HomeMy WebLinkAboutEIR 240; LA COSTA LAND COMPANY; EIR - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT; 1973-05-011200 ELM AVENUE
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA 92008
TIM FLANAGAN
Engin~ering Dept.
City of Garlsbad .
July 11 , 1973
P 11,,e
TELEPHONE:
(714) 729-1181
. Enclosed for your
impa.ct r.ep,ort for the.draft environmental
Your comments would be greatly app-reciated by Augustl,··1973
In the event that no comments are received by the aforementioned
date, we will assume you are in concur~errce with the repbrt.
Thank you.for your consideration.
Sincerely,
-. . , ....... -.
Planning Department.
PLEASE RETURN -THIS REPORT TO us FOR OUR FUTVRE us.L .
• • •• • N° ~ :,11· ~-a /~··· c1ir£S THANK YOU. -V~ lwi ,-.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT
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RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY
San Diego, California
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RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY 1 ~1lii1n~r~~~~~Tti;~
5620 FRIARS ROAD •. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92110
TELEPHONE AREA CODE 714
Mr. Paul Williams
Planning Department
City of Carlsbad
1200 Elm Avenue
Carlsbad, California 92008
291-0707.
June 14 8 l 9 7 3
RE: ALGA GLENS, PROJECT NO. 3959, CASE NO. E .I.S. 166
Dear Mr. Williams:
I have compiled the following information in response to your letter
dated May 24, 1973. I hope this information will be sufficient to
allow you to proceed with the preparation of the final Environmental
Impact Report for Alga Glens ..
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Statement of Objectives
The draft Environmental Impact Report for Alga Glens was submitted
in conjunction with the application for a Master Development Plan
density revision. Approval of this revision would change the existing
maximum allowable density from 6. 5 dwelling units per acre to ten
dwelling units per acre. Although no _specific development plans· have
been prepared, it is anticipated that the project site will ultimately
be developed to accommodate multi-family residences.
Housing shortages, population growth, and increased land values
indicate that a Master Development Plan density revision is needed
at this time.
The proposed project site is not included within the existing Carlsbad
General Plan. Under the San Dieguito General Plan, the project site
• is designated for medium density· housing (3. 3 to 5. 4· dwelling units
per acre). Under the San Diego County General Plan for 1990, the
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Mr. Paul Williams Page 2 June 14, 1973
site is designated rural residentia.l. Alga Glens is included wi~hin
the La Costa Master Development Plan, which was approved by the
Carlsbad Planning Commission with Resolution No. 808 on July 25.,
. 1972 and by the City Council with Resolution No. 2058 on August 15,
1972.
Project Location
Detailed plot plans and grading plans have not been prepared. An
aerial photograph of the site is not available.
The current status of the project, including existing and proposed
zoning, adjacent zoning, densities, and existing and proposed land
use,has been discussed in the draft Environmental Impact Report. The
estimated population, number of bedrooms, cost of units, precise
construction and grading methods, appearance I elevation, and per
spectives cannot be discussed since development plans for Alga Glens
have not been prepared .
Information concerning adjacent developments has been supplied .in
the draft Environmental Impact Report. There are no future phases or
extensions of the project, nor w.ill any other projects be dependent on
the development of Alga Glens. No projects in the surrounding area
will exert a major influence on Alga Glens or will be significantly
influenced by the proposed project.
· ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Hydrologic Conditions
Runoff from the subject property wili flow into San Marcos Creek,
located approximately one-half mile south of the project site. According
to the San Diego County Department of Sanitation and Flood Control, the
100-year design flow of San Marcos Creek is 12,000 cubic feet per
second. A high water table may be anticipated in some reaches of San
Marcos Creek, but it is not expected to affect the project site I which .is
approximately 140 feet above the stream bed.
Additional information concerning water quality and storm runoff has been
supplied in the draft Environmental Impact Report.
Atmospheric Conditions
. .
During the winter, air masses surround.lng the project site are influenced
by low pressure cells which enter t_he area as high pressure cells are
·Mr. Paul Williams Page 3 June 14, 1973
displaced. The movement of air masses is significantly reduced during
the summer when the high pressure pattern is more stable. When in
versions occur, airborne emissions are trapped I and thus a .decrease in
air quality results. The main source of airborne emissions is from •
automobile pollutants. There are no public facilities I recreation areas 1
or wildlife areas near the project site which would be particularly sen
sitive to atmospheric pollutants from the additional automobile emissions.
Socio-Economic Setting
Migrational trends, population character.istics I and employment oppor
tunities cannot be discussed since specific development plans for Alga
Glens have not been prepared.
The impact of the proposed project on public service programs has been
discussed in the draft Environmental Impact Report.
Existing and Planned Land Uses ,
The current land use for the project site and surrounding areas was dis_.
cussed in the draft Environmental Impact Report.
The subject property is not yet included within the Carlsbad General
Plan. Under the San D.ieguito General Plan, the project s.ite is designated
. for medium density housing (3. 3 to 5 .4 dwelling units per acre). Under
the San Diego County General Plan for 1990, the site is designated rural
residential. ·.
Access and Circulation Pattern
A traffic analysis has been provided in the draft Environmental Impact
Report. , .
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
The proposed project will have the indirect effect of increasing tl).e assessed
value of the agricultural land to the north. As the value of this undeveloped
land increases, the landowner becomes burdened with increased taxes I and
the use of the land for agriculture becomes less attractive. • Future develop
ment of Alga Glens will increase the area's population and result in additional
demands being placed on schools I utilities I and public· services . These
impacts have been discussed .in the draft Environmental Impact Report.
,· Changes in property assessments, revenues, income to the community,
opportunities to socio-economic groups, and the cost effectiveness of the
project cannot be discussed since no plans for the development of Alga
Glens have been prepared.
Mr. Paul Williams Page 4 June 14, 1973
Mitigation Measures
Mitigation measures have been discussed in the draft Environmental
Impact Report.
Alternatives
Additional Alternatives to the proposed project, not discussed in the I draft Bnv;irqnmental Impact.Report,, include use of the land for the
growing of agricultural crops, and the construction of single .... family
units .in the place of multi-family structures. Use of the site for the
growing of truck crops or field grown cut flowers would burden the
landowner with additional taxes as surrounding land values continue to
increase. The small amount of land involved in the proposed project
and the irregularity of the terrain would further inhibit agricultural
development.
Development of the project site for single-family uni.ts or development
at a lower density would not be econom.ically feasible since grad.ing
costs and per unit costs would be prohibitive. The construction of s.ingle
family units would not appreciably diminish the number of .impacts on the
environment.
IRREVERSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES
Atmospheric
It is anticipated that with future development of the subject property 1
additional pollutants will be added to the earth I s atmosphere. As future
scientific advances cannot be predicted, it is impossible to classify this
impact as either reversible or irreversible.
Sonic
The sound level of the area will increase with future residential develop
ment. The level of noise will remain within the 11 clearly acceptable" or
"normally acceptable" range as prescribed by the United States Department
of Housing and Urban Development.
Socio-Economic
Socio-economic changes cannot be assessed since development plans for
Alga Glens have not been prepared.
....
Mr. Paul Williams Page 5 June 14., 1 97 3
Drainage
Storm runoff from the subject property will increase due to the
introduction of impervious surfaces such as buildings I driveways J and
other paved areas.
Land Alteration
l Land alteration changes were discussed in the draft Environmental
Impact Report"
If further questions should arise, please let me know so that we may
continue with the processing of this project.
'
S.incerely,
~o~
Rick· Odiorne
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. ; TABLE OF CONTENTS
.A. The Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action
1. Project Description
2. Environmental Setting Without the Project
a) Topog~aphy
b) Land Use
c) Biology
d) Geology
e) Archeology
· f) History
3. Environmental Impacts
a) Land Use
b) Geology -Grading
c)_ Biology
d) • Archeology
-e) History
f) Drainage :... Water Quality
g) TrE!,ffic
hf--Noise
i) Air Quality .
. j) Util.ities
k) _ • Community Services .
B. Any Adverse Env.ironmental Effects Which Cannot
Be Avoided Should the Proposal Be Implemented
. C .. Mitigation Measures Propose·d to Min.lmize· the
Impact
D. Alternatives to the Proposed Actioi:i
E. The Relationship Between Local Short-:-Term Uses
of Man's Eti.v.ironment and the Maintenance and
Enhancement of Long-Term Environmental Productivity
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F. Any Irreversible Environmental Changes Wh.ich Wouid •
Be Involved in the Proposed Action Should It Be
Implemented
G. The Growth Inducing Impacts of the Proposed Activity
Upon the Neighborhood and/or Community
H. The Boundar.les of the Area Which May Be Significantly
Affected ·by the -Proposed Activity
I. Certificat.lon of Accuracy and Qualification of
Ind.ividuals Preparing Draft Environmental Impact
Report
J. List of all Agencies, Organizations, or Individuals
Consulted
Appendix A -Species List
·page No.
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A. THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
1 . Project Descr.iption
Alga Glens .is a subdivis.ion of 25' acres of undeveloped land.
It .is located north of the .intersection of Al.icante Road and Alga Road
in the southern port.ion of the C.ity,of Carlsbad.
The developer, La Costa Land Company, .is applying for a Master
Development Plan rev.is.ion to the ex.ist.lng de_ns.ity requ.lrement for Alga
Glens o Approval of th.is revision will result in the eventual subm.ission
of a tentative map and spec.if.ic plan, lead.ing to the development of the
s.ite. The existing max.imum density for Alga Glens under the La Costa
Master Development Plan .is 6. 5 dwell.ing un.its per acre. The max.imum
density perm.itted under the proposed revision would be 10 dwell.ing
un.its per acre. Past history at La Costa .indicates that the property w.ill
be developed to a lower density than the maximum· perm.itted under the •
La Costa Master Development Plan, resulting in a lower development .
population.
Through the .in.it.lat.ton of protective conditions and deed restrict.ions,
the La Costa Land Company w.ill insure that construction with.in Alga Glens
will adhere to certain minimum standards o Such conditions as approval of
structure and landscape plans prior to construct.lon,and approval of the
style, de,s.ign, appearance, and location of the structure will .insure a
quality development. Cond.it.ions have also been established to .insure
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maintenance of the qevelopment. These conditions have been implemented
ln the completed portions of La Costa, resulting in a quality development.
Access to the property ls presently available from Alga Road. _Th.is
road, which runs ln an east/west direction, forms !the southern.and western
boundaries of the property.
The future development of Alga Glens will require grac;Hng of some
portions of the site. Grading w.ill be kept to a minimum. Cut and fill slopes
will be planted with ground cover to stabilize the slopes and reduce erosion.
Utility service will be provided to all future lots. All utHlties are
-located to the south within Alga Road. Sewer lines connect to the Leucadia
County sewage treatment and pumping plant at the intersection of El Camino
R~al and La Costa Avenue. Water service for Alga Glens will be provided
by the Carlsbad Municipal Water District. All utilit'les, with the exception
oLthe San D.iego Gas and Electric power lines, will be. placed underground
to eliminate their visual impact.
A 200-foot ea'sement for San Di~go Gas and Electric power lines forms
the eastern boundary of the property. Th.is easement will be temporar.ily
kept in a 11,atural condition unt.il future lots contiguous to it are developed,
at which time the easement may be landscaped.
2. Environmental Setting Without the Project
Alga Glens is located in the southern portion of the City of Carlsbad.
The s.ite .is situated north of the -.intersection of Alicante Road and Alga Road ..
The eastern boundary of the site is formed by a 20O-.foot San D.iego Gas and
Electric power line easement.
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a). Topography
Alga Glens is a 29 acre irregularly shaped parcel of land. • The
topography is characterized by hilly terrain which slopes and drains
fn a westerly direction. These h.ills are bisected by a valley which
runs in an east/west direction. The western portion of the s.ite, .in
use as an earth fill area, .is generally flat and is .intersected by a gully
which runs from the north. Elevations vary from 7 0 feet .in a depression
in the extreme northwest portion of the s.ite, to 300 feet at the San Diego
Gas a nq Electr.ic easement, which forms the ~astern boundary of the s.ite.
b) Land Use
Alga Glens is 29 acres of undeveloped land, the western port.ion of
w:111ch is presently being used as an earth fill area under County Grading
Perm.it No. L6352. A single dirt road, wh.ich provides access to the San
. Diego Gas and Electric easement, is located .in the ea~tern port.ion of the
property.
Alga Glens is bounded on the north by undeveloped pastoral° grasslands
(zoned A-3-8). This land is designated on the San Dieguito General Plan
as rural residential.
South of the subject property lies Alga Road, beyond wh.ich l.ies un
developed land (zoned RD-M). This undeveloped property, known as La
Costa H.ill~; w.ill be developed to accommodate multi-family dwell.ings as
a part of the La Costa Development.
The eastern boundary of the site is formed by a San Diego Gas and
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Electric power line easement. Beyond thfs easement l.ies La Costa Meadows
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Unit No. l. (zoned R-1-15, 000). La Costa Meadows Un.it No'. 1 is a·
subdivision of single-family residential lots. Grading of these lots has ,,
been completed but presently, no homes have been constructed on these
lots. Also ea·st of Alga Glens is a water tank and the future site of a
San Diego Gas and Electric substation. The water tank is maintained by
the Carlsbad Municipal Water District.
West of Alga Glens are the La Costa Valley Unit No. 4 development
and the La Costa Golf Course. The La Costa' V9 lley Unit. No~ 4 develop
ment (zoned R-1-10, 000) is composed of lots• graded for single-fam.ily
units. Most of these lots presently support completed res.iden~ial units.
c) B.iology
The vegetat.lon remain.ing on Alga Glens .is character.ized by second
growth grasses an? weeds which have grown ov.er the previously· brushed
site. The western port.ion of the site, in use as an ea:rth fill area, has no
. vegetation. There are no trees located on the proposed Alga Glens
development site.
The grasslands support a variety of wildlife ·spec.ies which include
small maml]1als and rodents, reptiles, and b.irds. The small mammals
and rodents observed, or expected to be found on the site, .include ground
squirrel, jackrabbit, pocket mouse, and wood rat.·
Bird species observed at this site include Anna's humm.ingbird,
brown towhee, California thrasher, hermit thrush, red-ta.iled hawk, and
assorted sparrows.
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Reptiles to be expected in th.ls hab.itat include gopher, garter,
and k.lng snakes, as well as several types of lizards.
No endangered species of plant or an.imal life were observed on the
project site and none are known to be dependent upon the area.
d) Geology
The western port.ion of Alga Glens .is underlain pr.imar.Uy by the
Eocene Del Mar formation. Th.is formation cons.is ts primarily of silty
clays tone and clayey to silty sandstone, with local concentrations of
pebble-s.lze mater.Lal. The sandstones are· usually light buff to tan and
the muds tones are grayish green. These soils are generally friable;
.individual grains are held together by the r'elat.ively high clay content of
the rock. Locally, these beds are strongly indurated by a calcareous . .
cement. The so.i'.ls used for f.lll have been compacted, making them
. ·suitable for construction.
·The eastern portion of the site is underla'.in by the Jurassic Black
Mountain volcanics, which are f.ine-gra_ined igneous rocks, grey-green
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in color, and of andesitic composition. Typically, these volcanic rocks
are closely jointed and weathered, which greatly fac.il.itates ·surface excavat.lon.
The so.ll cond.itions encountered in the eastern portion of the sHe were basically
a shallow layer of gravelly clayey silt topso.il overlying the volcanic rock.
Below the loose topsoil layer the so.il was generally f.irm with firmness in
creasing with depth.
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There are no adverse geological conditions w.ithin Alga Glens
which would preclude development of the property. No ev.idence of
major subsidence or mudflows was observed on the site and none are
anticipated to occur during development. The only potentially active
fault near the site is the Rose Canyon fault, located eig_ht miles south
west under the Pacific Ocean. No inactive faults were identified during
the so.il .inves tigat.ion of the site.
e) Archeology
An examination -of site records at the San. Diego Museum of Man
revealed no s.ites were ever recorded on the property'.
An ·archeological investigation of Alga Glens confirmed that there
are no archeological resources on the property.
f) History
A historical .investigation of the property did not r1:;veal the existence
of any sites of historical s.ignificanqe.
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3 . Environmental Impacts
a) Land. Use
The future development of Alga Glens w:,ill allow·· the construction
of a maximum of 288 multi-family dwelling units. An aesthetically
designed system of public streets will be constructed to provide access
to all units. • This site will be developed according to previously estab
lished La Costa conditions and restr.ictions .. Past history at La Costa
indicates that lots contained within the developmenlt will be developed
to a lower density than the maximum permitted under-the Master
Development Plan, resulting in a lower development population.
b) Geology -Grading
The nature of the soils found on Alga Glens inclicates they can support
development. Grading of the property will change tlle existing land form
of the property. _The visual impact of the earth exposed by grading will
remain only until housing un.lts are constructed and landscaping is complete.
Cut and fill slopes will be planted with ground cover to stab.ilize the slopes
and reduce erosion.
No adverse effects should result from grading of the s.ite in accordance
with accepted engineering practices.
c) Biology
The future devel~pment of Alga Glens will reqmre the removal of
vegetation from graded portions of the site. The w~stern port.ion of the site
• presently has no vegetation and already exists in a highly disturbed state.
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Accompanying this loss of vegetation_ will be the displacement of bird
and animal populations which presently occupy the site.
This w.ildlife will be displaced to undeveloped areas adjacent to the
site. The larger predators will face .a reduct.ion in hunting territory
because of the loss of a certain amount of w.ildlife habitat.
Alga Glens has previously been disturbed through .its use as an
earth fill area, and is of min.imal resource value.
No endangered species of plant or animals will be affected by the
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future development of th.is site.
New species of plants will be introduced· into the area through future
landscapfog of the site.
d) Archeology
It has been 'determined that Alga Glens offers no archeological re
sources. There will be no archeological impact resulting from the future
development of this site.
e) • History
It has been determined that no historical sites are located on Alga Glens.
f) Drainage -Water Qual.ity
With the future development of Alga Glens, the drainage w.ill change
fro_m overland sheet flow in natural channels to flow in street gutters and
in underground storm drainage systems. Design of the storm drain system
will be in accordance with current standards of the City of Carlsbad.
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Runoff from the site will increase with development. The total
drainage area of Batiquitos Lagoon is 52. 3 square miles. Alga Glens
represents less than O. 08 percent of the drainage area, so the effect of
the increased runoff on the _lagoon sys tern will be negligible.
There will be a minimal decrease in the water quality of the runoff
• from the developed site. This decrease in water qual.ity is caused by
various .impurities such as hydrocarbons, fertilizers, and chem.icals
associated with runoff from urban de~elopments. Th.is decrease .ls typical
of urban developments and cannot be el.iminated.
g) Traffic
Traffic in the La Costa area will increase slightly as a result of the
future development of Alga 'Glens. The c.irculation system of La Costa and
the surround.ing areas has been designed to accommodate th.is antic.ipated
traffic .increase. -Th.is site .is presently served by Alga Road.
Alga Road w.ill have an ultimate r.igpt-of-way width of 102 feet and
carry an estimated ult.imate traffic volume of 20,000 to 30,000 veh.icles per
day. From Alga Road, traffic will travel west to El Camino Real for further
d.istribution.
The amount of traffic generated by the future development of Alga Glens
will be dependent on the nature of the residents of this development.
Res.idents will fall into several broad categories, including retired, second
home owners, .and single home owners. Th.is diversity of homeowners makes
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accurate traffic predictions difficult. The proximity of commerc.ial and
recreational facilit.ies within the La Costa Developm·ent would result in
a relatively low average trip length.
Traffic studies may be conducted to evaluate the changing cond.it.ions
of the La Costa street network as the need arises.
h) No.ise
The ex.is ting noise level .in the Alga Glens area is low. Traffic on
Alga Road .is the predominate noise s~mrce, but because of a low traffic
. volume-on th.is road, the no.ise .impact on the future development will be
.ins.ign.if.icant.
A.ircraft overflight no.ise will occur occas.ionally, but .it .is not con
sidered to be a s.ign.if.icant factor. Alga Glens .is outside normal departure
and land.ing paths for any ex.is ting or planned a.irport.
No.ise from the contractor's equ.ipment and other construct.ion no.is es
cannot be el.iminated. This noise will be of a temporary nature, last.ing
only unt.il development is com.pleted .
.i) Air Quality
-The increase in air pollution resulting from the future development of this
site will be min.imal. The main source of air pollution created by develop-
.. ment of Alga Glens will be from motor veh.icles. In comparison with the
total veh.icle em.issions in the Carlsbad area, auto emissi(?nS and the
resulting polli,1tants from the development of th.is s.ite will be .ins.ignif.icant
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because of the small number of vehicles .involved. The quality of
emiss.ions from vehicles cannot be controlled by the developer, but
are regulated by State and Federal standards.
Pollutants from the exhaust of the contractor's equipment will be . .
with.in exist.lng em.iss.ion standards and will be of a temporary nature·.
j) Utilit.ie s
Util.ity service w.ill be prov.ided to all future lots. All ut.ilit.ies are
located to the south with.in Alga Road_. Water service for Alga Glens w.ill
be prov.ided by the Carlsbad Mun.ic.ipal Water District. Sewer lines con
nect to the Leucadia County sewage treatment and pumping plant at the
intersect.ton of El Cam.inc Real and La Costa Avenue~ Gas and electric
service w.ill be provided by the San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
All ut.ilit.ies, with the except.ion of the ex.ist.ing San Diego Gas and
Electr.ic power lines, will be placed underground to eliminate their visual
impact.
k) Community Services
Alga Glens is located with.in the Escond.ido Union High School Distr.ict ~
The developer is working with the school d.istr.ict to .insure the prov.is.ion of
adequate facilities for students of the future development.
Alga Glens is also located w.ithin the Rich-Mar Elementary School
D.istr.ict. Elementary school s.ites are being provided w.ith.ln the framework
of the Master.Development Plan for La Costa. Two junior high ::,chool s.ites
will also be provided.
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The Carlsbad Police Department services all areas within the
corporate limits of the City of Carlsbad. At present, one patrol car
is on duty 24 hours a day in the La Costa area. This patrolman would
also patrol· Alga Glens .
The City of Carlsbad Fire Department has a substation .in La Costa
1.2 m.lles from Alga Glens. This substation, located east of El Camino
Real be.tween La Costa Avenue and Alga Road, would serve th.is site.
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B.
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ANY ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED
SHOULD THE PROPOSAL BE IMPLEMENTED
The unavo.ldable adverse env.lronmental effects result.lng from the
proposed Master Plan rev.ls.ion and subsequent development of Alga Glens
are typ.lcal .impacts resulting from construct.ion of res.ldential developments.
There are no un.ique adverse env.lronmental effects wh.ich would result from
d_evelopment of th.is site. The adverse env.ironmental effects are:
1. .A decrease .ln the amount of undeveloped land .in the County
of San D.iego by 29 acres.· Th.ls land has prev.iously been
d.isturbed through .its use as· an earth fill area, and is of
m.lri.lmal resource value.
2. A m.ln.imal decrease .ln water qual.ity assoc.lated with urban
areas from pydrocarbons , fert.il.izers ; chem.icals, etc. This
decrease .is typ.ical of runoff from all development, and can
not be avoided.
3. An .increase .in traffic on Alga Road. The c.irculat.lon system
of La Costa and surround.lug areas has been des.lgned to
accommodate th.is ant.icipated traffic .increase.
4. An increase .in a.ir and no.lse pollution assoc.iated w .ith the
.increased traffic.
5. An .increase .in no.ise assoc.lated with construct.ion on the s.ite.
Th.is no.ise w.ill be of a temporary nature last.ing only unt.il
construct.ion of the project .is completed.
6. A m.in.imal .increase .in the demand for publ.ic ut.il.it.ies.
7. A decrease .in the amount of w.ildl.ife habitat available and a
d.isplacement of w.ildlife from the graded port.ions of the s.ite. •
A large amount of the w.ildl.ife has already been d.isplaced on
the site through earth fill operations.
Beneficial env.ironmental effects result.ing from the future development
of Alga Glens will be:
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1. To provide a maximum of 288 homes for fam.ilies _in the
Carlsbad area. These homes w.ill be located within' the
La Costa Development, which .includes prov.is.ions for
recreational, service, educational, and commerc.lal
facilities.
2. An .increased tax base. in the City of Carlsbad.
3. An .lmprovement of access routes for £.ire and police
protection and an expans.lon of water s·ervice to the project
site and the surrounding area for fire protection.
4. A long-term stabilization of this highly disturbed terrain.
This would result .in reduced eros.ion of the project site.
5. A substantial increase .in the number of trees on the project
site.
9. An overall increase in vegetation on the project site.
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c. MITIGATION MEASURES PROPOSED TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACT
Various measures will be taken to m.inimize the environmental
effects of the future development of Alga Glens. Grading of the site
will be kept to a min.imum. Pads w.ill be graded to slope away from the
l.ips of £.ill slopes, or drainage facilities will be constructed to avoid
damage to the slopes by storm runoff. Cut and fill slopes w.ill be planted
as early as possible to stabilize the slopes and reduce erosion. This
will also reduce the v.isual impact of the project until .it can be land
scaped.
T_hrough the in.itiat.ion of protective conditions and deed restrict.ions,
the La Costa .Land Company will .insure that future construct.ion w·.ith.in
Alga Glens w.ill adhere to certain m.in.imum standards. Cond.it.ions such as
approval of structure or landscape plans prior to construct.ion, and approval
of the styler design, appearance and location of the pl?ns will insure a
qual.ity development. Other conditions .include the exclusion of external
television antennas, tra.ilers ~ temporary bu.ildings, boats and signs from
the development.
An invest.lgat.ion of Alga Glens W?J.S conducted to determine the existence
of archeological or historical resources on the site. No historical sites
were discovered and no archeolog.ical s.ites were uncovered.
All ut.il.ities, with the-except.ion of the existing San Diego Gas f:rnd
Electric power lines, will be placed underground to el.im.inate the.ir v.isual
impact.
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Add.it.ional m.itigating measures are the result of the total La Costa
Development. Over thirteen percent of La Costa can be class.if.ied as
Open Space. Some of this area is devoted to specific recreational
usage (the golf course, country club, spa, and· riding facilities), while
most is left undeveloped to be part of an area-wide hiking, equestrian,
and picn.ic resource for the residents of the area. La Costa also has
provided approximately 200 acres of land for. commercial usage, .including
110 acres for a regional shopping center.
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ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION
Many alternatives a~e always available regarding land use
decisions. The determination of the density of dwelling units and
their relationship to transportation facil.ities, util.ities, commun.ity
services, and other land uses .involves an infin.ite number of variables.
One alternative which is always available is to leave the property
under private ownership in .its undeveloped c~md.it.ion ..
None of the environmental i'mpacts discussed .in th.is',report
would occur .if the "no-project" alternative is selected. However,
other .impacts would occur to the site through human and veh.icular
activity on the site. This activity would result .in displacement of
w.lldl.ife and disruption of the vegetation.
A second alternative is. publ.ic acquisition of the site to either retain
it as an open space area or ~eve lop it as a park. No publ.ic agency has
expressed a desire to purchase the project site for retention as open
space or development as a park. There .is nothing unique about the
site that would require its preservation .in its present state.
Any other form or residential development would have impacts similar
to the proposed project. Development at a higher density would place a
greater demand on utilities and publ.ic serv.ices, and more traffic would be
generated. Development at a lower density would require less utilities
and publ.ic services, and less traffic would be generated.
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Commerc.ial or .industr.ial development of Alga Glens would not .be
consistent w.ith the planned land use as .ind.icated by the C.ity of Carlsbad
and the La Costa Master Development Plan.
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E. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF MAN'S·
ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG
TERM ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTIVITY
The basic long-term e££ect of the proposed Master Plan revision and
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subsequent development of Alga Glens on the env.ironment is the loss of
29 acres of undeveloped land.· Accompanying th.is loss would be the
removal of a small amount of wildl.ife habitat. Th.is land has previously
been disturbed through its use as an earth fill area, and .is of minimal
resource value. There .is nothing unique about the project s.ite wh.ich
•
would require .its preservat.ion .in its ex.isting state.
_The approval of the proposed s.ite is the commitment of the land for
res.ident.ial use. The project w.ill perm.it a maximum of 288 fam.il.ies to
move into a modern housing development.· The probable growth of the
, . . .
ent.ire San D.iego County area requires further development. Until growth
of the population can be controlled, either expansion or congest.ior:i must
occur.
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F. ANY IRREVERSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES WHICH WOULD BE.
INVOLVED IN THE PROPOSED ACTION SHOULD IT BE IMPLEMENTED
The d.irect environmental effect of the future development of Alga
Glens is the commitment of 29 acres of undeveloped land to urban.izat.lon.
T}:le property will be altered to accommodate resident.la! hous.ing and in
-the process -.its -phy,sical and biol-og.i:cal cha·racterisHcs w.ill be changed.
The project site has already been substantially changed through pr.ior
brushing of the easte,rn port.ion of the s.ite and the use of the western
portion as a land £.ill area.
The indirect effect of the project .is the construct.ion of a max.imum
of 2 88 res.idential un.its, and the resultant con_sumpt.ioh of bu.ild.ing
mater.ials and natural resources. • Publ.ic serv.ices and util.it.les w.ill have
a greater demand placed upon them ..
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G. THE GROWTH INDUCING IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY UPON •
THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND/OR COMMUNITY \
The growth inducing aspects of the proposed Master Plan revision
and subsequent construct.ion on the site reflect an orderly growth of
residential land use. Th.is growth will supplant the existing use of the
land. Development of Alga Glens will have certa.in growth induc.ing impacts
on the undeveloped land to the north. Development of properties now
occur.ing to the south, east and west also has growth .inducing effects
on the surrougd.ing property. These developments are V.illage Park,
Rancho Carrillo, as well as the remainder of the existing La Costa devel-
opment.
Denial of th.is Master Plan rev.is.ion would not app_reciably q.iminish
the present growth .inducement in the area. Th.is is in part due to
ut.il.ities and public facil.ities which have been constructed at a rap.id rate
.in this area. Water and sewer fac.il.ities have been installed whi8h anti-
cipate the development of th.is property for urban use.
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H. THE BOUNDARIES OF THE AREA WHICH MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED
BY THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY
The boundaries of the areas which will be affected by the future
development of Alga Glens are dependent on the environmental effects
be~ng considered. The effects of traffic generated by future development
of the site and its air and noise pollution problems are probably limited to a
three mile range. Beyond that limit, the traffic is sufficiently dispersed so
that its effects would be negligible.
The effects of the future development of Alga Glens on the biological . ,r: .. ·"
component of the environment will generally·be limited to the immediate
vicinity of the development, but may range as far as Batiquitos Lagoon.
The area effected by the changed visual appearance of the development site
will be limited by the ridges to the north.
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I. CERTIFICATION OF ACCURACY AND QUALIFICATION OF INDIVIDUALS
PREPARING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
The information contained within this analysis is certified to be accurate
and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and reflects the
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environmental impacts associated with Alga Glens.
This report was prepared by Jeffrey Roy Lundstrom, Environmental
Consultant for Rick Engineering Company, consultant to the applicant,
La Costa Land Company.
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· APPENDIX A
PARTIAL SPECIES LIST
Shrub, tree, and animal species observed (o~ to be expected·
based on habitat -shown with asterisk) within the total La Costa Development
are listed o The herbaceous dicot and grass species were not
included in this survey.
Shrubs and Trees
California adolphis
* Broom bacchari s
. bladder pod
* Chaparral broom • California buckwheat
* beavertail cactus
* coastal barrel cactus
* cattail
San Diego ceanothus
* wartystem ceanothus
chamise
wild cucumber
chaparral currant
deerweed
elderberry
California encelia
filarea.
• * California fuschia
haplopappus
wild honeysuckle
lemonade berry.·
. eastwood manzanita
mission manzanita
monkey flower
. * mule fat
coast live oak
scrub oak
* pepper tree
California poppy
* rattle weed
redberry
* rock rose
bush rue
• Adolphia californica
Baccharis sarothroides
Isomeris arborea
Baccharis pilularis consanguinea
Eriogonum fasciculatum
Opuntia sp.
Echinocactus viridescens
Typha sp.
• Ceanothus cyaneus
Ceanothus verrucosus .
Adenostoma fasciculatum
Marah macrocarpus
Ribes malvaceum
Lotus scopavius
Sambucus mexicana
Encelia californica
Erodium sp~
Zauschneria californica
Haplopappus venetum
Lonicera subspicata
Rhus integrifolia
Arctostaphy-los glandulosa
Xylococcus bicolor
Mimulus puniceus
Baccharis. viminea
Quercus agrifolia
Quercus dtimosa
Shinus molle
Eschscholzia californica
Astragalus sp.
Rhamnus crocea
Helianthemum scoparium
Cueoridium dumosum
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Shrubs and Trees (continued)
black sage
* white sage
California sagebrush
* Spanish bayonet
Spanish dagger
laurel sumac
* thistle
tree tobacco
toyon
wire grass
Introduced: •
eucalyptus
tecate cypress
European olive
* sycamore
willow
Small Mammals and Rodents
* southern pocket gopher
*·pocket mouse
cottontail & brush rabbit
jackrabbit
* kangaroo _rat-··
·*shrew
ground squirrel
other rodents
Larger Mammals
badger. ~
bobcat
coyote
mule deer
* grey fox
*raccoon
spotted skunk
striped skunk
Salvia mellifera
Salvia apiana
Artemi sia californica
Yucca whipplei
. Yucca schidigera
Rhus laurina
Cynareae gen. sp.
Nicotiana glauca
Hetermoles arbutifolia
Junucus acutus
Eucalyptus sp.
Cupressus forbesii
Olea europaea
Platanus racemosa
· . Salix sp.
Themys bottae
Perognathus sp.
Sylvilagus sp.
Lepus californicus
D!podomys sp.
Sorex sp.
• Otospermophilus spo
Peromyscus sp.
Ne'otoma sp.
Microtus sp.
Taxidea "taxus
Lynx rufus
Canis latrans
Odocoileus hemianus
Urocyon cinereoargenteus
Procyton lotor
Spelogale putorius
Mephitis mephitis
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Reptiles
* frogs
* frogs
* coast horned lizard
* southern alligator lizard
* western fence lizard
* skupk
* garter snake
* gopher snake
* kingsnake
· *--ra ttle-s,nake
* striped racer
* toads
* toads
Birds
mountain blue bird
common bushtit
* house finch
red-shafted flicker
* green herqn
Anna's hummingbird
killdeer
* kill bird
horned lark
western meadowlark
~ Say's phoebe
California quail
• common raven
• road runner
loggerhead shrike
sparrows
* starling.
swallow
California thrasher
brown towhee·
vireo
wrentit
hyla sp.
rana sp.
Phrynosama coronatum
Gerrhonotus multicarinatus
Sceloparous occidentalis
Eumeces sp.
Thamnophis sp.
Pituophis melanoleucus
Lampropelti s getulus
Crota:1:us sp.
• Masticophis lateralis
Bufo sp.,
Scaphicpus sp.
Sialia currucoide s
Psaltriparus minimus
Carpodacus mexicanus
Colaptes cafer
Butorides virescens
Calopte anna
Charadrius vociferus
Tyrannus sp.
Eremophila alpestris
Sturnella neglecta
Savorni.s say~
• Lophortyx californicus
Corvus corax
Geococcyx californianus
Lanius ludovicianus
Zonotrichia sp., melospiza sp., •
and others
stumus vulgaris
Hirundinidae gen. an¢ sp.
Toxostoma redividum
Pipilo fuscus
Vireo sp.
Chamaea fasciata
Hawks, O:wls, and Other Predatory Birds Included:
Cooper's hawk
marsh hawk
Accipiter cooperi
Circus cyaneus
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Birds (continued)
red-tailed hawk
sparrow hawk
, SwainsonJ s .hawk
white-tailed kite
burrowing owl
Buteo j amaicensis
Falco sparverius
Buteo swainsoni
Elanus leucurus
Speotyto cunicularia