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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 99-06; Palomar Forum; Tentative Map (CT) (10)City of Carls Planning Department RECIRCULATION MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION^ I Project Address/Location: North of Palomar Airport Road between Melrose Drive~and the eastern City boundary. Project Description: IF D L E PGregory J. Smith, Recorder/County Clerk DEC 1 5 2005 /. Y DEPUTY A request for a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to redesignate open space, and a Tentative Tract Map, Hillside Development Permit, and Planned Industrial Permit for an 70.6 acre, 10 lot, industrial subdivision with* 3 open space lots on property located north of Palomar Airport Road between the City's eastern boundary and future Melrose Drive. The project design provides for a north-south wildlife corridor that provides access to a wildlife corridor within the northern portion of the adjacent Carlsbad Raceway property. The remaining segment of Melrose Drive between Palomar Airport Road and the City of .Vista boundary will be constructed as part of the project. No industrial buildings are proposed; The City of Carlsbad has conducted an environmental review of the above described project pursuant to the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act and the Environmental Protection Ordinance of the City of Carlsbad. As a result of said review, the initial study (EIA Part 2) identified potentially significant effects on the environment, but (1) revisions in the project plans or proposals made by, or .agreed to by, the applicant before .the proposed negative declaration and initial study are released for public review would avoid the effects or mitigate the effects to a point where clearly no significant effect on the environment would occur, and (2) there is no substantial evidence in light of the whole record before the City that the project "as revised" may have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, a Mitigated Negative Declaration is hereby issued for the subject project. Justification for this action is on file in the Planning Department. A copy of the Mitigated Negative Declaration with supportive documents is on file in the Planning Department, 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California 92008. Comments from the public are invited. Please submit comments in writing to the Planning Department within 30 days of date of issuance. If you have any questions, please call Anne Hysong in the Planning Department at (760) 602-4622. DATED: CASE NO: September 6,2001 GPA 01-07/ZC 01-06/CT 99-06/HDP 99-03/PIP 01-03 CASE NAME: Palomar Forum PUBLISH DATE: September 6,2001 1635 Faraday Avenue • Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 • (76O) 6O2-46OO • FAX (760) 602-8559 • www.ci.carlsbad.ca.us FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLIRK San Diego County on DEC 15 2005. • . PosteJr.C 1 5 2QC5 Removed ••'''•'. ; • . Returned to agency on _ Deputy. MK4/-O3-O1 1O:O4A Teshima Design Gi~oup 619693118Z P.O1 May 3, 2001 VIA FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION 760/ 602-8559 Ms. Anne Hysong Associate Planner CITY OF CARLSBAD PLANNING DEPARTMENT 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 TKSHIMA PROJECT: CT 99-06 / HDP 99-03 PALOMAR FORUM Dear Anne: Per our meeting on Tuesday according to the biological mitigation plan submitted DESIGN GROUP to the City, the manufactured slope area shown on our sheet L6 shall be re- vegetated with Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (D.C.S.S.) from containers. The specific non-evasive seed mix per Helix Environmental shall be as follows: COASTAL SAGE SCRUB SEED Mix SEED MIXTURE LBS. / ACRE l>i>-a'. U!it"ri>i.i'>:i II-I IAX: I.SV<I f'Mi.1 I-V Lotus scoparius Baccharis sarothroides Artemisia californica Nassella lepida Eriophyllum confertiflorum Eriogonum fasciculatum Nassella pulchra Lasthenia californica Mimulus aurantiacus Hemizonia fasciculata Lupinus bicolor Rhus integrifolia Plantago ovata Salvia melifera Deerweed Broom baccharis Coastal sagebrush Foothill needlegrass Goldfields Flat-top buckwheat Purple needlegrass Goldfields Monkeyflower Fascicled tarweed Lupine Lemonadeberry Woolly plantain Black sage TOTAL LBS./ACRE 5.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 2.0 6.0 2.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 10.0 3.0 42.0 All of the above information shall be clearly shown on our conceptual landscape plans for the up coming submittal. -O3-Ol 1O:O4A Teshima Design Gr-oup 6196931182 p. 02 Please do not hesitate to call should you have any questions, srely, A Ai \ Ronald S. Teshima, ASLA Principal RSTjes cc: Larry Nelson Bill Hoffman / Stuart Fisk File 8100 La Mesa Blvd., Suite 150 La Mesa, CA 91941-6476 e-mail: admin @ helixepi. com fax (619) 462-0552 phone (619) 462-1515 May 11, 2001 RECEIVED MAY f 4 2001 CITY OF CARLSBAD PLANNING DEPT. Mr. Larry Nelson Davis Partners, LLC 1420 Bristol Street North, Suite 100 Newport Beach, California 92660-2914 Subject: Addendum to the Biological Resources Report for the Palomar Forum Project Dear Mr. Nelson: This letter provides an addendum to the Biological Resources Report of the Palomar Forum Project (formerly PAR 62 project), and addresses off site impacts for traffic circulation needs, should the Palomar Forum project proceed in advance of or independently of the Carlsbad Raceway Project. INTRODUCTION HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX) previously prepared a Biological Resources Report for the project site. This report addressed all impacts associated with on site development for the project. It is anticipated that the Carlsbad Raceway project immediately north of the project will be developed within timeframes that will provide for necessary improvements to Melrose Drive and secondary access for the Palomar Forum project. If, however, the Palomar Forum project is developed in advance of or independently of the Raceway Project, the Palomar Forum project will need to construct a portion of Melrose Drive and a secondary access on the Raceway project. This report addresses potential impacts and mitigation requirements for these off site impacts. The Palomar Forum site is approximately 62.3 acres in size and is situated in the City of Carlsbad, in northwestern San Diego County, California (Figures 1 and 2). It is located north of Palomar Airport Road, south of the Carlsbad Raceway, and west of Business Park Drive. The property to the west is currently undeveloped. The Raceway site supports six vegetation communities (Table 1): coastal and valley freshwater marsh, southern willow scrub, mule fat scrub, Diegan coastal sage scrub, southern mixed chaparral, and non-native grassland. In addition there are disturbed habitat/agriculture, and developed areas. Diegan coastal sage scrub on site is composed primarily of four shrub species: California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), black sage (Salvia mellifera), lemonadeberry (Rhits integrifolia), and California encelia (Encelia californica). Portions of the Diegan coastal sage scrub are dominated by lemonadeberry, almost to the exclusion of all other plants. Diegan coastal sage scrub is characterized by subshrubs with relatively shallow root systems and open canopies. Approximately 19.2 acres of planning, inc. Letter to Mr. Larry Nelson May 11,2001 Page 2 of 4 Diegan coastal sage scrub occur on site, with the larger patches occurring in the north-central portion of the site. Table 1 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES ON THE CARLSBAD RACEWAY Vegetation Community Acreage Upland Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Southern Mixed Chaparral Non-Native Grassland 19.2 26.3 32.6 Riparian/Wetland Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh Southern Willow Scrub Mule Fat Scrub 0.8 3.42 0.18 Other Agriculture Disturbed Habitat TOTAL 4.7 57.8 145.0 Southern mixed chaparral occurs on many of the north-facing slopes on site. It is composed of broad-leaved, deep-rooted shrubs that grow into dense stands. Approximately 26.3 acres of southern mixed chaparral occur on site. Non-native grassland is a dense to sparse cover of annual grasses, often associated with numerous species of showy-flowered native annual forbs. This association occurs on gradual slopes with deep, fine-textured, usually clay soils. Characteristic species include: oats (Avena sp.), bromes (Bromus sp.), and mustard (Brassica sp.). Non-native grasslands are also important foraging areas for raptors and other sensitive animal species. Approximately 32.6 acres of non-native grasslands occur on site. Riparian and wetland habitats are considered sensitive by local and state agencies. They are also regulated by the ACOE under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and by the CDFG under Section 1600 of the Fish and Game Code. Riparian habitat can function as a wildlife corridor and both communities support sensitive species. Mule fat scrub, southern willow scrub, and coast and valley freshwater marsh are considered riparian and/or wetland habitats. Mule fat scrub is characterized by stands that are dominated by mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia), to the exclusion of almost all other plant species. Approximately 0.18 acre of mule fat scrub occurs on site. Southern willow scrub is a streambed plant community which is dominated by willows (Salix sp.). On site, mule fat is the primary associate species. Understory pvironinental planninQ. inc. Letter to Mr. Larry Nelson May 11,2001 Page 3 of 4 species include cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), bristly ox-tongue (Picris echoides), and annual beard-grass (Polypogon monspeliensis). Approximately 3.42 acres of southern willow scrub occur on site. Coastal and valley freshwater marsh is composed of riparian monocots such as bulrush (Typha sp.) and cattail (Typha sp.). These plants form dense clumps within depressions that are wet for an extended period of time. Approximately 0.77 acre of coast and valley freshwater marsh occtirs on site. Disturbed habitat/agriculture areas are devoid of vegetation as a result of soil compaction (as with dirt roads) or past grading, or have been used for agricultural purposes. Some areas on site have been recently used for agriculture, primarily non- irrigated farming, and have been disked. Approximately 62.5 acres of disturbed habitat/agriculture areas occur on site. Several areas on site are under the jurisdiction of the ACOE as wetlands. Any alteration to or filling in these areas would be subject to regulation by the ACOE in the form of a permit ptirsuant to Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act. Section 401 certification from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board is also required. Impacts to riparian and wetland habitats (southern willow scrub, mule fat scrub, coast and valley freshwater marsh) on site would be under the jurisdiction of the CDFG and would require a Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement. IMPACTS Impacts were calculated based on the grading footprint for Melrose Drive and the secondary access road (Figtire 3). Impacts to each habitat type are summarized in Table 2. Table 2 OFF SITE IMPACTS ON CARLSBAD RACEWAY Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Southern Mixed Chaparral Southern Willow Scrub Freshwater Marsh Mulefat Scrub Non-native Grassland Agricultural Disturbed TOTAL Total On-Site 19.2 26.3 3.42 0.77 0.18 32.6 4.7 57.83 145.0 Acres Impacted ' 0.5 3.5 0.15 0 0 0.8 3.0 5.9 13.85 Impacts to Diegan coastal sage scrub and southern willow scrub would be considered significant. Impacts to southern willow scrub will require a 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineeers, a 1603 agreement with the California environmental planning, inc: Letter to Mr. Larry Nelson May 11,2001 Page 4 of 4 Department of Fish and Game, and a 401 water quality waiver/certification from the Regional Water Quality Control Board. No sensitive plant or animal species were observed within the proposed road improvement footprints. MITIGATION Impacts to Diegan coastal sage scrub will be mitigated by preservation of existing Diegan coastal sage scrub within the proposed open space corridor on the Raceway project. Preservation will be at a 1:1 mitigation ratio. All impacts to wetland habitats will be mitigated at a minimum 1:1 replacement ratio. Because existing wetland habitats have been previously degraded, mitigation ratios will likely be at between 1:1 and 2:1, and will occur on site. Final mitigation ratios will be determined through consultations with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and California Department of Fish and Game. Please contact me if you have any questions about the contents of this letter. Sincerely, Barry L. Senior Consulting Biofogist Enclosures: Figure 1 Regional Location Map Figure 2 Project Vicinity Map Figure 3 Vegetation and Sensitive Resources Off site Impact Map Bill Hofman, Hofman Planning Associates, including enclosures ! RIVERSIDE . COUNTY ORANGE SANDIEGO PROJECT LOCATION S/ilk/-^ UNITEP..STATES •—-TECATEYSj°22?W— ——-—""' MEXICO / MILES ROSARITO HELIX Regional Location Map PALOMAR FORUM Figure 1 PROJECT LOCATION .•» >r\«».r»mr«Vl J~ ' \Base map reproduced with permission granted by THOMAS BROS. MAPS® This map is copyrighted by THOMAS BROS. MAP~t is unlawful to copy or reproduce all or any part thereof, whether for personal use or resale, without permission. HELIX Project Vicinity Map PALOMAR FORUM Figure 2 •;^".!^>vi4<-.' :!S3§?. '•'•—.. -*.,S. 'v^r • ..MJ>>; Vegetation and Sensitive Resources LEGEND Vegetation DCSS Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub SWS Southern Willow Scrub SMC Southern Mixed Chaparral NNG Non-native Grassland AG Agriculture DH Disturbed Habitat Sensitive Plant Species Qa Coast Live Oak (Qucrciis agrifolia) Ac California Spine Bush (Adolphia califomica) Do Western Dichondra (Dichondra occidcntalis) Project Boundary Palomar Forum -. .-1 ^^--^--r--;!^• - •», " \ "• • ' "\ mix Off-site Improvements/Palomar Forum Figure 3 monmental planning, inc. 8100 La Mesa Blvd., Suite 290 La Mesa, CA 91941-6452 e-mail: helix@4dcomm.com fax (619) 462-0552 phone (619) 462-1515 April 26,1999 Ms. Ann Hysong City of Carlsbad Planning Department 2075 Las Palmas Drive Carlsbad, CA 92009 Subject: Palomar Forum Biological Mitigation Dear Ms. Hysong: This letter summarizes the proposed mitigation plan for the Palomar Forum project located within Local Facility Management Zone (LFMZ) 18 of the City of Carlsbad's Draft Habitat Management Plan (HMP). The applicant has worked with the City, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), and California Department of Fish and Game (Department) on a site design and mitigation measures to fully mitigate this project. This program is consistent with mitigation discussed with the Service, Corps, and Department. The project has been designed to be consistent with the City's HMP and will be considered a completed component of the HMP by providing a 400-foot wide corridor through the eastern portion of the project site. The Linkage D Preserve Planning Area (PPA), which goes through the far eastern portion of the Palomar Forum site, links the Core 5 PPA, to the northwest of Palomar Forum, with the Core 6 PPA to the southwest. This linkage is present on site as 1.7 acres of open space and connects with linkage areas on the Carlsbad Raceway Property to the north and, after crossing the Palomar Airport Road, the Rancho Carrillo Property and Meadowlark Estates Property to the south. Approximately 3.2 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub (100 percent) and 0.08 acre of jurisdictional waters of the U.S. will be impacted. There are three components to the mitigation program: 1) On-site upland habitat restoration; 2) Off-site upland habitat acquisition; and 3) Off-site riparian restoration. Impacts to Diegan coastal sage scrub will be mitigated at a 1:1 ratio. Impacts to unvegetated waters of the U.S. will be mitigated at a 1:1 ratio. The on-site restoration will include restoration of approximately 1.7 acres of currently disturbed areas to Diegan coastal sage scrub. Restoration of the corridor will maximize its value for wildlife. A conceptual restoration plan will need to be developed prior to final map approval that would require a detailed planting palette, maintenance program, monitoring requirements and remediation measures. The remaining upland mitigation requirement of 1.5 acres will be met by the acquisition of 1.5 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub or other habitat acceptable to the City. Credits could also be purchased within an approved conservation bank. The habitat must be located within the HMFs PPA's. If it is determined by the City that no appropriate options are available in the City of Carlsbad, the applicant would be allowed to purchase habitat or credits outside of the City. Letter to Ms. Ann Hysong April 26,1999 Page 2 Approximately 0.08 acre of unvegetated waters of the U.S. impacts will be mitigated by creation of 0.08 acre of riparian habitat or freshwater marsh vegetation on the Carlsbad Raceway property immediately to the north, or at another location acceptable to the City. Combined, these mitigation measures will fully mitigate biological impacts to the Palomar Forum project. Please call me if you have any questions. Sincerely, BariyL Jones Senior Consulting Biologist Attachment: Wildlife Corridor Map cc: Bill Allen-Professors Capital Bill Hofman-Hofman Planning Mitigation Measure 3. Biological mitigation to mitigate both upland and wetland habitats, as described in Helix Environmental Planning, Inc. mitigation proposals, shall consist of the following: • Restore 1.7 acres of DCSS onsite within wildlife corridor and develop a conceptual restoration plan prior to final map. • Acquire 1.5 acres of DCSS or other habitat acceptable to the City and wildlife agencies • Create .08 acre of riparian habitat or freshwater marsh vegetation within the Carlsbad Raceway HMP wildlife corridor • Prior to final map approval, prepare an engineering and feasibility study for a potential wildlife crossing under Palomar Airport Road; • Payment of $133,867.80 to mitigate impacts to non- native grassland and southern mixed chaparral • If the HMP is approved prior to final map approval, the feasibility study is not required and the mitigation funds shall be used for acquisition of acreage in the designated core area as described in the City's HMP • If the HMP is not approved prior to final map approval, the City in consultation with the wildlife agencies will determine the most beneficial use of mitigation funds including but not limited to: a) acquisition of acreage in designated County Core area; b) construction of wildlife crossing under Palomar Airport Road; and c) other programs as determined by City to enhance habitat preservation in the City. Explanation of Headings: Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative. Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular Monitoring Type Plancheck - Receipt of wildlife agency permits Yen Monitoring Department Planning fied Implementation = \ this column will be ir Shown on Plans 'hen mitigation measu: itialed and dated. Verified Implementation e has been implemented, Remarks 01 ongoing iiuugauuii measure, ui lui uuii'i information. Shown on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be RD - Appendix P. Mitigation Measure Monitoring Type Monitoring Department Shown on Plans Verified Implementation Remarks • Conduct burrowing owl surveys prior to construction and relocate if necessary. • Obtain all necessary permits from U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and California Department of Fish and Game prior to final map approval. • Submittal of wetland and coastal sage scrub restoration program for approval by City and wildlife agencies prior to construction activities 4. The tentative map will be conditioned to require that the following mitigation measures will be incorporated into projects prior to approval of the Planned Industrial Permit required for each lot. • Prohibit placement of mechanical equipment on roofs unless project incorporates architectural treatment consisting of architecture elements or parapets that are of sufficient height and design to screen future mechanical roof equipment. • Prohibit installation of roof screens other than building parapets or architecture elements that are integrated into the architectural design of buildings; • Prohibit loading bays that are visible from Palomar Airport Road or Melrose Drive. • Require enhanced architectural treatment of all building elevations that are visible from Palomar Airport Road or Melrose Drive. Plancheck Planning Future PIP site plans Explanation of Headings: Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative. Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular mitigation measure. Verified Implementation = When mitigation measure has been implemented, this column will be initialed and dated. Remarks = Area for describing status of ongoing mitigation measure, or for other information. Shown on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be RD - Appendix P. Mitigation Measure 5. Mitigation required to significantly reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous substances: • No project facilities located within 1,000 feet of any residential unit shall store, handle, or use toxic, or highly toxic gases as defined in the most currently adopted fire code at quantities which exceed exempt amount as defined in the most currently adopted fire code. • Facilities which store, handle or use regulated substances as defined in the California Health and Safety Code _25532(g) in excess of threshold quantities shall prepare risk management plans for determination of risks to the community. Monitoring Type Plan check Monitoring Department Fire/Planning Shown on Plans Future PIP building plans Verified Implementation Remarks Explanation of Headings: Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative. Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular mitigation measure. information. Shown.on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be Verified Implementation = When mitigation measure has been implemented, this column will be initialed and dated. Remarks = Area for describing status of ongoing mitigation measure, or for other RD - Appendix P. Mitigation Measure • Facilities which store, handle, or use any quantity of a toxic or highly toxic gas as defined in the most currently adopted fire code which are also regulated substances as defined in the California Health and Safety Code _25532(g) shall prepare an offsite consequence analysis (OCA). The analysis shall be performed in accordance with Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations _2750.2 through 2750.3. If the OCA shows the release could impact the residential community, the facility will not store, handle or use the material in those quantities. If a decrease in the quantity of material reduces the distance to toxic endpoint to where the community is not impacted, the facility shall be able to utilize the material in that quantity. Note: Computer models may be utilized as a tool to determine the distance a hazardous material can travel if released to the atmosphere. Parameters such as temperature, wind speed, atmospheric stability, quantity released, material properties and type of release (e.g. a pressurized release of gases) are considered by these models. • Models can be overlayed onto maps which will show the distance to toxic endpoint in the event of a release. Models can be performed under "worst case" meteorological and chemical release conditions. Under this situation, the maximum harm potential is potential is determined for the specifics of the material in question. The use of these models is the most sophisticated method available to ensure community safety. 6. Mitigation to ensure no risk to human health is that prior to development of the property, the applicant shall solicit peer review of these findings by San Diego County Department of Environmental Health-Site Assessment and Mitigation Division (DEH-SAM) Technical Review Board and incorporate any recommendations into the project. Monitoring Type Plan Check Monitoring Department Planning Shown on Plans Grading Plans Verified Implementation Remarks Explanation of Headings: Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative. Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular mitigation measure. information. Shown on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be Verified Implementation = When mitigation measure has been implemented, this column will be initialed and dated. Remarks = Area for describing status of ongoing mitigation measure, or for other RD - Appendix P. Gray Davis GOVERNOR STATE OF CALIFORNIA Governor's Office of Planning and Research State Clearinghouse Steve Nissen DIRECTOR October 5, 2001 Anne Hysong City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 Subject: Palomar Forum - CT 99-06 SCH#: 2001071073 Dear Anne Hysong: The State Clearinghouse submitted the above named Negative Declaration to selected state agencies for review. On the enclosed Document Details Report please note that the Clearinghouse has listed the state agencies that reviewed your document. The review period closed on October 4, 2001, and the comments from the responding agency (ies) is (are) enclosed. If this comment package is not in order, please notify the State Clearinghouse immediately. Please refer to the project's ten-digit State Clearinghouse number in future correspondence so that we may respond promptly. Please note that Section 21104(c) of the California Public Resources Code states that: "A responsible or other public agency shall only make substantive comments regarding those activities involved in a project which are within an area of expertise of the agency or which are required to be carried out or approved by the agency. Those comments shall be supported by specific documentation." These comments are forwarded for use in preparing your final environmental document. Should you need more information or clarification of the enclosed comments, we recommend that you contact the commenting agency directly. This letter acknowledges that you have complied with the State Clearinghouse review requirements for draft environmental documents, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. Please contact the State Clearinghouse at (916) 445-0613 if you have any questions regarding the environmental review process. Sincerely, Terry Roberts Senior Planner, State Clearinghouse Enclosures cc: Resources Agency 1400 TENTH STREET P.O. BOX 3044 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95812-3044 916-445-0613 FAX 916-323-3018 WWW.OPR.CA.GOV/CLEARINGHOUSE.LITML uocummii State Clearinghouse Data Base SCH# Project Title Lead Agency 2001071073 Palomar Forum - CT 99-06 Carlsbad, City of Type Neg Negative Declaration Description A request for a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to redesignate open space, and a Tentative Tract Map, Hillside Development Permit, and Planned Industrial Permit for a 70.6 acre, 10 lot, industrial subdivision with 3 open space lots on property located north of Palomar Airport Road between the City's eastern boundary and future Melrose Drive. The project design provides for a north-south wildlife corridor that provides access to a wildlife corridor within the northern portion of the adjacent Carlsbad Raceway property. The remaining segment of Melrose Drive between Palomar Airport Road and the City of Vista boundary will be constructed as part of the project. No industrial buildings are proposed. Lead Agency Contact Name Agency Phone email Address City Anne Hysong City of Carlsbad - 760-602-4622 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad Fax State CA Zip 92008 Project Location County San Diego City Carlsbad Region Cross Streets Melrose Drive/ Palomar Airport Road Parcel No. 221-012-10,-17 Township 12S Range 4W Sect/on 13,18 Base Proximity to: Highways Airports Railways Waterways Schools Land Use I-5 McClellan/Palomar NCTD Pacific Ocean Vacant Planned Industrial (P-M) Planned Industrial (PI) Project Issues Aesthetic/Visual; Air Quality; Archaeologic-Historic; Drainage/Absorption; Public Services; Toxic/Hazardous; Traffic/Circulation; Vegetation; Water Quality; Wetland/Riparian; Wildlife; Landuse Reviewing Resources Agency; California Coastal Commission; Department of Conservation; Department of Fish Agencies an(j Game, Region 5; Department of Parks and Recreation; Caltrans, Division of Aeronautics; California Highway Patrol; Caltrans, District 11; Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 9; Native American Heritage Commission; Public Utilities Commission; State Lands Commission Date Received 09/05/2001 Start of Review 09/05/2001 End of Review 10/04/2001 Note: Blanks in data fields result from insufficient information provided by lead agency. STATE OF CALIFORNIA - BUSINESS, TRAN^fcBTATlON AND HOUSING AGENCY GRAY DAV»S, Governor DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT 11, P.O. BOX 85406. MAIL STATION 60. SAN DIEGO. 62186-5406Telephone: (619)988-6954Fax: (619)688-4299 October 1, 2001 Mr. Scott Morgan State Clearinghouse 1400 Tenth Street Sacramento, CA 95814 fi1 ST H g i OCT -1 1 I H 20B J Of. CLEARING HOUSE ll-SD-078 PM9.1 (K.P. 14.6) Dear Mr. Morgan: Draft ND for the Palomar Forum - SCH 2001071073 The California Department of Transportation (Department) comments are as follows: • Section VI, Circulation, Page 14: Please provide the entire Palomar Forum Transportation Analysis for review. • The transportation analysis should examine all State-owned facilities (freeway sections, interchanges, and intersections) on Interstate Route 5 (1-5) and State Route 78 (SR-78) that are affected by this project. • The transportation analysis should have been done in accordance with the Department's Guide for the Preparation of Traffic Impact Studies, dated January 2001 (TIS guide). Minimum contents of the traffic impact study are listed in Appendix "A" of the TIS guide. • Analyze all State-owned signalized intersections affected by this project using the intersecting lane vehicle (ILV) procedure from the Department Highway Design Manual Topic 406, page 400-21. • The level of service (LOS) for operating State highway facilities is based upon measures of effectiveness (MOE) (see Appendix "C-2" of the TIS guide). The Department endeavors to maintain a target LOS at the transition between LOS "C" and LOS "D" (see Appendix "C-3" of the TIS guide). If an existing State highway facility is operating at less than this target LOS, the existing MOE should be maintained. • If certain traffic mitigation projects are identified as appropriate, then the Department supports the concept of "fair share" contributions on the part of the developer. Our contact person for 1-5 and SR-78 is Erwin Gojuangco, Route Manager, at (619) 688- 6610. Sincerely, BILL FIGGE, Chief Development Review and Public Transportation Branch ** TOTflL PflGE.04 ** Gray Davis GOVERNOR DATE: TO: RE: STATE OF CALIFORNIA Governor's Office of Planning and Research State Clearinghouse ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT September 20, 2001 Anne Hysong City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 Palomar Forum - CT 99-06 SCH#: 2001071073 Steve Nissen DIRECTOR This is to acknowledge that the State Clearinghouse has received your environmental document for state review. The review period assigned by the State Clearinghouse is: Review Start Date: Review End Date: Septembers, 2001 October 4, 2001 We have distributed your document to the following agencies and departments: California Coastal Commission California Highway Patrol Caltrans, District 11 Caltrans, Division of Aeronautics Department of Conservation Department of Fish and Game, Region 5 Department of Parks and Recreation Native American Heritage Commission Public Utilities Commission Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 9 Resources Agency State Lands Commission The State Clearinghouse will provide a closing letter with any state agency comments to your attention on the date following the close of the review period. Thank you for your participation in the State Clearinghouse review process. 1400 TENTH STREET P.O. BOX 3044 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95812-3044 916-445-0613 FAX 916-323-3018 WWW.OPR.CA.GOV/CLEARINGHOUSE.HTML Gray Davis GOVERNOR STATE OF CALIFORNIA Governor's Office of Planning and Research State Clearinghouse Steve Nissen DIRECTOR August 24, 2001 Anne Hysong City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 Subject: Palomar Forum SCH#: 2001071073 Dear Anne Hysong: The enclosed comment (s) on your Negative Declaration was (were) received by the State Clearinghouse after the end of the state review period, which closed on August 13, 2001. We are forwarding these comments to you because they provide information or raise issues that should be addressed in your final environmental document. The California Environmental Quality Act does not require Lead Agencies to respond to late comments. However, we encourage you to incorporate these additional comments into your final environmental document and to consider them prior to taking final action on the proposed project. Please contact the State Clearinghouse at (916) 445-0613 if you have any questions concerning the environmental review process. If you have a question regarding the above-named project, please refer to the ten-digit State Clearinghouse number (2001071073) when contacting this office. Sincerely, / Terry Roberts Senior Planner, State Clearinghouse Enclosures cc: Resources Agency 1400 TENTH STREET P.O. BOX 3044 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95812-3044 916-445-0613 FAX 916-323-3018 WWW.OPR.CA.GOV/CLEARINGHOUSE.HTML US Fish and Wildlife Service Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office 2730 Loker Avenue West Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760)431-9440 FAX (760),431-9624 CADept. of Fish & Game South Coast Regional Office 4949 Viewridge Avenue San Diego, CA 92123 (858)467-4201 FAX (858) 467-4299 j;A;ugustl5,2001In Reply, Refer to: FWS-SDG-2127.1 Ms. Anne Hysong City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 Re: Comments on the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Palomar Forum Business Park Project in the City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California (FWS-SD-2127) (Case No. GPA 01-07/ZC 01-06/CT 99-06/HDP 99-03/PIP 01-03) Deaf Ms. Hysong: The California Department of Fish and Game (Department) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) (hereafter referred to as the Wildlife Agencies), have reviewed the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Palomar Forum site and are providing these comments on this project. The following comments are based upon that primary document, the supporting Biological Technical Report for the project (dated January 1 5, 1 999) prepared by Helix Environmental Planning (Helix), and a tour of the site on August 13, 2001, by Meredith Osborne of the Department and representatives of Helix and Hofman Planning Associates. The primary concern and mandate of the Service is the protection of public fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. The Service has legal responsibility for the welfare of migratory birds, anadromous fish, and endangered animals and plants occurring in the United States. The Service is also responsible for administering the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 153 1 et seq.). The Department is a Trustee Agency and a Responsible Agency pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is responsible for the conservation, protection, and management of the state's biological resources, including rare, threatened, and endangered plant and animal species, pursuant to the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), and administers the Natural Community Conservation Planning Program. The proposed project would develop the entire 62.3-acre property as a business park with the exception of 1.7 acres of open space set aside as a north-south wildlife corridor on the east end of the site. This corridor will be revegetated with coastal sage scrub, plus an additional 1.5 acres of coastal sage scrub habitat will be acquired off site. The corridor will also extend through the adjacent Carlsbad Raceway property directly north of the site (reference August 15, 2001 Wildlife Agencies' review and comment letter regarding the proposed Carlsbad Raceway Business Park). Approximately 0.08 acres of unvegetated waters of the U.S. would be impacted Ms. Hysong (FWS-SDG-2127) 2 and mitigated through wetland creation on the Carlsbad Raceway Business Park site to the north. The Wildlife Agencies offer the following observations, comments, and recommendations to assist the City of Carlsbad in avoiding or minimizing impacts to biological resources: 1. According to the Mitigated Negative Declaration, the project would impact 53.7 acres of land described as disturbed in the 1998 Biological Technical Report. The Department disagrees with the characterization of these areas. The map contained in the HMP defines the vegetation in the northeastern and northwestern portions of the site (comprising approximately 50% of the area contained within the property) as non-native grassland. Based on a recent visit to the site by representatives of the Department, much of the areas described as disturbed are currently better characterized as non-native grassland based upon the dominant plant species present, vegetative structure, and use by native wildlife. About half of the site (the western portion) has been disced between August 10 and August 13,2001, and has apparently been disced annually for approximately the last four years. This activity is causing the value of this habitat to be kept artificially low, yet it does in fact possess value as grassland habitat, particularly for foraging raptors and grassland-associated species. The plant materials observed on the surface of the disced soil on the August 13 site visit seemed to consist primarily of grasses. The un-disced eastern portion of the property had a higher percentage of cover by mustard (Brassica nigrd) but about 40-50% of the cover was estimated to be comprised of grasses [(primarily wild oats (Avena sp.)]. The Wildlife Agencies believe that the non-native grassland and areas described as disturbed as well as the 3.3 acres of chaparral that would be impacted by the project are undervalued in the Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Biological Technical Report. Open grasslands provide valuable foraging areas for raptors, including the sensitive white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) observed during the 1998 biological surveys, as well as potentially occurring wintering raptor species [e.g., northern harrier (Circus cyaneus)]. Non-native grassland is valuable to species specifically associated with such habitat, such as black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus bennettii) which is a state species of special concern and typically found in extensive blocks of habitat. Chaparral provides valuable cover for a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals and foraging areas for raptors. Grassland habitat is clearly limited in extent within the City's jurisdiction. Cumulatively, raptor foraging habitat loss may be significant, and impacts to this resource warrant mitigation. Both non-native grassland and chaparral habitats are important to building the natural open space areas within the City, and mitigation of 0.5:1 for non-native grassland and 1:1 for chaparral is consistent with mitigation requirements utilized in other parts of the County of San Diego. 2. Burrowing owls or their burrows were not detected on site during the 1998 biological surveys; however, no focused investigations were performed. The burrowing owl is a federal and state species of special concern and has been historically reported in the project vicinity (Carlsbad Oaks North Business Park). This species should be surveyed for prior to any grading activities on the property. Ms. Hysong (FWS-SDG-2127) 3. The proposed project would require authorization from the Department, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board for impacts to the on-site waters of the U.S. The proposed project will require a Section 1603 Streambed Alteration Agreement (SAA). The Department's issuance of an SAA for a project that is subject to CEQA will require CEQA compliance actions by the Department as a responsible agency. The Department, as a responsible agency under CEQA, may consider the City's MND for the project. To minimize additional requirements by the Department pursuant to Section 1600£t seq. and/or under CEQA, the final MND should fully identify the potential impacts to the stream and riparian resources and provide adequate avoidance, mitigation, monitoring and reporting commitments for issuance of the agreement. An SAA notification package may be obtained by writing to The California Department of Fish and Game, Environmental Services Division, 4949 Viewridge Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123 or by calling (858) 636-3160. In addition, the applicant may be required to obtain a permit pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act from the U.S. Army Corps of/Engineers as well. 4. The Wildlife Agencies will need to review and concur with coastal sage scrub and wetland revegetation plans before the project begins construction. 5. The Wildlife Agencies recommend the use of native plants to the greatest extent feasible in the landscape areas adjacent to and/or near mitigation/open space areas and/or wetland/riparian areas. The applicant should not plant, seed or otherwise introduce invasive exotic plant species to the landscaped areas adjacent and/or near mitigation/open space area and/or wetland/riparian areas. Exotic plant species not to be used include those species listed on Lists A & B of the California Exotic Pest Plant Council's list of "Exotic Pest Plants of Greatest Ecological Concern in California as of October 1999." This list includes such species as: pepper trees, pampas grass, fountain grass, ice plant, myoporum, black locust, capeweed, tree of heaven, periwinkle, sweet alyssum, English ivy, French broom, Scotch broom, and Spanish broom. A copy of the complete list can be obtained by contacting the California Exotic Pest Plant Council at 32912 Calle del Tesoro, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-4427, or by accessing their web site at http://www.caleppc.org. The Wildlife Agencies appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Palomar Forum. If you have any questions, please contact Meredith Osborne of the Department at (858) 636-3163 or John Martin of the Servige aU760) 431-9440. Sincerely, Gilbert Assistant Field Supervisor Carlsbad Field Office U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service w William E. Tippets Environmental Program Manager South Coast Region California Department of Fish and Game STATE OF CALIFORNIA Gray Davis GOVERNOR Governor's Office of Planning and Research State Clearinghouse Steve Nissen DIRECTOR August 14, 2001 Anne Hysong City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 Subject: Palomar Forum SCH#: 2001071073 Dear Anne Hysong: The State Clearinghouse submitted the above named Negative Declaration to selected state agencies for review. On the enclosed Document Details Report please note that the Clearinghouse has listed the state agencies that reviewed your document. The review period closed on August 13, 2001, and the comments from the responding agency (ies) is (are) enclosed. If this comment package is not in order, please notify the State Clearinghouse immediately. Please refer to the project's ten-digit State Clearinghouse number in future correspondence so that we may respond promptly. Please note that Section 21104(c) of the California Public Resources Code states that: "A responsible or other public agency shall only make substantive comments regarding those activities involved in a project which are within an area of expertise of the agency or which are required to be carried out or approved by the agency. Those comments shall be supported by specific documentation." These comments are forwarded for use in preparing your final environmental document. Should you need more information or clarification of the enclosed comments, we recommend that you contact the commenting agency directly. This letter acknowledges that you have complied with the State Clearinghouse review requirements for draft environmental documents, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. Please contact the State Clearinghouse at (916) 445-0613 if you have any questions regarding the environmental review process. Sincerely, Terry Roberts Senior Planner, State Clearinghouse Enclosures cc: Resources Agency 1400 TENTH STREET P.O. BOX 3044 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95812-3044 916-445-0613 FAX 916-323-3018 WWW.OPR.CA.GOV/CLEARINGHOUSE.HTML Document Details Report State Clearinghouse Data Base^ SCH# 2001071073 Project Title Palomar Forum Lead Agency Carlsbad, City of Type Neg Negative Declaration Description A request for a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to redesignate open space, and a Tentative Tract Map, Hillside Development Permit, and Planned Industrial Permit for a 70.6 acre, 10 lot, industrial subdivision with 3 open space lots on property located north of Palomar Airport Road between the City's eastern boundary and future Melrose Drive. The project design provides for a north-south wildlife corridor that provides access to a wildlife corridor within the northern portion of the adjacent Carlsbad Raceway property. The remaining segment of Melrose Drive between Palomar Airport Road and the City of Vista boundary will be constructed as part of the project. No industrial buildings are proposed. Lead Agency Contact Name Anne Hysong City of CarlsbadAgency Phone email Address City 760-602-4622 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad Fax State CA Zip 92008 Project Location County City Region Cross Streets Parcel No. Township San Diego Carlsbad Melrose Road and Palomar Airport Road 221-012-10, -17 12S Range 4W Sect/on 13, 18 Base Proximity to: Highways Airports Railways Waterways Schools Land Use I-5 McClellan/Palomar NCTD Pacific Ocean Vacant Planned Industrial (P-M) Planned Industrial (PI) Project Issues Aesthetic/Visual; Air Quality; Archaeologic-Historic; Drainage/Absorption; Public Services; Toxic/Hazardous; Traffic/Circulation; Vegetation; Water Quality; Wetland/Riparian; Wildlife; Landuse Reviewing Resources Agency; Department of Conservation; Department of Fish and Game, Region 5; Office of Agencies Historic Preservation; Department of Parks and Recreation; Caltrans, Division of Aeronautics; California Highway Patrol; Caltrans, District 11; Air Resources Board, Major Industrial Projects; Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 9; Department of Toxic Substances Control; Native American Heritage Commission; Public Utilities Commission; State Lands Commission Date Received 07/13/2001 Start of Review 07/13/2001 End of Review 08/13/2001 Note: Blanks in data fields result from insufficient information provided by lead agency. flUG 13 2081 15:28 FR STATE OF CALIFORNIA - BUSINESS. TRANSPORTATION SUP HOUSING AGENCY>TOH TO 847S018 P.02/02 GRAY DAVIS, Governor DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT n, P.O. BOX esdoe. MAIL STATION so. SAN DIEGO. 92186-5406 Telephone: (£19)686-6954 Fax: (919J88M299 August 10, 2001 MjtM \ fw~' \ -SD-078 M9.1 •"-^ \ ^tttnimtEdraiiuuftKr^ ~" * lVyMr. Scott Morgan State Clearinghouse 1400 Tenth Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Dear Mr. Morgan: ND for the Palomar Forum - SCH 2001071073 The California Department of Transportation (Department) comments are as follows: • Section VI, Circulation, Page 14: Please provide the entire Palomar Forum Transportation Analysis for review. • The transportation analysis should examine all State-owned facilities (freeway sections, interchanges, and intersections) on Interstate Route 5 (1-5) and State Route 78 (SR-78) that are affected by this project. • The transportation analysis should have been done in accordance with the Department's Guide for the Preparation of Traffic Impact Studies, dated January 2001 (TIS guide). Minimum contents of the traffic impact study are listed in Appendix "A" of the TIS guide. • Analyze all State-owned signalized intersections affected by this project using the intersecting lane vehicle (ILV) procedure from the Department Highway Design Manual Topic 406, page 400-21. • The level of service (LOS) for operating State highway facilities is based upon measures of effectiveness (MOE) (see Appendix "C-2" of the TIS guide). The Department endeavors to maintain a target LOS at the transition between LOS "C" and LOS "D" (see Appendix "C-3" of the TIS guide). If an existing State highway facility is operating at less than this target LOS, the existing MOE should be maintained. • If certain traffic mitigation projects are identified as appropriate, then the Department supports the concept of "fair share" contributions on the part of the developer. Our contact person for 1-5 and SR-78 is Erwin Gojuangco, Route Manager, at (619) 688-6610. Sincerely, FIGGE, Chief Development Review and Public Transportation Branch ** TOTfiL PflGE.02 ** NOTICE OF COMPLETION. Mail to: State Clearinghouse, P. O. Box 3044,Sacramento, CA 95812 - (916) 445-0613 Project Title: Carlsbad Raceway Business Park - CT 98-10 Lead Agency: CITY OF CARLSBAD Contact Person: Anne Hysong See NOTE Below: SCH# Street Address: 1635 FARADAY AVENUE Phone: (760)602-4622 City: CARLSBAD Zip: 92008 COUNTY County: SAN DIEGO PROJECT LOCATION: County: San Diego City/Nearest Community:Carlsbad Cross Streets: Melrose Drive/Palomar Airport Road Total Acres: 146.3 Assessor's Parcel No. 221-011-03:-04:-05 and 221-010-22 Section: 12. 13. 18 Twp. 125 Range: 3W&4W Base:_ Within 2 Miles: State Hwy #: 1-5 Waterways: Pacific Ocean Airports: McCLELLAN/PALOMAR Railways: NCTD Schools: DOCUMENT TYPE: CEQA: Q NOP [ Q Early Cons [ IXI Mitigated [ Neg Dec PI Draft EIR ]] Supplement/Subsequent 3] EIR (Prior SCH No.) ^] Other: NEPA: Q D D n NOI EA Draft EIS FONSI OTHER: Q D D Joint Document Final Document Other: LOCAL ACTION TYPE: Q| General Plan Update ^ General Plan Amendment | | General Plan Element | | Community Plan Specific Plan Master Plan Planned Unit Development Site Plan Rezone Prezone Use Permit Land Division (Subdivision, Parcel Map, Tract Map, etc.) Annexation Redevelopment Coastal Permit Other: Zone Change to Open Space/Hillside Development Permit DEVELOPMENT TYPE: D DD Residential: Office: Commercial: Industrial: Educational: Recreational: Units Sq. Ft. Sq. Ft. Sq. Ft. Acres Acres Acres Acres 146 Employees Employees Employees D D Water Facilities: Transportation: Mining: Power: Waste Treatment: Hazardous Water: Other: MODType Type Mineral Type Watts_ Type Type PROJECT ISSUES DISCUSSED IN DOCUMENT: g] Aesthetic/Visual | | Agricultural Land E3 Air Quality ^ Archaeological/Historical | | Coastal Zone IXI Drainage/Absorption | | Economic/Jobs Fiscal | | Flood Plain/Flooding | | Forest Land/Fire Hazard | | Geological/Seismic I | Minerals [ | Noise [ | Population/Hsg. Balance ER] Public Services/Facilities M Recreation/Parks Schools/Universities 1X1 Septic Systems [ | Sewer Capacity 1X1 Soil Erosion/Compaction/Grading |XI Solid Waste Q Toxic/Hazardous ^ Traffic/Circulation Q Vegetation |~1 Water Quality H2O Supply/Ground H2O Wetland/Riparian Wildlife Growth Inducing Land Use Cumulative Effect Other: Present Land Use/Zoning/General Plan Use Carlsbad Raceway/Planned Industrial (P-M)/Planned Industrial/Office (PI/O) Project Description: A request for a General Plan Amendment to eliminate the Office (O) General Plan Designation and redesignate proposed open space to the Open Space (OS) General Plan Designation, a zone change to add Open Space zoning, a Tentative Tract Map, Hillside Development Permit, and Planned Industrial Permit for an 146 acre, 25 lot, industrial subdivision with 3 open space lots on property located north of Palomar Airport Road between the City's eastern boundary and future Melrose Drive. The project design includes a 400 foot wide north-south wildlife corridor that provides access to an east-west wildlife corridor within the northern portion of the property. Access to the industrial lots will be provided by construction of the remaining segment of Melrose Drive between Palomar Airport Road and the City of Vista boundary and the extension of Poinsettia Avenue from its existing westerly terminus in the City of Vista to Melrose Drive. No industrial buildings are proposed as part of the project. NOTE: Clearinghouse will assign identification numbers for all new projects. If a SCH number already exists for a project (i.e., from a Notice of Preparation or previous draft document) please fill it in. Revised October 1989 City of Carlsbad Planning Department RECIRCULATED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Project Address/Location:North side of Palomar Airport Road between future Melrose Drive and the eastern City boundary. Project Description: A request for a General Plan Amendment to eliminate the Office (O) General Plan Designation and redesignate proposed open space to the Open Space (OS) General Plan Designation, a zone change to add Open Space zoning, a Tentative Tract Map, Hillside Development Permit, and Planned Industrial Permit for an 146 acre, 25 lot, industrial subdivision with 3 open space lots on property located north of Palomar Airport Road between the City's eastern boundary and future Melrose Drive. The project design includes a 400 foot wide north- south wildlife corridor that provides access to an east-west wildlife corridor within the northern portion of the property. Access to the industrial lots will be provided by construction of the remaining segment of Melrose Drive between Palomar Airport Road and the City of Vista boundary and the extension of Poinsettia Avenue (Street "B") from its existing westerly terminus in the City of Vista to Melrose Drive. No industrial buildings are proposed as part of the project. The City of Carlsbad has conducted an environmental review of the above described project pursuant to the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act and the Environmental Protection Ordinance of the City of Carlsbad. As a result of said review, the initial study (ElA Part 2) identified potentially significant effects on the environment, but (1) revisions in the project plans or proposals made by, or agreed to by, the applicant before the proposed negative declaration and initial study are released for public review would avoid the effects or mitigate the effects to a point where clearly no significant effect on the environment would occur, and (2) there is no substantial evidence in light of the whole record before the City that the project "as revised" may have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, a Mitigated Negative Declaration is hereby issued for the subject project. Justification for this action is on file in the Planning Department. A copy of the Mitigated Negative Declaration with supportive documents is on file in the Planning Department, 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California 92008. Comments from the public are invited. Please submit comments in writing to the Planning Department within 30 days of date of issuance. If you have any questions, please call Anne Hysong in the Planning Department at (760) 602-4622. DATED:SEPTEMBER 6, 2001 CASE NO: GPA 98-05/ZC 01-07/LFMP 87-18(B)/CT 98-10/HDP 98-09/PIP 01-01 CASE NAME: CARLSBAD RACEWAY BUSINESS PUBLISH DATE: SEPTEMBER 6, 2001 MIGHAEL/f. HOLZMILLER Planning Director ' 1635 Faraday Avenue • Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 • (760) 602-4600 • FAX (760) 602-8559 • www.ci.carlsbad.ca.us BACKGROUND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FORM - PART II (TO BE COMPLETED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT) CASE NO: GPA 98-057 ZC 01-07LFMP 87-18(BVCT 98-10/HDP 98-09/PIP 01-01 DATE: May 3, 2001 RECIRCULATION DATE: August 31, 2001 1. 2. 3. 4. CASE NAME: Carlsbad Raceway Business Park APPLICANT: Hofman Planning Associates/Raceway Properties, LLC ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF APPLICANT: 5900 Pasteur Court. Suite 150. Carlsbad. CA 92008. (760)438-1465 DATE EIA FORM PART I SUBMITTED: June 4, 1998 5. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A request for a General Plan Amendment to eliminate the Office (O) General Plan Designation and redesignate proposed open space to the Open Space (OS) General Plan Designation, a zone change to add Open Space zoning, a Tentative Tract Map, Hillside Development Permit, and Planned Industrial Permit for an 146 acre, 25 lot, industrial subdivision with 3 open space lots on property located north of Palomar Airport Road between the City's eastern boundary and future Melrose Drive. The project design includes a 400. foot wide north-south wildlife corridor that provides access to an east-west wildlife corridor within the northern portion of the property. Access to the industrial lots will be provided by construction of the remaining segment of Melrose Drive between Palomar Airport Road and the City of Vista boundary and the extension of Poinsettia Avenue (Street "B") from its existing westerly terminus in the City of Vista to Melrose Drive. No industrial buildinRS are proposed as part of the project. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The summary of environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact," or "Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. Land Use and Planning Population and Housing Geological Problems Water Air Quality [X] Transportation/Circulation I I Public Services 1X1 Biological Resources I I Utilities & Service Systems I | Energy & Mineral Resources 1X1 Aesthetics ^ Hazards IXI Cultural Resources I 1 Noise I I Recreation I | Mandatory Findings of Significance Rev. 03/28/96 DETERMINATION. (To be completed by the Lead Agency) CD I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. [H I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I I I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. IXI I find that the proposed project MAY have significant effect(s) on the environment, but at least one potentially significant effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. A Mitigated Negative Declaration is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. O I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier pursuant to applicable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project. Therefore, a Notice of Prior Compliance has been prepared. Date Planr/(n4^5rrect^r's Signature / Date '/ Rev. 03/28/96 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS STATE CEQA GUIDELINES, Chapter 3, Article 5, Section 15063 requires that the City conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment to determine if a project may have a significant effect on the environment. The Environmental Impact Assessment appears in the following pages in the form of a checklist. This checklist identifies any physical, biological and human factors that might be impacted by the proposed project and provides the City with information to use as the basis for deciding whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Negative Declaration, or to rely on a previously approved EIR or Negative Declaration. • A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by an information source cited in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved. A "No Impact" answer should be explained when there is no source document to refer to, or it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards. • "Less Than Significant Impact" applies where there is supporting evidence that the potential impact is not adversely significant, and the impact does not exceed adopted general standards and policies. • "Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than Significant Impact." The developer must agree to the mitigation, and the City must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level. • "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect is significant. • Based on an "EIA-Part II", if a proposed project could have a potentially significant effect on the environment, but all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to applicable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or Mitigated Negative Declaration, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, and none of the circumstances requiring a supplement to or supplemental EIR are present and all the mitigation measures required by the prior environmental document have been incorporated into this project, then no additional environmental document is required (Prior Compliance). • When "Potentially Significant Impact" is checked the project is not necessarily required to prepare an EIR if the significant effect has been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards and the effect will be mitigated, or a "Statement of Overriding Considerations" has been made pursuant to that earlier EIR. • A Negative Declaration may be prepared if the City perceives no substantial evidence that the project or any of its aspects may cause a significant effect on the environment. Rev. 03/28/96 • If there are one or more potentially significant effects, the City may avoid preparing an EIR if there are mitigation measures to clearly reduce impacts to less than significant, and those mitigation measures are agreed to by the developer prior to public review. In this case, the appropriate "Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated" may be checked and a Mitigated Negative Declaration may be prepared. • An EIR must be prepared if "Potentially Significant Impact" is checked, and including but not limited to the following circumstances: (1) the potentially significant effect has not been discussed or mitigated in an Earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards, and the developer does not agree to mitigation measures that reduce the impact to less than significant; (2) a "Statement of Overriding Considerations" for the significant impact has not been made pursuant to an earlier EIR; (3) proposed mitigation measures do not reduce the impact to less than significant, or; (4) through the EIA-Part II analysis it is not possible to determine the level of significance for a potentially adverse effect, or determine the effectiveness of a mitigation measure in reducing a potentially significant effect to below a level of significance. A discussion of potential impacts and the proposed mitigation measures appears at the end of the form under DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION. Particular attention should be given to discussing mitigation for impacts which would otherwise be determined significant. Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). I. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the proposal:. a) Conflict with general plan designation or zoning? (Source #(s): (#l:Pgs 5.6-1 - 5.6-18) b) Conflict with applicable environmental plans or policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project? (#l:Pgs 5.6-1 - 5.6-18) c) Be incompatible with existing land use in the vicinity? (#l:Pgs 5.6-1 - 5.6-18) d) Affect agricultural resources or operations (e.g. impacts to soils or farmlands, or impacts from incompatible land uses? (#l:Pgs 5.6-1 - 5.6-18) e) Disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of an established community (including a low-income or minority community)? (#l:Pgs 5.6-1 - 5.6- 18) II. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the proposal: a) Cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projections? (#l:Pgs 5.5-1 - 5.5-6) b) Induce substantial growth in an area either directly or indirectly (e.g. through projects in an undeveloped area or extension of major infrastructure)? (#l:Pgs 5.5-1 - 5.5-6) c) Displace existing housing, especially affordable housing? (#l:Pgs 5.5-1 - 5.5-6) III. GEOLOGIC PROBLEMS. Would the proposal result in or expose people to potential impacts involving: a) Fault rupture? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1 - 5.1-15; #4) b) Seismic ground shaking? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1 - 5.1-15) c) Seismic ground failure, including liquefaction? (#l:Pgs5.1-l-5.1.15;#4) d) Seiche, tsunami, or volcanic hazard? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1-5.1-15) e) Landslides or mudflows? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1 - 5.1-15; #4) f) Erosion, changes in topography or unstable soil conditions from excavation, grading, or fill? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1-5.1-15; #4) g) Subsidence of the land? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1-5.1-15' #4) h) Expansive soils? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1 - 5.1-15; #4) i) Unique geologic or physical features? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1-5.1-15; #4) Potentially Significant Impact D D D D n n n n n nn Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than No Significant Impact Impact n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). IV. WATER. Would the proposal result in: a) Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 -5..2-ll;#2, #2) b) Exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as flooding? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5.2- 11) c) Discharge into surface waters or other alteration of surface water quality (e.g. temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity)? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-ll;#2;#2) d) Changes in the amount of surface water in any water body? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11; #2; #3 ) e) Changes in currents, or the course or direction of water movements? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) f) Changes in the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or withdrawals, or through interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations or through substantial loss of groundwater recharge capability? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 -5..2-11) g) Altered direction or rate of flow of groundwater? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) h) Impacts to groundwater quality? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) i) Substantial reduction in the amount of groundwater otherwise available for public water supplies? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) V. AIR QUALITY. Would the proposal: a) Violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation? (#l:Pgs 5.3-1-5.3-12) b) Expose sensitive receptors to pollutants? (#l:Pgs 5.3-1 -5.3-12) c) Alter air movement, moisture, or temperature, or cause any change in climate? (#l:Pgs 5.3-1 - 5.3-12) d) Create objectionable odors? (#l:Pgs 5.3-1 - 5.3- 12) VI. TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION. Would the proposal result in: a) Increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1-5.7.22; #3) Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). b) Hazards to safety from design features (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm equipment)? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1 -5.7.22) c) Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby uses? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1 - 5.7.22) d) Insufficient parking capacity on-site or off-site? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1 -5.7.22) e) Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1 -5.7.22) f) Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation (e.g. bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1 - 5.7.22) g) Rail, waterborne or air traffic impacts? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1 - 5.7.22) VII. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal result in impacts to: a) Endangered, threatened or rare species or their habitats (including but not limited to plants, fish, insects, animals, and birds? (#l:Pgs 5.4-1 - 5.4-24; #5) b) Locally designated species (e.g. heritage trees)? (#l:Pgs 5.4-1 -5.4-24) c) Locally designated natural communities (e.g. oak forest, coastal habitat, etc.)? (#l:Pgs 5.4-1 - 5.4-24; #5) d) Wetland habitat (e.g. marsh, riparian and vernal pool)? (#l:Pgs 5.4-1 - 5.4-24; #5;) e) Wildlife dispersal or migration corridors? (#l:Pgs 5.4-1 -5.4-24; #5) VIII. ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal? a) Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans? (#l:Pgs 5.12.1-1 - 5.12.1-5 & 5.13-1 - 5.13-9) b) Use non-renewable resources in a wasteful and inefficient manner? (#l:Pgs 5.12.1-1 -5.12.1-5 & 5.13-1 -5.13-9) c) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of future value to the region and the residents of the State? (#l:Pgs 5.12.1-1 - 5.12.1-5 & 5.13-1 - 5.13-9) IX. HAZARDS. Would the proposal involve: Potentially Significant Impact D D D D D Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated D Less Than Significant Impact D No Impact D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). a) A risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to: oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation)? (#l:Pgs 5.10.1-1 -5.10.1-5) b) Possible interference with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? (#l:Pgs 5.10.1-1 -5.10.1-5) c) The creation of any health hazard or potential health hazards? (#l:Pgs 5.10.1-1 - 5.10.1-5) d) Exposure of people to existing sources of potential health hazards? (#l:Pgs 5.10.1-1 - 5.10.1-5) e) Increase fire hazard in areas with flammable brush, grass, or trees? (#l:Pgs 5.10.1-1 - 5.10.1- 5) X. NOISE. Would the proposal result in: a) Increases in existing noise levels? (#l:Pgs 5.9-1 -5.9-15) b) Exposure of people to severe noise levels? (#l:Pgs 5.9-1 -5.9-15) XL PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the proposal have an effect upon, or result in a need for new or altered government services in any of the following areas: a) Fire protection? (#l:Pgs 5.12.5-1 - 5.12.5-6) b) Police protection? (#l:Pgs 5.12.6-1 - 5.12.6-4) c) Schools? (#l:Pgs 5.12.7.1 - 5.12.7-5) d) Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? () e) Other governmental services? (#l:Pgs 5.12.1-1 - 5.12.8-7) XII. UTILITIES AND SERVICES SYSTEMS. Would the proposal result in a need for new systems or supplies, or substantial alterations to the following utilities: a) Power or natural gas? (#l:Pgs 5.12.1-1 - 5.12.1- 5 & 5.13-1-5.13-9) b) Communications systems? () c) Local or regional water treatment or distribution facilities? (#l:Pgs 5.12.2-1 - 5.12.3-7) d) Sewer or septic tanks? (#l:Pgs 5.12.3-1 - 5.12.3-7) e) Storm water drainage? (#1 :Pg 5.2-8) f) Solid waste disposal? (#l:Pgs 5.12.4-1 - 5.12.4- 3) Potentially Significant Impact D D D D D DD D D D D D Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated D D D D D D D D Less Than Significant Impact D D No Impact D D D D D D D D D D D D 8 Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). g) Local or regional water supplies? (#l:Pgs 5.12.2-1-5.12.3-7) XIII. a) b) c) XIV. a) b) c) d) e) XV. a) b) XVI. a) AESTHETICS. Would the proposal: Affect a scenic or vista or scenic highway? (#l:Pgs5.11-l -5.11-5) Have a demonstrated negative aesthetic effect? (#l:Pgs 5.11-1 -5.11-5) Create light or glare? (#l:Pgs 5.11-1 - 5.11-5) CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal: Disturb paleontological resources? (#l:Pgs 5.8- 1-5.8-10) Disturb archaeological resources? (#l:Pgs 5.8-1 -5.8-10) Affect historical resources? (#l:Pgs 5.8-1 - 5.8- 10) Have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values? (#l:Pgs 5.8-1 - 5.8-10) Restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the potential impact area? (#l:Pgs 5.8-1 - 5.8- 10) RECREATIONAL. Would the proposal: Increase the demand for neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities? (#l:Pgs 5.12.8-1-5.12.8-7) Affect existing recreational opportunities? (#l:Pgs 5.12.8-1-5.12.8-7) FINDINGS OFMANDATORY SIGNIFICANCE. Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause the substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Potentially Significant Impact D Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact D D No Impact n n XVII. EARLIER ANALYSES. Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, one or more effects have been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case a discussion should identify the following on attached sheets: a) Earlier analyses used. Identify earlier analyses and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts adequately addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project. 10 Rev. 03/28/96 DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION Environmental Setting The Carlsbad Raceway property is located north of Palomar Airport Road in the City's northeast quadrant. The property is surrounded by open space and industrial park development to the north, vacant industrial property and a small commercial development in the City of Vista to the east, a vacant industrially zoned property and Palomar Airport Road to the south, and the existing Carlsbad Oaks East industrial park to the west. The property is characterized by gentle slope terrain which descends northward into a prominent east/west canyon on the northern half of the property in which a drainage spans most of the length of the property. Tributaries to the main drainage occur in two smaller canyons on the southern half of the site which drain towards the north. Three other tributaries to the main drainage enter from the north side of the property. The drainage on site is an unnamed tributary to Agua Hedionda Creek which drains into Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Two larger hills occur on the northern edge of the site and on the southwest corner of the site, and elevations range from approximately 310 feet to 495 feet above sea level. A drag strip stretches about two thirds of the property from the northeast corner to the south central area. Much of the site is heavily disturbed in that a drag strip was created in the canyon bottom in the northeast area of the site where water has been diverted to flow alongside it in a previously upland area. Also, numerous dirt roads created from off-road motorcycle activity occur in all areas of the site. The southwestern portion of the site has also been used for agriculture, and a SDG&E powerline easement bisects the eastern half of the property. The north-central portion of the site, which is abutted by dedicated open space in the City of Vista, is the least disturbed portion of the property. The northern and eastern portions of the Raceway property comprise a hardline area in the City's draft HMP, which identifies it as a part of a linkage (Linkage Area D) that connects core areas to the north and south of the property. I. LAND USE The Carlsbad Raceway property is currently designated by the General Plan for Planned Industrial/Office (PI/O) land use and zoned Planned Industrial (P-M). The project includes a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to change the property's dual PI/O General Plan designation to PI and Open Space (OS) thereby eliminating the O designation. The General Plan Amendment would retain only the PI designation on the portion of the property proposed to be developed with industrial lots, and the 43.36 acres of the property proposed to be dedicated as permanent open space would be redesignated to OS. Justification for elimination of the O designation, which allows office and related commercial use, is that it is unnecessary since professional offices that are incidental to the industrial uses and not retail in nature, are permitted by P-M zoning under the PI land use designation. Limited retail commercial uses that provide services to occupants of the industrial zones are also permitted by conditional use permit. To ensure zoning consistency with the proposed General Plan land use designations, the portion of the property redesignated as OS would be rezoned to the O-S zone. The project is located within the boundaries of the McClellan-Palomar Airport Influence Area and therefore subject to the McClellan-Palomar Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). The project is located within the eastern portion of the airport flight activity zone. The project, which consists of industrial lots to be developed in the future with industrial buildings that are consistent with the P-M zone standards, is consistent with the CLUP. II. POPULATION AND HOUSING The project will require the construction of the last segment of Melrose Drive between its existing 11 Rev. 03/28/96 northerly terminus in the City of Vista and Palomar Airport Road and Faraday Avenue between its existing westerly terminus in the City of Carlsbad and the City's easterly boundary. These extensions of prime and secondary arterial roadways are part of the City's circulation arterial roadway system necessary to support existing and proposed development in the surrounding area and to alleviate regional traffic congestion. Given that existing development surrounds the Carlsbad Raceway property, construction of these roadways cannot be considered to be directly or indirectly growth inducing. III. GEOLOGY Based on the geotechnical investigation performed by Vinje & Middleton, Inc., the development of the Carlsbad Raceway property as proposed is feasible from a geotechnical viewpoint provided the recommendations for remedial grading and site development are followed. A brief summary of findings of the investigation indicate that: • Hard bedrock units are present in the north central areas of the property where only minor grading is proposed. • Topsoils, alluvium and existing fill soils at the project site are not suitable in their present conditions for support of structures or new graded fills and will need to be removed. • Groundwater conditions at the project are not expected to be significant, although some dewatering may be necessary in connection with alluvial removals in the northwest portion of the property. • Expansive soils are present and not recommended at pad or roadway finish grade levels • Liquefaction and seismically induced settlements will not impact the proposed development • Landslide conditions are not indicated at the site. • Soil collapse will not be a factor IV. WATER The project, upon ultimate development, will consist of industrial lots with a large coverage of building and parking. Storm water runoff from each lot will be picked up in a subsurface storm drain pipe and will flow underground into the public storm drain under the streets. The public storm drain outlets into one of two detention basins which drain into a tributary of Agua Hedionda Creek. The mass grading has been designed to generally perpetuate existing drainage patterns. As the lots are developed, the site will absorb less water than in the undeveloped condition. The project includes work to constrict the inlet to the existing storm drain culvert under Melrose Drive in the City of Vista. This will create a detention basin to the east of Melrose Drive and reduce the peak flow in the Agua Hedionda Creek tributary to below pre-development conditions. Due to the reduced peak flows, the project will have no impact on erosion downstream. The project drains into the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, which is an Impaired Waterbody on the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list. The beneficial uses of aquatic life, Recreation-1 (non-contact) and Recreation-2(contact), and shellfish harvest are impaired by sediment and coliform respectively. Beneficial uses are currently impaired due to coliform bacteria. The typical pollutant source for coliform bacteria is pet waste. An industrial project is not anticipated to have significant impacts due to the absence of residential uses. The total maximum daily load (TMDL) for coliform has not been established for the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The Regional Water Quality Control Board is currently in the process of developing six TMDL's in the San Diego area. Since the TMDL priority for 12 Rev. 03/28/96 coliform in the Agua Hedionda Lagoon is listed as low, it will be some time before a TMDL is established. During construction, the project will be required to implement extensive erosion control measures pursuant to City standards. Mitigation measures for the containment of silt on the site during construction are contained in the City Engineering Standards and will be further specified in the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) prepared with the grading and erosion control plans for the project. The general measures to be employed are listed in the Preliminary SWPPP prepared for the project. Specifics cannot be shown until the detailed construction plans are prepared, however, the preliminary SWPPP for the project identifies the mitigation measures to prevent sediment from impacting the lagoon. It lists Best Management Practices (BMPs) from the Contractor Activities and the Erosion and Sedimentation sections of the California Storm Water Best Management Practice Handbook. The specific BMPs will be referenced in the construction SWPPP prior to issuance of a grading permit. These will be maintained by the developer and inspected by the City, and will reduce the impact of sediment to less than significant during grading. After grading is complete, slopes will be planted, pads will be hydroseeded, and temporary desiltation basins will be constructed on each lot to remove sediment from storm water runoff prior to entering the storm drain system. The detention basin at the end of the storm drain system provides redundancy. These mitigation measures will reduce the impact of sediment to less than significant after grading operations. As the lots are developed, they will be paved and landscaped, and the potential impact of sediment will be less than significant. The development of the project into industrial lots will create an increase in pollutants discharged in storm water. These pollutants, detailed in the Summary NPDES Study ("Study"), entitled "Carlsbad Raceway/Palomar Forum Storm Water Pollution Prevention", prepared for the project by O'Day Consultants, include oxygen demand, sediment, nutrients, heavy metals, and oil and grease. The Study indicates a potential impact totaling 8 pounds of pollutants per acre per year. Many of these pollutants collect on roof and pavement surfaces, and are transported in the "first flush" of rainfall. The Study lists potential structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) that will be used, their effectiveness at removing the anticipated pollutants, and some preliminary sizing calculations. The sample BMPs listed in the study are: Oxygen Demand • Infiltration/constructed wetlands (most effective BMP) • Wet ponds • Biofilters • Etended ponds • Media filtration • Oil/water sep. • Multiple systems Nutrients • Constructed wetlands (most effective BMP) • Wet ponds • Biofilters • Etended ponds • Media filtration • Oil/water sep. • Multiple systems 13 Rev. 03/28/96 Heavy Metals • Infiltration/constructed wetlands (most effective BMP) • Wet ponds • Biofilters • Etended ponds • Media filtration • Oil/water sep. • Multiple systems Oil and Grease • Infiltration/constructed wetlands/oil/water sep. (most effective BMPs) • Wet ponds • Bio filters • Extended ponds • Media filtration • Multiple systems State Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region, Order 2001-01 Section E requires that best management practices based on the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP) technology based standard be applied to industrial activity. Prior to development of each lot, a SWPPP will be prepared that evaluates the building coverage, extent of pavement, and specific business activities proposed, calculates the anticipated pollutants, and specifies the required BMPs necessary to mitigate the impact of development to the MEP standard, i.e., selected and sized to remove the type and quantity of the anticipated pollutants from the storm water before it enters the storm drain system. Ultimately the maintenance procedures and frequency will depend on the BMPs installed. The maintenance of the permanent BMPs will be specified in the SWPPP that will be a condition of the Planned Industrial Permit required prior to development of each industrial lot. BMPs will be maintained by the industrial park association. Backup water quality treatment will be provided by two detention basins into which storm drains will empty prior to stormwater flow into the Agua Hedionda Creek tributary. Due to the detention of runoff at Melrose Drive, no significant change in the amount of surface water body is anticipated. The geotechnical report does not indicate any high groundwater in the area to be graded, so the impact on groundwater quality, quantity or flow patterns is less than significant. Reductions in absorption caused by the increase in impervious surfaces will be offset by infiltration from the detention basin, and waters temporarily impounded behind Melrose Drive. V. AIR QUALITY: In 1994 the City prepared and certified an EIR which analyzed the impacts which will result from the build-out of the City under an updated General Plan. That document concludes that continued development to build-out as proposed in the updated General Plan will have cumulative significant impacts in the form of increased gas and electric power consumption and vehicle miles traveled. These subsequently result in increases in the emission of carbon monoxide, reactive organic gases, oxides of nitrogen and sulfur, and suspended particulates. These aerosols are the major contributors to air pollution in the City as well as in the San Diego Air Basin. Since the San Diego Air Basin is a "non-attainment basin", any additional air emissions are considered cumulatively significant: therefore, continued development to build-out as proposed in the updated General Plan will have cumulative significant impacts on the air quality of the region. To lessen or minimize the impact on air quality associated with General Plan build-out, a variety of 14 Rev. 03/28/96 mitigation measures are recommended in the Final Master EIR. These include: 1) provisions for roadway and intersection improvements prior to or concurrent with development; 2) measures to reduce vehicle trips through the implementation of Congestion and Transportation Demand Management; 3) provisions to encourage alternative modes of transportation including mass transit services; 4) conditions to promote energy efficient building and site design; and 5) participation in regional growth management strategies when adopted. The applicable and appropriate General Plan air quality mitigation measures have either been incorporated into the design of the project or are included as conditions of project approval. Operation-related emissions are considered cumulatively significant because the project is located within a "non-attainment basin", therefore, the "Initial Study" checklist is marked "Potentially Significant Impact". This project is consistent with the General Plan, therefore, the preparation of an EIR is not required because the certification of Final Master EIR 93-01, by City Council Resolution No. 94-246, included a "Statement Of Overriding Considerations" for air quality impacts. This "Statement Of Overriding Considerations" applies to all projects covered by the General Plan's Final Master EIR. This project is within the scope of that MEIR. This document is available at the Planning Department. VI. CIRCULATION: (The information presented in this section is summarized from the Carlsbad Raceway Industrial Park Transportation Analysis prepared by Urban Systems Associates, Inc. dated May 3,2001) The project will consist of approximately 75 acres of planned industrial uses with an expected vehicle generation of 10,320 ADT. The ADT is anticipated to result in 1,135 vehicle trips in the AM peak hour (split 1,022 inbound and 114 outbound) and 1,238 vehicle trips in the PM peak hour (split 248 inbound and 991 outbound). The project as proposed will construct adjacent roadways to complete'the City's circulation network in this area of the City. The specific roadways to be constructed are: • Poinsettia Ave will be extended from its existing terminus west of Business Park Drive to Melrose Drive. • Melrose Drive will be constructed from Palomar Airport Road to the existing terminus in the City of Vista. • Faraday Ave. will be extended from the existing terminus near Melrose Drive in Vista to the existing terminus near Orion Circle in Carlsbad. This extension will add another arterial parallel to Palomar Airport Road that provides direct access to the City's industrial corridor and reduces traffic on Palomar Airport Road, a regional arterial serving the City's of Carlsbad, Vista and San Marcos. • Onsite, Street "A" will connect to Palomar Forum, providing another link and secondary access to Palomar Airport Road and to Melrose Drive/ Business Park Drive. A) The project, upon ultimate development, will produce a potentially significant impact of increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion unless mitigation is incorporated. Arterial roadway connections and improvements to Melrose Drive, Faraday Ave., and Poinsettia Ave., (Street "B") connecting a network of roadways adjacent to Palomar Airport Road are identified as mitigation for this project. (See mitigation plan below). 15 Rev. 03/28/96 B) The project as designed will improve existing arterial roadways reducing hazards to safety and also producing additional connections or network for public access. The proposed widening of Palomar Airport Road intersection at Melrose Drive will provide a safer roadway free of lane transitions and bottleneck roadway design. C) The industrial lots will receive access from Street B, an east-west street that will connect to Business Park Drive in the City of Vista to the east and Melrose Drive to the west. To avoid Street B from bisecting a north-south wildlife corridor, it was suggested that Street B be designed so that it culdesacs on each side of the corridor. A culdesac design would require that industrial lots located on the east side of the corridor receive access via Business Park Drive in the City of Vista. It is the responsibility of the City of Carlsbad Fire Department in cooperation with surrounding mutual aid cities to respond if evacuation and emergency response is necessary due to a chemical spill, fire or other incident. The Carlsbad Fire Department has a five minute response standard for all Emergency Medical Services (EMS) incidents throughout the City. Without the connection of Street B through the project, the Fire Department response to the eastern lots could be delayed; therefore, this five minute EMS standard would be exceeded. Response to the project by mutual aid units from surrounding cities could also be delayed. As designed, the project is proposing that Street B provide the through connection required to satisfy the Fire Department emergency response threshold. The arterial connection of Melrose Drive, Faraday Ave., and Poinsettia Ave. (Business Park Dr. to Melrose Drive) will improve emergency access to the adjacent development in the City's of Carlsbad, Vista and San Marcos. E) The additional roadways (Melrose, Poinsettia, and Faraday) and capacity (Palomar Airport Road) will provide for additional routes of travel, reduce conflict on roadways, and facilitate alternate modes of transportation. Information provided by NCTD regarding future service scenarios to the proposed business park indicate likely locations required for bus stops. These future locations are shown on the tentative map to ensure their availability thereby facilitating future bus service to the site. F) The project as conditioned and designed will support alternative modes of transportation including but not limited to: Additional bus routes, bus turnouts, bike lanes, car pooling, ride sharing, and walking. Mitigation Plan: Unless the following mitigation measures are incorporated into the project, there is a likelihood that significant impacts resulting from increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion will occur. Prior to the recordation of a final map, the developer shall design, dedicate, and bond for the following roadways: • Melrose Drive shall be constructed as a Prime Arterial from existing terminus at the Carlsbad / Vista boundary south to the intersection of Palomar Airport Road. Additional Right turn lanes are required at Poinsettia Ave and at Palomar Airport Road. • Poinsettia Ave. ("B" Street) shall be constructed as an Industrial Collector from Business Park Drive to Melrose Drive. Additional widening may be required at the Poinsettia / Melrose intersection to accommodate turn lanes. • Intersection improvements to Faraday Ave at Melrose Drive including but not limited to: Additional right of way, additional roadway, lane configuration, traffic signal modification and inter-connect, street signs, and roadway striping. 16 Rev. 03/28/96 Prior to recordation of a final map: • Faraday Ave. shall be financially guaranteed as a Secondary Arterial to be constructed from the existing terminus in the City of Vista west of Melrose Drive to the existing terminus in the City of Carlsbad at Orion Way. A financing mechanism for the above-mentioned improvements is identified in the Local Facility Management Plan for Zone 18. In 1994 the City prepared and certified a Master EIR which analyzed the impacts which would result from the build-out of the City under an updated General Plan. That document concluded that continued development to build-out as proposed in the updated General Plan will result in increased traffic volumes. Roadway segments will be adequate to accommodate build-out traffic; however, 12 full and 2 partial intersections will be severely impacted by regional through-traffic over which the City has no jurisdictional control. These generally include all freeway interchange areas and major intersections along Carlsbad Boulevard. Even with the implementation of roadway improvements, a number of intersections are projected to fail the City's adopted Growth Management performance standards at build-out. To lessen or minimize the impact on circulation associated with General Plan build-out, numerous mitigation measures have been recommended in the Final Master EIR. These include: 1) measures to ensure the provision of circulation facilities concurrent with need; 2) provisions to develop alternative modes of transportation such as trails, bicycle routes, additional sidewalks, pedestrian linkages, and commuter rail systems; and 3) participation in regional circulation strategies when adopted. The diversion of regional through-traffic from a failing Interstate or State Highway onto City streets creates impacts that are not within the jurisdiction of the City to control. The applicable and appropriate General Plan circulation mitigation measures have either been incorporated into the design of the project or are included as conditions of project approval. Regional related circulation impacts are considered cumulatively significant because of the failure of intersections at build-out of the General Plan due to regional through-traffic, therefore, the "Initial Study" checklist is marked "Potentially Significant Impact". This project is consistent with the General Plan, therefore, the preparation of an EIR is not required because the recent certification of Final Master EIR 93-01, by City Council Resolution No. 94-246, included a "Statement Of Overriding Considerations" for circulation impacts. This "Statement Of Overriding Considerations" applies to all projects covered by the General Plan's Master EIR. This project is within the scope of that MEIR, This document is available at the Planning Department. A MEIR may not be used to review projects if it was certified more than five years prior to the filing of an application for a later project. The City is currently reviewing the 1994 MEIR to determine whether it is still adequate to review subsequent projects. Although the MEIR was certified more than five years ago, the City's preliminary review of its adequacy finds that no substantial changes have occurred with respect to the circumstances under which the MEIR was certified. The only potential changed circumstance, the intersection failure at Palomar Airport Rd. and El Camino Real, has been mitigated to below a level of significance. Additionally, there is no new available information, which was not known and could not have been known at the time the MEIR was certified. Therefore, the MEIR remains adequate to review later projects. VII. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES According to the "Carlsbad Raceway Project Draft Biological Technical Report" prepared by Barry Jones, Helix Environmental Planning, Inc. and mitigation proposed in a July 1, 1998 letter to the 17 Rev. 03/28/96 USFWS, the site supports six vegetation communities: coastal and valley freshwater marsh, southern willow scrub, mule fat scrub, Diegan coastal sage scrub, southern mixed chaparral, and non-native grassland. In addition, there are disturbed habitat/agriculture and developed areas. With the exception of the habitats located in the north-central portion of the site, all habitats have been at least partially disturbed and in most cases heavily disturbed for a number of years by ongoing raceway operations. The following table identifies the acreages of each vegetation community: Vegetation Community Upland Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Southern Mixed Chaparral Non-native Grassland Riparian/Wetland Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh Southern Willow Scrub Mule Fat Scrub Other Agriculture Disturbed Habitat TOTAL: Acreage 19.2 26.3 32.6 0.8 3.42 0.18 4.7 57.8 145.0 Sensitive plant species observed on the site include summer holly and California adolphia. These species occurred in the Diegan coastal sage scrub and southern mixed chaparral habitats onsite. The summer holly is an HMP target species. Approximately 50 percent of the California adolphia (approximately 50 individuals) and all of the summer holly (less than 10 individuals) will be lost as a result of the project. Sensitive animal species observed onsite include Cooper's hawk, Loggerhead shrike, White tailed kite, and California horned lark. Some foraging habitat for raptors, loggerhead shrike breeding and foraging habitat, and foraging habitat for the horned lark will be lost as a result of the project. Of the four species observed, only the Cooper's hawk is a HMP target species. There is also a low potential for burrowing owl to occur on the site. Protocol surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher were conducted on March 2, 11, and 19, 2001, and no gnatcatchers were observed or detected on the Raceway site, however, one individual gnatcatcher was heard north of the site in chamise chaparral on one occasion during the first survey. This bird could not be relocated during the two subsequent surveys. The most significant resources on site are the wetland habitats and the Diegan coastal sage scrub along the northern property boundary. Direct impacts that result from the project total 112.01 of the 145 acres and are shown on the following table: IMPACTS Vegetation Community Upland Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Southern Mixed Chaparral* Non-native Grassland* Acreage 19.2 26.3 32.6 Acres Impacted 9.6 21.6 28.0 Acres Preserved 9.6 4.7 4.6 18 Rev. 03/28/96 Riparian/Wetland Freshwater Marsh Southern Willow Scrub Mule Fat Scrub Other Agriculture Disturbed Habitat TOTAL: 0.77 3.42 0.18 4.7 57.8 145.0 .15 .53 .13 4.7 47.3 112.01 .62 3.05 .05 0 10.53 33.15 "Impacts to southern mixed chaparral total 21.6 acres. Approximately 4.7 acres will be preserved and credited as mitigation for chaparral, resulting in a mitigation requirement of 16.9 acres. Impacts to non-native grassland total 28 acres. Approximately 4.6 acres of non-native grassland is being preserved; therefore, the mitigation requirement is 23.4 acres. POTENTIAL IMPACTS TO JURISDICTIONAL AREAS Jurisdiction ACOE Wetland ACOE non- vegetated waters of the U.S. CDFG jurisdictional areas Existing 1.28 0.51 4.79 Project Impacts 0.24 0.18 0.91 Total Impacts 0.24 0.18 0.91 Remaining 1.04 0.33 3.88 POTENTIAL IMPACTS TO JURISDICTIONAL HABITATS Jurisdictional Habitat Freshwater Marsh Southern Willow Scrub Mule Fat Scrub Streambed TOTALS Federal (acres) 0.07 0.17 0 0.18 0.42 State (acres) 0.07 0.53 0.13 0.18 0.91 Wildlife Corridors In accordance with the City's Draft Habitat Management Plan (HMP), the project proposes a north- south wildlife corridor that will help link open space within the Rancho Carrillo project to the south to a wildlife corridor provided along the northern portion of the site. The resulting project design provides for a minimum corridor width of 400 feet along the eastern portion of the site and a larger block of open space along the northern property boundary that connects to open space to the north in the City of Vista and to open space to the west in the City of Carlsbad. Melrose Drive crosses the wildlife corridor at the northwestern corner of the property. A 12' high arched wildlife culvert is proposed below Melrose Drive (outside the floodplain) to provide a connection to open space to the northwest. Street "B", which provides access to the industrial lots between Melrose Drive and Business Park Drive will bisect the north-south wildlife corridor at the eastern end of the property and mitigation for the Street "B" crossing is described below. 19 Rev. 03/28/96 The impacts to Diegan coastal sage scrub (DCSS), non-native grassland, southern mixed chaparral, southern willow scrub, coastal and valley freshwater marsh, mulefat scrub, and the Street "B" wildlife corridor crossing are considered significant without mitigation. Additionally, impacts to sensitive plant species including California adolphia and summer holy and potential impacts to the burrowing owl require mitigation. Mitigation The City has adopted a Habitat Management Plan (HMP) that has been used as a standard of review for assessing cumulative biological impacts and imposing mitigation requirements. The following mitigation requirements are consistent with the HMP. Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub TDCSS) The mitigation ratio for the DCSS, which is considered occupied, is 2:1, and the proposed mitigation consists of: 1) the onsite preservation of 9.6 acres of DCSS; 2) restoration of approximately 8.5 acres of manufactured slope areas will be revegetated; and 3) approximately 9 acres of areas currently disturbed will be decompacted and seeded with a DCSS seed mix. An excess of approximately 8 acres is being proposed that will be credited towards mitigation to impacts to southern mixed chaparral and non-native grassland. The amount credited will be based on verififed costs (costs verified by the City of Carlsbad) of the 8 acres of DCSS restoration. Southern Mixed Chaparral/Non-native Grassland/Street "B" wildlife crossing Prior to approval of final map, the applicant shall: 1) provide an engineering and feasibility study for a potential wildlife crossing under Palomar Airport Road; 2) either construct an acceptable wildlife crossing on Street "B" or shall pay the City $100,000 to mitigate the effect of the Street "B" crossing of the wildlife corridor if an acceptable wildlife crossing is not constructed; and 3) shall pay the City $225,865.90 to mitigate impacts to non-native grassland ($3,949/acre) and chaparral ($7,897/acre). If the HMP is approved prior to final map approval, the feasibility study shall not be required, and the funds shall be used for acquisition of acreage in the designated core area as described in the City's HMP. If the HMP is not approved, the City in consultation with the wildlife agencies, will determine the most beneficial use of funds including but not limited to one or more of the following: a) acquisition of acreage in designated County Core area; b) construction of wildlife crossing under Palomar Airport Road; c) other programs as determined by City to enhance habitat preservation in the City. Wetlands A total of approximately .48 acre is proposed for habitat creation/enhancement for impacts to U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (Corps) jurisdictional areas (2:1 mitigation ratio). Southern willow scrub will be planted over at least .34 acre and .14 acre of freshwater marsh will be planted along the margins of the restoration area. Streambed impacts totaling .18 acre (Corps and CDFG jurisdictional) will be mitigated through relocation of the existing three-foot wide earthen channel that currently runs just north of the drag strip into a 15 foot wide channel (approximately .38 acre) running through the proposed wildlife corridor and adjacent to the northern boundary of the project. Exotic weeds will be removed from the channel for a period of five years following construction of the channel. An additional .98 acre of southern willow scrub will be planted to mitigate the additional .49 acre of impacts (2:1 mitigation ratio) to riparian vegetation considered jurisdictional by CDFG but not jurisdictional by the Corps. The .18 acre of streambed. Impacts will be mitigated through the relocation of the existing three-foot wide earthen channel that currently runs just north of 20 Rev. 03/28/96 the drag strip into a 15 foot wide channel (approximately .38 acre) running through the proposed wildlife corridor and adjacent to the northern boundary of the project. Exotic weeds will be removed from the channel for a period of five years following construction of the channel. The restoration total for the project is 1.84 acres. Sensitive Species A minimum of 100 California adolphia and 20 summer holly will be planted as container stock within the upland restoration areas. Pre-construction surveys shall be conducted to determine the presence or absence of the burrowing owl. If the owl is observed on the site, it will be relocated to open space on the site. The applicant shall use native plants to the greatest extent feasible in the landscaped areas adjacent to and/or near mitigation/open space areas and/or wetland/riparian areas. The applicant shall not plant, seed, or otherwise introduce invasive exotic plant species to the landscaped areas adjacent and/or near the mitigation/open space areas and/or wetland riparian areas. Exotic species not to be used include those species listed on Lists A and B of the California Exotic Pest Plant Council's list of "Exotic Pest Plants of Greatest Ecological Concern in California as of October, 1999." This list includes such species as: pepper trees, pampas grass, fountaingrass, ice plant, myoporum, blak locust, capeweed, tree of heaven, periwinkle, sweet alyssum, English ivy, French broom, Scotch broom, and Spanish broom. The project would require authorization from the California Department of Fish and Game (1603 Streambed Alteration Agreement) and may require a permit pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for stream and wetland impacts. The project will also require Incidental Take Authorization (Section 10(a) process) under the Federal Endangered Species Act. A mitigation monitoring program will be required as part of the final wetland and coastal sage scrub restoration program. This restoration program shall be approved by the City and wildlife agencies prior to commencement of construction activities. The project has been conditioned to require the developer or his successor in interest to maintain and protect the open space/wildlife corridor until such time that ownership is transferred to the City or its designee. Simultaneous with the transfer of ownership, the developer would be responsible for the transfer of funding or other acceptable financial mechanism to provide for the management and conservation of the open space in perpetuity. To summarize, the proposed mitigation plan consists of the following: • Preserve 9.6 acres of DCSS on site. • Restore 8.5 acres of DCSS on manufactured slopes adjacent to wildlife corridor. • Decompact and seed 9 acres of disturbed habitat onsite with DCSS seed mix. • Create 1.84 acres of wetland habitat. • Plant as container stock 100 California adolphia and 20 summer holly in upland restoration areas. • Conduct burrowing owl surveys prior to construction and relocate if necessary. • Use native plants and avoid invasive exotic species in landscaped areas adjacent to mitigation/open space areas and/or wetland/riparian areas. • Provide a 12' high arched wildlife movement under-crossing at Melrose Drive. • Obtain all necessary permits from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and California Department of Fish and Game prior to final map approval. 21 Rev. 03/28/96 Submit a wetland and coastal sage scrub restoration program, including a mitigation monitoring program for approval by the City and the wildlife agencies prior to commencement of construction activities. Prior to final map approval: o provide an engineering and feasibility study for a potential wildlife crossing under Palomar Airport Road; o either construct an acceptable wildlife crossing on Street "B" or pay $100,000 to mitigate the effect of the Street "B" crossing of the wildlife corridor if an acceptable wildlife crossing is not constructed; o pay $225,865.90 to mitigate impacts to non-native grassland ($3,949/acre) and chaparral ($7,897/acre). If the HMP is approved prior to final map approval, the engineering and feasibility study shall not be required, and the mitigation funds shall be used for acquisition of acreage in the designated core area as described in the City's HMP. If the HMP is not approved prior to final map approval, the City in consultation with the wildlife agencies, will determine the most beneficial use of mitigation funds including but not limited to one or more of the following: a. acquisition of acreage in designated County Core area; b. construction of wildlife crossing under Palomar Airport Road; c. other programs as determined by City to enhance habitat preservation in the City. VIII. HAZARDS Due to the project's proximity to existing residential development located to the south across Palomar Airport Road and within 1,000 feet, the Fire Marshal has indicated that the project could pose a potentially significant risk to residents through exposure resulting from the accidental release of hazardous substances. Generally, the Fire Marshal has requested that safeguards be incorporated into the project to ensure a greater level of safety from the storage or use of hazardous materials that could otherwise be allowed under current fire or building code regulations as well as applicable state or federal statutes. Of major concern was the storage or use of hazardous materials that could pose hazards even under non-fire conditions and may not provide adequate warning or notification of a hazardous condition to either the occupants in the residential areas and/or the fire department. Based on research of building and fire codes as well as state and federal statutes, the Fire Department agreed to mitigation conditions that would significantly reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous substances: 1. No project facilities located within 1,000 feet of any residential unit shall store, handle, or use toxic, or highly toxic gases as defined in the most currently adopted fire code at quantities which exceed exempt amount as defined in the most currently adopted fire code. 2. Facilities which store, handle or use regulated substances as defined in the California Health and Safety Code _25532(g) in excess of threshold quantities shall prepare risk management plans for determination of risks to the community. 3. Facilities which store, handle, or use any quantity of a toxic or highly toxic gas as defined in the most currently adopted fire code which are also regulated substances as defined in the California Health and Safety Code _25532(g) shall prepare an offsite consequence analysis (OCA). The analysis shall be performed in accordance with Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations _2750.2 through _2750.3. If the OCA shows the release 22 Rev. 03/28/96 could impact the residential community, the facility will not store, handle or use the material in those quantities. If a decrease in the quantity of material reduces the distance to toxic endpoint to where the community is not impacted, the facility shall be able to utilize the material in that quantity. Computer models may be utilized as a tool to determine the distance a hazardous material can travel if released to the atmosphere. Parameters such as temperature, wind speed, atmospheric stability, quantity released, material properties and type of release (e.g. a pressurized release of gases) are considered by these models. Models can be overlayed onto maps which will show the distance to toxic endpoint in the event of a release. Models can be performed under "worst case" meteorological and chemical release conditions. Under this situation, the maximum harm potential is determined for the specifics of the material in question. The use of these models is the most sophisticated method available to ensure community safety. The Carlsbad Raceway property has been used as a raceway since approximately 1961. In that time, various parts of the property have been subject to direct or indirect storage/use of hazardous substances (petroleum hydrocarbons). To ensure that no potentially significant health hazard exists on the site, a site assessment was performed, "Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Update" for the Carlsbad Raceway Property dated May 8, 1998, prepared by MVE Environmental, Inc., that included findings of three previous Phase I and/or II site assessments performed on the Raceway property since 1990. Based on findings of the first 1990 Phase I site assessment performed by GEI, a Phase II site assessment was performed in 1991. Surveys consisted of four test trenches from which soils were analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), total recoverable petroleum hydrocarbons (TRPH), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and the installation of one groundwater monitoring well from which water was analyzed for the above in addition to orgnochlorine pesticides and organophosphorus pesticides. The conclusion was that based on the general hydrogeologic characteristics of the site and surrounding areas and the detected levels of concentration were not significant and no additional assessment of the site would be needed. It was noted, however, that the due to the past application of oil for dust control on the unpaved entry road a thin layer, approximately 1/8 inch - % inch thick and located below 2-4 inches of soil cover, was detected. GEI concluded that the thin oil layer is fairly immobile and therefore probably does not represent a significant threat to contaminate the underlying groundwater. They further stated that the contamination does not present a threat to human health or the environment under current conditions, during development or foreseeable post development conditions. The most recent analysis prior to the 1998 analysis was conducted in 1997. In 1997, based on a review of the previous site assessment findings and conclusions, MVE performed additional soil sampling in areas deemed to present potential liability for the future development of the property. That analysis revealed five areas on the site not previously assessed where contamination with petroleum hydrocarbons would most likely occur. The five areas of concern included: 1) former heavy equipment storage along east end of south property line; 2) 10,000 gallon AST located on the south property line; 3) potential for south adjacent property draining agriculture residue onto Raceway property; 4) 55 gallon drums labeled Race Gas located in drag strip pit area; and 5) potential agricultural chemical residue in on-site stream sediments resulting from up-stream greenhouse activity north and east of the site (Mount Olive Floral and Marflor Farms). The results of the 1997 assessment revealed no concentrations of hydrocarbons or agricultural chemical residue exceeding regulatory action levels or high enough to be an environmental concern to occupants/tenants of the proposed development. The subsequent 1998 site assessment update included further soil sampling at the Raceway property that focused on the petroleum hydrocarbons either stored on-site, disposed on-site, or accidentally spilled or leaked into surficial soils of the property. The tests revealed only small concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons with the exception of the paved/oiled entry road where a very thin layer of TRPH (6,200 mg/kg concentration) contamination at a depth of approximately 4 inches. MVE concludes 23 Rev. 03/28/96 that the only exposure concern this contaminant presents to human receptors if left on-site is by ingestions and that an option to disposal would be a number of non-sensitive fill areas on the property where this soil can be used in grading since a large percentage of the property wil be paved with asphalt parking lots and roadways. MVE recommends that the soil be used in one of these fill areas to eliminate the human concern. No environmental concerns are associated with these heavy hydrocarbons due to the strong soil bond and restricted ability to migrate. Mitigation to ensure no risk to human health is that prior to development of the property, the applicant shall solicit peer review of these findings by San Diego County Department of Environmental Health-Site Assessment and Mitigation Division (DEH-SAM) Technical Review Board and incorporate any recommendations into the project. To avoid an increase in the fire hazard due to placement of buildings in proximity to slopes containing high fuel native vegetation, the project Landscape Plans identify a 30' wide fire suppression zone in which the 10' closest to the top of slope must be landscaped in accordance with the City's Landscape Manual provisions for manufactured slopes (Zone A-2). IX. NOISE The project consists of an industrial subdivision; therefore, an increase in existing noise levels occurring from temporary grading and construction activity will result. Noise generated from construction activities is regulated by the Carlsbad Municipal Code to avoid noise impacts to sensitive receptors. Noise levels resulting from future industrial development on each lot will be regulated through discretionary approval of a Planned Industrial Permit. The Planned Industrial (P- M) zone (Chapter 21.34 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code) performance standard for noise generation prohibits the generation of noise exceeding 65 dBA as measured at the property line. The property is in proximity to two circulation arterial roadways resulting in exterior noise levels on lots adjacent to the roadways that exceed the City's interior noise standard of 55 dBA Leq. for general office use and 65 dBA Leq. for industrial use. In accordance with the General Plan Noise element, required mitigation consists of a Noise Report that is required in conjunction with future discretionary applicatons for Planned Industrial Permits (PIP). The noise report must specify the acoustical design features required to achieve the interior noise standard. XI/XII. PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES The project consists of an amendment to the Local Facilities Management Plan for Zone 18. The Zone 18 Plan identifies 11 necessary public services and utilities required to serve development within the zone including the project and includes a financing plan. The project is conditioned to comply with the Zone 18 LFMP to ensure the timely provision of public facilities required to meet the additional demand generated by the project. The northern portion of Zone 18 is within the South Agua Hedionda Interceptor sewer service area. The projects within the northern portion of Zone 18 will ultimately connect to this sewer system. But in the interim, the developer has proposed to sewer through the Vista Sanitation District (VSD) to the Raceway sewer lift station. The Zone Plan provides for temporary sewer in the City of Vista's Buena Interceptor subject to a flow transfer agreement between the City of Carlsbad and the City of Vista. This provision is made because the property is part of the Raceway Sewer Lift Station Assessment District in the City of Vista. XIII. AESTHETICS While the project will result in alteration of the existing landform due to the necessity of grading large flat industrial pads and requiring large quantities of cut and fill, the project will be terraced 24 Rev. 03/28/96 below and partially screened by the Palomar Forum industrial development proposed on the property to the south. As identified by photo simulations prepared for the Palomar Forum industrial project to the south of the Carlsbad Raceway property, the project will be partially visible from Palomar Airport Road, a scenic corridor circulation arterial roadway and Melrose Drive, a circulation arterial roadway. Fifty foot landscape setbacks in which large specimen trees are required adjacent to these roadways will partially screen the development, and compliance with the approved landscape plans will ensure that parking lots and manufactured slopes are screened. Potentially significant visual impacts could result from future industrial development that is visible from Palomar Airport Road or Melrose Drive due to poor architectural design and/or visible rooftop equipment, and loading bays. Mitigation necessary to reduce visual impacts from any industrial development that is visible from Palomar Airport Road or Melrose Drive includes: 1) prohibit placement of mechanical equipment on roofs unless project incorporates architectural treatment consisting of parapets that are of sufficient height and design to screen future mechanical roof equipment; 2) prohibit installation of roof screens other than building parapets that are integrated into the architectural design of buildings; 3) prohibit loading bays that are visible from Palomar Airport Road or Melrose Drive; and 4) require enhanced architectural treatment of all building elevations that are visible from Palomar Airport Road or Melrose Drive. These mitigation measures will be reviewed for compliance prior to approval of the Planned Industrial Permit required for each lot. XIII. CULTURAL RESOURCES The existence of archaeological resources has been documented on the property by two archaeological reports, "Results of the Archaeological Significance Assessment" performed by RECON for the Melrose Drive extension project dated October 11, 1999, and the "Draft Archaeological Testing of Four Sites at the Wimpey Gentry Property: SDi-9041,-9042, -9043, and - 9045, Carlsbad California" performed by RECON dated March 22, 1989. The two archaeological reports investigated a total of 6 sites and 5 of the sites are in proximity to the proposed Melrose alignment. The 1999 report further surveyed SDi 9045 and investigated two additional sites not previously surveyed, SDi-10,550 and SDi-10,552. The 1989 RECON report concluded that no significant subsurface deposits remain on SDi-9041, 9042, and 9043. The report recommended that since an important source of information could remain in the area of SDi-9043 and SDi-9045 monitoring during grading operations to enable recovery and documentation would be necessary. The 1989 report also recommended that the remaining portion of SDi 9045 north the Carlsbad Raceway property is an important site that should be fenced during the Carlsbad Raceway grading and construction activities for protection. The subsequent 1999 RECON report concluded that no further work is necessary for SDi- 9045 because the area of real concern located north of the property has been buried beneath a segment of Melrose Drive and is therefore inaccessible. The report also indicated that no artifacts were recovered from SDi-10,550 and that the artifacts from SDi-10,552 revealed that it was a small stone flaking station offering no substantive contribution to our current understanding of the prehistoric pattern for this area. No further work is recommended for these two sites. The report concludes that the three sites investigated are not significant cultural resources; therefore, impacts from the proposed development are not significant. XVI. RECREATIONAL The Carlsbad Raceway has operated under conditional use permit since 1963. The conditional use permit for the motocross and drag racing activities expires in February, 2002. The property has been designated for industrial land use for many years and within the past five years, the property has been surrounded by industrial, residential, and commercial development. Although the Carlsbad Raceway offers an existing recreational opportunity, its viability as a compatible conditional use in an urbanized area has weakened. The proposed development, which is consistent with the General Plan land use designation and is a permitted use, is the intended land use. 25 Rev. 03/28/96 The project includes a portion of a 1.7 acre landscaped mini-park located between Melrose Drive and the western property line that will include picnic tables, a water feature, and a City-wide trail segment that bisects the property from Melrose Drive to the adjacent property to the west. The 8' wide trail will connect to another City-wide trail segment proposed through the canyon to the west. The mini-park is intended to be utilized by employees of the surrounding industrial park as an outdoor eating area. EARLIER ANALYSES USED The following documents were used in the analysis of this project and are on file in the City of Carlsbad Planning Department located at 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California, 92008, (760) 602-4600. 1. Final Master Environmental Impact Report for the City of Carlsbad General Plan Update (MEIR 93-01), dated March 1994, City of Carlsbad Planning Department. 2. "Carlsbad Raceway/Palomar Forum Storm Water Pollution Prevention", prepared by O"Day & Associates, dated June 6, 2001. 3. "Carlsbad Raceway Industrial Park Transportation Analysis", prepared by Urban Systems Associates, Inc. dated May 3, 2001. 4. "Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation Proposed Industrial Development-Carlsbad Raceway Property" dated August 26, 1997, prepared by Vinje & Middleton Engineering, Inc. 5. "Carlsbad Raceway Project Draft Biological Technical Report" prepared by Helix Environmental Planning, Inc., dated May 12, 1998; "Carlsbad Raceway Project Mitigation Plan", prepared by Helix Environmental Planning, Inc., dated June 1, 1998; Letters from Barry Jones, Helix Environmental Planning, Inc., to: Julie Vanderwier, USFWS dated July 1, 1998; Letter to Mr Jon Kurtin ("Year 2001 protocol gnatcatcher survey report for the Carlsbad Raceway"), dated April 19, 2001; and Letter to Mr. Jon Kurtin ("Addendum to the Biological Resources Report for the Carlsbad Raceway Project"), dated May 11, 2001; and Letter to Ms. Anne Hysong from Helix Environmental Planning dated August 28, 2001. 6. "Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Update - Carlsbad Raceway Property", prepared by MV Environmental, Inc. dated May 8, 1998. 7. "Results of Archaeological Significance Assessment of CA-SDI-10,552, CA-SDI-10,550, and a portion of CA-SDI-9045 for the Melrose Drive Extension Project", prepared by RECON dated October 11, 1999 and"Draft Archaeological Testiong of Four Sites at the Wimpey/Gentry Property: SDi-9041, SDi-9042, SDi-9043 and Sdi-9045, Carlsbad, California" prepared by RECON dated March 22, 1989. 26 Rev. 03/28/96 LIST OF MITIGATING MEASURES (IF APPLICABLE) 1. a. Prior to the recordation of a final map, the developer shall design, dedicate, and bond for the following roadways: • Melrose Drive as a Prime Arterial from existing terminus at the Carlsbad / Vista boundary south to the intersection of Palomar Airport Road. Additional right turn lanes are required at Poinsettia Ave and at Palomar Airport Road. • Poinsettia Ave. ("B" Street) as an Industrial Collector from Business Park Drive to Melrose Drive. Additional widening may be required at the Poinsettia/Melrose intersection to accommodate turn lanes. • Intersection improvements to Faraday Ave at Melrose Drive including but not limited to: additional right-of-way, additional roadway, lane configuration, traffic signal modification and inter-connect, street signs, and roadway striping. 1. b. Prior to recordation of a final map, Faraday Ave. shall be financially guaranteed as a Secondary Arterial to be constructed from the existing terminus in the City of Vista west of Melrose Drive to the existing terminus in the City of Carlsbad at Orion Way. 2. Potential impacts to water quality shall be mitigated through compliance with the provisions of the "Carlsbad Raceway/Palomar Forum Storm Water Pollution Prevention" summary NPDES study prepared for the project by O'Day Consultants dated June 6, 2001. 3. Biological mitigation to mitigate both upland and wetland habitats, as described in Helix Environmental Planning, Inc. mitigation proposals, shall consist of the following: Preserve 9.6 acres of DCSS on site. Restore 8.5 acres of DCSS on manufactured slopes adjacent to wildlife corridor. Decompact and seed 9 acres of disturbed habitat onsite with DCSS seed mix. Create 1.84 acres of wetland habitat. Plant as container stock 100 California adolphia and 20 summer holly in upland restoration areas. Conduct burrowing owl surveys prior to construction and relocate if necessary. Use native plants and avoid invasive exotic species in landscaped areas adjacent to mitigation/open space areas and/or wetland/riparian areas. Provide a 12' high arched wildlife movement under-crossing at Melrose Drive. Obtain all necessary permits from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and California Department of Fish and Game prior to final map approval. Submit a wetland and coastal sage scrub restoration program, including a mitigation monitoring program for approval by the City and the wildlife agencies prior to commencement of construction activities. Prior to final map approval: • provide an engineering and feasibility study for a potential wildlife crossing under Palomar Airport Road; 27 Rev. 03/28/96 • either construct an acceptable wildlife crossing on Street "B" or pay $100,000 to mitigate the effect of the Street "B" crossing of the wildlife corridor if an acceptable wildlife crossing is not constructed; • pay $225,865.90 to mitigate impacts to non-native grassland ($3,949/acre) and chaparral ($7,897/acre). • If the HMP is approved prior to final map approval, the engineering and feasibility study shall not be required, and the mitigation funds shall be used for acquisition of acreage in the designated core area as described in the City's HMP. • If the HMP is not approved prior to final map approval, the City in consultation with the wildlife agencies, will determine the most beneficial use of mitigation funds including but not limited to one or more of the following: a. acquisition of acreage in designated County Core area; b. construction of wildlife crossing under Palomar Airport Road; c. other programs as determined by City to enhance habitat preservation in the City. 4. The tentative map will be conditioned to require that the following mitigation measures will be incorporated into projects prior to approval of the Planned Industrial Permit required for each lot. • Prohibit placement of mechanical equipment on roofs unless project incorporates architectural treatment consisting of architectural elements or parapets that are of sufficient height and design to screen future mechanical roof equipment. • Prohibit installation of roof screens other than building parapets or architectural elements that are integrated into the architectural design of buildings; • Prohibit loading bays that are visible from Palomar Airport Road or Melrose Drive. • Require enhanced architectural treatment of all building elevations that are visible from Palomar Airport Road or Melrose Drive. 5. Mitigation required to significantly reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous substances: • No project facilities located within 1,000 feet of any residential unit shall store, handle, or use toxic, or highly toxic gases as defined in the most currently adopted fire code at quantities which exceed exempt amount as defined in the most currently adopted fire code. • Facilities which store, handle or use regulated substances as defined in the California Health and Safety Code §25532(g) in excess of threshold quantities shall prepare risk management plans for determination of risks to the community. • Facilities which store, handle, or use any quantity of a toxic or highly toxic gas as defined in the most currently adopted fire code which are also regulated substances as defined in the California Health and Safety Code §25532(g) shall prepare an offsite consequence analysis (OCA). The analysis shall be performed in accordance with Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations §2750.2 through §2750.3. If the OCA shows the release could impact the residential community, the facility will not store, handle or use the material in those quantities. If a decrease in the quantity of material reduces the distance to toxic endpoint to where the community is not impacted, the facility shall be able to utilize the material in that quantity. 28 Rev. 03/28/96 Note: Computer models may be utilized as a tool to determine the distance a hazardous material can travel if released to the atmosphere. Parameters such as temperature, wind speed, atmospheric stability, quantity released, material properties and type of release (e.g. a pressurized release of gases) are considered by these models. Models can be overlayed onto maps which will show the distance to toxic endpoint in the event of a release. Models can be performed under "worst case" meteorological and chemical release conditions. Under this situation, the maximum harm potential is determined for the specifics of the material in question. The use of these models is the most sophisticated method available to ensure community safety. 6. Mitigation to ensure no risk to human health is that prior to development of the property, the applicant shall solicit peer review of these findings by San Diego County Department of Environmental Health-Site Assessment and Mitigation Division (DEH-SAM) Technical Review Board and incorporate any recommendations into the project. ATTACH MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM OF APPLICABLE) 29 Rev. 03/28/96 APPLICANT CONCURRENCE WITH MITIGATION MEASURES THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT I HAVE REVIEWED THE ABOVE MITIGATING MEASURES AND CONCUR WITH THE ADDITION OF THESE MEASURES TO THE PROJECT. Date DOUGLAS DIENER 5000 NIGHTHAWK WAY OCEANSIDE CA 92056 STATE CLEARINGHOUSE P O BOX 3044 SACRAMENTO CA 95812-3044 DIANE NYGAARD PRESERVE CALAVERA 5020 NIGHTHAWK WAY OCEANSIDE CA 92056 SIERRA CLUB SAN DIEGO CHAPTER 3820 RAY STREET SAN DIEGO CA 92104-3623 ISABELLE KAY UCSD NATURAL RESERVE SYSTEM 9500 GILMAN DRIVE LA JOLLA CA 92093-0116 DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME DAVID N LAWHEAD 4949 VIEWRIDGE AVENUE SAN DIEGO. CA 92123 CA COASTAL COMMISSION SUITE 103 7575 METROPOLITAN DRIVE SAN DIEGO CA 92108-4402 JON MARTIN U S FISH AND WILDLIFE 2730 LOKER AVENUE WEST CARLSBAD CA 92008 NOTICE OF COMPLETION Mail to: State Clearinghouse, P. O. Box 3044^acramento, CA 95812 - (916) 445-0613 Project Title: Palomar Forum Lead Agency: CITY OF CARLSBAD Contact Person: Anne Hvsong FILE COPY See NOTE Below: SCH# Street Address: COUNTY 1635 FARADAY AVENUE Phone: (760)602-4622 City: CARLSBAD Zip: 92008 County: SAN DIEGO PROJECT LOCATION: County: San Diego City/Nearest Community: Carlsbad Cross Streets: _Melrose Drive/Palomar Airport Road Total Acres: 70.6 Assessor's Parcel No. 221-012-10 & 17 Section: 13 & 18 Twp. 125 Range: 4W Base:_ Within 2 Miles: State Hwy #: 1-5 Waterways: Pacific Ocean Airports: McCLELLAN/PALOMAR Railways: NCTD Schools: DOCUMENT TYPE: CEQA:n n NOP Early Cons Mitigated Neg Dec Draft EIR Supplement/Subsequent EIR (Prior SCH No.) Other: NEPA:NOI EA Draft EIS FONSI OTHER: | | Joint Document Final Document Other: _ LOCAL ACTION TYPE: [~| General Plan Update Q ^ General Plan Amendment | | | | General Plan Element [~] [[] Community Plan [~| Specific Plan Master Plan Planned Unit Development Site Plan Rezone Prezone Use Permit Land Division (Subdivision, Parcel Map, Tract Map, etc.) I I Annexation ( [ Redevelopment PI Coastal Permit [XI Other: Zone Change to Open Space/Hillside Development Permit DEVELOPMENT TYPE: n n Residential: Office: Commercial: Industrial: Educational: Recreational: Units Sq. Ft. Sq. Ft. Sq. Ft. Acres Acres Acres Acres 70.6 Employees Employees Employees nnnnnnnWater Facilities: Transportation: Mining: Power: Waste Treatment: Hazardous Water: Other: Tvpe MGD Tvpe Mineral Tvpe Watts Tvpe Tvpe PROJECT ISSUES DISCUSSED IN DOCUMENT: ^ Aesthetic/Visual | | Agricultural Land ^) Air Quality IXI Archaeological/Historical | | Coastal Zone 1X1 Drainage/Absorption | | Economic/Jobs Fiscal PI Flood Plain/Flooding I | Forest Land/Fire Hazard | | Geological/Seismic | | Minerals | | Noise | | Population/Hsg. Balance ^ Public Services/Facilities I I Recreation/Parks | | Schools/Universities | | Septic Systems PI Sewer Capacity | | Soil Erosion/Compaction/Grading fj Solid Waste 1X1 Toxic/Hazardous ^ Traffic/Circulation ^ Vegetation Water Quality H2O Supply/Ground H2O Wetland/Riparian Wildlife Growth Inducing Land Use Cumulative Effect Other: Present Land Use/Zoning/General Plan Use Vacamt/Planned Industrial (P-M)/Planned Industrial (PI) Project Description: A request for a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to redesignate open space, and a Tentative Tract Map, Hillside Development Permit, and Planned Industrial Permit for an 70.6 acre, 10 lot, industrial subdivision with 3 open space lots on property located north of Palomar Airport Road between the City's eastern boundary and future Melrose Drive. The project design provides for a north-south wildlife corridor that provides access to a wildlife corridor within the northern portion of the adjacent Carlsbad Raceway property. The remaining segment of Melrose Drive between Palomar Airport Road and the City of Vista boundary will be constructed as part of the project. No industrial buildings are proposed. NOTE: Clearinghouse will assign identification numbers for all new projects. If a SCH number already exists for a project (i.e., from a Notice of Preparation or previous draft document) please fill it in. Revised October 1989 NOTICE OF COMPLETION. Mail to: State Clearinghouse, P. O. Box 3044,'Sacramento, CA 95812 - (916) 445-0613 Project Title: Palomar Forum - CT 99-06 Lead Agency: CITY OF CARLSBAD Contact Person: Anne Hvsong See NOTE Below: SCH# Street Address: 1635 FARADAY AVENUE Phone: (760") 602-4622 City: CARLSBAD Zip: 92008 COUNTY County: SAN DIEGO PROJECT LOCATION: County: San Diego City/Nearest Community: Cross Streets: Melrose Drive/Palomar Airport Road Total Acres: 70.6 Carlsbad Assessor's Parcel No. 221-012-10 & 17 Section: 13 & 18 Twp. 125 Range: 4W Base:. Within 2 Miles: State Hwy #: 1-5 Waterways: Pacific Ocean Airports: McCLELLAN/PALOMAR Railways: NCTD Schools: DOCUMENT TYPE: CEQA: D NOP Early Cons Mitigated Neg Dec Draft EIR Supplement/Subsequent EIR (Prior SCH No.) Other: NEPA: [J NOI D EA Q Draft E1S n FONSI OTHER: [J Joint Document | | Final Document n Other: LOCAL ACTION TYPE: Q General Plan Update ^| General Plan Amendment Ql General Plan Element | [ Community Plan I I Specific Plan |~| Master Plan I | Planned Unit Development I""! Site Plan I| Rezone I | Prezone | | Use Permit ^ Land Division (Subdivision, Parcel Map, Tract Map, etc.) | | Annexation | | Redevelopment | | Coastal Permit ^ Other: Zone Change to Open Space/Hillside Development Permit DEVELOPMENT TYPE: D Residential: Office: Commercial: Industrial: Educational: Recreational: Units Sq. Ft. Sq. Ft. Sq. Ft. Acres Acres Acres Acres 70.6 Employees Employees Employees n Water Facilities: Transportation: Mining: Power: Waste Treatment: Hazardous Water: Other: Type MGD Tvpe Mineral Tvpe Watts Tvpe Tvpe PROJECT ISSUES DISCUSSED IN DOCUMENT: ^] Aesthetic/Visual Q | | Agricultural Land | | £3 Air Quality Q] ^ Archaeological/Historical | | |~| Coastal Zone f~l £<] Drainage/Absorption | | | | Economic/Jobs ^ Fiscal Flood Plain/Flooding Forest Land/Fire Hazard Geological/Seismic Minerals Noise Population/Hsg. Balance Public Services/Facilities Recreation/Parks | | Schools/Universities I | Septic Systems | | Sewer Capacity | | Soil Erosion/Compaction/Grading fj Solid Waste IXI Toxic/Hazardous ^ Traffic/Circulation EX^ Vegetation D Water Quality H2O Supply/Ground H20 Wetland/Riparian Wildlife Growth Inducing Land Use Cumulative Effect Other: Present Land Use/Zoning/General Plan Use Vacamt/Planned Industrial (P-M)/Planned Industrial (PI) Project Description: A request for a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to redesignate open space, and a Tentative Tract Map, Hillside Development Permit, and Planned Industrial Permit for an 70.6 acre, 10 lot, industrial subdivision with 3 open space lots on property located north of Palomar Airport Road between the City's eastern boundary and future Melrose Drive. The project design provides for a north-south wildlife corridor that provides access to a wildlife corridor within the northern portion of the adjacent Carlsbad Raceway property. The remaining segment of Melrose Drive between Palomar Airport Road and the City of Vista boundary will be constructed as part of the project. No industrial buildings are proposed. NOTE: Clearinghouse will assign identification numbers for all new projects. If a SCH number already exists for a project (i.e., from a Notice of Preparation or previous draft document) please fill it in. Revised October 1989 Gray Davis GOVERNOR DATE: TO: RE: STATE OF CALIFORNIA Governor's Office of Planning and Research State Clearinghouse ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF July 18, 2001 Anne Hysong City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 Palomar Forum SCH#: 2001071073 Steve Nissen BIRECTOR This is to acknowledge that the State Clearinghouse has received your environmental document for state review. The review period assigned by the State Clearinghouse is: Review Start Date: July 13, 2001 Review End Date: August 13, 2001 We have distributed your document to the following agencies and departments: Air Resources Board, Major Industrial Projects California Highway Patrol Caltrans, District 11 Caltrans, Division of Aeronautics Department of Conservation Department of Fish and Game, Region 5 Department of Parks and Recreation Department of Toxic Substances Control Native American Heritage Commission Office of Historic Preservation Public Utilities Commission Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 9 Resources Agency State Lands Commission The State Clearinghouse will provide a closing letter with any state agency comments to your attention on the date following the close of the review period. Thank you for your participation in the State Clearinghouse review process. 1400 TENTH STREET P.O. BOX 3044 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95812-3044 916-445-0613 FAX 916-323-3018 WWW.OPR.CA.GOV/CLEARINGHOUSE.HTML NOTICE OF COMPLETION. Mail to: State Clearinghouse, P. O. Box 3044,~Sacramento, CA 95812 - (916) 445-0613 Project Title: Palomar Forum Lead Agency: CITY OF CARLSBAD Contact Person: Anne Hvsong See NOTE Below: SCH# Street Address: 1635 FARADAY AVENUE Phone: (760") 602-4622 City: CARLSBAD Zip: 92008 COUNTY County: SAN DIEGO PROJECT LOCATION: County: San Diego City/Nearest Community: Cross Streets: Melrose Drive/Palomar Airport Road Total Acres: 70.6 Carlsbad Assessor's Parcel No. 221-012-10 & 17 Section: 13 & 18 Twp. 125 Range: 4W Base:_ Within 2 Miles: State Hwy #: 1-5 Waterways: Pacific Ocean Airports: McCLELLAN/PALOMAR Railways: NCTD Schools: DOCUMENT TYPE: CEQA: Q NOP | | Early Cons IXI Mitigated Neg Dec n Draft EIR Supplement/Subsequent EIR (Prior SCH No.) Other: NEPA: Q] NOI D EA [J Draft EIS PI FONSI OTHER: | | Joint Document Final Document Other: _ LOCAL ACTION TYPE: | | General Plan Update [XI General Plan Amendment | | General Plan Element | | Community Plan Specific Plan Q Master Plan Q Planned Unit Development | | Site Plan |XI Rezone Prezone Use Permit Land Division (Subdivision, Parcel Map, Tract Map, etc.) | | Annexation | [ Redevelopment |~| Coastal Permit ^| Other: Zone Change to Open Space/Hillside Development Permit DEVELOPMENT TYPE: Dn n Residential: Office: Commercial: Industrial: Educational: Recreational: Units Sq. Ft. Sq. Ft. Sq. Ft. Acres Acres Acres Acres 70.6 Employees Employees Employees D Water Facilities: Transportation: Mining: Power: Waste Treatment: Hazardous Water: Other: MODType Type Mineral Type Watts_ Type Type PROJECT ISSUES DISCUSSED IN DOCUMENT: [XI Aesthetic/Visual | | Agricultural Land £3 Air Quality IXI Archaeological/Historical | | Coastal Zone IXI Drainage/Absorption | | Economic/Jobs PI Fiscal D Flood Plain/Flooding Forest Land/Fire Hazard Geological/Seismic Minerals Noise Population/Hsg. Balance Public Services/Facilities Recreation/Parks | | Schools/Universities | | Septic Systems | | Sewer Capacity | | Soil Erosion/Compaction/Grading Q Solid Waste IXI Toxic/Hazardous [X] Traffic/Circulation ^| Vegetation n Water Quality H20 Supply/Ground H2O Wetland/Riparian Wildlife Growth Inducing Land Use Cumulative Effect Other: Present Land Use/Zoning/General Plan Use Vacamt/Planned Industrial (P-M)/Planned Industrial (PI) Project Description: A request for a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to redesignate open space, and a Tentative Tract Map, Hillside Development Permit, and Planned Industrial Permit for an 70.6 acre, 10 lot, industrial subdivision with 3 open space lots on property located north of Palomar Airport Road between the City's eastern boundary and future Melrose Drive. The project design provides for a north-south wildlife corridor that provides access to a wildlife corridor within the northern portion of the adjacent Carlsbad Raceway property. The remaining segment of Melrose Drive between Palomar Airport Road and the City of Vista boundary will be constructed as part of the project. No industrial buildings are proposed. NOTE: Clearinghouse will assign identification numbers for all new projects. If a SCH number already exists for a project (i.e., from a Notice of Preparation or previous draft document) please fill it in. Revised October 1989 City of Carlsbad Planning Department MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Project Address/Location: Project Description: North of Palomar Airport Road between Melrose Drive and the eastern City boundary. A request for a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to redesignate open space, and a Tentative Tract Map, Hillside Development Permit, and Planned Industrial Permit for an 70.6 acre, 10 lot, industrial subdivision with 3 open space lots on property located north of Palomar Airport Road between the City's eastern boundary and future Melrose Drive. The project design provides for a north-south wildlife corridor that provides access to a wildlife corridor within the northern portion of the adjacent Carlsbad Raceway property. The remaining segment of Melrose Drive between Palomar Airport Road and the City of Vista boundary will be constructed as part of the project. No industrial buildings are proposed. The City of Carlsbad has conducted an environmental review of the above described project pursuant to the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act and the Environmental Protection Ordinance of the City of Carlsbad. As a result of said review, the initial study (EIA Part 2) identified potentially significant effects on the environment, but (1) revisions in the project plans or proposals made by, or agreed to by, the applicant before the proposed negative declaration and initial study are released for public review would avoid the effects or mitigate the effects to a point where clearly no significant effect on the environment would occur, and (2) there is no substantial evidence in light of the whole record before the City that the project "as revised" may have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, a Mitigated Negative Declaration is hereby issued for the subject project. Justification for this action is on file in the Planning Department. A copy of the Mitigated Negative Declaration with supportive documents is on file in the Planning Department, 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California 92008. Comments from the public are invited. Please submit comments in writing to the Planning Department within 30 days of date of issuance. If you have any questions, please call Anne Hysong in the Planning Department at (760) 602-4622. DATED: CASE NO: CASE NAME: July 15, 2001 GPA 01-07/ZC 01-06/CT 99-06/HDP 99-03/PIP 01-03 Palomar Forum PUBLISH DATE: July 15, 2001 MICHAEL J/HOL Planning Director ILLER 1635 Faraday Avenue • Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 • (760) 602-4600 • FAX (760) 602-8559 • www.ci.carlsbad.ca.us ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FORM - PART II (TO BE COMPLETED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT) CASE NO: GPA 01-07/ZC 01-06/CT 99-06/HDP 99-03/PIP 01-03 DATE: May 3, 2001 BACKGROUND 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. CASE NAME: Palomar Forum Business Park APPLICANT: Hofman Planning Associates/Davis Partners ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF APPLICANT: 5900 Pasteur Court. Suite 150. Carlsbad. CA 92008. (760) 438-1465 DATE EIA FORM PART I SUBMITTED: February 9. 1999 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A request for a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to redesignate open space, and a Tentative Tract Map, Hillside Development Permit, and Planned Industrial Permit for an 70.6 acre, 10 lot, industrial subdivision with 3 open space lots on property located north of Palomar Airport Road between the City's eastern boundary and future Melrose Drive. The project design provides for a north-south wildlife corridor that provides access to a wildlife corridor within the northern portion of the adjacent Carlsbad Raceway property. The remaining segment of Melrose Drive between Palomar Airport Road and the City of Vista boundary will be constructed as part of the project. No industrial buildings are proposed. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The summary of environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact," or "Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. Land Use and Planning Population and Housing Geological Problems Water Air Quality 1X1 Transportation/Circulation I I Public Services 1X1 Biological Resources I I Utilities & Service Systems I | Energy & Mineral Resources IXI Aesthetics 1X1 Hazards IXI Cultural Resources I I Noise I I Recreation I | Mandatory Findings of Significance Rev. 03/28/96 DETERMINATION. (To be completed by the Lead Agency) I I I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. l~~l I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. l~~l I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. 1X1 I find that the proposed project MAY have significant effect(s) on the environment, but at least one potentially significant effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. A Mitigated Negative Declaration is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. I I I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier pursuant to applicable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project. Therefore, a Notice of Prior Compliance has been prepared. Planner Signature / Date Planning Directors-Signature Date Rev. 03/28/96 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS STATE CEQA GUIDELINES, Chapter 3, Article 5, Section 15063 requires that the City conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment to determine if a project may have a significant effect on the environment. The Environmental Impact Assessment appears in the following pages in the form of a checklist. This checklist identifies any physical, biological and human factors that might be impacted by the proposed project and provides the City with information to use as the basis for deciding whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Negative Declaration, or to rely on a previously approved EIR or Negative Declaration. • A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by an information source cited in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved. A "No Impact" answer should be explained when there is no source document to refer to, or it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards. • "Less Than Significant Impact" applies where there is supporting evidence that the potential impact is not adversely significant, and the impact does not exceed adopted general standards and policies. • "Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than Significant Impact." The developer must agree to the mitigation, and the City must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level. • "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect is significant. • Based on an "EIA-Part II", if a proposed project could have a potentially significant effect on the environment, but all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to applicable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or Mitigated Negative Declaration, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, and none of the circumstances requiring a supplement to or supplemental EIR are present and all the mitigation measures required by the prior environmental document have been incorporated into this project, then no additional environmental document is required (Prior Compliance). • When "Potentially Significant Impact" is checked the project is not necessarily required to prepare an EIR if the significant effect has been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards and the effect will be mitigated, or a "Statement of Overriding Considerations" has been made pursuant to that earlier EIR. • A Negative Declaration may be prepared if the City perceives no substantial evidence that the project or any of its aspects may cause a significant effect on the environment. Rev. 03/28/96 • If there are one or more potentially significant effects, the City may avoid preparing an EIR if there are mitigation measures to clearly reduce impacts to less than significant, and those mitigation measures are agreed to by the developer prior to public review. In this case, the appropriate "Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated" may be checked and a Mitigated Negative Declaration may be prepared. • An EIR must be prepared if "Potentially Significant Impact" is checked, and including but not limited to the following circumstances: (1) the potentially significant effect has not been discussed or mitigated in an Earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards, and the developer does not agree to mitigation measures that reduce the impact to less than significant; (2) a "Statement of Overriding Considerations" for the significant impact has not been made pursuant to an earlier EIR; (3) proposed mitigation measures do not reduce the impact to less than significant, or; (4) through the EIA-Part II analysis it is not possible to determine the level of significance for a potentially adverse effect, or determine the effectiveness of a mitigation measure in reducing a potentially significant effect to below a level of significance. A discussion of potential impacts and the proposed mitigation measures appears at the end of the form under DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION. Particular attention should be given to discussing mitigation for impacts which would otherwise be determined significant. Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). I. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the proposal:. a) Conflict with general plan designation or zoning? (Source #(s): (#l:Pgs 5.6-1 - 5.6-18) b) Conflict with applicable environmental plans or policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project? (#l:Pgs 5.6-1 - 5.6-18) c) Be incompatible with existing land use in the vicinity? (#l:Pgs 5.6-1 - 5.6-18) d) Affect agricultural resources or operations (e.g. impacts to soils or farmlands, or impacts from incompatible land uses? (#l:Pgs 5.6-1 - 5.6-18) e) Disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of an established community (including a low-income or minority community)? (#l:Pgs 5.6-1 - 5.6-18) II. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the proposal: a) Cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projections? (#l:Pgs 5.5-1 - 5.5-6) b) Induce substantial growth in an area either directly or indirectly (e.g. through projects in an undeveloped area or extension of major infrastructure)? (#l:Pgs 5.5-1 - 5.5-6) c) Displace existing housing, especially affordable housing? (#l:Pgs 5.5-1 - 5.5-6) III. GEOLOGIC PROBLEMS. Would the proposal result in or expose people to potential impacts involving: a) Fault rupture? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1 - 5.1-15; #3) b) Seismic ground shaking? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1-5.1-15) c) Seismic ground failure, including liquefaction? (#l:Pgs5.1-l -5.1.15; #3) d) Seiche, tsunami, or volcanic hazard? (#l:Pgs 5.1- 1-5.1-15) e) Landslides or mudflows? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1 - 5.1-15; #3) f) Erosion, changes in topography or unstable soil conditions from excavation, grading, or fill? (#l:Pgs5.1-l -5.1-15; #3) g) Subsidence of the land? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1 - 5.1-15; #3) h) Expansive soils? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1 - 5.1-15; #3) i) Unique geologic or physical features? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1 -5.1-15) IV. WATER. Would the proposal result in: Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Signifi cant Impact No Impact D D D D D D D D D DD D a aa a n a a a a a a a a a a aa a Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). a) Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1-5..2-11) b) Exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as flooding? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) c) Discharge into surface waters or other alteration of surface water quality (e.g. temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity)? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) d) Changes in the amount of surface water in any water body? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) e) Changes in currents, or the course or direction of water movements? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) f) Changes in the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or withdrawals, or through interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations or through substantial loss of groundwater recharge capability? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) g) Altered direction or rate of flow of groundwater? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1-5..2-11) h) Impacts to groundwater quality? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) i) Substantial reduction in the amount of groundwater otherwise available for public water supplies? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) V. AIR QUALITY. Would the proposal: a) Violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation? (#l:Pgs 5.3-1-5.3-12) b) Expose sensitive receptors to pollutants? (#l:Pgs 5.3-1 -5.3-12) c) Alter air movement, moisture, or temperature, or cause any change in climate? (#l:Pgs 5.3-1 - 5.3- 12) d) Create objectionable odors? (#l:Pgs 5.3-1 - .5.3- 12) VI. TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION. Would the proposal result in: a) Increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1-5.7.22) b) Hazards to safety from design features (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm equipment)? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1-5.7.22) c) Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby uses? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1 -5.7.22) Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Signifi cant Impact No Impact D D n D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). d) Insufficient parking capacity on-site or off-site? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1-5.7.22) e) Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1-5.7.22) f) Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation (e.g. bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1 - 5.7.22) g) Rail, waterborne or air traffic impacts? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1 - 5.7.22) VII. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal result in impacts to: a) Endangered, threatened or rare species or their habitats (including but not limited to plants, fish, insects, animals, and birds? (#l:Pgs 5.4-1 - 5.4- 24; #4) b) Locally designated species (e.g. heritage trees)? (#l:Pgs5.4-l-5.4-24) c) Locally designated natural communities (e.g. oak forest, coastal habitat, etc.)? (#l:Pgs 5.4-1 - 5.4- 24) d) Wetland habitat (e.g. marsh, riparian and vernal pool)? (#l:Pgs 5.4-1 - 5.4-24; #4) e) Wildlife dispersal or migration corridors? (#l:Pgs 5.4-1-5.4-24; #4) VIII. ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal? a) Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans? (#l:Pgs 5.12.1-1 - 5.12.1-5 & 5.13-1 - 5.13-9) b) Use non-renewable resources in a wasteful and inefficient manner? (#l:Pgs 5.12.1-1 -5.12.1-5 & 5.13-1-5.13-9) c) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of future value to the region and the residents of the State? (#l:Pgs 5.12.1-1-5.12.1-5 & 5.13-1-5.13-9) IX. HAZARDS. Would the proposal involve: a) A risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to: oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation)? (#l:Pgs 5.10.1-1 -5.10.1-5;) b) Possible interference with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? (#l:Pgs 5.10.1-1 -5.10.1-5) c) The creation of any health hazard or potential health hazards? (#l:Pgs 5.10.1-1 -5.10.1-5) Potentially Significant Impact D D D D D D D D D D D D Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated D D D D D D D D Less No Than Impact Signifi cant Impact D D D D D D D D D D D D D D Kl n n Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). d) Exposure of people to existing sources of potential health hazards? (#l:Pgs 5.10.1-1 - 5.10.1-5; #5) e) Increase fire hazard in areas with flammable brush, grass, or trees? (#l:Pgs 5.10.1-1 - 5.10.1- 5) X. NOISE. Would the proposal result in: a) Increases in existing noise levels? (#l:Pgs 5.9-1 - 5.9-15) b) Exposure of people to severe noise levels? (#l:Pgs 5.9-1 -5.9-15) XI. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the proposal have an effect upon, or result in a need for new or altered government services in any of the following areas: a) Fire protection? (#l:Pgs 5.12.5-1 - 5.12.5-6) b) Police protection? (#l:Pgs 5.12.6-1 - 5.12.6-4) c) Schools? (#l:Pgs 5.12.7.1 - 5.12.7-5) d) Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? 0 e) Other governmental services? (#l:Pgs 5.12.1-1 - 5.12.8-7) XII. UTILITIES AND SERVICES SYSTEMS. Would the proposal result in a need for new systems or supplies, or substantial alterations to the following utilities: a) Power or natural gas? (#l:Pgs 5.12.1-1 - 5.12.1-5 & 5.13-1-5.13-9) b) Communications systems? () c) Local or regional water treatment or distribution facilities? (#l:Pgs 5.12.2-1 - 5.12.3-7) d) Sewer or septic tanks? (#l:Pgs 5.12.3-1 - 5.12.3- 7) e) Storm water drainage? (#1 :Pg 5.2-8) f) Solid waste disposal? (#l:Pgs 5.12.4-1 - 5.12.4- 3) g) Local or regional water supplies? (#l:Pgs 5.12.2- 1-5.12.3-7) XIII. AESTHETICS. Would the proposal: a) Affect a scenic or vista or scenic highway? (#l:Pgs5.11-l -5.11-5) b) Have a demonstrated negative aesthetic effect? (#l:Pgs 5.11-1-5.11-5) c) Create light or glare? (#l:Pgs 5.11-1 -5.11-5) Potentially Significant Impact D D D D D D D D D D Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated D D D D D D D D D D D Less Than Signifi cant Impact D D D D D D D D D D D D 13 D Kl D D D No Impact D D D Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). XIV. a) b) c) d) e) XV. a) b) XVI. a) b) c) CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal: Disturb paleontological resources? (#l:Pgs 5.8-1 -5.8-10;) Disturb archaeological resources? (#l:Pgs 5.8-1 - 5.8-10; #6) Affect historical resources? (#l:Pgs 5.8-1 - 5.8- 10) Have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values? (#l:Pgs 5.8-1-5.8-10) Restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the potential impact area? (#l:Pgs 5.8-1 - 5.8-10) RECREATIONAL. Would the proposal: Increase the demand for neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities? (#l:Pgs 5.12.8-1-5.12.8-7) Affect existing recreational opportunities? (#l:Pgs 5.12.8-1-5.12.8-7) FINDINGS OFMANDATORY SIGNIFICANCE. Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self- sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? Does the project have environmental effects which will cause the substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Signifi cant Impact No Impact n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n XVII. EARLIER ANALYSES. Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, one or more effects have been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative Rev. 03/28/96 declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case a discussion should identify the following on attached sheets: a) Earlier analyses used. Identify earlier analyses and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts adequately addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project. 10 Rev. 03/28/96 DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION The Palomar Forum property is located north of Palomar Airport Road in the City's northeast quadrant. The property is surrounded by the Carlsbad Raceway vacant industrial land, open space, and existing industrial development in the City of Vista to the north, a small commercial development in the City of Vista to the east, Palomar Airport Road and Rancho Carrillo residential development to the south, and the existing Carlsbad Oaks East industrial park to the west. The future Melrose Drive alignment bisects the property at the western end The property is characterized by gentle hillside terrain which descends northward from the highest areas along Palomar Airport Road down to the Carlsbad Raceway property. The central portion of the property contains several small naturally vegetated ravines. Natural slope gradients most commonly approach 10:1 and transition to as steep as 4:1 above these ravines. The majority of the site is disturbed by past agricultural use, however, Diegan coastal sage scrub, non-native grassland, and southern mixed chaparral also occupy the site. Site drainage sheet flows northward over the slopes and into a north draining canyon. A SDG&E powerline easement bisects the eastern end of the property. I. LAND USE The project is consistent with the Planned Industrial (PI) Land Use designation for the property and the industrial subdivision is consistent with the PM zoning ordinance regulating industrial subdivisions. The project includes a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to change the portion of the property proposed to be preserved as open space to the Open Space (OS) designation. The project is included in Carlsbad's draft Habitat Management Plan and identified as a part of Linkage Area D. It is also identified as a proposed hardline area that consists of a minimum 400' wide north-south corridor at the eastern end of the property. The project is consistent with the HMP in that a 400' wide north-south corridor is proposed to be preserved along the eastern boundary. The project is surrounded to the west, north, and east by industrial and commercial land uses similar to the project and therefore compatible. The project is separated from the Rancho Carillo residential development to the south by Palomar Airport Road. Given the considerable separation from residential land uses and the Fire Department mitigation requirement to restrict hazardous materials within 1000' of residential land uses (see IX. Hazards discussion below), the Palomar Forum Business Park is compatible with residential land uses in the vicinity. The project is located within the boundaries of the McClellan-Palomar Airport Influence Area and therefore subject to the McClellan-Palomar Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). The project is located within the eastern portion of the airport flight activity zone. The project, which consists of industrial lots to be developed in the future with industrial buildings that are consistent with the P-M zone standards, is consistent with the CLUP. II. POPULATION AND HOUSING The project will require the construction of the last segment of Melrose Drive between its existing northerly terminus in the City of Vista and Palomar Airport Road and Faraday Avenue between its existing westerly terminus in the City of Carlsbad and the City's easterly boundary. This extension of a prime arterial roadways is part of the City's circulation arterial roadway system necessary to support existing and proposed development in the surrounding area and to alleviate regional traffic congestion. Given that existing development surrounds the Carlsbad Raceway property, construction of these roadways cannot be considered to be directly or 11 Rev. 03/28/96 indirectly growth inducing. III. GEOLOGY Based on the geotechnical investigation performed by Vinje & Middleton, Inc., the development of the property as proposed is feasible from a geotechnical viewpoint provided the recommendations for remedial grading and site development are followed. A brief summary of findings of the investigation indicate that "the site is underlain by a succession of sedimentary bedrock units whose engineering properties range from very competent to poor. Unstable existing landslide conditions are not in evidence at the property, however, marginally stable earth materials are present which will impact the stability of the planned cut slopes along the south perimeter below Palomar Airport Road. Conventional cut-fill grading methods may be utilized to achieve design grades; however, selective grading consistent with the engineering properties of site earth materials is recommended in order to achieve safe and stable slopes and building pads. IV, WATER The project, upon ultimate development, will consist of industrial lots with a large coverage of building and parking. Storm water runoff from each lot will be picked up in a subsurface storm drain pipe and will flow underground into the public storm drain under the streets. The public storm drain outlets into a detention basin which drains into a tributary of Agua Hedionda Creek. The mass grading has been designed to generally perpetuate existing drainage patterns. As the lots are developed, the site will absorb less water than in the undeveloped condition. The project includes work to constrict the inlet to the existing storm drain culvert under Melrose Drive in the City of Vista. This will create a detention basin to the east of Melrose Drive and reduce the peak flow in the Agua Hedionda Creek tributary to below pre-development conditions. Due to the reduced peak flows, the project will have no impact on erosion downstream. The project is creating roads and building pads that are not subject to inundation by storms, and would not expose people or property to flooding hazards. The development of the project into industrial lots will create an increase in pollutants discharged in storm water. These pollutants, detailed in the Summary NPDES Study ("Study") entitled "Carlsbad Raceway/Palomar Forum Storm Water Pollution Prevention", prepared for the project by O'Day Consultants, include oxygen demand, sediment, nutrients, heavy metals, and oil and grease. The Study indicates a potential impact totaling 8 pounds of pollutants per acre per year. Many of these pollutants collect on roof and pavement surfaces, and are transported in the "first flush" of rainfall. The Study lists potential structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) that will be used, their effectiveness at removing the anticipated pollutants, and some preliminary sizing calculations. The sample BMPs listed in the study are: Oxygen Demand • Water quality basin • Water treatment structure (Vortechs or similar) Sediment • Water quality basin • Water treatment structure (Vortechs or similar) 12 Rev. 03/28/96 Nutrients • Grass-lined swales • Biological water quality basin Heavy Metals • Water quality basin • Water treatment structure (Vortechs or similar) • Grass-lined swales • Oil and Grease • Water quality basin • Water treatment structure (Vortechs or similar) Each lot, upon development, will be required to construct BMPs selected and sized to remove the type and quantity of the anticipated pollutants from the storm water before it enters the storm drain system. The Study indicates that the BMPs will be maintained by the industrial park association, and lists the required maintenance and schedule for the different BMPs. The storm drain system empties into a detention basin prior to flowing into the Agua Hedionda Creek tributary. This provides backup water quality treatment. The project drains into the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, which is an Impaired Waterbody on the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list. The beneficial uses of aquatic life, Recreation-1 (non- contact) and Recreation-2(contact), and shellfish harvest are impaired by sediment, coliform and coliform, respectively. During construction, the project will be required to implement extensive erosion control measures pursuant to City standards. These will be maintained by the developer and inspected by the City, and will reduce the impact of sediment to less than significant during grading. After grading is complete, the graded pads will each have a sediment basin onsite, to remove sediment from storm water runoff prior to entering the storm drain system. The detention basin at the end of the storm drain system provides redundancy. These mitigation measures will reduce the impact of sediment to less than significant after grading operations. As the lots are developed, they will be paved and landscaped, and the potential impact of sediment will be less than significant. The major source of coliform in storm water runoff is pet waste. Since this is an industrial development, there is no impact of coliform. Due to the detention of runoff at Melrose Drive, no significant change in the amount of surface water body is anticipated. The geotechnical report does not indicate any high groundwater in the area to be graded, so the impact on groundwater quality, quantity or flow patterns is less than significant. Reductions in absorption caused by the increase in impervious surfaces will be offset by infiltration from the detention basin, and waters temporarily impounded behind Melrose Drive. V. AIR QUALITY: In 1994 the City prepared and certified an EIR which analyzed the impacts which will result from the build-out of the City under an updated General Plan. That document concludes that continued development to build-out as proposed in the updated General Plan will have cumulative significant impacts in the form of increased gas and electric power consumption and 13 Rev. 03/28/96 vehicle miles traveled. These subsequently result in increases in the emission of carbon monoxide, reactive organic gases, oxides of nitrogen and sulfur, and suspended particulates. These aerosols are the major contributors to air pollution in the City as well as in the San Diego Air Basin. Since the San Diego Air Basin is a "non-attainment basin", any additional air emissions are considered cumulatively significant: therefore, continued development to build-out as proposed in the updated General Plan will have cumulative significant impacts on the air quality of the region. To lessen or minimize the impact on air quality associated with General Plan build-out, a variety of mitigation measures are recommended in the Final Master EIR. These include: 1) provisions for roadway and intersection improvements prior to or concurrent with development; 2) measures to reduce vehicle trips through the implementation of Congestion and Transportation Demand Management; 3) provisions to encourage alternative modes of transportation including mass transit services; 4) conditions to promote energy efficient building and site design; and 5) participation in regional growth management strategies when adopted. The applicable and appropriate General Plan air quality mitigation measures have either been incorporated into the design of the project or are included as conditions of project approval. Operation-related emissions are considered cumulatively significant because the project is located within a "non-attainment basin", therefore, the "Initial Study" checklist is marked "Potentially Significant Impact". This project is consistent with the General Plan, therefore, the preparation of an EIR is not required because the certification of Final Master EIR 93-01, by City Council Resolution No. 94-246, included a "Statement Of Overriding Considerations" for air quality impacts. This "Statement Of Overriding Considerations" applies to all projects covered by the General Plan's Final Master EIR. This project is within the scope of that MEIR. This document is available at the Planning Department. VI. CIRCULATION: The information presented in this section is summarized from the Palomar Forum Transportation Analysis (Urban Systems Associates, Inc March 7, 2001) The project will consist of approximately 45 acres of planned industrial uses with an expected vehicle generation of 5,226 ADT. The ADT is anticipated to result in 580 vehicle trips in the AM peak hour (split 520 inbound and 60 outbound) and 625 vehicle trips in the PM peak hour (split 122 inbound and 503 outbound). The project as proposed will construct adjacent roadways to complete the City's circulation network in this area of the City. The specific roadways to be constructed are: • Palomar Airport Road will be widened from the City of Vista boundary west to existing improvements west of Melrose Drive. • Melrose Drive will be constructed from Palomar Airport Road to the existing terminus in the City of Vista. • Faraday Ave. will be extended from the existing terminus (near Melrose) in Vista to the existing terminus (Orion) in Carlsbad This extension will add another arterial, parallel to Palomar Airport Road serving direct access to the City's industrial corridor and relieving 14 Rev. 03/28/96 the pressure off of a Regional Arterial serving the Cities of Carlsbad, Vista and San Marcos. • Onsite, Street "A" Street will connect to the adjacent project to the north Carlsbad Raceway Industrial Park, providing another link and secondary access to Melrose Drive and to Business Park Drive. A) The project, upon ultimate development, will produce a potentially significant impact of increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion unless mitigation is incorporated. Arterial roadway connections and improvements to Palomar Airport Road, Melrose Drive, Faraday Ave., and onsite streets are identified as mitigation for this project. B) The project as designed will improve existing arterial roadways reducing hazards to safety and also producing additional connections or network for public access. The proposed widening of Palomar Airport Road and intersection improvements at Melrose Drive will provide a safe roadway free of lane transitions and bottleneck roadway design. C) The arterial connection of Melrose Drive, and Faraday Ave. will improve emergency access. E) The additional roadways of Melrose Drive and Faraday Ave. and the additional capacity of Palomar Airport Road will facilitate alternate modes of transportation and provide for additional routes of travel as well as reducing conflict and congestion on roadway. F) The project as conditioned and designed will support alternative modes of transportation including but not limited to: Additional bus routes, bus turnouts, bike lanes, car-pooling, ride sharing, and walking. Mitigation Plan: Unless the following mitigation measures are incorporated into the project, there is likelihood that significant impact of increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion will occur. • Palomar Airport Road will be widened along the frontage of this project from the City of Vista boundary to west of Melrose Drive. In addition, an additional right turn lane will be provided at the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and Melrose Drive. • Melrose Drive shall be constructed as a Prime Arterial from existing terminus at the Carlsbad / Vista boundary south to the intersection of Palomar Airport Road. Additional right turn lanes are required at Poinsettia Ave and at Palomar Airport Road. • Faraday Ave. shall be financially guaranteed as a Secondary Arterial to be constructed from the existing terminus in the City of Vista west of Melrose Drive to the existing terminus in the City of Carlsbad at Orion Way. • Intersection improvements to Faraday Ave at Melrose Drive including but not limited to: Additional right of way, additional roadway, lane configuration, traffic signal modification and inter-connect, street signs, and roadway striping. A financing mechanism for the above-mentioned improvements is identified in the Local Facility Management Plan for Zone 18. 15 Rev. 03/28/96 In 1994 the City prepared and certified a Master EIR which analyzed the impacts which would result from the build-out of the City under an updated General Plan. That document concluded that continued development to build-out as proposed in the updated General Plan will result in increased traffic volumes. Roadway segments will be adequate to accommodate build-out traffic; however, 12 full and 2 partial intersections will be severely impacted by regional through-traffic over which the City has no jurisdictional control. These generally include all freeway interchange areas and major intersections along Carlsbad Boulevard. Even with the implementation of roadway improvements, a number of intersections are projected to fail the City's adopted Growth Management performance standards at build-out. To lessen or minimize the impact on circulation associated with General Plan build-out, numerous mitigation measures have been recommended in the Final Master EIR. These include: 1) measures to ensure the provision of circulation facilities concurrent with need; 2) provisions to develop alternative modes of transportation such as trails, bicycle routes, additional sidewalks, pedestrian linkages, and commuter rail systems; and 3) participation in regional circulation strategies when adopted. The diversion of regional through-traffic from a failing Interstate or State Highway onto City streets creates impacts that are not within the jurisdiction of the City to control. The applicable and appropriate General Plan circulation mitigation measures have either been incorporated into the design of the project or are included as conditions of project approval. Regional related circulation impacts are considered cumulatively significant because of the failure of intersections at build-out of the General Plan due to regional through-traffic, therefore, the "Initial Study" checklist is marked "Potentially Significant Impact". This project is consistent with the General Plan, therefore, the preparation of an EIR is not required because the recent certification of Final Master EIR 93-01, by City Council Resolution No. 94-246, included a "Statement Of Overriding Considerations" for circulation impacts. This "Statement Of Overriding Considerations" applies to all projects covered by the General Plan's Master EIR. This project is within the scope of that MEIR. This document is available at the Planning Department. A MEIR may not be used to review projects if it was certified more than five years prior to the filing of an application for a later project. The City is currently reviewing the 1994 MEIR to determine whether it is still adequate to review subsequent projects. Although the MEIR was certified more than five years ago, the City's preliminary review of its adequacy finds that no substantial changes have occurred with respect to the circumstances under which the MEIR was certified. The only potential changed circumstance, the intersection failure at Palomar Airport Rd. and El Camino Real, is in the process of being mitigated to below a level of significance. Additionally, there is no new available information, which was not known and could not have been known at the time the MEIR was certified. Therefore, the MEIR remains adequate to review later projects. VII. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES According to the "PAR 62 Property Biological Technical Report" prepared by Barry Jones, Helix Environmental Planning, Inc. and mitigation proposed in a April 26, 1999 follow-up letter, the Palomar Forum property supports three vegetation communities: Diegan coastal sage scrub, southern mixed chaparral and non-native grassland. A large portion of the property has been previously disced for agricultural purposes and currently exists as disturbed land. Additionally, several drainages containing ACOE jurisdictional non-vegetated Waters of the U.S. exist on the property within the naturally vegetated small canyons in the center of the site.. The following table identifies the acreages of each vegetation community: 16 Rev. 03/28/96 Vegetation Community Diegan coastal sage scrub Southern mixed chaparral Non-native grassland Disturbed Habitat TOTAL ACOE Jurisdictional Drainages Acreage 3.2 3.3 0.4 55.4 62.3* .08 Impacts 3.2 3.3 0.4 * approximate net acreage excluding acreage for Palomar Airport Road Sensitive plant species observed on the site include Nuttall's scrub oak, California adophia, and Western dochondra which occur in the southern mixed chaparral habitat on site. None of these species is an HMP narrow endemic, i.e., required to be preserved . A total of twenty-one animal species were observed or detected on site during site surveys, however, the only sensitive species observed on site was the white tailed kite. Protocol surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher were conducted on March 2, 11, and 19, 2001 and no gnatcatchers ere observed or detected on the Palomar Forum site. As indicated by the above table, direct impacts to native habitats include all of the southern mixed chaparral, Diegan coastal sage scrub, non-native grassland. Impacts to Diegan coastal sage scrub and Jurisdictional waters of the U.S. are considered significant. Mitigation There are three components to the mitigation program: 1) onsite upland habitat restoration; 2) off-site upland habitat acquisition; and 3) off-site riparian restoration. Impacts to Diegan coastal sage scrub will be mitigated at a 1:1 ratio. The on-site restoration will include restoration of approximately 1.7 acres of currently disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub within the wildlife corridor. Restoration of the corridor will maximize its value for wildlife. A conceptual restoration plan will be developed prior to issuance of final map. The remaining upland mitigation requirement of 1.5 acres will be met by the acquisition of 1.5 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub or other habitat acceptable to the City and wildlife agencies. Impacts to .08 acre of unvegetated waters of the U.S. will be mitigated by creation of .08 acre of riparian habitat or freshwater marsh vegetation on the Carlsbad Raceway property immediately to the north and within the proposed HMP wildlife corridor. The project would potentially constrict wildlife movement across the site. To ensure continued wildlife movement in accordance with the City's Draft Habitat Management Plan (HMP), the project proposes a north-south wildlife corridor consisting of the easterly 1.5 acres (700 feet in width) of the property that will help link open space within the Rancho Carrillo project to the south with additional open space provided within the Carlsbad Raceway project to the north. This open space corridor will connect to open space to the north, however, it is bisected by the alignment of Melrose Drive, a circulation arterial roadway required for the project. A 12' high arched wildlife under-crossing where Melrose Drive bisects the corridor and located towards the 17 Rev. 03/28/96 ^^ •^^ top of the slope of the roadway outside the floodplain is proposed to provide connection to the open space to the north. VIII. HAZARDS Due to the project's proximity to existing residential development located to the south across Palomar Airport Road and within 1,000 feet, the Fire Marshal has indicated that the project could pose a potentially significant risk to residents through exposure resulting from the accidental release of hazardous substances. Generally, the Fire Marshal has requested that safeguards be incorporated into the project to ensure a greater level of safety from the storage or use of hazardous materials that could otherwise be allowed under current fire or building code regulations as well as applicable state or federal statutes. Of major concern was the storage or use of hazardous materials that could pose hazards even under non-fire conditions and may not provide adequate warning or notification of a hazardous condition to either the occupants in the residential areas and/or the fire department. Based on research of building and fire codes as well as state and federal statutes, the Fire Department agreed to mitigation conditions that would significantly reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous substances: 1. No project facilities located within 1,000 feet of any residential unit shall store, handle, or use toxic, or highly toxic gases as defined in the most currently adopted fire code at quantities which exceed exempt amount as defined in the most currently adopted fire code. 2. Facilities which store, handle or use regulated substances as defined in the California Health and Safety Code _25532(g) in excess of threshold quantities shall prepare risk management plans for determination of risks to the community. 3. Facilities which store, handle, or use any quantity of a toxic or highly toxic gas as defined in the most currently adopted fire code which are also regulated substances as defined in the California Health and Safety Code _25532(g) shall prepare an offsite consequence analysis (OCA). The analysis shall be performed in accordance with Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations _2750.2 through _2750.3. If the OCA shows the release could impact the residential community, the facility will not store, handle or use the material in those quantities. If a decrease in the quantity of material reduces the distance to toxic endpoint to where the community is not impacted, the facility shall be able to utilize the material in that quantity. Computer models may be utilized as a tool to determine the distance a hazardous material can travel if released to the atmosphere. Parameters such as temperature, wind speed, atmospheric stability, quantity released, material properties and type of release (e.g. a pressurized release of gases) are considered by these models. Models can be overlayed onto maps which will show the distance to toxic endpoint in the event of a release. Models can be performed under "worst case" meteorological and chemical release conditions. Under this situation, the maximum harm potential is determined for the specifics of the material in question. The use of these models is the most sophisticated method available to ensure community safety. The "Pesticide Soil Assessment at Byron White Property, Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, California" performed for by MV Environmental, Inc. concluded that based on limited soil 18 Rev. 03/28/96 assessment of the property, residual pesticide contamination exists within the upper 2.5 feet of soil on the property. Detection of DDT, DDE, and DDD pesticide concentrations were found to range between <50ug/kg and 50 ug/kg (parts per billion). These concentrations do not present a human health concern when compared to the Federal Government's Preliminary Remediation Goals (PRGs) for these compounds. MV Environmental concludes that since all resideual concentrations analyzed are well below the posted Federal PRG concentrations, the shallow occurrences of organochlorine pesticides do not represent an environmental endangerment to the groundwater nor humans based on the range of concentrations and depths observed. The soil can be used in the general grading of the site with the following mitigation: Grading, trenching, drilling, or other construction activities for the purposes of site development that may disturb pesticide impacted soil should be conducted in a manner which protects human health and the environment. Measures necessary to prevent fugitive dust, vapors, erosion, and any off-site migration of pesticide contaminated soil are effective dust control, such as liberal amounts of water,to reduce public exposure to these types of contaminants. Any activity generating dust emissions shall be immediately stopped if excessive off-site migration of dust is dectected by City of Carlsbad Engineering Inspection. To avoid an increase in the fire hazard due to placement of buildings in proximity to slopes containing high fuel native vegetation, the project Landscape Plans identify a 30' wide fire suppression zone in which the 10' closest to the top of slope must be landscaped in accordance with the City's Landscape Manual provisions for manufactured slopes (Zone A-2). XI/XII. PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES The project consists of an amendment to the Local Facilities Management Plan for Zone 18. The Zone 18 Plan identifies 11 necessary public services and utilities required to serve development within the zone including the project and includes a financing plan. The project is conditioned to comply with the Zone 18 LFMP to ensure the timely provision of public facilities required to meet the additional demand generated by the project. The northern portion of Zone 18 is within the South Agua Hedionda Interceptor sewer service area. The projects within the northern portion of Zone 18 will ultimately connect to this sewer system. But in the interim, the developer has proposed to sewer through the Vista Sanitation District (VSD) to the Raceway sewer lift station. The Zone Plan provides for temporary sewer in the City of Vista's Buena Interceptor subject to a flow transfer agreement between the City of Carlsbad and the City of Vista. This provision is made because the property is part of the Raceway Sewer Lift Station Assessment District in the City of Vista. XIII. AESTHETICS While the project will result in alteration of the existing landform due to the necessity of grading large flat industrial pads and requiring large quantities of cut and fill, the project will be terraced below Palomar Airport Road along the eastern half of the property. As identified by photo simulations prepared for the industrial project, the project will be visible from Palomar Airport Road, a scenic corridor circulation arterial roadway and Melrose Drive, a circulation arterial roadway. Fifty foot landscape setbacks in which large specimen trees are required adjacent to these roadways will partially screen the development, and compliance with the approved landscape plans will ensure that parking lots and manufactured slopes are screened. Potentially significant visual impacts could result from future industrial development that is visible from Palomar Airport Road or Melrose Drive due to poor architectural design and/or visible rooftop 19 Rev. 03/28/96 equipment, and loading bays. Mitigation necessary to reduce visual impacts from any industrial development that is visible from Palomar Airport Road or Melrose Drive includes: 1) prohibit placement of mechanical equipment on roofs unless project incorporates architectural treatment consisting of parapets that are of sufficient height and design to screen future mechanical roof equipment; 2) prohibit installation of roof screens other than building parapets that are integrated into the architectural design of buildings; 3) prohibit loading bays that are visible from Palomar Airport Road or Melrose Drive; and 4) require enhanced architectural treatment of all building elevations that are visible from Palomar Airport Road or Melrose Drive. These mitigation measures will be reviewed for compliance prior to approval of the Planned Industrial Permit required for each lot. XIV. CULTURAL RESOURCES The existence of archaeological resources has been documented on the property by two archaeological reports, "Results of the Archaeological Significance Assessment" performed by RECON for the Melrose Drive extension project dated October 11, 1999, and the "Draft Archaeological Testing of Four Sites at the Wimpey Gentry Property: SDi-9041,-9042, -9043, and -9045, Carlsbad California" performed by RECON dated March 22, 1989. The two archaeological reports investigated a total of 6 sites and 5 of the sites are in proximity to the proposed Melrose alignment. The 1999 report further surveyed SDi 9045 and investigated two additional sites not previously surveyed, SDi-10,5 50 and SDi-10,5 52. The 1989 RECON report concluded that no significant subsurface deposits remain on SDi-9041, 9042, and 9043. The report recommended that since an important source of information could remain in the area of SDi-9043 and SDi-9045 monitoring during grading operations to enable recovery and documentation would be necessary. The 1989 report also recommended that the remaining portion of SDi 9045 north the Carlsbad Raceway property is an important site that should be fenced during the (Carlsbad Raceway grading and construction activities), i.e. Melrose Drive extension, for protection. The subsequent 1999 RECON report concluded that no further work is necessary for SDi- 9045 because the area of real concern located north of the property has been buried beneath a segment of Melrose Drive and is therefore inaccessible. The report also indicated that no artifacts were recovered from SDi-10,550 and that the artifacts from SDi- 10,552 revealed that it was a small stone flaking station offering no substantive contribution to our current understanding of the prehistoric pattern for this area. No further work is recommended for these two sites. The report concludes that the three sites investigated are not significant cultural resources; therefore, impacts from the proposed development are not significant. EARLIER ANALYSES USED The following documents were used in the analysis of this project and are on file in the City of Carlsbad Planning Department located at 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California, 92008, (760) 602-4600. 1. Final Master Environmental Impact Report for the City of Carlsbad General Plan Update (MEIR 93-01), dated March 1994, City of Carlsbad Planning Department. 20 Rev. 03/28/96 1. "Carlsbad Raceway/Palomar Forum Storm Water Pollution Prevention", prepared by O"Day & Associates, dated June 6, 2001. 2. "Palomar Forum Transportation Analysis", prepared by Urban Systems Associates, Inc. 3. "Preliminary Geo technical Investigation Proposed Industrial Development-Byron White Property" dated June 24, 1998, prepared by Vinje & Middleton Engineering, Inc. 4. "PAR 62 Property Biological Technical Report" prepared by Helix Environmental Planning, Inc., dated January 15, 1999; "Palomar Forum Biological Mitigation", prepared by Helix Environmental Planning, Inc., dated April 16, 1999; Letters from Barry Jones, Helix Environmental Planning, Inc., to: Julie Vanderwier, USFWS dated July 1, 1998; Letter to Mr Jon Kurtin ("Year 2001 protocol gnatcatcher survey report for the Carlsbad Raceway"), dated April 19, 2001; 5. "Pesticide Soil Assessment at Byron White Property, Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, California", prepared by MV Environmental, Inc. dated July 28, 1998. 6. "Results of Archaeological Significance Assessment of CA-SDI-10,552, CA-SDI- 10,550, and a portion of CA-SDI-9045 for the Melrose Drive Extension Project", prepared by RECON dated October 11, 1999 and"Draft Archaeological Testing of Four Sites at the Wimpey/Gentry Property: SDi-9041, SDi-9042, SDi-9043 and SDi-9045, Carlsbad, California" prepared by RECON dated March 22, 1989. LIST OF MITIGATING MEASURES (IF APPLICABLE) 1. Prior to the recordation of a final map, issuance of grading permit or building permit, whichever occurs first: The project as proposed will construct adjacent roadways to complete the City's circulation network in this area of the City. The specific roadways to be constructed are: • Palomar Airport Road will be widened from the City of Vista boundary west to existing improvements west of Melrose Drive. • Melrose Drive will be constructed from Palomar Airport Road to the existing terminus in the City of Vista. • Faraday Ave. will be extended from the existing terminus (near Melrose) in Vista to the existing terminus (Orion) in Carlsbad This extension will add another arterial, parallel to Palomar Airport Road serving direct access to the City's industrial corridor and relieving the pressure off of a Regional Arterial serving the Cities of Carlsbad, Vista and San Marcos. • Onsite, Street "A" Street will connect to the adjacent project to the north Carlsbad Raceway Industrial Park, providing another link and secondary access to Melrose Drive and to Business Park Drive. 2. Potential impacts to water quality shall be mitigated through compliance with the provisions of the "Carlsbad Raceway/Palomar Forum Storm Water Pollution Prevention" summary NPDES study prepared for the project by O'Day Consultants dated June 6, 2001. 21 Rev. 03/28/96 3. Biological mitigation to mitigate both upland and wetland habitats, as described in Helix Environmental Planning, Inc. mitigation proposals, shall consist of the following: The on-site restoration will include restoration of approximately 1.7 acres of currently disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub within the wildlife corridor. Restoration of the corridor will maximize its value for wildlife. A conceptual restoration plan will be developed prior to issuance of final map. The remaining upland mitigation requirement of 1.5 acres will be met by the acquisition of 1.5 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub or other habitat acceptable to the City and wildlife agencies. Impacts to .08 acre of unvegetated waters of the U.S. will be mitigated by creation of .08 acre of riparian habitat or freshwater marsh vegetation on the Carlsbad Raceway property immediately to the north and within the proposed HMP wildlife corridor. 4. The tentative map will be conditioned to require that the following mitigation measures will be incorporated into projects prior to approval of the Planned Industrial Permit required for each lot. • Prohibit placement of mechanical equipment on roofs unless project incorporates architectural treatment consisting of parapets that are of sufficient height and design to screen future mechanical roof equipment. • Prohibit installation of roof screens other than building parapets that are integrated into the architectural design of buildings; • Prohibit loading bays that are visible from Palomar Airport Road or Melrose Drive. • Require enhanced architectural treatment of all building elevations that are visible from Palomar Airport Road or Melrose Drive. 6. Mitigation required to significantly reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous substances: • No project facilities located within 1,000 feet of any residential unit shall store, handle, or use toxic, or highly toxic gases as defined in the most currently adopted fire code at quantities which exceed exempt amount as defined in the most currently adopted fire code. • Facilities which store, handle or use regulated substances as defined in the California Health and Safety Code _25532(g) in excess of threshold quantities shall prepare risk management plans for determination of risks to the community. • Facilities which store, handle, or use any quantity of a toxic or highly toxic gas as defined in the most currently adopted fire code which are also regulated substances as defined in the California Health and Safety Code _25532(g) shall prepare an offsite consequence analysis (OCA). The analysis shall be performed in accordance with Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations _2750.2 through _2750.3. If the OCA shows the release could impact the residential community, the facility will not store, handle or use the material in those quantities. If a decrease in the quantity of material reduces the distance to toxic endpoint to where the community is not impacted, the facility shall be able to utilize the material in that quantity. 22 Rev. 03/28/96 Note: Computer models may be utilized as a tool to determine the distance a hazardous material can travel if released to the atmosphere. Parameters such as temperature, wind speed, atmospheric stability, quantity released, material properties and type of release (e.g. a pressurized release of gases) are considered by these models. Models can be overlayed onto maps which will show the distance to toxic endpoint in the event of a release. Models can be performed under "worst case" meteorological and chemical release conditions. Under this situation, the maximum harm potential is determined for the specifics of the material in question. The use of these models is the most sophisticated method available to ensure community safety. 7. Grading, trenching, drilling, or other construction activities for the purposes of site development that may disturb pesticide impacted soil should be conducted in a manner which protects human health and the environment. Measures necessary to prevent fugitive dust, vapors, erosion, and any off-site migration of pesticide contaminated soil are effective dust control, such as liberal amounts of water,to reduce public exposure to these types of contaminants. Any activity generating dust emissions shall be immediately stopped if excessive off-site migration of dust is dectected by City of Carlsbad Engineering Inspection. 23 Rev. 03/28/96 :48Air"JLL- 11-01 4:Ko. 2605 P. 2/2= 4/4 APPLICANT CONCURRENCE WITH MITIGATION MEASURES THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT I HAVE REVIEWED THE ABOVE MITIGATING MEASURES AND CONCUR WITH THE ADDITION OF THESE MEASURES TO THE PROJECT. nlul Dale Signature I ^-T 29 Rev. 03/28/96 SITE PALOMAR FORUM GPA 01-07/ZC 01-06/CT 99-06/ HDP99-03/PIP01-03 Jul. 12. 2001' ' 8: 48AM"*' •nrwvrr; JUl- 11.01 4:No, 2600 P. 2/2=4/4 APPLICANT CONCURRENCE WITH MITIGATION MEASURES THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT I HAVE REVIEWED THE ABOVE MITIGATING MEASURES AND CONCUR WITH THE ADDITION OF THESE MEASURES TO THE PROJECT. Ailoi Dale <i-Te L.P Anne Hysong -21 September 2000 meaj^ " ^fc-r— pageTl -"•- ...-.^-.-^-^ ,, ..I... j^sss?«as««««g .„ '^^^^» • -"- u -^-^-^^ . -^^^^f' . ^_^ - -s..^ _?. ^.y^..j;iiai s& From: <John_A_Martin@r1 .fws.gov> To: <dride@ci.carlsbad.ca.us>, <admin@helixepi.com>, <bhofman@hofmanplanning.com>, <sfisk@hofmanplanning.com> Date: 9/21/00 1:51 PM Subject: 21 September 2000 meeting 21 September 2000: Meeting to discuss the Carlsbad Raceway project, primarily to get John Martin educated regarding the project, as he'll be representing USFWS in processing. Started 1100. Present: John Martin (USFWS), Barry Jones (Helix Environmental), Stuart Fisk (Hoffman Planning), Bill Hoffman (Hoffman Planning), and Don Rideout (City of Carlsbad). Since 1997: new bio report has been written spring plant surveys for endangered annuals have been done vegetation map revised chaparral on site determined to be southern mixed, not southern maritime, by Julie Vanderwier, Dave Lawhead, and Barry Jones. No subsequent gnatcatcher surveys The Big Issue: Proposed hardline wildlife corridor runs through-the property, and developers would like to extend Poinsettia Street to cross the corridor, degrading its function for wildlife. Perceived "traffic failure" triggers 2-year study of necessity of Poinsettia extension, results in 2-year delay in progress of Raceway . property development. Hence no new developments in my file since August 1998. Developer initially didn't want the Poinsettia extension, and was willing to cul-de-sac both ends of Poinsettia. Has since changed his mind, feeling that extension of Poinsettia across the wildlife corridor "makes for a more cohesive development". Bill Hoffman asserts that "you don't have a failure without that crossing" (in reference to the crossing of the wildlife corridor by Poinsettia), but that there may be safety issues (i.e., failure to put Poinsettia across the wildlife corridor may increase response time of fire department to the two easternmost parcels in the development). May result in a 2-minute difference in response time (but this is for the fire department to decide). Anyway, the City Departments will need to review the traffic analysis, and that will determine the need for another street across the wildlife corridor. Then USFWS and CDFG may comment. The City's traffic study will be peer-reviewed. I agreed to write up a letter concurring with that sent by CDFG on 5 August 1998, stating that Barry Jones' letter of 1 July 1998 accurately reflects the state of conservation negotiations regarding this project at that time. We'll visit the site at 0730 on Monday 25 September. We also discussed the La Costa Village case. Property at the SE corner of La Costa and Rancho Santa Fe. Cynthia Bell owns the property. She got a 4(d) permit, mitigated accordingly at Manchester Bank, then allowed her permit to expire. Her CSS acreage went back into the pool of the City's 5% 4(d) allowance, and has since been allocated to other projects. Can't get her money back from Manchester Bank. To proceed with her development, she'll have to get a new permit. Options were discussed briefly. She could get a low-effect HCP. Don suggests a de minimus exemption, mitigated at a higher level because of eventual viability of burned sage scrub. Hysong^Page 2 | Letter to Barry Jones regarding natural lands maintenance funds for Kelly Corporate Center is in the mailbox. John Martin City of Carlsbad Planning Department MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Project Address/Location: North of Palomar Airport Road between Melrose Drive and the eastern City boundary. Project Description: A request for a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to redesignate open space, and a Tentative Tract Map, Hillside Development Permit, and Planned Industrial Permit for an 70.6 acre, 10 lot, industrial subdivision with 3 open space lots on property located north of Palomar Airport Road between the City's eastern boundary and future Melrose Drive. The project design provides for a north-south wildlife corridor that provides access to a wildlife corridor within the northern portion of the adjacent Carlsbad Raceway property. The remaining segment of Melrose Drive between Palomar Airport Road and the City of Vista boundary will be constructed as part of the project. No industrial buildings are proposed. The City of Carlsbad has conducted an environmental review of the above described project pursuant to the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act and the Environmental Protection Ordinance of the City of Carlsbad. As a result of said review, the initial study (ElA Part 2) identified potentially significant effects on the environment, but (1) revisions in the project plans or proposals made by, or agreed to by, the applicant before the proposed negative declaration and initial study are released for public review would avoid the effects or mitigate the effects to a point where clearly no significant effect on the environment would occur, and (2) there is no substantial evidence in light of the whole record before the City that the project "as revised" may have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, a Mitigated Negative Declaration is hereby issued for the subject project. Justification for this action is on file in the Planning Department. A copy of the Mitigated Negative Declaration with supportive documents is on file in the Planning Department, 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California 92008. Comments from the public are invited. Please submit comments in writing to the Planning Department within 30 days of date of issuance. If you have any questions, please call Anne Hysong in the Planning Department at (760) 602-4622. DATED: CASE NO: CASE NAME: July 15, 2001 GPA 01-07/ZC 01-06/CT 99-06/HDP 99-03/PIP 01-03 Palomar Forum PUBLISH DATE: July 15, 2001 ICHAEL J. HOLZMILLER Planning Director 1635 Faraday Avenue • Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 • (760) 602-4600 • FAX (760) 602-8559 • www.ci.carlsbad.ca.us City of Carlsbad Planning Department MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Project Address/Location: Project Description: North of Palomar Airport Road between Melrose Drive and the eastern City boundary. A request for a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to redesignate open space, and a Tentative Tract Map, Hillside Development Permit, and Planned Industrial Permit for an 70.6 acre, 10 lot, industrial subdivision with 3 open space lots on property located north of Palomar Airport Road between the City's eastern boundary and future Melrose Drive. The project design provides for a north-south wildlife corridor that provides access to a wildlife corridor within the northern portion of the adjacent Carlsbad Raceway property. The remaining segment of Melrose Drive between Palomar Airport Road and the City of Vista boundary will be constructed as part of the project. No industrial buildings are proposed. The City of Carlsbad has conducted an environmental review of the above described project pursuant to the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act and the Environmental Protection Ordinance of the City of Carlsbad. As a result of said review, the initial study (EIA Part 2) identified potentially significant effects on the environment, but (1) revisions in the project plans or proposals made by, or agreed to by, the applicant before the proposed negative declaration and initial study are released for public review would avoid the effects or mitigate the effects to a point where clearly no significant effect on the environment would occur, and (2) there is no substantial evidence in light of the whole record before the City that the project "as revised" may have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, a Mitigated Negative Declaration is hereby issued for the subject project. Justification for this action is on file in the Planning Department. A copy of the Mitigated Negative Declaration with supportive documents is on file in the Planning Department, 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California 92008. Comments from the public are invited. Please submit comments in writing to the Planning Department within 30 days of date of issuance. If you have any questions, please call Anne Hysong in the Planning Department at (760) 602-4622. DATED: CASE NO: CASE NAME: July 15, 2001 GPA 01-07/ZC 01-06/CT 99-06/HDP 99-03/PIP 01-03 Palomar Forum PUBLISH DATE: July 15, 2001 MICHAEL J:HOL Planning Director 1635 Faraday Avenue • Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 • (760) 602-4600 • FAX (760) 602-8559 • www.ci.carlsbad.ca.us ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FORM - PART II (TO BE COMPLETED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT) CASE NO: GPA 01-07/ZC 01-06/CT 99-06/HDP 99-03/PIP 01-03 DATE: May 3, 2001 BACKGROUND 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. CASE NAME: Palomar Forum Business Park APPLICANT: Hofman Planning Associates/Davis Partners ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF APPLICANT: 5900 Pasteur Court. Suite 150. Carlsbad. CA 92008. (760) 438-1465 DATE EIA FORM PART I SUBMITTED: February 9. 1999 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A request for a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to redesignate open space, and a Tentative Tract Map. Hillside Development Permit, and Planned Industrial Permit for an 70.6 acre. 10 lot, industrial subdivision with 3 open space lots on property located north of Palomar Airport Road between the City's eastern boundary and future Melrose Drive. The project design provides for a north-south wildlife corridor that provides access to a wildlife corridor within the northern portion of the adjacent Carlsbad Raceway property. The remaining segment of Melrose Drive between Palomar Airport Road and the City of Vista boundary will be constructed as part of the project. No industrial buildings are proposed. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The summary of environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact," or "Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. [XI Land Use and Planning PI Population and Housing |~~| Geological Problems E3 Water [X] Air Quality EX] Transportation/Circulation I I Public Services [X] Biological Resources I I Utilities & Service Systems [~] Energy & Mineral Resources [x] Aesthetics IXj Hazards 1X1 Cultural Resources |~1 Noise I I Recreation r~| Mandatory Findings of Significance Rev. 03/28/96 DETERMINATION. (To be completed by the Lead Agency) Q I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. Q I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. f~1 I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. E>3 I find that the proposed project MAY have significant effect(s) on the environment, but at least one potentially significant effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. A Mitigated Negative Declaration is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. [~l I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier pursuant to applicable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project. Therefore, a Notice of Prior Compliance has been prepared. Planner Signature Date Planning Directors-Signatun Date Rev. 03/28/96 .CTSENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS STATE CEQA GUIDELINES, Chapter 3, Article 5, Section 15063 requires that the City conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment to determine if a project may have a significant effect on the environment. The Environmental Impact Assessment appears in the following pages in the form of a checklist. This checklist identifies any physical, biological and human factors that might be impacted by the proposed project and provides the City with information to use as the basis for deciding whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Negative Declaration, or to rely on a previously approved EIR or Negative Declaration. • A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by an information source cited in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved. A "No Impact" answer should be explained when there is no source document to refer to, or it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards. • "Less Than Significant Impact" applies where there is supporting evidence that the potential impact is not adversely significant, and the impact does not exceed adopted general standards and policies. • "Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than Significant Impact." The developer must agree to the mitigation, and the City must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level. • "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect is significant. • Based on an "EIA-Part II", if a proposed project could have a potentially significant effect on the environment, but all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to applicable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or Mitigated Negative Declaration, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, and none of the circumstances requiring a supplement to or supplemental EIR are present and all the mitigation measures required by the prior environmental document have been incorporated into this project, then no additional environmental document is required (Prior Compliance). • When "Potentially Significant Impact" is checked the project is not necessarily required to prepare an EIR if the significant effect has been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards and the effect will be mitigated, or a "Statement of Overriding Considerations" has been made pursuant to that earlier EIR. • A Negative Declaration may be prepared if the City perceives no substantial evidence that the project or any of its aspects may cause a significant effect on the environment. Rev. 03/28/96 • If there are one or more potentially significant effects, the City may avoid preparing an EIR if there are mitigation measures to clearly reduce impacts to less than significant, and those mitigation measures are agreed to by the developer prior to public review. In this case, the appropriate "Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated" may be checked and a Mitigated Negative Declaration may be prepared. • An EIR must be prepared if "Potentially Significant Impact" is checked, and including but not limited to the following circumstances: (1) the potentially significant effect has not been discussed or mitigated in an Earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards, and the developer does not agree to mitigation measures that reduce the impact to less than significant; (2) a "Statement of Overriding Considerations" for the significant impact has not been made pursuant to an earlier EIR; (3) proposed mitigation measures do not reduce the impact to less than significant, or; (4) through the EIA-Part II analysis it is not possible to determine the level of significance for a potentially adverse effect, or determine the effectiveness of a mitigation measure in reducing a potentially significant effect to below a level of significance. A discussion of potential impacts and the proposed mitigation measures appears at the end of the form under DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION. Particular attention should be given to discussing mitigation for impacts which would otherwise be determined significant. Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). I. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the proposal:. a) Conflict with general plan designation or zoning? (Source #(s): (#l:Pgs 5.6-1 - 5.6-18) b) Conflict with applicable environmental plans or policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project? (#l:Pgs 5.6-1 - 5.6-18) c) Be incompatible with existing land use in the vicinity? (#l:Pgs 5.6-1 - 5.6-18) d) Affect agricultural resources or operations (e.g. impacts to soils or farmlands, or impacts from incompatible land uses? (#l:Pgs 5.6-1 - 5.6-18) e) Disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of an established community (including a low-income or minority community)? (#l:Pgs 5.6-1 - 5.6-18) II. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the proposal: a) Cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projections? (#l:Pgs 5.5-1 - 5.5-6) b) Induce substantial growth in an area either directly or indirectly (e.g. through projects in an undeveloped area or extension of major infrastructure)? (#l:Pgs 5.5-1 - 5.5-6) c) Displace existing housing, especially affordable housing? (#l:Pgs 5.5-1 - 5.5-6) III. GEOLOGIC PROBLEMS. Would the proposal result in or expose people to potential impacts involving: a) Fault rupture? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1 - 5.1-15; #3) b) Seismic ground shaking? (# 1 :Pgs 5.1 -1 - 5.1 -15) c) Seismic ground failure, including liquefaction? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1-5.1.15; #3) d) Seiche, tsunami, or volcanic hazard? (#l:Pgs 5.1- 1-5.1-15) e) Landslides or mudflows? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1 -5.1-15; #3) f) Erosion, changes in topography or unstable soil conditions from excavation, grading, or fill? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1-5.1-15; #3) g) Subsidence of the land? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1 - 5.1-15; #3) h) Expansive soils? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1 - 5.1-15; #3) i) Unique geologic or physical features? (#l:Pgs 5.1-1-5.1-15) IV. WATER. Would the proposal result in: Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Signifi cant Impact No Impact D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D DD D D D D Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). a) Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1-5..2-11) b) Exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as flooding? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) c) Discharge into surface waters or other alteration of surface water quality (e.g. temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity)? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) d) Changes in the amount of surface water in any water body? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) e) Changes in currents, or the course or direction of water movements? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) f) Changes in the quantity of ground 'waters, either through direct additions or withdrawals, or through interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations or through substantial loss of groundwater recharge capability? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) g) Altered direction or rate of flow of groundwater? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 -5..2-11) h) Impacts to groundwater quality? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) i) Substantial reduction in the amount of groundwater otherwise available for public water supplies? (#l:Pgs 5.2-1 - 5..2-11) V. AIR QUALITY. Would the proposal: a) Violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation? (#l:Pgs 5.3-1-5.3-12) b) Expose sensitive receptors to pollutants? (#l:Pgs 5.3-1-5.3-12) c) Alter air movement, moisture, or temperature, or cause any change in climate? (#l:Pgs 5.3-1 - 5.3-' 12) d) Create objectionable odors? (#l:Pgs 5.3-1 - 5.3- 12) VI. TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION. Would the proposal result in: a) Increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1-5.7.22) b) Hazards to safety from design features (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm equipment)? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1-5.7.22) c) Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby uses? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1-5.7.22) Potentially Significant Impact n n n n n n n n n Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporatedn n Less Than Signifi cant Impact No Impact n n n n n n n n n n D n n n n n n m n m n R n n n Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). d) Insufficient parking capacity on-site or off-site? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1-5.7.22) e) Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1-5.7.22) f) Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation (e.g. bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1 - 5.7.22) g) Rail, waterbome or air traffic impacts? (#l:Pgs 5.7-1 - 5.7.22) VII. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal result in impacts to: a) Endangered, threatened or rare species or their habitats (including but not limited to plants, fish, insects, animals, and birds? (#l:Pgs 5.4-1 - 5.4- 24; #4) b) Locally designated species (e.g. heritage trees)? (#l:Pgs 5.4-1 -5.4-24) c) Locally designated natural communities (e.g. oak forest, coastal habitat, etc.)? (#l:Pgs 5.4-1 - 5.4- 24) d) Wetland habitat (e.g. marsh, riparian and vernal pool)? (#l:Pgs 5.4-1 - 5.4-24; #4) e) Wildlife dispersal or migration corridors? (#l:Pgs 5.4-1 -5.4-24; #4) VIII. ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal? a) Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans? (#l:Pgs 5.12.1-1 - 5.12.1-5 & 5.13-1 - 5.13-9) b) Use non-renewable resources in a wasteful and inefficient manner? (#l:Pgs 5.12.1-1 -5.12.1-5 & 5.13-1-5.13-9) c) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of future value to the region and the residents of the State? (#l:Pgs 5.12.1-1-5.12.1-5 & 5.13-1 -5.13-9) IX. HAZARDS. Would the proposal involve: a) A risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to: oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation)? (#l:Pgs 5.10.1-1-5.10.1-5;) b) Possible interference with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? (#l:Pgs 5.10.1-1-5.10.1-5) c) The creation of any health hazard or potential health hazards? (#l:Pgs 5.10.1-1 - 5.10.1-5) Potentially Significant Impact D Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporatedn n n n n n n Less Than Signifi cant Impact D D n n n n n n n n No Impact n n n n n n m n n Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). d) Exposure of people to existing sources of potential health hazards? (#l:Pgs 5.10.1-1 - 5.10.1-5; #5) e) Increase fire hazard in areas with flammable brush, grass, or trees? (#l:Pgs 5.10.1-1 - 5.10.1- 5) X. NOISE. Would the proposal result in: a) Increases in existing noise levels? (#l:Pgs 5.9-1 - 5.9-15) b) Exposure of people to severe noise levels? (#l:Pgs 5.9-1 -5.9-15) XI. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the proposal have an effect upon, or result in a need for new or altered government services in any of the following areas: a) Fire protection? (#l:Pgs 5.12.5-1 - 5.12.5-6) b) Police protection? (#l:Pgs 5.12.6-1 - 5.12.6-4) c) Schools? (#l:Pgs 5.12.7.1 - 5.12.7-5) d) Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? 0 e) Other governmental services? (#l:Pgs 5.12.1-1 - 5.12.8-7) XII. UTILITIES AND SERVICES SYSTEMS. Would the proposal result in a need for new systems or supplies, or substantial alterations to the following utilities: a) Power or natural gas? (#l:Pgs 5.12.1-1 - 5.12.1-5 & 5.13-1-5.13-9) b) Communications systems? () c) Local or regional water treatment or distribution facilities? (#l:Pgs 5.12.2-1 - 5.12.3-7) d) Sewer or septic tanks? (#l:Pgs 5.12.3-1 - 5.12.3- 7) e) Storm water drainage? (#1 :Pg 5.2-8) f) Solid waste disposal? (#l:Pgs 5.12.4-1 - 5.12.4- 3) g) Local or regional water supplies? (#l:Pgs 5.12.2- 1-5.12.3-7) XIII. AESTHETICS. Would the proposal: a) Affect a scenic or vista or scenic highway? (#l:Pgs 5.11-1-5.11-5) b) Have a demonstrated negative aesthetic effect? (#l:Pgs 5.11-1-5.11-5) c) Create light or glare? (#l:Pgs 5.11-1 -5.11-5) Potentially Significant Impact D n n n n n n nn n n n n. n n Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated n D n nnnnn n n n H n El m n Less Than Signifi cant Impactn n n n nnnnn n DD IS nn n n n n No Impact n m ® i/\i Fy7! IS [Sy7| t/\l IN/IL^vJ m tjsj PS/! n 1 rc/iI^AJ D D m Rev. 03/28/96 process, one or more effects have been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative Rev. 03/28/96 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FORM - PART I (TO BE COMPLETED BY THE APPLICANT) CASE NO: DATE RECEIVED: (To be completed by staff) BACKGROUND 1. CASE NAME: Palomar Forum 2. APPLICANT: Palomar Melrose LLC 3. ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF APPLICANT: "° Highland Drive, Suite 320, Solana Beach, CA 92075 (619)755-0945 4. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A Tentative Map and Hillside Development Permit to subdivide the 62 acre parcel into tweleve industrial lots and one open space lot. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: Please check any of the environmental factors listed below that would be potentially affected by this project. This would be any environmental factor that has at least one impact checked "Potentially Significant Impact," or "Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated" in the checklist on the following pages. [ | Land Use and Planning (~~| Transportation/Circulation | | Public Services | | Population and Housing [x] Biological Resources [~~| Utilities & Service Systems fx] Geological Problems [~] Energy & Mineral Resources |~) Aesthetics | \ Water \ \ Hazards [~] Cultural Resources [~~| Air Quality Q Noise Q Recreation \~X\ Mandatory Findings of Significance 1 Rev. 03/28/96 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS STATE CEQA GUIDELINES, Chapter 3, Article 5, Section 15063 requires that the City conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment to determine if a project may have a significant effect on the environment. The Environmental Impact Assessment appears in the following pages in the form of a checklist. This checklist identifies any physical, biological and human factors that might be impacted by the proposed project and provides the City with information to use as the basis for deciding whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Negative Declaration, or to rely on a previously approved EIR or Negative Declaration. • A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by an information source cited in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved. A "No Impact" answer should be explained when there is no source document to refer to, or it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards. • "Less Than Significant Impact" applies where there is supporting evidence that the potential impact is not adversely significant, and the impact does not exceed adopted general standards and policies. • "Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than Significant Impact." The developer must agree to the mitigation, and the City must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level. • "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect is significant. • Based on an "EIA-Part II", if a proposed project could have a potentially significant effect on the environment, but all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to applicable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or Mitigated Negative Declaration, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, and none of the circumstances requiring a supplement to or supplemental EIR are present and all the mitigation measures required by the prior environmental document have been incorporated into this project, then no additional environmental document is required (Prior Compliance). • When "Potentially Significant Impact" is checked the project is not necessarily required to prepare an EIR if the significant effect has been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards and the effect will be mitigated, or a "Statement of Overriding Considerations" has been made pursuant to that earlier EIR. • A Negative Declaration may be prepared if the City perceives no substantial evidence that the project or any of its aspects may cause a significant effect on the environment. Rev. 03/28/96 • If there are one or more potentially significant effects, the City may avoid preparing an EIR if there are mitigation measures to clearly reduce impacts to less than significant, and those mitigation measures are agreed to by the developer prior to public review. In this case, the appropriate "Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated" may be checked and a Mitigated Negative Declaration may be prepared. • An EIR must be prepared if "Potentially Significant Impact" is checked, and including but not limited to the following circumstances: (1) the potentially significant effect has not been discussed or mitigated in an Earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards, and the developer does not agree to mitigation measures that reduce the impact to less than significant; (2) a "Statement of Overriding Considerations" for the significant impact has not been made pursuant to an earlier EIR; (3) proposed mitigation measures do not reduce the impact to less than significant, or; (4) through the EIA-Part II analysis it is not possible to determine the level of significance for a potentially adverse effect, or determine the effectiveness of a mitigation measure in reducing a potentially significant effect to below a level of significance. A discussion of potential impacts and the proposed mitigation measures appears at the end of the form under DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION. Particular attention should be given to discussing mitigation for impacts which would otherwise be determined significant. Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources): (Supplemental documents may be referred to and attached) Potentially Significant Impact PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED EXPLANATION TO RESPONSES I. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the proposal:. a) Conflict with general plan designation or zoning? (Source #(s): ( ) b) Conflict with applicable environmental plans or policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project? ( ) c) Be incompatible with existing land use in the vicinity? ( ) d) Affect agricultural resources or operations (e.g. impacts to soils or farmlands, or impacts from incompatible land uses? ( ) e) Disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of an established community (including a low-income or minority community)? ( ) D D D D Potentially Less Than Significant Significan Unless t Impact Mitigation Incorporated No Impact D D D D D D D D D D LX] fxl II. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the proposal: a) Cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projections? ( ) b) Induce substantial growth in an area either directly or indirectly (e.g. through projects in an undeveloped area or extension of major infrastructure)? c) Displace existing housing, especially affordable housing? ( ) i — i i — i D D D D D D III. GEOLOGIC PROBLEMS. Would the proposal result in or expose people to potential impacts involving: a) Fault rupture? ( . ) b) Seismic ground shaking? ( ) Seismic ground failure, including liquefaction?c) d) e) f) Seiche, tsunami, or volcanic hazard? ( ) Landslides or mudflows? ( ) Erosion, changes in topography or unstable soil conditions from excavation, grading, or fill? g) Subsidence of the land? ( h) Expansive soils? ( ) i) Unique geologic or physical features? ) D D D D D D D D D fxl n n n n nn n [xjn n n IV. WATER. Would the proposal result in: a) Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff? ( ) b) Exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as flooding? ( ) n n n d n Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources): (Supplemental documents may be referred to and attached) c) Discharge into surface waters or other alteration of surface water quality (e.g. temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity)? ( ) d) Changes in the amount of surface water in any water body?( ) e) Changes in currents, or the course or direction of water movements? ( ) f) Changes in the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or withdrawals, or through interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations or through substantial loss of groundwater recharge capability? ( ) g) Altered direction or rate of flow of groundwater? h) Impacts to groundwater quality? ( ) i) Substantial reduction in the amount of groundwater otherwise available for public water supplies? Potentially Significant Impact n n n n n nn Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated D D n nn Less Than Significan t Impact No Impact n n n n fxl LxJ [x] D V. AIR QUALITY. Would the proposal: a) Violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation? b) Expose sensitive receptors to pollutants? c) Alter air movement, moisture, or temperature, or cause any change in climate? ( ) d) Create objectionable odors? ( ) D n D D D D D D D VI. TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION. Would the proposal result in: a) Increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion? b) Hazards to safety from design features (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm equipment)? ( ) c) Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby uses? d) Insufficient parking capacity on-site or off-site? e) Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? f) Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation (e.g. bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? g) Rail, waterborne or air traffic impacts? n n n n n n n n n 03 n n n n n Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources): (Supplemental documents may be referred to and attached) VII. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal result in impacts to: a) Endangered, threatened or rare species or their habitats (including but not limited to plants, fish, insects, animals, and birds? ( ) b) Locally designated species (e.g. heritage trees)? ( ) c) Locally designated natural communities (e.g. oak forest, coastal habitat, etc.)? ( ) d) Wetland habitat (e.g. marsh, riparian and vernal pool)? ( ) e) Wildlife dispersal or migration corridors? Potentially Significant Impact n n n Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated D D D D Less Than Significan t Impact D No Impact D VIII. ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal? a) Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans? ( ) b) Use non-renewable resources in a wasteful and inefficient manner? ( ) c) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of future value to the region and the residents of the State? ( ) D D D D D D D D D Ql [x E IX. HAZARDS. Would the proposal involve: a) A risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to: oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation)? ( ) b) Possible interference with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? ( ) c) The creation of any health hazard or potential health hazards? ( ) d) Exposure of people to existing soufces of potential health hazards? ( ) e) Increase fire hazard in areas with flammable brush, grass, or trees? ( ) D D D D D D D D D D D X. NOISE. Would the proposal result in: a) Increases in existing noise levels? ( b) Exposure of people to severe noise levels? Dn n D XI. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the proposal have an effect upon, or result in a need for new or altered government services in any of the following areas: a) Fire protection? ( ) b) Police protection? ( ) c) Schools? ( . ) D n nnn n [xj fxl Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources): (Supplemental documents may be referred to and attached) d) Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? e) Other governmental services? ( ) XII. UTILITIES AND SERVICES SYSTEMS. Would the proposal result in a need for new systems or supplies, or substantial alterations to the following utilities: a) Power or natural gas? ( ) b) Communications systems? ( ) c) Local or regional water treatment or distribution facilities? ( ) d) Sewer or septic tanks? ( ) e) Storm water drainage? ( ) f) Solid waste disposal? ( ) g) Local or regional water supplies? ( ) XIII. AESTHETICS. Would the proposal: a) Affect a scenic or vista or scenic highway? b) Have a demonstrate negative aesthetic effect? c) Create light or glare? ( ) XIV. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal: a) Disturb paleontological resources? ( ) b) Disturb archaeological resources? ( ) c) Affect historical resources? ( ) d) Have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values? e) Restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the potential impact area? ( ) XV. RECREATIONAL. Would the proposal: a) Increase the demand for neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities? b) Affect existing recreational opportunities? Potentially Significant Impact D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D Less Than Significan t Impact D D D D D D D D D ® D D D LI D D D D D No impact LU [x] B H S LD LI LI LI n S E m Ds E OD E m Rev. 03/28/96 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources): (Supplemental documents may be referred to and attached) XVI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE. a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but . cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause the substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? XVII. EARLIER ANALYSES. Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significan t Impact No Impact D D D D D Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, one or more effects have been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case a discussion should identify the following on attached sheets: a) Earlier analyses used. Identify earlier analyses and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts adequately addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site- specific conditions for the project. Rev. 03/28/96 DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION Please use this area to discuss any of the environmental factors that were checked "No impact'" yet lack any information citations and any factors that were checked "Potentially Significant Impact" or "Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated." The City has adopted a "Statement of Overriding Consideration" with regard to air quality and circulation impacts resulting from the normal buildout according to the General Plan. The following sample text is intended to guide your discussion of the impacts to these environmental factors. AIR QUALITY: The implementation of subsequent projects that are consistent with and included in the updated 1994 General Plan will result in increased gas and electric power consumption and vehicle miles traveled. These subsequently result in increases in the emission of carbon monoxide, reactive organic gases, oxides of nitrogen and sulfur, and suspended particulates. These aerosols are the major contributors to air pollution in the City as well as in the San Diego Air Basin. Since the San Diego Air Basin is a "non-attainment basin", any additional air emissions are considered cumulatively significant: therefore, continued development to buildout as proposed in the updated General Plan will have cumulative significant impacts on the air quality of the region. To lessen or minimize the impact on air quality associated with General Plan buildout, a variety of mitigation measures are recommended in the Final Master EIR. These include: 1) provisions for roadway and intersection improvements prior to or concurrent with development; 2) measures to reduce vehicle trips through the implementation of Congestion and Transportation Demand Management; 3) provisions to encourage alternative modes of transportation including mass transit services; 4) conditions to promote energy efficient building and site design; and 5) participation in regional growth management strategies when adopted. The applicable and appropriate General Plan air quality mitigation measures have either been incorporated into the design of the project or are included as conditions of project approval. Operation-related emissions are considered cumulatively significant because the project is located within a "non-attainment basin", therefore, the "Initial Study" checklist is marked "Potentially Significant Impact". This project is consistent with the General Plan, therefore, the preparation of an EIR is not required because the certification of Final Master EIR 93-01, by City Council Resolution No. 94-246, included a "Statement Of Overriding Considerations" for air quality impacts. This "Statement Of Overriding Considerations" applies to all subsequent projects covered by the General Plan's Final Master EIR, including this project, therefore, no further environmental review of air quality impacts is required. This document is available at the Planning Department. CIRCULATION: The implementation of subsequent projects that are consistent with and included in the updated 1994 General Plan will result in increased traffic volumes. Roadway segments will be adequate to accommodate buildout traffic; however, 12 full and 2 partial intersections will be severely impacted by regional through-traffic over which the City has no jurisdictional control. These generally include all freeway interchange areas and major intersections along Carlsbad Boulevard. Even with the implementation of roadway improvements, a number of intersections 9 Rev. 03/28/96 are projected to fail the City's adopted Growth Management performance standards at buildout. To lessen or minimize the impact on circulation associated with General Plan buildout, numerous mitigation measures have been recommended in the Final Master EIR. These include measures to ensure the provision of circulation facilities concurrent with need; 2) provisions to develop alternative modes of transportation such as trails, bicycle routes, additional sidewalks, pedestrian linkages, and commuter rail systems; and 3) participation in regional circulation strategies when adopted. The diversion of regional through-traffic from a failing Interstate or State Highway onto City streets creates impacts that are not within the jurisdiction of the City to control. The applicable and appropriate General Plan circulation mitigation measures have either been incorporated into the design of the project or are included as conditions of project approval. Regional related circulation impacts are considered cumulatively significant because of the failure of intersections at buildout of the General Plan due to regional through-traffic, therefore, the "Initial Study" checklist is marked "Potentially Significant Impact". This project is consistent with the General Plan, therefore, the preparation of an EIR is not required because the recent certification of Final Master EIR 93-01, by City Council Resolution No. 94-246, included a "Statement Of Overriding Considerations" for circulation impacts. This "Statement Of Overriding Considerations" applies to all subsequent projects covered by the General Plan's Master EIR, including this project, therefore, no further environmental review of circulation impacts is required. LIST OF MITIGATING MEASURES (IF APPLICABLE^ ATTACH MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM (IF APPLICABLE^) 10 Rev. 03/28/96 PART I EIA for PALOMAR FORUM EXPLANATION TO RESPONSES I. LAND USE AND PLANNING a) No Impact. The proposed project conforms with the PI General Plan and P-M Zoning designation of the site. b) No Impact. The proposed Tentative Map and Hillside Development Permit will not conflict with any known applicable environmental plan or policy. c) No Impact. The proposed industrial lots will be compatible with existing land uses in the area. The project site is bordered by other existing and proposed light industrial uses. The residential units of Rancho Carrillo to the south are separated from the site by Palomar Airport Road. d) No Impact. Although the site has been previously disturbed for agricultural purposes, the site is not currently being used for any agricultural uses. e) No Impact. The site is currently vacant and the proposed project will not disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of any established community. II. POPULATION AND HOUSING a) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not exceed any population projection. b) No Impact. It is anticipated that the site will be eventually be developed with industrial uses consistent with General Plan. This project will not substantially induce growth in the area. c) No Impact. The project site is currently vacant and will not displace any residents. III. GEOLOGIC PROBLEMS a) No Impact. Significant faults are not indicated crossing the site and therefore the site is not subject to fault rupture. See the Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Byron White Property, for more information. b) Less Than Significant Impact. Although the site may be subject to ground shaking during a major seismic event, there are no active faults in the immediate vicinity of the project site and therefore exposure to ground shaking is not considered a significant impact. See the Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Byron White Property for more information. c) No Impact. Page 6 of the Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Byron White Property, states, 'Liquefaction or related ground rupture failures are not anticipated.' d) No Impact. The proposed project will not result in or significantly expose people to potential impacts involving seiche, tsunami, or volcanic hazards since the site is located over 4.5 miles from the coast and is not located near any volcanoes. e) No Impact. The proposed project will not result in or expose people to potential impacts involving landslides or mudflows. See Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Byron White Property for more information. f) Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. As shown in the Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Byron White Property some slope stabilization is recommended at the developed site. g) No Impact. The proposed project will not result in or expose people to subsidence of the land. See Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Byron White Property for more information. h) Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. The Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Byron White Property provides recommendations for the burial of expansive clay soils. i) No Impact. No unique geologic or physical features are known to exist at the project site. IV. WATER a) Less Than Significant Impact. Changes to absorption rates, drainage patterns and amount of surface runoff is not considered significant. The developed drainage of the project will follow the same general pattern of the natural drainage of the site into the Agua Hedionda Creek Basin. b) No Impact. The proposed project will not expose people or property to water related hazards. c) No Impact. Discharge into surface water will not be significantly altered and surface water quality will not be significantly affected by the proposed project. d) No Impact. The project will not significantly affect the amount of surface water in any water body. e) No Impact. The project will not significantly affect currents, or the course or direction of water movements. f) No Impact. The project will not significantly affect the quantity of ground waters. g) No Impact. The project will not alter direction or rate of flow of ground water, h) No Impact. The project will not significantly impact groundwater quality. i) No Impact. The proposed project will not cause a substantial reduction in the amount of groundwater otherwise available for public water supplies. V. AIR QUALITY a) No Impact. The eventual development of the site will contribute to an existing cumulative air quality problem. However, the City of Carlsbad's MEIR shows that the City has adopted a statement of overriding circumstances for this cumulative effect. This current application to subdivide the property will not create a significant impact to air quality. b) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not result in exposure of sensitive receptors to pollutants. c) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not alter air movement, moisture or temperature, or cause any change in climate. d) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not create objectionable odors. VI. TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION a) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project simply proposes to subdivide the property and will not create any immediate traffic impacts. However, the eventual industrial development of the site will increase vehicle trips and vehicle congestion on a cumulative level. A traffic study is currently being prepared to determine how the project will affect traffic hi the area. The developer will be required to pay his fair share of circulation improvements. b) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not crate any hazards to circulation from design features or incompatible uses. c) No Impact. The proposed project will provide adequate emergency access to the site and will not impede any emergency access to any nearby site. d) No Impact. There are no parking issues associated with the proposed industrial subdivision. e) No Impact. The proposed industrial subdivision will not result in hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists. f) No Impact. The proposed industrial subdivision will not conflict with any policies supporting alternative transportation. g) No Impact. The proposed industrial subdivision will not result in any rail, waterborne, or air traffic impacts. VII. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES a) Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated. As described in the PAR 62 Property Biological Technical Report, development of the site will impact some native habitats. As also described in the PAR 62 Property Biological Technical Report, these impacts will be mitigated both on and offsite to a level of insignificance. Please see the Impacts and Mitigation sections of the report for details. b) No Impact. No locally designated species such as heritage trees are known to be located on the project site. c) No Impact. No locally designated natural communities such as oak forests or coastal habitats exist on the site. d) No Impact. Although the site does contain an ACOE Jurisdictional Drainage, the drainage is non-vegetated according to the PAR 62 Property Biological Technical Report. The vegetation surrounding the drainage is not considered wetland habitat. See page 5 of the PAR 62 Property Biological Technical Report for details. e) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed Lot 11 of the project is designated as a 400' wide open space wildlife corridor. According to the site's PAR 62 Property Biological Technical Report, "Impacts to wildlife movement are considered adverse but not significant". VIII. ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES a) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will conflict with any adopted energy conservation plan. b) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not use any non-renewable resources in a wasteful or inefficient manner. c) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of future value to the region or the residents of the state. IX. HAZARDS a) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not involve a risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances. b) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not interfere with any emergency response or emergency evacuation plan. c) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not create any health hazard or potential health hazard. d) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not expose anyone to existing sources of potential health hazards. e) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not increase fire hazards. The grading of the site will employ applicable fire safety methods. X. NOISE a) No Impact. The proposed subdivision may slightly increase noise levels during grading of the site, however, this is not considered significant since no one lives near the project site. b) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not result in exposure of people to severe noise levels. XI. PUBLIC SERVICES a-e) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not result in the need for new or altered government services. The eventual industrial development of the site will be required adhere to the applicable standards and requirements of the Zone 18 Local Facilities Management Plan. XII. UTILITIES AND SERVICES SYSTEMS a-g) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not significantly impact any of these utilities or service systems. The eventual development of the site will be required to pay its fair share of improvements. XIII. AESTHETICS a) Less than Significant Impact. Although the project site is located adjacent to Palomar Airport Road, a listed scenic corridor in the Citywide MEIR, the approval of this application will not significantly affect the corridor due to adherence to the standards and guidelines listed in the MEIR. Furthermore, the project is consistent with the City's General Plan. b) No Impact. The proposed project will not have a significant demonstrable negative aesthetic effect. c) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not create light or glare. XIV. CULTURAL RESOURCES a) No Impact. No paleontological resources are not know to exist on the site. b) Less Than Significant Impact. There is a know archaeological site located in the north west corner of the site. However, the grading of the will may be monitored to ensure that any archaeological impacts to the site will be mitigated to a level of insignificance. c) No Impact. No historical resources are no known to exist on the site. d) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not to cause a physical change which would affect any unique ethnic cultural values because there are no unique cultural resources on this site. e) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not restrict any existing religious or sacred uses within the area. XV. RECREATION a) No Impact. The project simply proposes to subdivide an industrial parcel and will not increase the demand for any recreational facilities. b) No Impact. The proposed site is currently vacant and will not affect any existing recreational opportunities. XVI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE a) Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. As shown in the Biological Technical Report, the majority of the site consists of disturbed habitat with virtually no habitat value. There is some viable habitat that will be impacted by development of the site. This impact will be mitigated on and off site. The open space lot located in the eastern portion of the site will provide a corridor for the movement of wildlife across the developed site. Historical impacts, including the archaeological site in the western portion of the property, will be monitored and mitigated as a part of the grading plan for the project. b) Less Than Significant Impact. The eventual development of the site will contribute to an existing cumulative air quality problem as virtually any development project does. The City of Carlsbad's MEIR shows that the City has adopted a statement of overriding circumstances for this cumulative effect. The eventual development of the site will also contribute to cumulative traffic impacts. As the City is aware, a traffic study is currently in process to determine how these traffic impacts should be mitigated. The current application to subdivide the property will not create any significant impact to air quality or traffic. c) No Impact. The proposed subdivision will not cause any substantial adverse affects on human beings, either directly or indirectly. Source Documents Source documents have either been submitted with the applications for this project, or are on file in the Planning Department located at 2075 Las Palmas Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92009, Phone (760) 438-1161. 1. "PAR 62 Property Biological Technical Report" prepared by Helix Environmental Planning, Inc., January 15,1999. 2. "Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Byron White Property, Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad" prepared by Vinje & Middleton Engineering, Inc., June 24,1998. 3. "Final Master EIR for the City of Carlsbad General Plan Update", March 1994. 4. "Zone 18 Local Facilities Management Plan", December 19,1990