of disturbance, the biologist shall coordinate with CDFG to develop avoidance or exclusion measures. If active badger dens are found within 200 feet of the project area or detention basin, the University shall work with the biologist to establish an exclusion buffer 150 feet around the den to avoid disturbance. F INAL EIR 2-7 S EPTEMBER 2005

9 Digital Arts Facility Summary Project Impact 2-6: Project construction would result in removal of a larval host plant species for the unsilvered fritillary butterfly, although the amount to be removed is very small and the butterfly has not been documented on and in proximity to the UCSC campus. This is considered a less than significant impact. Project Impact 2-7: Project construction and operation could result in the loss or degradation of potential habitat for special status cave invertebrates. Project Mitigation Salvage the smaller of the two occurrences of Johnny jump up (10 20 plants) by excavating the currently occupied area to a depth of two feet and moving the excavated occurrence to an adjacent grassland site. Protect the larger of the two occurrences, located adjacent to the Performing Arts Parking lot, by an enclosure during the course of grading and construction activities. Existing native vegetation should be retained to the greatest extent possible surrounding the occurrence to maintain a stable transition area between the host plant and impacted portions of the project site. Project Impact 2-8: Development of the proposed project could interfere with wildlife that move between two major wildlife corridors on campus, but the effect would not be considered substantial because other routes between the two as wildlife movement corridors in the area would remain and would allow wildlife movement. Hydrology Project Impact 3-1: The proposed project would not create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of an existing or planned stormwater drainage system. Project Impact 3-2: The project would not substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation. Increased project runoff will be detained and released at pre development levels, and the release flow will be approximately the same as existing conditions, but with a slightly increased duration. Noise Project Impact 4-1: Construction of the Theater Arts Addition No mitigation measures are available that would reduce the impact to and F INAL EIR 2-8 S EPTEMBER 2005

10 Digital Arts Facility Summary could result in a substantial temporary increase in noise levels with exposure of sensitive receptors (i.e. students). less than significant or substantially reduce the level of impact. Unavoidable Traffic and Circulation Project Impact 5-1: The project would result in a traffic increase of 145 daily trips, with 11 AM peak hour trips and 14 PM peak hour trips, but would not result in substantial traffic increases in relation to existing traffic and would not result in adverse changes to existing intersection levels of service. Project Impact 5-2: The project would result in a parking demand of 11 spaces and removal of one space, for a net increased demand of 12 spaces, which can be accommodated within existing parking lot in the vicinity. Project Impact 5-3: The project would result in a temporary construction traffic increase of up to approximately 28 peak hour trips, but this increase would not occur daily, s would be temporary and does not represent a substantial increase in relation to existing traffic. F INAL EIR 2-9 S EPTEMBER 2005