Project Description. 2.1 Introduction and Project Overview. 2.2 Project Location and Setting. Chapter 2

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1 Chapter 2 Project Description 2.1 Introduction and Project Overview This chapter provides an overview of the proposed Southwest Marine (SWM) Buildings Demolition Project at the Port of Los Angeles (Port). SWM was recently purchased by BAE Systems on June 24, 2006; however, for the purposes of this analysis, the applicant will continue to be referred to as SWM. Effective October 31, 2004, the Los Angeles Harbor Department (LAHD) cancelled a holdover tenancy with SWM at Berth 240Z on Terminal Island. Pursuant to the terms of Permit 594, upon termination, SWM is required to remove all works, structures, improvements and pipelines of any kind whatsoever placed or maintained on this premises by tenant including those works, structures and improvements placed by tenant s predecessors and made a part of the premises described and shall, in any event, leave the surface of the ground in an even graded condition The facility was turned over to the Port on October 31, 2005, and only 16 buildings, 7 cranes, and ancillary structures remain. A Site Restoration and Demolition Plan was prepared and submitted to the Port outlining activities including, the termination of operations and services, vacation of buildings, demolition of structures, environmental site characterization and remediation, and underwater survey. The Project Site is located at one of the oldest shipbuilding and repair facilities at the Port. The Project Site has been deemed eligible for listing in the National Register for Historic Places (NRHP) as a historic district because it is the last remaining example of the once highly significant World War II shipbuilding industry. The majority of the remaining structures at the Project site were identified in a prior historical survey as being contributors to the historical significance of the site (pre-1946), with the exception of the Compressor Building (Building 26), cranes constructed after 1945, railroad tracks, a sanitary lift stations, and fire protection system. 2.2 Project Location and Setting The proposed Project is located within the Port, in the southern portion of the City of Los Angeles (refer to Figure 1-1). The proposed Project area at the former SWM Shipyard at Berth 240Z is located on the southwestern shore of Terminal Island (Figure 2-1). The shipyard consists of 5 distinct parcels totaling approximately 31.6 acres (Figure 2-2). SWM originally leased all 5 parcels from the Port on July 1, In February 2004, Parcel 3, consisting of approximately 10 acres, reverted back to the Port; however, the facilities within the parcel remain the responsibility of SWM until leasehold agreement terminates, at which time SWM would be required to restore the site to its original condition. The Project Site totals approximately 22.6 acres, and includes a total of 16 buildings, 7 cranes, and some ancillary facilities including railroad tracks and above-ground sanitary lift station, all to be demolished. See Figure 2-2. Southwest Marine Building Demolition Project 2-1

2 Chapter 2 Project Description Figure 2-1. Vicinity Map Proposed SWM Buildings Demolition Project 2-2 Southwest Marine Buildings Demolition Project

3 Chapter 2 Project Description Figure 2-2. Site Map Proposed SWM Buildings Demolition Project Southwest Marine Building Demolition Project 2-3

4 Chapter 2 Project Description 2.3 Existing Conditions Regional Context The Project Site is located on Terminal Island within the southwestern portion of the Port, approximately 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles (refer to Figure 1-1). The Port consists of approximately 28 miles of waterfront and 7,500 acres of land and water. It is administered by the LAHD under the California Tidelands Trust Act of The LAHD is chartered to develop and operate the Port to benefit maritime uses, and it functions as a landlord by leasing Port properties to more than 300 tenants. The Port includes a variety of terminals automobile, container, omni (handles various types of cargo, including bulk steel, bundled paper, wood, pipe, and containers), break bulk, and cruise ship, as well as liquid and dry bulk facilities and extensive transportation infrastructure for cargo movement by truck or rail. The Port accommodates commercial fishing, canneries, shipyards, and boat repair yards. As the center of recreational water activity for the Los Angeles area, the Port provides slips for approximately 6,000 pleasure craft, sport fishing boats, and charter vessels. The Port also supports community facilities, including a public swimming beach and a Boy/Girl Scout Camp, as well as educational facilities, such as the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and the Maritime Museum Project Site and Surrounding Uses The Project Site at the former SWM Shipyard at Berth 240Z is located on the southwestern shore of Terminal Island on the Main Channel within the Port. The Project Site is one of the oldest shipbuilding and repair facilities at the Port and is occupied mainly by World War II-era buildings. The only structures that remain since SWM vacated the project site on October, 31, 2005 are 16 buildings, 7 cranes, and ancillary structures, including railroad track, above-grade sanitary lift station, and a fire protection system. All buildings, cranes, and structures, with the exception of the fire protection system, would be demolished. As previously mentioned, SWM has vacated the site. The only activity occurring at the site is occasionally commercial movie, and television filming. In an effort to ensure integrity of the site and address safety concerns, all these activities are managed by Port contractors. Roadway access to the property is available from Seaside Avenue. The surrounding uses consist of the ExxonMobil Oil Liquid Bulk Terminal to the northwest; Fish Harbor to the northeast; the Al Larson Boat Shop and Marina to the east; the U.S. Coast Guard Base to the south; and the Main Channel to the west. The Project Site is bordered by Seaside Avenue to the east and the Main Channel to the west. The Port is served by road and rail access that connects it to the greater Los Angeles area and, ultimately, to other regions of the U.S. and the international community. The roadway system consists of a number of Port-owned roadways that connect to local streets and highways, particularly to Interstates 110 and 710, which provide north-south access to the greater Los Angeles area and to other north-, south-, and east-bound highways. The rail system consists of numerous rail lines that connect to Union Pacific and Burlington Northern/Santa Fe lines that provide north-south access through the greater Los Angeles area and to other north-, south-, and eastbound railways. 2-4 Southwest Marine Buildings Demolition Project

5 Chapter 2 Project Description 2.4 Project Objectives and Need A statement of the objectives sought by the proposed Project is required by the CEQA Guidelines (Section 15124[b]). In general, an objective can be defined as something that is worked toward, or as some type of goal. The definition of the Project objectives is important in that it aids the lead agency in formulating a reasonable range of alternatives to the proposed Project that also can achieve, at least in part, the objectives of the proposed Project. The primary objective of the proposed Project is the demolition of the former SWM Shipyard and restoration of the site to its condition at the time of initial occupancy by SWM and its predecessors, while implementing environmental measures to minimize potential environmental impacts. At the time of the preparation of this environmental document, there are no applications on file at the LAHD for this location. Although future use of the site is unknown, it would likely be utilized for certain operations, in accordance with the City of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code and the Port Master Plan. The City of Los Angeles zoning designation for the Project Site is QM3 (Qualified Heavy Industrial) (City of Los Angeles 2006). This classification restricts the uses to general cargo, limited Port-related commercial and industrial uses (Ordinance , effective February 1990). The Port Master Plan designated land uses for the Project Site consists of general cargo, dry bulk, liquid bulk, commercial fishing, industrial and institutional activities (Port of Los Angeles 2002). It is reasonably foreseeable that the site, given past uses and history of operations and in accordance with the above zoning regulations, would be utilized for one of the following operations: Break Bulk (liquid and dry) Container Storage The LAHD will prepare an environmental document, which will analyze potential environmental impacts associated with any future use of the site, once an applicant is identified and a formal application is filed. 2.5 Proposed Project The proposed Project includes the demolition of the former SWM facilities and restoration of the site to its original condition, in accordance with Permit 594 exit requirements. The following is a discussion of the required action items to complete the demolition and restoration of the Project Site. Where required by law or when practical and feasible, the Project will implement appropriate BMPs to reduce impacts Project Elements To support the proposed facility demolition, the Project includes demolition of remaining structures and cranes at Berth 240Z Demolition of Facilities All structures at the Project site would be demolished, including foundations and footings of the buildings, thereby requiring minor grading. The majority of the remaining structures at Southwest Marine Buildings Demolition Project 2-5

6 Chapter 2 Project Description the Project site were identified in a prior historical survey as being contributors to the historical significance of the site (pre-1946), with the exception of the Compressor Building (Building 26), cranes constructed after 1945, railroad tracks, a sanitary lift stations, and fire protection system. Structures identified as containing lead and asbestos-containing material would be abated prior to and during demolition. Upon completion of demolition activities, all excavations would be filled to adjacent surrounding grade and all above-grade structures would be taken down to match the adjacent grade. Aboveground utilities would be terminated at grade. Site safety and emergency response plans would be developed and implemented. A Notice of Intention (NOI) will be filed under the general stormwater construction permit process with the RWQCB. A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and Best Management Practices (BMPs) would be implemented for the proposed demolition activities. Non-hazardous waste and construction debris (scrap metal, wood, concrete debris) would be recycled to the extent feasible. All hazardous waste generated as a result of asbestos and lead abatement activities would be disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations. Facilities will be demolished by the applicant or its contractor. The construction activities associated with these improvements would occur over a period of approximately 90 to 120 days, expected to begin in Spring Up to 25 construction personnel are expected to be involved, for approximately 8 to 10 hours per day. Equipment required for building demolition and crane removal is provided in Tables 2-1 and Table 2-2. Site security would be implemented during demolition activities. An estimated 500 truck trips would be required to dispose of demolition debris. Table 2-1. Demolition Equipment for Building Demolition Equipment Type Number Hours of Equipment Operation Duration Excavators (diesel) 2 8 hours/day 4 months Crane (180 ton/diesel) 1 8 hours/day 4 months Front loaders/dozers (diesel) 2 8 hours/day 4 months End dumps (diesel) 2 8 hours/day 4 months Concrete breakers 2 8 hours/day 4 months Bobcats 4 8 hours/day 4 months Water truck 1 8 hours/day 4 months Table 2-2. Demolition Equipment for Crane Removal Equipment Type Number Hours of Equipment Operation Number of Days Operating Excavator (diesel) 1 6 hours/day 14 days Crane (180 ton/diesel) 1 6 hours/day 10 days Skip loader (diesel) 1 6 hours/day 3 days End dump (diesel) 1 5 hours/day 3-4 days 2-6 Southwest Marine Buildings Demolition Project

7 Chapter 2 Project Description Demolition of Cranes A total of 7 pier gantry cranes, identified in a prior historical survey as being contributors to the historical significance of the site (pre-1946), would be demolished. Demolition would take approximately eight weeks to complete and would occur concurrently with the demolition of buildings at the proposed Project Site. Up to five workers would be required to work 8-10 hours per day with a work day starting at 6:30 a.m. The cranes contain heavy metal coatings (lead paint) and would require abatement prior to demolition. All hazardous waste generated as a result of asbestos and lead abatement activities would be disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations. For details pertaining to removal requirements and procedures, see discussion in Section 3.7, Hazards and Hazardous Materials Project Agreement History SWM originally leased 5 parcels from the Port on July 1, In February 1994, Parcel 3, consisting of approximately 10 acres, reverted back to the Port; however, the facilities within the parcel remain the responsibility of SWM. Effective October 31, 2004, the LAHD canceled SWM s holdover tenancy at Berth 240Z on Terminal Island. Pursuant to the terms of Permit 594, upon termination, SWM is required to remove all works, structures, improvements and pipelines of any kind whatsoever placed or maintained on these premises by tenant including those works, structures and improvements placed by tenant s predecessors and made a part of the premises described and shall, in any event, leave the surface of the ground in a even graded condition A Site Restoration and Demolition Plan was prepared and submitted to the Port outlining activities including termination of operations and services, vacation of buildings, demolition of structures, environmental site characterization and remediation, and underwater survey. 2.6 Alternatives CEQA Guidelines require that an EIR must address a range of reasonable alternatives to the project which would feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the project but would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant effects of the project, and evaluate the comparative merits of the alternatives (Section ). Alternatives may be considered, even if the alternatives could impede, to some degree, the attainment of all the project objectives. Thus, the alternatives selected for evaluation in the are ones that, to some degree, meet the Project objective, avoid or reduce one or more of the significant impacts, and are considered to be feasible. A detailed discussion of alternatives under consideration can be found in Chapter 5, Alternatives to the Proposed Project, of this Draft EIR. As required by the CEQA Guidelines, the also evaluates and analyzes the impacts of the No-Project Alternative and the Partial Demolition Alternative. 2.7 Relationship to Existing Plans A primary objective of the planning process for the proposed Project is to ensure that the criteria and guidelines of relevant plans and policies are defined and met. Some of the relevant plans and policies listed below are long-range planning documents. They are useful in determining that the intent of plans and policies are considered when preparing the Southwest Marine Buildings Demolition Project 2-7

8 Chapter 2 Project Description environmental analysis of a proposed project. Consistency with plans listed below is further addressed in Chapter 3 within applicable resource areas Port of Los Angeles Master Plan The PMP provides for the development, expansion, and alteration of the Port, in both shortterm and long-term periods, for commerce, navigation, fisheries, port-dependent activities, and general public recreation. Those objectives are consistent with the provisions of the California Coastal Act (1976), the Charter of the City of Los Angeles, and applicable federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations. The proposed Project is located within Planning Area 7 Terminal Island/Main Channel. Short- and long-range preferred uses in Planning Area 7 will continue to be oriented to commercial shipping, liquid bulk handling, and heavy industrial and commercial activities. No major land use changes are anticipated in the foreseeable future. In addition to the proposed Project, other anticipated projects within Planning Area 7 would likely consist of container terminal and street roadwork construction projects. Therefore, land uses within Planning Area 7 would be consistent with those prescribed by the PMP California Coastal Plan The PMP has been approved by the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners and certified by the California Coastal Commission. Under provisions of the California Coastal Act, the PMP is incorporated into the local coastal program of the City of Los Angeles. Therefore, if the proposed Project is consistent with the PMP, the Project is considered to be consistent with the California Coastal Act Risk Management Plan The Risk Management Plan, an element of the PMP, was adopted in 1983, per requirements of the California Coastal Commission. The purpose of this Plan is to provide siting criteria relative to vulnerable resources and the handling and storage of potentially hazardous cargo such as crude oil, petroleum products, and chemicals. This Plan provides guidance for future development of the Port to minimize or eliminate the hazards to vulnerable resources from accidental releases. The Project design is consistent with this Plan. This consistency is achieved through physical separation of facilities and materials, as well as facility design factors, safety barriers, fire protection, and other risk mitigation measures (Port of Los Angeles 1983) City of Los Angeles Port of Los Angeles Plan The Port of Los Angeles Plan is part of the General Plan of the City of Los Angeles (General Plan) (City of Los Angeles 1982 and 1992a). This Plan provides a 20-year official guide to the continued development and operation of the Port. It is designed to be consistent with the PMP discussed above. The long-range preferred water and land uses for the Port include non-hazardous liquid and non-hazardous dry bulk cargo, general cargo, commercial fishing operations, and Port-related commercial and industrial uses (City of Los Angeles 1982 and 1992a). The proposed demolition project would accommodate development, in accordance with the City of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code and the PMP, restricting uses to general cargo, limited Port-related commercial and industrial uses, dry bulk, liquid bulk, commercial fishing, and industrial and institutional activities. Therefore, the proposed 2-8 Southwest Marine Buildings Demolition Project

9 Chapter 2 Project Description project would be consistent with the intent of the Port of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles, General Plan Element City of Los Angeles San Pedro Community Plan The San Pedro Community Plan area is generally bounded on the north by Taper Avenue; on the east by John Gibson Boulevard, Harbor Boulevard, the West Channel of the Port, and Cabrillo Beach; on the south by the Pacific Ocean; and on the west by Los Angeles (the City of Rancho Palos Verdes) (City of Los Angeles 1999a). The San Pedro Community Plan sets forth the following goals and objectives to maintain the individuality of the community: Coordinate the development of the Port of Los Angeles with surrounding communities to improve the efficiency capabilities of the Port to better serve the economic needs of Los Angeles and the region, while minimizing adverse impacts to neighboring communities from Port-related activities. The proposed Project is located in an area east of San Pedro. Although the Community Plan does not include the Project area, it recommends coordinating future development of the Port with the San Pedro community. Interagency coordination in the planning and implementation of Port projects facilitates efficiency in Port operations and serves the interests of this adjacent community. The proposed Project is consistent with these recommendations City of Los Angeles Wilmington-Harbor City District Plan The Wilmington-Harbor City Community Plan is a part of the General Plan (City of Los Angeles 1999b) and provides an official guide to future development. The proposed Project is located in an area south of Wilmington-Harbor City. Although the Community Plan does not include the Project area, it recommends integrating future development of the Port with the Wilmington community, including changes to transportation and circulation systems, and Port land acquisitions. This Community Plan also recommends interagency coordination in the planning and implementation of Port projects to facilitate efficiency in Port operations, and to serve the interests of the adjacent communities. The proposed Project is consistent with these recommendations General Plan of the City of Los Angeles Air Quality Element The General Plan has an Air Quality Element that contains general goals, objectives, and policies related to improving air quality in the region. Policy relates directly to the Port and requires improvements in harbor operations and facilities in order to reduce emissions (City of Los Angeles 1992b). The proposed demolition project would include all feasible mitigation measures to minimize air quality impacts. For example, the demolition contractor would be required to implement best available control measures adopted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Therefore, the Project would be consistent with the Air Quality Element of the City of Los Angeles General Plan Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles River Basin The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles River Basin (Region 4) (Basin Plan) was adopted by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, LARWQCB in 1978 and updated in 1994 (LARWQCB 1994). The Basin Plan designates beneficial uses of water Southwest Marine Buildings Demolition Project 2-9

10 Chapter 2 Project Description resources within the Los Angeles River Basin, as well as describes water quality objectives, implementation plans, and surveillance programs to protect or restore designated beneficial uses. The proposed Project would be operated in conformance with objectives of the Basin Plan Water Quality Control Policy Enclosed Bays and Estuaries of California The Policy for Implementation of Toxics Standards for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries (Policy) was adopted by the California SWRCB on March 2, 2000, and effective by May 22, 2000 (SWRCB 2000). The goal of this policy is to establish a standardized approach for permitting discharges of toxic pollutants to non-ocean surface waters in a manner that promotes statewide consistency. This policy applies to discharges of toxic pollutants into the inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries of California subject to regulation under the State Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Division 7 of the Water Code) and the federal Clean Water Act. The policy is a tool to be used in conjunction with watershed management approaches and, where appropriate, the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) to ensure achievement of water quality standards. The Los Angeles Harbor is considered an enclosed bay under this policy. Activities such as the discharge of effluent, thermal wastes, radiological waste, dredge materials, and other materials that adversely affect beneficial uses of the bay and estuarine waters are addressed. Waste discharge requirements developed by the LARWQCB, among other requirements, must be consistent with this policy. The Project applicant or construction contractor would be required to file a Notice of Intent (NOI) for the General Construction Activities Stormwater Permit with the LARWQCB to initiate the project permitting process under appropriate National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and state regulations and thereby determine specific measures to prevent impacts to harbor waters. Therefore, the proposed Project would be in compliance with Water Quality Control Policies Air Quality Management Plan The USEPA, under the provisions of the Clean Air Act, requires each state that has not attained the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to prepare a separate local plan detailing how these standards will be met in each local area. These plans are prepared by local agencies designated by the governor of each state to be incorporated into a State Implementation Plan (SIP). The Lewis Air Quality Act of 1976 established the four-county SCAQMD and mandated a planning process requiring preparation of an AQMP. Every 3 years, SCAQMD prepares an overall plan for air quality improvement. Each iteration of the plan is an update of the previous plan and has a 20-year horizon. The 2003 AQMP was adopted by the SCAQMD Governing Board on August 1, The 2003 AQMP updates the attainment demonstration for the federal standards for ozone and particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers (PM 10 ), replaces the 1997 attainment demonstration for the federal carbon monoxide (CO) standard and provides a basis for a maintenance plan for CO for the future, and updates the maintenance plan for the federal nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) standard that South Coast Air Basin has achieved since This revision to the AQMP also addresses several state and federal planning requirements and incorporates significant new scientific data, primarily in the form of updated emissions inventories, ambient measurements, new meteorological episodes, and new air quality 2-10 Southwest Marine Buildings Demolition Project

11 Chapter 2 Project Description modeling tools. The 2003 AQMP is consistent with, and builds upon, the approaches taken in the 1997 AQMP and the 1999 Amendments to the Ozone SIP for South Coast Air Basin attainment of the federal ozone air quality standard. The proposed demolition Project would include all feasible mitigation measures to minimize air quality impacts, as stated above. Therefore, the proposed Project would be consistent with the Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) Southern California Association of Governments Regional Plans The SCAG is responsible for developing regional plans for transportation management, growth, and land use, as well as developing the growth factors used in forecasting air emissions within the South Coast Air Basin. SCAG has developed a Regional Comprehensive Plan and Guide, the 2004 Regional Transportation Plan and, in cooperation with SCAQMD, the AQMP. The proposed Project would not generate population migration into the area or create a demand for new housing units. As a result, it is consistent with the Regional Comprehensive Plan and Guide and the Regional Housing Needs Assessment. The proposed Project is also consistent with the 2004 Regional Transportation Plan Tidelands Trust The Tidelands Trust Agreement enables tidelands within the Port to be developed for commerce. These tidelands are impressed with the Common Law Public Trust to the City of Los Angeles pursuant to Chapter 656, Statutes of 1911, as amended. The Port jurisdictional properties are held in trust by the city and administered by the LAHD to promote and develop maritime-related commerce, navigation, and fisheries. The proposed Project is under the jurisdiction of the Port, as granted under the State Tidelands Trust. Therefore, the proposed Project would be consistent with the Tidelands Trust Congestion Management Program The Congestion Management Program (CMP) is a state-mandated program intended as the analytical basis for transportation decisions made through the State Transportation Improvement Program process (Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority [LACMTA] 1992). LACMTA has prepared a CMP for the county. The plan was developed to link land use, transportation, and air quality decisions; develop a partnership among transportation decision makers on devising appropriate transportation solutions that include all modes of travel; and propose transportation projects that are eligible to compete for state gas tax funds (LACMTA 2002). The Plan includes a Land Use Analysis Program that requires local jurisdictions to analyze the impacts of land use decisions on the regional transportation system. Development projects required to prepare an EIR based on local determination must incorporate a Transportation Impact Analysis into the EIR. This includes a Transportation Impact Analysis and, therefore, is consistent with the CMP Cultural Resources Protection In compliance with federal laws, regulations, and other guidelines, LAHD will use this Draft EIR and resource evaluation studies to consult with the State Historic Preservation Office Southwest Marine Buildings Demolition Project 2-11

12 Chapter 2 Project Description (SHPO) regarding determination that the proposed Project area contains significant historic resources. The historic nature of the former SWM Shipyard is discussed in Section Southwest Marine Buildings Demolition Project