PRELIMINARY WORKING DRAFT Work in Progress

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1 4.. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS C. AIR QUALITY 1. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING a. General Climate The climate of El Segundo, as with all of Southern California, is largely controlled by the semi-permanent high pressure center near Hawaii and the moderating effects of the nearby oceanic heat reservoir. Climatic conditions are characterized by cool summers, mild winters, frequent morning coastal stratus clouds, infrequent rainfall confined mainly from late fall to early spring, and moderate onshore breezes. Unfortunately, the same conditions that create the desirable living climate also combine to severely restrict the ability of the local airshed to disperse the air pollutants generated by the large basin wide population. El Segundo is protected from the worst of the summer air pollution problems by the daily breeze that brings clean air onshore and blows air pollution inland, but recirculation of polluted air and the incomplete ventilation of the basin cause some smog alerts even in coastal communities. The last first stage smog alert at the Hawthorne Monitoring Station, which is the closest to El Segundo, was in Winter offshore flow carries pollutants generated in inland communities toward the coast such that occasional periods of air quality that are unhealthful for sensitive people occur in El Segundo as much in winter as in summer. With continuing emissions reduction programs, air quality has, however, improved markedly within the last two decades such that consistently healthful air quality in the Santa Monica Bay area is an attainable goal within the next five to ten years. b. Dispersion Meteorology Two dispersion meteorological parameters are important in assessing the air quality impacts of changing patterns of emissions in the El Segundo area. These two elements are the winds which control the rate and trajectory of horizontal transport and the vertical stability structure (inversion) which controls the vertical depth through which pollutants are mixed. Winds across the project site are markedly bimodal with a strong onshore component by day, which is strongest in summer, and a weak offshore component which is strongest in winter when nights are long and the land becomes cooler than the ocean. Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 92

2 The net effect of this wind pattern is that daytime air pollution emissions from near the project site are carried inland toward downtown Los Angeles where they diverge into the eastern San Fernando Valley and the western San Gabriel Valley. Car exhaust emitted in El Segundo in the morning thus may become smog in the eastern San Fernando, San Gabriel or Pomona- Walnut Valleys by the afternoon as it moves inland and undergoes photochemical changes. The nocturnal winds reverse the process as they recycle the previous day s pollution and carry diluted pollutants seaward. In contrast to the strong daytime flow, the weak and sometimes calm nocturnal winds allow for localized stagnation of pollutants near their source such as freeways or other concentrations of emissions. Without sunlight, such localized pollution hot spots are comprised mainly of primary, unreacted pollutants such as carbon monoxide instead of photochemical irritants such as ozone. Thus, whereas the onshore flow makes the coastal area a source of pollutants for inland receptors, the nocturnal wind change reverses the roles of the source and receptor areas. While summer air quality in coastal communities is, therefore, usually much better than in inland valleys, the Santa Monica Bay area has experienced occasional carbon monoxide (CO) alerts on winter mornings while inland communities have better air quality. With cleaner cars, CO levels have dropped considerably throughout the last two decades despite substantial continued regional growth in the number of cars. In addition to the two wind patterns, there are two corresponding temperature inversions that trap pollution within shallow layers near the ground. The daytime onshore cool ocean air undercuts a massive dome of warm, sinking air within the Pacific high-pressure system. The process creates marine/subsidence inversions that form a lid at about 1, feet above the surface over the entire Los Angeles Basin. These inversions allow for good mixing of pollutants near their source, but they trap the entire basin s emissions within the shallow marine layer. As the relatively clean marine air moves inland, pollution sources continually add contaminants from below without any dilution from above. Reactive organic compounds (ROC) and nitrogen oxides (NO x ) combine under abundant sunlight to form photochemical smog. Smog levels increase steadily from the coastline inland until the inversion is broken by strong surface heating or by the thermal chimneys created along the heated slopes of the mountains surrounding the basin. The second major inversion type forms during long, cloudless nights as cold air pools near the surface while the air aloft remains warm. The radiation inversions that form are very shallow and contribute to the hot spots potential near ground level sources, especially vehicular concentrations. These inversions play an important part in wintertime violations of CO standards in the Santa Monica Bay area which is the primary area of basin wide seaward outflow of vehicular pollution trapped within the shallow surface layer. Measurements of inversion frequency at Santa Monica Airport considered representative of the basin coastal environment show a strong diurnal and seasonal variation of inversion distributions. Regional trapping Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 93

3 inversions occur on about 85 percent of all summer afternoons, while ground-level radiation inversions are found on about 7 percent of all winter nights and early mornings. These inversions occur during all seasons and at all times of the day, but they are not as strong, persistent or frequent as during their respective summer afternoon and winter morning dominant periods. c. Regulatory Setting In response to longstanding concerns regarding air quality, Federal, State, and local authorities have adopted various polices, rules, and regulations requiring evaluation of the impact of a project on air quality and appropriate mitigation for the project s air emissions. The following discussion focuses on current air quality planning efforts and the responsibilities of the agencies involved in these efforts. A discussion of ambient air quality standards is also provided. (1) Federal Clean Air Act The Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) was first enacted in 1955 and has been amended numerous times in subsequent years (1963, 1965, 1967, 197, 1977, and 199). The CAA establishes Federal air quality standards, known as National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and specifies future dates for achieving compliance. The CAA also mandates that states submit and implement a State Implementation Plan (SIP) for local areas not meeting these standards. These plans must include pollution control measures that demonstrate how the standards will be met. The City of El Segundo is included in the South Coast Air Basin (Basin), which has been designated as a non-attainment area for certain pollutants that are regulated under the CAA. By a separate State statute, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has been established as the local air pollution control agency for the Basin. The 199 amendments to the CAA identify specific emission reduction goals for areas not meeting the NAAQS. These amendments require both a demonstration of reasonable further progress toward attainment and incorporation of additional sanctions for failure to attain or to meet interim milestones. The sections of the CAA applicable to the development of the project include Title I (Non-attainment Provisions) and Title II (Mobile Source Provisions). Title I provisions were established with the goal of attaining the NAAQS for the following criteria pollutants: (1) Ozone (O 3 ); (2) Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ); (3) Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ); (4) Particulate Matter (PM 1 ); (5) Carbon Monoxide (CO); and (6) Lead (Pb). Table 4.C-1 on page 95 shows the NAAQS currently in effect for criteria pollutants. The NAAQS were amended in July 1997 to include an additional standard for ozone and to adopt a NAAQS for PM 2.5. No official determination has been made regarding the attainment status of the new ozone and PM 2.5 standards. Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 94

4 Table 4.C-1 AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS Pollutant Ozone (O 3 ) Averaging Time California Standard a Federal Primary Standard a 1 hour.9 ppm.12 ppm 8 hour.8 ppm 1 hour 2 ppm 35 ppm Carbon Monoxide (CO) 8 hour 9. ppm 9 ppm Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) Particulate Matter (PM 1 ) Annual Arithmetic Mean.53 ppm 1 hour.25 ppm Annual Arithmetic Mean.3 ppm 1 hour.25 ppm 24 hour.4 ppm.14 ppm Annual Arithmetic Mean 24 Hour 2 µg/m 3 5 µg/m 3 5 µg/m 3 15 µg/m 3 Annual Geometric Mean 12 µg/m 3 15 µg/m 3 Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) b 24 Hour 65 µg/m 3 Pollutant Health and Atmospheric Effects High concentrations can directly affect lungs, causing irritation. Longterm exposure may cause damage to lung tissue. Classified as a chemical asphyxiant, CO interferes with the transfer of fresh oxygen to the blood and deprives sensitive tissues of oxygen. Irritating to eyes and respiratory tract. Colors atmosphere reddishbrown. Irritates upper respiratory tract; injurious to lung tissue. Can yellow the leaves of plants, destructive to marble, iron, and steel. Limits visibility and reduces sunlight. May irritate eyes and respiratory tract. Absorbs sunlight, reducing amount of solar energy reaching the earth. Produces haze and limits visibility. Increases respiratory disease, lung damage, cancer, premature death; reduced visibility; surface soiling. Major Pollutant Sources Motor vehicles. Internal combustion engines, primarily gasoline-powered motor vehicles. Motor vehicles, petroleum refining operations, industrial sources, aircraft, ships, and railroads. Fuel combustion, chemical plants, sulfur recovery plants, and metal processing. Dust and fume-producing industrial and agricultural operations, combustion, atmospheric photochemical reactions, and natural activities (e.g., wind-raised dust and ocean sprays). Fuel combustion in motor vehicles, equipment, and industrial sources; residential and agricultural burning. Also formed from reaction of other pollutants (acid rain, NO x, SO x, organics). Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 95

5 Table 4.C-1 (Continued) AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS Pollutant Lead Sulfates (SO 4 ) Averaging Time California Standard a Federal Primary Standard a Monthly 1.5 ug/m 3 Quarterly 1.5 ug/m 3 24 hour 25 ug/m 3 Pollutant Health and Atmospheric Effects Disturbs gastrointestinal system, and causes anemia, kidney disease, and neuromuscular and neurologic dysfunction (in severe cases). Decrease in ventilatory functions; aggravation of asthmatic symptoms; aggravation of cardiopulmonary disease; vegetation damage; degradation of visibility; property damage. Major Pollutant Sources Present source: lead smelters, battery manufacturing & recycling facilities. Past source: combustion of leaded gasoline. Industrial processes. a b ppm = parts per million and µg/m 3 = micrograms per cubic meter. A Federal air quality standard for PM 2.5 was adopted in Presently, no methodologies for determining impacts relating to PM 2.5 have been developed. In addition, no strategies or mitigation programs for this pollutant have been developed or adopted by federal, state, or regional agencies. Source: California Air Resources Board, Ambient Air Quality Standards, 23 and the USEPA, 23. The CAA sets certain deadlines for meeting the NAAQS within the Basin including: (1) Ozone by the year 21 and (2) PM 1 by the year 26. The Basin fails to meet the National standards for O 3 and PM 1 and, therefore, is considered a Federal non-attainment area for these pollutants. Non-attainment designations are categorized into four levels of severity based on projected attainment date and level of concentration above the standard including: moderate, serious, severe, and extreme. In addition, the Basin is classified as being in maintenance for NO 2 and CO since it is currently in attainment and measures are being taken to ensure that it does not go back into non-attainment. The Basin s status with regard to PM 2.5 concentrations has not yet been classified, but selected monitoring stations have already begun analyzing air samples for this pollutant. Deadlines for meeting this standard will be set for 1 years after the region is designated as being in non-attainment by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Table 4.C-1 on page 95 lists the criteria pollutants, along with their respective standards, health and atmospheric effects, and major sources. The Basin s attainment status with regard to each criteria pollutant is shown in Table 4.C-2 on page 98. Mobile source emissions are regulated in accordance with Title II provisions. These provisions require the use of cleaner-burning gasoline and other cleaner-burning fuels such as Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 96

6 methanol and natural gas. Automobile manufacturers are also required to reduce tailpipe emissions of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (NO x ). (2) California Clean Air Act The California Clean Air Act (CCAA), signed into law in 1988, requires all areas of the State to achieve and maintain the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) by the earliest practical date. The CAAQS incorporate additional standards for most of the criteria pollutants and has set standards for other pollutants recognized by the State. California standards tend to be more restrictive than Federal standards. California has also set standards for PM 2.5, sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, vinyl chloride and visibility-reducing particles. The Basin meets the standards for sulfates, hydrogen sulfide and vinyl chloride, but does not meet the California standard for visibility and is not expected to fully meet the visibility standard until 21. Table 4.C-1 also shows the CAAQS currently in effect for criteria pollutants. Local air quality management districts, such as the SCAQMD, regulate air pollution from commercial and industrial facilities. All air pollution control districts have been formally designated as in attainment or non-attainment for each State air quality standard. Table 4.C-2 on page 98 lists the criteria pollutants and the Basin s attainment status relative to the CAAQS and NAAQS. Serious non-attainment areas are required to prepare air quality management plans that include specified emission reduction strategies in an effort to meet clean air goals. These plans are required to include, among other emissions-reducing activities, Best Available Retrofit Control Technology for existing sources; control programs for area sources and indirect sources; a SCAQMD permitting system designed to allow no net increase in emissions from any new or modified permitted sources of emissions; transportation control measures; sufficient control strategies to achieve a five percent or more annual reduction in emissions (or 15 percent or more in a three-year period) for Reactive Organic Compounds (ROC), NO x, CO and PM 1 ; and demonstration of compliance with the California Air Resources Board s established reporting periods for compliance with air quality goals. (3) South Coast Air Quality Management District The SCAQMD has jurisdiction over an area of approximately 1,743 square miles, consisting of the four-county Basin which includes: Orange County; the non-desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties; and the Riverside County portions of the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB); and Mojave Desert Air Basin (MDAB). While air quality in this area has improved, with 22 (the latest year for which comprehensive data are available) Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 97

7 Table 4.C-2 SOUTH COAST AIR BASIN ATTAINMENT STATUS Pollutant National Status California Status Ozone (O 3 ) Extreme Extreme Carbon Monoxide (CO) Maintenance a Serious Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) Attainment b Attainment b Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) b Maintenance c Maintenance c PM 1 Serious Serious PM 2.5 Pending d Pending d Lead (Pb) Attainment b Attainment b a b c d The national standard for CO was achieved for the first time at the end of 22, and the 23 AQMP identifies measures necessary to ensure that it does not go back into non-attainment. An air basin is designated as being in attainment for a pollutant if the standard for that pollutant was not violated at any site in that air basin during a three year period. NO 2 is classified as being in maintenance since it is currently in attainment and measures are being taken to ensure that it does not go back into non-attainment. Attainment status with the PM 2.5 standard will not be determined until 24. Source: California Air Resources Board, 23. registering some of the lowest levels of air pollutant concentrations in decades, the Basin requires continued diligence to meet air quality standards. The SCAQMD has adopted a series of Air Quality Management Plans (AQMP) to meet the CAAQS and NAAQS. The 1997 AQMP was amended in 1999 and resubmitted to the USEPA, which approved the amended plan in April 2. The 1999 amendment provides additional short-term stationary source control measures that implement portions of the 1997 Ozone State Implementation Plan s (SIP) long-term stationary source control measures. In addition, the amendment revised the adoption and implementation schedule for the remaining 1997 Ozone SIP short-term stationary source control measures that the SCAQMD is responsible to implement. The 1997 PM 1 SIP was approved by California Air Resources Board (CARB) and submitted to the USEPA in February In order to expedite USEPA s action on the 1997 PM 1 SIP, SCAQMD updated the Plan in 22 with respect to the adoption and implementation schedule of various PM 1 related measures. The PM 1 SIP approval is expected by late South Coast Air Quality Management District, Preview of the Proposed 23 Air Quality Management Plan for the South Coast Air Basin, January 23. Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 98

8 The SCAQMD has recently prepared a comprehensive AQMP update the 23 Air Quality Management Plan for the South Coast Air Basin. The 23 AQMP seeks to demonstrate attainment with federal air quality standards and to make progress toward state standards. The 23 AQMP incorporates a revised emissions inventory, the latest modeling techniques, and updated control measures remaining from the 1997/1999 SIP as well as new control measures. 7 The SIP component will revise the region s demonstration of attainment for both the federal one-hour ozone standard by 21 and the Federal PM 1 standard by 26, as well as show maintenance of the Federal carbon monoxide standard. Upon local, State, and Federal approval, the 23 SIP will replace the existing 1997/1999 Ozone SIP and 1997 PM 1 SIP for the South Coast Air Basin, plus the 22 Coachella Valley PM 1 Plan. The 23 SIP will use more recent data on air quality, emissions and modeling to assess attainment. It will also include an updated control strategy for both stationary and mobile sources, reflecting new measures for local, State, and Federal implementation. Part of the SCAQMD control strategy for stationary and mobile sources includes new regulations to promulgate low sulfur diesel fuel. Diesel-powered vehicles account for about four percent of California motor vehicles but produce a disproportionate amount of directly emitted particulate matter, about 6 percent. 8 At current exposure levels, the potential cancer risk associated with exposure to diesel particulate matter is greater than the combined risks of all other toxic air contaminants. As a result, the CARB is implementing a risk reduction plan that will greatly reduce Californians exposure to diesel particulate matter. The plan calls for low sulfur diesel fuel to enable the use of catalyzed particulate filters, NO x after-treatment, and other advanced emission control technologies, both for new and retrofitted existing engines. At the behest of the CARB, the SCAQMD adopted low sulfur diesel fuel rules for the Basin that will take effect in 24 for stationary source engines, and in 25 for mobile source engines, unless the CARB adopts similar rules for 26. The SCAQMD also adopts rules to implement portions of the AQMP, several of which apply to construction or operation of the project. Rule 43 requires the implementation of best available fugitive dust control measures during active operations capable of generating fugitive dust emissions from onsite earth-moving activities, construction/ demolition activities, and construction equipment travel on paved and unpaved roads. Specific control requirements are included in Appendix C. In addition to the AQMP and its rules and regulations, SCAQMD has published a handbook (CEQA Air Quality Handbook, November 1993) that is intended to provide local 7 8 South Coast Air Quality Management District, AQMD Website, Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 99

9 governments and CEQA practitioners with guidance for analyzing and mitigating projectspecific air quality impacts. This handbook provides standards, methodologies and procedures for conducting air quality analyses in EIRs. (4) City of El Segundo General Plan Air Quality Element As discussed in Section 4.A., Land Use, the City of El Segundo General Plan sets forth goals and policies for the future development of the City. The General Plan includes an Air Quality Element, which establishes the goals and policies to guide decision-makers and City staff regarding air quality issues. The policies of the General Plan Air Quality Element that would be applicable to the project are included in Table 4.C-1 on page 119, as presented in the Environmental Impacts discussion later in this section. d. Baseline Air Quality (1) Regional Air Quality Over the past 3 years, substantial progress has been made in reducing air pollution levels in southern California. The Basin previously was in non-attainment for all NAAQS, except SO 2. The Basin, as defined earlier, is in attainment for NO 2, lead, SO 2, and CO. PM 1 and ozone levels, while reduced substantially from their peak levels, are still far from attainment. The SCAQMD published a Basin-wide air toxic study (MATES II, Multiple Air Toxics Exposure Study, March 2), which represents one of the most comprehensive air toxics studies every conducted in an urban environment. The study was aimed at determining the cancer risk from toxic air pollution throughout the Basin by conducting a comprehensive monitoring program, an updated emissions inventory of toxic air contaminants, and a modeling effort to fully characterize risk in the Basin. The study concluded that the average carcinogenic risk in the Basin is approximately 1,4 in one million. Mobile sources (e.g., cars, trucks, trains, ships, aircraft, etc.) represent the greatest contributors. About 7 percent of all risk is attributed to diesel particulate emissions; about 2 percent to other toxics associated with mobile sources, (including benzene, butadiene, and formaldehyde); and about 1 percent of all carcinogenic risk is attributed to stationary sources, which include industries and other certain businesses such as dry cleaners and chrome plating operations. Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 1

10 (2) Local Area Conditions (a) Existing Pollutant Levels at Nearby Monitoring Stations The SCAQMD maintains a network of air quality monitoring stations located throughout the Basin and has divided the Basin into air monitoring areas. The project site is located in the Southwest Los Angeles County Coastal Monitoring Area. The monitoring station for the project area is the Hawthorne Monitoring Station, which is located at 2534 West 12th Street in the City of Hawthorne, approximately two miles west of the project site. Criteria pollutants monitored at this station include PM 1, O 3, CO, SO 2, and NO 2. The nearest, most representative PM 2.5 monitoring station is the North Long Beach station located at 3648 North Beach Boulevard in Long Beach, which is located approximately 16 miles southwest of the project site. The most recent data available from these monitoring stations encompassed the years 1998 to 22. The data, shown in Table 4.C-3 on page 12, shows the following pollutant trends: Ozone (O 3 ) The maximum one-hour ozone concentration recorded during the reporting period was.15 ppm (1999). During this reporting period, the California standard of.9 ppm was exceeded between zero and one time annually. The National standard of.12 ppm was exceeded between zero and one time during the five-year reporting period, with one exceedance in The maximum eight-hour ozone concentration recorded during the reporting period was.79 ppm in 21. During this reporting period, the National standard of.8 ppm was exceeded between zero and three times with the maximum number of exceedances occurring in Carbon Monoxide (CO) The highest 1-hour CO concentration was 11 ppm, recorded in The highest recorded eight-hour CO concentration was 9.5 ppm, recorded in The California standard of 9. ppm and the national standard of 9 ppm was exceeded one time (1998) during the reporting period. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) The highest recorded one-hour concentration of NO 2 during the reporting period was.15 ppm (1998) and the highest recorded annual arithmetic mean during the reporting period was.29 (1998 and 1999). Neither the California nor National NO 2 standard was exceeded during the reporting period. Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) The highest 1-hour concentration was.17 ppm in 2. The highest recorded 24-hour concentration was.19 ppm in No violations of the California or National SO 2 standards were recorded during this reporting period. The highest annual arithmetic mean recorded was.4 ppm in 1998, 1999 and 21. Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 11

11 Ozone (O 3 ) Table 4.C-3 POLLUTANT STANDARDS AND AMBIENT AIR QUALITY DATA FROM THE HAWTHORNE AND NORTH LONG BEACH MONITORING STATIONS O 3 (1-hour) Pollutant/Standard a Maximum Concentration (ppm) Days > CAAQS (.9 ppm) Days > NAAQS (.12 ppm) O 3 (8-hour) Maximum Concentration (ppm) Days > NAAQS (.8 ppm) Particulate Matter (PM 1 ) PM 1 (24-hour) Maximu m Concentration Calculated Days > CAAQS (5 µg/m 3 ) Calculated Days > NAAQS (15 µg/m 3 ) PM 1 (Annual Average) Annual Arithmetic Mean (5 µg/m 3 ) Annual Geometric Mean (2 µg/m 3 ) Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) b PM 2.5 (24-hour) Maximum Concentration (µg/m 3 ) Calculated Days > NAAQS (65 µg/m 3 ) PM 2.5 (Annual) Annual Arithmetic Mean (15 µg/m 3 ) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Carbon Monoxide (CO) CO (1-hour) Maximum Concentration (ppm) n/a Days > CAAQS (2 ppm) n/a Days > NAAQS (35 ppm) n/a CO (8-hour) Maximum Concentration (ppm) Days > CAAQS (9. ppm) 1 Days > NAAQS (9 ppm) 1 Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 12

12 Table 4.C-3 (Continued) POLLUTANT STANDARDS AND AMBIENT AIR QUALITY DATA FROM THE HAWTHORNE AND NORTH LONG BEACH MONITORING STATIONS Pollutant/Standard a Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) NO 2 (1-hour) Maximum Concentration (ppm) Days > CAAQS (.25 ppm) Annual Arithmetic Mean (.5 ppm) Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) SO 2 (1-hour) Maximum Concentration (ppm) Days > CAAQS (.25 ppm) SO 2 (24-hour) Maximum Concentration (ppm) Days > CAAQS (.4 ppm) Days > NAAQS (.14 ppm) SO 2 (Annual) Annual Arithmetic Mean (.3 ppm) n/a n/a.1.1 Ambient data for airborne lead is not included in this table since the Basin is currently in compliance with state and national standards for lead. ppm = parts per million; µg/m 3 = micrograms per cubic meter; AAM Annual Arithmetic Mean; n/a = not available a b Incomplete data. PM 2.5 data is not monitored at the Hawthorne Station and is thus recorded from the nearest, most representative Station (North Long Beach). Sources: South Coast Air Quality Management District, Air Quality Data ; California Air Resources Board, Air Quality Data 22. Particulate Matter (PM 1 ) The highest recorded concentration during the reporting period was 121 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m 3 ) of air particulates (22). During this reporting period, the California PM 1 standard was calculated to exceed the standard between 43 and 8 times annually, with the highest number of exceedances in No exceedances of the National standard occurred between 1998 and 22. The highest annual arithmetic mean recorded was 37 µg/m 3 in 21 and 22. The highest annual geometric mean recorded was 34 µg/m 3 in 21 and 22. Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 13

13 Fine Particulates (PM 2.5 ) - PM 2.5 concentrations of 66.9, 81.5, 72.9, and 62.7 µg/m 3 were recorded for the years 1999, 2, 21 and 22, respectively. During these four years the National standard was exceeded between one and five times annually. The highest annual arithmetic mean recorded was 22 in Lead (Pb) The Basin is currently in compliance with California and National standards for lead and, therefore, no ambient data for airborne lead is available for the applicable monitoring station. (b) Existing Health Risk in the Surrounding Area According to the SCAQMD s MATES-II study, the project area is within a cancer risk zone of approximately 1, to 1,2 in one million which is largely due to diesel particulate generated from mobile sources. In comparison, the average cancer risk in the Basin is 1,4 per million. (3) Sensitive Receptors Some population groups, such as children, the elderly, and acutely ill and chronically ill persons, especially those with cardio-respiratory diseases, are considered more sensitive to air pollution than others. Potential sensitive receptors (e.g., childcare facilities, residential areas, schools, or convalescent care facilities) located within the area are the DoubleTree Club Hotel, which is located to the south of the existing Phase I office tower and parking structure and east of the property located at 1955 East Grand Avenue, and the child care center, which is located on the existing Mattel corporate headquarters immediately to the south of the project site. While the public accessing the Doubletree Club Hotel could include some members of sensitive population groups, these individuals are not specifically identified in the analysis in accordance with SCAQMD methodology, since their presence in the vicinity of the project site would be limited and/or intermittent. In addition, since the childcare center is operated and maintained by Mattel on the project site, the applicant would control the construction program and operation of the child care center such that children s exposure to toxic air contaminants during project construction would be avoided. Please refer to Figures 2-1 and 2-2 in Section 2., Project Description, of this Subsequent EIR, for a vicinity map of the project site and surrounding land uses. 2. THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE The City of El Segundo has not adopted specific significance thresholds for air quality impacts. However, because of the SCAQMD s regulatory role in the Basin, the significance Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 14

14 thresholds and analysis methodologies in the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook will be used in evaluating projects proposed within the City. The SCAQMD has promulgated daily emission thresholds for construction and operational activities. These thresholds are set at a level that either promote or maintain regional attainment of the relevant ambient air quality standards. A project is deemed to have a significant impact on regional air quality if emissions of criteria pollutants (specified in pounds of pollutant emitted per day) related to either project construction or operation exceed the significance thresholds summarized in Table 4.C-4 on page 16. In its CEQA Handbook, the SCAQMD also states that additional indicators should be used as screening criteria to determine the need for future analysis with respect to air quality. The additional indicators are as follows: 1. Project could interfere with the attainment of the Federal or State ambient air quality standards by either violating or contributing to an existing or projected air quality violation. 2. Project could result in population increases within the regional statistical area which would be in excess of that projected in the AQMP and in other than planned locations for the project s build-out year. 3. Project could generate vehicle trips that cause a CO hot spot. 3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS a. Methodologies/Analysis of Project Impacts An analysis of potential air quality impacts related to the extension of the Amended Development Agreement for the build out of Phase II of The Grand Way Project and the redevelopment of the 1955 East Grand Avenue property was conducted for both the construction and post-construction operation of the corporate headquarters. For each of these phases, an analysis was performed for regional emissions. For post-construction operations, the analysis also addresses local area concentrations of CO, which is the primary pollutant of concern when analyzing local traffic-related air quality impacts. In addition, it is the only pollutant from mobile sources for which standardized modeling methodologies for estimating localized concentrations have been developed and approved by the SCAQMD. Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 15

15 Table 4.C-4 SCAQMD REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE THRESHOLDS Post-Construction Air Contaminant Construction (Pounds per Day) Operations (Pounds per Day) Carbon Monoxide Nitrogen Oxides 1 55 Reactive Organic Compounds Particulate Matter Sulfur Oxides Source: South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, November Significance indicators related to hazardous, toxic or odorous air emissions are generally not applicable to an office and R&D project. According to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information (RCRAInfo) database, existing Mattel facilities in the project vicinity are classified as a small quantity generator. 9 The limited use of potentially hazardous materials typical of R&D and office developments, including copper sulfate, acids and alkalines, and waster plating solutions; plastisol waste from rotocast operations; small quantities of lab pack from the Materials Laboratory wasted chemicals; and photo-finishing chemicals, such as fixers and developers, as well as cleaning agents and pesticides for landscaping, is not anticipated to generate significant quantities of toxic air emissions to necessitate a need for health risk assessment. 1 Therefore, no air quality issues from possible hazardous or toxic emissions are anticipated to result from the operation of the R&D component of the proposed project. (1) Construction Construction of Phase II of The Grand Way Project and the 1955 East Grand Avenue property would not occur simultaneously. Construction of the project has the potential to create air quality impacts through earth moving operations and the use of heavy-duty construction equipment. Fugitive dust emissions result from land clearing, demolition, ground excavation, cut and fill operations, and equipment traffic over temporary roads at construction sites. Mobile source emissions, primarily NO x result from the use of construction equipment such as bulldozers, trucks, and scrapers. These emissions are most significant when using heavy-duty, diesel-fueled equipment. Mobile source emissions also result from vehicle trips by construction 9 1 A facility that generates less than 22 pounds but more than 22 pounds of hazardous waste per calendar month is considered a small quantity generator for that month. California Air Resources Board, Facility Detail Risk Selection, website accessed on September 1, 23. Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 16

16 workers to and from the project site. During the finishing phases paving operations and the application of architectural coatings (i.e., paints) and other building materials release reactive organic compounds. Emissions can vary substantially from day to day, depending on the level of activity, the specific type of operation and, for dust, the prevailing weather conditions. The assessment of construction air quality impacts considers each of these factors. Emissions for the regional construction air quality analysis were compiled using the URBEMIS22 emissions inventory model. The URBEMIS22 model separates the construction process into three phases. The first phase is building demolition with emissions resulting from demolition dust, debris haul truck trips, equipment exhaust, and worker commute exhaust. The second phase of construction is site grading with emissions resulting from fugitive dust, soil haul truck trips, equipment exhaust, and worker commute exhaust. The third phase is subdivided into building equipment, architectural coating, and asphalt. Emissions from the third phase of construction include equipment exhaust from building construction and asphalt paving, and ROG emissions from architectural coating and asphalt paving. (a) Phase II of The Grand Way Project The following improvements would be implemented within the project area during the Phase II Development phase of the project (see Figure 2-4, Proposed Site Plan). Build out of Phase II is expected to occur by the year 211. Building A The building would include approximately eight floors of office space (approximately 31,5 square feet per floor) for a total of 252, square feet of R&D and office space. The building would be located in the northeastern portion of the project site. Building B This building is proposed as a combination R&D building and parking structure. The structure would include a minimum of approximately 715 parking spaces with approximately 48, square feet of R&D space above. The structure would be located in the northwestern portion of the project area. Daily construction emissions for the construction of Phase II of The Grand Way Project are presented in Table 4.C-5 on page 18. Worst-case daily emissions considered concurrent construction of Buildings A and B. As shown, worst-case daily emissions associated with the construction of Phase II are expected to exceed SCAQMD daily significance thresholds for ROC and NO x. Construction emissions associated with the Phase II development would result in a significant short-term regional air quality impact for ROC and NO x without incorporation of mitigation measures. Worst-case daily emissions for CO, SO x, and PM 1 would be considered Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 17

17 Table 4.C-5 ESTIMATE OF CONSTRUCTION-PERIOD DAILY EMISSIONS Estimated Emissions (lbs/day) a Characterization CO ROC NO x SO x PM 1 b Phase II Development Mattel Corporate Campus Demolition Site Grading < 1 31 Construction Worst-Case Day Daily Significance Threshold Over/(Under) Significance Threshold (454) (149) (119) Significant Impact? No Yes Yes No 1955 East Grand Avenue Demolition < 1 2 Site Grading < 1 43 Construction Worst-Case Day Daily Significance Threshold Over/(Under) Significance Threshold (468) 73 1 (149) (17) Significant Impact? No Yes Yes No No a b The equipment mix for each phase is provided in Appendix C of this EIR. In addition, it should be noted that since construction of Phase II of The Grand Way Project and the 1955 East Grand Avenue property would not occur simultaneously, estimated emissions for each project component were calculated separately. Fugitive dust emissions are based on URBEMIS22 emission estimates and compliance with SCAQMD Rule 43. Source: PCR Services Corporation, July 23. adverse, but less than significant, since levels of these emissions would fall below SCAQMD significance thresholds. (b) 1955 East Grand Avenue The following improvements would be implemented within the project area during the redevelopment of the 1955 East Grand Avenue property (see Figure 2-4, Proposed Site Plan). Redevelopment of this property is expected to occur by the year 211. Building C This parking structure would include a minimum of approximately 88 parking spaces. The structure would be located just west of Phase II of The Grand Way Project. Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 18

18 Building D (two buildings) Each building would consist of four floors of office space (approximately 31,875 square feet per floor) for a total of 255, square feet of office space. The buildings would be located in the western portion of the 1955 Grand Avenue property. Daily construction emissions for the 1955 East Grand Avenue development are presented in Table 4.C-5. Worst-case daily emissions considered concurrent construction of Buildings C and D. As shown, worst-case daily emissions associated with the 1955 East Grand Avenue development are expected to exceed SCAQMD daily significance thresholds for ROC and NO x. Construction emissions associated with the 1955 East Grand Avenue development would result in a significant short-term regional air quality impact for ROC and NO x. Worst-case daily emissions for CO, SO x, and PM 1 would be considered adverse, but less than significant, since levels of these emissions would fall below SCAQMD significance thresholds. (2) Operations Project operational impacts were evaluated for Phase II and the 1955 East Grand Avenue development (211). In order to properly analyze operational emissions, it is important to assign appropriate emissions and emission factors to the individual pollutant sources. Mobile source emission forecasts are sensitive to the forecast year, as future mobile source emission factors are substantially reduced as cleaner on-road vehicles are introduced into the countywide vehicle fleet. (a) Regional Operation Impacts Air pollutant emissions associated with project occupancy and operation would be generated by both the consumption of natural gas and electricity, and by the operation of on-road vehicles. Emissions associated with energy production (i.e., natural gas) are classified by the SCAQMD as regional stationary source emissions. Emissions modeled for the regional on-road air quality analysis were compiled using the URBEMIS22 emission inventory model. This computer model projects emission rates for motor vehicles based on a desired year of analysis, a projected vehicle fleet mix, projected vehicle speeds, and whether these emissions are expected to occur during the summer or winter months. Assumptions used in preparing the model analysis were consistent with those recommended in SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook (Appendix to Chapter 9). The regional on-road emissions were based on average daily trips as presented in Section 4.B., Traffic, of this Subsequent EIR. Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 19

19 (1) Phase II Development Operational emissions were calculated for Phase II of The Grand Way Project (211), as shown in Table 4.C-6 on page 111. Mobile and stationary source emissions associated with Phase II development include 2,592 daily vehicle trips from new R&D and office space. The Phase II development would result in stationary, mobile, and area-source emissions from natural gas usage from the proposed 3, square feet of R&D and office space and the associated parking structure. (2) 1955 East Grand Avenue Development Project emissions were calculated for the 1955 East Grand Avenue development (211), as shown in Table 4.C-6 on page 111. Mobile and stationary source emissions associated with the 1955 East Grand Avenue development include 1,881 daily vehicle trips from new office spaces and the associated parking structure. The 1955 East Grand Avenue development would result in stationary, mobile, and area-source emissions from natural gas usage from the proposed 255, square feet of office space and the associated parking structure. Project operational emissions, year 211, for the Phase II development and the 1955 East Grand Avenue development of the project are not expected to exceed the SCAQMD daily significance thresholds for CO, NO x, ROC, SO x, and PM 1. As such, operational emissions would be adverse, but considered less than significant, since levels of these emissions would fall below SCAQMD daily significance thresholds. (b) Localized Operational Impacts (1) Mobile Carbon Monoxide Project traffic would have the potential to create local area impacts. An analysis at selected intersections was performed to determine the potential for the presence or the creation of CO hot spots attributable to the proposed project. Local area CO concentrations were projected using the CALINE4 traffic pollutant dispersion model. The analysis of CO impacts followed the protocol recommended by the California Department of Transportation and published in the document titled Transportation Project-Level Carbon Monoxide Protocol, December It is also consistent with procedures identified through the SCAQMD s CO modeling protocol, with all four corners of each intersection analyzed to determine whether project development would result in a CO concentration that exceeds Federal or State CO standards. The analysis considered traffic associated with the following conditions: existing, future (Year 211) without project, and future (Year 211) with project. These same conditions were Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 11

20 Table 4.C-6 PROJECT-RELATED OPERATIONAL EMISSIONS FOR MATTEL CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS (Year 211) (Pounds Per Day) Phase II Emission Source CO NO x PM 1 ROC SO x On-Road Mobile Sources a,b Stationary Sources c Area Sources d <1 <1 <1 Total Phase II Emissions E. Grand Avenue On-Road Mobile Sources a,b Stationary Sources c Area Sources d <1 <1 <1 Total 1955 East Grand Avenue Emissions Total Project Emissions <1 SCAQMD Significance Threshold Over (Under) (163) (5) (97) (21) (149) Significant? No No No No No a b c d URBEMIS 22 output files are provided in Appendix C of this EIR. Includes all project trips. Based on URBEMIS22 natural gas consumption. Based on URBEMIS22 landscaping emissions Source: PCR Services Corporation, July 23. analyzed to evaluate potential CO hot spots if Nash Street and Douglas Street are converted back to two-way streets. Analyzed intersections were chosen based on SCAQMD guidance. The SCAQMD recommends a CO hotspot analysis be performed when a project causes a vehicle per capacity ratio increase of two percent or more at any intersection with a level of service D or worse. The CALINE4 model generates the results of CO concentrations averaged over a one-hour time period under conservative atmospheric conditions for the area which include low wind speeds and low atmospheric circulation. Eight-hour concentrations were calculated by converting one-hour concentrations to eight-hour equivalents, using the conversion protocol recommended by the SCAQMD. The contribution of the project traffic to CO concentrations at the study intersections was calculated and added to the 211 ambient concentrations to determine whether 211 CO Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 111

21 concentrations would exceed State and Federal CO standards. Year 211 CO ambient concentrations were obtained from the SCAQMD Air Quality Analysis Guidance Handbook. 11 The project s CO concentrations for one- and eight-hour CO levels are presented in Table 4.C-7 on page 113. Table 4.C-8 on page 114 provides CO concentrations for one and eight-hour CO levels associated with the possible conversion of Nash Street and Douglas Street to two-way roadways. The maximum one-hour and eight-hour predicted concentrations, as shown in Table 4.C-9 on page 115, are not anticipated to result in any exceedances of the state one-hour CO standards at any of analyzed intersections. Similarly, eight-hour concentrations at the analyzed intersections would remain below the state standards. Since significant impacts would not occur at the intersections with the highest traffic volumes that are located adjacent to sensitive receptors, no significant impacts are anticipated to occur at any other locations in the study area as the conditions yielding CO hot spots would not be worse than those occurring at the analyzed intersections. Consequently, sensitive receptors would not be significantly affected by CO emissions generated by the net increase in traffic that would occur under the proposed project. As the proposed project does not cause or create localized air quality impacts related to mobile sources, emissions would therefore be less than significant for the proposed project. (2) Diesel Emissions Potential sources of diesel particulate emissions associated with project development include, but may not be limited to, diesel particulates from loading docks, delivery trucks, equipment used to off-load deliveries, and emergency generators. Potential localized air toxic impacts from these sources emissions would be minimal since the project does not include any facilities (e.g., warehouse distribution and truck terminals) that would substantially change the number of heavy-duty trucks on the surrounding roadway network resulting in an increase of diesel particulate emissions. Therefore, given the minimal amount of diesel particulate generated by the project, and that none of the allowed land uses associated with project development have the potential to emit high levels of diesel particulate, operation of the project is not anticipated to emit a substantial amount of carcinogenic air contaminants. As such, a less than significant impact on human health would occur (CO Concentrations for Hotspot Analysis Hawthorne Monitoring Station.) Phase II of The Grand Way Project and 1955 East Grand Avenue SCH No City of El Segundo September 23 Page 112