No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 79-25B; RANCHEROS DAON CORPORATION; Planning Commission* 1 MY r I I I ,.Q •:t . F' i44* LU Eel Ot - .- i1v U.UIJ r - 2- I \\ \( V l jI L}J 1f•L ,--" I>ts., - - . .-. . / / ' \• Ut .— A • i • — / I / _, yk : • . / — - \ — . . I , - ---- ----- • • --' _/ - . \ • ' . .. a1 girl — — -.- ----- : ;.- -=-.-_--;:----_----:i -- / -- )c \ - X'- • . '- . — - . -.-. -.--- -: --- .—: • - -- - - , \ • + 1I\ J RWCT)cN 'LL IV _ 111LThiDl • - $PACE AREAS (HOMEOWWERMS SOCATCN ---- - -- - • : - -• j Q -: • MAPTAED) SMALL BE EGA1EI) •. F • WITH AIJTOIA11C X3A11C4 • - - • - • •-•. - • - - -• -• •• --- • • • • -• ;t1 IT:1j.TTE. • • . ., . ' .. : .. './/\\ \ .:. 0 • ' //7tiT2\\'\\ \ . I ' • \ \\ \\ T'7 i4" •\ i — Ile ;vT! • * .......... 00 • I. /• ,/• • • •i' ' I- £ \ y it •' k\\ 111 ) \I!iK!\ ç\ • IF 1111 It 0 0 ft- RIchardson N871 MUM :dA.R.LWA co \ I \ --- tc --- - —:-'-< f• ! J 11 jhT! H 0 rn I N1 I t C,, 69 (?f ©0 m I—' • _40.f I I [ 3Fe1j !ARLSADC d rc* THE DA0 CORP.JE .1 1 --•-,•--- -•-•-.-.--•--•-•.•---. • •, i•• •••• • •. I • O%* ICI I'O W*It WW @O OfI '0L IlK & U1JW • .dQ3 OVXto4 .. MO'Cv Kv Lp DO 9 '00 -10M uniko(W l o I T-• V •_.•VV*V pc~ V. A- •. 14-0 • L1••. __ FT 1. . (0) V V V V .• . . - V.. V.. _J• ••ng000 -U' I 0 ' 8 RLSBAD, R1 t DAO cocp. sufl r,aron Lt1Icn r0 ::J - ,,, , t L - 4 r5 • : \•; ;! • . I °L 4: I mu ' 71 'W6 --I Lj • it) 4 4 ;:. )i) --'--- • • 1 i- S_(.• •' S SI 555$ Cr OW SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR RANCHEROS DE LA COSTA Prepared for LA COSTA LAND COMPANY COSTA DEL MAR ROAD CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA 92008 Prepared by RECON Regional Environmental Consultants 1094 Cudahy Place Suite 204 San Diego. CA 92110 275-3732 JOB NUMBER 6944F JANUARY 4, 1980 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page I. INTRODUCTION 1 II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2 III. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 8 A. TOPOGRAPHY AND VISUAL AESTHETICS 8 B. LAND USE AND GROWTH INDUCEMENT 15 C. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 18 D. GEOLOGY AND SOILS 22 E. ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES 24 F. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY 26 G. PUBLIC UTILITIES 29 H. COMMUNITY SERVICES 33 I. TRAFFIC CIRCULATION 39 J. NOISE 40 K. CLIMATE AND AIR QUALITY 42 IV. ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED IF THE PROPOSAL IS IMPLEMENTED 46 V. 'SIGNIFICANT IRREVERSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES WHICH WOULD BE INVOLVED IN THE PROPOSED ACTION SHOULD IT BE IMPLEMENTED 47 VI. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF MAN'S ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY 48 VII. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 49 VIII. CERTIFICATION 50 IX. PERSONS AND AGENCIES CONSULTED 51 X. 'REFERENCES CITED 52 1 I I I I I 1 1 I I I I I I I I 1 I I I. TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) I Page I APPENDICES Appendix A: Project Data I Appendix B: Air Quality Appendix C: Biological Resources Appendix D: Highway Noise Analysis Worksheet I FIGURES Figure 1: Vicinity map 3 I Figure 2: Project location in relation to surrounding environs 4 Figure 3: Tentative map 5 I Figure 4: Existing and proposed roadways 7 I TABLES Table 1: School Enrollments and Capacities 33 Table 2: Shopping Facilities Within the Project I Vicinity 36 Table 3: Projected ADT and Noise Levels 40 Table 4: Existing Air Quality for 1978 43 I Table 5: Existing Air Quality at the Project Area 44 PHOTOGRAPHS I Photograph 1: View from northern boundary looking south, showing native chaparral Photograph 2: View from western boundary, showing I inland sage scrub Photograph 3: View of the site looking northward Photograph 4: View taken from the eastern boundary I shows the hilly topography and native chaparral I I I I I. INTRODUCTION I The Final Environmental Impact Report for the La Costa Master Plan and General Plan Amendment (La Costa Master Plan EIR) was approved by the City of Carlsbad Planning Commission March 31, 1976, and certified by the City of Carlsbad City I on Council on April 27, 1976. The La Costa Master Plan EIR re- quires that supplemental environmental impact reports be sub- mitted for Planning Commission and City Council review prior to the approval of specific developments within the master plan area. This document is such a supplement. Material provided herein describes in detail the proposed development of Rancheros de La Costa, a residential development compris- I ing 352 acres within the La Costa Northeast subcommunity. As required by the La Costa Master Plan EIR, this document spe- cifically addresses geology and soils, archaeological re- sources, and biological resources of the Rancheros de La Costa project site. In order to avoid unnecessary repeti- tion, the La Costa Master Plan EIR is frequently referenced. I Page numbers given in this document refer to the draft envi- ronmental impact report contained within the final La Costa Master Plan EIR. Ii I I I I [1 [Ti The Rancheros de La Costa development was approved in concept with certification of the La Costa Master Plan EIR. At that time. Rancheros de La Costa was proposed as the site for a maximum of 513 dwelling units. The present plan will allow the development of just 92 dwelling units, representing a significant reduction in housing density. This fact is frequently mentioned in the following environmental analysis due to its mitigating effect on various potential environ- mental impacts. Subsequent to certification of the La Costa Master Plan EIR, the La Costa Land Company proposed a wastewater reclama- tion project for La Costa Northeast. This project involves reactivating and expanding the San Marcos County Water Dis- trict (SMCWD) sewage treatment plant and using the treated effluent for landscape irrigation within La Costa Northeast, including Rancheros de La Costa. The Environmental Impact Report for the SMCWD Wastewater Reclamation Project was cer- tifiéd by the SMCWD on January 15, 1979. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the SMCWD EIR is referenced in this supplemental EIR where appropriate. Page numbers given in this document refer specifically to the draft EIR contained within the final SMCWD EIR. I I I This environmental document and the EIR to which it is a supplement adhere forth by the"California Environmental (CEQA), as amended. La Costa Master Plan to the guidelines set Quality Act of 1970" 1 I I I II, PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1. Location. The proposed Rancheros de La Costa com- prises 352 acres of land located five miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. This property is located within the City of Carlsbad and within the Rancho La Costa community. The proj- ect site is situated approximately 2.3 miles southwest of the City of San Marcos, 7.2 miles west of the City of Escondido, I and 33 miles north of downtown San Diego (Figure 1). The property is bounded on the west by El Fuerte Road, on the south and southeast by San Marcos Canyon, on the north by I Alga Road, and on the east by vacant land adjacenE to Rancho Santa Fe Road. The property can be legally described as portions of I Sections 19, 30 , and 31, Township 12 South, Range 3 West, San Bernardino Base Meridian, County of San Diego, State of I California (Figure 2). 2. Objectives. During the design phase of the project, it was the intent of the La Costa Land Company to produce a I - product which would make maximum use of the spectacular views from the hills north of San Marcos Canyon while not impairing either the quality of the canyon itself or the vistas from other parts of the community. In order to achieve this goal, I the design density was reduced from the 513 units allowed under the master plan to a total of 92 homes. At this den- sity, it is possible to develop high-quality ranch-style or estate homes while preserving viewsheds and the open space quality of the neighborhood. The estates of Rancheros de La Costa would also be in contrast to and complement higher den- sity neighborhoods in other parts of the La Costa community. 3. Project's Technical, Economic, and Environmental Characteristics. Rancheros de La Costa is a proposed resi- I dential development that would consist of 95 lots on 352 acres, 92 of these lots to be utilized for estate or ranch- style, single-family homes. The proposed density is 0.26 dwelling units per gross acre, and the estimated population is 248 people, based on 2.7 persons per dwelling unit. The lots to be utilized for residential purposes range in size ' from 2.0 acres to 8.1 acres (Figure 3). Sale of the lots will proceed in four phases, as indicated on the tentative map. I Of the remaining three lots, one 2.0-acre lot, number 22 in Phase IV, would be set aside for a proposed Carlsbad ' Municipal Water District water tank. This lot would also be the site of community cable television facilities. A 4.2- acre equestrian center is proposed within the project devel- opment on tentative parcel number 26 of Phase I. Lot number 1 2 - -- - - - ORANGE COUNTY -- RIVERSIDE COUNTY rook . Pala San On FalIb -7 0 'J~ (71-\ 1~ - I Springs Vista 0 Carlsbad Warner Sp $ Borrego anside S., Marcos scondido Ocotillo Wells —PROJECT LOCATION4 0 Encinitas Julian 0 I •Rancho Ramona Bernardo >- I- z Del Mar 5 0 Poway -J Miramar 0 w La Jolla Santee _ keside Pacific Beach Alpine pneValley •El Cajon La •-'. jLSpring Valley I • Point Loma San Diego/Lemon onad Coro . Grove National City N14- Chula mba r RECØN -- Regional Environmental Consultants Figure 1. The location of the proposed project relative to the County of San Diego is indicated above. I 'I I [1 I I I I $ 11 I I I I I I I I Figure 2. Project location in relation to surrounding I environs, based on U.S.G.S. 7.5-minute series of topographic maps, Rancho Santa Fe and Encinitas quadrangles. [1 .. :• : . .j . ;- ;.:i'. • - I 'fl'ATV O-IF , CARL ADTACT k :rA! A COSTA,,— ' s.p. fqØ• OWNER I • -(_ - \.33 _ - ' . . I • - \ \-,. --- --'--' — -:-• sr--- Y- U I : DCJp7W IM / / c _\ c\__ 6 \ '__•'\ \ç , 1 / r :ç::-- ::::-'; R • Th /'& \ r - ,:Or T48A3I Ire I k: J ' c!k I M, \ I -/ I Z4 k \ '{f '-4w- ' . —. _:; J •- ' - rE\ \ \ I - -< I- ' i ° 7\ I ' _-; - )A V9 t -T-4•7' \ I r0 ;::c2oNTY I/I fZ, pal I -, --- - -I -;---- 4-___,_ _,_c4,____• I - --- — I - Figure 3 - I I I I 25 of Phase I, which borders San Marcos Canyon just south of a San Diego Gas & Electric easement, was mistakenly included I in the canyon open space dedication. It is felt that this lot will eventually be developed and it is therefore labeled "open space-future residential" on the tentative map (see Figure 3) Four roads, comprising approximately 2.5 linear miles, would be constructed within the project; in addition I to an extension of Alga Road along the northern boundary of the site. All of the streets within the project would be ' private with the exception of Corintia Street; the east-west street which would bisect the development (Figure 4). Rancheros de La Costa is proposed as a secured, estate-type community and would have gated entrances to the private I internal streets. A minimum amount of grading would be required for the construction of the roads, as they would follow the natural I contours as closely as possible. It is anticipated that the building pads, when graded; would also require a minimum amount of earth movement. The exact amounts of grading re- I quired are not known at this time. The cut and fill slopes for the project would be 2:1 maximum. Alow-pressure sewer system is proposed for the Rancheros de La Costa development. Sewage would be directed to the SMCWD treatment plant located just east of the project site. Reclaimed wastewater from the SMCWD plant would be used for landscape irrigation within the project. Li El I El I I Li I I El I I I I I I I - I I I I I I I [1 I Figure 4. Existing and proposed roadways in Rancheros de La Costa. II I III. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS I A. TOPOGRAPHY AND VISUAL AESTHETICS Existing Conditions. The proposed Rancheros de I i. La Costa is located north of San Marcos Canyon between Rancho Santa Fe Road and El Fuerte Road. The topography on the subject property is characterized by hilly terrain rising ' gradually towards the north. The southern portion of the site consists of two tributary canyons which ultimately join San Marcos Canyon. The eastern canyon, the most extensive of the two, bisects the southern half of the site (Photographs I 1-4). The existing elevations on the site range from approximately 738 feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL) near the center of the site to about 280 feet MSL in the southern por- I tion of the property. Current slope classifications indicate that approximately 42 percent of the property has slopes of between 0 to 14 percent; 28 percent has slopes of between 15 I and 24 percent; and 30 percent has slopes greater than 25 percent. - The various hilltops on the site are the most notable topographic features visible from the surrounding area therefore constituting a signifiôãñt visual resource. The large tributary canyon areas located in the southern por- I tion of the property are visible from within the project site and can also be considered a significant visual resource. J The prominent feature in the Rancheros vicinity is San Marcos Canyon, which is considered prime open space in the Open Space and Conservation Elements of the City of I Carlsbad General Plan (1973). The northern rim of the canyon forms the southern and eastern boundaries of the Rancheros project site. The canyon is a significant visual and bio- logical resource not only to the immediate area but also to the entire La Costa community. I 2. Impacts. The only grading presently proposed is street grading for five roadways, a total of 16.5 acres. The proposed roads are to be built along the natural contours of ' the landscape with the exception of certain short segments. At this time, each lot will remain in its natural state. Approval of a specific grading plan will be required for each lot at the time a building permit is issued. It is antici- pated that the building pads, when graded, will require a minimum amount of earth movement. The cut and fill slopes for the project will not exceed 2:1. Alga Road, a main arte- rial, would be built along the northern boundary of the site. When constructed, Alga Road may qualify to be added to the [1 1 8 U I PHOTOGRAPHS Photograph 1. This southern view of the subject site, as seen from the project's northern boundary, is of native I Chaparral. Photograph 2. This view from the western boundary of the project site is of inland sage scrub, typical of the western portion of the property. Photograph 3. The southern portion of the project site, including a view of the south side of San Marcos Canyon and a tributary canyon, is shown, looking northward. Photograph 4. This photograph, taken from the eastern border of the project site, just north of the San Marcos County Water District treatment plant, shows the hilly topography and native Chaparral typical of the site. I I I I. I I 1 9 r a0mv QUALITY ORIGINAL (S) NøO3j L 00 - - * / I y 4 4 $, c' - - - - NØO'd tc; t 1: WINS q ,RNA / so 0040 asw Moow""Omw 00,00" some - H H the master list of routes eligible for City of Carlsbad State Scenic Highway designation, as stated in the Scenic Highway Element of the City of Carlsbad General Plan (1975). Con- struction of this road should therefore be planned with a consideration of the potential scenic amenities along the route. I Portions of the site may be brushed and disked in order to prepare the soil for landscaping. This procedure would only take place on areas with less than a 20 percent slope. The landscaped areas would be irrigated with I reclaimed water from the SMCWD sewage treatment plant. Approximately 75 acres are currently proposed to be landscaped and irrigated with reclaimed water. Details I concerning this procedure are discussed in the SMCWD EIR (Breuer 1978). I Implementation of the project as proposed would have no significant impact on topography. Additionally, the project would not directly impact San Marcos Canyon, although some indirect impacts may occur as a result of increased I human activity in the area. The project would not alter - views from the projected building sites nor would it result in a quantitative change in the view enjoyed by any other La I Costa resident. 3. Mitigation. No significant impacts would occur the project site; therefore, no mitigation is required. I on However, in order to minimize any indirect impacts to San Marcos Canyon, it isrecommended that the preservation plan outlined in San Marcos Canyon: Its Preservation and Use I (RECON 1976) be implemented. I a [1 -t I I 1 14 I I I I I I 1 I I - B. LAND USE AND GROWTH INDUCEMENT 1. Existing Conditions. The project site is cur- rently vacant and experiences minimal use. In the past, much of the area was used for grazing. Uses of the land surround- ing the property are varied, with most of the property con- sisting of land to be developed by the La Costa Land Company. South of the property site is San Marcos Canyon, which con- stitutes a major portion of natural, undeveloped open space in the community. Lands to the east and north are currently vacant, but it is anticipated that residential development will occur in the near future. The area west of the project site consists of single-family residential dwellings. Rancheros de La Costa, located within the City of Carlsbad planning area, is designed for low-density, estate- type homes in the Land Use Element of the City of Carlsbad General Plan (1974). The overall density of the low-density classification is not to exceed one and one-half dwelling units per gross acre. The project area is zoned PC (planned community) by the city, which designates the area for light residential development (RL). The Land Use Element of the City of Carlsbad Gen- eral Plan (1974) has designated the land to the northeast of the project for medium-density residential development (four to ten dwelling units per acre). The area to the south and southeast, San Marcos Canyon, is designated open space, and I the area to the west includes medium high residential (ten to 20 dwelling units per acre), medium residential, and medium low residential (zero to four dwelling units per acre). A I small area at the southwest corner of the Alga Road-El Fuerte Street intersection is designated neighborhood commercial. 2. Impacts. The tentative map indicates that the I 352-acre project site would be divided into 95 lots, 92 of which would be sold as residential lots. At this time, only street grading is proposed on the project site. The total area graded would be less than 20 acres. Alga Road, a major arterial, would be extended to Rancho Santa Fe Road as a 51-foot-wide, two-lane road with a I 102-foot right-of-way reserved for future improvements as needed. Corintia Street, a secondary arterial, would extend from approximately 300 feet north of the existing segment of I Corintia Street bisecting the project site and ultimately join Rancho Santa Fe Road. This intersection would even- tually be signalized. Of the five roads that would be con- structed on the site, only the ones mentioned above would be public roads. I 1 15 I I I Three additional streets would be constructed, all 44 feet wide and with a seven-foot equestrian trail on either side. Two streets in the southern half of the site would end in culs-de-sac, and the one road in the northern I portion of the site would extend between Alga Road and Corintia Street. These roads would have gated entrances which would restrict through traffic. The construction of I these roads would create no significant adverse impacts to land use on or surrounding the project site. Assuming all 92 residential lots are developed, I the overall density of the project would be appr6ximately 0.3 dwelling unit per acre. This density conforms to that re- quired in the City of Carlsbad General Plan (1974). I Construction of 92 dwelling units would sustain a total population of approximately 248. The Series IVB re- gional growth forecasts, prepared by the Comprehensive Plan- ning Organization, project a total population of 1,255 by 1985 for traffic assignment zone 6808, of which the subject property comprises about 40 percent. Therefore, the antici- I pated population would not exceed the Series IVB forecasts for this area. Three lots on the site would be reserved for non- I residential purposes. A lot in the northern section of the project area (see Figure 3) would be utilized as a water res- ervoir tank site by the Carlsbad Municipal Water District. This lot would also house the La Costa Community Antenna Sys- tem. Alot located in the southern half of the site would be reserved for an equestrian center. The third lot, located I south of the San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) power line easement, is presently designated as open space. However, it is likely that this lot will ultimately be removed from the open space dedication and developed for residential use, as I indicated on the tentative map. I Although the project site is designated for resi- dential use in the general plan, development of the site may result in adverse impacts to the surrounding open space area. The majority of these impacts would most likely be associated I with increased human activity within and surrounding San Marcos Canyon. I 3. Mitigation. In an effort to preserve the open space adjacent to the project site, it is recommended that the measures set forth in San Marcos Canyon: Its Preserva- tion and Use (RECON 1976), which has been submitted to the Planning Director and the Parks and Recreation Director, be implemented. These measures would reduce the impacts of in- creased human activity in the vicinity of San Marcos Canyon. 1 16 I I I The project would not result in any significant impacts to growth inducement. Therefore, no mitigation concerning growth inducement is required. I I I I I I I I I i I I $ LI 1 17 I I C. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 1. Existing Conditions. The subject property is I presently occupied by two native plant communities: chapar- ral and coastal sage scrub. The vegetation is contiguous with that of San Marcos Canyon. The chaparral community covers approximately 40 J percent of the site in stands of two to six feet in height. Typical plant species dominating this community include Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), Golden Yarrow (Eriophyllum I confertiflorum), Goldenbush (Haplopappus venetus) Rockrose (Helianthemum scoparum), Black Sage (Salvia mellifera), and Mission Manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor). Coastal sage scrub encompasses 60 percent of the property and consists typically of open stands of shrubs two I to five feet in height. Dominate plant species include Adol- phia (Adoiphia californica), Coastal Sagebrush (Artemisia californica), Flat-top Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), (Golium angustifolium), Laurel Sumac (Rhus laurina), - I Bedstraw and Black Sage (Salvia mellifera). No rare and/or endangered plant species as listed by federal or state agencies were encountered on the subject I site. However, four plant species listed by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) as sensitive do occur on the property. Pony Foot (Dichondra occidentalis) is considered I rare and endangered. One small population (three by six feet) exists on the site. California Adolphia (Adolphia californica), listed by CNPS as rare, is prominent in moder- I ate densities on the southern half of the site just above San Marcos Canyon. This species is associated with the coastal sage scrub community. Pygmy Spikemoss (Selaginella cineras- cens) is a "limited distribution" species that is very abun- I dant on the ridgetops and upper slopes of the property. A very small population (ten to 15 individuals) of the Wind Poppy (Stylomecon heterophylla) occurs on the eastern bound- I ary of the property within the chaparral. This species is also one with a "limited distribution." I The subject property supports a moderate diver- sity and abundance of wildlife species. Brushland is the primary wildlife habitat on the site, although the height and I density of the vegetation varies. The large size of the property and the presence of San Marcos Canyon adjacent to it have somewhat offset the impact of urbanization in the vicin- ity on the site's wildlife populations. Seven mammalian, 18 avian, three reptilian, and one amphibian species were detected on the property. Common 1 18 [1 I I species include mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), coyote (Canis latrans), cottontail rabbit (SyiFilagus sp.'), black- tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), brown towhee (Pipilo fuscus), wrentit (Chamaea fasciata), California quail I (Lophortyx californicus), scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerules- cens), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), western fence lizard (sceloporus occidentalis), and spadefoot toad J (Scaphiopus hammondi). No rare and/or endangered vertebrate species as listed by federal or state agencies were encountered or are I anticipated to occur on the subject property. Onàvianspe- cies observed on the site, the purple martin (Progne subis), is included on the Audubon Society's Blue List for 1979. Al- though this species may not be declining in numbers over its entire range, its population in Southern California is dras- tically reduced primarily because of competition with star - lings (Sturnus vulgaris) for nesting cavities and the removal I of dead snags. 2. Impacts. As a result of the proposed development I of the Rancheros property, one rare and endangered plant, Pony Foot, and three rare plants, Adolphia, Pygmy Spikemoss, and Wind Poppy, as listed by the CNPS, may be adversely af- fected. As a result of the road construction, all of the - Wind Poppy population and a small portion of the Adoiphia and Pygmy Spikemoss populations will be removed. Further lot de- velopments may result in further reductions of these plant I populations. The loss of native vegetation coupled with the increasedhuman activity in the area will result in a con- comitant loss of wildlife habitat and may negatively influ- ence wildlife activity in these areas. As an example, street "C"may reduce wildlife travel from San Marcos Canyon to and from the Rancheros property. This impact by itself is not significant. However, it is additive in connection with the other development activities of the project. Short-term population pressures within San Marcos Canyon may result as development proceeds and individual animals are forced to emigrate. The proposed landscaping will improve wildlife habitat somewhat by increasing the site's habitat diversity. Some of these landscaped areas are to be irrigated with re- claimed wastewater. Impacts associated with such an irriga- tion program are identified in the SMCWD Wastewater Treatment Reclamation Project EIR (Breuer 1978:40-41). $ 1 19 I I I .Off-site impacts as a result of this project may occur in San Marcos Canyon and Batiquitos Lagoon. Increased human activity within San Marcos Canyon may be expected with I the increased development in the surrounding areas. The nature of the impacts will be dependent upon the extent of the activities. However, trails and household pet activity may be an expected result. The geology and soils of the J Rancheros site serve as a watershed area for San Marcos Creek and Batiquitos Lagoon. Increased runoff and pollutant levels of the runoff may be expected. The significance of these I influences are not expected to be high and may be reduced somewhat by the proposed landscaping in the canyon drainages. 3. Mitigation. The project design has several fac- tors wich may serve as partial mitigation of the biological impacts. Mitigation measures inherent to the project include: I a. Home construction is expected to occur on an irregular basis, therefore allowing progressive adaptation of I the biological systems, especially the wildlife populations. b. It is anticipated that over 50 percent of the site will be left or maintained in a "wild" state at the I project's completion. C. Portions of the Adolphia and Pygmy Spikemoss I populations will be maintained in active areas. The loss of the Wind Poppy and Pony Foot populations are not expected to be significant in a regional sense. I d. Because of the project's proximity to San Marcos Canyon (permanent open space) and because of the sig- nificant areas of native vegetation that will remain, it is anticipated that even large mammals such as mule deer may not be extirpated from the local area. San Marcos Canyon and its tributary canyons offer a place of refuge while the brush I areas of the Rancheros offer feeding and browse.. In addition to the mitigation factors inherent in the project's design, the following factors are recommended 5 or reported: a. Although the numbers of certain wildlife spe- cies may be reduced should the project be implemented, it is anticipated that overall wildlife diversity, especially with respect to avifauna, will be increased. Undisturbed areas of chaparraland coastal sage scrub will allow most existing wildlife species to remain. Introduction of homes and their related landscaping will increase the overall heterogeneity of the area and attract a different suite of species. 1 20 I I b. In that there will be "wild" areas left as a I part of the project and in that the project is in such close proximity to San Marcos Canyon, it is urged that steps be taken to control the introduction of freely roaming dogs and I cats to the area. C. Access into the canyon should be limited to ,I one trail down into the pool areas in an effort to preclude destruction of the canyon habitat and insure the safety of the users of the trail. The remainder of the canyon rim I should be posted with danger signs. d. If the open space areas are to be maintained in private ownership and in native vegetation, fencing of lot lines in drainages and canyon bottoms should be restricted to allow for wildlife use and movements. I I I I $ I I I $ 1 21 1 /1 $ D. GEOLOGY AND SOILS 1 1. Existing Conditions. The project site is under- lain by two basic geologic units, Tertiary sediments in the I northern section of the site and Jurassic Santiago Peak meta- volcanics in the southern portion. The La Costa Master Plan EIR describes these formations and their associated soils in detail. I Exchequer rocky silt loam is the only soil type present on the property. This shallow, well-drained soil is approximately 1.0 to 1.5 feet deep over rock. Exchequer soil I is further characterized by rapid runoff, high erosion poten- tial, and very low fertility (Bowman 1973). Subsurface per- meability (percolation) tests conducted by Benton Engineering in 1974 indicate slowly permeable conditions on the property, with the majority of the sites tested showing percolation rates slower than 60 minutes per inch (Rick Engineering 1 1977). According to the available literature and recent engineering studies, there are no known faults or - I geological recent landslides in the project area. The location of faults and known landslides in neighboring areas is discussed on pages 17 and 18 and in Appendix E of the La Costa Master Plan EIR. 2. Impacts. The discussion of geologic and soil- related impacts is given in detail on pages 42 and 43 of the La Costa Master Plan EIR. In addition to the impacts dis- cussed (those related to seismic risk and soil erodibility), I certain other features of the project need to be addressed. A minimal amount of grading would be necessary on the project site. A total of approximately 20 acres would I initially be graded for streets. Additional grading for homesites would be necessary in the future as individual grading plans are approved. These grading operations would have a short-term adverse impact due to a temporary increase I of erosion on graded areas. I The proposed project would incorporate the use of reclaimed wastewater on specially landscaped areas. At the present time, it is planned that approximately 75 acres. within Rancheros de La Costa would be irrigated with re- claimed wastewater. Constraints to the use of reclaimed water within the project area include the poor percolation characteristics of the natural site, severe slopes, rapid runoff rates, and high erosion potential. A significant I impact of the proposed irrigation program would be the $ 22 I $ H accumulation of salts in the soil due to the high salt con- tent of the reclaimed water. A thorough discussion of the potential impacts of the proposed irrigation system on the soil is presented in An Examination of Criteria for Land Application of Municipal Effluent in the La Costa Northeast I Area (Breuer 1978) contained within the SMCWD EIR. 3. Mitigation. To minimize the impacts associated with grading, the following measures should be included as a I condition of the grading permits: I of a. Avoidance of clearing operations in advance grading b. Coordination of grading activities with the $ local precipitation pattern C. Construction of drainage facilities con- currently with grading activities where practicable R d. Watering and rolling the final surface to - form a hardened, compacted cap of soil which will minimize dust and erosion due to surface runoff e. Early planting and maintenance of landscaping suitable for slope erosion control. I Additional geologic studies of the project area have been conducted by Benton Engineering, and the results of these studies will be considered during preparation of the I final grading plans and the spray irrigation plan. The proposed reclaimed water irrigation program shall be designed to prevent surface water runoff and salin- I ity problems. The proposed irrigation rates have been based on the amount of water required by the vegetation for evapo- transpiration and should not normally allow surface water runoff. Additional mitigation measures for this potential problem are presented in the Hydrology and Water Quality section of this report. I The salt content of the soil must be monitored to determine the extent of salt buildup due to irrigation with reclaimed water. The results of the monitoring would guide I the development of a soil salt leaching program to prevent the accumulation of soil salts to toxic levels. This concept is discussed in greater detail in the SMCWD EIR. I 1 23 I I I / I. E. ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES 1. Existing Conditions. An archaeological survey of the project area was conducted as part of the La Costa master I survey undertaken by Russell L. Kaldenberg of RECON. During that survey, two prehistoric resources were discovered which may directly be affected by the proposed project. One site I is located within the project boundaries, and the other site is situated near a proposed access road. a. SDM-W-917. This site is located on the I western slope of a large south-southwest-trending ridge. It falls within the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 30, Township 12 South, I Range 3 West. The site consists of a scatter of artifacts and artifact blanks, resulting from quarrying activity. It is situated adjacent to an extensive outcrop of Santiago Peak metavolcanic material, primarily felsite. The site lies in I very heavy brush and shows no signs of depth. b. SDM-W-659. This site is located off the sub- ject property but sufficiently near an access roadway to be included in this discussion. The site consists of a series of stacked rock walls with associated cultural material. It $ is located in the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 30, Township 12 South, Range 3 West. .I 2. Impacts. The completion of the project will directly affect one archaeological resource, SDM-W-917. Al- though it may be adversely impacted by the future grading of $ these lots, it should not be directly affected by construc- tion of the proposed road which runs along the crest of the ridge. The project will not directly affect the second I site, SDM-W- 659, as Corintia Street has been routed to com- pletely avoid the resource and the area has been proposed as I open space. Indirect, off-site impacts caused by construc- tion traffic and related activities are of significant con- cern, however. 3. Mitigation. Mitigation of impacts to SDM-W-917 I will be necessary before development of the area occurs. This would involve the preparation of a surface map of material and artifact distribution and limited testing for I subsurface deposits. As indications do not suggest sub- surface material, a modified posthole test is recommended. Additional excavation, although not expected, would be de- I pendent on results of such testing. All mitigating measures should be accompanied by an interpretative report of results. I 1 24 I $ I Since all proposed developments have been planned around SDM-W-659, no direct impacts will occur. Because of careful planning, no further mitigating action is necessary. The, possibility of indirect impact does exist, however, and I future utilization of this area should involve assessment of impacts to this important resource. Until such time as ade- quate protection of the site can be accomplished through de- velopment of a preservation plan, any identification of the site area should be avoided. I $ I I F] I I I I I I I I I 25 1 1 $ . / I . F. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY 1. Existing Conditions. The project site is within the San Marcos Hydrographic Subunit of the Carlsbad Hydro- graphic Unit. Although there are no perennial streams within the project boundaries, an intermittent creek is evident in the tributary canyon which bisects the southern portion of the property. The project area is within the San Marcos I Creek drainage basin. San Marcos Creek flows from Lake San Marcos through San Marcos Canyon to Batiquitos Lagoon. Pages 18 and 19 of the La Costa Master Plan EIR present a more I detailed discussion of hydrology and water quality. The Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) has established water quality objectives for each of the I hydrographic subunits to protect the existing and potential uses of groundwater and surface water. These objectives are stated as allowable concentration figures for several water I quality parameters, including total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride, sodium, nitrate, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The RWQCB has rescinded the groundwater quality objectives in I portions of San Diego County, including the project area. A major reason for this action was to make wastewater reclama- tion feasible. The areas in which groundwater quality objec- tives have been lifted have been identified as having ground- water of such poor quality, in terms of TDS, that any further degradation would not be significant. 1 2. Impacts. Impacts on hydrology and water quality identified on pages 43 and 44 of the La Costa Master Plan EIR I include increased runoff rate, increased surface flow in San Marcos Canyon, increased sediment load of runoff water, and increase chemical content of runoff water. I Potential impacts on water quality associated with the use of reclaimed wastewater -for landscape irrigation include an increase in groundwater salt concentrations and an I increase in the nutrient loading to San Marcos Creek via run- off of the irrigation water. Additional nutrients in San Marcos Creek could accelerate algae growth in Batiquitos La- goon, thereby contributing to eutrophication of the lagoon. I A more detailed discussion of water quality impacts related to the use of reclaimed water is presented on pages 33 through 35 of the SMCWD EIR. 1 3. Mitigation. Mitigation of the potential water quality impacts described above is essentially provided by the specific design and location of the Rancheros de La Costa I project. The low housing density proposed for this develop- ment, the minimum amount of grading and earth disturbance I 1 26 I I required, and the buffer zone provided by the dedicated open I space between the project boundary and San Marcos Creek combine to help reduce potential surface water quality impacts to an insignificant level. Mitigation measures discussed on pages 68 and 69 of the La Costa Master Plan EIR I should be implemented to ensure protection of San Marcos Creek. These measures include grading restrictions and provisions to prevent waste chemicals from entering surface I runoff. Potential groundwater quality degradation due to irrigation with reclaimed wastewater is mitigated-by the fact I that there are no groundwater quality objectives for the project area. Thus, by definition, the groundwater quality I will not be significantly degraded by the addition of salts. Potential impacts from the use of reclaimed wastewater for irrigation would also be essentially mitigated I by the design details of Rancheros de La Costa. In addition, the specific mitigation measures presented on pages 36 and 37 of the SMCWD EIR and incorporated into the Waste Discharge for the SMCWD Wastewater Reclamation Project - I Requirements Near San Marcos Creek (City of Carlsbad 1979, Order No. 79-23) shall be implemented. These mitigation measures have been incorporated into the proposed project and include the I following: a. Vegetation in the landscaping to receive I reclaimed wastewater will be selected not only for its ornamental value, but also for its high consumptive use and potential for I high nutrient removal. b. The effluent will be secondary treated, I including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection to a level safe for irrigation near residences. I C. Low trajectory sprinklers will be used to guard against the drift of atomized reclaimed water into neighboring homes. I d. The irrigation rate will be regulated so that there will be no runoff. As an additional I safeguard against runoff and seepage, collec- tion ditches will be placed at the toes of slopes. I 1 27 I I e. Water collected at the toes of slopes will be I monitored for phosphorus and nitrogen concen- trations. High concentrations will call for reapplication of the water to the landscap- ing; low concentrations could allow discharge of the water to the creek. Such monitoring is especially important during the first I rains of the rainy season and, as salts are periodically leached from the soils, in the landscaped areas. Construction of the reclaimed wastewater ir- I f. rigation system will comply with Title 17 of the California State Administrative Code by including a water master on the job to moni- I tor pipe connections and to prevent cross- connections of the reclaimed water lines with I potable water lines. g. The irrigation system will be maintained and operated by the San Marcos County Water Dis- trict under a contractual agreement that will give them total assurance that they will al- ways have the ability to discharge the effluent safely and efficiently. I Li I I I [1 I I 1 28 I Li I G. PUBLIC UTILITIES - 1. Existing Conditions I a. Water. Rancheros de La Costa is within the service area of the San Marcos County Water District. The SMCWD has two reservoirs (water tanks) located east of Rancho I Santa Fe Road, each with a capacity of approximately 1.5 million gallons (Hamlin, SMCWD, 11/5/79). b. Sewer. The SMCWD would also provide sewer I service to the project area. All wastewater would be di- rected to the SMCWD treatment plant located just east of the project boundary. The SMCWD plant is in the process of being reactivated, upgraded, and expanded to a capacity of 0.6 MGD I to provide sewer service for approximately 1,650 acres of land, including the entire La Costa Northeast subcommunity. Effluent from the SMCWD plant will be reclaimed for use in I landscape irrigation. A detailed discussion of the reacti- vation of this treatment plant and wastewater reclamation within the project area is provided in the SMCWD EIR. I A low-pressure sewer system is proposed to. transport the sewage from the homes in the project area to the SMCWD treatment plant. Unlike conventional gravity I sewers, low-pressure sewers can follow the contours of the natural terrain and transport sewage uphill equally as well as downhill. They are therefore ideally suited for a hilly I project site such as this one. The sewer system within the development would consist of an on-site septic tank and sewage pump at each residence. The pumps would discharge septic tank effluent to a network of small-diameter (2.0 to I 3.5 inches) PVC pipes which would deliver the wastewater under pressure to the SMCWD treatment plant for treatment and reuse. The low-pressure sewer system proposed for the project is substantially less expensive than conventional I gravity sewers due to the limited and uniform excavation necessary to install the system and decreased pipe size. Preliminary cost estimates show that construction of the low-pressure sewer system will cost approximately $3,660 per I dwelling unit as compared to about $10,000 per dwelling unit for conventional gravity sewers (Lowry & Associates 1978). I C. Solid Waste. Solid waste from the proposed development would be disposed of at the San Marcos landfill located on Questhaven Road east of the project site. This I landfill was opened in June of 1979 and has an expected life span of approximately 15 years (Lewis, San Diego County Solid Waste-Refuse Operations, 8/8/79). 5 29 I I d. Natural Gas and Electricity; Energy. The project site is presently undeveloped and neither produces nor consumes energy resources. The project site would re- quire electric and natural gas services, both provided by SDG&E. A detailed discussion of the SDG&E service facilities in the La Costa community is presented on page 33 of the La Costa Master Plan EIR. There have been no significant changes in the facilities available since the time of that report (Williams, SDG&E, 9/11/79). 2. Impacts a. Water. When fully developed, the project area would require an estimated 38,640 gallons of water per day to meet domestic needs (see Appendix A). Present facili- ties of the SMCWD are adequate to satisfy this demand. The use of reclaimed water for landscape irrigation within the project area would require a dual water system. A dual water system is "an entirely separate water system from the community's domestic water supply system. It is established to receive effluent from the wastewater recla- mation plant and pump, store, and distribute it for benefi- cial use" (Almgren and Baggett n.d.) Operation of a dual water system has the potential of contaminating potable water through plumbing cross-connections. Another public health concern is the proper and highly visible labeling of the reclaimed water supply, so that a person would not inadvertently drink it. Thus, before implementation of a dual water system, the SMCWD would have to address itself to several concerns. b. Sewer. Development of the project would not cause adverse impacts on sewer service. The planned reacti- vation and expansion of the SMCWD treatment plant has been designed to accommodate expected sewage flows from La Costa Northeast, of which the project is a part. C. Solid Waste. Residential projections indi- cate that the project would generate approximately 1,215 pounds of solid waste per day, or 222 tons per year (see Appendix A). The recently opened San Marcos landfill has the capability of handling the solid waste from Rancheros de La Costa and other planned developments in the area for approxi- mately 15 years. The project would not, in itself, have a significantly adverse impact on solid waste disposal capabil- ities, though it would contribute incrementally to the land- fill's eventual capacity. The disposal of solid waste after PJ I I I I LI I El I LI I I I I I I I 30 S I existing landfills in the area have been exhausted is a topic I of regional concern and is beyond the scope of this report. The county Board of Supervisors recently adopted a policy that no new landfills be opened in San Diego County (Meden- I hail, Solid Waste-Refuse Operations, 9/24/79). Planning ef- forts are being directed toward resource recovery operations. d. Natural Gas and Electricity; Energy. The projected maximum electricity demand for the project is 46,000 kilowatt-hours per month, based on an average consump- tion of 500 kilowatt-hours per month per household. Natural gas consumption will amount to 644,000 cubic feet-per month, based on an average monthly consumption of 7,000 cubic feet per household. It has been indicated that the demand for natural gas and electricity from the project development would be well within the long-range planning estimates uti- lized by SDG&E. That is to say, the project would not have a -negative impact on the present or future generating capacity of the Encina Power Plant. This conclusion is, of course, predicated upon various factors, including fuel availability, completion of various proposed expansion programs; and the general economic climate. In addition to the energy consumed in the home, energy would also be utilized by the residents' vehi- cles. Based on the estimated vehicle miles traveled and an average gasoline efficiency of 18 miles per gallon, residents of the project would consume approximately 11,115 gallons of gasoline per month. I PJ Development of significantly negative impact c and by itself, but it would reE in regional energy consumption. energy crisis, this cumulative serious concern. the project would not have a i regional energy supplies in kilt in an incremental increase With the current nationwide impact must be a matter of 3. Mitigation. Mitigation measures are not required in order to ensure adequate public utility services for the project area in the immediate future. Implementation of the resource conservation measures discussed on pages 75 and 76 of the La Costa Master Plan EIR is strongly encouraged, how- ever, to decrease the demand for limited and expensive re- sources. Examples of the measures presented in that document include: a. Installation of low-flow faucets and showers b. Installation of heat pumps in those units that are air-conditioned d LI I I I I U Li I I I I I 31 I I U C. Installation of solar panels for water and I . space heating d. Building orientation with long axis east- west, with full southern exposure, resulting I in reduced east- and west-facing walls e. Limited window surface area, with larger, shaded windows on south wall and smaller I windows and heavier insulation on north wall I f. Outside shades and awnings for windows g. Installation of high-grade insulation in outer walls and roof I h. Exterior shading with vegetation, using coniferous trees on north and deciduous trees I on south i. Light-colored roofs and ventilated attics I j. Prohibition of gas furnaces and ranges which use gas pilot lights, with requirements for energy-conserving electric ignition for gas I appliances. Some of the concerns mentioned above in the Impacts section relative to the proposed dual water system I would be mitigated by existing state laws and regulations. For example, Title 17 of the California State Administrative Code requires that a water master monitor the construction of I wastewater reclamation and distribution systems in order to avoid crpss-connections with potable lines. I II I I I I 1 32 I I H. COMMUNITY SERVICES I. 1. Existing Conditions a. Schools. The Rancheros property would be I served by the San Marcos Unified School District. Alvin Dunn Elementary serves students in grades kindergarten through six. San Marcos Junior High serves students in grades seven I and eight. San Marcos Senior High serves students in grades nine through 12. Table 1 lists the present enrollments and capacities of the schools serving the project area. I TABLE 1 I SCHOOL ENROLLMENTS AND CAPACITIES School Enrollment Capacity I Alvin Dunn Elementary 644 695 San Marcos Junior High 664 792 San Marcos Senior High 1 1 429 1 1 350 b. Recreational -.Facilities.' A variety of recre- ational facilities are within reasonable driving distance of the Rancheros property, including state, county, city, and private facilities. Several state and county beaches are located within ten miles of the site, such as La Costa State I Park, South Carlsbad State Beach, and Encinitas Beach County Park. Felecita Park, the closest county regional I park, is located off Interstate 15 in south Escondido. The park pro'rides family and group picnic sites, ball fields, and I junior play areas. The City of Carlsbad operates eight parks, the closest being Holiday Park on Pio Pico Drive. A new park located on Levante Street is presently under consideration I for the La Costa area. Walnut Grove Park and San Marcos City Park, both maintained by the City of San Marcos, are also I readily accessible. In addition to the public facilities in the area, there are also some private facilities existing or I planned for the area. Residents of La Costa may become members of the La Costa Country Club, which has accommoda- tions for golfing, swimming, horseback riding, and tennis. I An equestrian center is also planned for the Rancheros com- munity, with an equestrian trail provided along all of the private roads on the property. I 1 33 I c. Fire Protection. The Carlsbad Fire Depart- ment has indicated that the proposed project site is within the department's service area. The first station to respond, Station 2, is located on Arenal Road at El Camino Real. Re- sponse time to the property would be six to eight minutes. This station would also provide ambulance and paramedic ser- I vice. The Carlsbad and San Marcos fire departments have a mutual automatic response agreement which ensures that the I other department will automatically respond to any calls in- volving structure fires. The San Marcos station that would serve the project is located at 1150 Rancho Santa Fe Road, and it will begin operations in the early part of 1980. The I response time will be approximately four minutes d. Law Enforcement. Law enforcement services would be provided by the Carlsbad Police Department, located I at 1200 Elm Avenue in Carlsbad. A patrol car is assigned to the La Costa area at all times, and the department estimates I minutes. that the average response time would be three to five e. Library Facilities. There are five library I facilities that would serve the Rancheros community: the Carlsbad library, the San Marcos library, the Encinitas library, the Palomar College library; and the Mira Costa I College library. The Carlsbad Public Library, located at 1250 I Elm Street, has over 115,000 volumes. The library currently provides bookmobile service to La Costa residents. The Palomar College library serves the I Palomar College district, which includes La Costa. The main library contains over 140,000 volumes, including 1,000 peri- odicals and 20 newspaper subscriptions. Residents also have I access to the art and music library. The other libraries mentioned have collec- tions comparable to the Carlsbad Public Library, excluding I bookmobile service. f. Shopping. Shopping facilities available to I the residents of the proposed development have been separated into three classifications based on size, number of estab- lishments, etc.: I 1) Regional Shopping Centers-are those under one management, having one or more major I department stores, covering 30 to 80 acres, and usually containing 50 to 100 stores. I 1 34 I 2) Community Shopping Centers are those havinga major or junior department store, covering ten to 30 acres, and usually containing ten to 25 stores. Neighborhood Shopping Centers contain I 3) convenience goods stores on four to ten acres, usually with ten to 25 stores. I Table 2 lists facilities representative of those described above and within a reasonable driving radius of the proposed project. I g. Hospital. The medical facilities available to the project area include Tr-City Hospital and San Dieguito Hospital. Both hospitals have 24-hour emergency I services. Tr-City Hospital, located at 4002 Vista Way in Oceanside, has 231 beds and 150 active staff members. San Dieguito Hospital, located at 360 Santa Fe Drive in Encini- I tas, has 93 beds and over 200 staff members. h. Public Transportation. The project would be I served by the North County Transit District. Route 9 runs - along El Camino Real between Plaza Camino Real Shopping Center and the City of Encinitas. The San Marcos inner-city I route, Route 40, runs from Rancho Santa Fe Road beginning at Mission Avenue to Lake San Marcos. I 2. Impacts a. Schools. Rancheros de La Costa, if developed to the maximum extent possible in accordance with the tenta- tive map, will generate approximately 32 school-age children. The most obvious impact will be on the facilities of San Mar- cos High School, which are presently operating above designed4- ,- capacity. The La Costa Land Company is working closely with I the San Marcos Unified School District to guarantee the availability of adequate facilities as the need for these I facilities develops. b. Recreational Facilities. The existing and proposed private recreational facilities within La Costa, as well as the nearby city, county, and state facilities, would I be sufficient to meet the needs of the proposed 248 residents. I c. Fire Protection. The proposed community would be adequately serriced by the fire agencies in the area, and the project would have minimal direct impact-upon 1 existing fire protection services. However, as growth I 1 35 - - - - - - - - - - = - - - - - - - - TABLE 2 SHOPPING FACILITIES WITHIN THE PROJECT VICINITY Distance Number of Shopping Center Classification in Miles Stores Selected Retailers Escondido Village Regional 13.0 70 Sears, Mayfair Plaza Camino Real Regional 9.0 66 May Co, J. C. Penney Midtown Plaza Community 11.5 16 Montgomery Ward, Vons The Vineyard Community 11.5 63 Specialty shops Carriage Center Neighborhood 3.0 39 Theater, restaurant La Costa Shopping Center Neighborhood 2.0 18 The Market Place San Marcos Village Neighborhood 3.0 24 Safeway, Thrifty continues within the La Costa community and surrounding region, there will be a requirement to expand services. d. Law Enforcement. The proposed project would not directly impact the existing police services. However, it should be recognized that as the La Costa community con- tinues to grow, increased demands for services will have to be satisfied. e. Library Facilities. The residents of the Rancheros community would have little impact on local library facilities due to the number of existing libraries in the vicinity. f. Shopping. The implementation of this project will have no adverse impacts on the surrounding shopping facilities. g. Hospitals. The present hospital facilities I are adequate to meet the needs of the Rancheros de La Costa development. I h. Public Transportation. Implementation of the proposed pro - ject is not anticipated to create significant added loads on the existing public transport systems. The I .dispersion of the homes and the anticipated socioeconomic makeup of the future residents combine to decrease both the efficiency and the demand for public transportation. 3. Mitigation a. Schools. In order to mitigate the impact of the proposed project on local schools, the La Costa Land Com- pany has been working with the San Marcos Unified School Dis- trict to ensure that adequate facilities would be available for the new students generated by this and other projects in the La Costa area. The Carlsbad General Plan (1974) indi- cates that an elementary school is planned for the area west of the project. __ b. Recreational Facilities. No significant impacts would result from this project; therefore, no mitigation is required. C. Fire Protection. The project would not affect the existing fire protection agencies' ability to ade- quately protect communities within their service areas; thus, no mitigation is necessary. However, the applicant does plan to construct a fire road between the two private roads in the southern half of the site in order to aid firefighters in an emergency. I I I I I I I I I U I I I I I 37 L] Law Enforcement. The project would not di- rectly impact the existing police protection in the Carlsbad area. The fact that this development would be a security development with gates at all entrances further reduces the possibility that this project would impact the Carlsbad I Police Department. No further mitigation is required for this project. I e. Library Facilities. No mitigation is required. Library facilities are adequate to serve the project area. I f. Shopping. Mitigation is not required. No adverse impacts are anticipated from this project. I g. Hospitals. Hospital facilities are available to serve the proposed project. Therefore, no mitigation is required. I h. Public Transportation. No mitigation is required since existing systems are adequate. I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I. TRAFFIC CIRCULATION 1 1. Existing Conditions. The project area is most closely associated with three roads: Alga Road, an 84-foot- wide, four-lane road which forms the northern of the •boundary property; El Fuerte Road, an 84-foot-wide, four-lane road comprising the western boundary; and a proposed extension of Corintia Street, a 60-foot-wide, two-lane road transecting the property from east to west. With the exception of Alga I Road, which is designated as a major arterial, the afore- mentioned streets are defined as local collectors by the City---- I of Carlsbad Traffic Engineering Department. According to Mr. Whitson (Traffic Engineer for the City of Carlsbad), the average daily traffic (ADT) flow I on Alga Road is 1,400, with a design capacity of 40,000. Current traffic counts on El Fuerte Road and Corintia Street were estimated as 90 and 50 percent of the ADT on Alga Road, respectively. Based on this assumption, the current ADT flow I on El Fuerte Road is 1,260 vehicles, with a design capacity of 15,000. ADT flow on Corintia Street will be 700 vehicles, I with a design capacity of 5,000. 2. impacts. The proposed development of the project area will result in the introduction of approximately 184 I privately owned vehicles into the community. These vehicles, plus others generated by growth in surrounding areas, will result in a marked increase in traffic densities and concomi- tant roadway requirements. The ultimate design of roadways is determined by the anticipated traffic of 1990. Data ob- tained from the City of Carlsbad Traffic Engineering Depart- ment and calculations previously described give estimated future traffic flows as follows: Alga Road, 30,000; El Fuerte Road, 14,150; and Corintia Street, 7,861. The pro- posed development will not have a significantly adverse I impact on traffic flow. 3. Mitigation. Because of the low density of the proposed development and the reduction from 513 to 92 homes, I relative to the master plan, no traffic mitigating measures are deemed necessary. However, as the region continues to grow and vehicle congestion along existing roadways develops, I it is recommended that mass transportation facilities be expanded. I 1 Li I 1 39 I I J. NOISE Ii. Existing Conditions. Vehicular traffic on the major roads adjacent to or passing through the residential area is the primary potential noise source within the I Rancheros de La Costa development. The two main generators of traffic-related noise ' in the project area are Alga Road, bordering the northern edge of the community, and El Fuerte Road, bordering the western edge of the property. An analysis of these noise sources was conducted using procedures outlined in Wyle Labo- ratories' 1973 report, Development of Ground Trarrsportation Systems Noise Contours for the San Diego Region. A summary of this analysis is presented below, with the detailed calcu- lations being included in Appendix D. The unit of noise mea- surement used is Ldn, the day-night average sound level. The decibel (dBA) figures given represent noise levels at I a distance of 50 feet from the roadway. a. Alga Road. This road is four lanes with no median and a speed limit of 45 miles per I hour. The ADT is 1,400 and the Ldn is 57 dBA. b. El Fuerte Road. This road is four lanes with I no median and a speed limit of 45 miles per hour. The ADT is 1,260 and the Ldn is I 57 dBA. 2. Impacts. The only significant noise sources adjacent to or near the proposed project are Alga Road, El Fuerte Road, and Corintia Street. Traffic loads on these I roadways may increase as much as tenfold during the next 15 years.. Concomitant with the increase in traffic will be an increase in the generated noise levels. These anticipated I levels were calculated (see Appendix D) and are summarized in Table 3. I TABLE 3 PROJECTED ADT AND NOISE LEVELS I Maximum Maximum Ldn Projected at 50 feet I Roadway ADT (dBA) Alga Road 30,000 70 El Fuerte Road 14,150 67 I Corintia Street 7,861 62 I 1 40 I . i Lots 1 and 33 of Phase IV are bordered by Alga I . Road. The Ldn at 50 feet for Alga Road is 70 dBA, which exceeds the acceptable level for single-family residences. However, this impact does not appear excessive and is, in I fact, mitigable. Palomar Airport is located four miles to the northwest. However, the project site is not within the land- ing path. Thus, noise from this source does not propagate directly onto the property and is attenuated by distance to compatible levels. 1 3. Mitigation. It is recommended that the construc- tion of residential units on Lots 1 and 33 be at a minimum distance of 130 feet from the center of the nearest lane of I Alga Road to achieve an estimated Ldn of 65 d]3A. This measure will alleviate any impacts related to traffic noise on these lots. I Because of the low traffic flows of significant noise sources, no other mitiga for this category of potential impacts are fe 1 necessary. I I I I H I Pj [I I 1 41 I K. CLIMATE AND AIR QUALITY 1 1. Existing Conditions. A detailed discussion of the climate is presented on pages 22 and 23 of the La Costa Master Plan EIR. I The project area lies approximately eight miles west of the Escondido air pollution monitoring station and I ten miles southeast of the Oceanside monitoring station. Table 4 shows the number of days that pollution has exceeded state and federal standards at these two stations. Table 5 interpolates these data to approximate the air quality con- ditions in the project area. In general, the project area experiences sig- nificant air pollution from oxidants (photochemical smog) 74 days, or approximately 20 percent, of the year; reactive hydrocarbons 264 days, or approximately 72 percent, of the year; and suspended particulates 124 days, or approximately I 34 percent, of the year. Significant levels of nitrogen dioxide are experienced less than one full day during the year, while carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide levels did not f - exceed the standard in 1978. Sources outside the San Diego Air Basin influence north San Diego County's air quality at times. Santa Ana I winds can blow pollution from the South Coast Air Basin (Los Angeles) out to sea where it drifts south and is blown ashore again into San Diego County. I Further discussion of air quality in the project area is provided on pages 23 and 24 of the La Costa Master I Plan EIR. 2. Impacts. Development of the property as proposed I would generate an increase in local traffic. Vehicle emis- sions from engine starts, driving, and engine stops would influence the air quality at the project area. Other air pollutants associated with the project would result from ' increased power generation and water and space heating. The emissions associated with the project at full buildout are summarized in Table B-1 in Appendix B. It is estimated that emissions generated by this project alone would not signifi- I cantly impact the air quality of the San Diego Air Basin. However, the emissions generated would contribute to the I the cumulative effect of population growth on the air quality of San Diego Air Basin. 3. Mitigation. The San Diego Air Quality Planning I Team, comprised of people from the Air Pollution Control I 1 42 mom - - - - M" - - - - - - TABLE 4 EXISTING AIR QUALITY FOR 1978 State Federal - Days Over Standard Days Over Standard Maximum Ocean- Maximum Ocean- Pollutant Value side Escondido Value side Escondido 1 Hr Avg 1 Hr Avg Oxidant (Ozone, 03) 200 micro- ---- ---- 160 micro- 71 77 grams/m3 grams/m 3 l2HrAvg 8HrAvg Carbon Monoxide (CO) 11 micro- 0 0 10 micro- 0 0 grams/m3 grams/m3 24 Hr Avg 24 Hr Avg Sulfur Dioxide (S02) 105 micro- 0* 0 365 micro- 0* 0 grams/ . m3 grams/m3 3 Hr Avg Reactive no standard ---- ---- (6-9 a.m.) 211t 306 Hydrocarbons (RHC) 160 micro- grams/m 3 1 Hr Avg Annual Avg Nitrogen 470 micro- 2§ 0 100 micro- Dioxide (NO2) grams/m3 grams/m 3 standard 24 Hr Avg 24 Hr Avg Particulates 100 micro- 146 106 260 micro- 0 0 grams/m 3 grams/m3 Source: San Diego County Air Pollution Control District 1979. *No monitoring January-February 22, 1978. tNo monitoring September 1978. §No monitoring June 1978. TABLE 5 EXISTING AIR QUALITY AT THE PROJECT AREA 1 Pollutant Oxidant (Ozone, 03) Carbon Monoxide (CO) Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Reactive Hydrocarbons (RHC) Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Particulates (TSP) Days over Standard State Federal -- 74 o 0 0 0 -- 264 1 -- 124 0 I I I I I I •1 I I I I I I I I I I i-Interpolated from data in Table 4. I District (APCD), the Comprehensive Planning Organization (CPO), and others, has produced strategies for an air quality I management plan in a publication entitled Regional Air Qual- ity Strategies for the San Diego Air Basin (RAQS). These strategies reinforce CPO's Regional Comprehensive Plan, which recommends more compact, self-contained urbanized communities I and low-density rural areas to help minimize the use and the impact of motor vehicles on air quality (Taylor 1976). I The low housing density of the proposed project serves to mitigate its potential impact on regional air qual- ity. Additional mitigation measures, including the encour- agement of nonmotorized forms of transportation and the de- velopment of dense, natural landscaping, are discussed on pages 71 and 72 of the La Costa Master Plan EIR and have been incorporated into the design of the project. I I I I I I I I Li 1 45 I I I. IV, ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED IF THE PROPOSAL IS IMPLEMENTED A discussion of adverse environmental impacts is given I in detail on page 67 of the La Costa Master Plan EIR. The density-dependent impacts identified in that document, such as increased traffic, reduction of open space, alteration of I existing landforms, and the secondary impacts related to human habitation of the land, have been partially mitigated by the reduction in the number of dwelling units proposed for Rancheros from the 513 allowed in the master plan to 92. ITI I I I I I I I I I I I 46 I I V. SIGNIFICANT IRREVERSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES WHICH I WOULD BE INVOLVED IN THE PROPOSED ACTION SHOULD IT BE IMPLEMENTED A discussion of irreversible changes is given in detail I on page 87 of the La Costa Master Plan EIR. Four environ- mental changes are specifically identified in the document: removal of natural vegetation, disruption and displacement of I wildlife, alteration of existing landforms, and the commit- ment of the land to residential use. Although the discussion presented in the La Costa Master Plan EIR is applicable to I the particular project proposed here, the specific points mentioned must be considered within the present 66ntext. The environmental changes identified are quantitatively reduced by the new proposed housing density and design of Rancheros I de La Costa. I I U $ I d $ Li U Li I 1 47 I VI. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF MAN'S ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF I LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY The discussion of the relationship between short-term and I long-term uses is given on page 86 of the La Costa Master Plan EIR. I I V I 1 I I I I I I I 1 48 I n I VII. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT The discussion of alternative land uses and their impacts is given on pages 83, 84, and 85 of the La Costa Master Plan I EIR. It should be reiterated that the proposed Rancheros de La Costa development is at a considerably reduced density (from 513 to 92 dwelling units) relative to the approved mas- ter plan. Careful consideration of design and environmental criteria has led to the conclusion that the proposed density is most suited to the existing site conditions. I I I I I I I I I I I I 49 El VIII. CERTIFICATION I . This report presents a full disclosure and an independent analysis of all available information pertinent to the proposed action. I • VICTORIA L. GALLAGHER 0 I Environmental Consultant The following persons participated in the preparation of this report. I Victoria Rae Aires, B.A. Environmental Studies; Research Assistant - I Cindy Bechtel-Groat, Production Typist Bridget A. Blair, B.A. Ecology and Systematic Biology; I Technical Illustrator Loretta L. Cornwell, Production Specialist Christopher DeCerbo, B.A. Environmental Studies; Research Assistant I Eloise Feola, B.S. Journalism; Production Specialist Victoria L. Gallagher, B.S. Natural Resources; M.P.H. Water I Quality; Environmental Consultant Melvin Jay Hatley, Senior Archaeologist; Cartographer I Nancy J. Hatley, B.S. Consumer and Family Studies; Production Supervisor Randi Hawkins, Draftsperson John P. Larson, B.S. Chemistry; Vice President, Environ- mental Analysis David Lawhead, M. S. Wildlife Ecology; B.S. Biology; I Consulting Zoologist Royce B. Riggan, Jr., B.S. Biology; President I Teresa Riordan, Production Typist Ricardo Villasenor, Jr., B.S. Botany; M.S. Botany; I Consulting Botanist 1 50 I IX. PERSONS AND AGENCIES CONSULTED Carlsbad, City of Planning Department Mike Zander I Fire Department Captain Krepps I Police Department Sergeant Suttle Traffic Engineering Department Mr. Whitson Carlsbad Municipal Water District I Jack Kubota Dale Naegle and Associates I Ross Sutherland San Diego, County of - I Department of Sanitation and Flood Control Solid Wastes, Refuse Operations Eric Lewis I Chuck Medenhall Air Pollution Control District I Ray Weeks San Diego Gas & Electric Company B. J. Williams I San Marc9s County Water District Art Hamlin 1 Mr. Ruckner San Marcos Fire Department I San Marcos Unified School District Ms. Gross I 1• I 1 51 I I X. REFERENCES CITED Air Pollution Control District 1977 Air Quality in San Diego County: Annual Air Monitor- ing Report. San Diego County. 1978 Summary of Air Quality Data for Calendar Year 1978. San Diego County. I Almgren, Howard and Daniel Baggett n.d. Dual Water System of the Irvine Ranch Water District. I Prepared for Lowry and Associates. Bowman, Roy H. 1973 Soil Survey. United States Department of $ Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, San Diego. •Burtman, Leonard 1978 A Resolution Adopting Amendments to the Comprehensive I Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region. Resolution No. 78-6. California Regional Water I Quality Control Board, San Diego Region, San Diego. Breuer, David 1978 An Examination of Criteria for Land Application of I Municipal Effluent in the La Costa Northeast Area. EIR for the SMCWD Wastewater Reclamation Project. Manuscript on file at RECON. I California Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region 1978 Summary of Comments and Staff Responses for Compre- I Diego. hensive Water Quality Control Plan Update. San 1979 Waste Discharge Requirements for San Marcos County I Water District Wastewater Reclamation Project Near San Diego. San Marcos. Order No. 79-237 CALITRANS I 1976 San Diego Traffic Generators. State of California, Department of Transportation I Carlsbad, City of 1970 Housing Element. General Plan. $ 1973 Open Space and Conservation Elements. General Plan. 1974 Land Use Element. General Plan. $ 1975 Scenic Highway Element. General Plan. I 1 52 I 1976 Final Environmental Impact Report for the La Costa I . Master Plan and General Plan Amendment. 1977 1977 General Plan Summary. 1979 Waste Discharge Requirements for the SMCWD Wastewater I Reclamation Project Near San Marcos Creek. Comprehensive Planning Organization I 1978a Water in the San Diego Region 1978. San Diego. I 1978b Travel Behavior Survey. September. Lowry and Associates 1978 Alternatives for Rancheros de La Costa. $ Massey, B. W. 1977 A Census of the Breeding Populations of the Belding's Savannah Sparrow in California. California I Department of Fish and Game. Powell, Robert I - 1974 Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. California Native Plant Society, Special Publication No. 1. I RECON 1976 San Marcos Canyon: Its Preservation and Use. I Manuscript on file with RECON. 1979 Environmental Impact Report for the SMCWD Wastewater Reclamation Project. Manuscript on file with RECON. I Rick Engineering 1977 Rancheros Master Soils Investigation Map. Revised September 28, 1977. San Diego, County of 1974 Faults and Epicenters Map. San Diego County Planning I Department, San Diego. 1976a Seismic Safety Element. San Diego County General Plan 1990. Integrated Planning Office, San Diego. 1976b San Diego County 1975 Special Census. Integrated I Planning Office. 1977a San Diego County General Plan. $1977b San Dieguito Community Plan. I 1 53 I I 1 Solid Waste Management Task Force 1976 Preliminary San Diego Regional Solid Waste Management Plan, 1976-2000. City and County of San Diego. Taylor, Lawrence I 1976 Regional Air Quality Strategies for the San Diego Air Basin. San Diego Air Quality Planning Team, San I Diego. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1977 Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors AP-42. I Research Triangle Fork, North Carolina. Walker, Larry F. $ 1978 Approval of Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan. Resolution No. 78-15. State Water Resources Control Board, Sacramento. I Weber, F. Harold, Jr. 1963 Geology and Mineral Resources of San Diego County, California. California Division of Mines and I Geology, San Francisco. Woodward-Clyde Consultants I 1978 Results of Field Investigations and Preliminary Engineering Geology - Spray Irrigation Study, La Costa Northeast Area, Carlsbad (San Marcos), Cali- fornia. Manuscript on file with Woodward-Clyde I Consultants. Wyle Laboratories I 1973 Development of Ground Transportation Systems Noise Contours for the San Diego Region. $ I I U $ I 1 54 Li l~ Li I [1 I ri I LI APPENDICES I I $ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX A I I I I $ I I I I I I APPENDIX A PROJECT DATA I Utilities and community service requirements were pro- jected using the following criteria. 1. Units. The number of proposed homes corresponds to I the tentative map for Rancheros de la Costa. 2. Population. The average population per household in I La Costa Northeast of 2.7 persons was taken from Census Tract 200.03 in the San Diego County 1975 Special Census (1976b). I 3 Student Generation. Student generation for the La Costa area is based on the factors given in Table A-i, which were provided by Ms. Gross, Administration Secretary to the Director of Operations of the San Marcos Unified School Dis- trict (11/8/79). I TABLE A-i - STUDENT GENERATION FACTORS I Grade Students per Household K-6 0.26 7-8 0.05 I 9-12 0.04 4. Traffic Circulation. The estimated average number of I trips per dwelling unit is 8.38 for single-family units (CALTRANS 1976). This report assumes all single-family I units. 5. Gasoline Consumption. Gasoline consumption is based I on an average rate of 18 miles per gallon, taken from the Travel Behavior Survey (Comprehensive Planning Organization, l978b). 6. Electricity. Electricity consumption is based on a I factor of 500 kilowatt-hours per month per dwelling unit (SDG&E Conservation Unit). 1 7. Natural Gas. Consumption is based on a factor of 7,000 cubic feet per month per dwelling unit (SDG&E Conser - vation Unit) . I I a-i I 8. Water and Sewer. The San Marcos County Water Dis- trict uses a sewage generation factor of 280 gallons per day per household, assuming a household size of 3.5 persons (Ruckner; SMCWD, 9/11/78). The sewage generation factor used by Lowry and Associates and this EIR is 250 gallons per day compensate somewhat for the smaller average household in I to the La Costa Northeast area. It is assumed that sewer flow is approximately 60 percent of water consumption. These es- timates for residential development included proportionate water demand and sewage generation for commerical and indus- trial development. I 9. Solid Waste. Estimates for solid waste generation are based on factors taken from the Preliminary San Diego Regional Solid Waste Management Plan, 1976-2000 (Joint City- County Solid Waste Management Task Force 1976). I I Li Li I I El I I I I I a-2 I PROJECT STATISTICS Acreage of project = 352 acres I Number of dwelling units = 92 units Population = 248 persons I Vehicle Trip Generation 8.38 trips/unit/day x 92 units = 771 trips/day I Vehicle Mile Generation 8.65 miles/trip/day x 771 trips = 6,669 miles/day Gas Consumption I 6,669 miles - 18 miles/gallon/day = 370.5 gallons/day I Student Generation Elementary (K-6) 92 units x 0.26 student/dwelling unit = 24 students I -Junior High (7-8) 92 units x 0.05 student/dwelling unit = 5 students High School (9-12) I 92 units x 0.04 student/dwelling unit = 4 students I Total = 33 students Sewage Generation 92 units x 250 gallons/day = 23,000 gallons/day Water Demands 92 units x420 gallons/day = 38,640 gallons/day I Solid Waste Generation 248 residents x 4.9 pounds/capita/day = 1,215 pounds/day I Electricity Consumption 92 units x 500 kwh/month/unit = 46,000 kwh/month Natural Gas Consumption I 92 units x 70 therms/month/unit = 6,440 therms/month 6,440 therms/month x 100 cubic feet = 644,000 cubic feet/month I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX B I I APPENDIX B I AIR QUALITY DATA I i. Statistics. Statistical data for air quality compu- tations are found in Appendix A, Project Data. I 2. Computations. The computations for the estimated emissions that the project would generate are based on meth- ods and factors found in Compilation of Air Pollutant Emis- sion Factors (AP-42) (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency I 1977) and information supplied by Ray Weeks, Environmental Management Specialist, San Diego County Air Pollution Control District. Calculations for vehicle emissions are based on the anticipated year of completion of the proposed project. I I LI I I Li I I I I I b-i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I AIR QUALITY DATA Statistics Number of dwelling units = 92 units Population = 248 persons Vehicle trips per day = 771 trips/day Vehicle distance per day = 6,669 miles/day Electricity consumption = 1,533 kwh/day Natural gas consumption = 214.7 therms/day Computations Vehicle Emissions: Reactive Hydrocarbons Distance-related: 1.367 gram/mile x 6,669 miles/day = 9.1 kg/day Trip-related: 6.52 grams/trip x 771 trips/day = 5.0 kg/day Total = 14.1 kg/day Carbon Monoxide Distance-related: 15.466 grams/mile x 6,669 miles/day = 103.0 kg/day Trip-related: 65 grams/trip x 771 trips/day = 50.1 kg/day Total = 153.1 kg/day Oxides of Nitrogen 2.367 grams/mile x 6,669 miles/day = 18.4 kg/day Emissions from Power Generation: Carbon Monoxide 164 grams/kwh x 1,533 kwh/day = 251.0 kg/day Oxides of Nitrogen 5.43 grams/kwh x 1,533 kwh/day = 8.3 kg/day Sulfur Dioxide 16.9 grams/kwh x 1,533 kwh/day = 29.9 kg/day Particulates 0.326 gram/kwh x 1,533 kwh/day = 0.6 kg/day b-2 I I Emissions from Domestic Heating: Carbon Monoxide 1 0.907 gram/therm x 214.7 therms/day = 0.19 kg/day Oxides of Nitrogen 1 4.54 grams/therm x 214.7 therms/day = 0.97 kg/day Sulfur Dioxide I 0.0272 gram/therm x 214.7 therms/day = 0.006 kg/day Particulates 0.454 gram/therm x 214.7 therms/day = 0.097 kg/day I I I- I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I. I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX C 1 0 I I . I A BIOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR I RANCHEROS DE LA COSTA I I I Prepared for I LA COSTA LAND COMPANY COSTA DEL MAR ROAD CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA 92008 I I Prepared by I FECON Regional Environmental Consultants I 1094 Cudahy Place Suite 204 San Diego, CA 92110 275-3732 I JOB NUMBER 6944F I JANUARY 3, 1980 I I I I I I I I I I I I •1 1 I I I I I 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION II. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS A. METHODS B. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION C. BOTANY 1. Vegetation 2. Flora D. ZOOLOGY E. IMPACTS F. MITIGATION III. BIBLIOGRAPHY ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1: Vascular Plants Attachment 2: Potential for the Occurrence of Unique Plant Species Attachment 3: Vertebrate Species Identified on the Property Attachment 4: Potential for the Occurrence of Unique Wildlife Species Attachment 5: Sensitive Floral Species Verification Form FIGURES Figure 1: Vicinity map Figure 2: Project location in relation to surrounding environs Figure 3: Vegetation and sensitive plant map Page 1 4 4 5 6 6 6 9 11 13 15 18 23 27 32 35 2 3 7 I I. INTRODUCTION I The proposed Rancheros de La Costa is located in the northeast portion of the La Costa community within the City of Carlsbad (Figure 1). The site includes approximately 352 I acres and is a portion of Sections 19, 30, and 31, Township 12 South, Range 3 West, of the San Bernardino Base Meridian (Figure 2). I This report describes the existing biological communities on the site. The impacts upon the biological resources of I mitigate the proposed development these impacts. are identified with measures to I I I I. I I I I I I I] 1 1 - - - m - - - - - - - - U. U. - - - - - ORANGE COUNTYr -. RIVERSIDE COUNTY San Onofre Fallbrook Pala 79 I Warner Springs Bonsall 0 -----------.-- - --- -------- ---- ------ ---____ Bo 41 ' Vista ocean:i:e\ e San Marcos scondido Ocotillo Wells PROJECT LOCAT I ON 0 2,Rancho Julian Encinitas Ramona Bernardo Del Mar - - 0_L________ Poway - cc Miramar ) Lakeside La Jolla / Santee Pacific Beach -. - Alpine P ------------- ne Valley I - El Cajon LaMesa r- ø.Spring Valley Point Loma San Diego/Lemon -. Grove 4-5---.--: National Jacumb Regional Environmental Consultants Figure 1. The location of the proposed project relative to the County of San Diego is indicated above. I I 11A IN OR I —i--- /- I (-; 4#M jfJ ; .Jc1 -- 21uJtAJ 400 26 and an / aeV9 Pi 29 19 7 1\ \f t j •'\-[ 31 \ -j__• — T-7 200 I Figure 2. Project location in relation to surrounding I environs, based on U.S.G.S. 7.5-minute series of topographic maps, Rancho Santa Fe and Encinitas quadrangles. I I [1 I I I I I I I I - PROJECT LOCATION (\ - \-(—* ioaIIO -°°J i- S it RECtM 771 -' [1 Li P II, BIOLOGICAL RESOURCE ANALYSIS I A. METHODS Information presented in this report was obtained I during a ground survey of the subject property conducted on the following dates: March 23, 1976; April 1, 1976; April 2, 1976; and April 17, 1976. I A total of approximately 20 man-hours was spent in the field. Botanical data was compiled by R. Mitchel I Beauchamp of Pacific Southwest Biological Services, and zoological and ecological material was compiled by --Royce B. Riggan, Jr., of RECON. I Plant species on the property were identified during the ground survey. All shrubs and perennials were listed, as were those annuals which could be identified. Bird species I were identified by direct sighting and by call recognition, and mammals were identified by direct sighting and by such signs as tracks, scats, and calls. Speciesnomenclature is in accordance with the following standard works: Munz (1974), plants; American Ornithologists' Union (1957; 1973); birds; Stebbins (1966), amphibians and reptiles; and Ingles (1965), mammals. I] 1~ I I n Li I I I - 4 I I B. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION I The subject property is located within the City of Carlsbad directly north and adjacent to San Marcos Canyon Park (see Figure 2) . There are jeep trails through the I property, and there is evidence of limited human use. The area immediately to the west of the proposed reservoir has been graded with trash dumping occurring in the area. Some grading associated with soil testing activities has already I occurred in and around the site. Other than these localized disturbances, the property is in an undisturbed, natural I state. The property is centered about a large peak with gen- tle slopes down to San Marcos Canyon to the south and east. I The southern property boundaries stop where the topographic relief of San Marcos Canyon drops radically. Two tributary canyons running south into San Marcos Canyon occur within the property boundaries. The soil of these canyons is Exchequer I rocky silt loam (ExG), which is a shallow, poor fertility soil. The remainder of the property has the same soil on slopes (ExE). The Exchequer soils are primarily of - I gentler value as watershed and wildlife habitat. These very shallow soils sit atop undivided metavolcanic and granitic rock geo- logical formations. Although rock outcrops are common in I these soils and geological formations, the property has but a few large rock outcrops occurring on the peak areas. Planned residential development is now occurring on I those adjacent lands to the south, across San Marcos Canyon, and west of the property. The land directly to the north has been extensively graded as a borrow pit. East of the prop- I erty, the land remains undeveloped as an alluvial plain of San MarcQs Creek. I i I I I [ii I 1 5 I I C. BOTANY 1 1. Vegetation. The subject property is presently occupied by chaparral and coastal sage scrub communities (Figure 3). The vegetation of the site is contiguous with that of San Marcos Canyon. An undetermined, but significant, I proportion of the property was burned approximately nine years ago. This area is undergoing rapid succession back to I the existing shrub communities. The chaparral community is composed of moderate to dense stands of shrubs from two to six feet in height. I Typical plant species include Chamise (Adenostomfascicula- turn), Golden Yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum), Goldenbush (Haplopappus venetus), Rock Rose (Helianthemum scoparum), Black Sage (Salvia mellifera), and Mission Manzanita (Xylo- I coccus bicolor_). In total, this plant community covers approximately 40 percent of the property. I The coastal sage scrub is typically open stands of shrubs from two to five feet in height. Typical plant species include Adoiphia (Adolphia californica), Coastal I Sagebrush (Artemisia californica), Flat-top Buckwheat - (Eriogonum fasciculatum), Bedstraw (Galium angustifoliurn), Laurel Sumac (Rhus laurina), and Black Sage. This plant community covers a majority of the property (60 percent) I and is predominantly in the southern half. 2. Flora. The floral diversity on the property is relatively high when compared to other county areas. One species considered rare and endangered (Powell 1974), Pony Foot (Dichondra occidentalis), was encountered on the project site. Three species considered rare but not endangered, Adolphia, Pygmy Spikemoss (Selaginella cinerascens), and Wind Poppy.(Stylomecon heterophylla), were encountered during the survey (see Figure 3). The Pony Foot population, since discovery during the survey, has been sampled by Walt Wright of the University of California at Riverside. The extent of the population on the property is rather limited, three by six feet, as is typical of this plant. Adoiphia is most prominent in the southern end of the property, just above San Marcos Canyon. This brush species grows in stands of coastal sage scrub in moderate densities. Pygmy Spikemoss is a prostrate plant that is very abundant throughout the property, typically occurring on the ridgetops and upper slope areas. This plant presently has an undetermined status; however, it occurs in those areas of I I [1 U I I I I I I I. I LEGEND © Chaparral 0 Inland Sage Scrub Adoiphia californica D = Dichondra occidentalis S = Stylomecon heterophylla I Li I I I I I I I - I I I I I Li] I Figure 3. Existing native vegetation and sensitive plant species on the project site. I I I greatest development pressure in San Diego County. A very small population of Wind Poppy, 10 to 15 individuals, occurs I on the eastern boundary of the property within the chaparral. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I D. ZOOLOGY I The subject property supports a moderate diversity and abundance of wildlife species. Brushland is the primary wildlife habitat on the site although it is not totally homogeneous. Most of the site is dominated by a relatively I open stand of coastal sage scrub. However, 30 to 40 percent of the site consists of a more dense chaparral community. The difference in vegetation density may influence the pres- I ence or abundance of some wildlife species. Large, continu- ous brushlands in San Diego County normally support only a moderate diversity of vertebrates, when compared to some I other plant communities. The presence of some development activity in the vicinity may have decreased the abundance of species slightly. However, the large size of the property and the presence of San Marcos Canyon to the south and east I have probably buffered the effects of urbanization on wild- life on the site somewhat. I Seven mammalian species were detected on the site (see Attachment 3), although more species are anticipated ' to occur there. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and coyote - (Canis latrans) are the two large mammals most active on the site. As a generalization, thick brushlands serve as good areas of cover for mule deer, while the more open portions of the site provide forage. Other mammals detected include I black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus sp.), woodrat (Neotoma sp.), California ' ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), and valley pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae). With the nearness of a riparian community in San Marcos Canyon, it is likely that such spe- cies as raccoon (Procyon lotor), bobcat (Lynx rufus), and I opossum (Didelphis virginiana) also inhabit the site. 'Eight avian species were encountered on the subject property (see Attachment 3). Most species found are closely I - associated with coastal sage scrub and chaparral communities in San Diego County. Common species include brown towhee (Pipilo fuscus), wrentit (Chamaea fasciata), California quail I (Lophortyx californicus), bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus), scrub jay (Aphelocoina coerulescens), common raven (Corvus corax), and red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). Avian I species diversity may be slightly higher than is normal for brushlands because of the presence of water and riparian habitat in adjacent San Marcos Canyon. I Three reptile species were found during the biologi- cal survey, western skink (Eumeces skiltonianus), western I lizard fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), and side-blotched (Uta stansburiana). Only one amphibian was detected, I 1 9 [1 the spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus hammondi). The presence of at least temporary water on the property increases the chances I that more amphibian species are present. No rare and/or endangered vertebrate species, as I listed by federal or state agencies, were encountered or are anticipated to occur on the subject property. One avian spe- cies observed on the site, purple martin (Progne subis), is included on the Audubon Society's Blue List for 1979 (Arbib I 1978). The Blue List is a nationwide inventory of bird spe- cies that are experiencing unexplainable, noncyclic popula- tion declines. Species included on the list may be declining in some parts of the country but not in others. 'In Southern California, the purple martin population is drastically reduced, primarily because of competition with starlings I (Sturnus vulgaris) for nesting cavities and removal of dead snags. I I I I I I I I I 1 10 I E. IMPACTS I The proposed project is a planned community develop- ment with 95 lots of varying sizes ranging from two to eight acres. At this time, only the street grading is proposed, I with 92 of the lots proposed to have single-family dwelling units. The grading plans for each of these 92 lots will be approved at the time of the building permit issuances. $ As a result of the road construction, at least two of the .Adolphia populations will be removed and a third will be I reduced in size. This represents a loss of but a small fraction of the total Adoiphia population on the property. Corintia Street will destroy the Wind Poppy population in its entirety. The Pony Foot population will not be destroyed as a result of the road construction, and only a minor portion I of the Pygmy Spikemoss will be removed with the vast majority of the on-site population left intact. I The placement of Street "C" along the rim of San Marcos Canyon may reduce wildlife traffic from the canyon to t the ridge areas above. This impact is expected to add to the - reduction of wildlife use in the area as a result of lot de- velopment and increased human activity and not expected to be a significant causative factor. Traffic is not expected to I be heavy along this road; however, there may be instances of wildlife being struck by vehicles. I The landscaping proposed for the project should in- crease the wildlife habitat value of the area by increasing the diversity of habitat types. The only large mammal iden- tified on and in the vicinity of the property that requires a I relatively large habitat area would be the mule deer. The large, continuous open space areas in the canyons leading into San Marcos Canyon should adequately support a healthy I population of deer. The deer are also expected to utilize the landscaped areas as well. I Portions of the landscaped areas are planned to be irrigated with reclaimed wastewater. Impacts associated with such an irrigation program are identified in the EIR for the San Marcos County Water District Wastewater Reclamation Proj- ect (RECON 1979:40-41). Impacts are also expected as a result of the subse- quent lot developments. A detailed discussion of the poten- tial impacts development may have on the existing biological systems is given in the La Costa Master Plan EIR (City of I Carlsbad 1976:46-47). In addition to the impacts outlined there, others need to be addressed, specifically with respect to the project, as follows: I 1 11 I I 1. Loss of wildlife habitat in the project area may I cause short-term population pressures within San Marcos Canyon as individual animals are forced to emigrate. I 2. Development activity within the project area may adversely affect populations of one rare and endangered and three rare plants. 1 3. Fencing of lot boundaries, especially down in the open spaces, may hinder large mammal use of these I the areas and effectively negate the usefulness of larger contiguous open space zone. Off-site impacts are also expected on San Marcos I Canyon and Batiquitos Lagoon. Increased human occupancy and use of the surrounding lands may result in an increased use of San Marcos Canyon. Depending upon the type and extent of the human activities in the canyon, consequent impacts may be I expected. Household pets that are allowed to roam free may inhabit or visit the canyon and hunt native wildlife. The lagoon may be influenced indirectly as a result of develop- I ment on a portion of its watershed, addressed in the La Costa Master Plan EIR, and the use of reclaimed wastewater on the project. It is possible that the reclaimed wastewater would reach a level of treatment through land application that I could enhance the water quality of the lagoon. The Califor- nia Department of Fish and Game "supports the concept of reuse of wastewater for enhancement of wildlife resources" with the recommendation that "tertiary-treated wastewater be I utilized when available to support a freshwater biota at the upper portions of [Batiquitos] lagoon" (Mudie, Browning, and Speth 1976) I I I I I I 1 12 L, PJ F. MIT I Due project and I cal systems inherent to LGATION to several factors inherent in the design of the due to its location, impacts on existing biologi- can be largely mitigated. Mitigation measures the project include: 1. The project will be developed over a long time. I Initially only the necessary streets and public improvements will be installed. Grading of building pads and home con- struction will occur on an irregular basis and require a few years for completion. This building program, by phasing the I most direct impacts of the project, will allow progressive adaptation of the biological systems, especially the wildlife populations, to the changed environment. I 2. By virtue of the topography and the density of development which is to be allowed, considerable areas will be left as open space. Even at project completion, it is I anticipated that over 50 percent of the site will be in a "wild" state. I - 3. In that considerable areas of native vegetation will remain undisturbed, existing populations of rare plant species will not be destroyed. Significant proportions of $ the populations will remain in undisturbed areas. 4. Because of the project's proximity to San Marcos Canyon (permanent open space) and because of the significant I areas of native vegetation that will remain, it is antici- pated that even large mammals such as mule deer may not be extirpated from the local area. San Marcos Canyon and its I tributary canyons offer a place of refuge, while the brush areas of' the property offer feed and browse. I In addition to the mitigation factors inherent in the project's design, the following factors are recommended or reported: 1 1. Although the numbers of certain wildlife species may be reduced should the project be implemented, it is an- ticipated that overall wildlife diversity, especially with respect to avifauna, will be increased. Undisturbed areas of chaparral and coastal sage scrub will allow most existing wildlife species to remain. Introduction of homes and their related landscaping will increase the overall heterogeneity I of the area and attract a different suite of species. 2. In that there will be "wild" areas left as a part I of the project and in that the project is so close to San Li 1 13 I I Marcos Canyon, it is urged that strong steps be taken to control the introduction of freely roaming dogs and cats to I the area, if this is possible. Introduction of such domestic animals usually results in a concomitant decrease in wildlife I species. 3. Access into the canyon should be limited to one trail down into the pool area in an effort to preclude de- struction of the canyon habitat and ensure the safety of the users of the trail. The remainder of the canyon rim should be posted with danger signs. 1 4. If the open space areas are to be maintained in private ownership and in native vegetation, fencing of lot lines should be restricted to allow for wildlife use. I I I I I $ I I I I I Ii 1 14 Li III. BIBLIOGRAPHY I American Ornithologists' Union 1957 Checklist of North American Birds. Fifth edition. Baltimore, Maryland. I 1973 Thirty-Second Supplement to the American Ornitholo- gists' Union Checklist of North American Birds. Auk I 90:411-419. Arbib, R. 1978 The Blue List for 1979. American Birds 32(6): 1106-1113. Carlsbad, City of 1 1976 Final Environmental Impact for the La Costa Master I Higgins, Ethel B. 1949 Annotated Distributional List of the Ferns and Flowering Plants of San Diego County, California. J San Diego Society of Natural History. Occasional - Paper No. 8. San Diego. Ingles, Lloyd G. 1965 Mammals of the Pacific States. Stanford: Stanford I University Press. Jepson, W. L. I 1910 The Silva of California. University of California, Mem., vol. 2. J Martin, A. C., H. S. Zim, and A. L. Nelson 1951 American Wildlife and Plants: A Guide to Wildlife Food Habits. New York: Dover Publications. McCaskie, R. Guy and R. C. Banks 1966 Supplemental List of Birds of San Diego County, I Diego California. Transactions. Volume 14, No. 12, San Society of Natural History. Mudie, P. J., B. B. Browning, and J. W. Speth I 1976 The Natural Resources of San Dieguito and Batiquitos Lagoons. Coastal Wetland Series No. 12. California Department of Fish and Game. $ Munz, P. A. 1974 A Southern California Flora. Berkeley. I L Plan and General Plan Amendment. 1 15 I I Oberbauer, Thomas A. 1979 Report on the Status and Distribution of Dehesa I Nolina, Nolina interrata, Gentry (Agavaceae). Cali- fornia Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento. I Perkins, C. B. 1949 The Snakes of San Diego County with Descriptions and Key. Zoological Society of San Diego, Bulletin I No. 23. San Diego. Powell, Allen J. I 1974 Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. California Native Plant Society Special Publication No. 1. Berkeley. I RECON 1979 Environmental Impact Report for the SMCWD Wastewater Reclamation Project. Manuscript on file with RECON. I Sams, Charles E. and Ken Stott, Jr. 1950 Birds of San Diego County, California: An Annotated Checklist. San Diego Society of Natural History, San I - Diego. Shaw, Charles E. 1950 The Lizards of San Diego County with Descriptions and I Key. The Zoological Society of San Diego, Bulletin No. 25. San Diego. I Stebbins, R. C. 1966 A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. I Thorne, R. F. 1976 The Vascular Plant Communities of California. The Symposium Proceedings: Plant Communities of Southern I California, May 4, 1974. California Native Plant Society Special Publication No. 2. Pages 1-31. California Native Plant Society, Berkeley. I $ $ [1 1 16 I I LI I I El [1 LI I ATTACHMENTS I Fl I I I I I I Li I I I I I I I I I I ATTACHMENT 1 I I [1 Ll I Li I I I ATTACHMENT 1 VASCULAR PLANTS The botanical survey of the subject property was con- ducted by R. Mitchel Beauchamp of Pacific Southwest Biologi- cal Services. This survey, on April 2-3 1 1976, represents a detailed examination of all habitats within the boundaries of the proposed project. The following plant species were en- countered during the survey. This listing represents the majority of vascular species occurring on the property and may be considered comprehensive. Species nomenclature fol- lows Munz (1974), while common names are generally taken from Higgins (1949). An asterisk (*) denotes a nonnative species. TABLE 1 VASCULAR PLANT TAXA I cies Name Common Name El El I I I El I Acourtia microcephala Adenostoma fasciculatum Adoiphia californica Allium haematochiton Allium praecox *Anagallis arvensis Apiastrum angustifolium Artemisia californica *Avena barbata Baccharis pilularis ssp. consanguinea *Brassica geniculata *Bromus rubens Calystegia macrostegia ssp. arida Carex triquetra Castilleja affinis *Centaurea melitensis *Cerastium gloineratum Chenopodium californicum Chlorogalum parviflorum Claytonia perfoliata *Conyza canadensis Cordylanthus filifolius Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. virgata Cryptantha muricata var. jonesii Cuscuta occidentalis No common name Chamise Adolphia Wild Onion Wild Onion Pimpernel Mock Parsley Coastal Sagebrush Slender Wild Oats Coyote Brush Perennial Mustard Red Brome No common name Triangular-fruited Sedge Indian Paint Brush Napa Thistle Chickweed California Pigweed Amo 1 e No common name Horseweed Thread-leaved Bird's Beak Sand-aster Purple-rooted Forget-me-not Dodder I I El I El I I LI I I I TABLE 1 VASCULAR PLANT TAXA (continued) I I I Species Name Dichelostemma puichellum Dichondra occidentalis Dodecatheon clevelandii Dryopteris arguta Dudleya pulverulenta *Encelja californica *Erodium botrys Erodium cicutarium Eriogonum fasciculatum Eriophyllum confertiflorum Euphorbia polycarpa Filago californica Galium angustifolium Gilia angelensis Gnaphalium beneolens Gnaphalium bicolor Gnaphalium californicum Haplopappus squarrosus Haplopappus venetus var. vernonioides Helianthemum scoparium var. vulgare Hemizonia paniculata Heteromeles arbutifolia *Heterotheca grandiflora Hypochoeris glabra Jepsonia parryi Lasthenia chrysostoma Lathyrus alefeldii Layia platyglossa ssp. campestris Lithophragma aft ins ssp. mixtum Lonicera subspicata var. denudata Lotus scoparius Lotus strigosus Lupinus hirsutissimus Malacothamnus fasciculatus Malosma laurina *Marah macrocarpus Medicago polymorpha Melica imperfecta Mimulus puniceus Common Name Wild Hyacinth Pony Foot Shooting Star Wood fern Chalk Lettuce San Diego Sunflower Filaree Filaree Flat-top Buckwheat Golden Yarrow Fairy Mats California Filago Bedstraw Gilia Fragrant Everlasting Everlasting Green Everlasting Flower Sawtooth Goldenbush Isocoma Rock Rose Tarweed Toyon Telegraph Weed Smooth Cat's-ear Mesa Saxifrage Daisy Wild Sweetpea Tidy-tips Woodland-Star Wild Honeysuckle Deerweed Deerweed Hairy Lupine Bush Mallow Laurel Sumac Wild Cucumber Medick California Melic Red-bush Monkey Flower Li I I I I [I I I I I Li I I I I 11 I I I TABLE 1 VASCULAR PLANT TAXA (continued) I I I I I I LI I I ~7, I I I Species Name Mirabilis californica Navarretia hamata Opuntia littoralis Oxalis albicans ssp. californica Paeonia californica Pectocarya linearis var. ferocula Pellaea andromedaefolia Phacelia ramosissima ssp. cailfornica Pholistoma racemosurn Pityrogramma triangularis var. viscosa Plagiobothrys californicus var. fulvescens Plantago erecta Pterostegia drymarioides *Raphanus sativus Rhamnus crocea Rhus integrifolia Ribes indecorum Ribes speciosum *Salsola iberica Salvia apiana Salvia mellifera Sanicula arguta Scrophularia californica var. floribunda Selaginella cinerascens Sidalcea malvaeflora Silene laciniata ssp. major Sisyrinchium bellum Solanum Xanti var. montanum *Sonchus oleraceus Stachys rigida ssp. quercetorum Stephanomeria virgata Stipa coronata Stipa lepida Stipa pulchra Stylomecon heterophylla Tauschia arguta Tillaea erecta CommonName Wishbone Bush No common name Shore Cactus No common name California Peony Comb-bur Coffee Fern Shrubby Phacelia Filaree-leaf Nemophila Goldenback Fern Popcorn Flower Plantain California Thread-stem Wild Radish Redberry Lemonadeberry Winter Currant Fuschia-f lowered Gooseberry Russian Thistle White Sage Black Sage Little-jim Sanicle California Bee-plant Pygmy Spikemoss Wild Hollyhock Indian Pink - Blue-eyed Grass Purple Nightshade Common Sowthistle Hedge-nettle Slender Stephanomeria Giant Stipa Foothill Needlegrass Nodding Stipa Wind Poppy Pungent Velaea Sand Pygmy I I TABLE 1 VASCULAR PLANT TAXA (continued) I I I El I Common Name Jesuit Flower Yellow Pansy-violet Mission Manzanita Spanish Dagger Star Zygadene Species Name Venegasia carpesioides Viola pedunculata Xylococcus bicolor Yucca schidigera Zygadenus fremontii I El Li I I I I I I I Li I I LI El Li] I I I , I I - ATTACHMENT 2 I I I I I I I I I I I I ATTACHMENT 2 I POTENTIAL FOR THE OCCURRENCE OF UNIQUE PLANT SPECIES I Table 2 is a list of rare and endangered plant species based on material assembled by the CNPS (Powell 1974). The I species listed are known to occur within an approximate five- mile radius of the project site. The R-E--V-D designation for each plant is given and the number code is explained in Table 3. The U.S.G.S. quadrangle designations are Rancho Santa Fe I 35C, San Marcos 35B, Encinitas 36D, and San Luis Rey 36A. These quadrangles include the one in which the site it- self is found (Rancho Santa Fe 35C) as well as those occur- ring within a five-mile radius. When reviewing the species list, it is best to keep in I mind one of these plants was actually found on-site; however, this does not preclude the existence of some of the others on the property that were not observed because of possible dor- mant periods. In that all of the species listed are rare, - the probability of their being encountered on-site is limited. I I I I I I I I I 1 23 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - TABLE 2 RARE AND ENDANGERED PLANTS REPORTED IN THE VICINITY Scientific Name Common Name R-E-V-D Quadrangle Acanthomintha ilicifolia San Diego Thornmint 3-2-2-2 35C Arctostaphylos glandulosa var. crassifolia Del Mar Manzanita 2-2-2-3 36D Brodiaea filifolia Thread-leaved Brodiaea 3-3-3-3 35B Brodiaea orcuttii Orcutt's Brodiaea 1-2-2-2 35B Chorizanthe orcuttiana Orcuttts Chorizanthe 3-2-3-3 36D Dichondra occidentalis Western Dichondra 3-3-2-2 36A, 36D Dudleya variegata Variegated Dudleya 1-2-2-2 35C Dudleya viscida Viscid Dudleya 2-1-1-3 36A, 35C Eryngium aristulaturn var. parishii San Diego Coyote-thistle 2-3-3-2 35B Muilla clevelandii San Diego Golden star 1-2-2-2 35C Pholisma arenarium Pholisma 2-2-2-2 36D - - — - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - TABLE 3 EXPLANATION OF THE R-E--V-D CODE Rarity (R) Endangerment (E) - Vigor (v) General Distributi0n1 1. Rare, of limited 1. Not endangered. 1. Stable or increasing. 1. Not rare outside distribution, but California. distributed widely enough that pten- tial for extinction or extirnation is apparently low at present. 2. Ocurrence confined 2. Endangered in 2. Declining. 2. Rare outside to several popula- part. California. tions or one ex- tended population. 3. Occurs in such 3. Totally endan- 3. Approaching extinc- 3. Endemic -to small numbers that cjered. tion or extirpation. California. it is seldom re- ported; or occurs in one or very few highly restricted populations. P.E. Possibly extinct or extirpated. I I I I I I I I I ATTACHMENT 3 I I I I I I I P1 I I I I ATTACHMENT 3 VERTEGRATE SPECIES IDENTIFIED ON THE PROPERTY I i. Mammals. Table 4 lists the mammals identified during the present study. 2. Birds. Table 5 lists the bird species observed during the course of the survey. This list is by no means exhaustive and is not meant to be a comprehensive species list. The list is intended to represent the commonly found species and the general nature of the avifauna. Sams and Stott (1950) and McCaskie and Banks (1966) provide a complete listing of the bird species found in the area. 3. Reptiles and Amphibians. Table 6 lists the three reptiles and one amphibian encountered on the subject property. I LI I I I I I I I I I I 1 27 Canis latrans Lepus californicus Neotoma sp. Odocoileus hemionus Spermophilus beecheyi Sylvilagus sp. Thomomys bottae Coyote Black-tailed jackrabbit Woodr at Mule deer California ground squirrel Cottontail rabbit Valley pocket gopher I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I TABLE 4 MAMMALS IDENTIFIED Scientific Name Common Name I I 1 TABLE 5 AVIFAUNA I Scientific Name Aphelocoma coerulescens Buteo jarnaicensis Calypte anna Charnaea fasciata Chlorura chlorura Corvus corax Ernpidonax difficilis Lophortyx californicus Rim—us polygiottos Myiarchus cinerascens Petrochelidon pyrrohonota Piplio fuscus Progne subis Psaltriparus minimus Spinus psaltria Spizella atrogularis Sturnella neglecta Tachvcineta thalassina 1 I I I I U I I I Common Name Scrub jay Red-tailed hawk Anna's hummingbird Wren t it Green-tailed towhee Common raven Western flycatcher California quail Mockingbird Ash-throated flycatcher Cliff swallow Brown towhee Purple martin Bushtit Lesser goldfinch Black-chinned sparrow Western meadowlark Violet-green swallow I I I I I I Scientific Name Eumeces skiltonianus Scaphiopus harnmondi Sceloporus occidentalis Uta stansburiana Common Name Western skink Spadefoot toad Western fence lizard Side-blotched lizard I I I 1 I I I I I I I. I I I I I I I I TABLE 6 REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS I U I I 1 Li I 1 I ATTACHMENT 4 I I I I I I I Li I I I L ATTACHMENT 4 ' POTENTIAL FOR THE OCCURRENCE OF UNIQUE WILDLIFE SPECIES I No rare and/or endangered vertebrate species were encoun- tered within the survey area. The following is an outline of species that have been afforded special status and could or 1 do occur on the property. 1. Mammals. No rare and/or endangered or otherwise I unique mammalian special are anticipated on the property. 2. Birds. No rare and/or endangered species or subspe- cies of birds are anticipated to occur on the project site. Twelve species of birds appearing on the Blue List (Arbib 1978) occur or potentially occur on the property. Those species are listed in Table 7. The asterisk indicates I species observed during the survey. Importance should be at- tached to the species on this list with caution. Not all the species listed are declining in numbers in the San Diego I - County area. 3. Reptiles and Amphibians. No rare and/or endangered I reptilian or amphibian species are anticipated on the subject property. However, five species for which the California Fish and Game Commission has established bag and possession limits may occur on the site. These species are listed in I Table 8. I TABLE 8 REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS WITH BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS I OBSERVED OR ANTICIPATED TO OCCUR ON THE PROPERTY Scientific Name Common Name Anniella pulchra California legless lizard Cnemidophorus hyperythrus Orange-throated whiptail Lampropeltis getulus Common kingsnake I Phrynosoma coronatum •blainvillei San Diego horned lizard Lichanura trivirgata Rosy boa The presence of these species on the study site can be reasonably anticipated. Range distribution maps and habi- tat descriptions indicate their presence in the vicinity (Perkins 1949; Shaw 1950; Stebbins 1966). No unique amphib- ians were encountered during the survey and none are antici- pated on the property. 1 32 I [Ti TABLE 7 ' BLUE LIST SPECIES OCCURRING OR EXPECTED TO OCCUR ON THE PROPERTY Species Name Falco sparverius I Tyco alba Thryomanes bewickii I Athene cunicularia Accipiter copperii Spinus psaltria Lanius ludovicianus Falco columbarius I Progne subis Buteo lineatus Accipiter striatus I Dendroica petechia I I I U I I I I I I Common Name American kestrel Barn owl Bewick's wren Burrowing owl Cooper's hawk Lesser goldfinch Loggerhead shrike Merlin Purple martin Red-shouldered hawk Sharp-shinned hawk Yellow warbler U I I I I 1 I [1 I I ATTACHMENT 5 I I I I I Fl I I I LI I RARE AND ENDANGERED FL ANT VERIFICATION FOR1 1. Scientific name of plant Dichondra occidentalis 2. Date obs. March and April 1976 Listing authority and status____________________ California Native Plant Society (CNPS 3-3-2-2) 1 Mitchel Beauchamn . Data collector Determined by Mitchel Beauchamp I • County San Diego StateCalifornia USGS Map!'. Rancho Santa Fe 5. Elev. (ft or m.) 500 feet Lat.33 0 06 1 00" Long.117° 13' 30" 6. Township/range to nearest 1/4 Sect.Northeast quarter of Section 30, Township 12 south, Range 3west. I Describe location from existing roads, structures, etc. East of La Costa, west of Rancho Santa Fe Road, and southwest of Meadow- lark Road. 8. Slope (deg. or 5), direction exposed 30 degrees on north-facing slope. 1 . Soil typeExchequer (ExG and ExE) Geologic formation Metavolcanic and granite rock I : Li Soil condition Dry and indistinct. Estimated number and area covered by rare plants Carpet over three by six feet. 12. Condition of plants: Flowering Fruiting Other Unknown-no notes on this. 13. List dominant associated plants in decreasing order Heteromeles arbutifolia, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Quercus dumosa, Eriogonum fasciculatum. I I 14. If specimen collected, number and where deRos i ted Patch of unknown dimensions by Dr. Walt Wright at U.C. Riverside for research 15. Additional comments purposes. I I 16. Project name and number (if any) and jur i Sd I ct ionRancho de La Costa, City of ' Carlsbad. 17i Show location on portion of USGS Map and attach. I I LI I RARE AND ENDANGERED PL1?1 r VER! FT CAT! ON FORM I 1. Scientific name of plant Selaginella cinerascens 2. Date obs. March and April 1976 Listing authority and status_____________________ California Native Plant Society (CNPS l- - 3. Data collectorRicardo Villasenor Determined byMitchel.Beaucha'rnD 4. County San Diego StateCalifornia USGS MapRancho Santa Fe - 5. Elev. (ft or m.)400 to 700 feetLat. 33 1 06 1 00" to 301ong.117° 13'30" to I . 14' 30" 6. Township/range to nearest 1/4 Sect.All of section 30, Township 12 south, . * 1 • Describe location from existing Range 3 West. roads, structures, etc. East of La Costa, west of Rancho Santa Fe Road, and north of San Marcos I Canyon on upper slopes and ridgetops. 1 8. Slope (deg. or ), direction exposed Zero to 40 degrees, all exposures. 9. Soil type Exchequer (ExG and ExE) Geologic Format ion Netavolcanic and granite rock. .10. Soil condition Dry and indistinct. • 11. Estimated number and area covered by rare plantsCarpeting of approximately 1 100 to 50 percent cover over some 50 to 75 acres. 12. Condition of plants: Flowering Fruiting OtherAshen grey 13. List dominant associated plants in decreasing order Adenostoma - fasciculatum, -- Artemisia californica, Lotus scoparius, Adolphia californica. hhi, if specimen collected, number and where deposited N/A 15. Additional comments None 16. Project name and number - (if any) and j u r s ci c t i on Rancho de La Costa, City of Carlsbad. 17i Show location on portion of USGS Map and attach. I I I I I I I I I 2. I i 3. 4. I: I I RARE ANt) ENDANGERED PLAN I VER Ft CATION FORM Scientific name of pidrit Adoiphiacalifornic Date obs. March and April 1976 Listing authority and status California Native Plant Society (CNPS 1-1-1-1). Data collector Ricardo Villasenor Determined by Mitchel Beauchamp County San Diego State California USGS Map -.'-* Rancho Santa Fe Elev. (ft or m.) 300to400feetLat. 33006130" Long. 117 0 13'30"to 14' 00" Township/range to nearest 1/4 Scct.Southen half of Section30,Township12 south, Range 3 west. Describe location from existing roads, structures, etc. East of La Costa and just north of San Marcos Canyon. Largest popula- tions overlook San Marcos Canyon just south of the SDG&E power easement road. Slope (deg. or ), direction exposed Ten to 50 degrees, south-facing. Soil type Exchequer (ExG and ExE) Geologic iormationMetb0lnhic rock 10. Soil condition Dry and indistinct I II.Estimated number and area covered by rare plants 500 to 700 individuals over ten to 15 acres. 12. Condition of plants: Flowering Fruiting Other Leaves present. I 13. List dominant associated plants in decreasing order Artemisiacalifornica I Rhus laurina, Eriogonum fasciculatuin, Lotus scoparius. 11. If specimen collected, number and where depositcd N/A 15. Additional comments Thelargestpopulationoccurredalongthenorthrim of San Marcos Canyon in four distinct stands. I . ------- __________ 16. Project name and number (if any) arid jurisdiction RanchodeLaCosta,Cityof I I Carlsbad. 17.* Show location on portion of USGS Map and attach. I I RARE AHD LNDANG[RED PlAN I VER I F I CAl ON 1 ORN . Scientific name of plant Stylomecon heterophylla 2. Date obs. March and April_1976Listing authority and status______________________ California Native Plant Society (CNPS 0- - - ) 1 3. Beauchamp Data collectorMitchell Determined by Mitchell Beauchamp 1 1. County San Diego State California USGS t ap ': Rancho Santa Fe • Elev. (ft or m.)400 feet - Lat. 330 06' 30" Long.1170 13' 30" 6. Township/range to nearest l/I Sect.—Northeast quarter of Section 30, Township 12 south, Range 3 west I East 7. Describe location from existing roads, structures, etc. of La Costa, west of Rancho Santa Fe Road, and west of the wastewate: I treatment plant on San Marcos Creek. 8. Slope (deg. or direction exposed 30 degrees on the north-facing slope. 1 . Soil type Exchequer (ExG and ExE) Geologic formation Metavolcanic and granitic rock. 1 10. Soil condition Dry and indistinct 11. Estimated number and area covered by rare plants 13 to 15 individuals over a very small area (less than an acre). 12. Condition of plants: Flowering Fruiting No notes-unknown I I 13. List dominant associated plants in decreasing order Heteromeles arbutifolia, -- Adenostoma fasciculatum, Quercus dumosa, Eriogonum fasciculatum. 1. if specimen collected, number and where dcpositcd I 15. Additional comments None N/A I 16. Project name and number (if any) and jurisdiction Rancheros de La Costa, City of Carlsbad. 17.* Show location on portion of USGS Hap and attach. I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX D I I I I I U I I I = - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - HIGHWAY NOISE ANALYSIS WORKSHEET (page 1 of 3) 4) 4-4 0 rtj 4i 9 4.) 4) Ri gQ) 0 H-P @•d d Wd Ln - Lanes Average Hourly % LeqI dB (4.4 •r-1 4j Q) U)Z 4J U)W 4.) ( g! U) Gi (t)'.D Cl) Ref. Segment ADT Flow Trucks ___ _____ •HLI) r-P n U) ç Median H - Day Night Day Night Alga Road (present) 1400 81 20 2 56 50 57,9 0 0 58 n/g El Fuerte Road 4 (present) / 0 1260 73 18 2 55 49.5 57.2 0 0 57 n/a Corintia Street Z2 _____ (present) 700 _____ 41 ______ 10 0 49.51 44 51.7 0 0 52 n/a HIGHWAY NOISE ANALYSIS WORKSHEET (page 2 of 3) 4- 0 rn 4J 4J 4i cnj cW cU.H ,-14- ti (D rd Eni Lfl 4J- Ord 0) s7' Average Hourly % Le , dB nd4-4 4JQJ 4J4 4J q LO 11 4-.4 -w Ref. Segment >an, ADT Flow Trucks q____ . Lo dian HcJ 4-4 z-1 Day Night Day Night Corintia Street (project 2/' completion) ,/0 1500 87 21 0 53 47 54.9 0 0 55 n/a • _ • V _ - - mm - - - mm mm - - - - - mm HIGHWAY NOISE ANALYSIS WORKSEET (page 3 of 3) 4.) H 0 rd 4i 4.) 4.) aj ç: Q) 0 r4 4J Q)• Fi rd Q) 1d E Lfl Q) CA - Ortj - s,V' Average Hourly % Le cd4-1 4J) 4J 4.) fl Ref, Segment >an, ADT Flow Trucks q • dian H) . 1'4-4 c Day Night Day Night Alga Road (future) 0 30 Y O00 1,740 433 2 65 58.5 66.6 0 0 70 130 El Fuerte Road 4Z (future) ,/'O 14,15 821 204 2 62 55.5 63.6 0 0 67 76 Corintia Street 27 (future) ,,VO 7,861 456 114 0 57 51 58.9 0 0 62 n