HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-25; City Council; Resolution 2025-072Exhibit 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-072 .
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CHANGE IN THE SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE
SEWER LINE CAPACITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM PROJECT NO. 5548
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, has determined it necessary,
desirable and in the public interest to complete the Sewer Line Capacity Improvements Project, Capital
Improvement Program, or CIP, Project No. 5548, or Project; and
WHEREAS, the 2019 Sewer Master Plan Update identified five sites in the wastewater collection
system that require additional conveyance capacity, and these sites are components of CIP Project No.
5548, Sewer Line Capacity Improvements Project; and
WHEREAS, the Poinsettia Lane sewer gravity main is recommended for pipe replacement in the
2019 Sewer Master Plan Update; and
WHEREAS, in May 2024, the City Engineer revised the sewer design criteria and the sewer
generation rate for multi-family developments in the Carlsbad Engineering Standards for conformance
with regional and industry design standards; and
WHEREAS, in January 2024, the City Council approved the rezoning of 16 properties in Carlsbad
to meet state housing requirements; and
WHEREAS, additional development units in Bressi Ranch will increase the sewer demand to the
Poinsettia Lane sewer gravity main; and
WHEREAS, staff recommend replacement of the Poinsettia Lane sewer gravity main to provide
capacity to meet the build-out development density identified in the 2019 Sewer Master Plan Update
as well as the additional projected development units in Bressi Ranch, and increasing the pipe
replacement limits in Poinsettia Lane from approximately 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal
feet, commencing at the Poinsettia Sewer Lift Station and extending eastward toward Mica Road.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.That pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15168, this project is covered by a previously
certified Program EIR (EIR 12-01, Nov. 13, 2012; and First Addendum, Sept. 17, 2019),
which serves as a Program EIR (PEIR) for the proposed Project. The effects of the Project
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 4 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
were examined in the PEIR and all feasible mitigation measures and alternatives
developed in the PEIR are incorporated into this Project and are hereby adopted as
conditions of approval in Attachment A.
3.That no subsequent environmental document shall be prepared for the Project unless
(1) Substantial changes are proposed in the Project which will require major revisions of
the certified PEIR; (2) Substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances under
which the Project is undertaken which will require major revisions of the certified PEIR;
or (3) New information of substantial importance, which was not known at the time the
PEIR was certified as complete.
4.That the City Council independently and jointly reviewed and analyzed the PEIR and the
scope of the proposed Project, and these documents reflect the independent judgment
of the City Council and the city as the Lead Agency for the project. The City Council
considered all significant impacts, mitigation measures, project alternatives identified in
the certified PEIR, and considered all written and oral communications from the public
regarding the environmental analysis, and found that (1) The Project falls under the
scope of the certified PEIR pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15162; (2) The Project
is consistent with applicable local land use plans and zoning; (3) All significant impacts
were adequately addressed in the PEIR; (4) The Project would not make a considerable
contribution to a new significant cumulative impact; and (5) None of the triggers for
subsequent/supplemental EIRs, Negative Declarations or Mitigated Negative
Declarations in CEQA apply. The Project is, therefore, determined to within the scope
of the PEIR and the PEIR satisfies all requirements of CEQA for this later activity.
5.That the custodian of the documents and other materials which constitute the record
of proceedings upon which this decision is based is the Office of the City Clerk of the City
of Carlsbad, 1200 Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
6.That the City Council approves the change in scope for the Sewer Line Capacity
Improvements Project, CIP Project No. 5548, increasing the pipe replacement limits
from approximately 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 5 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City
of Carlsbad on the 25th day of March 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 6 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
Attachment A
Statement of Reasons for Streamlined Review and Exemption from Additional Environmental Review Checklist
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15168
Date: March 18, 2025 Project Title: Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548 Sewer Line Capacity Improvements Project Planning Case No.: EIA 2025-0002 GP Designation: N/A (Public Right-of-Way) Zoning: N/A (Public Right-of-Way)
Staff Contact: Mike Strong - (442) 339-2721 mike.strong@carlsbadca.gov
1. Introduction
This California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Analysis evaluates environmental impacts from the design, engineering, and construction of Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548 (sewer line
capacity improvements for an existing gravity main in Poinsettia Lane, west of Mica Road). The extent of pipe replacement for the Poinsettia Lane sewer main has increased from approximately 740 feet to approximately 2,600 feet (hereinafter referred to as the “Project”). Documentation herein has been
prepared by the City of Carlsbad (city) as Lead Agency in full accordance with the procedural and substantive requirements of CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines.
This CEQA Analysis uses streamlining and tiering in accordance with CEQA Guidelines 15168 for consistency with the Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) prepared for the Sewer Master Plan and Carlsbad Municipal Water District Water Master Plan and Recycled Water Master Plan Updates (Master Plan Updates).
The Final EIR (State Clearinghouse No. 2012021006; City Planning Case No. EIR 12-01), was certified as complete on Nov. 13, 2012 by the City Council for the Sewer Master Plan and Carlsbad Municipal Water District Water Master Plan and Recycled Water Master Plan Updates (2012 Master Plan Update; Resolution No. 2012-245). A first addendum to the Final EIR 12-01 was prepared in 2019 for the Master Plan Update and adopted on Sept. 17, 2019 (2019 Master Plan Update; Resolution No. 2019-183).
The 2012 Master Plan Update, 2012 Master Plan Update EIR, 2019 Master Plan Update, and 2019 Master Plan Update EIR First Addendum are incorporated by reference in this document, pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15150.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 7 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
Statement of Reasons
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -2-
2. Project Location and Description
2A. Project Location
CMWD’s service areas for the water and recycled water do not coincide with the City’s municipal boundary. The city provides these services throughout the Northeast, Northwest and Southwest quadrants, but serves only a portion of the Southeast quadrant. The CMWD covers an area of 20,682 acres, approximately 32 square miles, and provides potable and recycled water supply to most of the city. CMWD’s service area covers approximately 82 percent of the city’s boundary. The southeast portion of the city is served by Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) and a small area to the east by Vallecitos Water District (VWD). Currently, CMWD obtains 100 percent of its potable water supply from the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA), of which it is one of 24-member agencies.
The City of Carlsbad (city) provides wastewater collection service to 29 square miles, approximately 74
percent of the city limits, through 6 interceptor pipelines, approximately 265 miles of collection and conveyance pipelines, and 11 lift stations (LS). All wastewater flows are conveyed to the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility (EWPCF), located in Carlsbad, for treatment and then disposal through the
ocean outfall or delivery to the adjacent Carlsbad Water Recycling Facility for reuse. Several interceptors are jointly owned with Carlsbad and convey outside agency flows to the EWPCF in addition to flows generated within the Carlsbad service area.
The Master Plan Updates provide a system evaluation and capacity assessment of the potable water system and sewer collection and recommends a capital improvement program to provide for continued reliable water and sewer services through buildout conditions, which are projected to occur by 2040. The Project, which is a sewer gravity main in Poinsettia Lane, west of Mica Road, is one of the sites, which needs to be replaced and upsized.
Under the proposed 2019 Sewer Master Plan Update, the city identified eight sewer pipeline rehabilitation projects, six sewer collection capacity projects, five interceptor capacity projects, and eight operations and maintenance projects. The 2019 Sewer Master Plan requires the replacement of approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main
SWM4793 and SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary. (A location map is provided below.)
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 8 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
Statement of Reasons
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -3-
FIGURE 1: LOCATION MAP Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
2B. Project Description
The 2019 Sewer Master Plan (portion of the 2019 Master Plan Update) addresses model results for the Carlsbad collection system gravity mains, lift stations, and force mains. Based on the evaluation criteria, gravity mains were considered over capacity if the design standards for relative depth and relative flow were exceeded (d/D of 0.8 and q/Q of 1.0). Based on this criteria, four gravity mains were found to exceed capacity including the Poinsettia Lane Deficiencies (mains SWM4793, SWM6349) 12-inch mains in Poinsettia Lane west of the intersection of Mica Road (CIP Project No. C-6). This is also known as Capital Improvement Project (CIP) No. 5548.
Since 2019, there has been an increased need for sewer capacity from existing users, as well as the anticipated need to accommodate the planned development density identified in the city’s 2021-2029
Housing Element, the portion of the city’s General Plan that addresses housing needs. Moreover, the City Engineer revised the sewer design criteria contained in the Carlsbad Engineering Standards in 2024 to conform with regional and industry health and safety standards for flow depth and sewer generation rate. The change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, forms the basis or need for the Project, which requires the pipe replacement project to expand to approximately 2,600 lineal feet. The details of the request represent
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 9 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
Statement of Reasons
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -4-
modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street
segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
3. Overview of Applicable CEQA Provisions and Findings
The following discussion presents the relevant provisions of CEQA for a review of environmental impacts of the Project. It provides an overview of the determination of consistency with the city’s program level EIR, a description of how the Project complies with each provision, and concludes with the CEQA finding and determination that the Project is exempt from further environmental review. Additionally, the following discussion addresses topics that have been added to the CEQA Appendix G checklist subsequent to the certification of the Program EIR.
CEQA provides that once an EIR has been completed and certified for a project, no additional environmental review need be completed even if the project requires a further discretionary approval, as long as the agency demonstrates that no new or more severe impacts will result. Moreover, because of
CEQA’s policy favoring prompt resolution of challenges to agency decisions and the related presumed validity of unchallenged CEQA documents, the deferential standard also applies when an agency proposes to reuse an EIR for related subsequent discretionary approvals.
3A. Master Plan Update Program Environmental Impact Report and Addendum
In accordance with CEQA and CEQA Guidelines, a Program EIR (EIR 12-01) for the 2012 Master Plan (State Clearinghouse No. 2012021006), was certified as complete by the City Council on Nov. 13, 2012 (Resolution No. 2012-245. A first addendum to the Final EIR 12-01 was prepared in 2019 for the Master
Plan Update and adopted on Sept. 17, 2019 (Resolution No. 2019-183).
For the 2019 Master Plan Update, the hydraulic model used in the previous (2012) Master Plan was
updated with regard to infrastructure, flow loading, and rainfall derived inflow and infiltration (RDII) to represent: 1) Existing System Hydraulic Model – Updated to represent the 2017 collection system and calibrated based on available information; 2) Near-Term System Hydraulic Model – Calibrated existing system model updated with near-term improvement projects and used to identify potential capacity constraints; and 3) Buildout System Hydraulic Model – Updated with projected buildout flows and improvement projects and used to identify potential future capacity constraints.
The design criteria for gravity sewers provided unoccupied space at the top of the pipe for conveyance of sewage gasses and to provide contingent capacity for wet weather inflow and infiltration. At the time of preparation, using a d/D ratio of 0.5 for small diameter pipes and 0.75 for larger diameter pipes for peak dry weather flow was considered. However, with the potential for RDII, using a d/D ratio of 0.80 for capacity evaluation of the system during PWWF was utilized as the approach. It was noted in the 2019 Sewer Master Plan that if RDII is reduced significantly in future years, the alternative standard may become appropriate.
The certified Program EIR and First Addendum assesses potentially significant environmental impacts associated with implementation and build out of the Master Plan Updates, which included the sewer
gravity main in Poinsettia Lane, west of Mica Road. This section of replacement is one of the four sites, which required the replacement of approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe. The Program EIR serves as a programmatic document that is intended to be
used to evaluate subsequent projects and activities within the planning area. Resolution No. 2012-245 and Resolution No. 2019-183 approved the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and the findings and conditions were adopted by reference.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 10 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
Statement of Reasons
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -5-
The Program EIR provides for streamlining and/or tiering opportunities under CEQA Guidelines Section
15168. CEQA Guidelines Section 15168(c) provide that “later activities in the program must be examined in the light of the program EIR to determine whether an additional environmental document must be prepared.”
A list of applicable mitigation measures from the Master Plan Updates was re-adopted with the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum. All mitigation measures adopted as part of the city for the previously approved Master Plan Update (2012 Master Plan Update EIR) “continued to apply to the proposed Master Plan [list of CIP projects] in conjunction with the city’s Tribal, Cultural, and Paleontological Resource Guidelines…” The city is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally, the city has incorporated numerous project design features and construction measures into the project design that are included in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. The CIP projects, including the proposed Project, need to incorporate the applicable project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP.
3B. Applicability of the Project to 15168
The Project is a “later activity” of the Program EIR. Section 4 of this CEQA Analysis provides an assessment of the Project’s environmental impacts relative to what was analyzed in the Program EIR. The extent of pipe replacement for the Poinsettia Lane sewer main has increased from approximately
740 feet to approximately 2,600 feet. As described in Section 4, the Project does not result in environmental effects that were not previously examined. As such, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15163, no subsequent or supplemental EIR is required. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15168(c)(2), the city can “approve the activity as being within the scope of the project covered by the Program EIR, and no new environmental document would be required.”
CEQA Guidelines, Section 15162(a), states that a subsequent document shall be prepared if substantial changes are proposed in the Project or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. A subsequent document may also be required when new information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known with the
exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted, shows that (a) the project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the prior document, (b)significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than shown in the priordocument, (c) mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact befeasible and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the project but the projectproponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative, or (d) mitigation measures or
alternatives that are considerably different from those analyzed in the prior document would substantiallyreduce one or more significant effects on the environment but the project proponents decline to adoptthe mitigation measure or alternative. Thus, CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 clarifies that a subsequentEIR or supplemental EIR is only required when "substantial changes" occur to a project or thecircumstances surrounding a project, or "new information" about a project implicates "new significantenvironmental effects" or a "substantial increase in the severity of previously significant effects." Inevaluating whether these thresholds are met, the key is to determine if any circumstances have changedenough to justify repeating a substantial portion of the environmental documentation process.
The construction and operational characteristics of the proposed Master Plan Updates (including the proposed Project) have not changed since the certification of the PEIR and adoption of the Addendum.
The Master Plan Updates would continue to improve access to the city’s existing sewer infrastructure and replace and upgrade existing sewer lift stations, which would provide desirable benefits in terms of minimizing and avoiding sewer system overflows (life and safety hazards).
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 11 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
Statement of Reasons
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -6-
CEQA Guidelines Section 15168(c)(3) provide that “an agency shall incorporate all feasible mitigation
measures and alternatives developed in the program EIR into later activities in the program.” Section 5 of this CEQA analysis identified the relevant environmental conditions of approval that will be required of the proposed project to demonstrate compliance with mitigation measures set forth in the Program EIR, and policies, programs and goals of the Specific Plan. As described below in Section 4, for each environmental resource topic in the Environmental Checklist, with implementation of mitigation measures, the Project would not result in significant impacts beyond those analyzed in the Program EIR. Moreover, as noted in Section 3A, the city has incorporated numerous project design features and construction measures into the project design that are included in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. The following analysis makes reference to applicable project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP to the 2012 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum.
In addition, under applicable state and federal law, the city is empowered to control access to and use of its public rights-of-way, and unless specifically pre-empted by state or federal law, to obtain reasonable and fair compensation for the use of its public rights-of-way. This shall include, but not be limited to,
provisions for public utilities, electricity, gas, cable service, information services, sewer, storm drains, water, telecommunications, traffic controls, transit, video, or other similar services that may require or request placement of facilities in the public right-of-way. Each excavation in the public right-of-way shall
be performed in accordance with the Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC; Chapter 11.16) and with the standard plans and specifications of the Engineering Standards or regulations, except where the City Engineer, at his or her discretion, grants prior written approval to deviate from the standard plans and specifications, orders, or regulations. Each public right-of-way permit is subject to the criteria and provisions of the CMC. The public right-of-way permit shall be promptly issued upon review of a completed application and a determination by the City Engineer that company has complied or will comply with all applicable requirements of the CMC. Any approval of a permit may require modifications to the proposed activities pursuant thereto as a result of the City Engineer’s consideration of the factors set
forth above, including by limiting or changing the number, size, color and location of the improvements proposed to be installed. In this instant, the City Engineer revised the sewer design criteria contained in the Carlsbad Engineering Standards in 2024 to conform with regional and industry health and safety standards for flow depth and sewer generation rate. The City Engineer is now using a d/D ratio of 0.75 for the wet weather, relative depth design criteria and conveyance assessment. There has also been an increased need for sewer capacity from existing users (existing commitments), as well as the anticipated
need to accommodate the planned development density identified in the city’s 2021-2029 Housing Element, the portion of the city’s General Plan that addresses housing needs. The change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the
pipe replacement project limits to expand. The Project changes this section of pipe replacement from 740 lineal feet to 2,600 lineal feet.
3C. Applicable Mitigation Measures
No applicable mitigation measures beyond those identified in Section 4, below.
3D. Summary of Findings
The Project is consistent with the environmental analysis performed for the Program EIR and is, therefore, within the scope of the prior certified Program EIR and adopted Addendum. Further, the Program EIR
and Addendum adequately anticipated and described the impacts of the Project and identified applicable mitigation measures necessary to reduce project-specific impacts. A comprehensive environmental evaluation has been completed for the Project (Section 4).
This CEQA Analysis demonstrates that the Project would not result in substantial changes or involve new information that would warrant preparation of a subsequent EIR because the level of development
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 12 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
Statement of Reasons
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -7-
proposed is within the development assumptions analyzed in the Program EIR and Addendum. With
uniformly applied development standards, mitigation measures imposed as environmental conditions of approval, and standard regulatory requirements, the Project would not result in any new or more severe impacts relative to what was identified the Program EIR and Addendum.
The conclusion identified in the Program EIR and Addendum remains accurate and applicable to the proposed Master Plans Updates and with the proposed Project. The Program EIR and Addendum adequately describes the activity for the purposes of CEQA. No further environmental review is required.
3/18/2025
Signature Date
Mike Strong Project Manager
Printed Name Title
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 13 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -8-
4.Overview of Applicable CEQA Provisions and Findings
Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15168, Program EIR, a lead agency does not need to reevaluate or recirculate an environmental document for a significant and unavoidable effect of a later activity if that activity is within the scope of the plan or program and the impact was covered in the Program EIR. However, when using tiering, as described in CEQA Guidelines §15152, the lead agency needs to consider again the significant and unavoidable effects that were evaluated in a previous EIR to assess if they could now be mitigated and, if not, to inform adoption of CEQA findings and a statement of overriding considerations pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15091 and 15093.
CEQA Guidelines Section 15168(c)(4) recommends using a written checklist or similar device to confirm whether the environmental effects of a subsequent activity were adequately covered in a Program EIR.
Accordingly, this section examines the Project’s potential environmental effects within the parameters outlined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15168. The “Prior EIRs” (as defined in CEQA Guidelines) is the City of Carlsbad Master Plan Update Program EIR and Master Plan Update EIR Addendum, inclusive of
all impact determinations, significance thresholds and mitigation measures identified therein. The evaluation builds from the Appendix G Environmental Checklist and has been modified to reflect the parameters outlined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15168. The checkboxes in the evaluation below indicate whether the proposed Project would result in environmental impacts, as follows:
•New Significant Impact – The proposed Project would result in a new significant impact that wasnot previously identified in the Program EIR.•Substantial Increase in Severity of Previously Identified Significant Impact in Program EIR–The proposed Project’s specific impact would be substantially greater than the specific impactdescribed in the Program EIR.•Substantial Change Relative to Program EIR – The proposed Project would involve a
substantial change from analysis conducted in the Program EIR.•Equal or Less Severity of Impact than Previously Identified in Program EIR – The severityof the specific impact of the proposed Project would be the same as or less than the severity of
the specific impact described in the Program EIR.
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 1.Aesthetics–Would the Project:
a)Have a substantial adverse effect on ascenic vista?
b)Substantially damage scenic resources,including, but not limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings within astate scenic highway?
c)In nonurbanized areas, substantiallydegrade the existing visual character orquality of public views of the site and itssurroundings? If the project is in anurbanized area, would the project conflict
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 14 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -9-
with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?
d)Create a new source of substantial light orglare, which would adversely affect day ornighttime views in the area?
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to aesthetics.
Impacts to scenic vistas could occur from construction activities, including disturbance of ground cover, grading, excavation, material stockpiles, and the presence of construction equipment. The majority of the CIP projects would be contained to the public road right-of-way and located underground or co-located
with existing storage facilities, resulting in minimal impacts to scenic vistas. The proposed water, sanitary sewer, and recycled water improvements, including the new limited access projects, would be contained in generally urbanized landscapes and public rights-of-way and would not have a substantial adverse
effect on scenic vistas.
Impacts to scenic highways could occur from construction activities, including disturbance of ground
cover, grading, excavation, material stockpiles, and the presence of construction equipment. As incorporated in the PEIR and Addendum, the projects would be required to follow project design features, including the following:
•Demolition debris will be removed in a timely manner for off-site disposal.
•Tree and vegetation removal will be limited to those depicted on construction drawings.
•Disturbed areas will be restored following construction consistent with original site conditions andsurrounding vegetation. If removed vegetation included invasive plant species, the restored areashall be revegetated with a mix of native, non-invasive plants that are compatible with the
surrounding setting.
Implementation of these project design features and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements and regulations would limit impacts to a level less than significant.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to
approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project
No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 15 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -10-
severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an
effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum, the CIP projects proposed, including for CIP Project No. 5548, would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final
project’s design and construction plans.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the
Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to aesthetics; therefore, the Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR and Addendum. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement applicable mitigation measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 2.Agriculture/Forestry Resources–Would the Project:
a)Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland,or Farmland of Statewide or Local Importanceas shown on the maps prepared pursuant tothe Farmland Mapping and MonitoringProgram of the California Resources Agency,to non-agricultural use?
b)Conflict with existing zoning for agriculturaluse, or a Williamson Act contract?
c)Conflict with existing zoning for, or causerezoning of, forest land (as defined in PublicResources Code §12220(g)), timberland (as
defined by Public Resources Code section4526), or timberland zoned TimberlandProduction (as defined by Government Code§51104(g))?
d)Result in the loss of forest land orconversion of forest land to non-forest use?
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 16 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -11-
e) Involve other changes in the existing environment, which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Important
Farmland or other agricultural resources, to non-agricultural use?
Discussion Master Plan Updates The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-
inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to agriculture/forestry. As provided, there are only a limited number of areas within Carlsbad that include important farmlands
as defined by the California Department of Conservation with the Study Area consisting of mainly of Urban and Built-Up Land along the western, southern, and northwestern portions of the city, with large areas of “Other Land” interspersed throughout the eastern and central portions. The proposed water, sanitary sewer, and recycled water improvements, including the new limited access projects, would be contained in generally urbanized landscapes and public rights-of-way and would not have a substantial
adverse effect on the remaining agricultural areas within the city. Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548 In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way. The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting
as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR
Addendum, the CIP projects proposed, including for CIP Project No. 5548, would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 17 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -12-
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to agriculture/forestry;
therefore, the Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR and Addendum. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to
implement applicable mitigation measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 3. Air Quality
–Would the Project:
a)Conflict with or obstruct implementation
of the applicable air quality plan?
b)Result in a cumulatively considerablenet increase of any criteria pollutant forwhich the project region is non-attainmentunder an applicable federal or stateambient air quality standard?
c)Expose sensitive receptors tosubstantial pollutant concentration?
d)Result in other emissions (such asthose leading to odors) adversely affectinga substantial number of people?
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-
inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to air quality.
The existing regulatory framework governing air quality planning in the Study Area has not substantially changed since the certification of the PEIR. The San Diego Air Basin continues to be in attainment for carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), lead, and sulfur dioxide (SO2), attainment/unclassifiable for (PM2.5) and (PM10), and non-attainment for ozone (8-hour) with respect to federal air quality standards. With respect to state air quality standards, the San Diego Air Basin continues to be in attainment for CO, NO2, lead, SO2, and non-attainment for ozone, PM2.5 and PM10. The Master Plan
Updates would not result in population growth that would exceed the population projections accounted for in the Regional Air Quality Strategy and State Implementation Plan. Furthermore, the construction and operational characteristics as described in Section 4.2 have not substantially changed since the certification of the PEIR and adoption of the Addendum.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 18 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -13-
As provided in Section 4.2 of the PEIR, construction of the CIP projects proposed under the Master Plans would result in temporary increases in air pollutant emissions. These emissions would be generated in the form of fugitive dust emissions (PM10 and PM2.5) and ozone precursor emissions (NOx, volatile
organic compounds). Operation of heavy equipment and vehicles during the construction phases would generate exhaust emissions from fuel combustion. Fugitive dust emissions would be generated from earth disturbance during site grading and structure demolition, as well as from construction vehicles
operating on vacant areas or dirt roadways within or adjacent to CIP construction sites. The city has committed to implementing best management practices (BMP), identified as project design features in the MMRP, to reduce fugitive dust emissions and other criteria pollutant emissions during construction of
CIP projects. The PEIR and Addendum contemplated the construction of the Master Plan(s) CIP projects would take place to year 2035. The PEIR and Addendum estimated the construction emissions for the overall Master Plan Update using worst-case assumptions, which considered simultaneous construction of multiple projects covered under the Master Plans. Based on the fact that emissions calculated at the programmatic level for the Master Plans were determined less than significant and the proposed Master Plan Updates would result in an overall reduction of water use and corresponding CIP improvements as compared to 2012, the proposed Master Plan Updates would not exceed San Diego Air Pollution Control District’s significance thresholds and therefore would be less than significant.
The potential impacts associated with a cumulatively considerable net increase of criteria pollutants were analyzed in the PEIR (Section 4.2, Air Quality) and Addendum. The city has committed to implementing
BMPs, identified as project design features in the MMRP, to reduce fugitive dust emissions and other criteria pollutant emissions during construction of CIP projects. With the implementation of BMPs contained in the MMRP, the PEIR and Addendum determined that the Master Plans would result in a
less than significant impact. Further, most of the CIP projects would be new or upgraded pipelines, which would be passive following construction, or improvements to existing facilities that would not result in new sources of criteria pollutants. New pumps and emergency generators that would be installed as a result
of the CIP projects would be electric rather than fuel-consuming. During facility operation, occasional vehicle trips may be required for repair or inspection and periodic maintenance. The PEIR and Addendum determined operation air pollutant emission impacts associated with the proposed CIP projects, including for CIP Project No. 5548, would be less than significant.
The potential impacts associated with exposure of sensitive receptors to pollutant concentrations were analyzed in the PEIR (Section 4.2, Air Quality) and Addendum. The PEIR and Addendum determined that the CIP projects covered under the Master Plans would not expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations and a less than significant impact would occur.
The potential impacts associated with odors were analyzed in the PEIR (Section 4.2, Air Quality) and Addendum. The Master Plan Updates include CIP projects (e.g. I-2) that would further eliminate sources of odor in compliance with San Diego Air Pollution Control District Rule 51. The PEIR and Addendum determined that the Master Plans would not create objectionable odors and a less than significant impact
would occur.
The following BMPs would be implemented to minimize fugitive dust emissions and other criteria pollutant
emissions during construction of CIP projects:
•Water or dust control agents will be applied to active grading areas, unpaved surfaces, and dirtstockpiles as necessary to prevent or suppress particulate matter from becoming airborne. Allsoil to be stockpiled over 30 days will be protected with a secure tarp or tackifiers to preventwindblown dust.
•Covering/tarping will occur on all vehicles hauling dirt or spoils on public roadways unless
additional moisture is added to prevent material blow-off during transport.
•Dirt and debris spilled onto paved surfaces at the project site and on the adjacent roadway will
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 19 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -14-
be swept or vacuumed and disposed of at the end of each workday to reduce resuspension of particulate matter caused by vehicle movement. During periods of soil export or import, when there are more than six trips per hour, dirt removal from paved surfaces will be done at least
twice daily.
•Disturbed areas will be revegetated as soon as work in the area is complete.
•Electrical power will be supplied from commercial power supply wherever feasible, to avoid orminimize the use of engine-driven generators.
•Air filters on construction equipment engines will be maintained in clean condition according to
manufacturers’ specifications.
•The construction contractor will comply with an approved traffic control plan to reduce non- project traffic congestion impacts. Methods to reduce construction interference with existingtraffic and the prevention of truck queuing around local sensitive receptors will be incorporatedinto this plan.
•Staging areas for construction equipment will be located as far as practicable from residences.
•Trucks and equipment will not idle for more than 15 minutes when not in service.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of
approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation.
Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design
features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior
environmental document was certified/adopted.
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to air quality; therefore, the Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR and Addendum. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement applicable mitigation measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 20 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -15-
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 4.Biological Resources–Would the Project:
a)Have a substantial adverse effect, either
directly or through habitat modifications, onany candidate, sensitive, or special statusspecies in local or regional plans, policies, or
regulations, or by the California Departmentof Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and WildlifeService?
b)Have a substantial adverse effect on anyriparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regionalplans, policies, regulations or by theCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife orUS Fish and Wildlife Service?
c)Have a substantial adverse effect on stateor federally protected wetlands (including,but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool,
coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling,hydrological interruption, or other means?
d) Interfere substantially with the movementof any native resident or migratory fish orwildlife species or with established native
resident or migratory wildlife corridors, orimpede the use of native wildlife nurserysites?
e)Conflict with any local policies orordinances protecting biological resources,
such as a tree preservation policy orordinance?
f)Conflict with the provisions of an adoptedHabitat Conservation Plan, NaturalCommunity Conservation Plan, or otherapproved local, regional, or state habitatconservation plan?
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 21 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -16-
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and
SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
Section 4.3, Biological Resources, of the PEIR provided a programmatic evaluation of potential impacts,
either directly or through habitat modifications, on plant and wildlife species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Appendix B of the PEIR includes a tabular listing of the special status species considered in 2012, which in all cases has not changed since 2012. An updated species list was requested from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2019) to confirm current listings and is included in Appendix B. Tables 4.3-3 and 4.3-4 in the PEIR identify projects that would occur within Carlsbad and be subject to the conditions of Carlsbad’s Habitat Management Plan (HMP) and associated species avoidance, minimization, and compensatory mitigation requirements. The Carlsbad HMP was in part developed to set aside land in preservation to use as mitigation for future projects. Based on the programmatic evaluation, the special status species with potential to be impacted by CIP projects within Carlsbad are all likely to be covered species or narrow endemic species under the
Carlsbad HMP. Species not covered under the Carlsbad HMP are not likely to occur within the CIP project sites. Therefore, species not covered under the Carlsbad HMP are not likely to be adversely affected by CIP projects. Project-level surveys and/or avoidance and minimization measures were proposed for the
CIP projects listed in Table 4.3-3 to ensure that the appropriate measures are implemented to address special status species with the potential to occur, including projects that are not covered under the Carlsbad HMP per HMP Appendix B. Some of the CIP Projects continue to be identified to have direct or
indirect impacts thereby requiring additional avoidance and minimization measures. Direct impacts include the direct take, removal, or displacement of special status species and their habitat through activities such as clearing, grubbing, grading, and other land disturbance activities. Removal of habitat could result in displacement of special status wildlife and less habitat available within a species’ range to carry out vital life history requirements such as breeding, foraging, dispersal, migration, aestivation (i.e.,
underground dormancy or torpor during the summer) and predator evasion. Construction activities could also result in the removal or trimming of trees and shrubs during the general bird nesting season (January 15 through September 15). Indirect impacts could also result in temporary increases in noise levels, which could adversely affect special status wildlife species occupying adjacent habitats, including nest failure. These impacts were identified as significant in the PEIR. Implementation of Mitigation Measures Bio-1A through Bio-1I would reduce direct and indirect impacts on special species and their habitat to a less than
significant level. The construction and operational characteristics of the CIP projects covered under the Master Plan Updates have not substantially changed since the certification of the PEIR so they were readopted as part of the Addendum. The conclusion identified in the PEIR remained accurate and
applicable to the proposed 2012 Master Plan Updates.
As evaluated in Section 4.3 of the PEIR, construction of CIP projects have the potential to result in direct impacts to riparian habitat and several types of sensitive natural communities. Habitat loss or disturbance as a consequence of these CIP project construction activities could result in diminishing and degrading of open space areas, reductions, or eliminations of habitat functions and values, and impacts to species, among other adverse impacts. These direct impacts were identified as a significant in the PEIR prior to the implementation of mitigation. Implementation of Mitigation Measures BIO-2A and 2B would reduce
direct impacts on special species and their habitat to a less than significant level (Mitigation Measure BIO-2B does not apply to CIP Project No. 5548). The regulatory requirements have not substantially changed since the certification of the PEIR and Addendum.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 22 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -17-
The city is required to prepare and implement BMPs to minimize, control, and treat storm water runoff, fugitive dust, and other pollutants at the CIP construction site. Implementation of these required practices would reduce potential indirect impacts during construction to a less than significant level. Further,
implementation of Mitigation Measures Bio-1E, Bio-1F, Bio-1H, and Bio-1I would prohibit construction activities from inadvertently encroaching into or otherwise impact potential jurisdictional waters and wetlands occurring adjacent to CIP project sites, thereby further reducing potential indirect impacts to a
less than significant level.
CIP projects located within the coastal zone (e.g. SR-22) would be subject to the Carlsbad Local Coastal
Plan and Development Standards. The city and CMWD are required to comply with the Carlsbad HMP and provisions of the Carlsbad Local Coastal Plan, including the Coastal Resource Protection Overlay Zone Ordinance. As required, potential impacts on sensitive species and habitats would be avoided or mitigated consistent with the Coastal Resource Protection Overlay Zone Ordinance and HMP. Implementation of the proposed Master Plans were determined not to conflict with the adopted Coastal Resource Protection Overlay Zone Ordinance. Based on this circumstance and the reduction in overall capacity of the proposed Master Plans, these impacts would be less than significant following the implementation of mitigation included in the MMRP.
Portions of the Study Area occur within the cities of San Marcos, Vista, and Oceanside; however, Draft Multiple Habitat Conservation Program Subarea Plans have not yet been finalized or adopted by those
agencies. Therefore, CIP projects, including for CIP Project No. 5548, are not required to demonstrate consistency and compliance with these Draft Multiple Habitat Conservation Program Subarea Plans. As evaluated above, there are CIP projects identified within the Master Plan Updates within Carlsbad that
could result in potential impacts to sensitive species and habitat that are addressed within the Carlsbad HMP.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation.
Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design
features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 23 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -18-
Conclusion
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the request to construct the proposed Project is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum, and there would be no additional impacts to biological resources beyond those analyzed in the PEIR and Addendum. Portions of MMRP from the PEIR and Addendum related to biological resources are required to be implemented for the Project (Bio-1A through Bio-1I and Bio-2A).
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 5.Cultural Resources–Would the Project:
a)Cause a substantial adversechange in the significance of ahistorical resource as defined in
§15064.5?
b)Cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of anarchaeological resource pursuant to§15064.5?
c)Disturb any human remains,including those interred outside ofdedicated cemeteries?
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and
SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
Section 4.4, Cultural and Paleontological Resources, of the PEIR provided a programmatic assessment
of the potential impacts to historic resources based on the CIP project outlined in the 2012 Master Plans. The PEIR notes various, existing built-environment historical resources (buildings or structures aged 45 years old or older) and numerous archaeological sites within the Study Area. The PEIR included a cultural
resources records search to evaluate the presence of known historical and archaeological resources for areas potentially impacted by the Master Plans. Several historical, built-environment resources are known in the Study Area, including the Rancho de los Quiotes (Kiotes)/Leo Carrillo Ranch, which is a district listed in the National Register of Historic Places and California Register of Historic Resources. This resource is located in the immediate vicinity of segments related to proposed Sewer Master Plan CIP Project SR-22.
Section 4.4 of the PEIR and Addendum provides an assessment of potential impacts of the Master Plan improvements to known and undocumented archaeological resources. Known cultural resources that may be affected by the construction of proposed CIP project sites are listed by Master Plan improvements in Tables 4.4-3 to 4.4-5 of the PEIR. Additionally, the PEIR and Addendum notes a high archaeological
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 24 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -19-
resource sensitivity for the entire Study Area. A table that identifies which CIP projects would have the potential to impact each resource is available in Confidential Appendix D2 of the PEIR. This appendix is available to qualified viewers at the City of Carlsbad, 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008. These
resources are predominately prehistoric archaeological sites of varying sizes and occupancy duration, and exhibit prehistoric material culture through midden and scatters of lithic and groundstone tools. In addition, some of the identified sites in Tables 4.4-3 to 4.4-5 are considered historical resources pursuant
to CEQA because they retain the potential to yield data important to prehistory or history (Criterion 4 of the California Register of Historic Resources). The PEIR concluded that the Master Plan improvements could result in a potentially significant impact to archaeological resources in the absence of mitigation.
With the incorporation of Mitigation Measure Cul-1, this impact would be reduced to a level of less than significant.
Since the certification of the PEIR, the city adopted the Carlsbad Tribal, Cultural, and Paleontological Resources Guidelines (2017), which updated and replaced the city’s 1990 Cultural Resource Guidelines. The 2017 guidelines are incorporated by reference into the city’s MMRP to reflect the city’s established standards of performance for cultural resources investigations following the city’s General Plan Update (2015) and the adoption of Assembly Bill 52 in 2014. The adopted Addendum makes reference to these documents.
For the proposed CIP projects which are located within geologic formations identified as high and
moderate sensitivity in Table 1 of the 2017 Guidelines, a project-level paleontological resources investigation shall be conducted by a qualified professional paleontologist in cooperation with the County of San Diego and the San Diego Natural History Museum. CIP Project No. 5548 is located in a low risk
area.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an
effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans.
There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the
Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 25 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -20-
Conclusion
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the request to construct the proposed Project
is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum, and there would be no additional impacts to biological resources beyond those analyzed in the PEIR and Addendum. Portions of MMRP from the PEIR and Addendum related to biological resources are required to be implemented for the
Project (Cul-1A).
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 6.Energy Resources–Would the Project:
a)Result in potentially significantenvironmental impact due to wasteful,
inefficient, or unnecessary consumptionof energy resources, during projectconstruction or operation?
b)Conflict with or obstruct a state or localplan for renewable energy or energyefficiency?
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and
SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to energy.
Section 4.5, Energy, of the PEIR provided an assessment of the Master Plans effects on existing water, sanitary sewer, and recycled water facilities energy use. The PEIR and Addendum concluded that the
Master Plans would not generate a substantial net increase in vehicle trips based on pre-existing maintenance activities. Pipeline projects, once constructed, would not require the use of electricity, emergency generators, or any other type of fuel-consuming operating equipment. Additionally, the
proposed repairs and improvements to existing facilities would not result in an increase in energy demand at these facilities. Lift stations would result in the consumption of fuel associated with the operation of construction equipment, and the use of electricity to power the pump motor. The PEIR and Addendum
includes standard BMPs, identified as project design features in the adopted MMRP to minimize energy consumption during construction:
•Electrical power will be supplied from commercial power supply wherever feasible, to avoid orminimize the use of engine-driven generators.
•Trucks and equipment will not idle for more than 15 minutes when not in service.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 26 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -21-
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the
anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific
construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in
the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to energy; therefore, the Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the scope of the previously
certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement applicable mitigation measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 7.Geology and Soils Resources–Would the Project:
a)Directly or indirectly cause potential substantialadverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, ordeath involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquakefault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-PrioloEarthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State
Geologist for the area or based on other substantialevidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Minesand Geology Special Publication 42. ii) Strongseismic ground shaking? iii) Seismic-related groundfailure, including liquefaction? iv) Landslides?
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 27 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -22-
b)Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss oftopsoil?
c)Be located on a geologic unit or soil that isunstable, or that would become unstable as a resultof the project, and potentially result in on- or off-sitelandslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefactionor collapse?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table
18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creatingsubstantial risks to life or property?
e)Have soils incapable of adequately supporting theuse of septic tanks or alternative waste waterdisposal systems where sewers are not available for
the disposal of waste water?
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a uniquepaleontological resource or site or unique geologicfeature?
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-
inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to geology.
The PEIR considered geologic hazards as it relates to the proposed Master Plan improvements and
determined that a less than significant impact would result as it relates to hazards from unstable geologic units or soils. CIP projects, including for CIP Project No. 5548, would be required to comply with city standards and standard engineering practices, which will include the preparation of a project-specific geotechnical investigation. Compliance with existing state and local regulations combined with the incorporation of any recommendations from the geotechnical investigation would minimize potential impact to less than significant.
The potential impacts associated with soil erosion were analyzed in the PEIR (Section 4.6) and Addendum. The PEIR and Addendum determined that the Master Plans would result in a less than significant impact associated with soil erosion. CIP project construction activities would be regulated under the NPDES General Permit for Discharges of Storm Water Runoff Associated with Construction Activity (General Construction Permit, NPDES Order No. 2012-0006-DWQ). In addition, the city would comply with applicable grading ordinance(s) and/or erosion control requirements. This which would minimize any hazards related to cut and fill slopes and related landslide hazards. These requirements
combined with the completion of a project specific geotechnical investigation and incorporation of any project-specific recommendations would minimize any impacts to less than significant.
•Recommendations may include, but would not be limited to the following typical measures:
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 28 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -23-
o Over-excavate unsuitable materials and replace them with engineered fill.
o Remove loose, unconsolidated soils and replace with properly compacted fill soils, orapply other design stabilization features.
o For thicker deposits, implement an applicable compaction technique such asdynamic compaction or compaction piles.
o Perform in-situ densification of soils or other alterations to the ground characteristics.
o For landslides, implement applicable techniques such as stabilization; remedial gradingand removal of landslide debris; or avoidance.
The potential impacts associated with septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems were analyzed in the PEIR (Section 4.6). Similar to the adopted Master Plans, alternative wastewater disposal systems and septic tanks are not a component of the Master Plan Updates and, therefore, no impact would result.
Section 4.4, Cultural and Paleontological Resources, of the PEIR provided an analysis of the potential impacts of the Master Plan improvements to paleontological resources. Excavation and construction activities associated with proposed CIP projects has the potential to disturb or destroy paleontological resources depending on their location within the context of geologic formations with moderate and high paleontological sensitivity. Figure 4 and Table 1 of the city’s adopted 2017 Guidelines identifies the moderate and high paleontological sensitive geologic formations within the city. The Point Loma
formation, Santiago formation, and Bay Point formation, are identified as high paleontological sensitivity, and the Lusardi, Delmar, late to middle Pleistocene, late Holocene marine beach, and late Holocene paralic estuarine deposits are identified as moderate sensitivity. Implementation of Mitigation Measure
Pal-1 would minimize potential impacts associated with the disturbance of paleontological resources. However, CIP Project No. 5548 is located in a low risk area and this measure is not applicable to the Project.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city,
acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master
Plan Update EIR Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 29 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -24-
and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to geology; therefore, the Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement applicable mitigation
measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 8.Greenhouse Gas EmissionsResources–Would the Project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas
emissions, either directly or indirectly,that may have a significant impact onthe environment?
b)Conflict with an applicable plan,policy or regulation adopted for the
purpose of reducing the emissions ofgreenhouse gases?
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to greenhouse gas emissions resources.
The PEIR quantified the GHG emissions that would result from construction and operation of all of the
CIP Projects proposed in the Master Plans. Construction of the projects would result in temporary emissions of GHG from the operation of construction equipment and from worker and building supply vendor vehicles. Equipment that is associated with construction activity includes dozers, rollers,
dewatering pumps, backhoes, loaders, delivery, and haul trucks. The 2012 Master Plans EIR determined that the worst-case construction scenario, where all projects would be constructed simultaneously and completed in seven months, would result in GHG emissions of 959 MT CO2e. The 2012 Master Plan included the construction of 50 separate projects. The 2019 Master Plan Updates includes the construction of 27 separate projects. Therefore, the GHG emissions of 959 MT CO2e included in the 2012 Master Plan is considered conservative for the construction of the 2019 Master Plan projects. Thus, the yearly contribution to GHG from the construction of the Master Plan Updates is estimated to be 32 MT of CO2e per year.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 30 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -25-
The 2012 Master Plans EIR calculated the operational GHG emissions of 396 MT CO2e per year based on an increased electrical demand of 1.2 million kWh. This electrical demand was based on the projected water demand of 21.4 mgd (23,968 afy). Based on updates to the city’s growth (2018), the updated
projected potable water demand at buildout is 18.5 mgd (20,720 afy). This revised demand would reduce the increased electrical demand to 1.0 million kWh. Using a carbon intensity factor of 630 pounds of CO2e/MWh, the operational GHG associated with the 2019 Master Plan Updates would be reduced to
257 MT CO2e per year.
The total annual GHG emissions from construction and operation of the 2019 Master Plan Updates is
estimated at 289 MT CO2e. For this reason, the impact would be less than significant.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to
approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans.
There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the
Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to greenhouse gas emissions;
therefore, the Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement applicable mitigation measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 31 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -26-
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 9.Hazardous and Hazardous MaterialsResources–Would the Project:
a)Create a significant hazard to the public orthe environment through the routine
transport, use, or disposal of hazardousmaterials?
b)Create a significant hazard to the public orthe environment through reasonablyforeseeable upset and accident conditions
involving the release of hazardous materialsinto the environment?
c)Emit hazardous emissions or handlehazardous or acutely hazardous materials,substances, or waste within one-quarter mileof an existing or proposed school?
d)Be located on a site which is included on alist of hazardous materials sites compiledpursuant to Government Code Section65962.5 and, as a result, would it create asignificant hazard to the public or theenvironment?
e)For a project located within an airport landuse plan or, where such a plan has not beenadopted, within two miles of a public airportor public use airport, would the project resultin a safety hazard or excessive noise for
people residing or working in the projectarea?
f)Impair implementation of or physicallyinterfere with an adopted emergencyresponse plan or emergency evacuationplan?
g)Expose people or structures to asignificant risk of loss, injury or deathinvolving wildland fires, including where
wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas orwhere residences are intermixed withwildlands?
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 32 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -27-
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and
SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to hazardous materials.
Section 4.8, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, of the PEIR and the Addendum provided an assessment of the Master Plans and potential for the routine use, transport, or disposal of hazardous materials. As provided, there are multiple federal, state, and local laws and regulations, such as Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, the Hazardous Waste Control Law, Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, and Hazardous Material Business Plans that are required by law. Therefore, impacts associated with the use, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials generated from construction and operational activities were determined to be less than significant.
Section 4.8, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, of the PEIR and the Addendum provided an assessment
of the Master Plans and potential for the accidental release of documented and undocumented sources of hazardous materials. As provided in the PEIR, the city has committed to the BMPs listed in the MMRP for hazardous materials. This will include a site-specific hazardous materials record search for the
locations and type of hazardous materials for each CIP project and, if required, a site assessment. Conducting a hazardous materials database search and environmental site assessment prior to any ground-disturbing activities associated with the construction of CIP sites would identify hazardous
materials that could be encountered during CIP construction activities. With these precautions, the impact was concluded to be less than significant.
Section 4.8, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, of the PEIR and the Addendum provided an assessment of the Master Plans and potential for the emission of hazardous materials within a quarter mile of a school.
As provided, the activities and CIP components would be operated in compliance with applicable regulations that would minimize foreseeable risks of an accident that could create a hazard to the public or environment. Therefore, implementation of the Master Plans would not result in hazardous emissions within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school and impacts would be less than significant.
Section 4.8 of the PEIR and the Addendum evaluated issues related to emergency response and
evacuation. The PEIR noted that construction activities associated with the Master Plans, particularly excavation and trenching activities associated with pipeline extensions or other improvements that are within roadway right-of-ways, may result in temporary, construction related lane and road closures or
detours. As provided in the PEIR, the city has committed to the preparing a traffic control plan for applicable CIP projects and coordinating with the cities of Oceanside, Vista, and San Marcos. With implementation of a traffic control plan, the Master Plans would result in less than significant impacts on emergency response or evacuation plans.
Section 4.8 of the PEIR included an analysis of wildfire hazards. As provided, the sewer, water, and recycled water service areas include mostly urbanized areas; however, portions of the city service areas are located in areas classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones; particularly in the eastern area
of the Study Area (CalFire 2016).
The following measures would be implemented into the construction and operation of CIP projects to minimize potential effects related to hazards and hazardous materials:
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 33 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -28-
•Fire safety information will be disseminated to construction crews during regular safetymeetings. Fire management techniques will be applied during project construction as deemednecessary by the lead agency and depending on-site vegetation and vegetation of surrounding
areas.
•A brush management plan will be incorporated during project construction by the city, CMWD,or a contractor, as necessary. Construction within areas of dense foliage during dry conditionswill be avoided, when feasible.
•In cases where avoidance is not feasible, necessary brush fire prevention and managementpractices will be incorporated. Specifics of the brush management program will be determinedas site plans for the project are finalized.
•A site-specific hazardous materials record search for the locations and type of hazardousmaterials for the site will be done and, if required, a site assessment will be conducted duringfinal design of individual CIP project components.
•In order to ensure that the project does not cause a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through release of or transport of hazardous materials during construction andoperation, the city, CMWD, or a contractor, will implement the following project design features:
o Pipelines of the project components would be constructed with polyvinyl chloride pipe,
or other material, which is highly resistant to rupture.
o Pump stations included as part of the project, and stations that will service the proposedproject will be designed or constructed with safety features, including an emergency
generator on site in case of electrical failure, and sufficient sewage detainment capacity inthe event of generator and/or pump mechanism failure to allow time for repair and/oremergency conveyance of the sewage. Portable emergency generators may be used forpump stations that cannot be equipped with an on-site generator. Should emergencyleaks or spills occur, the Sewer Prevention and Response Plan for both the city and theCMWD will be implemented.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting
as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR
Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 34 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -29-
and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to hazardous materials; therefore, the Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement
applicable mitigation measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 10.Hydrology and Water QualityResources–Would the Project:
a)Violate any water quality standards orwaste discharge requirements or otherwisesubstantially degrade surface or ground water
quality?
b)Substantially decrease groundwater
supplies or interfere substantially withgroundwater recharge such that the projectmay impede sustainable groundwatermanagement of the basin?
c)Substantially alter the existing drainagepattern of the site or area, including throughthe alteration of the course of a stream or riveror through the addition of impervious surfaces,in a manner which would: i) result in asubstantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site; ii)
substantially increase the rate or amount ofsurface runoff in a manner which would resultin flooding on- or offsite; iii) create or
contribute runoff water which would exceedthe capacity of existing or planned stormwaterdrainage systems or provide substantial
additional sources of polluted runoff; or iv)impede or redirect flood flows?
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones,risk release of pollutants due to projectinundation?
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 35 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -30-
e)Conflict with or obstruct implementation of awater quality control plan or sustainablegroundwater management plan?
f)Impair implementation of or physicallyinterfere with an adopted emergency response
plan or emergency evacuation plan?
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to hydrology.
Section 4.9, Hydrology and Water Quality, of the PEIR and the Addendum provided an assessment of
the potential impacts associated with the Master Plan improvements to result in a violation of water quality standards or waste discharge requirements. Multiple CIP projects include improvements that are located adjacent to and parallel creeks, such as Buena Vista Creek. During construction, there is potential for
sediment and other construction-related contaminants to enter adjacent waterways. The PEIR and the Addendum determined that the Master Plans would result in a less than significant water quality impact based on the pre-existing NPDES and local grading and erosion ordinance requirements.
The potential impacts associated with depletion of groundwater supplies were analyzed in the PEIR (Section 4.9) and Addendum. Construction activities associated with the Master Plans may require temporary dewatering. The Rancho Carlsbad Groundwater Supply project (W-16) proposes well water supply facilities in Rancho Carlsbad in the Agua Hedionda subunit of the San Luis Rey River basin. Groundwater rights are based on the potential available yield of the basin. The CMWD would be required to limit groundwater extraction to within its entitlement for the San Luis Rey River groundwater basin. Prior to implementing the W-16 project, studies on water quality and basin yield to prevent overdraft and well capacity would be conducted to determine if the impacts on the groundwater basin are potentially significant and if a separate project-level EIR would be required. The PEIR and Addendum determined that the Master Plans would result in a less than significant impact associated with depletion of
groundwater supplies.
The potential impacts associated with the CIP improvements to result in alteration of existing drainage
patterns and flood hazards were analyzed in the PEIR (Section 4.9) and Addendum. Access road and drainage improvements would involve grading, re-surfacing, and/or vegetation trimming or removal activities, and could result in temporary changes to existing drainage patterns during construction. The
PEIR and Addendum determined that the Master Plan improvements would result in less than significant impacts to existing drainage patterns and flood hazards.
As provided in (a), the CIP improvements covered under the Master Plan Updates would be subject to NPDES and local grading and erosion control requirements. As a result, the Master Plan Updates would not result in substantial erosion or siltation on or off-site.
The following measures would be implemented into the construction and operation of CIP projects to minimize potential effects to hydrology and water quality:
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 36 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -31-
•A construction spill contingency plan will be prepared for new facilities in accordance with CountyDepartment of Environmental Health regulations and retained on site by the constructionmanager. If soil is contaminated by a spill, the soil will be properly removed and transported toa legal disposal site.
•If groundwater is encountered and dewatering is required, then the groundwater will be disposedof by pumping to the sanitary sewer system or discharging to the storm drain system accordingto the conditions of the appropriate discharge permit.
•The lead agencies will consider using pervious or semi-pervious surfaces where possible to reducethe increase in the velocity of peak flows.
•For all potential impacts to natural drainages (i.e., pre-development hydrology), BMPs on sitewill be used to fully mitigate for project-related contaminants in the surface flows prior to theirdischarge to streams.
•For all trenchless construction activities, the city or CMWD will implement the following methodsrecommended by the CDFG and USFWS to prevent water pollution:
o Implementation of techniques to reduce potential for hydrofracture and inadvertentreturns that could pollute nearby water.o Hydrofractures will be cleaned immediately after they occur. Necessary responseequipment will be readily accessible and in good working order.o Hydrofracture reporting and cleanup information will be disseminated to construction
crews during regular safety meetings. All field personnel will understand theirresponsibility for timely reporting of hydrofractures
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific
construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the
severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an
effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 37 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -32-
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to hydrology; therefore, the
Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement applicable mitigation
measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 11.Land Use and Planning
–Would the Project:
a)Physically divide an established
community?
b)Cause a significant environmentalimpact due to a conflict with any land useplan, policy, or regulation adopted for thepurpose of avoiding or mitigating anenvironmental effect?
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and
SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to land use.
Section 4.10, Land Use and Planning, of the PEIR and the Addendum provided an assessment of the Master Plan’s potential to result in the division of established communities. The PEIR and Addendum
determined that the Master Plans, including the project, would not divide an established community.
As discussed in Section 4.10 of the PEIR and the Addendum the Master Plans’ CIPs are designed to provide Carlsbad with plans for the development of sewer, water, and recycled water utilities to meet the present and future needs of the projected growth and land uses within each service area. Implementation
of the Master Plans would not induce any unplanned growth that would be inconsistent with the city’s General Plan, which was formally updated in 2015, or its Growth Management Plan.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 38 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -33-
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project
No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting
as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR
Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to land use; therefore, the Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement applicable mitigation measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 12.Mineral Resources–Would the Project:
a)Result in the loss of availability of a
known mineral resource that would beof value to the region and the residentsof the state?
b)Result in the loss of availability of alocally-important mineral resource
recovery site delineated on a localgeneral plan, specific plan or other landuse plan?
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 39 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -34-
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and
SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to mineral resources.
As provided in the PEIR and Addendum, impacts to mineral resources were determined to have no impact in that the improvements were driven by new growth and ongoing condition assessment of existing infrastructure.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific
construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the
severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in
the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to mineral resources; therefore, the Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the
scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement applicable mitigation measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 40 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -35-
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 13.Noise–Would the Project:
a) Generation of a substantial temporary or
permanent increase in ambient noise levelsin the vicinity of the project in excess ofstandards established in the local general
plan or noise ordinance, or applicablestandards of other agencies?
b) Generation of excessive ground bornevibration or ground borne noise levels?
c)For a project located within the vicinity of aprivate airstrip or an airport land use plan or,where such a plan has not been adopted,within two miles of a public airport or publicuse airport, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area toexcessive noise levels?
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to noise.
Section 4.11, Noise, of the PEIR and the Addendum provided an assessment of the potential impacts to noise sensitive land uses resulting from the construction and long-term operation of the Master Plan improvements. As noted in the PEIR, maintenance trips would be to facilities throughout the service areas and would not be concentrated on a specific roadway. Due to the minimal number and geographic
distribution of vehicular trips associated with the maintenance of the CIP projects, transportation noise increases would be negligible. The city has committed to ensuring that operating equipment will be designed to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Construction activities associated with CIP projects, including for Project No. 5548, would involve the use of heavy equipment during land clearing, trenching and extraction, demolition of structures, construction of access roads and structures, and installation of some equipment, such as pumps. The magnitude of the impact would
depend on the type of construction activity, type of construction equipment, duration of the construction phase, distance between the noise source and receiver, and any intervening topography. As provided, sound levels of typical construction equipment range from 60 decibels to 90 decibels at 50 feet from the source (FHWA 2006). The PEIR included construction measures into the project design, identified as project design features in the MMRP, to minimize noise effects to surrounding neighborhoods. These measures are included in the city’s MMRP. As a result, the conclusion identified in the PEIR and Addendum remains accurate and applicable to the Master Plan Updates.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 41 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -36-
Section 4.11, Noise, of the PEIR and the Addendum provides an assessment of the potential vibration impacts to sensitive land uses resulting from the construction and long-term operation of the Master Plan
improvements. Vibration sources associated with implementation of the Master Plans would be generated primarily from project construction. Once installed, the CIP project facilities include passive uses (pipelines, reservoirs) and pump stations, lift stations, pressure regulating station, and treatment
facilities that do not generate substantial levels of vibration. As provided in the PEIR and the Addendum, construction-related vibration would have the potential to impact nearby structures and vibration-sensitive equipment and operations. The level of vibration generated from construction activities would depend on
multiple factors including soil type, distance, and the energy-generating capability of the construction equipment. The PEIR and Addendum included measures for construction to minimize vibration effects to surrounding neighborhoods.
The following measures would be implemented into the construction and operation of CIP projects to minimize noise effect to surrounding neighborhoods:
•Heavy equipment will be repaired at sites as far as practical from nearby residences.
•Construction equipment, including vehicles, generators and compressors, will be maintained inproper operating condition and will be equipped with manufacturers’ standard noise controldevices or better (e.g., mufflers, acoustical lagging, and/or engine enclosures).
•Construction work, including on-site equipment maintenance and repair, will be limited to thehours specified in the noise ordinance of the affected jurisdiction.
•Electrical power will be supplied from commercial power supply, wherever feasible, in order to
avoid or minimize the use of engine-driven generators.
•Staging areas for construction equipment will be located as far as practicable from residences.
•Operating equipment will be designed to comply with all applicable local, state, and federalnoise regulations.
•If lighted traffic control devices are to be located within 500 feet of residences, the devices will
be powered by batteries, solar power, or similar sources, and not by an internal combustionengine.
•The city, CMWD or a construction contractor will provide advance notice, between two and four
weeks prior to construction, by mail to all residents or property owners within 300 feet of thealignment. For projects that would require pile driving or blasting, noticing will be provided to allresidents or property owners within 600 feet of the alignment. The announcement will statespecifically where and when construction will occur in the area. If construction delays of morethan 7 days occur, an additional notice will be made, either in person or by mail.The city or CMWD will identify and provide a public liaison person before and during
construction to respond to concerns of neighboring residents about noise and otherconstruction disturbance. The city or CMWD will also establish a program for receivingquestions or complaints during construction and develop procedures for responding to callers.Procedures for reaching the public liaison officer via telephone or in person will be included innotices distributed to the public in accordance with the information above.
•For any construction activities which include blasting, a qualified blasting consultant andgeotechnical consultant will prepare all required blasting plans and monitor all blasting activitiesin conformance with the Standards of the California Department of Mines.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 42 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -37-
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific
construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the
severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an
effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to noise; therefore, the Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement applicable mitigation measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 14.Population and Housing–Would the Project:
a) Induce substantial unplanned population
growth in an area, either directly (forexample, by proposing new homes andbusinesses) or indirectly (for example,
through extension of roads or otherinfrastructure)?
b)Displace substantial numbers of existingpeople or housing, necessitating theconstruction of replacement housingelsewhere?
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 43 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -38-
Discussion Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and
SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary. The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to population and housing.
The PEIR and Addendum included a discussion of population and housing. As provided in the PEIR and Addendum, the Master Plan Updates rely on recent population projections published in the Carlsbad Growth Management Plan and Growth Database, San Diego Association of Governments population projections, and the master plans from neighboring agencies. Therefore, the CIP projects would not generate additional population or cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projections. Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548 In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to
approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project
No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an
effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548. Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the
Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known
and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
Conclusion As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to population and housing;
therefore, the Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement
applicable mitigation measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 44 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -39-
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 15.Public Services–Would the Project:
a)Result in substantial adverse physical
impacts associated with the provision of newor physically altered governmental facilities,need for new or physically altered
governmental facilities, the construction ofwhich could cause significant environmentalimpacts, in order to maintain acceptable
service ratios, response times or otherperformance objectives for any of the publicservices: Fire protection? Police protection?
Schools? Parks? Other public facilities?
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and
SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to public services.
The PEIR and Addendum included a discussion of the potential impacts of the Master Plans to public services, including fire protection, police protection, educational resources, parks and recreational facilities, and libraries. As provided in the PEIR and Addendum, the proposed CIP projects do not contain any residential uses or any other land uses that would result in an increased demand for public services. Additionally, the Master Plans would not exceed official regional or local population projections. Similar to the adopted Master Plans, the size, capacity, and location of all CIP facilities under the Master Plan Updates would be based on the population and land use analysis based on forecasted growth identified
in the Carlsbad General Plan (2015), and systems would be sized appropriately to serve projected service populations. For these reasons, no impacts to public services would result.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific
construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the
severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 45 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -40-
Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design
features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in
the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to public services; therefore, the Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement applicable mitigation measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 16.Recreation
–Would the Project:
a)Would the project increase the use ofexisting neighborhood and regional parksor other recreational facilities such thatsubstantial physical deterioration of thefacility would occur or be accelerated?
b)Does the project include recreationalfacilities or require the construction orexpansion of recreational facilities which
might have an adverse physical effect onthe environment?
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to recreational services.
The PEIR and Addendum included a discussion of the potential impacts of the Master Plans to public
recreational facilities. As provided in the PEIR and Addendum, the proposed CIP projects do not contain any residential uses or any other land uses that would result in an increased demand for public services.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 46 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -41-
Additionally, the Master Plans would not exceed official regional or local population projections. Similar to the adopted Master Plans, the size, capacity, and location of all CIP facilities under the Master Plan Updates would be based on the population and land use analysis based on forecasted growth identified
in the Carlsbad General Plan (2015), and systems would be sized appropriately to serve projected service populations. For these reasons, no impacts to public services would result.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the
anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific
construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in
the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to public recreational facilities; therefore, the Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the
scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement applicable mitigation measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 17.Transportation
–Would the Project:
a)Conflict with a program, plan,
ordinance or policy addressing thecirculation system, including transit,
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 47 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -42-
roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?
b)Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQAGuidelines § 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
c)Substantially increase hazards due toa geometric design feature (e.g., sharpcurves or dangerous intersections) or
incompatible uses (e.g., farmequipment)?
d)Result in inadequate emergencyaccess?
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-
inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to traffic.
Section 4.12, Transportation/Traffic, of the PEIR and the Addendum provides an analysis of the proposed
improvements covered under the adopted Master Plans. As described in Section 4.12 and the Addendum, the construction of the Master Plan improvements would generate construction-related trips. However, construction traffic would only affect a limited area of the city in which they were located for a short-time during construction of a particular CIP project. The PEIR determined that impacts related to temporary construction traffic would be less than significant with the incorporation of a traffic control plan during construction. Implementation of a traffic control plan is identified as a project design feature.
Level of service (LOS) has historically been used as a standard measure of traffic service and was used in the preparation of the Program EIR. Pursuant to SB 743, as of July 1, 2020, lead agencies are required to evaluate transportation impacts of a project using a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) metric as a part of the CEQA analysis, which focuses on balancing the needs of congestion management with statewide
goals related to infill development, promotion of public health through increased active transportation facilitated by closer proximity to alternative travel modes and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In December 2018, the OPR published the Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in
CEQA, which provides recommendations for evaluating a project’s transportation impact using a VMT metric, thresholds of significance, and mitigation measures. Pursuant to Government Code § 15064.3(b), lead agencies have discretion to select the most appropriate methodology for evaluating a project’s VMT
impacts. The City of Carlsbad adopted VMT thresholds and has published guidelines, which were last amended on October 3, 2022. The VMT thresholds are typically applied to new land use development projects. However, the city may conduct project reviews using the LOS metric when determining consistency with a prior Program EIR.
The Master Plan Updates do not include any new traffic generating uses that would increase vehicle trips beyond existing conditions.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 48 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -43-
Section 4.8 of the PEIR and the Addendum evaluated issues related to emergency response and evacuation. The PEIR and Addendum noted that construction activities associated with the Master Plans, particularly excavation and trenching activities associated with pipeline extensions or other improvements
that are within roadway right-of-ways, may result in temporary, construction related lane and road closures or detours. As provided in the PEIR, the city has committed to the preparing a traffic control plan for applicable CIP projects and coordinating with the cities of Oceanside, Vista, and San Marcos.
Implementation of a traffic control plan is identified as a project design feature in the MMRP. With implementation of a traffic control plan, the Master Plans would result in less than significant impacts on emergency response or evacuation plans.
Due to the low volume of traffic generated by Master Plan improvements (e.g., temporary construction-related trips, periodic inspections and maintenance), the improvements would not degrade the traffic level of service in the Study Area or conflict with any applicable plans establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of a circulation system.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the
replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization
needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of
approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR
Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Individual development projects are required to be reviewed for compliance with emergency access standards set forth by the city’s public safety officials. The Project would not impede access to any nearby
roadways that may serve as emergency access routes in the Project vicinity and would not result in insufficient emergency access. Road closure is not anticipated by the Project, although temporary encroachment may occur during construction activities. At least one lane of travel in each direction would
be maintained during temporary construction activities. Any proposed road closure associated with construction activities would be coordinated with the Fire and Public Works Departments. Therefore, emergency vehicle access would be adequate and there would be no new or more severe impacts related to an adopted emergency response or emergency evacuation plan as a result of Project implementation.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in
the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 49 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -44-
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to traffic; therefore, the Project
would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement applicable mitigation
measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 18.Tribal Cultural Resources
–Would the Project cause a substantialadverse change in the significance of a tribalcultural resource, defined in Public Resources
Code § 21074 as either a site, feature, place,cultural landscape that is geographicallydefined in terms of the size and scope of thelandscape, sacred place, or object withcultural value to a California Native Americantribe, and that is:
a)Listed or eligible for listing in the California
Register of Historical Resources, or in a localregister of historical resources as defined inPublic Resources Code § 5020.1(k), or
b)A resource determined by the lead agency,in its discretion and supported by substantial
evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteriaset forth in subdivision (c) of Public ResourcesCode Section 5024.1. In applying the criteriaset forth in subdivision (c) of Public ResourcesCode Section 5024.1, the lead agency shallconsider the significance of the resource to a
California Native American tribe?
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
Section 4.4, Cultural and Paleontological Resources, of the PEIR provided a programmatic assessment
of the potential impacts to historic resources based on the CIP project outlined in the 2012 Master Plans. The PEIR notes various, existing built-environment historical resources (buildings or structures aged 45 years old or older) and numerous archaeological sites within the Study Area. The PEIR included a cultural
resources records search to evaluate the presence of known historical and archaeological resources for areas potentially impacted by the Master Plans. Several historical, built-environment resources are
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 50 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -45-
known in the Study Area, including the Rancho de los Quiotes (Kiotes)/Leo Carrillo Ranch, which is a district listed in the National Register of Historic Places and California Register of Historic Resources. This resource is located in the immediate vicinity of segments related to proposed Sewer Master Plan
CIP Project SR-22.
Section 4.4 of the PEIR and Addendum provides an assessment of potential impacts of the Master Plan
improvements to known and undocumented archaeological resources. Known cultural resources that may be affected by the construction of proposed CIP project sites are listed by Master Plan improvements in Tables 4.4-3 to 4.4-5 of the PEIR. Additionally, the PEIR and Addendum notes a high archaeological
resource sensitivity for the entire Study Area. A table that identifies which CIP projects would have the potential to impact each resource is available in Confidential Appendix D2 of the PEIR. This appendix is available to qualified viewers at the City of Carlsbad, 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008. These resources are predominately prehistoric archaeological sites of varying sizes and occupancy duration and exhibit prehistoric material culture through midden and scatters of lithic and groundstone tools. In addition, some of the identified sites in Tables 4.4-3 to 4.4-5 are considered historical resources pursuant to CEQA because they retain the potential to yield data important to prehistory or history (Criterion 4 of the California Register of Historic Resources). The PEIR concluded that the Master Plan improvements could result in a potentially significant impact to archaeological resources in the absence of mitigation. With the incorporation of Mitigation Measure Cul-1, this impact would be reduced to a level of less than significant.
Since the certification of the PEIR, the city adopted the Carlsbad Tribal, Cultural, and Paleontological Resources Guidelines (2017), which updated and replaced the city’s 1990 Cultural Resource Guidelines.
The 2017 guidelines are incorporated by reference into the city’s MMRP to reflect the city’s established standards of performance for cultural resources investigations following the city’s General Plan Update (2015) and the adoption of Assembly Bill 52 in 2014. The adopted Addendum makes reference to these
documents.
Sections 15064.5(d) and (e) of the CEQA Guidelines assign special importance to human remains and specifies procedures to be used when Native American remains are discovered. As provided in Section 4.4 of the PEIR, these procedures are detailed under PRC, Section 5097.98. Any ground disturbing
activities associated with implementation of the Master Plans, including grading, trenching, and excavation during construction of CIP projects, would have the potential to unintentionally disturb human remains, resulting in a significant impact. Implementation of the required protocol in accordance with PRC Section 5097.98 and California State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5, to be followed upon unintentional disturbance of human remains, in conjunction with Standard Treatment Measures 5 and 11 from the city’s 2017 guidelines would ensure potential impacts on human remains remain less than
significant.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project
No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 51 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -46-
as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR
Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of
the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
Conclusion
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the request to construct the proposed Project is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum, and there would be no additional impacts to biological resources beyond those analyzed in the PEIR and Addendum. Portions of MMRP from the PEIR and Addendum related to biological resources are required to be implemented for the Project (Cul-1A).
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 19.Utilities and Service Systems–Would the Project:
a)Require or result in the relocation orconstruction of new or expanded water,wastewater treatment or storm waterdrainage, electric power, natural gas, ortelecommunications facilities, the constructionor relocation of which could cause significantenvironmental effects?
b)Have sufficient water supplies available toserve the project and reasonably foreseeablefuture development during normal, dry and
multiple dry years?
c)Result in a determination by the waste
water treatment provider, which serves or mayserve the project that it has adequate capacityto serve the project’s projected demand inaddition to the provider’s existingcommitments?
d) Generate solid waste in excess of state orlocal standards, on in excess of the capacity
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 52 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -47-
of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals?
e)Comply with federal, state, and localmanagement and reduction statutes andregulations related to solid waste?
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to utilities and service systems.
The PEIR and Addendum included a discussion of the potential impacts of the Master Plans on existing utilities and service systems. As provided in the PEIR, a primary purpose of the updating the Master Plans is to ensure adequate, effective, reliable, equitable and fiscally sound water, sewer, and recycled
water service to current and projected future residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
No capacity increases would result under the Master Plan Updates that would otherwise require an
increase in treatment capacity at the Encina Wastewater Treatment Control Facility.
All demolition debris and construction waste associated with construction of CIP projects under the
Master Plans would be properly handled and disposed of, in accordance with federal, state and local laws and regulations related to solid and hazardous waste.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the
anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design
features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 53 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -48-
the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to utilities and service systems; therefore, the Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within
the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement applicable mitigation measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
Significant Project Impact
Substantial Increase in Severity
Substantial Change Relative to Program
Equal or Less Severity of Impact 20.WildfireIf located in or near state responsibility areasor lands classified as very high fire hazardseverity zone – Would the Project:
a)Substantially impair an adoptedemergency response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?
b)Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other
factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, andthereby expose project occupants topollutant concentrations from a wildfire orthe uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?
c)Require the installation or maintenance ofassociated infrastructure (such as roads,fuel breaks, emergency water sources,power lines or other utilities) that mayexacerbate fire risk or that may result intemporary or ongoing impacts to the
environment?
d)Expose people or structures to significant
risks, including downslope or downstreamflooding or landslides, as a result of runoff,post-fire slope instability, or drainage
changes?
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 54 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -49-
Discussion
Master Plan Updates
The PEIR and Addendum indicate that CIP Project No. 5548 would replace approximately 740 feet of 12-inch diameter sewer pipe with 15-inch and 18-inch diameter pipe for the Gravity Main SWM4793 and
SWM6349 in Poinsettia Ln. near Poinsettia Elementary.
The analysis indicated there would not be any impact to wildfire.
Section 4.8 of the PEIR and the Addendum included an analysis of wildfire hazards and impacts to emergency response. As provided, the sewer, water, and recycled water service areas include mostly urbanized; however, portions of the city service areas are located in areas classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones; particularly in the eastern area of the Study Area (CalFire 2016). The Master Plan Updates would generally be constructed in existing and future dedicated public rights of way and on city owned properties and do not include any new electrical connections in high fire hazard zones. The CIP Projects would not exacerbate existing wildfire hazards that could otherwise result in downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire instability, or drainage changes. Individual CIP projects would be required to comply with the city’s engineering standards along with Carlsbad’s grading requirements, which would minimize any hazards related to landslide hazards.
As provided in the PEIR and Addendum, the city has committed to preparing a traffic control plan for applicable CIP projects and coordinating with the cities of Oceanside, Vista, and San Marcos.
Implementation of a traffic control plan is identified as a project design feature in the MMRP.
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 5548
In this instant, the change in design criteria, in combination with the increased current demand and the anticipated future needs, requires the pipe replacement project to expand from 740 lineal feet to
approximately 2,600 lineal feet, all of which represents modest changes as the scope and extent of the replacement project is fully within the same street segment and fully within the same public right-of-way.
The modest changes associated with the Project carries the same anticipated construction mobilization needs, traffic control planning, anticipated construction schedule, final completion date, and specific construction benchmark dates as what would otherwise be required with the former scope of CIP Project
No. 5548 (740 lineal foot replacement project). Therefore, the Project (pipe replacement extent of approximately 2,600 lineal feet), would not result in a new significant impact or substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact relative to the PEIR and Addendum. The city, acting as Lead Agency for the Project, is responsible for adopting and implementing the approved mitigation. Additionally numerous project design features and construction measures have been incorporated in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effects. As noted in the 2019 Master Plan Update EIR Addendum, the CIP projects proposed would incorporate the applicable measures and project design features that are listed at the end of the MMRP into the final project’s design and construction plans. There is no exception for CIP Project No. 5548.
Further environmental review is not required because there are no substantial changes proposed in the
Project (as envisioned by the PEIR and Addendum) or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior CEQA document due to the involvement of new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. There is no new information, which was not known
and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior environmental document was certified/adopted.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 55 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -50-
Conclusion
As discussed above, the Project would not result in any significant impacts to wildfire; therefore, the
Project would not result in an impact which was not adequately evaluated by the PEIR. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15168, the current Project proposed is within the scope of the previously certified PEIR and Addendum. The Project would be required to implement applicable mitigation
measures and project design features as identified in the PEIR and Addendum.
5.CEQA Project Environmental Conditions of Approval
The Project would not result in any new or more severe impacts relative to what was identified the PEIR and Addendum. The Project is subject to environmental conditions of approval pursuant to mitigation identified and project design features in the PEIR as follows in this section.
The environmental conditions of approval shall not relieve a person from the responsibility of complying with all other applicable regulations of any other local, state, or federal agencies. No part of what follows should be deemed or construed to repeal, amend, modify, alter, or change any other applicable ordinance or any part thereof; and that in all particulars wherein these conditions are not more restrictive, each such other ordinance shall continue and shall be in full force and effect.
Any existing reference to an ordinance, title, chapter, article, or section heading which is renumbered or
relabeled since Program EIR certification and Addendum adoption must be construed to apply to the
corresponding provisions contained within these conditions.
Mitigation Measures (Project Conditions of Approval)
Bio-1A Project-Level Biological Resource Surveys. During the design phase and prior to the construction of applicable CIP projects, the city and CMWD shall retain a qualified biologist to
conduct project-level biological surveys. The surveys shall verify whether the project would occur on or in the immediate vicinity of natural habitat and habitat suitable for special status species. The surveys shall also identify if the project could result in direct or indirect impacts
to natural habitat and special status species. The survey results shall be submitted to the city and CMWD to determine the need for further surveys and project-level analyses for subsequent CEQA documentation and the issuance of any discretionary actions or permits for the project.
Bio-1B HMP Covered Species Surveys and Habitat Mitigation. If it is demonstrated through the implementation of mitigation measure Bio-1A that applicable CIP projects could directly or indirectly impact natural habitat that is suitable for special status species addressed within the City of Carlsbad HMP, the city and CMWD shall retain a qualified biologist to conduct focused, presence/absence surveys for rare plants and/or protocol- level surveys for special status wildlife species, as determined necessary for subsequent CEQA documentation and the
issuance of any discretionary actions or permits for the project. Surveys shall follow protocols and guidelines approved by the USFWS, CDFG, and CNPS, and shall be conducted by qualified biologists permitted by the USFWS and/or CDFG, where applicable, and in
accordance with the City of Carlsbad HMP and the City of Carlsbad Municipal Code.
The city and CMWD shall adhere to the HMP permit and general conditions pertaining to HMP
habitat and covered species. Impacts to HMP covered species shall be avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practicable in conformance with the City of Carlsbad HMP and the City
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 56 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -51-
of Carlsbad Municipal Code. Impacts to natural habitat shall be mitigated in accordance with mitigation measure Bio-2A.
Bio-1C CIP Project 47 California Gnatcatcher Surveys and Habitat Mitigation. If it is demonstrated through the implementation of mitigation measure Bio-1A that the CIP project could directly or indirectly impact the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher, the city and CMWD
shall implement the following mitigation measures, at minimum, and in addition to any avoidance, minimization, and conservation measures prescribed by the USFWS during consultation and/or permitting:
1.Within one year prior to CIP project construction, the city and CMWD shall retain apermitted biologist to commence focused surveys in accordance with USFWS protocolsto determine the presence or absence of the coastal California gnatcatcher.Documentation of the survey results will be provided to the city and CMWD, and USFWS,within 45 days of completing the final survey.
2.If the coastal California gnatcatcher could be directly or indirectly impacted then incompliance with FESA, and as stated in Section 2.6.1.1 of this EIR, the city and CMWDshall consult and obtain all applicable regulatory permits and authorizations from theUSFWS, and the conditions of the regulatory permits and authorizations will be
implemented accordingly and/or the CIP project would be modified to avoid direct “take”of the species and/or minimize adverse effects to the species and occupied habitat.
3. The city and CMWD shall mitigate the loss of habitat according to mitigation measure Bio-2A.
Bio-1D Avoidance of Nesting Birds and Raptors. To prevent direct impacts to nesting birds, including raptors, protected under the federal MBTA and CDFG Code, the city and CMWD shall enforce the following: Prior to removal or damage of any active nests or any tree pruning
or removal operations during the prime nesting seasons, that being from March 15 to May 30, a certified biologist shall survey the trees to determine if there are any active nests within 500 feet of the area of tree removal or pruning. If any active nests are located within 500 feet, no
tree pruning or removal operations can occur until the nests are vacated or until the end of the prime breeding season, whichever occurs later. In addition, prior to any tree removal or pruning operations proposed outside of the prime nesting season but within the period of January 15
to September 15, a confirmation is required from a certified biologist that no disturbance to active nests or nesting activities would occur.
Documentation from a certified biologist consistent with these requirements shall be submitted to the City Planner for review and approval. A note to this effect shall be placed on the construction plans
Bio-1E Pre-Construction Biological Resource Surveys. Prior to construction of CIP projects or portions of projects that will occur within disturbed or developed land, but will be sited immediately adjacent to an undeveloped open space area (i.e., an area supporting naturalized
habitat, sensitive habitat, and/or habitat potentially suitable for special status species), the city and CMWD shall retain a qualified biologist to perform a pre-construction survey to verify existing biological resources adjacent to the project construction areas. The city and CMWD shall provide
the biologist with a copy of the CIP project plans that clearly depict the construction work limits, including construction staging and storage areas, in order to determine which specific portion(s) of the project will require inspection of adjacent open space areas during the pre-construction
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 57 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -52-
survey. At minimum, the biologist shall perform a visual inspection of the adjacent open space area in order to characterize the existing habitat types and determine the likelihood for special status species to occur, including the coastal California gnatcatcher, migratory songbirds, and
other bird species with the potential to breed in the area. The pre- construction survey results shall be submitted to the city and CMWD prior to construction in order to verify the need for the additional construction measures proposed within Bio-1F through Bio-1I below
Bio-1F Orange Construction Fencing. If it is confirmed through the implementation of mitigation measure Bio-1E that the CIP project would occur immediately adjacent to sensitive habitat
areas and/or habitat potentially suitable for special status species, the city and CMWD shall retain a qualified biologist to supervise the installation of temporary orange construction fencing, which clearly delineates the edge of the approved limits of grading and clearing, and the edges of environmentally sensitive areas that occur beyond the approved limits. This fencing shall be installed prior to construction, and maintained for the duration of construction activity. Fencing shall be installed in a manner that does not impact habitats to be avoided. If work occurs beyond the fenced or demarcated limits of impact, all work shall cease until the problem has been remedied and mitigation identified. Temporary orange fencing shall be removed upon completion of construction of the project. Implementation of this measure shall be verified by the city prior to and concurrent with construction.
Bio-1G Construction-Related Noise. Construction noise created during the general breeding season (January 15 to September 15) that could affect the breeding of the coastal California gnatcatcher, migratory songbirds, and other bird species associated with adjacent undeveloped areas shall
be avoided. No loud construction noise (exceeding 60 dBA hourly average, adjusted for ambient noise levels, at the nesting site) may take place within 500 feet of active nesting sites during the general breeding season (January 15 through September 15).
If it is confirmed through the implementation of mitigation measure Bio- 1E that the CIP project could result in construction-related noise impacts to breeding birds during the general breeding season, the city and CMWD shall retain a qualified biologist to monitor the construction operations. The biological monitor shall be present to monitor construction activities that occur adjacent to the undeveloped open space area potentially supporting breeding birds. The monitor shall verify that construction noise levels do not exceed 60 dBA hourly average and shall have the ability to halt construction work, if necessary, and confer with the city, USFWS, and CDFG to ensure the proper implementation of additional protection measures during construction. The biologist shall report any violation to the USFWS and/or CDFG within 24 hours of its occurrence.
Bio-1H Construction Staging Areas. If it is confirmed through the implementation of mitigation measure Bio-1E that the CIP project would occur immediately adjacent to sensitive habitat areas and/or habitat potentially suitable for special status species, the city and CMWD shall design final
CIP project construction staging areas such that no staging areas shall be located within sensitive habitat areas. The construction contractor shall receive approval by the City Planning & Engineering Divisions prior to mobilizations and staging of equipment outside of the project
boundaries.
Bio-1I Contractor Training. If it is confirmed through the implementation of mitigation measure Bio-1E
that the CIP project would occur immediately adjacent to sensitive habitat areas and/or habitat potentially suitable for special status species, the city and CMWD shall retain a qualified biologist to attend pre-construction meetings to inform construction crews of the sensitive resources and associated avoidance and/or minimization requirements.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 58 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -53-
Bio-2A Habitat Compensation for Projects within the City of Carlsbad. If it is demonstrated through the implementation of mitigation measure Bio-1A that applicable CIP projects could directly impact sensitive natural communities, including Habitat Groups A, B, C, D, E, and F specified in
Table 11 and Section D.6 of the City of Carlsbad HMP, the city and CMWD shall implement the following:
1.Mitigation for unavoidable impacts to Habitat Groups A, B, C, D, E, and F shall be providedaccording to the ratios specified below and consistent with Table 11 and Section D.6 of theCity of Carlsbad HMP:
2.Impacts to Habitat Groups D, E, and F shall be mitigated at the Lake Calavera MitigationBank in accordance with Appendix B of the City of Carlsbad HMP for covered cityprojects that are eligible to mitigate impacts at the Lake Calavera Mitigation Bank.
3. Impacts to Habitat Groups A, B, and C shall be avoided to the maximum extentpracticable through project-level siting during CIP project design and trenchless pipelineinstallation methods (e.g., jack and bore, horizontal directional drilling) during CIP projectconstruction.
4.Unavoidable impacts to Habitat Groups A, B, and C shall be mitigated in-kind throughimplementation of any one or combination of the following measures, as approved and/oramended by the USFWS, USACE, RWQCB, and/or CDFG, if applicable:
a.On site as creation of new habitat within avoided and preserved areas at the CIP
project site;b.On site as restoration of existing habitat within temporary impact areas and/oravoided and preserved areas at the CIP project site;c.On site as enhancement of existing habitat within avoided and preserved areas atthe CIP project site;d.Off site as purchase of habitat credits within an approved mitigation bank(s) (e.g.,
Carlsbad Oaks Conservation Bank, North County Habitat Bank);e.Off site as habitat preservation, creation, restoration, and/or enhancement within otherproperties or approved mitigation programs available at the time of grading; orf.A combination of the above.g. In the coastal zone, impacts to Habitat Groups A, B, and C shall be mitigated in
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 59 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -54-
accordance with the ratios described in Section D.7 of the HMP and shall include at a minimum a 1:1 creation (or substantial restoration when allowed) component to ensure no net loss of habitat. The remainder of the mitigation obligation may be
satisfied pursuant to the provisions of the HMP. The proposed mitigation for impacts to Habitat Groups A, B, and C in the coastal zone is subject to review by the California Coastal Commission.
5.On- or off-site creation, restoration, and/or enhancement mitigation for habitat groupsA, B, and C shall consist of the following:
a.For Habitat Group A types, including riparian and wetland sensitive naturalcommunities (e.g., riparian forest, riparian woodland, riparian scrub, disturbedwetlands, coast live oak woodland), the city or CMWD shall prepare aRiparian/Wetland Habitat Restoration Plan detailing the specific riparian/wetlandcreation, restoration, and/or enhancement measures to be implemented as projectmitigation. The Riparian/Wetland Habitat Restoration Plan shall be approved by theUSFWS, USACE, RWQCB, and/or CDFG, as appropriate, prior to vegetationclearing, grading, and/or construction activities.b. For Habitat Group B types, including upland sensitive natural communities (e.g.,maritime succulent scrub, southern maritime chaparral, native grassland), the city or
CMWD shall prepare an Upland Habitat Restoration Plan detailing the specificupland habitat creation, restoration, and/or enhancement measures to beimplemented as project mitigation. The Upland Habitat Restoration Plan shall be
approved by the USFWS and CDFG prior to vegetation clearing, grading, and/orconstruction activities.c.For Habitat Group C types (occupied Coastal Sage Scrub), the city or CMWD shall
prepare a Coastal Sage Scrub Habitat Restoration Plan detailing the specific coastalsage scrub habitat creation, restoration, and/or enhancement measures to beimplemented as project mitigation. The Coastal Sage Scrub Habitat Restoration Planshall be approved by the USFWS and CDFG prior to vegetation clearing, grading,and/or construction activities.d.The restoration plans for Habitat Groups A, B, and C shall include a five- yearmaintenance and monitoring program with a requirement to meet city and WildlifeAgencies approved success criteria.
6.Any upland or riparian/wetland habitat impacts that occur beyond the approved work limitsof any CIP project shall be mitigated at a higher ratio to be negotiated with the USFWS,
USACE, RWQCB, and/or CDFG.
Cul-1 Cultural Resources Investigation. For the CIP projects proposed in close proximity to a
known cultural resource or projects that would result in ground-disturbing activities in a previously undisturbed area, a project-level cultural resources investigation shall be conducted by a qualified cultural resource professional as defined in the Carlsbad Tribal, Cultural, and
Paleontological Resources Guidelines (2017). The cultural resources investigation shall include:
1.A CIP project site-specific review of the records search data at the South CoastalInformation Center shall be conducted to determine if the CIP project site has beensubjected to a professional survey.
a.If a current cultural resources report addressing potential impacts on cultural resourcesis available, the city or CMWD shall implement the mitigation measures provided
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 60 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -55-
within the report. In the event that a current and valid report is not available, or if the entirety of the CIP project site has not been professionally surveyed, then an updated records search shall be performed.
b.In accordance with the 2017 Guidelines, the city or CMWD shall contact the NAHCand local tribal governments for input on the project in order to identify any additionalNative American resources that may not be included in the records search.
2. For those CIP project site(s) not addressed by a current cultural resources report(produced within five years of project proposal), a project-level Phase I Cultural Resources
Survey shall be prepared in accordance with the 2017 Guidelines. Updates for allresources encountered during the Phase I survey shall be recorded using Department ofParks and Recreation (DPR) 523 forms in accordance with all applicable regulations.Resources shall be evaluated for significance and eligibility for inclusion in all applicablehistoric registers using methods such as, but not limited to, subsurface testing and/orarchival research. Any subsurface testing would be monitored by an appropriate NativeAmerican representative.
3.In the event that such resources are found to be historical resources pursuant to CEQA,potential adverse impacts must be analyzed as stated in PRC Sections 21084.1 and21083.2(l). Suitable mitigation for significant effects on archaeological resources are
outlined in Section 15126.4(b)(3) as well as the 2017 Guidelines. The city or CMWD shallbe responsible for implementing the methods for eliminating or substantially reducingimpacts on resources as recommended by the archeologist and in consultation with the
Native American Tribe. Such methods could include, but are not limited to:
a. Planning construction to avoid archaeological sites;b. Incorporation of sites within parks, greenspace, or other open space;c.Capping or covering a site with a layer of soil before building on the site;d. Deeding the site into a permanent conservation easement;
e. Excavation (Data Recovery) of archaeological resources; and/orf.Construction monitoring by a qualified professional and appropriate Native Americanmonitors as identified through consultation with the NAHC or Native American Tribe.
The monitor(s) shall be present at all pre- construction meetings.
If, as a result of Cul 1-3, it is determined that a CIP project site requires monitoring by a Native American
Tribe, then the city or CMWD shall enter into a Pre-Excavation Agreement or Cultural Resource Treatment and Monitoring Agreement with the appropriate Native American Tribe prior to the commencement of earth disturbing activities and consistent with the 2017 Guidelines. The results of the cultural resources investigation shall be compiled into a technical report or memorandum and submitted to the city or CMWD and the South Coastal Information Center.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 61 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -56-
Project Design Features (Project Conditions of Approval)
Aesthetics
The following measures would be implemented into the design and construction of CIP projects to minimize potential effects on aesthetics to neighborhoods surrounding the CIP projects:
•Demolition debris will be removed in a timely manner for off-site disposal.
•Tree and vegetation removal will be limited to those depicted on construction drawings.
•Construction lighting will be shielded or directed away from adjacent residences.
•All roadway features (signs, pavement delineation, roadway surfaces, etc.) and structureswithin state and private rights-of-way will be protected, maintained in a temporary condition, orrestored.
•Disturbed areas will be restored following construction consistent with original site conditionsand surrounding vegetation. If removed vegetation included invasive plant species, the restored
area shall be revegetated with a mix of native, non-invasive plants that are compatible with thesurrounding setting. If necessary, a temporary irrigation system will be installed and maintainedby the city or CMWD, or watering trucks will be used at a frequency to be determined by the
city or CMWD to maintain successful plant growth. For proposed CIP pipeline projects thatwould require trenching or that would require the temporary removal of concrete or asphalt, thedisturbed area will be repaved to be consistent with the existing material.
•Above-ground components such as pump stations will be designed with exterior fencing, paint,and vegetative screening to reduce aesthetic impacts in visually sensitive areas.
Air Quality
The following BMPs would be implemented to minimize fugitive dust emissions and other criteria pollutant
emissions during construction of CIP projects:
•Water or dust control agents will be applied to active grading areas, unpaved surfaces, and dirtstockpiles as necessary to prevent or suppress particulate matter from becoming airborne. Allsoil to be stockpiled over 30 days will be protected with a secure tarp or tackifiers to preventwindblown dust.
•Covering/tarping will occur on all vehicles hauling dirt or spoils on public roadways unlessadditional moisture is added to prevent material blow-off during transport.
•Dirt and debris spilled onto paved surfaces at the project site and on the adjacent roadway willbe swept or vacuumed and disposed of at the end of each workday to reduce resuspension ofparticulate matter caused by vehicle movement. During periods of soil export or import, when
there are more than six trips per hour, dirt removal from paved surfaces will be done at leasttwice daily.
•Disturbed areas will be revegetated as soon as work in the area is complete.
•Electrical power will be supplied from commercial power supply wherever feasible, to avoid or
minimize the use of engine-driven generators.
•Air filters on construction equipment engines will be maintained in clean condition according tomanufacturers’ specifications.
•The construction contractor will comply with an approved traffic control plan to reduce non-
project traffic congestion impacts. Methods to reduce construction interference with existingtraffic and the prevention of truck queuing around local sensitive receptors will be incorporatedinto this plan.
•Staging areas for construction equipment will be located as far as practicable from residences.
•Trucks and equipment will not idle for more than 15 minutes when not in service.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 62 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -57-
Biological Resources
The BMPs identified in the City of Carlsbad HMP would be implemented during the construction and
operation of CIP projects to minimize potential effects on biological resources:
•Use BMPs to prevent pollution generated by construction activities from entering surface andgroundwater. BMPs will also ensure that non-stormwater discharges are not discharged intostormwater drainage systems. BMPs may include:
o Regulatory measures such as erosion control ordinances and floodplain restrictions.o Structural measures such as detention or retention basins, filters, weirs, check dams,or drainage diversions.
o Vegetative controls that reduce volume and accomplish pollutant removal by acombination of filtration, sedimentation, and biological uptake.
o Maintenance of pump stations, sewer lines, and stormwater conveyance systems.
o Cultural practices such as restrictions on pesticide and fertilizer applications, storage or
disposal of toxic chemicals, or washing of vehicles or equipment in areas that can drainto the estuary.
o Public education programs that educate residences about proper disposal of oil or
chemicals and that provide opportunities (e.g. designated locations) for residents toproperly dispose of contaminants.
•For clearing, grading, and other construction activities within the watershed, ensure that properirrigation and stormwater runoff mitigation measures are employed to reduce sediment loadsand to prevent contamination from pesticide, fertilizers, petroleum products, and other toxicsubstances.
•Restrict or limit recreational or other activities within 500 feet of important forage, breeding, and
roosting areas.
•Require attenuation measures for activities that generate noise levels greater than 60 dBA ifoccurring within 500 feet of important breeding habitat during the nesting season.
•Restrict construction hours to daytime hours that do not require the use of construction lighting.
Tribal, Cultural and Paleontological Resources
The following procedure for unintentional disturbance of cultural resources will be implemented to minimize impacts to previously unknown archaeological resources during construction of CIP projects:
If subsurface cultural resources are encountered during CIP project construction, or if evidence of an archaeological site or other suspected cultural resources are encountered, all ground- disturbing activity will cease within 100 feet of the resource. A qualified cultural resource professional, as defined in the
Carlsbad Tribal, Cultural, and Paleontological Resources Guidelines (2017) (2017 Guidelines), will be retained by the city or CMWD to assess the find, and to determine whether the resource requires further study. The assessment shall include consultation with the NAHC or Native American Tribe. Any previously undiscovered resources found during construction will be recorded on appropriate Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 forms and evaluated by a qualified cultural resource professional retained by the city or CMWD for significance under all applicable regulatory criteria. No further grading will occur in the area of the discovery until the city and CMWD approves the measures to protect the resources.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 63 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -58-
Geology and Soils
The following measures will be implemented into the construction and operation of CIP projects to
minimize potential risks from geologic and soil hazards:
•A site-specific geotechnical investigation will be completed during the engineering and designof each CIP project that would require excavation in previously undisturbed soil, which woulddetermine the risk to the project associated with fault rupture, groundshaking, liquefaction,landslides, and expansive soils. The geotechnical investigations will describe site-specificconditions and make recommendations that will be incorporated into the constructionspecifications for the CIP project. Recommendations may include, but would not be limited tothe following typical measures:o Over-excavate unsuitable materials and replace them with engineered fill.
o Remove loose, unconsolidated soils and replace with properly compacted fill soils, orapply other design stabilization features.
o For thicker deposits, implement an applicable compaction technique such asdynamic compaction or compaction piles.
o Perform in-situ densification of soils or other alterations to the ground characteristics.
o For landslides, implement applicable techniques such as stabilization; remedial gradingand removal of landslide debris; or avoidance.
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
The following measures would be implemented into the construction and operation of CIP projects to minimize potential effects related to hazards and hazardous materials:
•Fire safety information will be disseminated to construction crews during regular safetymeetings. Fire management techniques will be applied during project construction as deemednecessary by the lead agency and depending on-site vegetation and vegetation of surroundingareas.
•A brush management plan will be incorporated during project construction by the city, CMWD,
or a contractor, as necessary. Construction within areas of dense foliage during dry conditionswill be avoided, when feasible.
•In cases where avoidance is not feasible, necessary brush fire prevention and managementpractices will be incorporated. Specifics of the brush management program will be determinedas site plans for the project are finalized.
•A site-specific hazardous materials record search for the locations and type of hazardousmaterials for the site will be done and, if required, a site assessment will be conducted during
final design of individual CIP project components.
•In order to ensure that the project does not cause a significant hazard to the public or theenvironment through release of or transport of hazardous materials during construction and
operation, the city, CMWD, or a contractor, will implement the following project design features:
o Pipelines of the project components would be constructed with polyvinyl chloride pipe,or other material, which is highly resistant to rupture.o Pump stations included as part of the project, and stations that will service the proposedproject will be designed or constructed with safety features, including an emergencygenerator on site in case of electrical failure, and sufficient sewage detainment capacity in
the event of generator and/or pump mechanism failure to allow time for repair and/oremergency conveyance of the sewage. Portable emergency generators may be used forpump stations that cannot be equipped with an on-site generator. Should emergency leaks
or spills occur, the Sewer Prevention and Response Plan for both the city and the CMWDwill be implemented.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 64 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -59-
Hydrology and Water Quality
The following measures would be implemented into the construction and operation of CIP projects to minimize potential effects to hydrology and water quality:
•A construction spill contingency plan will be prepared for new facilities in accordance withCounty Department of Environmental Health regulations and retained on site by the constructionmanager. If soil is contaminated by a spill, the soil will be properly removed and transported toa legal disposal site.
•If groundwater is encountered and dewatering is required, then the groundwater will bedisposed of by pumping to the sanitary sewer system or discharging to the storm drain systemaccording to the conditions of the appropriate discharge permit.
•The lead agencies will consider using pervious or semi-pervious surfaces where possible toreduce the increase in the velocity of peak flows.
•For all potential impacts to natural drainages (i.e., pre-development hydrology), BMPs on sitewill be used to fully mitigate for project-related contaminants in the surface flows prior to theirdischarge to streams.
•For all trenchless construction activities, the city or CMWD will implement the following methodsrecommended by the CDFG and USFWS to prevent water pollution:
o Implementation of the following techniques to reduce potential for hydrofracture
and inadvertent returns that could pollute nearby water:
Sufficient earth cover will be used to increase resistance to hydrofracture.
An adequately dense drilling fluid will be used to avoid travel of drilling fluid in poroussands.
The bore will be conducted in a manner that avoids collapse.
Borehole pressure will be maintained at levels low enough to avoid hydrofracture.
Reaming and pullback rates will be maintained at rates slow enough to avoid over- pressurization of the bore.
The surface above the vicinity of the drill head will be visually monitored for surfaceevidence of hydrofracture.
Drilling methods will be modified to suit site conditions such that hydrofracture does not
occur.
o Hydrofractures will be cleaned immediately after they occur. Necessary responseequipment will be readily accessible and in good working order.
o Hydrofracture reporting and cleanup information will be disseminated to construction crewsduring regular safety meetings. All field personnel will understand their responsibility fortimely reporting of hydrofractures.
Noise
The following measures would be implemented into the construction and operation of CIP projects to minimize noise effect to surrounding neighborhoods:
•Heavy equipment will be repaired at sites as far as practical from nearby residences.
•Construction equipment, including vehicles, generators and compressors, will be maintained inproper operating condition and will be equipped with manufacturers’ standard noise controldevices or better (e.g., mufflers, acoustical lagging, and/or engine enclosures).
•Construction work, including on-site equipment maintenance and repair, will be limited to thehours specified in the noise ordinance of the affected jurisdiction.
•Electrical power will be supplied from commercial power supply, wherever feasible, in order toavoid or minimize the use of engine-driven generators.
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 65 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -60-
•Staging areas for construction equipment will be located as far as practicable from residences.
•Operating equipment will be designed to comply with all applicable local, state, and federalnoise regulations.
•If lighted traffic control devices are to be located within 500 feet of residences, the devices willbe powered by batteries, solar power, or similar sources, and not by an internal combustion
engine.
•The city, CMWD or a construction contractor will provide advance notice, between two and fourweeks prior to construction, by mail to all residents or property owners within 300 feet of thealignment. For projects that would require pile driving or blasting, noticing will be provided to allresidents or property owners within 600 feet of the alignment. The announcement will statespecifically where and when construction will occur in the area. If construction delays of morethan 7 days occur, an additional notice will be made, either in person or by mail.
•The city or CMWD will identify and provide a public liaison person before and duringconstruction to respond to concerns of neighboring residents about noise and otherconstruction disturbance. The city or CMWD will also establish a program for receiving
questions or complaints during construction and develop procedures for responding to callers.Procedures for reaching the public liaison officer via telephone or in person will be included innotices distributed to the public in accordance with the information above.
•For any construction activities which include blasting, a qualified blasting consultant andgeotechnical consultant will prepare all required blasting plans and monitor all blasting activitiesin conformance with the Standards of the California Department of Mines.
Transportation/Traffic
The following measures would be implemented during construction of CIP projects to minimize traffic effects to surrounding neighborhoods:
•Prior to construction, the city or CMWD will prepare a traffic control plan and coordinate with
the cities of Oceanside, Vista, and San Marcos to address traffic during construction of projectcomponents within the public rights-of-way of the affected jurisdiction(s), including bicycle,pedestrian, and transit facilities. The traffic control plan will include signage and flagmen whennecessary to allow the heavy equipment to utilize residential streets. The traffic control plan willalso include provisions for coordinating with local school hours and emergency serviceproviders regarding construction times.
6. References
•2012. City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan and Carlsbad Municipal Water District Water Master
Plan and Recycled Water Master Plan Updates, Final Program Environmental Impact Report
(EIR 12-01). State Clearinghouse No. 2012021006. October 2012, Certified by City of Carlsbad
City Council on November 13, 2012. (Resolution No. 2012-245).
•2012. City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan, April 2012.
(https://www.carlsbadca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=24496)
•2012. Carlsbad Municipal Water District Water Master Plan, November 2011.
(https://www.carlsbadca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=24500)
•2012. Recycled Water Master Plan, January 2012.
(https://www.carlsbadca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=36069)
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 66 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF
15168 Exemption Checklist
CIP Project No. 5548 EIA 2025-0002 -61-
•2015. Carlsbad General Plan Update and Program EIR.
(https://www.carlsbadca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=34558)
•2017. Tribal, Cultural, and Paleontological Resources Guidelines.
(https://www.carlsbadca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=34010)
•2019. First Addendum to the Final EIR 12-01 for the City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan and
Carlsbad Municipal Water District Water Master Plan and Recycled Water Master Plan Updates.
Adopted by City of Carlsbad City Council on Sept. 17, 2019 (Resolution No. 2019-183).
•2019. City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan, June 2019.
(https://www.carlsbadca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/6099/637568466790970000)
•2019. Carlsbad Municipal Water District Water Master Plan, June 2019.
(https://www.carlsbadca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/6093/637568438821170000)
•2019. Recycled Water Master Plan, July 2019.
(https://www.carlsbadca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/6097/637568466723600000)
March 25, 2025 Item #5 Page 67 of 68
Docusign Envelope ID: 91F77BD7-30E8-4C0C-9D00-8F68D3FB1CCF