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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP 78-03D; La Costa Towne Center; Site Development Plan (SDP) (2)Air Quality Technical Report for the La Costa Towne Center Renovation and Expansion Project Submitted To: Excel La Costa, LLC Prepared By: SdentifirTesouix^ 1328 Kaimalino Lane SanDiego, CA 92109 October 3, 2013 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction 4 2.0 Existing Conditions 6 2.1 Regulatory Framework 6 2.1.1 Federal Regulations 6 2.1.2 State Regulations 8 2.1.3 Local Regulations 14 2.2 Climate and Meteorology 15 2.3 Background Air Quality 16 3.0 Thresholds of Significance 17 4.0 Impacts 20 4.1 Consistency with the RAQS and SIP 20 4.2 Violation of an Air Quality Standard 23 4.2.1 Construction Impacts 23 4.4.2 Operational Impacts 30 4.3 Cumulatively Considerable Net Increase of Nonattainment Pollutants 32 4.5 Objectionable Odors 34 5.0 Conclusions 34 6.0 References 36 Air Quality Technical Report i 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center Glossary of Terms and Acronyms APCD AQIA AQMD AQMP ARB BACM BACT BMPs CAA CAAQS CAL1NE4 Caltrans CCAA CO EPA H2S HARP HI ISCST mg/m NAAQS NOx NO2 O3 PM2.5 PM 10 ppm PSD RAQS ROCs ROG SANDAG SCAQMD SCAB SDAB SDAPCD SIP SOx SO2 TACs Air Pollution Control District Air Quality Impact Assessment Air Quality Management District Air Quality Management Plan Califomia Air Resources Board Best Available Control Measure Best Available Control Technology Best Management Practices Clean Air Act (Federal) Califomia Ambient Air Quality Standard Califomia Line Source Dispersion Model (Version 4) Califomia Department of Transportation Califomia Clean Air Act Carbon Monoxide United States Environmental Protection Agency Hydrogen Sulfide HotSpots Analysis and Reporting Program Hazard Index Industrial Source Complex Short Term Model Milligrams per Cubic Meter Micrograms per Cubic Meter National Ambient Air Quality Standard Oxides of Nitrogen Nitrogen Dioxide Ozone Fine Particulate Matter (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or less Respirable Particulate Matter (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns or less Parts per million Prevention of Significant Deterioration San Diego County Regional Air Quality Strategy Reactive Organic Compounds Reactive Organic Gases San Diego Association of Governments South Coast Air Quality Management District South Coast Air Basin San Diego Air Basin San Diego County Air Pollution Control District State Implementation Plan Oxides of Sulfur Sulfur Dioxide Toxic Air Contaminants Air Quality Technical Report La Costa Towne Center 10/03/13 T-BACT Toxics Best Available Control Technology VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds Air Quality Technical Report iii 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center 1.0 Introduction This report presents an assessment of potential air quality impacts associated with the La costa Towne Center Renovation and Expansion Project in the City of Carlsbad, Califomia. The commercial center, originally known as Plaza de la Costa Real, was designed and constructed in the early 1980s in accordance with the City of Carlsbad Site Development Plan SDP-78-3 in a C=l commercial zone. The center consists of five one- and two-story multi- tenant retail/office buildings anchored by a 30,800 square foot (sf) Vons grocery store. The center provides approximately 124,000 sf ofbuilding area on a 15.2-acre (gross) site. Excel LaCosta LLC proposes to renovate and expand the center to include a revitalized commercial center and a mix of uses, including residential units. The overall renovation and expansion of the center, as it is envisioned to be completed, would consist of two new mixed-use commercial/residential buildings being added to the project along with a single level of structure parking to provide a revitalized commercial center of 127,196 sf served by 521 parking places and 60 multi-family apartment units with 103 secure parking spaces. The overall development is proposed in four phases. The proposal would maintain and enhance the center while maintaining the viability of the existing tenants. This Air Quality Technical Report includes an evaluation of existing conditions in the project vicinity, an assessment of potential impacts associated with project construction, and an evaluation of project operational impacts. Air Quality Technical Report 4 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center TRUST BfiNSONcS,- mini Preliminary Submittal 07/27/2012 La Costa Towne Center - Mixed Use Concept 2.0 Existing Conditions The following section provides information about the existing air quality regulatory framework, climate, air pollutants and sources, and sensitive receptors in the project area. 2.1 Regulatory Framework 2.1.1 Federal Regulations Air quality is defined by ambient air concentrations of specific pollutants identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be of concem with respect to health and welfare of the general public. The EPA is responsible for enforcing the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1970 and its 1977 and 1990 Amendments. The CAA required the EPA to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which identify concentrations of pollutants in the ambient air below which no adverse effects on the public health and welfare are anticipated. In response, the EPA established both primary and secondary standards for seven pollutants (called "criteria" pollutants). The seven pollutants regulated under the NAAQS are as follows: ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), respirable particulate matter (or particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns or less, PMio), fme particulate matter (or particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or less, PM2,5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and lead (Pb). Primary standards are designed to protect human health with an adequate margin of safety. Secondary standards are designed to protect property and the public welfare from air pollutants in the atmosphere. Areas that do not meet the NAAQS for a particular pollutant are considered to be "nonattainment areas" for that pollutant. The SDAB has been designated as a moderate O3 nonattainment area for the 8-hour O3 standard. The SDAB is in attainment for the NAAQS for all other criteria pollutants. The following specific descriptions of health effects for each of the criteria air pollutants associated with project construction and operations are based on EPA (EPA 2007) and the Califomia Air Resources Board (ARB) (ARB 2005). Air Quality Technical Report 6 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center Ozone. O3 is considered a photochemical oxidant, which is a chemical that is formed when reactive organic gases (ROG) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), both by-products of combustion, react in the presence of ultraviolet light. O3 is considered a respiratory irritant and prolonged exposure can reduce lung function, aggravate asthma and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. Children and those with existing respiratory diseases are at greatest risk from exposure to O3. Carbon Monoxide. CO is a product of combustion, and the main source of CO in the SDAB is from motor vehicle exhaust. CO is an odorless, colorless gas. CO affects red blood cells in the body by binding to hemoglobin and reducing the amount of oxygen that can be carried to the body's organs and tissues. CO can cause health effects to those with cardiovascular disease, and can also affect mental alertness and vision. Nitrogen Dioxide. NO2 is also a by-product of fuel combustion, and is formed both directly as a product of combustion and in the atmosphere through the reaction of nitrogen oxide (NO) with oxygen. NO2 is a respiratory irritant and may affect those with existing respiratory illness, including asthma. NO2 can also increase the risk of respiratory illness. Respirable Particulate Matter and Fine Particulate Matter. Respirable particulate matter, or PMio, refers to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns or less. Fine particulate matter, or PM2 5, refers to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or less. Particulate matter in this size range has been determined to have the potential to lodge in the lungs and contribute to respiratory problems. PMio and PM2 5 arise from a variety of sources, including road dust, diesel exhaust, combustion, tire and brake wear, construction operations and windblown dust. PMio and PM25 can increase susceptibility to respiratory infections and can aggravate existing respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. PM2 5 is considered to have the potential to lodge deeper in the lungs. Sulfur dioxide. SO2 is a colorless, reactive gas that is produced from the burning of sulfur- containing fuels such as coal and oil, and by other industrial processes. Generally, the highest concentrations of SO2 are found near large industrial sources. SO2 is a respiratory irritant that Air Quality Technical Report 7 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center can cause narrowing of the airways leading to wheezing and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure to SO2 can cause respiratory illness and aggravate existing cardiovascular disease. Lead. Pb in the atmosphere occurs as particulate matter. Pb has historically been emitted from vehicles combusting leaded gasoline, as well as from industrial sources. With the phase-out of leaded gasoline, large manufacturing facilities are the sources of the largest amounts of lead emissions. Pb has the potential to cause gastrointestinal, central nervous system, kidney and blood diseases upon prolonged exposure. Pb is also classified as a probable human carcinogen. 2.1.2 State Regulations California Clean Air Act. The Califomia Clean Air Act was signed into law on September 30, 1988, and became effective on January 1, 1989. The Act requires that local air districts implement regulations to reduce emissions from mobile sources through the adoption and enforcement of transportation control measures. The California Clean Air Act required the SDAB to achieve a five percent annual reduction in ozone precursor emissions from 1987 until the standards are attained. If this reduction cannot be achieved, all feasible control measures must be implemented. Furthermore, the California Clean Air Act required local air districts to implement a Best Available Control Technology rule and to require emission offsets for nonattainment pollutants. The ARB is the state regulatory agency with authority to enforce regulations to both achieve and maintain air quality in the state. The ARB is responsible for the development, adoption, and enforcement of the state's motor vehicle emissions program, as well as the adoption of the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS). The ARB also reviews operations and programs of the local air districts, and requires each air district with jurisdiction over a nonattainment area to develop its own strategy for achieving the NAAQS and CAAQS. The CAA allows states to adopt ambient air quality standards and other regulations provided they are at least as stringent as federal standards. The ARB has established the more stringent CAAQS for the six criteria pollutants through the Califomia Clean Air Act of 1988, and also has established CAAQS for additional pollutants, including sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, vinyl chloride Air Quality Technical Report 8 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center and visibility-reducing particles. The SDAB is currently classified as a nonattainment area under the CAAQS for O3, PMio, and PM2 5. It should be noted that the ARB does not differentiate between attainment of the 1-hour and 8-hour CAAQS for O3; therefore, if an air basin records exceedances of either standard the area is considered a nonattainment area for the CAAQS for O3. The SDAB has recorded exceedances of both the 1-hour and 8-hour CAAQS for O3. The following specific descriptions of health effects for the additional Califomia criteria air pollutants are based on the ARB (ARB 2001). Sulfates. Sulfates are the fully oxidized ionic form of sulfur. In Califomia, emissions of sulfur compounds occur primarily from the combustion of petroleum-derived fuels (e.g., gasoline and diesel fuel) that contain sulfur. This sulfur is oxidized to sulfur dioxide (SO2) during the combustion process and subsequently converted to sulfate compounds in the atmosphere. The conversion of SO2 to sulfates takes place comparatively rapidly and completely in urban areas of Califomia due to regional meteorological features. The ARB's sulfates standard is designed to prevent aggravation of respiratory symptoms. Effects of sulfate exposure at levels above the standard include a decrease in ventilatory function, aggravation of asthmatic symptoms and an increased risk of cardio-pulmonary disease. Sulfates are particularly effective in degrading visibility, and due to fact that they are usually acidic, can harm ecosystems and damage materials and property. Hydrogen Sulfide. H2S is a colorless gas with the odor of rotten eggs. It is formed during bacterial decomposition of sulfur-containing organic substances. Also, it can be present in sewer gas and some natural gas, and can be emitted as the result of geothermal energy exploitation. Breathing H2S at levels above the standard would result in exposure to a very disagreeable odor. In 1984, an ARB committee concluded that the ambient standard for H2S is adequate to protect public health and to significantly reduce odor annoyance. Vinyl Chloride. Vinyl chloride, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, is a colorless gas with a mild, sweet odor. Most vinyl chloride is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and vinyl products. Vinyl chloride has been detected near landfills, sewage plants and hazardous waste sites, due to microbial breakdown of chlorinated solvents. Short-term exposure to high levels of vinyl A ir Quality Technical Report 9 / 0/03/13 La Costa Towne Center chloride in air causes central nervous system effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness and headaches. Long-term exposure to vinyl chloride through inhalation and oral exposure causes liver damage. Cancer is a major concem from exposure to vinyl chloride via inhalation. Vinyl chloride exposure has been shown to increase the risk of angiosarcoma, a rare form of liver cancer, in humans. Visibility Reducing Particles. Visibility-reducing particles consist of suspended particulate matter, which is a complex mixture of tiny particles that consists of dry solid fragments, solid cores with liquid coatings, and small droplets of liquid. These particles vary greatly in shape, size and chemical composition, and can be made up of many different materials such as metals, soot, soil, dust, and salt. The CAAQS is intended to limit the frequency and severity of visibility impairment due to regional haze. A separate standard for visibility-reducing particles that is applicable only in the Lake Tahoe Air Basin is based on reduction in scenic quality. Table 1 presents a summary of the ambient air quality standards adopted by the federal and Califomia Clean Air Acts. A ir Quality Technical Report 10 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center Table 1 Ambient Air Quality Standards POLLUTANT AVERAGE TIME CALIFORNIA STANDARDS NATIONAL STANDARDS POLLUTANT AVERAGE TIME Concentration Method Primary Secondary Method Ozone (O3) 1 hour 0.09 ppm (176 Mg/m') Ultraviolet Photometry ~ ~ Ethylene Chemiluminescence Ozone (O3) 8 hour 0.070 ppm (137 Mg/m') Ultraviolet Photometry 0.075 ppm (147 ug/m') 0.075 ppm (147uK/m') Ethylene Chemiluminescence Carbon Monoxide (CO) 8 hours 9.0 ppm (10 mg/m') Non-Dispersive Infrared Spectroscopy (NDIR) 9 ppm (10 mg/m') Non-Dispersive Infrared Spectroscopy (NDIR) Carbon Monoxide (CO) 1 hour 20 ppm (23 mg/m') Non-Dispersive Infrared Spectroscopy (NDIR) 35 ppm (40 mg/m') Non-Dispersive Infrared Spectroscopy (NDIR) Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Annual Average 0.030 ppm (56 ug/m') Gas Phase Chemiluminescence 0.053 ppm (100 ug/m') ~ Gas Phase Chemiluminescence Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 1 hour 0.18 ppm (338 ug/m') Gas Phase Chemiluminescence 0.100 ppm (188 ug/m') ~ Gas Phase Chemiluminescence Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) 24 hours 0.04 ppm (105 ug/m') Ultraviolet Fluorescence ~ - Pararosaniline Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) 3 hours — Ultraviolet Fluorescence -0.5 ppm (1300 ug/m') Pararosaniline Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) 1 hour 0.25 ppm (655 ug/m') Ultraviolet Fluorescence 75 ppb (196 ug/m') ~ Pararosaniline Respirable Particulate Matter (PMio) 24 hours 50 ug/m' Gravimetric or Beta Attenuation 150 ug/m' 150 ug/m' Inertial Separation and Gravimetric Analysis Respirable Particulate Matter (PMio) Annual Arithmetic Mean 20 ug/m' Gravimetric or Beta Attenuation -- Inertial Separation and Gravimetric Analysis Fine Particulate Matter (PMjs) Annual Arithmetic Mean 12 ug/m' Gravimetric or Beta Attenuation 15 ug/m^ ~ Inertial Separation and Gravimetric Analysis Fine Particulate Matter (PMjs) 24 hours ~ Gravimetric or Beta Attenuation 35 ug/m' ~ Inertial Separation and Gravimetric Analysis Sulfates 24 hours 25 ug/m' Ion Chromatography -~ - Lead 30-day Average 1.5 ug/m' Atomic Absorption ~ ~ Atomic Absorption Lead Calendar Quarter ~ Atomic Absorption 1.5 ug/m' 1.5 ug/m' Atomic Absorption Lead 3-Month Rolling Average ~ Atomic Absorption 0.15 ug/m' 0.15 ug/m' Atomic Absorption Hydrogen Sulfide 1 hour 0.03 ppm (42 ug/m') Ultraviolet Fluorescence -~ - Vinyl Chloride 24 hours 0.010 ppm (26 ug/m') Gas Chromatography ~ ~ ~ ppm= parts per million; ug/m' = micrograms per cubic meter; mg/m'= milligrams per cubic meter Source: Califomia Air Resources Board, www.arb ca.gov. 2012, http;//www.arb.ca.gov/research/aaqs/aaqs2.pdf Air Quality Technical Report La Costa Towne Center 10/03/13 Toxic Air Contaminants. In 1983, the Califomia Legislature enacted a program to identify the health effects of Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs) and to reduce exposure to these contaminants to protect the public health (AB 1807: Health and Safety Code sections 39650-39674). The Legislature established a two-step process to address the potential health effects from TACs. The first step is the risk assessment (or identification) phase. The second step is the risk management (or control) phase of the process. The State of Califomia has identified diesel particulate matter as a TAC. Diesel particulate matter is emitted from on- and off-road vehicles that utilize diesel as fuel. Following identification of diesel particulate matter as a TAC in 1998, the ARB has worked on developing strategies and regulations aimed at reducing the emissions and associated risk from diesel particulate matter. The overall strategy for achieving these reductions is found in the Risk Reduction Plan to Reduce Particulate Matter from Diesel-Fueled Engines and Vehicles (State of California 2000). A stated goal of the plan is to reduce the cancer risk statewide arising from exposure to diesel particulate matter by 75 percent by 2010 and by 85 percent by 2020. As an ongoing process, the ARB reviews air contaminants and identifies those that are classified as TACs. The ARB also continues to establish new programs and regulations for the control of TACs, including diesel particulate matter, as appropriate. Air Quality Implementation Plans. The local air pollution control district (APCD) has the primary responsibility for the development and implementation of rules and regulations designed to attain the NAAQS and CAAQS, as well as the permitting of new or modified sources, development of air quality management plans, and adoption and enforcement of air pollution regulations. The San Diego APCD is the local agency responsible for the administration and enforcement of air quality regulations in San Diego County. The APCD and the San Diego Association of Govemments (SANDAG) are responsible for developing and implementing the clean air plan for attainment and maintenance of the ambient air quality standards in the SDAB. The San Diego County Regional Air Quality Strategy (RAQS) was initially adopted in 1991, and is updated on a triennial basis. The RAQS was updated in 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004 and most recently in 2009 (APCD 2009). The RAQS A ir Quality Technical Report 12 / 0/03/13 La Costa Towne Center outlines APCD's plans and control measures designed to attain the state air quality standards for O3. The RAQS does not address the state air quality standards for PMio or PM2 5. The APCD has also developed the air basin's input to the State Implementation Plan (SIP), which is required under the Federal Clean Air Act for areas that are out of attainment of air quality standards. The SIP includes the APCD's plans and control measures for attaining the O3 NAAQS. The SIP is also updated on a triennial basis. The latest SIP update was submitted by the ARB to the EPA in 1998, and the APCD is in the process of updating its SIP to reflect the new 8-hour O3 NAAQS. To that end, the APCD has developed its Eight-Hour Ozone Attainment Plan for San Diego County (hereinafter referred to as the Attainment Plan) (APCD 2007). The Attainment Plan forms the basis for the SIP update, as it contains documentation on emission inventories and trends, the APCD's emission control strategy, and an attainment demonstration that shows that the SDAB will meet the NAAQS for O3. Emission inventories, projections, and trends in the Attainment Plan are based on the latest O3 SIP planning emission projections compiled and maintained by ARB. Supporting data were developed jointiy by stakeholder agencies, including ARB, the APCD, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), and SANDAG. Each agency plays a role in collecting and reviewing data as necessary to generate comprehensive emission inventories. The supporting data include socio-economic projections, industrial and travel activity levels, emission factors, and emission speciation profiles. These projections are based on data submitted by stakeholder agencies including projections in municipal General Plans. The ARB compiles annual statewide emission inventories in its emission-related information database, the Califomia Emission Inventory Development and Reporting System (CEIDARS). Emission projections for past and future years were generated using the Califomia Emission Forecasting System (CEFS), developed by ARB to project emission trends and track progress towards meeting emission reduction goals and mandates. CEFS utilizes the most current growth and emissions control data available and agreed upon by the stakeholder agencies to provide comprehensive projections of anthropogenic (human activity-related) emissions for any year from 1975 through 2030. Local air districts are responsible for compiling emissions data for all point sources and many stationary area-wide sources. For mobile sources, CEFS integrates emission estimates from ARB's EMFAC2007 and OFFROAD models. SCAG and SANDAG A ir Quality Technical Report 13 / 0/03/13 La Costa Towne Center incorporate data regarding highway and transit projects into their Travel Demand Models for estimating and projecting vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and speed. The ARB's on-road emissions inventory in EMFAC2007 relies on these VMT and speed estimates. To complete the inventory, estimates of biogenic (naturally occurring) emissions are developed by ARB using the Biogenic Emissions Inventory Geographic Information System (BEIGIS) model. Because the ARB mobile source emission projections and SANDAG growth projections are based on population and vehicle trends and land use plans developed by the cities and by the County as part of the development of General Plans, projects that propose development that is consistent with the growth anticipated by the general plans would be consistent with the RAQS and the Attainment Plan. In the event that a project would propose development which is less dense than anticipated within the general plan, the project would likewise be consistent with the RAQS and the Attainment Plan. If a project proposes development that is greater than that anticipated in the general plan and SANDAG's growth projections, the project might be in conflict with the RAQS and SIP, and might have a potentially significant impact on air quality. 2.1.3 Local Regulations In San Diego County, the SDAPCD is the regulatory agency that is responsible for maintaining air quality, including implementation and enforcement of state and federal regulations. The project site is located in the City of Carlsbad. The City of Carlsbad has not adopted specific regulations to govern air quality. The Open Space and Conservation Element of the City's General Plan (City of Carlsbad 2006) includes policies that ensure the City's continuing support and coordination with local, state, and federal agencies to improve the air quality within the region. A ir Quality Technical Report 14 7 0/03/13 La Costa Towne Center 2.2 Climate and Meteoroloav The project site is located in the SDAB. The climate of the SDAB is dominated by a semi- permanent high pressure cell located over the Pacific Ocean. This cell influences the direction of prevailing winds (westerly to northwesterly) and maintains clear skies for much of the year. The high pressure cell also creates two types of temperature inversions that may act to degrade local air quality. Figure 2 provides a graphic representation of the prevailing winds in the project vicinity, as measured al MCAS Miramar. which is the closest meteorological monitoring station to the site, and provides general wind trends in the Couniy. Subsidence inversions occur during the warmer months as descending air associated wilh the Pacific high pressure cell comes into conlact with cool marine air. The boundary between Ihc two layers of air creates a temperature inversion that traps pollutants. The other type of inversion, a radiation inversion, develops on winter nights when air near the ground cools by heat radiation and air aloft remains warm. The shallow inversion layer formed between these two air masses also can Irap pollutants. As the pollutants become more concentrated in thc atmosphere, photochemical reactions occur lhat produce ozone, commonly known as smog. Windrose -mir95.asc I I Calm hours r~] <1.54mfe I 1.54 - 3.09 m/s CI] 3.09-5:14 m/s [O. 5.14-8 23 m/s O823.io.eo.. f~1 - 10 80 m/s Figure 2. Wind Rose, MCAS Miramar . lir Qualily I'echnical Reporl La C \).sla Towne Cenier 15 10,03.13 2.3 Background Air Qualitv The APCD operates a network of ambient air monitoring stations throughout San Diego County. The purpose of the monitoring stations is to measure ambient concentrations of the pollutants and determine whether the ambient air quality meets the CAAQS and the NAAQS. The nearest ambient monitoring station to the project site is the Camp Pendleton monitoring station, which measures O3, NO2, and PM2,5. The closest monitoring station to the project site that measures PMio and CO is the Escondido monitoring site. The data from Escondido provide a conservative estimate of background concentrations, because Escondido is located inland of Carlsbad and is subject to pollutant transport and higher traffic congestion and other sources not present at the project site. SO2 is not considered a pollutant of concern within the San Diego Air Basin and is not monitored in the northem half of the County. Ambient concentrations of pollutants over the last five years are presented in Table 2. The Kearny Mesa monitoring station measured exceedances of the state 1 -hour ozone standard and the state and federal 8-hour ozone standards in the period from 2009 through 2011. The NAAQS was exceeded once in 2009 and once in 2011; the 8-hour CAAQS was exceeded three times each year. The annual CAAQS for PMio was exceeded in 2009 and 2011. The data from the monitoring station indicates that air quality is in attainment of all other air quality standards. Table 2 Ambient Background Concentratic (ppm unless otherwise indicated' tns Pollutant Averaging Time 2009 2010 2011 CAAQS NAAQS Monitoring Station Ozone 8 hour 0.076 0.078 0.071 0.070 0.075 Camp Pendleton 1 hour 0.090 0.092 0.085 0.09 -Camp Pendleton PM,„ Annual 24.6 21.0 18.8 20 ug/m' ~ Escondido 24 hour 74 43 40 50 ug/m' 150 ug/m' Escondido PM2,5 Annual 11.0 10.5 10.3 12 ug/m' 15 pg/m' Camp Pendleton 24 hour 29.5 27.3 27.4 ~ 35 ug/m' Camp Pendleton NO2 Annual 0.010 0.008 0.007 0.030 0.053 Camp Pendleton 1 hour 0.068 0.081 0.066 0.18 0.100 Camp Pendleton CO 8 hour 3.4 2.5 2.3 9.0 9 Escondido 1 hour 4.4 3.9 3.5 20.0 35 Escondido Air Quality Technical Report La Costa Towne Center 16 10/03/13 3.0 Thresholds of Significance The State of Califomia has developed guidelines to address the significance of air quality impacts based on Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines which provides guidance that a project would have a significant environmental impact if it would: 1. Conflict or obstruct the implementation of the San Diego Regional Air Quality Strategy (RAQS) or applicable portions of the State Implementation Plan (SIP); 2. Resuh in emissions that would violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation; 3. Resuh in a cumulatively considerable net increase of PM|o or exceed quantitative thresholds for O3 precursors, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs); 4. Expose sensitive receptors (including, but not limited to, schools, hospitals, resident care facilities, or day-care centers) to substantial pollutant concentrations; or 5. Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people. To determine whether a project would (a) result in emissions that would violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation; or (b) result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of PMio or exceed quantitative thresholds for O3 precursors, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), project emissions may be evaluated based on the quantitative emission thresholds established by the San Diego APCD. As part of its air quality permitting process, the APCD has established thresholds in Rule 20.2 for the preparation of Air Quality Impact Assessments (AQIA). For CEQA purposes, these screening criteria can be used as numeric methods to demonstrate that a project's total emissions would not result in a significant impact to air quality. Since APCD does not have AQIA thresholds for emissions of VOCs, the use of the threshold for VOCs from the City of San Diego's Significance Thresholds (City of San Diego 2007) is appropriate. The screening thresholds are included in the table below. Air Quality Technical Report 17 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center Table 3 SCREENING-LEVEL CRITERIA FOR AIR QUALITY IMPACTS Pollutant Total Emissions ConstTMCtiop Enaissions Lb. per Day Respirable Particulate Matter (PMio) 100 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2 5) 100 Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) 250 Oxides of Sulfur (SOx) 250 Carbon Monoxide (CO) 550 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)' 137 Operational Emissions Lb. Per Hour Lb. per Day Tons per Year Respirable Particulate Matter (PMio) — 100 15 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2 5) — 100 15 Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) 25 250 40 Oxides of Sulfur (SOx) 25 250 40 Carbon Monoxide (CO) 100 550 100 Lead and Lead Compounds ... 3.2 0.6 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)^ — 137 15 The thresholds listed in Table 3 represent screening-level thresholds that can be used to evaluate whether project-related emissions could cause a significant impact on air quality. Emissions below the screening-level thresholds would not cause a significant impact. In the event that emissions exceed these thresholds, modeling would be required to demonstrate that the project's total air quality impacts result in ground-level concentrations that are below the State and Federal Ambient Air Quality Standards, including appropriate background levels. For nonattainment pollutants (ozone, with ozone precursors NOx and VOCs, and PMio), if emissions exceed the thresholds shown in Table 3, the project could have the potential to result in a cumulatively considerable net increase in these pollutants and thus could have a significant impact on the ambient air quality. In addition to impacts from criteria pollutants, project impacts may include emissions of pollutants identified by the state and federal government as toxic air contaminants (TACs) or Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs). In San Diego County, APCD Regulation XII establishes Air Quality Technical Report La Costa Towne Center 10/03/13 acceptable risk levels and emission control requirements for new and modified facilities that may emit additional TACs. Under Rule 1210, emissions of TACs that result in a cancer risk of 10 in 1 million or less and a health hazard index of one or less would not be required to notify the public of potential health risks. If a project has the potential to result in emissions of any TAC or HAP which result in a cancer risk of greater than 10 in 1 million, the project would be deemed to have a potentially significant impact. With regard to evaluating whether a project would have a significant impact on sensitive receptors, air quality regulators typically define sensitive receptors as schools (Preschool-12"^ Grade), hospitals, resident care facilities, or day-care centers, or other facilities that may house individuals with health conditions that would be adversely impacted by changes in air quality. Any project which has the potential to directly impact a sensitive receptor located within 1 mile and results in a health risk greater than 10 in 1 million would be deemed to have a potentially significant impact. APCD Rule 51 (Public Nuisance) also prohibits emission of any material which causes nuisance to a considerable number of persons or endangers the comfort, health or safety of any person. A project that proposes a use which would produce objectionable odors would be deemed to have a significant odor impact if it would affect a considerable number of offsite receptors. The impacts associated with construction and operation of the project were evaluated for significance based on these significance criteria. A ir Quality Technical Report 19 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center 4.0 Impacts The La Costa Towne Center Renovation and Expansion Project would result in both construction and operational impacts. Construction impacts include emissions associated with the renovations, demolition of existing structures, and construction new structures, multi-family units, and paving/landscaping improvements. Operational impacts include emissions associated with the project, including traffic, at full buildout. 4.1 Consistencv with the RAQS and SIP The Proposed Project would have a significant impact if it conflicts with or obstructs implementation of the applicable air quaiity plans (the RAQS and SIP). As discussed in Section 2.1, the SIP is the document that sets forth the state's strategies for attaining and maintaining the NAAQS. The APCD is responsible for developing the San Diego portion of the SIP, and has developed an attainment plan for attaining the 8-hour NAAQS for O3. The RAQS sets forth the plans and programs designed to meet the state air quality standards. Through the RAQS and SIP planning processes, the APCD adopts rules, regulations, and programs designed to achieve attainment of the ambient air quality standards and maintain air quality in the SDAB. Conformance with the RAQS and SIP determines whether a Project will conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plans. The basis for the RAQS and SIP is the distribution of population in the San Diego region as projected by SANDAG. Growth forecasting is based in part on the land uses established by the General Plan. The Project would create more flexibility for the retail portion of the site and allow an anchor tenant that will serve the daily needs and convenience of the local neighborhood. Furthermore, the Project will include multi-family residential uses at the site, which meets the goals of the RAQS and SIP in creating mixed-use developments that reduce vehicle trips. Air Quality Technical Report 20 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center The RAQS and SIP address air emissions and impacts from industrial sources, area-wide sources, and mobile sources. The programs also consider transportation control measures and indirect source review. Industrial sources are typically stationary air pollution sources that are subject to APCD rules and regulations, and over which the APCD has regulatory authority. Area-wide sources include sources such as consumer products use, small utility engines, hot water heaters, and furnaces. Both the ARB and the APCD have authority to regulate these sources and have developed plans and programs to reduce emissions from certain types of area- wide sources. Mobile sources are principally emissions from motor vehicles. The ARB establishes emission standards for motor vehicles and establishes regulations for other mobile source activities including off-road vehicles. Both the RAQS and SIP address emissions of ozone precursors (ROG and NOx), as the SDAB is classified as a basic nonattainment area for the NAAQS and a nonattainment area for the CAAQS. The RAQS and SIP do not address particulate matter. The California CAA requires an air quality strategy to achieve a 5% average annual ozone precursor emission reduction when implemented or, if that is not achievable, an expeditious schedule for adopting every feasible emission control measure under air district purview (California Health and Safety Code (H&SC) Section 40914). The current RAQS represents an expeditious schedule for adopting feasible control measures, since neither San Diego nor any air district in the State has demonstrated sustained 5% average annual ozone precursor reductions. Most of the control measures adopted in the RAQS apply to industrial sources and specific source categories. There are no specific rules and regulations that apply to construction or operational sources associated with the Project; however, off-road equipment and on-road vehicles involved in construction would be required to comply with ARB emission standards. In 1992 SANDAG adopted Transportation Control Measures for the Air Quality Plan which set forth 11 tactics aimed at reducing traffic congestion and motor vehicle emissions within the SDAB. For each of these tactics, the Transportation Control Measures evaluated the potential emissions reductions on a region-wide basis. The tactics include the following: Air Quality Technical Report 21 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center Commute travel reduction program High school, college, and university travel reduction program Goods movement/truck operation program Non-commute travel reduction program Transit improvements and expansion Vanpool program High occupancy vehicle lanes Park and ride facilities Bicycle facilities Traffic flow improvements Indirect source control program The tactic that is most applicable to the proposed Project is the indirect source control program. The Transportation Control Measures adopted by SANDAG identified job-housing balance, mixed use, and transit corridor development as criteria for indirect source control. As part of job-housing balance, SANDAG indicated that land use policies and programs shall be established to attract appropriate employers to residential areas and to encourage appropriate housing in and near industrial and business areas. Mixed use development should be designed to maximize walking and minimize vehicle use by providing housing, employment, education, shopping, recreation and any support facilities within convenient proximity. The La Costa Towne Center Project meets the criteria of the RAQS, SIP, and SANDAG's Transportation Control Measures as it provides a mix of housing and commercial at the site. The project has been designed to meet mixed use designation, which will allow pedestrian access to office and retail space. Accordingly the proposed Project is consistent with the applicable air quality plans, and would not result in a significant impact. A ir Quality Technical Report 22 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center 4.2 Violation of an Air Qualitv Standard The Proposed Project would have a significant impact if it violates any air quality standard or contributes substantially to an existing or projected air quality vioiation. To address this significance threshold, an evaluation of emissions associated with both the construction and operational phases of the Project was conducted. 4.2.1 Construction Impacts Emissions of pollutants such as fugitive dust and heavy equipment exhaust that are generated during construction are generally highest near the construction site. Emissions from the construction of the project were estimated using the CalEEMod Model (ENVIRON 2013). The project is proposed to be constructed in four phases. The proposed development phases are as follows: Phase 1 Development (South Buildings Renovation): Existing Buildings 7760 and 7770 are to be renovated and updated. Work will include a minor building addition to the 7760 Building, the addition of an accessible path of travel from Building 7770, across 7760 and the entry drive to a sidewalk connection to El Camino Real. Nominal landscape and hardscape improvements are also proposed at Building 7760. Phase 1 is anticipated to commence construction in December 2012 and be completed in the spring of 2013. Phase 2 Development (Shop Building Removal): The single story 7740 Building is to be demolished and the existing parking lot extended out to El Camino Real. Phase 2 building demolition is anticipated to commence in spring 2013. Phase 3 Development (Site and Shop Buildings Enhancements): Existing Buildings 7720 and 7740 exterior will be updated with cosmetic exterior fa9ade work to update the architecture. New signage will be installed, and the existing parking lot area will be updated. New landscaping and irrigation to current City standards will be provided. New landscaping, Air Quality Technical Report 23 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center hardscape, and paving areas will be graded, including a new expanded and enhanced pedestrian plaza at the 7750 Building. Phase 3 is anticipated to commence in 2013 and be completed by late summer 2013. Phase 4 Development (New Mixed Use Buildings and Structured Parking): Phase 4 development anticipates the demolition and reconstruction of the northern third of the center to provide a new mixed use development. Two new mixed use buildings and a single level parking garage below grade will be constructed. The construction will include approximately 49,000 sf of retail space and 60 multi-family residential units. It is anticipated that this phase of the work will commence in late summer 2013, and be completed in 12 months. This phase will include 5.4 acres of grading and 54,600 cubic yards of export. The CalEEMod Model provides default assumptions regarding horsepower rating, load factors for heavy equipment, and hours of operation per day. Default assumptions within the CalEEMod Model and assumptions for similar projects were used to represent operation of heavy construction equipment. In addition to calculating emissions from heavy construction equipment, the CalEEMod Model contains calculation modules to estimate emissions of fugitive dust, based on the amount of earthmoving or surface disturbance required; emissions from heavy-duty truck trips or vendor trips during construction activities; emissions from construction worker vehicles during daily commutes; emissions of ROG from paving using asphalt; and emissions of ROG during application of architectural coatings. As part of the project design features, it was assumed that standard dust control measures (watering three times daily; using soil stabilizers on unpaved roads) and architectural coatings that comply with SDAPCD Rule 67.0 (assumed to meet a VOC content of 100 g/l for interior surfaces and 150 g/1 for exterior surfaces) would be used during construction. Tables 4a through 4d provide the detailed emission estimates for each phase of construction as calculated with the CalEEMod Model for each of the construction phases of the project. Appendix A provides CalEEMod Model outputs showing the construction calculations. As shown in the tables, emissions of criteria pollutants during construction would be below the A ir Quality Technical Report 24 / 0/03/13 La Costa Towne Center thresholds of significance for all project construction phases. Project criteria pollutant emissions during construction would be temporary. Impacts during construction are less than significant. Table 4a Maximum Daily Estimated Construction Emissions - Phase 1 La Costa Towne Center Renovation and Expansion Project Emission Source VOCs NOx CO SO, PMio PM25 lbs/day Building Construction Off Road Diesel 5.02 30.06 18.30 0.03 2.06 1.99 Worker Trips 0.23 0.07 0.67 0.00 0.08 0.02 TOTAL 5.25 30.13 18.97 0.03 2.14 2.01 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? No No No No No No Paving Asphalt Offgassing 0.00 ----- Off Road Diesel 2.09 19.26 11.55 0.01 1.47 1.36 Worker Trips 0.28 0.08 0.78 0.00 0.18 0.01 TOTAL 2.37 19.34 12.33 0.01 1.65 1.37 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? No No No No No No Architectural Coatings Off Road Diesel 0.49 2.96 1.94 0.00 0.27 0.27 Architectural Coatings Emissions 0.08 Worker Trips 0.11 0.03 0.30 0.00 0.04 0.01 TOTAL 0.68 2.99 2.24 0.00 0.31 0.28 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? No No No No Maximum Daily Emissions — Phase 1' 10.15 59.19 37.56 0.05 4.18 3.91 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? No No No No No No Maximum emissions occur during building construction. Air Quality Technical Report La Costa Towne Center 25 10/03/13 Table 4b Maximum Daily Estimated Construction Emissions - Phase 2 La Costa Towne Center Renovation and Expansion Project Emission Source VOCs NOx CO SO, PM,„ PM25 lbs/day Demolition Fugitive Dust ----0.27 0.04 Off Road Diesel 1.86 16.02 11.06 0.01 1.16 1.11 On Road Diesel 0.26 1.36 0.87 0.00 0.09 0.05 Worker Trips 0.17 0.06 0.61 0.00 0.08 0.02 TOTAL 2.29 17.44 12.54 0.01 1.60 1.22 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? No No A^o No A^o No Grading Fugitive Dust ----0.30 0.16 Off Road Diesel 1.86 16.02 11.06 0.01 1.16 1.11 Worker Trips 0.17 0.06 0.61 0.00 0.08 0.02 TOTAL 2.03 16.08 11.67 0.01 1.54 1.29 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? No iVo No No No No Paving Off Road Diesel 1.71 15.25 9.40 0.01 1.14 1.05 Worker Trips 0.31 0.10 1.10 0.00 0.15 0.04 TOTAL 2.02 15.35 10.50 0.01 1.29 1.09 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? No No No A^o No Maximum Daily Emissions - Phase 2' 2.30 17.43 12.54 0.02 1.60 1.29 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? No No No No No Maximum emissions for VOCs occur during paving; maximum emissions for NOx, CO, SOx, and PMio occur during demolition; maximum emissions for PM2 s occur during grading. Air Quality Technical Report La Costa Towne Center 26 10/03/13 Table 4c Maximum Daily Estimated Construction Emissions - Phase 3 La Costa Towne Center Renovation and Expansion Project Emission Source VOCs NOx CO SO, PMio PM2.5 lbs/day Building Construction Off Road Diesel 1.58 17.16 8.65 0.01 1.00 0.92 Vendor Trips 0.16 0.72 0.76 0.00 0.05 0.03 Worker Trips 0.17 0.06 0.61 0.00 0.08 0.02 TOTAL 1.91 17.94 10.02 0.01 1.13 0.97 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? No No No No No Paving Asphalt Offgassing 0.00 ----- Off Road Diesel 1.34 12.19 7.40 0.00 0.94 0.86 Worker Trips 0.09 0.03 0.31 0.00 0.04 0.01 TOTAL 1.43 12.22 7.71 0.00 0.98 0.87 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? No No No A^o iVo No Architectural Coatings Off Road Diesel 0.49 2.96 1.94 0.00 0.27 0.27 Architectural Coatings Emissions 9.55 Worker Trips 0.03 0.01 0.12 0.00 0.02 0.00 TOTAL 10.07 2.97 2.06 0.00 0.29 0.27 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? A^o No No No A^o Maximum Daily Emissions - Phase 3' 13.42 33.12 19.80 0.03 2.40 2.12 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? No No No No No No Maximum emissions occur during simultaneous building construction, paving, and architectural coatings application. Air Quality Technical Report La Costa Towne Center 27 10/03/13 Table 4d Maximum Daily Estimated Construction Emissions - Phase 4 La Costa Towne Center Renovation and Expansion Project Emission Source VOCs NOx CO SO, PM,o PM3.5 lbs/day Demolition Fugitive Dust ----0.27 0.04 Off Road Diesel 8.27 91.93 66.73 0.07 4.57 4.25 On Road Diesel 0.27 1.41 0.90 0.00 0.10 0.05 Worker Trips 0.26 0.08 0.92 0.00 0.12 0.03 TOTAL 8.80 93.42 68.55 0.07 5.06 4.37 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? No No No No No No Mass Grading Fugitive Dust ----2.47 1.31 Off Road Diesel 6.22 67.32 44.23 0.05 3.74 3.44 On Road Diesel 13.12 68.25 43.68 0.12 4.64 2.52 Worker Trips 0.26 0.08 0.92 0.00 0.12 0.03 TOTAL 19.60 135.65 88.83 0.17 10.97 7.30 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? No No No No A^o No Building Construction Off Road Diesel 5.24 46.84 25.78 0.04 2.95 2.77 Vendor Trips 0.64 2.89 3.03 0.00 0.21 0.11 Worker Trips 1.28 0.41 4.54 0.00 0.61 0.17 TOTAL 7.16 50.14 33.35 0.04 3.77 3.05 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? A^o A^o No No A^o No Paving Asphalt Offgassing 0.00 ----- Off Road Diesel 3.69 33.93 19.68 0.03 2.59 2.38 Worker Trips 0.26 0.08 0.92 0.00 0.12 0.03 TOTAL 3.95 34.01 20.60 0.03 2.71 2.41 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? A^o No A^o No No No Architectural Coatings Off Road Diesel 0.45 2.77 1.92 0.00 0.24 0.24 Architectural Coatings Emissions 64.27 Worker Trips 0.24 0.08 0.82 0.00 0.12 0.03 TOTAL 64.96 2.85 2.74 0.00 0.36 0.27 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? No No No No A^o No Air Quality Technical Report La Costa Towne Center 28 10/03/13 Table 4d Maximum Daily Estimated Construction Emissions - Phase 4 La Costa Towne Center Renovation and Expansion Project Emission Source VOCs NOx CO SO, PM,o PM25 lbs/day Maximum Daily Emissions - Phase 4' 75.29 229.09 157.38 0.23 16.04 11.67 Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? No No A^o No No A^o Maximum emissions for VOCs occur during simultaneous building construction, paving, and architectural coatings application; maximum emissions for all other pollutants occur during simultaneous demolition and mass grading. Air Quality Technical Report La Costa Towne Center 29 10/03/13 4.4.2 Operational Impacts Operational impacts associated with the La Costa Towne Center Renovation and Expansion Project would include impacts associated with vehicular traffic, as well as area sources such as energy use, consumer products use, and architectural coatings use for maintenance purposes. The La Costa Towne Center is currently operational, and includes approximately 98,800 sf of retail uses and 25,580 sf of office uses. According to the Traffic Impact Analysis for the La Costa Towne Center (Urban Systems Associates 2012), the existing site generates 14,890 average daily trips (ADT). According to the Traffic Impact Analysis, upon buildout, the project will generate 15,682 ADT for a net increase of 791 ADT. Table 5 presents a summary of the emissions calculated for the existing conditions and proposed project. Because the project involves renovation of an existing site, the project's operations will result in an incremental change in emissions. To address the incremental increase, the CalEEMod Model was run for both the existing conditions and for the proposed project at buildout. The incremental change was calculated by subtracting the existing emissions from the emissions attributable to the proposed project. For existing conditions, the model was run for the year 2012 (current conditions). It was assumed that the first year of full occupancy would be 2014. Thus the project would result in a decrease in emissions from existing conditions. The reasons for the decrease are that (a) the CalEEMod Model takes into account decreases in emissions associated with the County-wide vehicle fleet due to increasingly stringent emission standards and phase-out of older vehicles; and (b) the project will include a mix of uses and improved design features that will reduce emissions from vehicles through trip reduction and from energy use and other area sources through implementation of energy efficiency standards for the new buildings. Air Quality Technical Report 30 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center Table 5 Operational Emissions ROG NOx CO SO, PM,„ PM„ Existing Site Summer Day, Lbs/day Area Sources 3.37 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 Energy Use 0.02 0.20 0.17 0.00 0.02 0.02 Vehicular Emissions 135.81 122.28 593.81 0.81 25.46 8.98 TOTAL 139.20 122.48 594.00 0.81 25.47 9.00 Winter Day, Lbs/day Area Sources 3.37 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 Energy Use 0.02 0.20 0.17 0.00 0.02 0.02 Vehicular Emissions 160.27 129.93 646.03 0.77 25.48 9.01 TOTAL 163.66 130.14 646.22 0.77 25.50 9.02 Proposed Project Summer Day, Lbs/day Area Sources 5.43 0.06 5.08 0.00 0.03 0.03 Energy Use 0.04 0.37 0.24 0.00 0.03 0.03 Vehicular Emissions 113.20 101.87 488.29 0.78 23.61 7.86 TOTAL 118.67 102.30 493.61 0.79 23.67 7.92 Winter Day, Lbs/day Area Sources 5.43 0.06 5.08 0.00 0.03 0.03 Energy Use 0.04 0.37 0.24 0.00 0.03 0.03 Vehicular Emissions 133.18 108.05 538.40 0.75 23.63 7.88 TOTAL 138.64 108.48 543.72 0.75 23.68 7.93 Proposed Project Net Increase (Decrease) Net Increase, Summer Day (20.52) (20.19) (100.38) (0.03) (1.80) (1.08) Net Increase, Winter Day (25.01) (21.65) (102.49) (0.03) (1.82) (L09) Significance Thresholds 137 250 550 250 100 55 Above Thresholds? A^o No No No No No Based on the estimates of the emissions associated with Project operations, the emissions would decrease from existing levels, and would be below the significance thresholds. Projects involving traffic impacts may result in the formation of locally high concentrations of CO, known as CO "hot spots." To verify that the project would not cause or contribute to a violation of the CO standard, a screening evaluation of the potential for CO "hot spots" was conducted. The Caltrans ITS Transportation Project-Level Carbon Monoxide Protocol (Caltrans 1998) were followed to determine whether a CO "hot spof is likely to form due to project- generated traffic. In accordance with the Protocol, CO "hot spots" are typically evaluated when (a) the LOS of an intersection or roadway decreases to a LOS E or worse; (b) signalization Air Quality Technical Report La Costa Towne Center 31 10/03/13 and/or channelization is added to an intersection; and (c) sensitive receptors such as residences, commercial developments, schools, hospitals, etc. are located in the vicinity of the affected intersection or roadway segment. The Traffic Impact Analysis evaluated whether or not there would be a decrease in the level of service at the intersections affected by the Project. Based on the analysis, no intersections would experience a degradation in LOS to LOS E or F due to project traffic. Accordingly, the project would not result in CO "hot spots", and no significant impact would result. 4.3 Cumulatively Considerable Net Increase of Nonattainment Pollutants The Proposed Project would have a significant impact if it results in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors. As discussed in Section 2.0, the SDAB is considered a nonattainment area for the 8-hour NAAQS for O3, and is considered a nonattainment area for the CAAQS for O3, PMio, and PM2 5. An evaluation of emissions of nonattainment pollutants was conducted in Section 4.2, and it was determined that emissions of all nonattainment pollutants would be below the screening-level thresholds. The region surrounding the La Costa Towne Center is already developed; the project provides infill development. Because the project provides infill development, it would not be anticipated to increase vehicle trips in the region; rather, the project would serve the needs of providing local retail to the community. Furthermore, the project would result in a decrease in emissions from existing conditions. The project would therefore not result in a cumulatively considerable increase emissions of ozone precursors (NOx and VOCs). It is unlikely that several projects within the immediate vicinity of the La Costa Towne Center Project; however, should construction occur simultaneously, standard dust control measures would ensure that cumulative impacts would not result. Cumulative impacts are less than significant. Air Quality Technical Report 32 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center 4.4 Exposure of Sensitive Receptors to Substantial Pollutant Concentrations The Proposed Project would have a significant impact if it exposes sensitive receptors (including, but not limited to, schools, hospitals, resident care facilities, parks, or day-care centers) to substantial pollutant concentrations. The threshold concems whether the project could expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations of TACs. If a project has the potential to result in emissions of any TAC which result in a cancer risk of greater than 10 in 1 million or substantial non-cancer risk, the project would be deemed to have a potentially significant impact. Air quality regulators typically define sensitive receptors as schools (Preschool-12* Grade), hospitals, resident care facilities, or day-care centers, or other facilities that may house individuals with health conditions that would be adversely impacted by changes in air quality. Residential land uses may also be considered sensitive receptors. The nearest sensitive receptors to the site are the residents located to the east of the project site, approximately 0.1 miles from the project. Emissions of TACs are attributable to temporary emissions from construction emissions, and minor emissions associated with diesel truck traffic used for deliveries at the site. Truck traffic may result in emissions of diesel particulate matter, which is characterized by the State of California as a toxic air contaminant (TAC). Certain types of projects are recommended to be evaluated for impacts associated with TACs. In accordance with the SCAQMD's "Health Risk Assessment Guidance for Analyzing Cancer Risks from Mobile Source Diesel Idling Emissions for CEQA Air Quality Analysis" (SCAQMD 2003), projects that should be evaluated for diesel particulate emissions include truck stops, distribution centers, warehouses, and transit centers which diesel vehicles would utilize and which would be sources of diesel particulate matter from heavy-duty diesel trucks. A mixed-use project such as the La Costa Towne Center Project would not attract a disproportionate amount of diesel trucks and would not be considered a source of TAC emissions. Based on the CalEEMod Model, heavy-duty diesel trucks would account for A ir Quality Technical Report 33 / 0/03/13 La Costa Towne Center only 0.9 percent of the total trips associated with the project. Impacts to sensitive receptors from TAC emissions would therefore be less than significant. 4.5 Objectionable Odors The Proposed Project would have a significant impact if it creates objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people. Project construction could result in minor amounts of odor compounds associated with diesel heavy equipment exhaust. These compounds would be emitted in various amounts and at various locations during construction. Sensitive receptors located in the vicinity of the construction site include the residences to the east of the site. Odors are highest near the source and would quickly dissipate offsite; any odors associated with construction would be temporary. The Project is a mixed-use development and would not include land uses that would be sources of nuisance odors. Thus the potential for odor impacts associated with the project is less than significant 5.0 Conclusions As discussed in Section 4.0, impacts are less than significant. Standard dust control measures will be employed during construction, as discussed in the City of Carlsbad General Plan. These standard dust control measures include the following: Control fugitive dust by regular watering, paving construction roads, or other dust preventive measures; Maintain equipment engines in proper tune; Seed and water until vegetation cover is grown; Spread soil binders; Wet the area down, sufficient enough to form a crust on the surface with repeated soakings, as necessary, to maintain the crust and prevent dust pick-up by the wind; Street sweeping, should silt be carried over to adjacent public thoroughfares; Use water trucks or sprinkler systems to keep all areas where vehicles move damp enough to prevent dust raised when leaving the site; Wet down areas in the late morning and after work is completed for the day; A ir Quality Technical Report 34 / 0/03/13 La Costa Towne Center • Use of low sulphur fuel (0.5% by weight) for construction equipment. These dust control measures will reduce the amount of fugitive dust generated during construction. In addition to dust control measures, architectural coatings applied to interior and exterior surfaces will be required to meet the ROG limitations of SDAPCD Rule 67.0, which limits the ROG content of most coatings to 100 grams/liter. In summary, the proposed project would result in emissions of air pollutants for both the construction phase and operational phase of the project. The air quality impact analysis evaluated the potential for adverse impacts to the ambient air quality due to construction and operational emissions. Construction emissions would include emissions associated with fugitive dust, heavy construction equipment and construction worker commuting to and from the site. The project would employ dust control measures such as watering to control emissions during construction and use of low-ROG paints. Emissions are less than the significance thresholds for all pollutants during construction. Operational emissions would include emissions associated with office and retail operations, including area sources, energy use, and vehicle traffic. As discussed in Section 4.0, the impacts would be below the significance thresholds for all pollutants. Impacts from project-related traffic were evaluated to assess whether the project could result in CO "hot spots" due to project- related traffic. Impacts are less than significant. Emissions of TACs or odors would not result in a significant impact to the project, and project emissions of TACs and odors would be less than significant. Air Quality Technical Report 35 10/03/13 La Costa Towne Center