HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-12-05; Planning Commission; Resolution 3161I1 w e
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3161
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
DECLARATION FOR A PLANNING COMMISSION
DETERMINATION OF GENERAL, PLAN CONSISTENCY TO
MAIN.
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WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did on the 5th day of December, 7
CASE NAME: HOME PLANT, CITY OF CARLSBAD 5
CONSTRUCT A SEWAGE PUMP STATION AND FORCE #
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA APPROVING A NEGATIVE
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6 CASE NO.; PCD/GPC 90-2
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and 9
1990, hold a duly noticed public hearing as prescribed by law to consider said request,
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WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all
testimony and arguments, examining the initial study, analyzing the information
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as follows: 16
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Planning Commission 15
Commission considered all factors relating to the Negative Declaration.
A) That the foregoing recitations are true and correct.
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submitted by staff, and considering any written comments received, the Planning
B) That based on the evidence presented at the public hearing, the Planning
"ND", dated October 4, 1990, and "PII", dated October 1, 1990, attached hereto
and made a part hereof, based on the following findings:
19 Commission hereby APPROVES the Negative Declaration according to Exhibit
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Findings:
23 have a significant impact on the environment.
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3. There are no sensitive resources located onsite or located so as to be significantly 26
project.
1. The initial study shows that there is no substantial evidence that the project may
2. The streets are adequate in size to handle traffic generated by the proposed
impacted by this project.
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5. Replacement of the existing Home Plant Sewage Pump Station will reduce the 2
4. The new facilities serve an infill area and will not be growth inducing.
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4 PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Planning
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Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California, held on the 5th day of December, 1990,
by the following vote, to wit:
potential for future sewage spills into Bum vista Lagoon.
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a
AYES: Chairperson Schramm, Commissioners: Schlehuber, Holmes,
McFadden, Erwin, Marcus & Hall.
9 ll NOES: None.
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ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
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ATTEST:
CARLSBAD PLANNING COMMISSION
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19 1 PLANNING DIRECTOR
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27 PC RES0 NO. 3161 -2-
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NEGATIVE DECLARATION
PROJECT ADDRESS/LOCATION: West of Carlsbad Boulevard, east of the railroad
(APN: 155-20-1, 2).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Construction of a Sewage Pump Station, Force Main and
demolition of an existing sewage pump station and
trickle filter facility.
The City of Carlsbad has conducted an environmental review of the above described project
pursuant to the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act and the Environmental Protection Ordinance of the City of Carlsbad. As a result of said
review, a Negative Declaration (declaration that the project will not have a significant impact
on the environment) is hereby issued for the subject project. Justification for this action is
on file in the Planning Department.
A copy of the Negative Declaration with supportive documents is on file in the Planning
Department, 2075 Las Palmas Drive, Carlsbad, California 92009. Comments from the public
are invited. Please submit comments in writing to the Planning D artment within 30 days
of date of issuance. /”/”
DATED: October 4, 1990
CASE NO: PCD/GPC 90-2
&?Ai+ by CH L J. HOL ILLER
Planni g Director
APPLICANT: City of Carlsbad
PUBLISH DATE? October 4, 1990
JG:rvo
2075 Las Palmas Drive - Carlsbad, California 92009-4859 - (619) 438-1 161
w - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FORM - PART 11
(TO BE COMPLETED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT)
CASE NO. PCD/GPC 90-2
DATE: octo bee 1 : r??o
IKGROUND
, CASE NAME: Home Plant Sewage Pump Station and Force Main
, APPLICANT: City of Carlsbad
. ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF APPLICANT: 2075 Las Palmas Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92009
1619) 438-1161
DATE EIA FORM PART I SUBMITTED: March 16.1990
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Construction of a sewage " pump station, 10" diameter force main running
1.900 lineal feet. and demolition of an existing sewage pumt, station and
trickle filter facility.
VIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ZTE CEQA GUIDELINES, Chapter 3, Article 5, section 15063 requires that the City conduct an
rironmental Impact Assessment to determine if a project may have a significant effect on the environment.
? Environmental Impact Assessment appears in the following pages in the form of a checklist. This checklist
ntifies any physical, biological and human factors that might be impacted by the proposed project and
,vides the City with information to use as the basis for deciding whether to prepare an Environmental
pact Report or Negative Declaration.
A Negative Declaration may be prepared if the City perceives no substantial evidence that the project or
any of its aspects may cause a significant effect on the environment. On the checklist, "NO" will be checked
to indicate this determination.
An EIR must be prepared if the City determines that there is substantial evidence that any aspect of the
project may cause a siRnificant effect on the environment. The project may qualify for a Negative
Declaration however, if adverse impacts are mitigated so that environmental effects can be deemed
insiRnificant. - These findings are shown in the checklist under the headings 'YES-sig" and YES-insig"
respectively.
iliscussion of potential impacts and the proposed mitigation measures appears at the end of the form under
SCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION. Particular attention should be given to discussing
.tigation for impacts which would otherwise be determined significant.
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PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Z THE PROPOSAL DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY
Result in unstable earth conditions or
increase the exposure of people or property
to geologic hazards?
Appreciably change the topography or any
unique physical features?
Result in or be affected by erosion of soils
either on or off the site?
Result in changes in the deposition of beach
sands, or modification of the channel of a
river or stream or the bed of the ocean or
any bay, inlet or lake?
Result in substantial adverse effects on
ambient air quality?
, Result in substantial changes in air
movement, odor, moisture, or temperature?
, Substantially change the course or flow of
water (marine, fresh or flood waters)?
, Affect the quantity or quality of surface
water, ground water or public water supply?
. Substantially increase usage or cause depletion of any natural resources?
I. Use substantial amounts of he1 or energy?
1. Alter a significant archeological,
paleontological or historical site,
structure or object?
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YES YES NO (sig) (insig)
X -
X
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X
X -
X
X
X
X
X
X
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X
I. 0 0
BIOLDGICAL ENVIRONMENT
L THE PROPOSAL DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY
Affect the diversity of species, habitat
or numbers of any species of plants (including
trees, shrubs, grass, microflora and aquatic
plants)?
Introduce new species of plants into an area,
existing species?
or a barrier to the normal replenishment of
Reduce the amount of acreage of any
agricultural crop or affect prime, unique
or other farmland of state or local
importance?
Affect the diversity of species, habitat
or numbers of any species of animals (birds,
land animals, all water dwelling organisms
and insects?
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, Introduce new species of animals into an
area, or result in a barrier to the migration or movement of animals?
HUMAN ENVIRONMENT
LL THE PROPOSAL DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY:
. Alter the present or planned land use
of an area?
. Substantially affect public utilities,
schools, police, fire, emergency or other
public services?
- -
xi$s YES (insig)
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NO
X
X -
X
X
X -
NO
X
X
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HUMAN ENVIRONMENT
2 THE PROPOSAL DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY:
Result in the need for new or modifled sewer
systems, solid waste or hazardous waste control systems?
Increase existing noise levels?
Produce new light or glare?
Involve a significant risk of an explosion
or the release of hazardous substances
(including, but not limited to, oil,
pesticides, chemicals or radiation)?
Substantially alter the density of the
human population of an area?
Affect existing housing, or create a demand
for additional housing?
Generate substantial additional traffic?
Affect existing parking facilities, or
create a large demand for new parking?
Impact existing transportation systems or
alter present patterns of circulation or
movement of people and/or goods?
Alter waterborne, rail or air traffic?
Increase traffic hazards to motor
vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians?
, Interfere with emergency response plans or emergency evacuation plans?
. Obstruct any scenic vista or create an
aesthetically offensive public view?
. Affect the quality or quantity of
existing recreational opportunities?
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BS E$]
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X
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X
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NO
X -
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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X
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X -
X
X
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MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGMmCANCE
, THE PROPOSAL, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY: ES E21 NO
Does the project have the potential
to substantially degrade the quality
of the environment, substantially
reduce the habitat of a fish or wild-
life species, cause a fish or wildlife
levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or
animal community, reduce the number or
restrict the range of a rare or en-
dangered plant or animal,' or eliminate
important examples of the major periods
of California history or prehistory.
Does the project have the potential
to achieve short-term, to the dis-
advantage of long-term, environmental
goals? (A short-term impact on the
environment is one which occurs in a
relatively brief, definitive period of
time while long-term impacts will
endure well into the future.)
population to drop below self-sustaining
X -
X -
Does the project have the possible
environmental effects which are in-
dividually limited but cumulatively
considerable? ("Cumulatively con-
siderable" means that the incremental
effects of an individual project are
considerable when viewed in connection
with the effects of past projects, the
effects of other current projects, and
the effects of probable future projects.)
. Does the project have environmental
effects which will cause substantial
adverse effects on human beings,
either directly or indirectly?
X -
X - -
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0 0
USSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION
ct DescriDtion
xoject consists of the construction of two new sewage facilities. A new sewage pump station and force
will be constructed adjacent to Carlsbad Boulevard on a triangular shaped area just south of the existing
p station on the Home Plant site in the northwest corner of the City of Carlsbad. The pump station
eins three 20 horse power variable-speed electric motors and is housed in sub-structure with no building
le above it. Also underground will be a diesel fuel storage tank. Adjacent to the underground pump
I is a structure made up of all super-structure above ground which contains a standby generator.
new force main consists of 1,900 lineal feet of 10" diameter polyvinyl chloride pipe. The alignment of
orce main will begin at its connection to the new pump station, travel south under Carlsbad Boulevard,
- turn east through an easement in the parking lot of an office building, then through State Street and up
ma Drive to the Vista/Carlsbad interceptor at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Laguna Drive.
pump station and force main will replace the outdated station that currently exists at the same Home
tt site. The existing force main, while adequate to handle the flow from the existing pump station, is not
ng enough to withstand the pressure requirements of the new pump station equipment, therefore it must
be replaced.
.ddition, the old existing pump station and an abandoned trickle filter structure which is located at the site
be demolished and removed from the site. The site will then be regraded to cover up the large depression
by the trickle filter.
sical Environment
The new sewage pump station will be located on an existing graded pad area that is level, and the force
main will be located under the street, therefore unstable earth conditions or the increased exposure of
people or property to geologic hazards is not a concern. The soils are compacted and level, and
previous engineering requirements for the streets in which the force main will run under assure that
minimal geologic impacts will occur.
'3. Minimal grading is proposed to prepare the site for the pump station, generator building and to
eliminate the trickle filter. The pump station pad is already fairly level and what excavation that needs
to be done to set the pumps into the sub-structure will all be below grade, therefore no appreciable
change in topography is anticipated, thus no impacts will result.
All areas that are graded are required to be reseeded with ground cover and landscaping so as to
prevent additional erosion of the exposed soils and to prevent these soils from washing into Buena Vista
Lagoon.
/7. The site is not located near a channel of a river or stream and the small size of the developed area of
the site will not generate enough runoff to cause appreciable changes to Buena Vista Lagoon.
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;CUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION (cont'd)
The pump station is powered by electric motors, therefore no on-site exhaust emissions will be
generated. The station replaces an existing pump station, and the force main runs through a developed
area, therefore growth inducement and additional vehicle trip generation due to new commercial and
residential development will not result from this project. Construction impacts to air quality will be
minimal due to the small size of the project and emissions from heavy equipment is a temporary short
term impact, therefore no significant environmental impacts are anticipated with respect to air quality.
'8. The project proposes only one small structure and paving for the driveway and a small parking area,
therefore there will be no significant impacts on air movement and moisture or temperature. The pump
station and force main is a closed system with odor control devices, therefore no sewage odors will
escape into the ambient air. This new system will avoid and avert any future sewage overflows created
by old and outdated equipment as is characteristic of the existing system. The new motors and the
backup generator will help minimize sewage overflows as a result of mechanical failure and an alarm
system is in place to notify the authorities when problems occur, therefore the new more powerful
equipment will reduce impacts to water quality in Buena Vista Lagoon caused by sewage overflows at
the pump station.
'10. The new pump station replaces an older, less efficient system and the new location of the pump which
will be located on higher ground, in addition to having a shorter force main, a lower pumping head and
less power requirements, will all create a more cost-effective system that reduces energy consumption.
1. The area currently contains a pump station, trickle filter and settling pond and the pad area for the new
pump station has been previously graded, therefore due to the amount of disturbance on site, no
significant archeological, paleontological or historical resources are anticipated.
iioloaical Environment
2/13. The site is currently being utilized for a sewage pump station and no native vegetation exists due to
previous grading and development. The new pump station will be located in an area that is also void
of natural vegetation, therefore no impacts to the diversity of species, habitat or other significanl
biological resources is anticipated.
4. The project site contains no agricultural crops or acreage.
15/16. The small nature of the project and the lack of significant biological resources and habitats on site wil:
result in non significant impacts to the diversity of species and habitats and the proposed constructior
will not introduce new species to the area or restrict the migration and movement of animals.
3uman Environment
17/23. The area surrounding the pump station and force main is urbanized, a pump station currently exisp
on the site, and the force main runs under the existing street system, therefore growth inducement i
not anticipated and present or planned land use will not be affected.
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JSSION OF ENVTRONMENTAL EVALUATION (cont’dl
9. The proposed project will improve an existing public service by reducing the potential for sewage
overflows at the site and by creating a more dependable and cost-effective sewage pumping system.
1. The pumping station utilizes electric motors that contain residential grade sound mufflers and is not
located near residential development, therefore no noise impacts are anticipated. The minimal amount
of actual physical development proposed and the fact that additional landscaping will be provided on
site, reduces the impacts of light and glare to an insignificant level. During construction of the force
main, heavy equipment operations will be restricted to the hours of 7:OO A.M. to sunset on weekdays
to minimize noise and dust impacts on surrounding commercial and residential development.
The pump station utilizes electric motors to power the sewage pumps, adequate ventilation is provided,
and the facility is located below grade, therefore the risks of explosion are insignificant. There will be
an underground diesel fuel storage tank that provides fuel for the back-up generator. This storage tank
will be double walled and equipped with required monitoring devices.
!5. The pump station and force main replace an existing system and no expansion of the sewer system
will result, therefore the project will not induce industrial, commercial and residential growth. It also
will not increase the demand for new housing or create additional traffic. The new pump station will
be on an existing vacant portion of the site and the force main runs along the public right-of-way,
therefore existing housing will not be displaced or effected.
The force main will run along an easement that is aligned through the parking lot of an existing office
building. The sewer main will be placed under the lot and the closure of the parking lot for
construction of the main will be temporary, therefore no significant impacts are anticipated.
‘29. The force main will run under Carlsbad Boulevard, State Street and Laguna Drive and during
construction of the system, there will be short term impacts to the present patterns of circulation and
increased hazards to motor vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians due to heavy equipment on the street,
street closures, the reduction in the size of the travel lanes, trenching and other construction hazards
associated with working along an existing and established circulation system. These impacts will be
reduced to a level of insignificance by the use of safe construction practices and an approved traffic
management plan incorporating appropriate signage, barricades, phasing, detours if necessary, and
traffic management during peak hour traffic periods.
/30. The proposed project will not alter waterborne, rail or air traffic nor interfere with emergency
response plans or evacuation plans.
. The project site is located adjacent to the Buena Vista Lagoon, however the new pump station will be
located below grade and farther away from the lagoon than the existing pump station and trickle filter,
which are both slated for demolition. This area will be regraded and planted with ground cover and
the existing trees will remain. The generator building will be the only structure visible from Carlsbad
Boulevard and development to the west. To reduce visual and aesthetic impacts to an insignificant
level, landscaping will be provided around the facility to create a visual screen and buffer.
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w - CUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION (cont’d)
The proposed project will not affect the quality or quantity of existing recreational opportunities. The
site is currently being used as a sewage pump facility and the new development is not visible from the
lagoon or other public recreational facilities.
The proposed project will not substantially degrade the quality of the environment or have significant
impacts to flora, fauna, and cultural resources. The site is currently being used as a sewage pump
site has been disturbed by prior development. The proposed improvements will enhance the water
quality of Buena Vista Lagoon by reducing the potential sewage overflows created by an existing
outdated and aging sewage pump facility. The new facility will reduce the risk of sewage flowing into
the lagoon reducing mechanical and operation failures of the system.
The short term impacts during construction of the pump station and force nyin will be offset by the
long range benefits of a more dependable and energy efficient pumping system.
No cumulative effects are associated with this project. All development is taking place in areas that
have been previously disturbed by development.
The project as proposed and designed will have short term construction impacts that could effect human
beings, however appropriate plans and procedures have been incorporated into the project that will
reduce these impacts to a level of insignificance.
station and the replacement of the facility will not impact sensitive environmental resources. The entire
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LYSIS OF VIABLE ALTERNATNES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT SUCH AS:
a) Phased development of the project,
b) alternate site designs,
c) alternate scale of development,
d) alternate uses for the site,
e) development at some future time rather than now,
f) alternate sites- for the proposed, and
g) no project alternative.
i) The nature of the project prohibits phasing. A sewage pumping system is a closed system requiring
all links within the system to be in place before the system is operational.
b) This particular site currently has an existing pumping facility so it is the logical location for a
replacement facility. Moving the pumping station further south on the site will help its pumping
efficiency and save energy costs.
c) The proposed pumping station and force main are designed to handle the sewage demands placed
upon it by the surrounding development, therefore a smaller facility or sewer line would be
inadequate to handle and pump the required volumes of effluent and subsequent sewage overflows
into Buena Vista Lagoon would occur.
'f) The site currently has an established pumping facility, therefore replacement of the facility at the
same location concentrates the construction impacts on an already disturbed and developed site and
doesn't subject a new area to potential environmental impacts.
/g) The age and reliability of the existing pumping facility and the increased threat of pump failure
resulting in spillage of sewage into the lagoon makes it imperative that the project not be delayed
create a greater potential for environmental damage to the lagoon due to a sewage spill.
into the future or that there not be a no project alternative, The no project alternative would
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V - ERMINATION (To Be Completed By The Planning Department)
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
, I find the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE
DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will
not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project. A Conditional Negative
Declaration will be proposed.
I find the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT is required.
b-f- yo %
Date
ID-/ -5d
1 Date
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T MITtGATING MEASURES (IF APPLICABLE1
TACH MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM (IF APPLICABLE)
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w - PPLICANT CONCURRENCE WITH MITIGATING MEASURES
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT I HAVE REVIEWED THE ABOVE MITIGATING MEASURES
AND CONCUR WITH THE ADDITION OF THESE MEASURES TO THE PROJECT.
Date Signature
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