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2011-02-02; Planning Commission; Resolution 6753
1 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 6753 2 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE 3 CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING ADOPTION OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 4 AND A MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM TO CONSTRUCT A REPLACEMENT SEWER LIFT STATION, SEWER SUPPORT BRIDGE, FORCE & 6 GRAVITY MAIN, AND ASSOCIATED PIPELINES SOUTH OF CHINQUAPIN AVENUE TO THE ENCINA WATER 7 POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY. THE PROJECT WOULD BE LOCATED WITHIN EASEMENTS ON PUBLIC AND 8 PRIVATE PROPERTY AND WITHIN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY 9 OF AVENIDA ENCINAS IN LOCAL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT ZONES 1, 3 AND 22. 10 CASE NAME: AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY 11 SEWER REPLACEMENT CASE NO.: POP 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP 10- 2 17/HDP 10-05/SUP 1Q-02/HMP 10-03 13 WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad, "Developer/Owner," has filed a verified 14 application with the City of Carlsbad regarding property described as ,/- Approximately 500-feet south of Chinquapin Avenue, immediately east of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) 17 railroad tracks, within the railroad right-of-way, south across Agua Hedionda Lagoon to the Encina Power Station 18 (identified as Assessor's Parcel Number 210-010-09). Associated underground piping and the pipe support bridge are proposed in this area; and 20 A portion of the Encina Power Station, located north of 21 Cannon Road and west of Interstate 5 at 4600 Carlsbad Boulevard (identified as Assessor's Parcel Numbers 210-010-26 22 & 210-010-41). The sewer lift station and associated piping are „_ proposed on the grounds of the Power Station; and 24 A portion of SDG&E's property, located north of Cannon Road and south and east of the Encina Power Station 25 (identified as Assessor's Parcel Number 210-010-42). Associated underground piping is proposed in this area; and26 27 Avenida Encinas, from just north of Cannon Road (identified as Assessor's Parcel Number 210-011-05) and south to the 28 Encinas Wastewater Pollution Control Facility (south of Palomar Airport Road). Associated underground piping is proposed in this area 1 ("the Property"); and 2 WHEREAS, a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and 3 Reporting Program was prepared in conjunction with said project; and 4 e WHEREAS, as part of the public review of the Mitigated Negative 5 Declaration, the City received one comment letter from Preserve Calavera; and 7 WHEREAS, staff wrote a response letter to the comment letter, and the o comment letter and staffs response is attached; and 9 WHEREAS, the project was modified slightly after the public comment 10 period to increase the proposed 4-inch potable water line to 6-inch per the City of Carlsbad Fire Department's requirements to have enough water pressure available to operate a 13 proposed fire hydrant on the Encinas Power Station site; and 14 WHEREAS, the minor addition does not require recirculation of the Mitigated Negative Declaration in accordance with CEQA Section 15073.5(c)(2), since the increase in the potable water line is only to accommodate a fire hydrant which does not 17 constitute a significant project modification nor create a new avoidable significant effect; 18 19 20 WHEREAS, a finding stating the minor change to the project description 21 does not requiring recirculation is included as part of this Planning Commission 22 Resolution; and 23 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did on February 2, 2011, hold a duly 24 noticed public hearing as prescribed by law to consider said request; and 25 WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony26 27 and arguments, examining the initial study, analyzing the information submitted by staff, and 28 considering any written comments received, the Planning Commission considered all factors PC RESO NO. 6753 -2- relating to the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting 2 Program. 3 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Planning 4 <. Commission as follows: 5 A) That the foregoing recitations are true and correct. 7 B) That based on the evidence presented at the public hearing, the Planning Commission hereby RECOMMENDS ADOPTION of the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, Exhibit 9 "MND," according to Exhibits "Notice of Intent (NOI)," and "Environmental Impact Assessment Form - Initial Study (EIA)," attached hereto and made a part 10 hereof, based on the following findings: 11 Findings: 12 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad does hereby find: 13 a. it has reviewed, analyzed, and considered the Mitigated Negative Declaration and 14 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT 15 PROJECT - PDF 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10- , f 02 and HMP 10-03 and the environmental impacts therein identified for this project and any comments thereon prior to RECOMMENDING APPROVAL of the 17 project; and 18 b. the project was modified slightly after the public comment period to increase the proposed 4-inch potable water line to 6-inch per the City of Carlsbad Fire Department's requirements to have enough water pressure available to operate 2Q a proposed fire hydrant on the EPS site. The increase in the potable water line will allow for an additional 1,000 gallons per minute (GPM) of water flow to be 21 delivered to the site in the event of a fire. The minor increase in pipe size and water flow does not require recirculation of the Mitigated Negative Declaration 22 in accordance with CEQA Section 15073.5(c)(2), since the increase in the potable 9- water line and water flow is only to accommodate a fire hydrant, and therefore does not constitute a significant project modification nor create a new avoidable 24 significant effect; and 25 c. the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program has been prepared in accordance with requirements of the California 2" Environmental Quality Act, the State Guidelines and the Environmental Protection 27 Procedures of the City of Carlsbad; and 28 d. the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program reflects the independent judgment of the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad; and PC RESO NO. 6753 -3- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 e. based on the EIA and comments thereon, there is no substantial evidence the project will have a significant effect on the environment. Condition: 1. The Developer shall implement the mitigation measures described in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT project. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California, held on February 2, 2011, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: Chairperson L'Heureux, Commissioners Black, Dominguez, Montgomery, Nygaard and Siekmann ABSENT: Commissioner Schumacher ABSTAIN: STEPHEN "HAP" L'HEUREUX, Chairperson CARLSBAD PLANNING COMMISSION ATTEST: DON NEU Planning Director PC RESO NO. 6753 -4- CITY OF CARLSBAD www.carlsbadca.gov Memorandum Dec. 13, 2010 To: Pam Drew, Associate Planner From: Terry Smith, Sr. Civil Engineer Utilities Department Re: Project Description Changes - Final Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Agua Hedicmda Sewer Lift Station, Force Main, and Gravity Sewer Replacement Project Per your request, this memorandum outlines a summary of recent changes to the project description in the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the proposed Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station, Force Main, and Gravity Sewer Replacement Project. The Draft MND was circulated for a 30-day public review period from August 17 through September 16, 2010. The key question to be considered when preparing a Final CEQA document, per the CEQA Guidelines Section 15088.5(a), is whether significant new information has been added to the MND after public notice is given of the availability of the Draft MND for public review. "Significant new information" requiring recirculation includes, for example, a disclosure showing that: 1. A new significant environmental impact would result from the project or from a new mitigation measure proposed to be implemented. 2. A substantial increase in the severity of an environmental impact would result unless mitigation measures are adopted that reduce the impact to a level of insignificance. 3. A feasible project alternative or mitigation measure considerably different from others previously analyzed would clearly lessen the environmental impacts of the project, but the project's proponents decline to adopt it. 4. The Draft MND was so fundamentally and basically inadequate and conclusory in nature that meaningful public review and comment were precluded. Section 15088.5{b) of the CEQA Guidelines indicates that recirculation of the MND is not required where the new information added to the MND merely clarifies or amplifies or makes insignificant modifications in an adequate MND. The changes to the Draft MND's project description are presented in more detail below: Utilities Department 5950 El Camino Real I Carlsbad, CA 92008 i 760-438-2722 760-431-1601 fax Ms. Drew Dec. 13, 2010 Page 2 Increase Pipe Diameter of Waterline Serving Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station Subsequent to the circulation of the Draft MND, the applicant met with personnel from the City of Carlsbad Fire Prevention Division to review the project for conformance with local and state fire safety requirements and guidelines. Fire department staff noted that the project was not providing a fire hydrant on site and that the nearest existing fire hydrant was too great a distance from the new sewer lift station. The applicant was directed to provide a fire hydrant on site and to comply with fire flow requirements. The project description as included in the Draft MND had anticipated the replacement of an existing 3-inch diameter waterline with a 4-inch diameter waterline that would meet the operational needs of the sewer lift station. However, this 4-inch waterline will not be able to meet the fire flow requirements specified by the fire department. Therefore, the project will construct a 6-inch waterline in lieu of the 4-inch line shown in the Draft MND. This change will bring the proposed facility into compliance with current fire safety codes. Conclusion Based on this minor modification to the project description, this new information added to the MND merely clarifies, or amplifies, or makes insignificant modifications to the MND. Therefore, the MND does not require recirculation based on guidance provided in the CEQA Guidelines Section 15073.5(c)(4). No other changes to the draft MND have been identified. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (760) 602-2765. Very truly yours, TerryL Smith, P.E. City of Carlsbad Project Manager Y OF A CARLSBAD Planning Division Summary for Electronic Document Submittal www.carlsbadca.gov FormF 15 copies of this document may be included when a Lead Agency is submitting electronic copies of environmental impact reports, negative declarations, mitigated negative declarations, or notices of preparation to the SCH. The SCH will still accept other summaries, such as an EIR summary prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15123, attached to the electronic copies of the document. SCH#: Lead Agency: Project Title: 2010081053 City of Carlsbad Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station & Gravity & Force Mains Project Location: Carlsbad San Diego City County Please provide a Project Description (Proposed actions, location, and/or consequences). The proposed project involves the installation of a sewer trunk line (3,960-foot long force main and a 8,420-foot long gravity sewer line), a sewer lift station (50 million gallons/day capacity,) and a sewer support bridge (140- foot weathered steel span) improvements on the Vista/Carlsbad Sewer Interceptor System, segments VC11, VC12, VC13, VC14, and VC15 (as referenced in the City's 2003 Sewer Master Plan). The proposed project extends a total distance of approximately 12,380 linear feet (2.35 miles) in a north-south direction located in coastal Carlsbad from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon to the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility. The project also proposes a number of associated improvements in the same work area, including installation of a recycled water line, replacement of a potable water line, demolition of an existing sewer lift station and concrete overflow basin, demolition of the wood trestle for the existing sewer line and the option of relocating a section of an existing high pressure gas transmission line from its existing trestle bridge (and removal of the bridge) to the new sewer bridge. Surrounding land uses and setting are; railroad tracks, Lagoon wetlands, YMCA youth recreation facility, power plant accessory driveways and uses, public streets, hotel, restaurants, convenience store, gas station and park, urban commercial and industrial development, parking lots, landscaping and open spaces. The project will require various permits from the City of Carlsbad and the City of Carlsbad Housing and redevelopment Commission. The project is located in the Coastal Zone; in a portion of the Coastal Zone in which the proposal is located, the City does not have coastal development permit authority. Therefore, a coastal development permit from the California Coastal Commission is required for part of the project. Please identify the project's significant or potentially significant effects and briefly describe any proposed mitigation measures that would reduce or avoid that effect. The proposed project has potentially significant effects in the areas of air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology/soils, hazards/hazardous materials, land use and planning, transportation/circulation, and mandatory findings of significance. For all identified potentially significant effects, mitigation measures are proposed to reduce the effects to a level of insignificance. Discussion about the effects and mitigation measures are discussed in the initial study and mitigation monitoring and reporting program. 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 T 760-602-4600 F 760-602-8559 ® Summary for Electronic Document Submittal Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station and Gravity and Force Mains Lead Agency: City of Carlsbad Page 2 If applicable, please describe any of the project's areas of controversy known to the Lead Agency, including issues raised by agencies and the public. Areas of controversy may include the following: 1. Potential impacts to sensitive biological resources of Agua Hedionda Lagoon 2. Potential impacts to lagoon water quality 3. Potential aesthetics issues related to construction of the new lift station and sewer bridge across the lagoon 4. Overall potential Coastal Zone impacts 5. Potential cumulative impacts resulting from approved and planned projects in the area 6. Potential impacts to cultural resources, primarily those possible impacts to Native American resources 7. Potential land use impacts Please provide a list of responsible or trustee agencies for the project. California Coastal Commission California Department of Fish and Game Caltrans District 11 Regional Water Quality Control Board #9 (San Diego) Carlsbad Housing and Redevelopment Commission Notice of Completion & Environmental Document Transmittal Mail to: State Clearinghouse, P. O. Box 3044, Sacramento, CA 95812 - (916) 445-0613 Project Title: AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION & GRAVITY & FORCE MAINS Lead Agency: CITY OF CARLSBAD Contact Person: PAM DREW, ASSOCIATE PLANNER See NOTE Below: SCH # 2010081053 Street Address: 1635 FARADAY AVENUE Phone: (760) 602-4644 City: CARLSBAD Zip: 92008 COUNTY County: SAN DIEGO PROJECT LOCATION: County: San Diego City/Nearest Community: Carlsbad Cross Streets: Cannon Road & Palomar Airport Road Total Acres: N/A Zip Code: 92008 & 9201! Lat. / Long. : 117° 20' 9.6" N / 33° 8' 34.8" W (Location of the proposed sewer lift station) Assessor's Parcel Nos. 210-011-05. 210-010-42. 210-010-09. 210-010-41 and within NCTD's railroad r-o-w and city-owned street right-of-way not identified by an APN. Within 2 Miles: State Hwy #: 1-5 & Hwv 101 Waterways: Agua Hedionda Lagoon & the Pacific Ocean Airports: McCLELLAN/PALOMAR Railways: NCTD Schools: Carlsbad Unified School District DOCUMENT TYPE: CEQA: G NOP | | Early Cons | | Supplement/Subsequent G EIR (Prior SCH No.) NEPA:NOI D G Neg Dec £ G Draft EIR LOCAL ACTION TYPE: G General Plan Update | | General Plan Amendment | | General Plan Element | 1 Community Plan <] Other: MND [Xl Specific Plan I | Master Plan [Xl Planned Development Permit G Site Plan DD G Draft EIS G FONSI Rezone Prezone Use Permit-Floodplain Land Division (Subdivision, Parcel Map, Tract Map, etc.) D OTHER: G Joint Document | | Final Document Other: Annexation Redevelopment Coastal Permit Other: Hillside Development Permit & Habitat Management Plan Permit DEVELOPMENT TYPE: | | Residential: Units Acres | | Office: Sq. Ft. Acres | | Commercial: Sq. Ft. Acres G Industrial: Sq. Ft. Acres | | Educational: | | Recreational: Employees Employees Employees D DGD DG Water Facilities: Transportation: Mining: Power: Waste Treatment: Hazardous Water: Other: Tvpe MOD Tvpe Mineral Tvpe Watts Tvpe Sewer lift station force mains Tvpe & gravity and PROJECT ISSUES DISCUSSED IN DOCUMENT: D D Aesthetic/Visual [>y Agricultural Land | | Air Quality {gj Archaeological/Historical G Coastal Zone f~[ Drainage/Absorption | | Economic/Jobs [X] Fiscal Flood Plain/Flooding Forest Land/Fire Hazard Geological/Seismic Minerals Noise Population/Hsg. Balance Public Services/Facilities Recreation/Parks | | Schools/Universities G Septic Systems IXI Sewer Capacity 1X1 Soil Erosion/Compaction/Grading [X] Solid Waste |XI Toxic/Hazardous [X] Traffic/Circulation |XI Vegetation | |Water Quality H2O Supply/Ground Wetland/Riparian Wildlife Growth Inducing Land Use Cumulative Effect Other: H20 Present Land Use/Zoning/General Plan Use The project will be located within the NCTD's railroad right-of-way, NRG & SDG&E's property, and within the existing public right- of-way on Avenida Encinas. The zoning designations are Transportation Corridor (T-R), Open Space (O-S), Public Utility (P-U), Commercial Tourist - Qualified Overlay (C-T-Q), Neighborhood Commercial (C-10), and Secondary Arterial- street right-of-way. The General Plan designations area Transportation corridor (TC), Public Utilities (U), Travel Recreation Commercial (T-R), and Secondary Arterial- street right-of-way. NOTE: Clearinghouse will assign identification numbers for all new projects. If a SCH number already exists for a project (e.g. from a Notice of Preparation or previous draft document) please fill it in. January 2008 Project Description: The proposed project involves the installation of a sewer trunk line (3,960-foot long force main and a 8,420-foot long gravity sewer line), a sewer lift station (50 million gallons/day capacity,) and a sewer support bridge (140-foot weathered steel span) improvements on the Vista/Carlsbad Sewer Interceptor System, segments VC11, VC12, VC13, VC14, and VC151. The proposed project extends a total distance of approximately 12,380 linear feet (2.35 miles) in a north-south direction located in coastal Carlsbad from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon to the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility. The project also proposes a number of associated improvements in the same work area, including installation of a recycled water line, replacement of a potable water line, demolition of an existing sewer lift station and concrete overflow basin, demolition of the wood trestle for the existing sewer line and the option of relocating a section of an existing high pressure gas transmission line from its existing trestle bridge (and removal of the bridge) to the new sewer bridge. 1 Reference segments from City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan, March 2003. Reviewing Agencies Checklist Form A, continued Resources Agency Boating & Waterways x Coastal Commission (San Diego) Coastal Conservancy Colorado River Board Conservation, Dept. of x Fish & Game Forestry & Fire Protection Office of Historic Preservation Parks & Recreation Reclamation Board S.F. Bay Conservation & Development Commission Water Resources (DWR) Business, Transportation & Housing Aeronautics California Highway Patrol x CALTRANS District #11 .Department of Transportation Planning (headquarters) ..Housing & Community Development _Food & Agriculture Health & Welfare Health Services State & Consumer Services General Services OLA (Schools) KEY S = Document sent by lead agency X = Document sent by SCH 3= Suggested distribution Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board California Waste Management Board SWRCB: Clean Water Grants . SWRCB: Delta Unit SWRCB: Water Quality SWRCB: Water Rights x Regional WQCB #9 (San Diego) Youth & Adult Corrections Corrections Independent Commissions & Offices Energy Commission x Native American Heritage Commission Public Utilities Commission Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy State Lands Commission Tahoe Regional Planning Agency x Other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Public Review Period (to be filled in by lead agency) Starting Date: August 17. 2010 Signature Ending Date: September 16. 2010 Date Lead Agency (Complete if applicable): Consulting Firm: Planning Systems Address: 1530 Faraday Avenue City/State/Zip: Carlsbad. CA 92008 Contact: Paul Klukas Phone: (760) 931-0780 ext. 104 Applicant: City of Carlsbad Address: 1635 Faraday Avenue City/State/Zip: Carlsbad. CA 92008 Phone: (760) 602-4644 For SCH Use Only: Date Received at SCH . Date Review Starts: Date to Agencies Date to SCH Clearance Date Notes: WOT TO SCALE SITEMAP Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station, Force Main and Gravity Sewer Replacement Project POP 00-02(C) / SP 144(L) / RP 10-26 / CDP 10-17 / HDP 10-05 / SUP 10-02 / HMP 10-03 MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION CASE NAME: AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION & GRAVITY & FORCE MAINS CASE NO: PDF 00-02(C) / SP 144(L) / RP 10-26 / CDP 10-177 HDP 10-05 / SUP 10- Q2/HMP 10-03 PROJECT LOCATION: Between the coastline to the west and the 1-5 freeway to the east. The project extends from the north side of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, approximately 500 feet south of Chinquapin Avenue and east of the railroad tracks, within the railroad r-o-w. The project continues south, on the east side of and parallel with the railroad tracks and continues through the intersections of Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road within the public right-of-way on Avenida Encinas. The project ends at the existing Encina Water Pollution Control Facility. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The proposed project involves the installation of a sewer trunk line (3,960-foot long force main and an 8,420-foot long gravity sewer line), a sewer lift station (50 million gallons/day capacity,) and a sewer support bridge (140-foot weathered steel span) improvements on the Vista/Carlsbad Sewer Interceptor System, segments VC11, VC12, VC13, VC14, and VC151. The proposed project extends a total distance of approximately 12,380 linear feet (2,35 miles) in a north- south direction located in coastal Carlsbad from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon to the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility. The project also proposes a number of associated improvements in the same work area, including installation of a recycled water line, replacement of a potable water line, demolition of an existing sewer lift station and concrete overflow basin, demolition of the wood trestle for the existing sewer line and the option of relocating a section of an existing high pressure gas transmission line from its existing trestle bridge (and removal of the bridge) to the new sewer bridge. DETERMINATION: The City of Carlsbad has conducted an environmental review of the above described project pursuant to the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act and the Environmental Protection Ordinance of the City of Carlsbad. As a result of said review, the initial study (EIA Part 2) identified potentially significant effects on the environment, and the City of Carlsbad finds as follows: 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 the attached sheet have been added to the project. A copy of the initial study (EIA Part 2) documenting reasons to support the Negative Declaration is on file in the Planning Division, 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California 92008. ADOPTED: [CLICK HERE . date) pursuant to [CLICK HERE Administrative Approval. PC/CC Resolution No., or CC Ordinance No.] ATTEST: DON NEU Planning Director 1 Reference segments from City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan, March 2003. CITY OF ARLSBAD Planning Department www.carlsbadca.gov NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION CASE NAME: AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION AND GRAVITY AND FORCE MAINS CASE NO: PDF QQ-02(C) / SP 144CL) / RP 10-26 / CDP 10-17 / HDP 10-05 / SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 PROJECT LOCATION: Between the coastline to the west and the 1-5 freeway to the east. The project extends from the north side of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, approximately 500 feet south of Chinquapin Avenue and east of the railroad tracks, within the railroad r-o-w. The project continues south, on the east side of and parallel with the railroad tracks and continues through the intersections of Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road within the public right-of-way on Avenida Encinas. The project ends at the existing Encina Water Pollution Control Facility. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The proposed project involves the installation of a sewer trunk line (3,960-foot long force main and a 8,420-foot long gravity sewer line), a sewer lift station (50 million gallons/day capacity,) and a sewer support bridge (140-foot weathered steel span) improvements on the Vista/Carlsbad Sewer Interceptor System, segments VC11, VC12, VC13, VC14, and VC151. The proposed project extends a total distance of approximately 12,380 linear feet (2.35 miles) in a north-south direction located in coastal Carlsbad from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon to the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility. The project also proposes a number of associated improvements in the same work area, including installation of a recycled water line, replacement of a potable water line, demolition of an existing sewer lift station and concrete overflow basin, demolition of the wood trestle for the existing sewer line and the option of relocating a section of an existing high pressure gas transmission line from its existing trestle bridge (and removal of the bridge) to the new sewer bridge. PROPOSED DETERMINATION: 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 (CEQA) and the Environmental Protection Ordinance of the City of Carlsbad. As a result of said review, the initial study (EIA Part 2) identified potentially significant effects on the environment, but (1) revisions in the project plans or proposals made by, or agreed to by, the applicant before the proposed negative declaration and initial study are released for public review would avoid the effects or mitigate the effects to a point where clearly no significant effect on the environment would occur, and (2) there is no substantial evidence in light of the whole record before the City that the project "as revised" may have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, a Mitigated Negative Declaration will be recommended for adoption by the City of Carlsbad City Council and the City of Carlsbad Housing and Redevelopment Commission. Reference segments from City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan, March 2003. 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 1(760)602-4600 F (760) 602-8559 © A copy of the initial study (EIA Part 2) documenting reasons to support the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration is on file in the Planning Division, 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California 92008. Comments from the public are invited. Pursuant to Section 15204 of the CEQA Guidelines, in reviewing Mitigated Negative Declarations, persons and public agencies should focus on the proposed finding that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment. If persons and public agencies believe that the project may have a significant effect, they should: (1) identify the specific effect; (2) explain why they believe the effect would occur; and (3) explain why they believe the effect would be significant. Please submit comments in writing to the Planning Division within 30 days of the date of this notice. The proposed project and Mitigated Negative Declaration are subject to review and approval/adoption by the City of Carlsbad Planning Commission and City Council. Additional public notices will be issued when those public hearings are scheduled. If you have any questions, please call Pam Drew in the Planning Division at (760) 602-4644. PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD August 17, 2010 - September 16. 2010 PUBLISH DATE August 17, 2010 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP 10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 / HMP 10-03 AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LINE AND LIFT STATION PROJECT DRAFT MITIGATED DECLARATION EXPANDED INITIAL STUDY TABLE OF CONTENTS Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration Project Description/Environmental Setting Project Description Construction Description Permits Required Environmental Setting and Surrounding Land Uses.. Project Design and Construction Features Environmental Factors Potentially Affected Determination Environmental Initial Study I. Aesthetics II. Agriculture and Forestry Resources III. Air Quality IV. Biological Resources V. Cultural Resources VI. Geology and Soils VII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions VIII. Hazards and Hazardous Materials IX. Hydrology and Water Quality X. Land Use and Planning XL Mineral Resources XII. Noise XIII. Population and Housing XIV. Public Services XV. Recreation XVI. Transportation/Traffic XVII. Utilities and System Services XVIII. Mandatory Findings of Significance Earlier Analysis Used and Supporting Information Sources . List of Mitigation Measures Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Regional Map 5 Figure 2: Location Map 6 Figure 3: Aerial Photo 7 Figure 4: Schematic of Proposed System 9 Figure 5: Bridge & Lift Station Location Plan 10 Figure 6: Bridge Elevation 11 Figure 7: Lift Station Elevation 12 Figure 8: Visual Simulation -1-5 Southbound 29 Figure 9: Visual Simulation - Carlsbad Beach 30 Figure 10: Visual Simulation - Garfield St 31 Figure 11: Important Farmland 36 Figure 12: Stormwater Management Plan 70 Figure 13: 100-Year Flood Zone 75 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Environmental Setting and Surrounding Land Uses 19 Table 2: Construction Activity Emissions (pounds/day) 39 Table 3: Sensitive Plants and Animals Potentially Present in the Project Area 42 Table 4: Project Impacts to Vegetation Communities 43 Table 5: Database - Hazardous Materials List 63 Table 6: Adjacent Land Uses 79 Table 7: Noise Exposure Limits to Land Uses in the Vicinity of the Lift Station 86 Table 8: Regional Circulation Roadways in Carlsbad 94 Table 9: NCTD Bus Service through Project Alignment 95 Table 10: Storm Drain Facilities in the Vicinity of the Project 97 Table 11: Development Projects in the Vicinity of the Project 101 Table 12: Encina Water Pollution Control Facility 5-Year CIP Projects 102 Table 13: Sewer Collection System 5-Year CIP Projects 102 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 APPENDICES Appendix A: Air Quality Conformity Assessment Appendix B: Preliminary Biological Assessment Appendix C: Archaeological Resources Survey Appendix D: Archaeological Resources Appendices (Confidential - To be removed) Appendix E: Native American Correspondence Appendix F: Geotechnical Evaluation Appendix G: Environmental Soils and Groundwater Sampling Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY and DRAFT MITIGATED DECLARATION DATE: 1. CASE NUMBER: 2. PROJECT TITLE: 3. LEAD AGENCY: 4. CONTACT PERSON: 5. PHONE NUMBER: 6. PROJECT LOCATION: 7. PROJECT APPLICANT/PROJECT SPONSOR'S NAME AND ADDRESS: 8. GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION: 9. ZONING: 10. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: PDF 00-02(C) / SP 144(L) / RP 10-26 / CDP 10-177 HDP 10-05 / SUP 10-02 / HMP 10-03 Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station and Trunk Line City of Carlsbad Planning Department 1635 Faraday Ave. Carlsbad, CA 92008 Pam Drew (760) 602-4644 Between the coastline to the west and the 1-5 freeway to the east. The project extends from the north side of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, approximately 500 feet south of Chinquapin Avenue and east of the railroad tracks, within the railroad ROW. The project continues south, on the east side of and parallel with the railroad tracks and continues through the intersections of Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road within the public ROW on Avenida Encinas. The project ends at the existing Encinas Water Pollution Control Facility. City of Carlsbad Engineering Department - Public Works Department 1635 Faraday Ave. Carlsbad, CA TC (Transportation Corridor), U (Public Utilities), T-R (Travel Recreation Commercial), and Secondary Arterial Roadway T-C (Transportation Corridor), O-S (Open Space), P-U (Public Utility), C-T-Q (Commercial Tourist - Qualified Overlay), C-l (Neighborhood Commercial), and Secondary Arterial Roadway The proposed project involves the installation of a sewer trunk line (3,960-foot long force main and a 8,420-foot Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26 /CDP10-17/HDP JO-OS/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 11. EXISTING LAND USE AND SETTING: 12. SURROUNDING LAND USES AND SETTING: long gravity sewer line), a sewer lift station (50 million gallons/day capacity,) and a sewer support bridge (140- foot weathered steel span) improvements on the Vista/Carlsbad Sewer Interceptor System, segments VC11, VC12, VC13, VC14, and VC151. The proposed project extends a total distance of approximately 12,380 linear feet (2.35 miles) in a north-south direction located in coastal Carlsbad from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon to the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility. Easements will be acquired for the facilities. The project also proposes a number of associated improvements in the same work area, including installation of a recycled water line, replacement of a potable water line, demolition of an existing sewer lift station and concrete overflow basin and wood trestles for the existing sewer lines and the option of relocating a section of an existing high pressure gas transmission line from its existing trestle bridge (and removal of the bridge) to the new sewer bridge. The proposed project line will be located between the BNSF railroad right-of-way to the west and the 1-5 freeway to the east, all within the city of Carlsbad, and adjacent to the railroad tracks or within a public street. Surrounding land uses and setting are; railroad tracks, Lagoon wetlands, YMCA youth recreation facility, power plant accessory driveways and uses, public streets, hotel, restaurants, convenience store, gas station and park, urban commercial and industrial development, parking lots, landscaping and open spaces. 13. ACRONYMS: AAQS ADWF AHLS APE APCD AQMP AST BMP's BNSF RR CAAQS CARB CCC CDFG Ambient Air Quality Standards Average dry weather flow Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station Area of potential effect Air Pollution Control District Air Quality Management Plan Above-ground Storage Tank Best Management Practices Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad California Ambient Air Quality Standards California Air Resources Board California Coastal Commission California Department of Fish & HWL 1-5 JURMP KW LFMP LOS LWL MBTA mgd MHCP MMRP MSL NAH High water level Interstate 5 Jurisdictional Urban Runoff Management Plan Kilowatt Local Facilities Management Plan Level of service Low water level Migratory Bird Treaty Act million gallons per day Multiple Habitat Conservation Program Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program Mean Sea Level North Agua Hedionda 1 Reference segments from City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan, March 2003. Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 CDP CEQA cfm cfs CH4 CIP City CMWD CNDDB CO C02 CIP CNEL CNPS CRLS CRFR CWA cy dBA DCSS EWPCF ESA ESHA EUC EXO EWPCF FEMA FM FRTP ft gpm GPS HDD HMP HMPP hp Game Coastal Development Permit California Environmental Quality Act cubic feet per minute cubic feet per second Methane Capital Improvements Program City of Carlsbad Carlsbad Municipal Water District California Natural Diversity Database Carbon Monoxide Carbon Dioxide Capital Improvement Plan Community Noise Equivalent Level California Native Plant Society Cannon Road Lift Station California Register of Historical Resources Clean Water Act cubic yards decibels on the A-weighted scale Diegan coastal sage scrub Encina Water Pollution Control Facility Endangered Species Act Environmentally sensitive habitat area Eucalyptus Exotic vegetation Encina Water Pollution Control Facility Federal Emergency Management Agency Force main Fiber reinforced thermosetting resin pipe feet gallons per minute Global Positioning System Horizontal directional drilling Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan Habitat Management Plan Permit horsepower NAHC NCTD NMFS N20 NNG NOX NPDES NRG OW PID PLRCP ppm PVC PDF PDWF PWWF RAQS RCP ROW RPM RS RWQCB SANDAG SDAB SDG&E SOX SP SSWPPP SUP SUSMP SWMP TPH-e USACE USFWS VC VOC Native American Heritage Commission North County Transit District National Marine Fishery Service Nitrous Oxide Non-native grasslands Oxides of nitrogen National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System NRG Energy (Encina Power Plant) Open water Portable ionization detector Plastic-lined reinforced concrete pipe parts per million Poly vinyl chloride Precise Development Permit peak daily water flow peak wet water flow Regional Air Quality Strategies Reinforced concrete pipe Right-of-way Revolutions per minute Riparian scrub Regional Water Quality Control Board San Diego Association of Governments San Diego Air Basin San Diego Gas & Electric Company Oxides of sulphur Specific Plan Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Special Use Permit Standard Urban Storm Water Mitigation Plan Storm Water Management Plan Total petroleum hydrocarbons- extended range U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Vista/Carlsbad Volatile organic compounds Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 14. PROJECT DESCRIPTION/ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING: Project Description The proposed project primarily involves the installation of sewer line (gravity, force main and lift station) improvements on the Vista/Carlsbad Sewer Interceptor System, segments VC11, VC12, VC13, VC14, and VC152. These segments are part of a regional sewage collection program which receives sewage flow from the cities of Carlsbad and Vista, all located in north San Diego County. Along the length of the sewer route, the project also proposes the replacement of the existing Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station and a replacement bridge to support the new sewer pipe across the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel. The subject improvements are necessary as a replacement for or in addition to the existing sewer line and lift station, which are under-sized, outdated and in some areas nearing the end of their useful life. These facilities also do not have sufficient capacity to convey future projected buildout wastewater flows of the urbanized service area. The proposed project is designed of a size adequate to convey the future anticipated buildout demand (identified as 33-mgd in the updated City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan. dated March 2003) of the service area. The total sewer project consists of a new 3,960-foot long force main and a 8,420-foot long gravity sewer line, a 50 million gallons/day capacity sewer lift station, associated utility relocations (natural gas transmission and electrical overhead relocations) and a pipe-support bridge spanning 140-feet across the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel. The proposed project extends a total distance of approximately 12,380 linear feet (2.35 miles) in a north-south direction along the urban coast line of the city of Carlsbad. See Figures 1 and 2. The project has been identified on the approved City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plans, and is presently shown on the approved Sewer Master Plan, dated March, 2003. In locations where easements do not already exist, easements will be acquired for the facilities. The project improvements are part of the Vista/Carlsbad Sewer Interceptor system, which covers the Vista/Carlsbad drainage basin and sewers urban development from this basin to the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility (EWPCF) sewer plant, located at the southern end of the proposed project. The current wastewater flows down the existing 42-inch (diameter) sewer line at approximately 10 million gallons per day (mgd) average dry weather flow (ADWF), 15 mgd peak dry weather flow (PDWF), and 25 mgd peak wet weather flow (PWWF). The capacity of the existing sewer line is not sufficient to handle the projected build-out flows of 14 mgd ADWF, 21 mgd PDWF, and 33 mgd PWWF. The project will remove and replace the existing sewer lift station and pipe support bridge and will install approximately 1,400 linear feet of 54-inch diameter (all pipes are measured inside diameter) sewer to the north of the new lift station location. It will also construct 3,960 linear feet of 30-inch diameter force main and approximately 7,020 feet of 54-inch gravity sewer south of the new lift station location. While the existing 42-inch line north of the existing lift station will be abandoned and a portion removed, the existing 42-inch line south of the existing lift station is in sufficiently good condition that it will remain in place as a parallel line to the new force main/gravity sewer to be constructed south of the new lift station. Related utility relocations include the option of relocating approximately 380 feet of natural gas transmission pipe. The owner of this gas transmission pipe (SDG&E) is presently undecided on whether to relocate this pipe from its present support trestle bridge structure across the lagoon channel to the proposed sewer line support bridge; and to thus demolish and remove the existing gas line support bridge. Nonetheless, assessment of the environmental impacts associated with the gas line relocation and trestle bridge removal are included in this environmental analysis so that if SDG&E decides to relocate the gas line and remove the trestle bridge structure, the environmental review of this segment of the project will have been completed. 2 Reference segments from City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan, March 2003. Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 4 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26 / CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 These sewer segment improvements are jointly owned by the City of Vista and the City of Carlsbad, and are maintained by the City of Carlsbad. The Agua Hedionda Lift Station is maintained and operated by the Encina Wastewater Authority by agreement with the cities. The subject sewer improvements extend from the north side of Agua Hedionda Lagoon to the regional sewer plant (the EWPCF). The new line will be located between the BNSF railroad right-of-way to the west and the 1-5 freeway to the east, all within the city of Carlsbad. See Figure 3. Also proposed within the work area and in an alignment parallel to the sewer line is a 12-inch diameter recycled water line which will run from the north end of the project area to the south end (total 12,460 ft). This line will transport pressurized recycled water to the northern sections of Carlsbad from the Carlsbad Water Recycling Facility. This recycled line will be installed on primarily the east side of the sewer pipe. While this recycled water line is expected to be installed during the sewer line installation operation, it is likely that only the portion between Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road will be constructed and pressurized at this time, until additional funding becomes available. A schematic illustration of the relationship of the major project features is shown on Figure 4. More specifically, the project can be described in segments beginning from the upstream (north) end as indicated below. North Segment - North End to Lift Station. At the north end of the project, the existing approximate 1,400 ft. length of 42-inch (diameter) gravity sewer pipe will be removed and replaced with a new 54- inch gravity sewer pipe, placed in effectively the same location as the removed line along much of this segment. This new pipe will connect to the existing VC-11 line coming from the north to collect sewage from the existing sewer trunk pipe at a point approximately 500-feet south of Chinquapin Avenue immediately east of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad tracks, within the railroad ROW. The line will then travel south from this northerly connecting point, within an existing berm that will be re-graded to widen and raise the berm height with fill soil an additional 3-feet in elevation. This additional grade is needed to provide sufficient soil clearance over the new (larger) pipe. This berm parallels the railroad tracks on their east side. As proposed, the sewer main will then travel southerly through the berm (adjacent to the existing YMCA facility), over a new bridge to be constructed of weathering steel material, to be laid over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel, to a new sewer lift station located on the northern end of the Encina Power Plant site. The 12-inch recycled water line, and a 4-inch potable water line (which will replace an existing 3-inch line), will both be installed parallel to the sewer line along this route. Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 Lake Henshaw NORTH NOT TO SCALE USA.. MEXICO Tijuana June 4, 2010 PS# 080205 Figure 1 Regional Map AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION Carlsbad, California 1250 2500 NORTH SCALE:!" = 2500' • LAND USE/COASTAL PLANKINGLANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, POLICY AND PROCESSINGENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION 153O FARADAY AVENUE, SUITE 100, CARLSBAD, CA 92008 (760) 931-0780 FAX (760) 931-6744 CALSBAa PROJECT ARE SOURCE: The Thomas Guide, San Diego County, 2005 Figure 2 Location Map AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION Carlsbad, California June 4, 2010 PS# 080205 1250 2500 NORTH SCALE: 1" = 2500' LAND USE/COASTAL PLANNINGLANDSCAPE; ARCHITECTUREPOLICY AND PROCESSINGENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION PROJECT AREA June 4, 2010 0 750 PS# 080205 1500 3000 FT Figure 3 Aerial Photo AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION Carlsbad, California NORTH SCALE: 1" = 1500' I ARCHITECTUREPOLICY AND PROCESSINGENVIHONMENTAL MITIGATION REPLACE BRIDGE (140 FT. SPAN) PROPOSED 12- RECYCLED WATER U|NE (OPEN TRENCH) PROPOSED 12" RECYCLED WATER LINE (OPEN TRENCH) FIGURE 4 NORTH NOT TO SCALE LEGEND NEW GRAVITY SEWER LINE NEW FORCEMAIN LINE EXISTING GRAVITY SEWER LINE PROPOSED 12" RECYCLED WATER LINE PROPOSED 4" POTABLE WATER LINE ABANDON/ DEMOLISH/ REPLACE OPEN TRENCHING TRENCHLESS CONSTRUCTION EXISTING TO REMAIN Schematic of Proposed System New Forcemain/ Gravity to EWPCF and use of Existing Pipelines Carlsbad, California LAND USB/COASTAL PLANNINGsssfiaissssE""ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION . • • •h "-'. - •'. •.•. CABR1UO • : .ADJUNCTION STRUCTURE No, t EXISTING LIFT STATION FACILITf ES AFTER COMPLETION OFPROPOSED UFT STATION (SEE SHEET PLJ7) NCTD RAILROAD PROPOSED GRINDER MCHJTY ABANDON EXISTING 42" SEWER TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION FENCEPROPOSED RELOCATIONOF 12-HP GAS LINE PROPOSED TEMPORARYfPVC WATEREXISTING 12" HP HAS LINE TO BE RELOCATED (OPTIONAL) INTO BRIDGE AND EXISTING PIPE AND SUPPORTS TO BE REMOVED TEMPORARY 47' DIVERSION PIPE TO EXISTING LIFT STATION FOR PIPELINE SEE BRIDGE ELEVATION SHEET PL-15 PROPOSEDRELOCATION OF 12-HP GAS LINE TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION FENCING - PROPOSED JUNCTION STRUCTURE No. 5 PROPOSED IT RECYCLED WATER(OPEN TRENCH CONSTRUCTION) - EXISTING BRIDGE AND *T SEWER TO BE REMOVED AFTER COMPLETION OF PROPOSED BRIDGE Brown™ Caldwell Figure 5 Bridge & Lift Station Location Plan AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION Carlsbad, California June 4, 2010 PS# 080205 NORTH SCALE: 1"=120' LXKO USE/COASTAL PLANNINGLANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE 153O FARADAY AVENUE. SUITE 10O. CARLSBAD, CA B20O6 (780) 031-0780 FAX (76O) 831-5744 EAST BRIDGE ELEVATION NOT TO SCALE Brown,™Caldwell Figure 6 Bridge Elevation AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION Carlsbad, California June 4, 2010 PS# 080205 NOT TO SCALE 1530 FARADAT AVENUE, SUITE 100, CAUSBAD. CA C2OOQ(760) g31-0780 PAX (TOO) 031-5744 I I. I 7 @ SOUTH ELEVATION Lift Station Elevation AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION Carlsbad, California June 4, 2010 PS# 080205 NOT TO SCALE Brown .va Caldwell Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26 / CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 The proposed sewer line support bridge across the lagoon channel will be held up by concrete bridge abutments, including associated retaining walls, on each side of the channel. With a horizontal clear span of 140-feet, and a clear height of approximately 17-feet above channel water level, the bridge will span the entire width of the channel. The 54-inch gravity sewer line will be semi-enclosed (will still be visible), within the horizontal housing of the bridge structure. The bridge will be constructed of sufficient size and strength to also accommodate the 12-inch recycled water line, the 4-inch potable water line, maintenance vehicle crossing road, a 12-inch high-pressure gas line and a future pedestrian trail with 42" hand railing. Construction of the northerly bridge abutment will require relocation of 160 linear feet of the existing 12-inch natural gas line north of the bridge to connect back with the existing line south of the southerly abutment. As an option, SDG&E may relocate the gas line from its existing aged trestle bridge onto the new sewer line bridge. Approximately 20 linear feet of this gas line will also be relocated from its existing alignment and lowered 5-feet to cross under the proposed temporary 42-inch by-pass pipeline on the southern side of the lagoon. If it is decided to relocate the gas line alignment across the lagoon channel, the existing segment suspended directly above the channel water surface is expected to be demolished and removed once the gas line is realigned to suspend within the new bridge structure. Once the new sewer line is operational, the existing, aged bridge carrying the existing 42-inch sewer main across the lagoon channel will be removed from the site. Optionally, the high pressure natural gas transmission line support bridge will also be removed if the line is relocated to the sewer bridge. These features are shown on Figure 5 and Figure 6. Lift Station. The new, replacement lift station will be located on an approximate 2.3 acre area on the north end of the Encina Power Plant site, on property owned by the NRG Corporation. This lift station will replace the existing station in the approximate same area, which was constructed in 1964 and rehabilitated in 1989, and is nearing the end of its useful life. This existing lift station and its concrete overflow basin will be demolished and removed. The overflow basin will subsequently be filled with soil and vegetated with native or otherwise drought-tolerant vegetation. The new lift station will involve a series of three structures (two of which will be primarily underground). These structures will be constructed in an area approximately 80 to 100-feet southeast of the existing station. These three structures are the main lift station, a smaller grinder facility (mostly underground), and a still smaller bio- filter (90% underground) structure. The large, main structure will be fitted into the terrain of the site with exterior walls functioning as soil retaining walls, resulting in the facility being situated mostly below grade, with only the south and western walls visible up to 25.5feet in height. The lift station structure will be stained earthtone colors, with wall texturing for shadowing, and will include anti-graffiti coating. See Figure 7. The lift station will be designed with two major sections; the "lift side", which serves to raise the incoming sewage vertically from an approximate incoming elevation of 18 feet msl up to 42-feet msl, and the "force main side", which will push the sewage horizontally down (southward) the proposed force main to connect to a new gravity line at a location south of Cannon Road in Avenida Encinas. The lift station is designed to convey the anticipated buildout demand of the line of 33 mgd (PWWF) of wastewater per day. The lift station structure will include the sewage pumps, a generator room, an electrical room, a biofilter odor control system, a meter vault, a grinder facility, and accessory appurtenances. Noise abatement measures, including extensive insulation and sound enclosures will be provided. Multiple redundant features in facility design (sewage conveyance, power sources, etc.) intended to avoid the risk of accidental sewage spill are included in the design. These redundant features include a lift station configuration that includes two independent pumping elements; the "lift" side and the "force main" side which can independently pump dry weather flows, and back-up power redundancy including an on-site power generator. Chain-link fencing and technological and mechanized security, including security alarms, will surround the entire sewer lift station facility site. Upon completion of the new lift station and pipelines, the old lift station will be demolished and removed. The existing overflow basin will also be demolished (concrete removed), filled in with soil and vegetated (hydroseeded and planted with native vegetation). Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 13 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 Middle Segment - Between Lift Station and Cannon Road. The routine low and average volume sewage effluent flows exiting the lift station will flow down a 300-foot length of new 42-inch gravity connector line which will connect from the new lift station to a new junction with the existing southbound 42-inch gravity line. This existing 42-inch gravity line along this segment has been determined to be in satisfactory condition, and the routine (low and average volume) sewage flow will then utilize this existing 42-inch gravity line southward all the way to the EWPCF. As a result of this new lift station connection re-routing; an approximate 200-foot long segment of the existing 42-inch sewer line (situated between the existing lift station and the new junction location) will be abandoned in place. For higher sewage flows however, a new 30-inch (inside diameter) force main pipe will be installed parallel to the existing 42-inch connecting gravity pipe, from the lift station southerly approximately 3,960 feet to a point approximately 300-feet south of Cannon Road in Avenida Encinas. As indicated, it is intended that the existing 42-inch gravity line will carry the low and average-volume sewage flows, and the 30-inch force main line will be used for high flow periods only. This 30-inch sewer force main line will travel parallel to the existing 42-inch gravity line, from the lift station south along an existing dirt access road within the Encina Power Plant property, into the north extension of the Avenida Encinas roadway stub street. The force main will then travel down the approximate middle of this stub street to cross Cannon Road within Avenida Encinas. The 30-inch force main will be installed via horizontal directional drill (HDD) construction method, and the 12-inch recycled water line will be installed via standard open trench construction. South Segment - Cannon Road to EWPCF. The proposed sewer force main and 12-inch recycled water line will cross Cannon Road at its intersection with Avenida Encinas. Across (south of) Cannon Road, the force main will end and connect to a new 54-inch gravity sewer, which will travel south within the roadway center median of Avenida Encinas to the intersection with Palomar Airport Road. South of the Palomar Airport Road/Avenida Encinas intersection, the pipeline will travel down the southern extension of Avenida Encinas to a point where it will connect directly to sewer pipes extending into the existing EWPCF. With the exception of the weathering steel bridge structure over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel, the lift station structures, and sewer manhole covers, the project will be wholly underground. The project will occur along relatively level terrain, with ground surface elevation varying only between elevation 35- feet mean sea level (MSL) at the north end of the project and 30-feet MSL at the EWPCF. The sewer lift station is proposed on an isolated area of sloping topography, with a proposed finish floor elevation of 32- feet MSL. Odor Control. The project will employ odor control. Sewer line manhole covers will be "seated" so as to not allow escape of gaseous vapors. Odor control treatment at the lift station will include bio-filtration air scrubbers. These features remove odors and volatile organic compounds from the sewage transport process. Odor control performance will be constantly monitored and maintained by EWA and the City of Carlsbad sewer maintenance crews. Noise Control. The lift station will include noise abatement features to address the noise that will emit from the supply and exhaust fans, air conditioning unit, and emergency generator(s). Noise abatement measures for this equipment will include sound enclosures and insulation, noise attenuation panels around generator rooms, and exhaust manifold silencers for the generators. The below-grade design of the lift station will also serve to reduce noise impacts. Water Quality Control. With regard to water quality protections, the sewer pipelines will be placed underground in a non-porous pipe, and as a result no substantive post-development (permanent) Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the pipeline are necessary. The lift station however, is designed with Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 14 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP W-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 site design BMPs consisting of source control and treatment control features in order to protect any adjacent downstream waters from potential pollution. Specifically, the lift station site design BMP's will involve a multiple-treatment program, including four different main treatment systems, as follows: 1. Vegetated or river rock swale. A vegetated or river rock swale will be located to accept site drainage along the southeast side of the project. This swale will treat runoff from the site through filtering by the vegetation in the channel, filtering through a subsoil matrix, and further filtration into the underlying soils. The swale will reduce the flow velocity of the stormwater runoff and trap particulate pollutants. It is designed to maintain a thick vegetative cover or rock velocity reducer to perform proper drainage treatment functioning. Inspection and maintenance of the swale will be performed regularly. 2. Wet vault. An underground wet vault structure will be installed to accept site drainage along the west side of the project site. This structure will be on-line, in that it will connect from a storm drain (which collects on-site drainage), it will treat the stormwater in the vault, and it will allow the stormwater to drain out into another storm drain line downstream. The wet vault is designed to provide both temporary and permanent storage for stormwater runoff. The permanent pool of water in the vault will dissipate energy and improve the settling of particulate stormwater pollutants from the site. 3. Pervious surfaces. Pervious gravel or earthen cover will be utilized over a portion of the lift station site. These surfaces will capture stormwater and allow it to infiltrate into the ground instead of running off the surface, and off of the site. 4. Infiltration basin. An infiltration basin will be located at the south end of the site. This basin will be designed to use the natural filtering ability of the soil to remove pollutants from site stormwater runoff. The basin will be designed to meet City of Carlsbad standards, with a minimum soil infiltration rate of 0.5 inches/hour. Lift Station Equipment Redundancy. The lift station is designed to handle full anticipated buildout demand (33 mgd PWWF) of the service area. The lift station design also incorporates extensive equipment redundancy for ensuring that equipment failures do not result in sewage spills. The redundancy concept involves a lift station configuration that includes two independent pumping elements; the "lift" side and the "force main" side. The lift side of the station includes four 40 hp pumps. The force main side of the station includes four 100 hp pumps. The total pumping capacity of the station is up to 23.5 mgd on the lift side and up to 26.5 mgd on the force main side. The total station capacity is 50 mgd providing 50% redundancy at peak wet weather flow conditions (33-mgd) and over 100% redundancy at peak dry weather flows (21 mgd). The force main side and lift side can independently pump peak dry weather flows (21 mgd). In the event that a total mechanical failure occurs on either side, the station will remain operable without consequences under peak dry weather flow conditions, and contains power redundancy and significant upstream storage capacity under catastrophic circumstances were they to occur under peak wet weather conditions. Lift Station Electrical Redundancy. The station is also equipped with multiple redundant features in terms of emergency back-up power. It is designed with two independent electrical circuits (primary and secondary) plus a generator, for a total of three independent power sources and will include an automatic standby transfer switch in the event of catastrophic electric failure. In the event of full regional blackout, emergency power will be provided by a built-in onsite diesel fuel generator. Under such emergency conditions, the generator will provide power to all lift station facilities. The generator has the capacity to store enough fuel for 24 hours of operation. Under such circumstances, the station is designed with alarms to alert officials to any electrical problem and to enact the contingency plans to reduce flow into the station (upstream lift stations contain storage volume) under such circumstances, if necessary. The Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 15 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SVP10-02 /HMP 10-03 upstream pipe also contains a significant amount of storage capacity, which can gradually fill up to allow the time necessary to resolve a problem, should it occur. Hazardous Materials. Outdoor material storage areas, including the future chemical storage area at the lift station will be designed to reduce pollution introduction. Hazardous materials with the potential to contaminate urban runoff will be; (1) placed in an enclosure such as, but not limited to, a cabinet, shed, or similar structure that prevents contact with rain, runoff or spillage to the storm water conveyance system; and (2) protected by a surrounding series of secondary containment structures such as berms, dikes, or curbs. The storage area will be paved and sufficiently impervious to contain leaks and spills, and will also be designed with a roof or awning to minimize direct precipitation onto and within the secondary containment area. Construction Description The project will be constructed in three phases; (a) Phase 1 - from Cannon Road to the EWPCF, (b) Phase 2 - the north end of the project to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel (including the bridge), and (c) Phase 3 - the lift station and force main from the south end of the channel bridge to Cannon Road. The schedule for construction of these phases could be separate, they could overlap, or they could be constructed simultaneously. Re-routing of the 12-inch high pressure natural gas transmission line, installation of the 12-inch recycled water line, and replacement of the 3-inch potable water line with a 4- inch water line is anticipated to occur with each adjacent segment of sewer construction. The construction/installation of the pipeline portions of the project will be accomplished through both conventional open-trench method, and through trenchless construction tunneling techniques (i.e.; horizontal directional drilling and micro-tunneling). Trenchless construction/tunneling of the sewer lines will be used in areas where a high number of existing underground utilities must be avoided, or where open trenching would result in traffic disruption in high traffic areas, such as through the Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road intersections. Phase 1. Phase 1 involves installation of the gravity sewer main from a point approximately 300-feet south of Cannon Road to the southern limit of the project at the EWPCF. At the upstream end of Phase 1, the sewer line will be installed via standard open trenching construction method. The trenching will be accomplished within the existing Avenida Encinas hardscape median southerly to a point approximately 1,500 feet northerly of Palomar Airport Road. At this point, microtunneling trenchless construction will be used to burrow the sewer line under and beyond the Palomar Airport Road intersection, to a point where it will exit approximately 650 feet south of the intersection. Microtunneling construction necessitates the temporary placement of jacking and receiving pits (approximately 20-feet wide by 40- feet long and 12-feet wide by 20-feet long, respectively) at the beginning and end of each tunneling segment length. The remaining length (approximately 1,500 feet) of the alignment south of Palomar Airport Road to the EWPCF will be installed through open trench construction within the Avenida Encinas roadway pavement area. All of the recycled water line installation will be via open trench method. Phase 2. Phase 2 begins at the northern end of the project. Temporary chain link fencing will be placed around the perimeter of the work area. The sewer line alignment between the northerly connection and the channel bridge location will be graded. This grading will necessitate the import of approximately 7,000 cubic yards of fill soil so that the existing berm can be widened and heightened (by approximately 3-feet) to accommodate the soil cover necessary for the larger (54-inch) proposed underlain pipe. A temporary above-grade by-pass pumping system which will run along the western edge of the work zone will be utilized during the construction period to convey sewage while the existing, aged 42-inch sewer pipe is removed. This temporary by-pass system will involve an 18-inch temporary bypass pipe with multiple pumps, situated at the north end of the project, routing to the existing lift station. Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 16 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 Southward, the new 54-inch sewer pipe, 12-inch recycled water line and 4-inch potable water line will then be laid across the Agua Hedionda channel via a newly-constructed bridge structure. This will involve the setting of a weathered steel bridge with concrete vertical abutment supports on both the north and south sides of the channel. The bridge will completely span the entire channel width so that no work is needed within the 100-year flood elevation. Bridge construction will involve approximately 800 cubic yards of excavated cut soil for the bridge abutments and footings. The existing 12-inch high-pressure natural gas transmission line will be relocated to avoid the northerly bridge abutment in this area. Overhead electrical distribution facilities will be relocated as needed to provide continued service to existing customers, and minimize construction activity interference. The bridge abutments will be constructed of concrete, and are designed with supporting retaining walls up to 23.5 feet in height. Phase 3. Phase 3 improvements include the sewer line from the southern end of the bridge to the lift station, construction of the lift station and appurtenances, installation of a new 300-foot long connector sewer line segment between the new lift station and the existing 42-inch gravity line traveling south from the existing lift station, and installation of the force main between the new lift station and the north end of the Phase 1 improvements. The bulk of the improvements on the south side of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel will be installed through the excavation and construction of the sewer lift station structure, and related piping, ducting, conduits and appurtenances. The majority of the construction work will take place on and around the lift station site. Temporary fencing will be placed around the perimeter of the lift station work area. Soil excavation at the lift station will involve approximately 40,000 cubic yards of soil excavation and 14,000 cubic yards of soil filling, which will result in a net 26,000 cubic yards of soil to be exported from the lift station location. From the south end of the lift station to a point south of Cannon Road (approximate 3,960 linear feet), the sewer line will be installed via a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) method. This method allows boring of a hole of sufficient size through use of a steerable pilot hole through the ground and then a series of increasingly large drill bits along the horizontal alignment and vertical elevation required for the pipe. The drill is guided by electro-magnetic or GPS signals which direct the drill bit. This HDD method allows the installation of the pipeline at the proper underground elevation and alignment without open trench disturbance to the surface of the ground. A "drillers mud" (bentonite clay slurry) will be pumped into the void behind the drill bit. Bentonite is a natural mineral, which serves to cool and lubricate the drill bit as well as stabilize and seal the drill hole against seepage and tunnel wall cave-ins until the pipe is stable. The recycled water line along this route will however, be constructed at a much shallower depth (5-feet below grade surface), and thus it will be laid via standard open trench construction. Traffic Control. Work within the public streets will involve temporary control of traffic through the work activity zone, as normal traffic flow and patterns will be disrupted, primarily within Avenida Encinas. This work activity zone will be marked by signs, pavement markings, delineators and other devices to provide visibility to the drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians in order to provide a safe and efficient route through the work zone area. Detour routes will be provided as necessary. Avenida Encinas is a four lane secondary arterial north of Palomar Airport Road and at least one lane each direction will be kept open to traffic at all times. South of Palomar Airport Road, Avenida Encinas becomes only two lanes (one each direction) and thus short segments of the roadway could be closed for short periods to all except local traffic. Along the sewer line construction lengths to be constructed through trenchless (tunneling) methods, minimal or no impact to driveways or business operations will occur. Open trenching across the Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road intersections for the recycled water line will take place in one-lane segments so that only a single lane is closed to traffic at any time. Lane closures across these busy roadways will be of short duration (3-days) since the recycled water line involves only a relatively shallow 5-foot deep trench. This recycled water line installation may occur during nighttime hours to minimize disruption to traffic flow and local businesses. Upon completion of Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 17 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26 / COP 10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 open trenching backfill, the trench area will be promptly capped with asphalt to return the roadway to a smooth driving surface. Equipment Staging Areas. Machinery necessary to accomplish the trenching and pipe laying work will be stored on existing adjacent pads and within closed lanes of the street. Specifically, the major staging areas for pipes, machinery, materials and tools will be on; (a) the cleared area near the railroad tracks at the north end of the project; (b) on the YMCA site, (c) immediately east of the proposed lift station site, and (d) behind the Hilton Gardens Hotel on the City-owned property adjacent to Avenida Encinas. Backhoe and similar rubber-tire machinery will be primarily utilized for open trenching, with the spoils temporarily laid directly adjacent to the trench. No machinery staging areas will be located within sensitive biological habitat areas. Grading. During the construction period, a total of approximately 77,000 cubic yards of soil and gravel will be graded or trenched. Approximately 46,000 cubic yards of this excavated soil will be used to back- fill necessary portions of the project. The remaining 31,000 cubic yards of this soil will be exported to an acceptable offsite location. Where necessary, some (no more than 8,000 cubic yards) high quality bedding soil and gravel will be imported to the site to be placed above and below the pipeline (within the trench) to protect the proposed sewer line. Bedding material will be consolidated and compacted under and around the new sewer pipe and fill material will be evenly spread and moistened or aerated, as required. Backfill material will be deposited in uniform horizontal layers, and compressed to produce a specified relative compaction. Specific soil embankment and preparation will be as directed in the findings of the final geotechnical report for the project. Construction Erosion Control. The construction activities will include appropriate temporary erosion and sediment control protections so that all exposed soil in the area of the construction will be protected from erosion. This will include silt fences, sandbags and straw mulch rolls being placed around excavated trench spoils during the construction period. Also, all storm drains and natural drainages situated downstream from the construction will be protected by linear sediment barriers or similar erosion control devices. Weather monitoring will take place in order to avoid exposed soils during times of heavy rainfall. The streets within and around the construction site will be swept and maintained regularly during the construction period. The project will comply with the requirements of the State Construction General Permit, Order No. 2009-0009-DWQ. Permits Required The project will require permits from the City of Carlsbad, the Carlsbad Housing and Redevelopment Commission, and the California Coastal Commission. A Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for the section of the project south of Cannon Road issued by the City of Carlsbad. The northern segments (north of Cannon Road) and the lift station will require a CDP issued by the California Coastal Commission (CCC) because this area is within the CCC's permit jurisdiction. The lift station and associated improvements between the channel bridge and the south edge of the Encina Power Plant property will also require approval of a Precise Development Permit Amendment (PDP 00-02) and a South Carlsbad Coastal Redevelopment Permit (SCCRP). A Habitat Management Plan Permit (HMP), issued by the City, will be required for the impacts to native habitats necessitated by the project. A Special Use Permit (SUP) will be required for any construction or development within the 100-year floodplain, which in this case involves only the removal of the existing trestle bridges across the lagoon channel. A Hillside Development Permit (HDP) will be required for the lift station structure because the proposed site contains a slope of 15% or greater and also has an elevation differential of more than 15- feet. Removal of the existing trestle bridges and construction of the new bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel will require approval of a Nationwide Permit 12 (Utility Line Activities) pursuant to Section 10 of the River and Harbors Act, issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This bridge removal and construction activity will also necessitate water quality certification issued by the San Diego Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 18 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26 / CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 /HMP 10-03 Regional Water Quality Control Board pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, and execution of a Streambed Alteration Agreement with the California Department of Fish and Game. Environmental Setting and Surrounding Land Uses The environmental setting and surrounding land uses of the project are as follows: Table 1: Environmental Setting and Surrounding Land Uses Segment North Segment Lift Station Middle Segment South Segment Environmental Setting Dirt road, disturbed open space; lagoon channel crossing; narrow peninsula adjacent to lagoon wetlands. Previously-graded disturbed exotic vegetation, and mature eucalyptus grove. Dirt road, adjacent patches of coastal sage scrub, concrete and metal factory materials, commercial retail and hotel uses. Public streets, urban commercial, business park and industrial development. Surrounding Land Uses Railroad tracks, pedestrian trail, Lagoon wetlands, YMCA youth recreation facility and open spaces. Existing sewer lift station and accessory facilities, Railroad tracks, Power plant accessory driveways and uses. Power plant accessory driveways and uses, railroad tracks, public street, hotel, restaurants, convenience store gas station and park. Urban commercial and industrial development, and associated parking lots and landscaping. 15. PROJECT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION FEATURES The proposed project would include design features intended to avoid significant impacts to the environment. As a result of the fact that these design features have been incorporated into the design of the project, they are considered part of the project description and thus it is not necessary to consider them to be mitigation measures. General Notes: • The proposed project will comply with applicable local ordinances, standards, and procedures for public facility design, construction, and operation. • All construction work on this project shall be constructed in accordance with the City of Carlsbad Engineering Standards, the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction, Latest Edition (Green Book) and project Technical Specifications. Air Quality • During construction, the construction contractor will implement the following measures; (a) application of water on disturbed soils three times per day, (b) cover haul vehicles and trucks, (c) replant disturbed areas as soon as practical, and (d) restrict vehicle speeds on unpaved roads to 15 mph or less to control fugitive dust. • During construction, use water trucks or sprinkler systems to keep all areas of vehicle movement damp enough to prevent dust from leaving the site. At a minimum, this will include wetting down such areas in the late morning and after work is completed for the day. Increased watering frequency shall be required whenever the winds exceed 15 mph. Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 19 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP 10-26 / CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 /HMP 10-03 • During construction, the contractor will sweep streets at the end of each day if visible soil material is carried onto adjacent streets. Geology: • All grading and construction of the project will comply with the geotechnical recommendations contained in the Geotechnical Evaluation for the Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Force Main, dated August 3, 2009. This report identifies specific measures for mitigating geotechnical conditions on the project site, and addresses soils earthwork, corrosion and expansion potential, temporary excavations, subsurface waters, slope stability, liquefaction stability, shoring, foundation construction, pile driving, retaining walls, trench backfill and compaction. Hazards/Hazardous Materials: • All trash and debris within the project site will be disposed of off-site, in accordance with current, local, state, and federal disposal regulations. Any buried trash/debris encountered will be evaluated by an experienced environmental expert prior to removal. • Hazardous materials will be handled in accordance with state and federal requirements. • During construction, the construction contractor will have Construction Safety Orders, Tunnel Safety Orders, and General Industry Safety Orders, which are issued by the State Division of Industrial Safety, along with other required forms and plans at the work site. The construction contractor will comply with provision of these and all other applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations. • During construction, the construction contractor will be responsible for implementing, administering, and maintaining a confined space entry program for trenching activities, • During construction, a Material Safety Data Sheet as described in Section 5194 of the California Code of Regulations will be requested by the construction contractor from the manufacturer of any hazardous products that may be used at the project site during construction activities. If dewatering activities are proposed to be conducted, and the extracted groundwater is proposed to be discharged to surface waters or the sewer system, the concentrations of metals in the extracted groundwater shall meet with the requirements provided in the permit from the RWQCB (General Waste Discharge Requirements) and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems permit (NPDES). Hydrology and Water Quality: • The developer will ensure that erosion, siltation, and emission of construction related pollutants are controlled through compliance with the City of Carlsbad Standard Urban Storm Water Mitigation Plan (SUSMP), Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) required under the County of San Diego Watershed Protection, Stormwater Management, and Discharge Control Ordinance (WPO) (section 67.871), General Construction Stormwater Permit (Order No. 2009-0009-DWQ) and the General Municipal Stormwater Permit (Order No. 2001-01, NPDES CAS0108758). In compliance with the General Construction Stormwater Permit, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) will be prepared and approved prior to commencement of construction. The developer will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the BMPs identified in the referenced permits on a daily basis. BMPs to be used during the construction will include, but are Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 20 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 / HMP10-03 not limited to; silt fencing, fiber rolls or gravel bag berms, street sweeping and vacuuming, covering soil piles, and storm drain inlet protection. The developer will prepare an emergency plan to be prepared and in place by the engineer and contractor prior to beginning construction work on the sewer line. This emergency plan shall include special precautions in order to reduce or eliminate the possibility of a sewer spill into the adjacent wetlands and lagoon. These precautions shall include a readily-identified sequence of construction which is understood by construction personnel, assurance that necessary tools are available in the event of uncontrolled leakage, a program and pumps for temporary bypass, if needed, knowledge of critical operating facilities, and a program of defined roles and responsibilities. This plan shall be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer. Noise: During project site excavation and grading activities, the construction contractor will ensure that all fixed and mobile construction equipment is equipped with properly operating and maintained mufflers, consistent with standards of the equipment manufacturers. The construction contractor will place all stationary construction equipment so that emitted noise is directed away from noise sensitive receptors nearest the project site. Traffic Circulation: Any construction work within a public roadway right-of-way shall be the subject of a Traffic Control and Detour Plan. Such Plan shall allow for contractor work in public streets while maintaining a safe, uniform flow of traffic, including vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The Plan shall identify all existing roadway improvements, show location and dimensions of the construction work zone, show staging areas in and around the work zone as appropriate, and indicate locations of construction signs, barricades and delineators (including cones) and detours. Said Plan shall also indicate the duration of the construction work and traffic control, and shall be approved by the City Traffic Engineer prior to beginning of construction within the roadway right-of-ways. Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 21 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP 10-17 /HDP JO-OS/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The summary of environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact," or "Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. Aesthetics Agriculture and Forestry Resources XI Air Quality X Biological Resources Cultural Resources XI Geology/Soils Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hazards/Hazardous Materials Hydrology/Water Quality X Land Use and Planning Mineral Resources XI Mandatory Findings of Significance Noise Population and Housing Public Services Recreation X Transportation/Circulation Utilities & Service Systems Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 22 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SVP 10-02/HMP10-03 DETERMINATION. (To be completed by the Lead Agency) I find that 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 MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. I find that the proposed project MAY have "potentially significant impact(s)" on the environment, but at least one potentially significant impact 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. A Negative Declaration is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project. Therefore, nothing further is required. Planner Signature Date Planning Director's Signature ' Date Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 23 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 / HMP 10-03 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS STATE CEQA GUIDELINES, Chapter 3, Article 5, Section 15063 requires that the City conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to determine if a project may have a significant effect on the environment. The Environmental Impact Assessment appears in the following pages in the form of a checklist. This checklist identifies any physical, biological and human factors that might be impacted by the proposed project and provides the City with information to use as the basis for deciding whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Negative Declaration, or to rely on a previously approved EIR or Negative Declaration. • A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by an information source cited in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved. A "No Impact" answer should be explained when there is no source document to refer to, or it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards. • "Less Than Significant Impact" applies where there is supporting evidence that the potential impact is not significantly adverse, and the impact does not exceed adopted general standards and policies. • "Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than Significant Impact." The developer must agree to the mitigation, and the City must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level. • "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect is significantly adverse. • Based on an "EIA-Initial Study", if a proposed project could have a potentially significant adverse effect on the environment, but all potentially significant adverse effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to applicable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or Mitigated Negative Declaration, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, and none of the circumstances requiring a supplement to or supplemental EIR are present and all the mitigation measures required by the prior environmental document have been incorporated into this project, then no additional environmental document is required. • When "Potentially Significant Impact" is checked the project is not necessarily required to prepare an EIR if the significant adverse effect has been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards and the effect will be mitigated, or a "Statement of Overriding Considerations" has been made pursuant to that earlier EIR. • A Negative Declaration may be prepared if the City perceives no substantial evidence that the project or any of its aspects may cause a significant adverse effect on the environment. • If there are one or more potentially significant adverse effects, the City may avoid preparing an EIR if there are mitigation measures to clearly reduce adverse impacts to less than significant, and those mitigation measures are agreed to by the developer prior to public review. In this case, the appropriate "Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated" may be checked and a Mitigated Negative Declaration may be prepared. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 24 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP JO-26 / CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 • An EIR must be prepared if "Potentially Significant Impact" is checked, and including but not limited to the following circumstances: (1) the potentially significant adverse effect has not been discussed or mitigated in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards, and the developer does not agree to mitigation measures that reduce the adverse impact to less than significant; (2) a "Statement of Overriding Considerations" for the significant adverse impact has not been made pursuant to an earlier EIR; (3) proposed mitigation measures do not reduce the adverse impact to less than significant; or (4) through the EIA-Initial Study analysis it is not possible to determine the level of significance for a potentially adverse effect, or determine the effectiveness of a mitigation measure in reducing a potentially significant effect to below a level of significance. A discussion of potential impacts and the proposed mitigation measures appears after each related set of questions. Particular attention should be given to discussing mitigation for impacts, which would otherwise be determined significant. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 25 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26 / CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE TO BE ADDRESSED: I. AESTHETICS - Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light and glare, which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Potentially Significant Impact •• Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact Xnx x X No Impact ~LT a)Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? Less Than Significant Impact. The North Segment portion of the project site crosses within a scenic area around Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Portions of the area are visible from Carlsbad Boulevard (Highway 101), 1-5 and from the BNSF Rail line. These roadways are identified in the General Plan Circulation Element as "Scenic Roadways", and the railroad corridor is identified as a "Natural Open Space and Recreation Corridor". The railroad ROW corridor is also described as a "special condition" in the Scenic Corridor Guidelines. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon is identified in the Carlsbad Open Space Element as "open space for the protection of natural resources", and is identified as an "environmentally sensitive marine resource habitat" in the adopted California Coastal Act policies. The remainder of the project length (south of the proposed lift station) is underground and will not have an adverse effect on a scenic vista. The sewer lift station facility is primarily underground, but contains a series of one large and two low-profile above-ground structures. The main structure will be visible to motorists, passengers and pedestrians in the area, as will the Agua Hedionda channel pipeline bridge abutment supports and bridge span. In order to accommodate the lift station facility, the lift station site will be excavated to approximately 20 feet below existing grade, with two of the walls (north and east) of the main structure backfilled to submerse the structure below grade to the degree feasible. As a result, the lift station structure will be constructed mostly below the surrounding finish ground level, with portions of the most visible (south and west) elevation walls visible up to 25.5 feet in height above the finish grade. The lift station walls on the north and east will be constructed as retaining walls, and thus hidden from view except for a 5-foot section of the top of the cured-in-place (CIP) concrete structure. The structure will have a flat roof. As such, the building is a series of square and rectangular shapes architecturally articulated to vary building elevations and facade from the view of the rail passengers travelling through the city. The exterior of the structure will include a textured geometric pattern and be stained earthtone colors in order to blend in with the natural surroundings. Please see Figure 7. A black vinyl coated chain link fence will surround the lift station. The lift station structure will be constructed at approximately the same base elevation as the railroad tracks. Thus, the relationship between the railroad passengers and the structure is a structure that rises up to 20-feet higher than the elevation of the seated passengers at a!60-foot distance at its closest point (the smaller, grinder facility structure is only 125-feet distant). As shown on Figure 8, these lift station structures will not be visible from 1-5, due to the existing berm which surrounds the lift station site on the east. As indicated in Figures 9 and 10, the lift station will be virtually imperceptible to motorists on Carlsbad Boulevard or on the Carlsbad beach due to the distances involved, design of structures into the bluff, and material and colors that will blend in with the surrounding area. Please see visual-simulations of the proposed project structures, Figures 8, 9 and 10. Figure 8 simulates a view of the post-development project from 1-5 southbound. Figure 9 simulates the view of the project from the Carlsbad Boulevard. And Figure 10 simulates the project from the south end of Garfield Street, northwest of the lift station site. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 26 Figure 8 Visual Simulation -1-5 Southbound June 4, 2010 PS# 080205 NOT TO SCALE AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION Carlsbad, California LAND USE/COASTAL PLANNINGLANDSCAPE ARCHITECTUREPOLICY AND PROCESSINGENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION Figure 9 Visual Simulation - Carlsbad Boulevard AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION Carlsbad, California June 4, 2010 PS# 080205 NOT TO SCALE LAND USE/COASTAL PLANNINGLANDSCAPE ARCHITECTUREPOLICY AND PROCESSINGENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION Figure 10 Visual Simulation - Garfield Street AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION Carlsbad, California June 4, 2010 PS# 080205 NOT TO SCALE LAND USE/COASTAL PLANNINGLANDSCAPE ARCHITECTUREPOLICY AND PROCESSINGENVIRONMENTAL UTnGATION Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 The existing lift station concrete overflow basin will be removed, filled in with soil and hydroseeded with native plant seeds. This will be considered a beneficial effect of the visual aesthetics of the project. The top of the channel bridge height will be approximately 30-feet above sea level and approximately 200 total feet in length with a 17 foot high and 140-foot wide clear span. The bridge will be constructed of weathering steel, with a series of pipes (sewer, recycled water, potable water and optional high-pressure natural gas), a maintenance vehicle travel lane above the pipes with a 42" high handrail, and allowance for a future pedestrian trail, all of which will span the entirety of the channel width. As shown on Figures 6 and 8, the bridge will be visible to motorists travelling southbound on 1-5, from an approximate 1,600 foot distance. The horizontal bridge frame will be low-profile (15-feet in height), constructed of visible weathered steel truss members, and thus will appear semi-transparent, and not significantly contribute to coastal view obstruction. Train passengers will be able to view the bridge from the west, from a horizontal distance of approximately 90 linear feet away. Bridge abutments up to 23.5 feet in vertical height will be constructed to support the bridge on each side of the channel. These abutments will result in up to 2400 square feet (each side) of visible concrete wall. These abutment walls however, will be stained earthtone color(s) and include textured geometric patterns, and natural plantings will be established in front of the walls in order to achieve a general visual blending with the surrounding natural landscape. With regard to the pipeline, following the construction period, all of the trenched areas of the project will be repaved or revegetated with appropriate hydroseed mix, and the only above-ground indication of the project will be the top of the manhole access lids, which will be at-grade or within 12 to 18 inches above grade and will thus not be visible from any scenic vista, and will be visible only to passersby in close proximity. Further, the proposed project will allow for the dismantling and elimination of the existing lift station structure and the existing trestle-style wood bridge which supports the existing sewer line over the Agua Hedionda channel. If the 12-inch high pressure natural gas transmission line is relocated to the sewer bridge, an added visual improvement will be realized since the support structure will be removed. Elimination of these existing structures would be considered a beneficial impact to the visual character of the site. During construction, temporary visual changes along the alignment of the project would occur; however as these changes are temporary, impacts would be less than significant. Thus, the northern portion of the proposed project is located in a scenic area; however the project's impacts resulting from the pipeline, the lift station structure facilities and the bridge structure and abutments will be adequately mitigated by the proposed design and materials, which includes a semi-transparent bridge structure, finish with earthtone colors, textured geometric patterns, and landscape screening. The color and materials of the structures and low-profile of the buildings will be aesthetically pleasing to rail passengers travelling past, and to more distant views from Carlsbad Boulevard and other streets. As a result of the inclusion of these features in the project design, the project will not result in a significant impact on the viewshed from any surrounding area and will not significantly impact or block the view of the coastline. Thus the visible portions of the project are consistent with the General Plan Scenic Roadways and Open Space policies and guidelines; it is consistent with the special conditions in the Scenic Corridor Guidelines, and consistent with the adopted Coastal Act policies. The remainder of the project will be situated underground, and will thus not impact the viewshed from the surrounding area. b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway? Less Than Significant Impact. Approximately 12 mature eucalyptus trees will be removed from the site of the proposed lift station. In addition, two median landscaping trees and numerous decorative shrubs will be removed from the center median of Avenida Encinas. The median frees will be replaced upon completion of project construction. No rock outcroppings will be impacted by the project. No historic buildings are located in or adjacent to the area of the project alignment. Portions of the area of impact are visible from roadways and the railway which are identified as scenic per the City of Carlsbad General Plan (Carlsbad Boulevard, 1-5 and the BNSF railway), but although these transportation corridors are scenic, none are identified as a state scenic highway and none are designated by Caltrans as eligible for listing as a State Scenic Highway. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 30 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP144(L) / RP10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 /HMP 10-03 Only five (5) sections of highway are identified as State Scenic Highways, or candidates for designation as State Scenic Highways within San Diego County. None of these highways are located in Carlsbad. As such, none of the_proposed improvements are within the viewshed of an officially designated state scenic highway. As a result, impacts would be less than significant. Please also refer to the preceding response with regard to local scenic highways. c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? Less Than Significant Impact. The northern portion of the project site around Agua Hedionda Lagoon can be characterized as a scenic area. The remainder of the project site is more accurately characterized as industrial and urban. Although the sewer lines will mostly be installed underground, the pump station facility will be visible, as will the Agua Hedionda channel bridge supports, abutments and span. The proposed sewer lift station will be low in stature, constructed mostly below grade, with the western wall visible up to 25.5 ft. in height above the finish grade. The lift station walls on the north and east will be constructed as retaining walls, and thus hidden from view except for a 5-foot section of the top of the structure. The lift station structure will be constructed of cured-in-place (C1P) concrete, with the visible portions of the walls accented and shadowed with textured and geometric patterns and earth tone colors. See Figure 7. The channel bridge height will be approximately 30-feet (17-feet clear) above sea level and approximately 200 total feet (140-foot clear span) in length (See Figure 6). The bridge will be constructed of weathering steel, with a series of pipes (sewer, recycled water, potable water and (optional) high-pressure natural gas transmission), a maintenance vehicle travel lane on top of the pipes with a 42" high handrail, and allowance for a future pedestrian trail, all of which will span the entirety of the channel width. As mentioned, bridge abutments up to 23.5 feet in vertical height will be constructed to support the bridge on each side of the channel. The project design includes finishing with earthtone color(s) and textured geometric patterns, and natural plantings in front of the walls in order to achieve a general visual blending with the surround natural landscape. Following the construction period, all of the trenched areas of the project will be repaved or revegetated, and the only above-ground indication of the project will be manhole accesses, which will be at-grade or within 12 to 18 inches above grade and will thus not be visible from any scenic vista, and will be visible only to passersby in close proximity of the manholes. Further, the proposed project will allow for the dismantling and elimination of the existing lift station structure, and the existing trestle-style wood bridge which supports the existing sewer line, and (optionally) the wood pole supports supporting the existing high-pressure natural gas line, both of which span the Agua Hedionda channel. Elimination of these existing structures would be considered a beneficial impact to the visual character of the site. During construction, temporary changes of visual character along the alignment of the project would occur. These changes involve the storage and use of construction and trenching equipment, temporary signage and vehicles, and soil stockpiles in the construction staging areas. These changes would be apparent to nearby motorists, business customers, employees, train passengers and residents. However, inasmuch as these changes are temporary, impacts would be less than significant. Upon completion of construction of the project, it is concluded that the lift station structure facilities will be generally designed in a low-key (partially subterranean) and visually attractive manner. The highly-visible bridge structure and abutments will be adequately mitigated by the proposed design and materials, which includes a semi-transparent bridge structure, earthtone colors, textured geometric patterns, and landscape screening. As a result of the inclusion of these features in the project design, the project will have a less than significant impact on the visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings. d) Create a new source of substantial light and glare, which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Less Than Significant Impact. The project will not result in the installation of glare-producing lighting or assemblies. Low-intensity security lighting will be provided on the lift station site. The existing, obsolete lift station, with its associated security lighting will be removed. It is concluded that the proposed project will not result in a significant new source of substantial light and glare and will not affect day or nighttime views in the area. All construction activities associated with the project will occur during daytime hours with the exception of the possibility of trenching/installation of the recycled water line across Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road in order that work occur during minimal traffic volumes, and thus minimize overall traffic disruption in these two daytime high-volume Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 31 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP 10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 intersections. This limited nighttime construction will be short-lived inasmuch the recycled line installation will involve only a 3 or 4 day (night) operation, each, and the closest residential units are 650 feet southwesterly of Palomar Airport Road, and 825 feet westerly of Cannon Road. As a result, no nighttime lighting for construction activities will be required for the project except in these two specific instances. Temporary security lighting may be required in the construction staging areas where construction equipment and materials would be stored; however security lighting would be shielded away from adjacent properties and directed downward, on the construction equipment and materials. For these reasons, impacts associated with light and glare would be less than significant. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE TO BE ADDRESSED: II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state's inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51 104(g))? d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? e) Involve other changes in the existing environment, which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated L Less Than Significant Impact D No Impact X X X IX X a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 32 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line anil Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 No Impact. The California Department of Conservation, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program compile Important Farmland maps pursuant to the provision of Section 65570 of the California Government Code. The map associated with the Carlsbad area is the "California Department of Conservation - San Diego County Important Farmland" exhibit dated September, 2002. This map is demonstrated on Figure 11. No part of the subject project alignment is designated as Prime Farmland on this official map. The closest active agricultural operations are located east of 1-5, between Cannon Road and Agua Hedionda Lagoon. No agricultural farming occurs in or around any area of the project at this time. Thus it is concluded that no impact to Prime Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance will take place as a result of the proposed project. b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? No Impact. The subject project travels through property that has several different City zoning designations. These zones are; T-C (Transportation Corridor), O-S (Open Space), P-U (Public Utility), C-T-Q (Commercial Tourist - Qualified Overlay), C-l (Neighborhood Commercial) and Arterial Roadway. None of the zones are specifically agricultural zones. Although the City of Carlsbad policy does allow agriculture as an interim (non-permanent) use, no properties within the alignment of the project are presently used for agricultural purposes. No Williamson Act contracts encumber any portion of the affected properties. Therefore, no impact would occur. c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))? No Impact. California Public Resources Code section 12220(g) defines "Forest land" as "land that can support 10-percent native tree cover of any species, including hardwoods, under natural conditions, and that allows for management of one or more forest resources, including timber, aesthetics, fish and wildlife, biodiversity, water quality, recreation, and other public benefits." No native trees exist on the subject site. Timberland is defined in California Government Code section 51104(g) as "privately owned land, or land acquired for state forest purposes, which is devoted to and used for growing and harvesting timber, or for growing and harvesting timber and compatible uses, and which is capable of growing an average annual volume of wood fiber of at least 15 cubic feet per acre." No evidence exists that the property presently or historically has been used for timber harvesting. As a result of these factors, it is determined that the project will not impact forest land or timber land as defined in the referenced State of California laws. d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest uses? No Impact. The proposed project does not impact forest land as indicated in Section II(c) above. Therefore the project will not result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest uses. e) Involve other changes in the existing environment, which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use? No Impact. No portion of the affected property contains farmland. The project would not result in the conversion of any farmland to non-agricultural use. No impact on agricultural uses will result from implementation of the project. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 3 3 line Carlsbad LEGEND Urban and Built-up Land Prime Farmland Farmland of Statewide Importance Unique Farmland Farmland of Local Importance Grazing Land Other Land Water SOURCE: State of California - Department of Conservation Website 'San Diego County Important Farmland 2006 Map' - Map published August 2008. Figure 11 Important Farmland In the Vicinity of the Agua Hedionda Lift Station & Sewer Force Main Carlsbad, California PS# 080205 0 2000 June 4, 2010 8000 FT NORTH SCALE: 1" = 4000' LAND USE/COASTAL PLANNINGLANDSCAPE ARCHITECTUREPOLICY AND PROCESSINGENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(1) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: III. AIR QUALITY - (Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations.) Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is in non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? Potentially Significant Impact U Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated X Less Than Significant Impact X ^ No Impact X y a)Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? No Impact. The project site is located in the San Diego Air Basin which is a state non-attainment area for ozone (O3) and for particulate matter less than or equal to 10 microns in diameter (PMIO). The periodic violations of national Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS) in the San Diego Air Basin (SDAB), particularly for ozone in inland foothill areas, requires that a plan be developed outlining the pollution controls that will be undertaken to improve air quality. In San Diego County, this attainment planning process is embodied in the Regional Air Quality Strategies (RAQS) developed jointly by the Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). A Plan to meet the federal standard for ozone was developed in 1994. This local plan was combined with plans from all other California non-attainment areas having serious ozone problems and used to create the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). The SIP was adopted by the Air Resources Board (ARB) 1994, and was forwarded to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval. The proposed project relates to the SIP and/or RAQS through the land use and growth assumptions that are incorporated into the air quality planning document. These growth assumptions are based on each city's and the County's general plan. If a proposed project is consistent with its applicable General Plan, then the project presumably has been anticipated with the regional air quality planning process. Such consistency would ensure that the project would not have an adverse regional air quality impact. Section 15125(d) of the State of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines contains specific reference to the need to evaluate any inconsistencies between the proposed project and the applicable air quality management plan. Transportation Control Measures (TCMs) are part of the RAQS. The RAQS and TCM plan set forth the steps needed to accomplish attainment of state and federal ambient air quality standards. The California Air Resources Board provides criteria for determining whether a project conforms to the RAQS which include the following: Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 35 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 • Is a regional air quality plan being implemented in the project area? • Is the project consistent with the growth assumptions in the regional air quality plan? The project area is located in the San Diego Air Basin, and as such, is located in an area where a RAQS is being implemented. The project is consistent with the growth assumptions in the regional air quality plan and will in no way conflict with or obstruct implementation of the regional plan. Thus, it is concluded that the project will result in no impact to implementation of the air quality plan for the region. b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated: An Air Quality Conformity Assessment for the project has been prepared by Planning Systems, dated March 5, 2010. This assessment notes that the closest air quality monitoring station to the project site is at Camp Pendleton. Data available for this monitoring site from 2000 through December 2004 indicate that the most recent air quality violations recorded were for the state one hour standard for ozone (a total of 10 days during the 5-year period). No other violations of any air quality standards have been recorded during the 5-year time period. The assessment concludes that the project would not generate any operational emissions, as the sewer line and lift station do not emit pollutants, and the commute travel to and from the project for ongoing maintenance activities for the improvements would necessitate minimal commuting and/or equipment. The project would however, result in short-term emissions associated with grading and construction of the improvements. These emissions would emanate primarily from construction operations associated with earthwork and excavation and construction of the lift station, and to a lesser degree the open trenching operations. Such emissions would be minimized through standard construction measures such as watering the graded areas for dust control, covering haul vehicles and trucks, replanting disturbed areas as soon as practical, restricting vehicle speeds on unpaved roads to 15 mph or less to control fugitive dust, and sweeping the streets at the end of each day if visible soil material is carried onto the streets. Air quality impact analyses are based on an assessment of emissions per single day. Construction activities for the proposed project are expected to take approximately 18 months, or 354 work days. The construction would result in the disturbance of a total of 10.27 acres. This total does not include acreage beneath which trenchless HDD or microtunneling construction operations are utilized. This totals approximately 0.03 ac. (1,263 sf) of average active soil disturbance on any one day. On-road and off-road heavy equipment would be operated during pipeline construction activities, resulting in the emission of exhaust pollutants. Construction equipment and vehicles for the project would include some combination of the following types of equipment for a typical 8-hour work day: • Crane • Compacter • Paver • Flat bed truck • Loader • Roller • Backhoes • Dump trucks • Microtunnel machine • Front end loaders • Bulldozer • HDD Drill equipment • Excavator • Water trucks • Work trucks In addition, emissions from trucks hauling soil and gravel (export and import) would take place during the construction of the project. Approximately 77,000 cubic yards of soil will be graded. Much of this soil will be placed directly adjacent to the pipe excavation location, and then used to cover the pipes upon completion of the base material placement and pipe laying activities. Approximately 8,000 cubic yards of this will be imported (soil, base material and gravel), 31,000 cubic yards will be exported to an appropriate location offsite, and the balance (46,000 cubic yards) will be relocated and balanced on-site. For purposes of air quality analysis of the project construction, truck dirt hauling is estimated at 16 cubic yards per truck, approximately 40 loads per day, for 60 total days of hauling, with an approximate 30 mile round-trip. In addition, project construction will require approximately 25 construction workers on any single day. Using a worker commute distance of 24 miles each way, emissions are calculated for construction workers at the project site. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 3 6 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /KP 10-26/CDP10-17/HDP JO-OS/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 Using the above assumptions, the Air Quality Conformity Assessment determined that construction operations of the proposed project will result in construction activities emissions as indicated in the following table. APCD threshold limits for significance and the resulting conclusions as to levels of significance are indicated in the two bottom lines in the table. Table 2: Construction Activities Emissions (pounds/day) Construction Activities Construction Equipment Construction Fugitive Dust Haul/Dump Trucks Worker Commute TOTAL PEAK EMISSIONS THRESHOLD' SIGNIFICANT CO 147.01 0.00 100.80 18.80 266.61 550.00 No NOX 123.84 0.00 115.92 14.72 254.46 250.00 Yes SOX 11.40 0.00 15.12 0.02 26.54 250.00 No PM10 13.90 2.62 7.56 0.56 24.64 100.00 No PM 2.5 12.554 - 2.480 7.402 0.551 22.987 55.000 No ROG 31.900 0.000 15.120 0.046 47.066 55.000 No As can be seen in the table above, estimated daily emissions of CO, Sox, PM,0 PM2.s and ROG during the construction period are projected to be well below the threshold APCD standards. However, the total peak emissions for NOX are projected to exceed the adopted standard by an estimated 4.46 pounds of NOX pollutants/day. As a result of the fact that the project is anticipated to exceed the NOX standard, the project is considered to result in a significant temporary impact. However, based on the relatively small amount of estimated pollutant level exceeding the threshold, and also because these construction emissions are expected to occur during a relatively short time frame (major excavation and dump truck hauling estimated at only 60 days), the impacts from construction NOX exhaust emissions can be mitigated with the inclusion of mitigation measure AQ-1 below. With the adoption of mitigation measure AQ-1, the project will not violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation. This conclusion is reached assuming the appropriate use of grading and operation procedures (in conformance with standard APCD Best Management Practice for dust control) and the other standard methods of minimizing construction airborne pollutant creation discussed above. The City of Carlsbad Grading Ordinance and erosion control requirements specify provisions for dust control to reduce impacts to air quality during grading activities. At a minimum, these ordinances and provisions require projects to perform regular watering and timely revegetation of disturbed areas to minimize the dust and airborne nuisance impacts to off-site receptors. Emissions from construction equipment, worker and delivery and material-hauling trucks, and construction related power consumption would be temporary and would result in an extremely small contribution to the SDAB and therefore would result in a less than significant impact. AQ-1 All construction equipment will be maintained at appropriate mechanical and electronic tuning levels per the manufacturer's specifications. Diesel equipment standing idle for more than five minutes shall be turned off. This would include dump trucks waiting to deliver or receive soil, gravel, aggregate or other bulk materials. c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard? Less Than Significant Impact. The air basin is currently in a state non-attainment zone for ozone and suspended fine particulates. The proposed project would represent a contribution to a cumulatively considerable potential net increase in emissions throughout the air basin. As described above, however, emissions associated with the proposed project would be minimal, except for the marginal temporary increase in NOX during the approximate 60-day main excavation construction period. Given the limited emissions potentially associated with the proposed project, air quality would be essentially the same whether or not the proposed project is implemented. According to the CEQA Guidelines Section 15064(h)(3), the proposed project's incremental contribution to the cumulative effect is not cumulatively considerable. Any impact is assessed as less than significant. d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Threshold Source: SDAPCD Rule 1501, 20.2(d)(2), 1995; EPA 40CFR93, 1993. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 37 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP 10-26/CDP10-17/HDP JO-OS/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 No Impact. Sensitive receptors are defined as populations that are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution than the population at large. Sensitive receptors are defined by the San Diego Air Pollution Control District as schools, day-care centers, nursing homes, retirement homes, convalescent centers, health clinics, and hospitals. Land uses adjacent to the proposed project alignment include multi-family residential, railroad tracks, lagoon wetlands, YMCA youth recreation facility, open spaces, existing sewer lift station, power generating plant and accessory facilities, restaurants, convenience store and gas station, a hotel, business parks with offices and associated parking lots, urban commercial and restaurants, manufacturing and auto repair industrial development, and a sewer treatment plant. None of these uses are sensitive receptors. The nearest sensitive receptor is Jefferson Elementary School, which is located terminus of the proposed project. No impact is assessed. 1,600 linear feet north of the northerly e)Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? Less Than Significant Impact. The project has the potential to emit odors at the sewer lift station and at manholes. The project will employ odor control at the lift station. Manhole covers will be "seated" so as to not allow escape of gaseous vapors. Odor control treatment at the lift station will include, but not be limited to; air scrubbers and carbon absorbers. These features remove odors and volatile organic compounds from the sewage transport process. Odor control performance will be constantly monitored and maintained by the City of Carlsbad maintenance crews to ensure the system is operating properly. The construction of the proposed project could generate fumes from the operation of construction equipment, which may be considered objectionable by some people. Such exposure would be short-term or transient. In addition, the number of people exposed to such transient impacts is not considered substantial. Odors may become present during the excavation of soil and exposure and connections of the used sewer pipeline which will be replaced by the proposed project. Any construction odor emissions generated would be temporary, short-term, and intermittent in nature and would cease upon project completion. For these reasons, impacts associated with objectionable odors would be less than significant. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE TO BE ADDRESSED: IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES - Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian, aquatic or wetland habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or by California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including but not limited to marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? Potentially Significant Impact 1 1 Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated E E IEI Less Than Significant Impact 1 1 No Impact 1 1 Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 3 8 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26/COP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE TO BE ADDRESSED: d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact ^X X X No Impact a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. A Preliminary Biological Assessment of the proposed project was prepared by Planning Systems, dated May 28, 2010. According to this report, vegetation within the alignment which would be impacted through implementation of the project includes Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (unoccupied by the California gnatcatcher) (HMP Habitat Group D), Non-native Grassland (HMP Habitat Group E), Eucalyptus Woodland (HMP Habitat Group F), Disturbed Land (HMP Habitat Group F), and Developed Land. Permanent impacts for the project will total 3.24 acres and temporary impacts will total 7.35 acres. Permanent impacts are those associated with the construction of the pump station facility, those impacted by permanent grading, and those associated with the Agua Hedionda channel bridge abutment and support foundation structures. Following the construction period, all other areas of the project will be repaved or revegetated and the only above-ground indication of the project will be manhole accesses, which will be at-grade or within 12 to 18 inches above grade and will thus not be visible except to passersby in close proximity. Therefore all improvements associated with open trench installation of the underground sewer line will be backfilled and restored to original condition, and are thus considered temporary. The horizontal bridge structure is situated above the ground and water surface, and thus is not considered a biological impact. Lengths of the sewer line which are installed through HDD and micro-tunneling are not considered a biological impact inasmuch as minimal impact to the ground surface will occur (i.e.; drilling rig and receiving pits). Federal and state endangered or threatened species lists are maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), respectively. Sensitive or special status species represent non-listed species designated as such by CDFG, USFWS, local agencies and special interest groups, such as the California Native Plant Society, who publish watch-lists of declining species. Non-listed species covered by the San Diego County Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP) are also considered sensitive or special status species. The following table provides a list of the sensitive plant and animal species, including federal and state endangered or threatened species that have the potential to be present in the project area. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 3 9 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26 /CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 Table 3: Sensitive Plants and Animals Potentially Present in the Project Area Species Sensitivity Status Occurrence within Alignment Potential for Occurrence within Alignment PLANTS Acanthomintha ilicifolia (San Diego thorn-mint) Ambrosia pumila (San Diego ambrosia) Arctostaphylos g. ssp. crassifolia (Del Mar Manzanita) Baccharis vanessae (Encinitas baccharis) Brodiaea filifolia (Thread-leaf brodiaea) Brodiaea orcutti (Orcutt's Brodiaea) Ceanothus verrucosus (Coast white lilac) Chorizanthe orcuttiana (Orcut's spine/lower) Comarostaphylis d. ssp. diversifolia (Summer holly) Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. linifolia (Del Mar Mesa sand aster) Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae (Blochman's dudleya) Dudleya viscid (Sticky dudleya) Eryngium aristulatum ssp. parishii (San Diego button celery) Euphorbia misera (Cliff spurge) Ferocactus viridescens (San Diego barrel cactus) Hazardia orcuttii (Orcutt's hazardia) Iva hayesiana (San Diego marsh elder) HMP Narrow Endemic HMP Narrow Endemic HMP Narrow Endemic HMP Narrow Endemic HMP Narrow Endemic HMP Narrow Endemic Fed. Species Special Concern HMP Narrow Endemic Fed. Species Special Concern HMP Narrow Endemic HMP Narrow Endemic, Fed. Species Special Concern Fed. Species Special Concern HMP Narrow Endemic Fed. Species Special Concern HMP Narrow Endemic, Fed. Species Special Concern Fed. Species Special Concern Absent Absent Absent Absent Unknown Unknown Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Low, no vernal pools observed, specific soil type does not occur on-site Low, minimal, readily-observable habitat on- site Low, habitat does not occur on-site Low, No populations known in Carlsbad Moderate, no vernal pools observed, but clay soil occurs on-site and associated also occur. Due to out of season survey no presence/absence conclusion possible. Moderate, no vernal pools observed, but clay soil occurs on-site. Due to out of season survey no presence/absence conclusion possible. Low, habitat does not occur on-site Low, outside of known range Low, habitat does not occur on-site High, site intensively searched, not present Low to moderate, no concretions observed on site Low to moderate, distinctive plant with specific preferred conditions not found on- site Low, no vernal pools observed on-site Low to Moderate, preferred conditions not present Low - distinctive plant sought, not observed on-site Low, outside of known range, plant sought, not observed on-site Low, distinctive plant sought, not observed on-site Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 40 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 Species Muilla clevelandii (San Diego goldenstar) Myosurus minimus ssp. apus (Little monsetail) Navarretia fossalis (Prostrate navarretia) Orcuttia californica (California orcutt grass) Pinus torreyana (Torrey pine) Quercus dumosa (Nuttal's scrub oak) Quercus engelmanni (Englemann oak) Sensitivity Status HMP Narrow Endemic, Fed. Species Special Concern HMP Narrow Endemic, Fed. Species Special Concern HMP Narrow Endemic HMP Narrow Endemic Fed. Species Special Concern Fed. Species Special Concern Fed. Species Special Concern Occurrence within Alignment Unknown Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Potential for Occurrence within Alignment Low to moderate, near edge of range, Due to out of season survey no presence/absence conclusion possible. Low, no vernal pools observed on-site, Low, no vernal pools observed on-site Low, no vernal pools observed on-site preferred conditions not present Low, distinctive plant would have been easily observed if present Low, distinctive plant would have been easily observed if present Low, distinctive plant would have been easily observed if present Amphibians/Reptiles Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei (Coastal horned- lizard) Fed. and State Species Special Concern Expected High, expected to occur onsite. Birds Ardea Herodias Herodias (Great blue heron) Sterna elegans (Elegant tern) Pelecanus occidentalis californicus (Brown pelican) Polioptila melanura (California gnatcatcher) State Endangered State Species Special Concern Fed. and State Endangered Federal Threatened Observed Observed Observed Observed High, observed in lagoon area adjacent to sewer alignment High, observed adjacent to project area. High, observed in lagoon area adjacent to lift station site High, observed in coastal sage scrub adjacent to sewer alignment Thus, according to the Preliminary Biological Assessment dated May 28, 2010, of the 24 plants, one reptile, and four sensitive birds which have some potential to occur within the alignment of the project, all but three plants are absent from the project alignment, and the reptile was expected, and the four bird species were observed. The project will impact vegetation associations and necessitate compensatory mitigation as indicated on the following table: Table 4: Project Impacts to Vegetation Communities Vegetation Community SENSITIVE Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub NON-SENSITIVE Non-native Grassland Eucalyptus Woodland Disturbed Lands Developed Land TOTAL HMP Habitat Group D E F F N/A Mitigation Ratio Perm. Ratio 2:1 0.5:1 0.1:1 0.1:1 ~ Temp. Ratio 1:1 0.5:1 0.1:1 0.1:1 ~ Total Impacts (Acreage) Perm. Impacts 0.05 0.79 0.19 1.16 1.05 3.24 Temp Impacts 0.04 0.69 0.10 2.67 3.85 7.35 Total Impact 0.09 1.48 0.29 3.83 4.90 10.59 Mitigation (Acreage) Perm. Mit. 0.10 0.40 Temp. Mit. 0.04 0.34 Total Mit. 0.14 0.74 0.03 0.38 ~ 1.29 Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 41 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /KP JO-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 As can be seen, project related impacts will occur to four non-sensitive associations and one sensitive vegetation association, Diegan coastal sage scrub. Direct, permanent impacts are proposed to occur to 0.05 acre of DCSS. DCSS is the preferred habitat of the California gnatcatcher, a listed federally threatened species, however, a wildlife survey of the area conducted as part of the Preliminary Biological Assessment, dated May 28, 2010, concluded that the subject impact area is not occupied by the California gnatcatcher. This total 0.09 acres of impact (0.05 acres permanent and 0.04 acres temporary impact) is considered significant and will require mitigation. Thus, Mitigation Measure B1O-1 and B1O-2 are included to require debiting the appropriate acreage from the Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel at the ratios indicated in Table 4 above, except that Conservation Standards 7-8 and 7-9 (p. D-115) of the HMP require that Diegan coastal sage scrub mitigation acreage must include a minimum 1:1 creation component (minimum of 0.05 acre creation). Therefore, project mitigation for DCSS must include a minimum of 0.05 acres of credit debiting from the Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel, and also an additional 0.09 acre of revegetation (creation) of DCSS on or near the impact location. The 0.09 acres of revegetation (creation) of DCSS is expected to occur within and around the eastern half of the demolished, filled-in existing lift station overflow basin, but could occur in a different location in the area. Although not considered sensitive, Non-native grassland, Eucalyptus Woodland and Disturbed Lands all possess biological value as wildlife foraging habitat, in the case of Eucalyptus Woodland, perch and nesting habitat, and thus, per the Carlsbad HMP requirements, impacts will also require mitigation. Impacts to Developed Lands are not significant and do not require mitigation per the HMP. Thus, Mitigation Measure B1O-1 is included to require debiting the appropriate acreage from the Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel at the ratios indicated in Table 4. The Lake Calavera property was identified in the City's HMP as a public project mitigation parcel for municipal projects. The total acreage available for credit at its inception was 186.55 acres. That acreage is available to mitigate for habitat impacts from City projects on an acre-for-acre basis regardless of the type of habitat being impacted, except for Group A, B or C habitat groups, none of which are impacted by the proposed project. The mitigation provided for each City project by the Lake Calavera parcel is tracked and reported on an annual basis in the City's HMP Annual Report. As of the end of the last reporting period (October 2009), a total of 183.8 acres of mitigation land was still available. As indicated in Table 4, the proposed project will impact a total of 5.67 acres of Habitat Groups D, E and F (although this figure will be reduced by a DCSS-creation component of 0.09 acre). Thus, 1.20 acres (1.29 acres minus the 0.09 acres of DCSS-creation component = 1.20 acres of credit) from the Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel is required. Therefore sufficient mitigation acreage credit is available at the Mitigation Parcel for this project. No project related impacts will occur to sensitive wetland or riparian habitats. Project work near riparian scrub habitat will occur only on the existing road surface of Avenida Encinas. Open water habitat in the Agua Hedionda channel will be crossed via an overhead bridge. The bottom of the channel under the bridge location is rocky (riprap) and sandy, with no observable indication of eelgrass or other sensitive submerged aquatic vegetation. Thus, the shadow of the bridge will not impact any sensitive vegetation. The bridge abutments will be constructed on the upland terrain on each side of the channel. The project will utilize construction measures to ensure that soil and construction debris avoids entering the channel during or after the construction process. Machinery necessary to accomplish the trenching and pipe laying work will be located on urbanized pads and streets, and will maintain a minimum 10 feet from non-impacted sensitive vegetation communities. Also, staging areas for pipes, machinery, materials and tools will be within adjacent traffic lanes which will be closed to traffic. Backhoe tractors will be primarily utilized for trenching, with the spoils temporarily laid directly adjacent to the trench, a minimum 10 feet from any sensitive vegetation. Trucks to transport materials to the site and other smaller vehicles will access the area and park on the public streets and on the urbanized pads. Thus, direct temporary impacts to adjacent sensitive habitats will be avoided. Mitigation Measures BIO-3 and B1O-4 will ensure that impacts to adjacent sensitive properties are avoided. However, the project may have the potential for indirect impacts on nesting or breeding birds in the habitats located in the adjacent Agua Hedionda Lagoon area because of impacts resulting from temporary, construction-related noise. Listed birds not identified on or near the site but potentially impacted by indirect impacts include the Great blue heron, Elegant tern, and the California Brown pelican, all species that are listed as endangered or threatened and may be found in and around the adjacent open water. These potential noise impacts would be considered impacting only if the noise created a disruption of nesting activities, and thus only during the bird nesting/breeding season, generally from January 15 to September 15 of any year. If project construction is contemplated during this time, the project would need to implement mitigation measures to ensure any construction noise impacts do not significantly impact these nesting migratory birds. Mitigation Measure BIO-5 will ensure that noise impacts do not adversely impact nesting birds. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 42 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP 10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 Birds in the area nest in trees, shrubs and on the ground. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and California Fish and Game Code Sections 3503 and 3505.5 protect nesting birds, compliance with which necessitates avoiding disturbance of nesting birds during nesting season. Further, the project is subject to adopted HMP Adjacency Standards so that any other aspects of project construction or use that might impact wildlife, such as the introduction of invasive plants or exotic species or dust, are addressed and avoided through project design and construction notes. Mitigation Measure BIO-6 will ensure that the project is in compliance with the MBTA and the California Fish and Game Codes referenced above. Thus, the mitigation measures referenced above, plus Mitigation Measure BIO-7 and BIO-8 are appropriate in order to minimize construction impacts to sensitive wildlife species identified as a candidate, sensitive or special status species or to any sensitive habitats, or wildlife in the area, and to eliminate the potential for impacts to nesting sensitive species which would be expected to utilize the area during breeding season. These mitigation measures will address potential temporary impacts to birds that could result from construction during the nesting season and reduce those impacts to a level of insignificance. Mitigation measure BIO-9 will serve to avoid exotic plant competition and invasion of native habitats upon which these sensitive birds and animals forage. BIO-1 Mitigation for permanent and temporary impacts to upland vegetation communities (HMP Habitat Groups D, E and F) will be mitigated by debiting the appropriate acreage (total 1.20 acres) from the Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel at the ratios indicated in Table 4 above (except Diegan coastal sage scrub mitigation acreage shall include a minimum 1:1 creation component within the vicinity of the impacts, as indicated in Mitigation Measure #2 below). The Lake Calavera property was identified in the City's Habitat Management Plan as a public project mitigation parcel for municipal projects. The total acreage available for credit at its inception was 186.55 acres. That acreage is available to mitigate for habitat impacts from City projects on an acre-for-acre basis regardless of the type of habitat being impacted, except for Group A, B or C habitat groups, none of which are impacted by the proposed project. The mitigation provided for each City project by the Lake Calavera parcel is tracked and reported on an annual basis in the City's HMP Annual Report. As of the end of the last reporting period (October 2009), a total of 183.8 acres of mitigation land was still available. BIO-2 Pursuant to Conservation Standards 7-8 and 7-9 (p. D-115) of the HMP, the project applicant shall mitigate for the loss of 0.09 acre of coastal sage scrub by creation of at least 0.09 acre (no net loss) of creation of coastal sage scrub in a location acceptable to the Carlsbad Planning Department and the Wildlife Agencies. Upon agreement as to the selected site, the applicant shall prepare a restoration program for review and approval by the City and Wildlife Agencies. The restoration program shall include a five-year maintenance and monitoring program, with a requirement to meet City/Wildlife Agencies-approved success criteria. This restoration program shall be approved prior to the commencement of any clearing of coastal sage scrub associated with project construction. The restoration program shall include site preparation guidelines, implementation monitoring, performance standards, long-term maintenance and monitoring methodology, and contingency measures with a commitment to funding. BIO-3 In order to avoid impacts to adjacent open space habitats during construction, all impacted open space interfaces will require temporary orange construction fencing which clearly delineates the edge of the approved limits of grading and clearing and environmentally sensitive areas beyond. This fencing shall be installed in all areas adjacent to protected open spaces, and shall be installed prior to construction, and maintained for the duration of construction activity. Fencing shall be installed in a manner that does not impact habitats to be avoided. The applicant shall submit to the City for approval, at least seven days prior to initiating project impacts, the final plans and photographs for initial clearing and grubbing of habitat and project construction. These final plans shall include photographs that show the fenced limits of impact and all areas to be impacted or avoided. If work occurs beyond the fenced or demarcated limits of impact, all work shall cease until the problem has been remedied and mitigation identified, to the satisfaction of the biological monitor. Temporary orange construction fencing shall be removed upon project completion of construction of the project. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 43 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 /HMP 10-03 BIO-4 The developer shall hire a biological monitor to monitor the construction operations. The biological monitor shall have the ability to halt construction work, if necessary and confer with the City and USFWS to ensure the proper implementation of species and habitat protection measures. The biologist shall report any violation to the Wildlife Agencies within 24 hours of its occurrence. The biological monitor shall be present to monitor clearing, grading, and construction activities in the vicinity of biological open space areas. The biological monitor shall have the authority to stop construction and require additional precautions or conservation measures to protect the proposed open space preserve areas, including the wildlife movement corridor, as necessary. Implementation of this measure shall be verified by the City prior to and concurrent with construction. BIO-5 Prior to the commencement of any ground-disturbing activities (i.e., clearing, grubbing, trenching, grading) that occur between January 15 and September 15, a biological survey by a qualified biologist shall be conducted of the project area. If active raptor and/or migratory bird nests are observed during the construction phase, a buffer area of adequate width (typically 500 feet), as determined by the monitoring biologist, shall be established between the construction activities and the nest so that nesting activities are not interrupted. To avoid potential impacts, trees shall be removed outside of the breeding season of local raptor species (trees shall be removed between September 15 and January 15). Noise attenuation and buffer (if required) shall remain in place until the construction activities are completed or the nest is no longer active. Implementation of this measure shall be verified by the City. BIO-6 Construction noise created during the breeding season that could affect the breeding of the California gnatcatcher, migratory songbirds and other bird species associated with the adjacent sensitive open water, wetlands, riparian, and coastal sage scrub habitat shall be avoided. This restriction can be waived by the City, with concurrence from the Wildlife Agencies, upon completion of a breeding/nesting bird survey of the area in accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. A biological monitor of the construction operation is required. If nests are present, no loud construction (exceeding 60 dBA hourly average, adjusted for ambient noise levels, at the nesting site) may take place within 500 feet of active nesting sites during the nesting/breeding season (January 15 through September 15). BIO-7 The developer shall train all contractors and construction personnel on the biological resources adjacent to portions of this project and ensure that training is implemented by construction personnel. At a minimum, training shall include: 1) the purpose for resource protection; 2) a description of the gnatcatcher and its habitat; 3) limiting activities, vehicles, equipment, and construction materials to the fenced project footprint to avoid sensitive resource areas in the field (i.e., avoided areas delineated on maps or on the project site by fencing); 4) the protocol to resolve conflicts that may arise at any time during the construction process; and, 5) the general provisions of the Endangered Species Act, the need to adhere to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act, the penalties associated with violating the Endangered Species Act. BIO-8 In order to adequately protect the adjacent open spaces, the applicant shall ensure that the following mitigation measures are implemented during project construction: • Employees shall strictly limit their activities, vehicles, equipment and construction materials to the fenced project footprint; • Pets of project personnel shall not be allowed on the project site; • Disposal or temporary placement of excess fill, brush or other debris shall not be allowed in waters of the United States or their banks; • All equipment maintenance, staging, and dispensing of fuel, oil, coolant, or any other such activities shall occur in designated areas within the fenced project impact limits and in such a manner as to prevent any runoff from entering offsite open spaces, and shall be shown on the construction plans. Fueling of equipment shall take place within existing paved areas greater than 100 feet from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel shore. Contractor equipment shall be checked for leaks prior to operation and repaired as necessary. "No-fueling zones" shall be Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 44 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP 10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 designated on construction plans; and • Night lighting, if any, of construction staging areas shall be of the lowest illumination necessary for human safety, selectively placed, shielded, and directed away from adjacent natural habitats. BIO-9 The hydroseed mix or landscape mix in areas adjacent to open spaces shall not involve the use of invasive exotic seeds or plants. The list of invasives shall be those identified on List A and List B of the California Exotic Plant Council's List of Exotic Plants of Greatest Ecological Concern in California, as of October, 1999, and updated if applicable. Implementation of this measure shall be verified by the City during review of the Erosion Control Plans. b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian, aquatic or wetland habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or by California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. As indicated in the Preliminary Biological Assessment, dated May 28, 2010, the proposed project will not directly impact (temporarily or permanently) any wetland or riparian habitats. The project does however, bridge the Agua Hedionda channel. The Agua Hedionda channel is an open water habitat subject to state and federal jurisdiction. According to the USAGE, on coastal bays, jurisdictional wetlands extend to an elevation of 1.5 feet above the mean ordinary high tide level, regardless of the presence or absence of other wetland indicators.4 The RWQCB, CDFG and the CCC also operate using this definition of wetlands along tidal margins. Tides are measured as height above mean lower- low water (MLLW) elevation above mean sea level (MSL). MLLW elevation along the Carlsbad coast is 4.37 feet. Mean high water (MHW) in this location is 8.97 feet. The difference between these two water heights is the ordinary high water [tide], or 4.60 feet MSL. Therefore the wetland boundary follows the 4.60 + 1.5 feet = 6.1 feet above MSL elevation on Agua Hedionda Lagoon in this location. In the area of the subject project alignment on the north and south sides of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel, the property up to and above the 6.1 foot contour contains rock riprap shore protection and at higher levels, native and non- native upland vegetation. No standard wetland indicators (i.e.; hydric soils, wetland hydrology, or wetland plants) were observed in this area above the 6.1 foot contour. No incised channels that would constitute non-wetland jurisdictional areas were observed. Based on these observations, the Preliminary Biological Assessment concluded that all jurisdictional and non-jurisdictional wetland areas are confined to the area 6.1-feet MSL contour and below on both sides of the channel. The proposed bridge vertical support footings will be constructed on upland terrain, set at the approximate 10-foot elevation and the horizontal pipe support will fully span the entire length of the channel from the north side 10-foot elevation support to the south-side 10-foot elevation support. Thus, since the wetland jurisdiction is limited to below the 6.1-foot contour, and no wetland indicators exist above the 6.1-foot contour, the project does not encroach or impact on jurisdictional wetlands or waters in this area. Open water flows in the channel inlet between under the location of the proposed bridge structure. The bottom of the channel in this location is rocky (riprap) and sandy, with no observable indication of eelgrass or other sensitive submerged aquatic vegetation. Thus, the shadow-cast of the proposed bridge will not impact any sensitive wetland biology in the channel. Since the bridge work, pipe trench work and lift station work are all being conducted in relatively close proximity to the channel however, indirect impacts to this wetland jurisdictional area could take place if precautions are not taken to ensure that construction work and surface drainage near this area avoids indirect impacts to the wetlands. As a result of this potential impact, Mitigation Measure B1O-10 is appropriate. BIO-10 will serve to ensure that silt and erosion from construction operations do not enter the adjacent wetlands. Also, the riparian scrub habitat occurring near (immediately west of) the south end of the project is supported by storm drain outfall passing beneath Avenida Encinas, and would be expected to be considered jurisdictional pursuant to state and federal guidelines. However, a wetland delineation was not performed for this drainage because the project will not result in any direct or indirect impacts to any of the vegetation in this drainage. Project work near this riparian scrub habitat will 4 USAGE Regulatory Guidance Letter, RGL 08-02, June 26, 2008 Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 45 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 occur only on the existing road surface of Avenida Encinas. Also, the project will utilize measures to ensure that soil and construction debris avoids entering this drainage during or after the construction process. Therefore no impact to this riparian habitat will result from the project. The project could however, have an indirect adverse effect on adjacent aquatic habitats as a result of the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) drilling effort. From the south end of the lift station to a point south of Cannon Road (approximate 3,825 linear feet), the sewer line will be installed via this HDD underground tunneling method. This method allows boring of a hole of sufficient size through use of a pilot hole and then a series of increasingly large steerable drill bits at the horizontal and vertical elevation required for the pipe. A "drillers fluid" (bentonite clay slurry) is then pumped into the tunnel void behind the drill bit. Bentonite is a natural mineral, which serves to cool and lubricate the drill bit as well as stabilize and seal the drill hole against seepage and tunnel wall cave-ins. HDD operations can result in the potential for "inadvertent return", or the loss of drillers fluid through a "spill" or a "frac-out". These are situations where the drill bit encounters ground obstructions, unanticipated soil behavior or other equipment failure, and the fluid reaches the surface of the ground or waterway. A spill or frac-out could result in drilling fluid entering a drainage course, and ultimately polluting adjacent aquatic resources. Therefore, BIO-11 has been added to require the project applicant to prepare and receive approval of a Spill Contingency Plan for the project. With the inclusion of this mitigation measure, the potential impacts associated with HDD drilling will be mitigated to a level of insignificance. As a result of these factors, it is concluded that the project will avoid any direct or indirect impacts to wetlands and waters of the U.S., and will mitigate the potential for indirect aquatic or other sensitive biological impacts to a level of insignificance if the following mitigation measures are adopted. B1O-10 During construction, the project applicant shall install temporary silt barriers along the limits of project impacts (including construction staging areas and access routes) adjacent to open space habitats to prevent additional habitat impacts and prevent the spread of silt from the construction zone into adjacent habitats to be avoided. Silt fencing shall be installed in a manner that does not impact habitats to be avoided. All work activities occurring near the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel in particular will utilize silt fencing to completely control any disturbed soils from entering the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel. Runoff from project construction and landscaped areas shall not be allowed to enter the channel. All runoff will remain within landscaped areas or be filtered through appropriate storm drain facilities. BIO-11 Prior to beginning construction work, the project contractor shall notify the City Engineer, City Planner, and Coastal Commission Staff as necessary, of their completion of a final, site specific, Spill Contingency Plan that outlines actions to be taken in the event that an accidental discharge of construction fluids occurs. Such Spill Contingency Plan shall include, at a minimum, the following requirements: a. In the event that a "frac-out" (escape of bentonite slurry into the environment) or other spill or accidental discharge of drilling fluids occurs during the drilling operations, all construction shall cease and shall not recommence except as provided below: b. Following discovery of the "frac-out," spill or accidental discharge of drilling fluids, the applicant shall immediately implement the above stated Spill Contingency Plan. No work shall continue until all spilled fluids have been contained and/or removed and measures taken to prevent a recurrence consistent with the approved contingency plan. If the spill or accidental discharge results in a change to the approved project description or to the scope of the impacts to resources, the permittee shall notify the biological monitor to immediately conduct an assessment of the biological impacts, and submit to the City Planner, and Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission as necessary, a revised project and restoration plan prepared by qualified professional(s) that provides for (1) necessary revisions to the proposed project to avoid further spill or accidental discharge of fluids; and (2) restoration of the area(s) affected by the spill or accidental discharge to pre-project conditions. The revised project and restoration plan shall be consistent with any applicable requirements of the USFWS, CDFG and/or San Diego RWQCB. The revised project and restoration plan shall be processed as an amendment to the coastal development permit. The trenchless construction operations may not recommence until after an amendment to this permit is approved by the City Planner, and Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission as necessary, unless the City Planner, and the Executive Director as necessary, determines that no amendment is legally required. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 46 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26 / CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including but not limited to marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. As indicated in the response to IV(b) above, and also as concluded in the Preliminary Biological Assessment dated May 28, 2010, the proposed project will not directly impact (temporarily or permanently) any wetland or riparian habitats. Pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), the USAGE maintains regulatory authority over jurisdictional wetlands, waters of the United States, and non-wetland waters under specifically identified conditions. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon is characterized as a jurisdictional wetland that meets these conditions. No direct impact to this wetland is proposed through implementation of the project. No impacts from the proposed bridge shadow will result from the project. While the bridge does not necessitate authorization for discharge or fill material under Clean Water Action Section 404; construction of the new bridge will nonetheless, require a "Nationwide Permit" (NWP) issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pursuant to Section 10 of the River and Harbors Act. The River and Harbors Act requires authorization from the Army Corps for the construction of any structure in or over any navigable water of the United States. This channel meets the definition of a "navigable water" because it is a coastal, inland water subject to the ebb and flow of the tide The project also involves the removal of the existing trestle bridge structure which supports the existing 42-inch sewer pipe in the same approximate area of the channel. This bridge structure contains eight (8) narrow bridge support/pilings which presently sequence across and into the bottom of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel. These support/pilings are 14-inches in diameter, and set into concrete situated as deep as approximately 20-feet below the mud line on the bottom of the lagoon. Also, the four wood piles (telephone pole-type supports, two on land and two in the channel) cross-supporting the existing 12-inch high pressure gas transmission line may be removed from the channel if the gas line is relocated to the new bridge structure. The above-channel bottom and below channel-bottom structural sections of the existing sewer trestle bridge will be removed. These same sections of the natural gas line bridge will also be removed if it is decided to relocate the gas line segment crossing the lagoon channel to the proposed sewer bridge. Once removed, the piling holes will partially collapse and then fill with sand and sediment from the tidal action through the channel. This removal of wood supports and concrete pilings from the channel is not considered a significant impact to the open water channel habitat, but the removal of the pilings could theoretically result in discharge of removed sand material adhering to the pilings, dropping back into the channel. As a result of this factor, the NWP for the new bridge will also cover removal of the existing bridges. This removal of the existing trestle bridges is considered a beneficial impact of the project and will constitute mitigation for the new bridge structure construction. Therefore, issuance of a NWP 12 (Utility Line Activities) is required prior to removal of the trestle bridges, and/or construction of the new bridge. Likewise, a state Notification of Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement pursuant to Section 1602 of the California Fish and Game Code will be required for the same reasons. The Coastal Act definition of "development" requires that the coastal development permit for the project include demolition of the trestle bridge(s). As a result of the factors discussed above, the project avoids impacts to wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. However, the removal of the bridges and their replacement with the new bridge will result in a significant impact to resources protected by the River and Harbors Act, unless mitigation measure BIO-12 is included in the project. Thus, with the inclusion of BIO-12, requiring the referenced permits, the project will not result in substantial adverse effects on federally protected wetlands. BIO-12 Prior to removal of the existing sewer and/or gas trestle bridges or construction of the new bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel, the project proponent shall apply for and receive approval of a Nationwide Permit 12 (Utility Line Activities) pursuant to Section 10 of the River and Harbors Act from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This bridge removal and construction activity shall also necessitate water quality certification issued by the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, and issuance of a Streambed Alteration Agreement with the California Department of Fish and Game. No additional mitigation beyond removal of the existing trestle bridges is anticipated to be required. d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? Less Than Significant Impact. The subject sewer improvements and utility relocations are within an area regulated by the City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP). This HMP establishes the policy impact and mitigation standards with regard to the requirements of the Federal and State Endangered Species Acts (ESA). This HMP identifies the location of Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 47 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 proposed habitat preserves and links, intended to establish wildlife connectivity and corridors. The project crosses HMP Core #4, which is identified as a core area for wildlife protection and connectivity pursuant to the HMP. The rest of the proposed project alignment is within urbanized areas, not identified as a core, linkage, special resource area, existing or proposed hardline conservation area, or proposed standards area as defined by the HMP. The single Core #4 crossing is at the proposed Agua Hedionda channel bridge. The channel bridge will be situated approximately 17-feet above the surface of the lagoon, and will span the entire channel width. Thus, since the project will not obstruct or displace any portion of the channel, no aquatic corridor impacts are anticipated to result due to project implementation. As indicated in the response to Section IV(c) above, since the proposed project will not affect wildlife movement in this channel, and will not impact any other HMP or other identified wildlife corridor or wildlife movement, the project is considered consistent with this HMP designation and will have a less than significant impact on the HMP corridor crossing. Since no impacts to the lagoon channel will result from the project, no impacts to migratory fish will result from the project. e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? Less Than Significant Impact. City of Carlsbad has an adopted heritage tree preservation policy. Heritage trees are identified trees located within the city limits which are identified as having notable historic interest or trees of an unusual species or size... The project does not impact any of these trees. The proposed lift station would however, impact 12 eucalyptus trees, for which mitigation is required pursuant to the policies of the HMP. However, as a result of the fact that impacts to these eucalyptus trees will be mitigated pursuant to Mitigation Measure BIO-1, and the fact that no protected trees are impacted by the project, it is determined that the project would not conflict with the Carlsbad HMP or any other policy or ordinance, as indicated in the discussion in Section IV(c) above. For these reasons it is concluded that a less than significant impact would occur. 0 Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? Less Than Significant Impact. The City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP) designates a natural preserve system and provides a regulatory framework for determining impacts to sensitive biological resources and assigning mitigation for any impacts that do occur. In addition, the project is also located within the California Coastal Zone and the Mello II segment (City of Carlsbad certification) and Agua Hedionda Lagoon segment (area of deferred certification) of the adopted Local Coastal Program (LCP). No other local, regional or state habitat conservation plans specific to this site encumber the property. The project crosses HMP Core #4, which is identified as a core area for wildlife protection and connectivity pursuant to the HMP. The project however, will mitigate for impacts to vegetation communities protected by that HMP, as discussed in Section IV (a) above. The HMP contains a number of Adjacency Standards that specifically apply to projects adjacent to sensitive habitat. As this project is located in the Mello II Land Use and Implementation Plan segment of the City's Local Coastal Program, it is subject to these policies. However, since the project does not permanently disturb any sensitive habitat, several of these policies do not apply. 1. Fire Management. The project is proposing only two above-grade structures, the sewer lift station and the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel bridge structure. As a result of the specific characteristics of these structures, neither of these structures will necessitate a fire suppression or "clear area" around them. As a result the project does not result in impacts that would affect Fire Management. 2. Erosion Control. The project construction activities will include appropriate temporary erosion and sediment control protections so that all exposed soil in the area of the construction will be protected from erosion. This will include silt fences, sandbags and straw mulch rolls being placed around excavated trench spoils during the construction period. Also, all storm drains and natural drainages situated downstream from the construction will be protected by linear sediment barriers or similar erosion control devices. Weather monitoring will take place in Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 48 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 order to avoid exposed soils during times of heavy rainfall. The streets within and around the construction site will be swept and maintained regularly during the construction period. The project will provide a multiple- treatment program, including four different treatment systems; (1) a vegetated or river rock swale located along the southeast side of the project which will treat runoff from the site through filtering by the vegetation in the channel, (2) filtering through a subsoil matrix, and filtration into the underlying soils, an on-line underground wet vault structure which will provide storage for site runoff and improve the settling of particulate stormwater pollutants, (3) pervious surfaces, which will allow infiltration of oils and other pollutants into the earth rather than running offsite, and (4) an infiltration basin located at the south end of the site, which will infiltrate stormwater and will use the natural filtering ability of the soil to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. The project will not direct any new surface drainage into Agua Hedionda Lagoon. 3. Landscaping Restrictions. Mitigation Measure BIO-10 will ensure that landscaping restrictions will avoid impacts to the sensitive habitats from landscaping provided in conjunction with the project. 4. Fencing, Signs, and Lighting. Fences, signs, and lighting can assist in the protection and understanding of biological resources. However, they can also negatively impact wildlife and plants by inviting vandalism, restricting wildlife movement, and upsetting nocturnal species. The project complies with this adjacency standard because only low intensity security lighting will be provided on the lift station. Fencing is proposed only around the lift station site. 5. Predator and Exotic Species Control. The project would comply with this standard in the following ways: (1) the project will mitigate for permanent impacts to biological resources, and thus will not affect the movement of any native resident or migratory wildlife species, or wildlife corridors, and (2) temporary impacts will be minimized through coordinated placement of excavated soil and storage of machinery and materials as indicated in Section IV (a) above. The HMP also includes Additional Conservation Standards to be applied to properties in the Coastal Zone (Policies 7-1 through 7-14). The following is an analysis of compliance with these Conservation Standards: 1. Policy 7-1. The project complies because it does not encroach into or propose construction in an environmentally sensitive habitat area (ESHA). ESHA is defined in the Coastal Act Section 30107.5 as, "Any area in which plant or animal life or their habitats are either rare or especially valuable because of their special nature or role in an ecosystem and which could be easily disturbed or degraded by human activities and developments." The project avoids impacts to sensitive habitats, with the exception of minor slivers of the important DCSS habitat. However, the DCSS in this area is not rare or especially valuable because it is situated in a series of small, fragmented, isolated patches, surrounded by a highly urbanized environment. Nor is the impacted vegetation especially valuable to the ecosystem since the area has already been largely degraded by urbanization, industrialization and the adjacent railroad. As a result of these factors, the project does not impact ESHA. Notwithstanding that the project will not impact ESHA, it will mitigate for the 0.09 acres of DCSS that will be impacted through compliance with the mitigation measures identified in the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP). Additionally, the only portion of the project that is situated within an identified hardline open space is the Agua Hedionda channel bridge, which will be situated 17-feet above the surface of the water, and thus will not impact any hardline habitat. 2. Policy 7-2. The project complies because it mitigates for impacts to DCSS through 0.05 acres of credit debiting from the Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel, and also an additional 0.09 acre of revegetation (creation) of DCSS on or near the impact location. These 0.09 acres of DCSS revegetation is expected to occur within and around the eastern half of the demolished, filled-in existing lift station overflow basin, but could occur in a different location -in the area. Thus, as a result of the inclusion of Mitigation Measures BIO-1 and BIO-2, the project will result in no-net-loss of DCSS. 3. Policy 7-3. The project complies because it does not impact any Oak Woodland vegetation. 4. Policy 7-4. The project complies because it does not impact any streamcourse. 5. Policy 7-5. The project complies because it does not impact any ephemeral drainage or ephemeral stream. 6. Policy 7-6. The project complies because it does not impact any delineated wetlands. 7. Policy 7-7. The project complies because the only impact to wetlands from the project is the removal of the trestle bridge(s) and the trestle footings and their replacement with the new bridge (which will span over the top of the wetlands). Thus, the temporary construction impacts to wetlands are not permanent and the project will result in no loss of wetland. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 49 Agua Heilionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Policy 7-8. The project complies because it fully mitigates for impacted DCSS, and does not impact Maritime Succulent Scrub, Southern Maritime Chaparral, Southern Mixed Chaparral, Native Grassland or Oak Woodland, and therefore no mitigation is required for these vegetation types. Policy 7-9. The project complies because it fully mitigates for impacted DCSS, and does not impact Southern Maritime Chaparral, Maritime Succulent Shrub, Native Grassland or Oak Woodland, and therefore no mitigation is required for these vegetation types. Policy 7-10. This policy is not applicable because the project area is not highly constrained (i.e.; is less than 80% constrained), and thus the project is in compliance with this policy. Policy 7-11. The project complies because all proposed structures (except for the proposed bridge across the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel) will maintain in excess of the minimum 100-foot wetland setback, and in excess of the minimum 20-foot setback from all DCSS. The bridge structure however, is location dependent because no feasible alternative location exists for the bridge and by definition it must cross the channel. Further, the bridge will replace an existing bridge which will be removed. Thus, a reduction in setback for the bridge will be necessary. With this anticipated reduction in setback for the location-dependent bridge, the project is in compliance with this policy. Policy 7-12. The project complies because all graded areas will be improved or landscaped which will minimize erosion. Also grading will not occur during the rainy season unless sufficient erosion control measures have been included in the project construction program. Policy 7-13. This policy is not applicable to the project because the project is not located on lands adjacent to Macario Canyon and Veterans Memorial Park. Policy 7-14. This policy is not applicable because the project is not located on any of the properties identified. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE TO BE ADDRESSED: V. CULTURAL RESOURCES - Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the signifi- cance of an archeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique pale ontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? Potentially Significant Impact U U Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated X X Less Than Significant Impact No Impact X X a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in 5064.5? §1 No Impact. An Archaeological Resources Survey for the Agua Hedionda Sewer and Lift Station, dated May 2009, has been prepared by Affinis for the proposed project. Based on an archaeological literature and records search of historic maps and aerial photographs, no buildings or structures have been recorded within the project area of potential effect. No National Register listed properties or California Points of Historic Interest exist within the alignment of the project Historic maps reviewed were the 1901 USGS 30' San Luis Key quadrangle, the 1898 USGS 15' Oceanside quadrangle, the 1942 USGS 15' Oceanside quadrangle, the 1948 USGS 7.5' San Luis Key quadrangle, and the 1948 USGS 7.5 Encinitas quadrangle. The 1928 County tax factor aerial photographs were reviewed as well. The Native American Heritage Commission was contacted for a search of their Sacred Lands File. Interested parties identified by the Native American Heritage Commission were contacted regarding the project. Correspondence with the Native American Heritage Commission and the local Native American community occurred. No historic buildings or resources were identified as a Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 5 0 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26 / CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 result of these efforts. As a result of the fact that no historical resources have been recorded or were identified in the vicinity of the project, no impact to historical resources will result from implementation of the project. b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. The lagoons of northern San Diego County, including Agua Hedionda, provided a rich environment that was used by native populations for thousands of years. Dozens of archaeological sites, evidenced by scatters of marine shell, flaked stone tools, ground stone implements, and fire-affected rock from hearths, are found along the margins of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The area is also at the juncture of the territories of the Luiseno Indians in the north and the Kumeyaay in the south. A number of local historical authorities show the south side of Agua Hedionda Lagoon as the boundary between the two territories. Records investigations for the Archaeological Resources Survey concluded that two archaeological sites (CA-SDI-10,478 and CA-SDI-210) were previously recorded adjacent to the project area and one site was previously recorded within the impact area (CA-SD1-6751). The entire length of the project alignment, including the above-referenced three potential archaeological sites was field-surveyed for cultural resources by an archaeologist and a Native American monitor. No evidence was found of CA-SDI-10,478, which was noted in the immediate area of the area of project impact. Marine shell was found in the mapped area of CA-SDI-6751; however all of the soil in this area appeared to be dredge spoils and other fill. No cultural material was observed in these soils. No other cultural material was found within the project area. It was noted however, that the marine shell observed within the project area appears to be the result of dredging, and the Encina Power Plant supports fill soils of unknown origin. Based on monitoring of geotechnical testing, it is suggested that intact cultural deposits may be present beneath the fill soils, the depths of which vary from 2.5 feet to 10 feet. Therefore, if the proposed pipeline would be trenched into native soils beneath these fills, which is anticipated, there is a potential for encountering cultural resources. Given the number of archaeological sites in the area and the nature of the soils, there is a potential for archaeological resources to exist within a subsurface context, with little or no evidence on the existing soil surface. As a result, Mitigation Measure CUL-1 is included in the MMRP. Investigations conclude that the Native American Heritage Commission has no record of Native American cultural resources within '/2 mile of the project, although there are Native American cultural resources in proximity to the project area, as indicated above. As a result, the project could also result in a significant impact to Native American resources if mitigation is not included. Therefore, Mitigation Measure CUL-2 is included in the MMRP. If the following mitigation measures are included, impacts associated with archaeological resources will be mitigated to a level of insignificance. CUL-1 Prior to the commencement of ground-disturbing activities, the project developer shall retain a qualified archaeologist to monitor ground-disturbing activities. The qualified archaeologist shall be on-site during all grading, trenching, and other ground-disturbing activities unless otherwise agreed upon by the archaeologist and City Staff. In the event any potential cultural resource is uncovered during the course of the project construction, ground-disturbing activities in the vicinity of the find shall be redirected until the nature and extent of the find can be evaluated by the archaeological monitor. If cultural resources are encountered, the archaeologist shall have the authority to temporarily halt or redirect grading/trenching while the cultural resources are documented and assessed. If significant resources are encountered, appropriate mitigation measures must be developed and implemented. If any human remains are discovered, the County Medical Examiner shall be contacted. In the event that the remains are determined to be of Native American origin, the Most Likely Descendant, as identified by the Native American Heritage Commission, shall be contacted in order to determine proper treatment and disposition of the remains. Recovered artifactual materials shall be cataloged and analyzed. A report shall be completed describing the methods and results of the monitoring and data recovery program. Artifacts shall be curated with accompanying catalog to current professional repository standards or the collection will be repatriated to the appropriate Native American Tribe(s), as specified in the pre-excavation agreement. CUL-2 Prior to the commencement of ground disturbing activities, the project developer shall retain the services of a Native American monitor. The purpose of this monitoring will be to allow for tribal observation of trenching excavation including formalized procedures for the treatment of Native American human remains and burial, ceremonial, or cultural items that may be uncovered during any ground disturbance activities. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 51 Aguu Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 Prior to implementation of the monitoring, a pre-excavation agreement shall be developed between the appropriate Native American Tribe and the City of Carlsbad. The Native American representative(s) shall attend the pre-grading meeting with the contractors to explain the requirements of the program. The Native American monitor shall be on-site during all grading, trenching, and other ground-disturbing activities unless otherwise agreed upon by the monitor and City Staff. c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. Based on a literature review of the subject project alignment, including published geologic maps, and field reconnaissance, the project site is generally underlain by fill, alluvium, and terrace deposits. Fill soil is presumed to have been placed in the area in conjunction with grading for the adjacent land uses, including the railway, building pads associated with the power plant and accessory tanks and uses, commercial structures, and roadways, including 1-5. The fills are generally expected to be relatively shallow; however fills placed to construct the railroad where the proposed pipe bridge across the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel is proposed may be up to 35 feet deep. These fill soils would be expected to have a low potential to contain significant nonrenewable paleontological resources as any resources would have been destroyed by previous construction. Therefore, it is determined that no unique geologic features would exist in relation to the fill soil impacted by the project. Alluvial deposits also underlay the area around the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The materials generally consisted of light olive gray to dark brown, poorly consolidated, sands and silty sands. In locations where the pipe bridge is proposed to cross Agua Hedionda Lagoon, at the north and south abutment locations, the alluvium is anticipated to extend to depths of about 150 feet and 75 feet deep, respectively. Unique or high quality paleontological finds are not expected in the alluvial materials due to the unconsolidated character of this soil, and thus its relatively poor ability to hold artifacts together over geologic epoch periods. Pleistocene-age terrace deposits were observed along the west side of Avenida Encinas, south of Palomar Airport Road and along the railroad right of way south of Cannon Road. The materials observed generally consist of light brown to reddish- brown, damp, loose to dense, silty, and fine to medium-grained sand. The terrace deposits are expected to underlie the surficial soils across the project site. These Pleistocene-age deposits have in the past, in Carlsbad, yielded significant fossils of extinct animals from the Ice Age. Some trenching activities of the project would occur at depths (i.e.; the bridge abutments will be dug to a depth of 20-feet below the surface) and in areas that contain these soil deposits and the potential for disturbance of paleontological resources could be significant. The implementation of CUL-3 in conjunction with the project would reduce impacts to paleontological resources to level of less than significant. CLIL-3 Prior to any excavation or trenching into undisturbed, older Pleistocene sediment, the project developer shall retain a qualified paleontologist during construction excavations within these sediment deposits, if any, to observe construction excavations. In the event that any unique paleontological resources are encountered, the resources shall be salvaged, recorded, and curated, under the direction of the monitoring paleontologist. d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? No Impact. A review of cultural literature of the vicinity of the alignment of the project concludes that no known human remains are located in the area of impact of the proposed project. The California Health and Safety Code (Section 7050.5) states that if human remains are discovered on the project site, no further disturbance shall occur until the County Medical Examiner has made a determination of origin and disposition pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. As adherence to state regulations would be required, no mitigation would be necessary in the unlikely event that human remains were discovered during construction of the project. Thus, no impact to human remains is expected to result from implementation of the project. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 52 Agua Hediondu Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS - Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury or death involving: i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii. Strong seismic ground shaking? iii. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? iv. Landslides? b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soils, as defined in Table 18 - 1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1997), creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? Potentially Significant Impact n D D Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated X =-• -— g~"-' X ='- — •- = _ Less Than Significant Impact x X X D No Impact X X X a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury or death involving: i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. Less Than Significant Impact. The project area is situated in the western portion of the Peninsular Ranges geomorphic province of southern California. This geomorphic province encompasses an area that extends 125 miles from the Transverse Ranges and the Los Angeles Basin, south to the Mexican border, and beyond another 775 miles to the southern tip of Baja California. The westernmost portion of the province in San Diego County, in which the site is located, generally consists of Upper Cretaceous, Tertiary and Quaternary age sedimentary rocks. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 53 Agua Heiliondu Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SVP10-02/HMP 10-03 The most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the California Geological Survey for the north San Diego County area, indicates that the project is considered to be in a seismically active area, as is most of southern California. This map however, indicates that the subject site is not underlain by known active faults, nor is there evidence of ground displacement in the area during the last 11,000 years. The Rose Canyon fault zone is the closest known fault, which is the onshore portion of an extensive fault zone that includes the Offshore Zone of Deformation and the Newport-Inglewood fault to the north of the subject site. This fault zone, located approximately 4.5 miles westerly of the subject site, is made of predominately right-lateral strike-slip faults that extend south-southeast through the San Diego metropolitan area. The zone extends offshore at La Jolla, and continues north- northwest generally parallel to the coastline. Portions of the Rose Canyon fault zone in the San Diego area have been recognized by the State Geologist to be considered active. Additionally, the Julian and Temecula segments of the Elsinore fault zone, about 24 miles to the northeast of the subject site are also referenced in the Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. A Geotechnical Evaluation of the Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Force Main, dated August 3, 2009, has been conducted by Ninyo & Moore, Geotechnical and Environmental Sciences consultants. This report concludes that based on their review of published geologic maps and historic aerial photographs, as well as their site reconnaissance, that although the project site is considered to be in a seismically active area, no active faults are known to be present across the project site. The closest fault is located approximately 4.5 miles westerly of the site. The Elsinore fault zone is located approximately 24 miles east of the site. The potential for rupture resulting from earthquake is considered to be low. The subject site is not within a fault-rupture hazard zone as indexed in the Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. Due to the lack of known active faults on the site, the potential for surface rupture at the site is considered low. Further, the project site is not within a fault-rupture hazard zone as determined in the geotechnical report, and as indexed in the Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42; therefore the project would not expose people .or structures to potential substantial adverse effects. For these reasons, project impacts would be less than significant. ii. Strong seismic ground shaking? Less Than Significant Impact. Based on a Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment for California, issued by the United States Geological Survey/California Geological Survey (2003), the project is located in a zone where the horizontal peak ground acceleration having a 10 percent probability of exceedance in 50 years is 0.34g (34 percent of the acceleration of gravity). The requirements of the governing jurisdictions and applicable building codes should be considered in the project design. As indicated in the response to Issue No. VI(a)(i) above, based on a review of the referenced reports and geologic maps, as well as on a geologic field reconnaissance, the project site is not underlain by known active faults (i.e., faults that exhibit evidence of ground displacement during the last 11,000 years). Further, the project does not include any habitable structures, however daily inspection and regular maintenance of the lift station would result in people working in the station for short periods. Thus, the hazards associated with ground shaking during a seismic event would be minimal. Although not expected, the sewer pipeline could be damaged by ground shaking, conceivably causing a leak or rupture and leading to a spill into other areas. The City of Carlsbad Engineering Public Works Department has procedures in place and would immediately repair the pipeline on an emergency basis and contain any spills or leakage. As such, impacts from strong seismic ground shaking would be less than significant. iii. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. Liquefaction of soils with minimal cohesion can be caused by strong vibratory motion due to earthquakes. Research and historical data indicates that loose granular soils and non-plastic silts that are saturated by a relatively shallow groundwater table are susceptible to liquefaction. Some of the saturated alluvial materials in and around the lagoon areas, including Agua Hedionda Lagoon, have a potential for liquefaction. Liquefaction potential of soils in the vicinity of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon bridge crossing and at the lift station site has been evaluated through exploratory borings and it has been concluded that the relatively loose to medium dense, granular soil layers occurring below the historic high groundwater level (Elevation +1 MSL) and up to a depth of approximately 12 feet below the ground surface at the southern abutment of the proposed bridge are susceptible to liquefaction during a Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 54 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 severe seismic event. As a result of this potential for liquefaction, the bridge structure may be subjected to soil settlement. The amount of post-earthquake settlement has been determined (Geotechnical Evaluation. Ninyo & Moore, August 3, 2009) to be up to approximately 3 inches at the southern bridge abutment (location of greatest settlement). Since the lagoon channel bridge is being constructed to carry the 54-inch sewer trunk line, the 12-inch recycled water line, the optional high-pressure natural gas transmission line, the 4-inch potable water line, maintenance vehicles and the Coastal Rail Trail, the potential exists that liquefaction-caused slumping of the southern bridge abutment could occur, This is considered a potentially significant impact. Thus, mitigation measure GEO-1 is included which requires the use of deep foundations and the removal and recompaction of surface soils prior to the construction of the southern bridge abutment. Inclusion of mitigation measure GEO-1 will reduce the potential impact from liquefaction to less than significant. The liquefaction-induced settlement at the northern abutment is estimated to be less than 0.5 inches, and thus is considered a less than significant impact. Where necessary, compacted fill soil and gravel will be placed above and below the pipeline (within the trench) in order to protect the sewer line. Further, the sewer pipe will be constructed to be consistent with design standards for such pipes in areas susceptible to liquefaction. Also, the existing sewer lift station and_sewer pipeline has existed for many years and no significant liquefaction has occurred. Thus, the moderate liquefaction risk associated with the alluvial soils under the pipes and the lift station are not considered a significant impact. Therefore, with adherence to standard trunk sewer design standards in these cases, seismic ground failure impacts from potential liquefaction would be less than significant. GEO-1 Grading and construction of the southern bridge abutment shall comply with the geotechnical recommendations contained in the Geotechnical Evaluation prepared by Ninyo & Moore, dated August 3, 2009, in order to reduce the potential for settlement due to seismically-induced liquefaction or lateral spread. These recommendations shall include the use of deep foundations and the removal and recompaction of surface soils prior to construction. iv. Landslides? No Impact. The majority of the project alignment contains slopes of 0% to 10% gradient. The project does not include the grading of any areas that would pose landslide risks to people or structures. Based on a review of published geologic literature and geologic reconnaissance, no landslides or related features underlie the subject lift station site or the proposed sewer pipeline alignment. Also, the project does not propose construction of any habitable structures, the sewer line would be underground, and the lift station would be 26-feet below existing grade at the north and east elevations. Therefore, no impacts relating to landslides would occur from the proposed project. b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? Less Than Significant Impact. Alluvial soils present within the project alignment have a high erosion hazard. However, after completion of construction activities, topographic contours (except for the location of the sewer lift station) would be returned to their original levels. The project will include appropriate BMPs, the incorporation of the geotechnical report findings, and the use of imported soils and gravel when appropriate. Temporary erosion and sediment control protections so that all exposed soil in the area of the construction will be protected from erosion. This will include silt fences, sandbags and straw mulch rolls being placed around excavated trench spoils during the construction period. Also, all storm drains and natural drainages situated downstream from the construction will be protected by linear sediment barriers or similar erosion control devices. Weather monitoring will take place in order to avoid exposed soils during times of heavy rainfall. The streets within and around the construction site will be swept and maintained regularly during the construction period. The project would have a less than significant impact on soil erosion or the loss of topsoil. c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse? Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. As discussed above in Section VI(a)(iii), the project alignment is located in an area subject to potential earth movement as the result of a significant seismic event. This earth movement Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 5 5 Agua Hedlonda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP JO-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 includes the potential for lateral spread of the ground surface during an earthquake. Lateral spread usually takes place along weak shear zones that have formed within a liquefiable soil layer. The area around the southern bridge abutment is considered to be susceptible to seismically induced lateral spread of up to about 7 inches of lateral displacement in the direction of the lagoon following the seismic event. This is considered a potentially significant impact. As a result, mitigation measure GEO-1 (above) has been included which requires the use of deep foundations and the removal and recompaction of the surface soils at the southerly bridge abutment will mitigate this impact to a level of insignificance. The balance of the project will not result in the potential for significant impact from landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse. d) Be located on expansive soils, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1997), creating substantial risks to life or property? No Impact. Alluvial soils occur in the area of the proposed project. The alluvial soils on the site are not considered to be significantly expansive pursuant to the definitions identified in Table 18-1-B of the UBC (1997). A final geotechnical study to assess specific soil suitability and stability will be prepared prior to construction of the project. The conclusions of the geotechnical engineer will be incorporated into the design and construction techniques of the project. Proper base will be placed under the pipes in order to minimize the potential for any long-term settling of the soil beneath the facilities. As a result, no impacts would occur. e) , Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? No Impact. The project does not include any proposed septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems. As a result, no impacts would occur from implementation of the project. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS - Would the project: a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact IX U No Impact U IXJ a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? Less Than Signficant Impact. Global temperatures are regulated by naturally occurring atmospheric gases (referred to as greenhouse gases) such as water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). The effect that each greenhouse gas has on climate change is measured as a combination of the volume of its emissions, and its potential for contribution to global warming. Potential for contribution to global warming is defined as the role that a gas or aerosol plays in trapping heat in the atmosphere, and is expressed as a function of how much warming would be caused by the same mass of CO2. For instance, CH4 has a global warming potential of 21, meaning that one gram of CH4 traps the same amount of heat as 21 grams of C02. Climate change is a global problem. Greenhouse gases are global pollutants unlike the air pollutants measured for regional areas through the RAQS (Regional Air Quality Standards) or other local air quality standards. Whereas pollutants with localized air quality effects have relatively short atmospheric lifetimes (typically about 1 day), greenhouse gases have long Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study — 8/5/10 56 Agiia Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26/CDP10-17 / HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 atmospheric lifetime, persisting in the atmosphere for long enough time periods to be dispersed around the globe. As a result, impacts of greenhouse gases are also borne globally. The quantity of greenhouse gases that it takes to ultimately result in measurable climate change is not precisely known; however, it is clear that the quantity is enormous, and no single development project alone would measurably contribute to a noticeable change in the global average temperature, or to the global climate. Therefore, from the standpoint of CEQA, Greenhouse gases impacts to global climate change are inherently cumulative. The proposed project will not result in direct greenhouse emissions because it does not directly produce gases or emissions. Indirect incremental greenhouse gas emissions anticipated from the project_will occur however, and include emissions generated by the Encina energy plant (off-site) supplying electricity to be used on the site during the operation of the lift station, and from limited vehicle trips to and from the project site during its operation for ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the facilities. Additionally, the project will also will result in exhaust emissions during construction of the project from fuel combustion for mobile heavy-duty diesel- and gasoline-powered equipment, portable auxiliary equipment, material delivery trucks, and worker commuter trips. Greenhouse gases of primary concern from the proposed facilities would include CO2, CH4 and N2O. Other greenhouse gases are of less concern because both construction and operational activities associated with the project are not likely to generate substantial quantities of these gases. Detailed estimates of energy use and resulting greenhouse gas emissions are complicated by the limitations of energy modeling tools. No specific CEQA thresholds of significance have been established for greenhouse gas emissions. However, in light of the limited amount of energy projected to be used by the project, and the limited scope of construction area and duration, it can be concluded that the proposed project would account for only a small fraction of a percent of California's greenhouse gas emissions. The substantive energy user, the lift station, includes four 40 hp pumps (lift side), and four 100 hp pumps (force main side). The total pumping capacity of the station is up to 23.5 mgd on the lift side and up to 26.5 mgd on the force main side. The total station capacity is 50 mgd. This facility will use an estimated 1.14 kw/hrs per year. Some off-setting reduction from the elimination of the existing lift station will also take place. The net result is a relatively minor contribution from the project to the total greenhouse gas emissions and is thus not considered significant. This contribution will add a small incremental amount however to the cumulative effect of all the world's greenhouse gas emitters over time that would contribute to greenhouse gas-related climate change. It is noted that Mitigation Measure AQ- 1, although directed specifically toward reducing CO, NOX and PM10 and PM2.5 emissions, could also help contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions during project construction. As a result, it is concluded that neither greenhouse gas emissions from the operation of the facility, nor greenhouse gas emissions from construction of the facility are considered significant. b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? No Impact. No evidence exists that the proposed project will result in any inconsistency with adopted plans, policies or regulations regulating the emissions of greenhouse gases. The proposed project is consistent with the City of Carlsbad General Plan, the Carlsbad Zoning Ordinance, the Carlsbad Agua Hedionda Local Coastal Program, and Specific Plan 144. These plans are all consistent with SANDAG's Regional Comprehensive Plan (2004). With the adoption of Mitigation Measure AQ-1, the project will not violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation. Greenhouse gas-contributing emissions from operational electricity use, construction equipment, worker and delivery and material-hauling trucks, and construction related power consumption would not be in conflict with adopted plans, policies or regulations relating to greenhouse gas reduction. Thus, the project will result in no impact to these adopted plans, policies or regulations. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 57 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP 10-26 / CD P10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within -one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or environment? e) For a project within an airport land use plan, or where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? Potentially Significant Impact U U Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated X U 124 U Less Than Significant Impact X IN/|/\ No Impact X X X 1 X a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? Less Than Significant Impact. Operation of the project will not result in the use of any potentially hazardous materials. A nominal amount of potentially hazardous materials (e.g., fuel, paint products, lubricants, and solvents) may be used during construction activities. The transport, use and disposal of hazardous materials during the construction period would be conducted in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws. Compliance with applicable laws and regulations Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 58 Agua Hediondu Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(Q /SP 144(L) /RP JO-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 would ensure that the impact associated with the routine transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials would be less than significant. Also, portions of the sewer line installation will involve horizontal directional drilling (HDD). This operation involves the use of "drillers fluid" (bentonite clay slurry), which is pumped into the void behind the drill bit. Bentonite is a natural mineral, which serves to cool and lubricate the drill bit as well as stabilize and seal the drill hole against seepage and tunnel wall cave-ins. Routine transport, use and disposal of drillers fluid in the project for use in construction of the project is considered a less than significant impact. b) Create a significant hazard to the public or environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. As mentioned in the response to Section VII(a), the transport, use and disposal of hazardous materials during the construction period would be conducted in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws. Compliance with applicable laws and regulations would ensure that the impact associated with the routine transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials would be less than significant. Also, the lift station design concept incorporates extensive equipment redundancy for ensuring that equipment failures do not result in accidental sewage spills. The concept involves a lift station configuration that includes two independent pumping elements. The lift side of the station includes four 5-mgd pumps. The force main side of the station includes four 100 hp pumps. The total pumping capacity of the station is up to 23.5-mgd on the lift side and up to 26.5-mgd on the force main side. The total station capacity is 50-mgd providing 50% redundancy at peak wet weather flow conditions (33-mgd) and over 100% redundancy at peak dry weather flows (21 mgd). This 33-mgd is the future anticipated buildout demand of the service area of the line. The force main side and lift side can independently pump the 21 rrigd peak dry weather flows (wet and dry weather flow estimates are referenced from the Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan, March, 2003). In the event that a total failure occurs on either side, the station remains operable without consequences under peak dry weather flow conditions because it is designed with power redundancy and significant upstream storage capacity. This upstream storage capacity can also be utilized under catastrophic circumstances were they to occur under peak wet weather conditions. The station includes two independent electrical circuits, and will include a standby transfer switch to transfer to alternative energy source in the event of catastrophic power failure. In the event of full regional blackout, emergency power will be provided by an onsite generator. The generator has the capacity to store enough fuel for 24 hours of operation. Under such circumstances, the station is designed with alarms to alert officials to the problem and to enact the contingency plans to reduce flow (upstream lift stations contain storage volume) under such circumstances, if necessary. The upstream pipe also contains a significant amount of storage capacity, which can gradually fill up to allow the time necessary to resolve a problem should a critical emergency take place. During construction of the project, a nominal amount of potentially hazardous materials (e.g., fuel, paint products, lubricants, and solvents) may be used. The transport, use and disposal of hazardous materials during the construction period would be conducted in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws and no significant risk of accidental explosion or the release of hazardous substances is anticipated with construction, development, and implementation of the proposed project. From the south end of the lift station to a point south of Cannon Road (approximate 3,960 linear feet), the sewer line will be installed via a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) method. This method allows boring of a hole of sufficient size through use of a pilot hole and then a series of increasingly large steerable drill bits at the horizontal and vertical elevation required for the pipe. The drill is guided by electro-magnetic or GPS signals which direct the drill bit. This HDD method allows the installation of the pipeline at the proper underground elevation and alignment without open trench disturbance to the surface of the ground. A "driller's fluid" (bentonite clay slurry) will be pumped into the void behind the drill bit. Bentonite is a natural mineral, which serves to cool and lubricate the drill bit as well as stabilize and seal the drill hole against seepage and tunnel wall cave-ins. HDD operations can result in the potential for "inadvertent return", or the loss of driller's fluid through a "frac-out", which is a situation where the fluid reaches the surface of the ground or waterway. A frac-out may result from ground obstructions, unanticipated soil behavior, drive length, pipe diameter, and equipment failure. Such frac- outs are infrequent occurrences when qualified and experience HDD operators are managing the equipment. The potential for a frac-out during the HDD operation, and the resulting spill of driller's fluid into drainages which could ultimately drain into environmentally sensitive areas is a potentially significant impact which necessitates mitigation. As a result, mitigation Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 5 9 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 measures BIO-11 and BIO-12 have been included which require the preparation of a Spill Containment Plan and an Emergency Frac-out Containment Plan, respectively, which are necessary in order reduce this impact to a level of insignificance. These plans will demonstrate that the HDD operation will be coordinated so that if an inadvertent return to occur, the returned fluid flow would be directed to the existing overflow basin, and thus would not release into environmentally sensitive areas. The HDD operations would then not resume until this stored fluid was cleared and disposed of properly, and any environmental clean-up has been completed. Also, construction of the northerly bridge abutment will require relocation of an existing 12-inch high-pressure natural gas transmission line which is located on the north side of the channel within the construction area. Also, as an option, the gas line may be removed from its existing four-support channel bridge and placed into the new bridge structure. This natural gas is in a gaseous state. Special coordination will be undertaken with the operator of the line to ensure that the valves on each side of the construction segments have been closed so that the natural gas does not escape in an uncontrolled manner while the relocation work is being conducted. As a result of these precautions and practices, the potential for release of hazardous materials into the environment is minimal, and thus this impact is considered less than significant. c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? No Impact. The nearest existing school to the subject sewer alignment is Jefferson Elementary School, which is located at the corner of Jefferson Street and Tamarack Avenue, 1,600 linear feet (0.30 mi.) north of the northerly terminus of the proposed project. This distance is in excess of one-quarter mile. Likewise, no proposed schools are within one-quarter mile of the project. Therefore, no impact would occur. d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or environment? Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. The subject project alignment is not included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 56962.5 This code section includes federal superfund sites (NPL), state response sites, voluntary cleanup sites, school cleanup sites, and other hazardous sites. A Limited Environmental Due Diligence Review for the project has been conducted by Brown and Caldwell (dated June 27, 2007). This review concludes that the proposed sewer line alignment does not conflict with any identified site listed on any state or federal databases that track hazardous materials used and/or released. However, several such listed sites are located adjacent or in relatively close proximity to the sewer line corridor. These facilities are listed on the table below. Table 5: Database - Hazardous Materials List Facility NRG Encina Power Plant West Mart Service Station Floral Trade Center (Formerly Burroughs Corp-UNISYS) Palomar Shell Service Station Toyota Carlsbad Collision Center (Formerly Burroughs Corp - Unisys) Address 4600 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad, CA 92008 4990 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92008 5600 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92008 665 Palomar Airport Road Carlsbad, CA 92009 6030 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92009 Material of Concern Gasoline, diesel and No. 2 residual fuel oil Petroleum hydrocarbons Organic solvents Petroleum hydrocarbons Petroleum hydrocarbons and/or organic solvents These sites are located between 0.06 and 0.12 miles from the proposed sewer line alignment. The NRG Encina Power Plant has reported multiple releases and spills of petroleum hydrocarbons from various above-ground storage tanks (ASTs) on the site. A health risk assessment to determine potential risk to construction workers at the site found the increased risk to be less than the USEPA risk threshold that would require remediation. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 60 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C)/SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 Several years ago, Burroughs Corporation operated a printed circuit board manufacturing facility at two different locations that are proximate to the alignment of the proposed project. There are data from the 1980s indicating the possible release of organic solvents from these facilities. However, the County of San Diego Department of Health Services classifies these releases as case-closed, and as a result, not a threat to the area. As can be seen on Table 5, two gasoline service stations operate in close proximity to the project alignment. Service stations represent a potential release source of petroleum hydrocarbons into the subsurface soil environment. However, the County of San Diego Department of Health Services does not have a record of release from either of these sites. Soil and groundwater sampling has been conducted along the alignment of the project. An Environmental Soil and Groundwater Sampling for the Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Force Main, by Ninyo & Moore, dated August 28, 2009, was prepared. This report concludes that the potential exists for contaminated soil to be encountered during excavation activities in portions of the pipeline alignment. These areas of potential soil contamination include: (a) a potential to encounter TPH-e (petroleum hydrocarbons) on the lift station site, (b) a potential to encounter TPH-e approximately 300- 400 feet south of the lift station site, (c) a potential to encounter TPH-e under Avenida Encinas just south of Cannon Road, (d) a potential to encounter TPH-e and VOC (volatile organic compounds) under Avenida Encinas approximately 400-500 feet north of Palomar Airport Road, and (e) a potential to encounter TPH-e in soil under Avenida Encinas just south of Palomar Airport Road. Also, metals were detected in the groundwater approximately 700 feet south of the lift station and under Avenida Encinas approximately 350 feet north of the southern end of the project. As a result of these potential hazardous materials impacts, Mitigation Measures HAZ-1 and HAZ-2 will be required in order to mitigate these impacts to a level of insignificance. Further, without an extensive program of subsurface sampling and analysis during the construction period it is not possible to fully quantify the health risk to construction workers installing the sewer line. Therefore, it is recommended that a contingency plan be developed documenting the procedures to be used should an unexpected pocket of hazardous materials be encountered during excavation activities. Without this contingency plan, a significant impact from hazardous materials could result. The requirement for this contingency plan is included as Mitigation Measure HAZ-3. Furthermore, it is recommended that air monitoring be conducted in the excavation and trenching foot-print during trenching and grading operations. Air monitoring shall be conducted using a portable photoionization detector (PID). This instrument is capable of detecting both petroleum hydrocarbons and organic solvents and will provide assurance that construction workers are not inadvertently exposed to potentially harmful organic vapors. With this additional mitigation measure, impacts relating to hazardous materials will be reduced to a level of less than significant. This requirement is included as Mitigation Measure HAZ-4. HAZ-1 A site-specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP) shall be prepared prior to subsurface construction activities in the vicinity of; (a) the lift station site and (b) Avenida Encinas just south of Palomar Airport Road. The HASP shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, and with the California OSHA requirements for hazardous waste operations and emergency response regulations. The HASP shall be reviewed and signed by a Certified Industrial Hygienist and include a community health and safety component. Anyone performing subsurface work in these areas should be alerted to the potential for encountering petroleum hydrocarbons and/or pesticides in soil and petroleum hydrocarbons and/or VOCs in groundwater and have received the appropriate training in accordance with the approved site-specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP). HAZ-2 A Soil Management Plan (SMP) shall be prepared prior to subsurface construction activities in the vicinity of; (a) the lift station site, (b) approximately 300-400 feet south of the lift station site, (c) Avenida Encinas just south of Palomar Airport Road, and in Avenida Encinas just south of Cannon Road and 400- 500 feet north of Palomar Airport Road, if dewatering activities are determined to be necessary. If dewatering activities are to be performed during construction, the SMP should include a groundwater management component for dewatering activities. If dewatering activities are proposed to be discharged to surface waters or the sewer system, the concentrations of metals in the extracted groundwater should meet the requirements provided in the permit from either the RWQCB (General Waste Discharge Requirements and NPDES permit or the City of Carlsbad). The SMP shall be prepared by a professional environmental consultant in accordance with the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 61 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/COP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 Health's Site Assessment and Mitigation Manual, RWQCB guidelines, and the standard of care of the industry. HAZ-3 Prior to any excavation or trenching, the construction contractor shall prepare a contingency plan documenting the procedures to be used should an unexpected pocket of hazardous materials be encountered during excavation and/or trenching activities. This plan shall be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer. HAZ-4 A qualified air monitor shall be retained to monitor air quality during trenching and grading operations. Air monitoring shall be conducted using a portable photoionization detector (PID). This instrument is capable of detecting both petroleum hydrocarbons and organic solvents and will provide assurance that construction workers are not inadvertently exposed to potentially harmful organic vapors. e) For a project within an airport land use plan, or where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? No Impact. The McClellan-Palomar runway is approximately 4,600 feet long, in which case it is classified as a "Medium General Aviation Runway" according to The California Department of Transportation Bureau of Aeronautics. The extreme southern end of the project alignment is located 1.96 miles from the western property line of McClellan Palomar Airport, and 2.10 miles from the runway of that airport. The southern section of the project alignment, from the approximate north of Cannon Road to the EWPCF is located within the Airport Influence Area (Review Area 2) as outlined in the McClellan- Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) Carlsbad. CA, March 4, 2010. Review Area 2places restrictions on heights of structures and requires recordation of overflight notification documents for certain types of development. Policy Objective 2.4.2(b) - Safety, of the McClellan-Palomar ALUCP states that "The purpose of safety compatibility policies is to minimize the risks of an off-airport aircraft accident or emergency landing. Risks to people and property on the ground in the vicinity of the Airport and to people on board aircraft are considered." Policy 2.4.2(c) - Air Space Protection, of the same document states that "The purpose of airspace protection compatibility policies is to ensure that structures and other uses of the land do not cause hazards to aircraft in flight within the Airport vicinity. Hazards to flight include but are not limited to; (1) Physical obstructions to the navigable airspace, (2) Wildlife hazards, particularly bird strikes, and (3) Land use characteristics that create visual or electronic interference with aircraft navigation or communication." At its closest point, the proposed project is located approximately 750 feet westerly [outside] of the Traffic Pattern Zone for McClellan Palomar Airport, as shown on Exhibit I1I-2, the Compatibility Policy Map - Safety in the McClellan-Palomar ALUCP. It is over one mile distant from the Outer Approach/Departure Zone. Since the project is located outside of these safety-consideration zones, it is concluded that the project will not result in critical safety considerations for the airport operations. Further, no part of the project is located within a Noise Compatibility Zone, per Exhibit III-l of the ALUCP. As a result of the fact that the project is not located within a safety limit zone as identified in the McClellan-Palomar ALUCP, no safety hazard impacts would occur from the project. f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? No Impact. No private airstrip exists in the vicinity of the subject project. As a result, no impacts would occur. g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? Less Than Significant Impact. The City of Carlsbad has adopted an Emergency Operations Plan, dated June 9, 2003. This plan addresses the City of Carlsbad's planned response to extraordinary emergency situations associated with natural Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 62 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP 10-26 / CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 disasters, human events, and technological incidents, including both peacetime and wartime nuclear defense operations. It provides an overview of operational concepts and identifies components of the City's Emergency Management Organization. The plan provides procedures to respond to a variety of emergency situations such as an earthquake, tsunami, liquefaction, landslide transportation accident, plane crash, hazardous materials incident, flood, severe weather, dam failure, wildland or urban fire, drought, energy shortage, nuclear power plant evacuation, civil unrest, workplace and school violence, or terrorism. The City does not publish emergency evacuation routes. With the exception of the sewer lift station structure and the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel bridge structure, the proposed project is almost wholly underground. These two structures are located in non-urban, non-traffic circulation areas which will not disrupt or interfere with emergency response plans. As a result of these factors, upon completion of the project, it will not significantly affect, block, or interfere with traffic on public streets, including any streets that would be used for an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. While the proposed pipelines are to be installed under [within] a public street ROW, they will be below ground, and thus have no effect on traffic circulation or emergency plans. Construction of the sewer lines will involve temporary control of traffic on portions of Avenida Encinas through the work activity zone as normal traffic flow and patterns will be disrupted. This work activity zone will be marked by signs, pavement markings, delineators and other devices to provide visibility to the drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians in order to provide a safe and efficient route through the work zone area. Detour routes will be provided as necessary. The existing four-lane Avenida Encinas roadway segment between Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road will be narrowed to two lanes (one each direction) during the construction period. Avenida Encinas south of Palomar Airport Road will be closed to all but local traffic during a short construction period of approximately 4 months. But three convenient adjacent roadways parallel this route (Carlsbad Boulevard, 1-5, Paseo del Norte), so temporary closure of this segment is not considered a significant impact. Traffic on highly-traveled Palomar Airport Road and Cannon Road will not be affected by the project construction as the sewer line will be installed through micro tunneling and horizontal directional drilling installation techniques, respectively. Such techniques do not necessitate closure or detouring of surface traffic. The entire recycled water line length will be installed via open trenching. This open trenching across the Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road intersections for this line will take place in one-lane segments so that only a single lane is closed to traffic at any time. Lane closures across these busy roadways will be of short duration (3-days) since the recycled water line involves only a relatively shallow 5-foot deep trench. Upon completion of open trenching backfill, the trench area will be promptly capped with asphalt to return the roadway to a smooth driving surface. Construction vehicles, including soil dump trucks and material-transporting trucks will be travelling to and from the site on a regular basis during the construction period. However, inasmuch as the construction period is projected to be over approximately 18 months, these trucks will not substantially add to area roadway traffic or congestion at any single timeframe period. A traffic control plan will be prepared for the project construction and approved by the City Traffic Engineer. As a result of these factors, the impacts are considered less than significant. The City of Carlsbad General Plan Public Safety Element's goals and objectives include the maintenance of close coordination between planned improvements to the circulation system within Carlsbad and the location of fire stations to ensure adequate levels of service and response times to all areas of the community, and to maintain an initial emergency travel response time of five (5) minutes. The City of Carlsbad Emergency Operations Plan applies to extraordinary emergencies that pose a threat to life and property and the overall well-being of the community. Traffic would be rerouted as described in the Project Description of this Initial Study. The City of Carlsbad will coordinate with the Carlsbad police and fire departments on the traffic detour plans and would coordinate further with the departments in advance of road closure to ensure adequate emergency response times are maintained and the emergency service providers are aware of all traffic detours. It can be assumed that response times may be altered by the traffic detour plan. However, with proper coordination, impacts would be less than significant. h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? No Impact. The project alignment is not located within a high fire hazard area. The project alignment is not adjacent to large areas of native, high-fuel habitat areas. The long term operation of the proposed sewer lines would not introduce uses that could increase fire susceptibility. As such, the proposed project will not result in any significant exposure to wildfire risk. As a result, no impact will occur. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 63 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26 /CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 / HMP10-03 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY - Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with ground water recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local ground water table level (i.e., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner, which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off- site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the flow rate or amount (volume) of surface runoff in a manner, which would result in flooding on- or off- site? e) Create or contribute runoff water, which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood delineation map? h) Place within 100-year flood hazard area structures, which would impede or redirect flood flows? i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? Potentially Significant Impact .1 ,; i .-. . . "- -'"•- U U Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated __- •" ••'"' '- U U Less Than Significant Impact X X X y \y/^ X No Impact X U U X X IX Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 64 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SVP10-02/HMP10-03 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: k) Increase erosion (sediment) into receiving surface waters. 1) Increase pollutant discharges (e.g., heavy metals, pathogens, petroleum derivatives, synthetic organics, nutrients, oxygen-demanding substances and trash) into receiving surface waters or other alteration of receiving surface water quality (e.g. temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity? m) Change receiving water quality (marine, fresh or wetland waters) during or following construction? n) Increase any pollutant to an already impaired water body as listed on the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list? o) Increase impervious surfaces and associated runoff? p) Impact aquatic, wetland, or riparian habitat? q) Result in the exceedance of applicable surface or groundwater receiving water quality objectives or degradation of beneficial uses? Potentially Significant Impact n Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated D ....__, •"-•'-'•-— Less Than Significant Impact X X X X X X X No Impact uu a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project is required to comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), the General Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction, and other applicable portions of the federal Clean Water Act, including the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, or Section 401. Also, the City of Carlsbad has adopted a Storm Water Management and Discharge Control Ordinance. This ordinance requires that all new development and redevelopment activities comply with the City's adopted storm water pollution protection requirements. The subject project is not exempt from Standard Urban Stormwater Management Plan (SUSMP) requirements and is considered a Priority Project, requiring Priority BMPs. The project applicant is also required to submit a Notice of Intent to the State Water Resources Control Board, prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and implement BMPs detailed in the SWPPP to reduce construction effects and post-development effects on the downstream water bodies. The project developer is required to identify and implement BMPs to reduce impacts to surface water from contaminated storm water discharges. In accordance with the NPDES, the construction contractor will be required to comply with NPDES and SWPPP regarding the implementation of BMPs during construction. Post-Development BMPs. The sewer pipeline will be placed underground and as a result no substantive post-development (permanent) BMPs are required. The lift station however will provide site design BMPs through source control and treatment control in order to protect downstream waters. The primary lift station site design BMP will be the installation of energy dissipaters such as riprap, at the outlets of the new storm drains that enter unlined channels at the lowest elevation end (west side) of the lift station site, in accordance with applicable specifications to minimize erosion from the project site. The energy dissipaters shall be installed in such a way as to minimize impacts to the receiving waters. Also, riprap will be installed at the outlets of the new storm drains located along the west side of the lift station site that drains to the existing vegetated bio-swale flow conveyance area and into a proposed water quality detention basin. At least 80% of the "first flush" of a rainstorm will be treated through this bio-swale and water quality basin. High-volume rainstorms (10-year storm or greater) will fill up the basin and overflow water will run directly downstream to the lagoon. A separate, elevated Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 65 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26 / CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 culvert will also be constructed along the eastern perimeter of the lift station structure to eliminate the potential for erosion along the eastern half of the site. In addition, the lift station design concept incorporates extensive equipment redundancy for ensuring that equipment failures do not result in accidental sewage spills. The concept involves a lift station configuration that includes two independent pumping elements. The "lift" side of the station includes four 40 hp pumps. The "force main" side of the station includes four 100 hp pumps. The total pumping capacity of the station is up to 23.5 mgd on the lift side and up to 26.5 mgd on the force main side. The total station capacity is 50 mgd. providing 50% redundancy at peak wet weather flow conditions (33 mgd) and over 100% redundancy at peak dry weather flows (21 mgd). The force main side and lift side can independently pump peak dry weather flows (21 mgd). In the event that a total failure occurs on either side, the station remains operable without consequences under peak dry weather flow conditions, and contains power redundancy and significant upstream storage capacity under catastrophic circumstances were they to occur under peak wet weather conditions. The station is also with two independent electrical circuits (primary and secondary), and will include an automatic standby transfer switch in the event of catastrophic power failure. In the event of full regional blackout, emergency power will be provided by a built-in on-site diesel fuel generator. Under such circumstances, the station is designed with alarms to alert officials to the problem and to enact the contingency plans to reduce flow (upstream lift stations contain storage volume) under such circumstances, if necessary. The upstream pipe also contains a significant amount of storage capacity to allow the time necessary to resolve a problem, should it occur. The lift station site design BMP's will involve a multiple-treatment program, including four different treatment systems, as indicated below. This information is shown on Figure 12. 1. Vegetated or river rock swale. A vegetated or river rock swale will be located along the southeast side of the project. This swale will treat runoff from the site through filtering by the vegetation in the channel, filtering through a subsoil matrix, and filtration into the underlying soils. The swale will trap particulate pollutants, promote infiltration and reduce the flow velocity of the stormwater runoff. The swale will maintain a thick vegetative cover or river rock to maintain proper drainage treatment functioning. Inspection and maintenance will be performed as necessary. 2. Wet vault. An underground wet vault structure will be installed along the west side of the project site. This structure will be on-line, in that it will connect from a storm drain (which collects on-site drainage), treats the stormwater in the vault (similar to a large catch basin), and exits drainage out into another storm drain line. It is designed to provide temporary and permanent storage for stormwater runoff. The permanent pool of water in the vault dissipates energy and improves the settling of particulate stormwater pollutants from the site. 3. Pervious surfaces. Pervious surfaces will be utilized over a portion of the lift station site. The pervious surfaces will capture stormwater and allow it to infiltrate into the ground instead of running off the surface, and off of the site. 4. Infiltration basin. An infiltration basin will be located at the south end of the site. This basin will be designed to infiltrate stormwater and will use the natural filtering ability of the soil to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. The basin will be designed with a minimum soil infiltration rate of 0.5 inches/hour. The basin will be designed to meet City of Carlsbad standards. Construction BMPs. During construction, the project BMPs will include, but are not limited to; silt fencing, fiber rolls or gravel bag berms, street sweeping and vacuuming, covering soil piles, storm drain inlet protection, check dams, stabilized construction entrances and exits, hydroseeding or mulching immediately after topsoil placement, waste (including concrete waste) management. The developer will be responsible for the regular maintenance of such construction BMPs. In addition, the developer will prepare an emergency plan prior to beginning construction work on the sewer line. This emergency plan shall include special precautions in order to reduce or eliminate the possibility of sewer spill into the adjacent wetlands. These precautions shall include a readily-identified sequence of emergency measures which are understood by construction personnel, assurance that necessary tools are available in the event of uncontrolled leakage, a program and pumps for temporary bypass, if needed, knowledge of critical operating facilities, and a program of defined roles and responsibilities. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 66 LEGEND: *• PIPE / SWALE FLOW SURFACE HOW RIVER NOCK OR VEGETATED SWALE AGUAHEDIONDA LAGOON CURB AND GUTTER CURBNLET 30-STORM DRAINPIPE CATCH BASIN WITH FILTRATION MEDIA INSERT 18'STORM DRAIN PIPE STORM DRAIN HEADWALL / RIPRAP OUTFALL TO INFILTRATION BASIN EXISTING INRJTRATION BASIN REPLACE EXISTING 30" STORM DRAM PIPE INFILTRATION BASIN WITH OVERFLOW TO SWALE'; RIVER ROCK OR VEGETATED SWALE AGUAHEDIONDA LAGOON CATCH BAJ5W . CURB INLET STORM DRAIN HEADWALL / RIPRAP OUTFALL TO INFILTRATION BASIN NOTCHED CURB CURB AND GUTTER CURB INLET PCC PAVEMENT (PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE) CONCRETE PAD CATCH BASIN WITH - FILTRATION MEDIA INSERT INFILTRATION BASIN (TC-11) STORM DRAIN CLEANOUT BASH OVERFLOW WLET EXISTING INFILTRATION BASIN June 4,2010 Brown.-.•a Caldwell PS# 080205 Figure 12 Stormwater Management Plan AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION Carlsbad, California NORTH SCALE: 1" = 120' 1530 FARADAY AVENUE, SUITE 100. CAHLS8AD. CA Q2DOB (700) 931-0780 FAX (780) 031-5744 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 Compliance with the NPDES and SWPPP requirements as demonstrated with the identified BMPs will ensure that the project will result in a less than significant impact on water quality standards or waste discharge requirements. b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with ground water recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local ground water table level (i.e., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? No Impact. The sewer pipeline will be entirely impervious and will be installed underground, and will thus have no effect on groundwater supplies or recharge. The lift station site is generally underlain by fill soil, alluvium soil and terrace deposits. The shallow fill material is presumed to have been placed in conjunction with grading operations for the existing power plant infrastructure. It is anticipated that the groundwater table is relatively shallow in the area and likely to be encountered at or near sea level. The lift station site design BMP's will involve a multiple-treatment program, including four different treatment systems including; (1) a vegetated or river rock swale located along the southeast side of the project which will treat runoff from the site through filtering by the vegetation in the channel, filtering through a subsoil matrix, and filtration into the underlying soils, (2) an on-line underground wet vault structure which will provide storage for site runoff and improve the settling of particulate stormwater pollutants, (3) pervious surfaces, which will allow infiltration of oils and other pollutants into the earth rather than running offsite, and (4) an infiltration basin located at the south end of the site, which will infiltrate stormwater and will use the natural filtering ability of the soil to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. As a result of these design features, no impacts to groundwater or groundwater recharge will occur from the project. c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner, which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? Less Than Significant Impact. The sewer pipeline will be constructed underground (except at the bridge over the lagoon channel) and the land surface will in all cases be returned to its original topographic relationships, except along the ridge north of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel, which will be raised approximately 3-feet in height and widened several feet. Drainage patterns may change temporarily as a result of construction activities; however, each portion of the alignment would be restored to its approximate original contours (excluding the north end embankment referenced above) following completion of each particular portion of the pipeline. The lift station is located within the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit 904.3 and the Agua Hedionda subarea 904.31. It is to be constructed on 2.3 acres within and tucked into a low, existing hillside. The hillside presently drains towards the west, to a low point at the northwest corner of the area, and drains into the lagoon. Under the post-construction situation, the lift station site will drain in a much more gradual pattern, towards the western edge of the site. The storm water that leaves the lift station site will then discharge directly into an area in the southwest corner of the site, and will then drain into the same finger of the lagoon as under the existing condition. More specifically, a storm drain system, including; (1) a vegetated or river rock swale located along the southeast side of the project, (2) an on-line underground wet vault structure which will provide storage for site runoff and improve the settling of paniculate stormwater pollutants, (3) pervious surfaces which will allow infiltration of oils and other pollutants into the earth, and (4) an infiltration basin located at the south end of the site, which will infiltrate stormwater and will use the natural filtering ability of the soil to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff are all proposed to minimize change to the existing drainage pattern or substantial alteration of the drainage of the lift station area. Therefore, since no change to the flow patterns over the sewer pipeline will result from the project, and the general flow pattern from the lift station site would be maintained, and BMPs to control erosion and siltation are being provided as part of the project, as discussed in Section VIII(a) above, it is determined that less than significant impacts would result from implementation of the project. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 68 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the flow rate or amount (volume) of surface runoff in a manner, which would result in flooding on- or off-site? Less Than Significant Impact. As discussed in Section VIIT(c) above, the project will result in temporary changes to drainage along the alignment of the pipeline during construction as the placement of equipment and materials associated with construction activities, as well as the temporary modification of permeable surfaces, and soil movement along the alignment would alter existing drainage patterns. Further, the lift station development will result in on-site modification to the drainage pattern over the 2.3 acres of the lift station. The project will not however, result in a significant alteration of the existing drainage pattern, and would not substantially increase the flow rate or volume of surface runoff. Thus, a less than significant impact is assessed. e) Create or contribute runoff water, which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project involves the construction of an underground sewer pipeline, a sewer lift station and a pipeline support bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel. During construction the potential for additional polluted runoff exists; however compliance with NPDES requirements, including preparation of a SWPP and implementing the BMPs identified therein would ensure that impacts associated with the creation of runoff water remain less than significant. f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project will connect to existing sewer facilities at both ends of the project, and there would be no discharges into surface waters during operation of the pipeline. In order to avoid sewage spills during operation of the lift station, the station design concept incorporates extensive equipment redundancy for ensuring that equipment failures do not result in wastewater spills. The concept involves a lift station configuration that includes two independent pumping elements. The lift side of the station includes four 40 hp pumps. The total lift capacity will maximize the use of the capacity of the existing 42-inch gravity sewer. The force main side of the station includes four 100 hp pumps. The total pumping capacity of the station is up to 23.5 mgd on the lift side and up to 26.5 mgd on the force main side. The station capacity is 50 mgd providing 50% redundancy at peak wet weather flow conditions (33-mgd) and over 100% redundancy at peak dry weather flows (21 mgd). The force main side and lift side can independently pump peak dry weather flows (21-mgd). In the event that a total failure occurs on either side, the station remains operable without consequences under peak dry weather flow conditions. Multiple redundant features including electrical power to the lift station are also provided, including a split station with two different means of conveyance to the treatment plant, and emergency back-up power. Emergency power will also be provided by a built-in onsite diesel fuel generator. The station is designed with alarms to alert officials to the problem and to enact the contingency plans to reduce flow (upstream lift stations contain storage volume), if necessary. During project construction, the major temporary staging areas will be located on; (a) the cleared area near the railroad tracks at the north end of the project; (b) on the YMCA site, (c) immediately east of the proposed lift station site, and (d) behind the Hilton Gardens Hotel on the City-owned property adjacent to Avenida Encinas. No staging areas will belocated within any drainages, streams or wetlands. Construction of the project will require grading, excavation and trenching activities, which could have the potential to allow eroded soils and other pollutants to enter drainage systems. During construction activities, water will be used for dust control. The use of water will be localized and directed onto stockpiles of dirt or sand, or into the pipeline trench or the lift station pad excavated area. The project will require a standard NPDES permit. This NPDES permit will require preparation of a SWPPP to identify and implement BMPs to reduce impacts to surface water from contaminated storm water discharges. The BMPs to be implemented by the project are identified in Section Vlll(a) above. Compliance with these requirements will ensure that the project would result in a less than significant impact on water quality. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 69 Agua Heilionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26 / CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 /HMP 10-03 Also, a number of State of California Coastal Act policies are addressed in the City's adopted LCP, which speak to water quality/erosion control required of development proposals within the Coastal Zone. Adequacy of the project in relation to these policies is as follows: 1. Agua Hedionda LCP Coastal Act Policy 30230 Marine Resources. The project complies because the project avoids impacts to marine resources. The project protects uses of the marine environment in a manner that will sustain the biological productivity of coastal waters and that will maintain healthy populations of all species of marine organisms adequate for long-term commercial, recreational, scientific, and educational purposes. 2. Agua Hedionda LCP Coastal Act Policy 30231 Biological Resources. The project complies because it will not impact biological production and the quality of coastal waters, streams, wetlands, estuaries, and lakes appropriate to maintain optimum populations of marine organisms and for the protection of human health through, among other means, minimizing adverse effects of wastewater discharges and entrainment, controlling runoff, preventing depletion of groundwater supplies and substantial interference with surface water flow, vegetation buffer areas that protect riparian habitats, and minimizing alteration of natural streams. 3. Agua Hedionda LCP Coastal Act Policy 30240(a) Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas. The project complies because the project avoids impacts with sensitive habitats, with the exception of the important DCSS habitat. However the CSS in this area is not rare or especially valuable because it is in a series of small, fragmented, isolated patches, surrounded by a highly urbanized environment. Nor is the impacted vegetation especially valuable to the ecosystem since the area has already been largely degraded by urbanization, industrialization and the adjacent railroad. As a result of these factors, the project is not considered ESHA. Notwithstanding that the project will not impact ESHA, it will mitigate for the 0.05 acres of DCSS that will be impacted through compliance with the mitigation measures identified in the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP). Additionally, the only portion of the project that is situated within an identified hardline open space is the Agua Hedionda channel bridge, which will be situated 17-feet above the surface of the water, and thus will not impact any hardline habitat. 4. Agua Hedionda LCP Coastal Act Policy 30240(b) Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas. The project complies because development proposed in areas adjacent to environmentally sensitive habitat areas and parks and recreation areas will be sited and designed to prevent impacts which would significantly degrade such areas. 5. Carlsbad LCP Mello II Policy 3-4 Grading and Landscaping Requirements. The project complies because all graded areas will be improved or landscaped which will minimize erosion. Also grading will not occur during the rainy season unless sufficient erosion control measures have been included in the project construction program. 6. Carlsbad LCP Mello II Policy 4-3 Accelerated Soil Erosion. The project complies because no portion of the project is being developed on steep slopes as identified in the LCP. The project also complies because the project will incorporate BMPs and submit a water quality technical report as specified in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and in the SUSMP. In addition, the proposed project will not result in any increase in impervious area, the city will include requirements in the coastal development permit approval to allow inspection and maintenance of the BMPs, the project minimizes land disturbance activities during construction (e.g., clearing, grading and cut-and-fill). Also, the project proposes to incorporate soil stabilization BMPs on disturbed areas as soon as feasible. Lift station site design BMPs will include a multiple-treatment program, including four different treatment systems, i.e.; a vegetated swale located along the southeast side of the project which will treat runoff from the site through filtering by the vegetation in the channel, filtering through a subsoil matrix, and filtration into the underlying soils, an on-line underground wet vault structure which will provide storage for site runoff and improve the settling of particulate stormwater pollutants, pervious surfaces, which will allow infiltration of oils and other pollutants into the earth rather than running offsite, and an infiltration basin located at the south end of the site, which will infiltrate stormwater and will use the natural filtering ability of the soil to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. 7. Carlsbad LCP Mello II Policy 4-4 Removal of Natural Vegetation. The project complies and will not significantly contribute to the removal of vegetation because it will minimize the sensitive vegetation impacted and will mitigate for that removed. 8. Carlsbad LCP Mello 11 Policy 4-5 Soil Erosion Control Practices. The project complies because onsite erosion will be avoided as a result of the use of silt fences, sandbags and straw mulch rolls being placed around excavated trench spoils during the construction period. Also, all storm drains and natural drainages situated downstream from the construction will be protected by linear sediment barriers or similar erosion control devices. 9. Carlsbad LCP Mello II Policy 4-6 Sediment Control Practices. The project complies sediment control will be provided through the use of silt fences, sandbags and straw mulch rolls being placed around excavated trench Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 70 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26 / CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 / HMP 10-03 spoils during the construction period. Also, all storm drains and natural drainages situated downstream from the construction will be protected by linear sediment barriers or similar erosion control devices. 10. Zoning Ordinance Chapter 21.203.040(B)(4) Drainage, Erosion, Sedimentation, Habitat. The project complies because the project incorporates erosion control measures to minimize urban pollutants, erosion and sedimentation in accordance with: (1) the requirements of the city's grading ordinance, storm water ordinance, standard urban storm water mitigation plan (SUSMP) dated April 2003 and as amended, and the master drainage plan dated 1994, as those documents are certified as part of the city's LCP; (2) the city's jurisdictional urban runoff management program (JURMP) and the San Diego County Hydrology Manual to the extent that these requirements are not inconsistent with any policies of the LCP; and (3) the additional requirements contained herein. Such mitigation shall become an element of the project and shall be installed prior to the initial grading. In addition, the project will incorporate BMPs and submit a water quality technical report as specified in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and in the SUSMP. In addition, the proposed project will not result in any significant increase in impervious area. Pervious surfaces will be utilized as an infiltration BMP on the lift station site. These pervious surfaces will capture, retain and infiltrate a high level of runoff into the ground. Also, the existing lift station and its concrete overflow basin will be demolished and removed. The overflow basin will subsequently be filled with soil and vegetated. Further, the project minimizes land disturbance activities during construction (e.g., clearing, grading and cut-and-fill) and the project proposes to incorporate soil stabilization BMPs on disturbed areas as soon as feasible. Thus, a less than significant impact is assessed. g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood delineation map? No Impact. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicate that the only portion of the project alignment that would impact the 100-year flood hazard zone area would be the Agua Hedionda channel bridge span to be constructed at a level approximately 20-feet above the surface of the flood zone, to carry the sewer pipeline across the channel. The bridge support abutments will be set at 10-foot elevation. Because the project will be constructed a minimum 10-feet above the 100-year flood zone, the project will not impact any 100-year flood capacity area. No manholes for the pipeline are to be located within the 100-year flood zone. Therefore, it is determined that the project does not encroach or impact a Federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate map or other flood delineation, and no impact will result. Please see Figure 13, FEMA Map of the area around and near the proposed lift station. h) Place within 100-year flood hazard area structures, which would impede or redirect flood flows? No Impact. The project does not propose any structures within the 100-year flood hazard area. Further, the project will remove the existing trestle bridge structure which supports the existing 42-inch sewer pipe. Optionally, the structure supporting the 12-inch high pressure natural gas transmission line may be removed. The sewer line bridge structure contains eight (8) narrow bridge support/pilings which presently sequence across and into the bottom of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel. These support/pilings are 14-inches in diameter, and set approximately 20-feet below the mud line on the bottom of the lagoon, and create some measurable amount of water friction through the channel, which will be eliminated through implementation of the project. Once removed, the in-channel piling holes will partially collapse and then fill with sand and sediment from the tidal action. As an option, the existing natural gas transmission line bridge may also be removed. This bridge contains four driven wood piles (two on land and two in the channel). The natural gas bridge would be removed in the same fashion as the existing sewer trestle bridge. As a result of these factors, it is determined that no impacts (and potentially a minute beneficial impact) to the 100-year flood hazard area would occur from implementation of the project. i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? No Impact. The project alignment is not located within the inundation zone for any dams upstream of the project. Further, the project does not propose the placement of any permanent structures that would be occupied by residents, employees or patrons. As explained herein and in Sections Vlll(g) and (h), the proposed project would not result in increased exposure of people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam. As a result, no impacts would occur. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 71 ^ «$,,.-; 1,511— „«£ PACIFIC OCEAN LEGEND SOURCE: FEMA WEBSITE; MAPPING INFORMATION PLATFORM. UPDATED JAUNRY 14, 2009. Figure 13 Agua Hedionda Lift Station & Sewer Force Main 100 Year Flood Zone Analysis Carlsbad, California PROPOSED LIFT STATION & SEWER FORCE MAIN ALIGNMENT 100 YEAR FLOOD ZONE AREA NORTH 750 1500 SCALE: 1" = 1500' June 4, 2010 PS# 080205 LJ< Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP J44(L) /RP10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP JO-02/HMP10-03 j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? Less Than Significant Impact. The project alignment is not situated near or immediately adjacent to an embanked water body such as a reservoir, dam or aboveground storage tank; however the pipeline does cross above the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, which is a coastal body of shallow water formed where sand and low-lying landform presents a partial barrier to the open sea. The proposed lift station however, will be located at a finished floor elevation of approximately 32-feet above mean sea level (MSL). It would be highly unusual (and regionally destructive) for a seiche (a wave or oscillation of the surface of water in an enclosed or semi-enclosed basin that continues from a few minutes to a few hours as a result of seismic or atmospheric disturbances) or tsunami to create a wave to reach that elevation. No significant potential for mudflow on the project site or alignment could result. Therefore, the project has a less than significant potential impact due to seiche or tsunami. k) Increased erosion (sediment) into receiving surface waters. Less Than Significant Impact. Upon completion of construction, the proposed project will not result in any permanent features that will increase erosion or the transportation of sediment into receiving surface waters. During construction soil will be cleared and unearthed which could result in erosion. In order to avoid erosion and transportation of downstream sediment from the project while construction is taking place, as indicated in Section VII(a), the project construction BMPs to be used shall include, but are not limited to; silt fencing, fiber rolls or gravel bag berms, street sweeping and vacuuming, covering soil piles, storm drain inlet protection, stabilized construction entrances and exits, hydroseeding or mulching immediately after topsoil placement, waste (including concrete waste) management. Also, all storm drains and natural drainages situated downstream from the construction will be protected by linear sediment barriers or similar erosion control devices. Weather monitoring will take place in order to avoid exposed soils during times of heavy rainfall. The streets within and around the construction site will be swept and maintained regularly during the construction period. In addition, compliance with the NPDES and SWPPP requirements as demonstrated with the BMPs identified will ensure that the project will result in a less than significant impact on erosion potential into receiving surface waters of the project. 1) Increased pollutant discharges (e.g., heavy metals, pathogens, petroleum derivatives, synthetic organics, nutrients, oxygen-demanding substances and trash) into receiving surface waters or other alteration of receiving surface water quality (e.g., temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity)? Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project includes installation of an underground sewer pipeline. The pipeline will be constructed of impervious material and thus will not be subject to release of pollutants from the interior of the pipe to the exterior soil environment. The lift station design concept incorporates extensive equipment redundancy for ensuring that equipment failures do not result in wastewater spills. The concept involves a lift station configuration that includes two independent pumping elements. The lift side of the station includes four 5-mgd pumps. The total lift capacity will maximize the use of the capacity of the downstream existing 42-inch gravity sewer. The lift side of the station includes four 40 hp pumps. The force main side of the station includes four 100 hp pumps. The total pumping capacity of the station is up to 23.5 mgd on the lift side and up to 26.5 mgd on the force main side. The station capacity is 50 mgd providing 50% redundancy at peak wet weather flow conditions (33-mgd) and over 100% redundancy at peak dry weather flows (21 mgd). In the event that a total failure occurs on either side, the station remains operable without consequences under peak dry weather flow conditions and contains power redundancy and significant upstream storage capacity under catastrophic circumstances were they to occur under peak wet weather conditions. The station is also with two independent electrical circuits, and will include an automatic standby transfer switch in the event of catastrophic power failure. In the event of full regional blackout, emergency power will be provided by an onsite generator. Under such circumstances, the station is designed with alarms to alert officials to the problem and to enact the contingency plans to reduce flow (upstream lift stations contain storage volume) under such circumstances, if necessary. The upstream pipe also contains a significant amount of storage capacity. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project En vironmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 73 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP W-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 As previously mentioned, during construction, all graded areas will be improved or landscaped which will minimize erosion. Also, grading will not occur during the rainy season unless sufficient erosion control measures have been included in the project construction program. The project will use silt fences, sandbags and straw mulch rolls around excavated trench spoils during the construction period. Also, all storm drains and natural drainages situated downstream from the construction will be protected by linear sediment barriers or similar erosion control devices. Thus, the project incorporates erosion control measures to minimize urban pollutants, erosion and sedimentation during construction as well as after the project has been completed. The project construction will also be required to comply with NPDES requirements of the City of Carlsbad. As a result, any construction impacts to water quality into receiving waters, including the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, will be less than significant. m) Changes to receiving water quality (marine, fresh or wetland waters) during or following construction? Less Than Significant Impact. The northern portion of the project alignment lies adjacent to, and crosses above Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Once the new sewer line project is complete, the project also involves the removal of the existing trestle bridge which supports the existing sewer line. Optionally the structure supporting the high pressure natural gas transmission line may be removed. Removal of these existing bridges and their associated numerous narrow bridge support/pilings would have a potentially minor beneficial effect on water transport through the lagoon channel. Thus, it is determined that the fully-constructed project will not result in any significant change (and potentially a minute beneficial effect) on Agua Hedionda Lagoon or any other receiving waters. During construction, all graded areas will implement water quality BMPs in order to minimize and eliminate the potential for changes to receiving downstream waters. For example, grading will not occur during the rainy season unless sufficient erosion control measures have been included in the project construction program. The project will utilize silt fences, sandbags and straw mulch rolls around excavated trench spoils during the construction period. Also, all storm drains and natural drainages situated downstream from the construction will be protected by linear sediment barriers or similar erosion control devices. Thus, the project incorporates erosion control measures to minimize urban pollutants, erosion and sedimentation during construction as well as after the project has been completed. As a result of these factors, any changes to receiving water quality during construction would be less than significant. n) Increase in any pollutant to an already impaired water body as listed on the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list? Less Than Significant Impact. Agua Hedionda Lagoon is listed on the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list for impaired water bodies for indicator bacteria and sedimentation/siltation. As previously indicated in the discussion regarding Sections Vll(a), (i) and (1), the project will result in a less than significant impact on the water quality of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. o) Increase impervious surfaces and associated runoff? Less Than Significant Impact. As discussed in Section VII(c) above, the project will result in temporary changes to drainage along the alignment of the pipeline during construction as the placement of equipment and materials associated with construction activities, as well as the temporary modification of permeable surfaces and soil movement along the alignment would alter existing runoff patterns. Further, the lift station development will result in on-site modification to the runoff over the 2.3 acres of the lift station. However, on the lift station site, pervious surfaces will be utilized as a site design infiltration BMP. This BMP will capture, retain, and infiltrate a minimum of 80% of runoff into the ground. Therefore minimal runoff associated with the construction of new impervious surfaces at the lift station site would result from the project, and a less than significant impact is assessed. p) Impact aquatic, wetland, or riparian habitat? Less Than Significant Impact. As indicated in the Section IV(b), the proposed project will not directly impact (temporarily or permanently) any wetland or riparian habitats. The project does, however, bridge the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel is an open water habitat subject to state and federal wetland jurisdiction. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 74 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26 / CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 /BMP 10-03 US Army Corps of Engineers policies dictate that, on coastal bays, jurisdictional wetlands extend to an elevation of 1.5 feet above the mean ordinary high tide level, regardless of the presence or absence of other wetland indicators. The RWQCB, CDFG and the CCC also operate using this definition of wetlands along tidal margins. A review of tide charts for the Carlsbad area indicates that the mean high tide level is 4.6 feet above mean sea level (MSL). Therefore the wetland boundary follows the 6.1 foot above MSL elevation on Agua Hedionda Lagoon in this location. The bottom of the channel under the bridge location is rocky (riprap) and sandy, with no observable indication of eelgrass or other sensitive submerged aquatic vegetation. Thus, the shadow of the bridge will not impact any sensitive wetland habitat. The proposed bridge vertical support footings will be constructed on upland terrain, set at the approximate 10-foot elevation and the horizontal pipe support will fully span the entire length of the channel (the horizontal span will be at approximately 20-foot elevation) from the north side 10-foot elevation support to the south-side 10-foot elevation support. Thus, the project does not encroach or impact on jurisdictional wetlands in this area. Section 10 of the River and Harbors Act however, requires authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the construction of any structure in or over any navigable water of the United States. Thus, the proposed channel bridge and removal of the existing trestle bridges will require issuance of a NWP 12 (Utility Line Activities) pursuant to this Act prior to removal of the trestle bridges, or construction of the new bridge. Likewise, water quality certification issued by the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, and a state Notification of Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement pursuant to Section 1602 of the California Fish and Game Code will be required for the same reasons. Also, the riparian scrub habitat occurring near the south end of the project is supported by storm drain outfall passing beneath Avenida Encinas, and would be expected to be considered jurisdictional pursuant to state and federal guidelines. However, a wetland delineation was not performed for this drainage because the project will not result in any impacts to any of the vegetation in this drainage area. Project work near this riparian scrub habitat will occur only on the existing road surface of Avenida Encinas. Also, the project will utilize measures to ensure that soil and construction debris avoids entering this drainage during or after the construction process. It is concluded that a less than significant impact to wetlands or riparian habitat will result from implementation of the project. As a result, the project will result in less than significant impacts to aquatic, wetland or riparian habitats. q) The exceedance of applicable surface or groundwater receiving water quality objectives or degradation of beneficial uses? Less Than Significant Impact. As indicated in Sections VlII(a) and V11I(1), the project will not exceed the applicable surface or groundwater receiving water quality objectives and will not degrade beneficial uses of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and other receiving water bodies. Thus, impacts would be considered less than significant. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: X. LAND USE AND PLANNING - Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated ^^_ R Less Than Significant Impact No Impact X X Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 75 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP 10-26 / CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 a) Physically divide an established community? No Impact. The proposed project involves the construction of an underground sewer trunk pipeline, a pipeline bridge structure and a sewer lift station, and also involves the demolition of the existing obsolete lift station, the removal of the existing trestle bridge structures, and the removal and filling of the existing concrete overflow basin. The project is situated within the urbanized area of the city of Carlsbad; however some of the directly-adjacent land uses are open space. The majority of the uses are power plant or industrial oriented, commercial or business park, or transportation, as indicated on the following table. Table 6: Adjacent Land Uses Pipeline Segment North Segment Lift Station Middle Segment South Segment Environmental Setting Dirt road, disturbed open space; lagoon channel crossing; narrow peninsula adjacent to lagoon wetlands. Previously-graded disturbed and exotic vegetation, mature eucalyptus grove. Dirt road, adjacent patches of coastal sage scrub, concrete and metal factory materials, commercial retail and hotel uses. Public streets, urban commercial, business park and industrial development. Surrounding Land Uses Railroad tracks, pedestrian trail, Lagoon wetlands, YMCA youth recreation facility, open spaces, aqua farming. Existing sewer lift station and accessory facilities, pedestrian trail, railroad tracks, Power plant accessory driveways and uses. Power plant accessory driveways and uses, railroad tracks, pedestrian trail, public street, hotel, restaurants, convenience store and gas station. Urban commercial and industrial development, and associated parking lots and landscaping. The proposed project will result in no permanent aboveground structures, except the previously-mentioned lift station and bridge structure (and manhole lids - which will be visible only from passersby in close proximity). As a result, no impact would occur that would disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of the established community. b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? No Impact. The General Plan and zoning of the property allows for the proposed land uses. The entire property is within the coastal zone and the northern portion of the project alignment is within the boundaries of Specific Plan-144. Project compliance with each relevant land use document is examined below: 1. General Plan. The project travels through property with several different General Plan Land Use designations. These designations are; TC (Transportation Corridor), U (Public Utilities), T-R (Travel-Recreation Commercial, and Secondary Arterial Roadway. All of these designations contain policies which allow public infrastructure as a permitted use and the use would not conflict with these designations. The land use designations will not be changed through implementation of the project. The Land Use Element further requires that public facilities be provided in the city adequate for the projected population. The project complies with these provisions by providing the allowed sewer lines consistent with General Plan policies. 2. Zoning Ordinance. The subject project travels through property that has several different City zones. These zones are; T-C (Transportation Corridor), O-S (Open Space), P-U (Public Utility), C-T-Q (Commercial Tourist - Qualified Overlay), C-l (Neighborhood Commercial) and Arterial Roadway. All of these zones allow public infrastructure improvements as a permitted use. Therefore the project will not conflict with the Zoning Ordinance or unduly preclude the future use of parcels consistent with the Zoning guidelines. 3. Coastal Act Compliance. The project is located within the California Coastal Zone, specifically within the Agua Hedionda and the Mello II segments of the adopted Local Coastal Program (LCP). The portion of the project north of Cannon Road is in the Agua Hedionda segment, and south of Cannon Road is in the Mello II segment. While the Agua Hedionda Land Use Plan has been adopted by the City of Carlsbad, no Implementation Plan has been certified by the California Coastal Commission to date, and thus the Coastal Commission retains coastal Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 76 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 permit authority for improvements within this segment. The Agua Hedionda land uses are generally consistent with the Carlsbad General Plan land uses for the project alignment within the Agua Hedionda LCP segment. The Mello II Land Use Plan designates the entire alignment length south of Cannon Road as Secondary Arterial Roadway. Public infrastructure projects are allowed in all of these respective land use designations. The proposed project is consistent with this policy. Also, a number of adopted City LCP policies address water quality/erosion control required of project's within the Coastal Zone. Compliance of the project in relation to these policies is as follows: a. Agua Hedionda LCP Policy 5.1 Public Works. The project complies because this policy dictates that all new utility systems shall be placed underground as feasible and commonly practiced, and the project is almost totally and underground project, as commonly practiced. b. Agua Hedionda LCP Coastal Act Policy 30230 Marine Resources. The project complies because the project avoids impacts with marine resources. The project protects uses of the marine environment in a manner that will sustain the biological productivity of coastal waters and that will maintain healthy populations of all species of marine organisms adequate for long-term commercial, recreational, scientific, and educational purposes c. Agua Hedionda LCP Coastal Act Policy 30231 Biological Resources. The project complies because it will not impact biological production and the quality of coastal waters, streams, wetlands, estuaries, and lakes appropriate to maintain optimum populations of marine organisms and for the protection of human health through, among other means, minimizing adverse effects of wastewater discharges and entrainment, controlling runoff, preventing depletion of groundwater supplies and substantial interference with surface water flow, vegetation buffer areas that protect riparian habitats, and minimizing alteration of natural streams. d. Agua Hedionda LCP Coastal Act Policy 30240(a) Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas. The project complies because environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHA) will be avoided to the degree feasible and the small edge-areas of DCSS impacted are not considered ESHA because they are not rare or especially valuable because they are situated in a series of small, fragmented, isolated patches, surrounded by a highly urbanized, industrialized environment. Further, the DCSS impacts will be fully mitigated with in-kind creation, and will thus be protected against any significant disruption of habitat values. e. Agua Hedionda LCP Coastal Act Policy 30240(b) Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas. The project complies because development proposed in areas adjacent to environmentally sensitive habitat areas and parks and recreation areas will be sited and designed to prevent impacts which would significantly degrade such areas. f. Carlsbad LCP Mello 11 Policy 3-4 Grading and Landscaping Requirements. The project complies because all graded areas will be improved or landscaped which will minimize erosion. Also grading will not occur during the rainy season unless sufficient erosion control measures have been included in the project construction program. g. Carlsbad LCP Mello II Policy 4-3 Accelerated Soil Erosion. The project complies because no portion of the project is being developed on steep slopes as identified in the LCP. The project also complies because the project will incorporate BMPs and submit a water quality technical report as specified in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and in the SUSMP. In addition, the proposed project will not result in any increase in impervious area, the city will include requirements in the coastal development permit approval to allow inspection and maintenance of the BMPs, the project minimizes land disturbance activities during construction (e.g., clearing, grading and cut-and-fill). Also, the project description proposes to incorporate soil stabilization BMPs on disturbed areas as soon as feasible. Lift station site design BMPs will include a multiple-treatment program, including four different treatment systems.; (1) a vegetated or river rock swale located along the southeast side of the project which will treat runoff from the site through filtering by the vegetation in the channel, filtering through a subsoil matrix, and filtration into the underlying soils, (2) an on-line underground wet vault structure which will provide storage for site runoff and improve the settling of paniculate stormwater pollutants, (3) pervious surfaces, which will allow infiltration of oils and other pollutants into the earth rather than running offsite, and (4) an infiltration basin located at the south end of the site, which will infiltrate stormwater and will use the natural filtering ability of the soil to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 77 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26 / COP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 /HMP 10-03 h. Carlsbad LCP Mello II Policy 4-4 Removal of Natural Vegetation. The project complies and will not significantly contribute the removal of vegetation because it will minimize the sensitive vegetation impacted and will mitigate for that removed. i. Carlsbad LCP Mello II Policy 4-5 Soil Erosion Control Practices. The project complies because onsite erosion will be avoided as a result of the use of silt fences, sandbags and straw mulch rolls being placed around excavated trench spoils during the construction period. Also, all storm drains and natural drainages situated downstream from the construction will be protected by linear sediment barriers or similar erosion control devices. j. Carlsbad LCP Mello II Policy 4-6 Sediment Control Practices. The project complies sediment control will be provided through the use of silt fences, sandbags and straw mulch rolls being placed around excavated trench spoils during the construction period. Also, all storm drains and natural drainages situated downstream from the construction will be protected by linear sediment barriers or similar erosion control devices. 4. Zoning Ordinance Chapter 2L203.040(B)(4). The project complies because the project incorporates erosion control measures to minimize urban pollutants, erosion and sedimentation in accordance with: (1) the requirements of the city's grading ordinance, storm water ordinance, standard urban storm water mitigation plan (SUSMP) dated April 2003 and as amended, and the master drainage plan dated 1994, as those documents are certified as part of the city's LCP; (2) the city's jurisdictional urban runoff management program (JURMP) and the San Diego County Hydrology Manual to the extent that these requirements are not inconsistent with any policies of the LCP; and (3) the additional requirements contained herein. Such mitigation shall become an element of the project and shall be installed prior to the initial grading. 5. Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP). Both the LCP Land Use Plans and the HMP have strict policies to discourage destruction of sensitive habitat, including no net loss of sensitive habitats and significant restrictions on disturbing wetlands. The project is situated in an urbanized area and will mitigate for impacts to sensitive habitat as indicated in Section IV of this environmental analysis. The project proposes no disturbances to wetlands. Further, as discussed in Section VIII, the project will not result in additional urban runoff, pollutants, erosion or sedimentation as no grading is proposed and no new uses will be constructed. 6. Specific Plan 144(J). In 1998, the City Council adopted a Resolution of Intention (ROI Reso. No. 98-145), directing city staff to study and consider a comprehensive land use plan for properties within Specific Plan 144 (SP-144), an area of approximately 650-acres encompassing the Encina Power Plant, Agua Hedionda Lagoon, and adjacent lands. The northern one-third of the project is situated within the SP-144 area. The purpose of this ROI was to resolve the many land use issues associated with the properties within the SP-144 area, including reconciliation of inconsistent zoning and land use designations, resolution of outstanding LCP issues regarding open space and access, and revision of out-dated plans that did not accurately show existing structures and improvements. The study was not done, but subsequent actions of the City Council reconfirmed that a comprehensive specific plan update is necessary, and that it should be applicant, rather than city-initiated. While the proposed Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station project is an improvement partially within SP- 144, it is not subject to the comprehensive update requirement because it does not trigger or significantly impact the land use, public access and other issues of concern identified in the 1998 NOI. Specifically, the project is not subject to the comprehensive update requirement for the following reasons: a. The project improves major regional infrastructure that cannot be feasibly relocated. The project will replace existing facilities which have reached the end of their useful life. b. The lift station and sewer line are not significant new land uses; they would improve existing like facilities and would be constructed in generally the same locations as those existing facilities. They would be located in an existing utility corridor bordered on the west side by the railroad. The majority of the pipeline portion of the project within SP-144 would be undergrounded. Furthermore, care has been exercised in the design of above-ground structures such as the proposed lift station that features a low profile and partially buried structure and the replacement bridge for the sewer line. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 78 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /KP10-26 /CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 c. As a replacement and expansion of existing, like utility uses in generally the same location, the project would not represent a new, significant impediment to addressing the issues identified in the ROI, including land use and public access. d. The project proposes no changes to general plan land use or zoning designations or any conditions or policies of SP-144. e. As discussed in this section, the project complies with all applicable land use documents affecting the SP-144 area, including the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Precise Development Plan, South Carlsbad. Coastal Redevelopment Area Plan, Agua Hedionda Land Use Plan, and Scenic Corridor Guidelines. f. The project would result in only minor changes to SP-144(J) and PDP 00-02(B) in the form of text and graphic changes that merely recognize the proposed improvements. Consistent with the most recently adopted version of the specific plan, SP 144(J), and PDP 00-02(B), these minor changes are considered "formal amendments" to the documents. Since the project would not require a comprehensive update, it instead proposes an amendment to SP-144. The amendment enables the project to continue to be a part of SP-144 and subject to any future comprehensive review. An amendment is also required by SP- 144(J), which specifically requires such for any formal amendment to PDP 00-02(B), further discussed below. 7. Precise Development Plan 00-02(B). The project will require a formal amendment to the Precise Development Plan (PDP) 00-02(B) pursuant to Section VI of that document. Formal amendments are required for all but generally minor improvements. This PDP covers approximately all 95 acres of the Encina Power Station, extending from Carlsbad Boulevard to Interstate-5 along the south shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The PDP is the primary approval process for the public utility uses within this primarily electrical-generating area. Developments within the Public Utility Zone necessitate approval of a PDP. Since the proposed use replaces an allowed use in the PDP, the amendment will consist of text and graphic changes to update the PDP to reflect the proposed improvements. It is not anticipated that the project would trigger revisions to PDP standards. 8. South Carlsbad Coastal Redevelopment Plan. The portion of the project located within the Public Utility Zone is located within the South Carlsbad Coastal Redevelopment area, and thus this portion of the project will require a redevelopment permit from the City of Carlsbad Housing and Redevelopment Commission. 9. Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP). The project has been reviewed by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and the City of Carlsbad has received correspondence that no further Airport Land Use Commission review is necessary, per the requirements of the McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) Carlsbad. CA. March 4, 2010. Thus the project is considered consistent with the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. As a result of these factors, it is determined that the proposed project will not conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project, as indicated, and no impact is assessed. c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. The City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP) designates a natural preserve system and provides a regulatory framework for determining impacts to sensitive biological resources and assigning mitigation for any impacts that do occur. In addition, the project is also located within the California Coastal Zone and the Mello II and Agua Hedionda segments of the adopted Local Coastal Program (LCP). No other local, regional or state habitat conservation plans specific to this site encumber the property. The project crosses HMP Core #4, which is identified as a core area for wildlife protection and connectivity pursuant to the HMP. The project however, will mitigate for impacts to vegetation communities protected by that HMP, as discussed in IV (a) above. The HMP contains a number of Adjacency Standards that specifically apply to projects adjacent to sensitive habitat. As this project is located in the Mello II Land Use and Implementation Plan segment of the City's Local Coastal Program, it is Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 79 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 subject to these policies. However, since the project does not permanently disturb any sensitive habitat, the majority of these policies do not apply. 1. Fire Management. The project is proposing only two above-grade structures, the sewer lift station and the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel bridge structure. As a result of the specific characteristics of these structures, neither of these structures will necessitate a fire suppression or "clear area" around them. As a result the project does not result in impacts that would affect Fire Management. 2. Erosion Control. The project construction activities will include appropriate temporary erosion and sediment control protections so that all exposed soil in the area of the construction will be protected from erosion. This will include silt fences, sandbags and straw mulch rolls being placed around excavated trench spoils during the construction period. Also, all storm drains and natural drainages situated downstream from the construction will be protected by linear sediment barriers or similar erosion control devices. Weather monitoring will take place in order to avoid exposed soils during times of heavy rainfall. The streets within and around the construction site will be swept and maintained regularly during the construction period. The project will provide a multiple- treatment erosion control program, including a vegetated swale located along the southeast side of the project which will treat runoff from the site through filtering by the vegetation in the channel, filtering through a subsoil matrix, and filtration into the underlying soils; an on-line underground wet vault structure which will provide storage for site runoff and improve the settling of particulate stormwater pollutants; pervious surfaces, which will allow infiltration of oils and other pollutants into the earth rather than running offsite; and an infiltration basin located at the south end of the site, which will infiltrate stormwater and will use the natural filtering ability of the soil to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. The project will not direct any new surface drainage directly into Agua Hedionda Lagoon. 3. Landscaping Restrictions. The proposed project will impact approximately 0.05 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub (sensitive biological habitat). It will also involve grading of areas in proximity to sensitive habitat. This grading will be landscaped with native, non-invasive species for erosion control purposes. Upon completion of the pipe installation, all open-trenched areas will be re-vegetated to the state the area was in prior to construction. 4. Fencing, Signs, and Lighting. Fences, signs, and lighting can assist in the protection and understanding of biological resources. However, they can also negatively impact wildlife and plants by inviting vandalism, restricting wildlife movement, and upsetting nocturnal species. The project complies with this adjacency standard because only low intensity security lighting will be provided on the lift station. Permanent fencing is only proposed around the lift station for security purposes. No permanent fencing is proposed for the balance of the project. 5. Predator and Exotic Species Control. The project would comply with this standard in the following ways: (1) the project will mitigate for permanent impacts to biological resources, and thus will not affect the movement of any native resident or migratory wildlife species, or wildlife corridors, and (2) temporary impacts will be minimized through coordinated placement of excavated soil and storage of machinery and materials as indicated in Section IV(a). The HMP also includes Additional Conservation Standards to be applied to properties in the Coastal Zone (Policies 7-1 through 7-14). The following is an analysis of compliance with these Conservation Standards: 1. Policy 7-1. The project complies because it does not encroach into or propose construction in an environmentally sensitive habitat area (ESHA). ESHA is defined in the Coastal Act Sect. 30107.5 as; "Any area in which plant or animal life or their habitats are either rare or especially valuable because of their special nature or role in an ecosystem and which could be easily disturbed or degraded by human activities and developments." The project avoids impacts to sensitive habitats, with the exception of minor slivers of DCSS. The DCSS is surrounded by a highly urbanized environment, and thus are not rare, nor are they especially valuable to the ecosystem which has already been largely degraded by urbanization, industrialization and the adjacent railroad. As a result of these factors, the project does not impact ESHA. Notwithstanding that the project will not impact ESHA, it will mitigate for the 0.09 acres of sensitive biological habitats that will be impacted through compliance with the mitigation measures identified in the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP). Additionally, the only portion of the project that is within a hardline open space is the Agua Hedionda channel bridge, which is situated 17-feet above the surface of the water, and thus will not impact any hardline habitat. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 80 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP OQ-02(C) /SP144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 2. Policy 7-2. The project complies because it mitigates for impacts to DCSS through 0.05 acres of credit debiting from the Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel, and also provides an additional 0.09 acre of revegetation (creation) of DCSS on or near the impact location. This 0.09 acre of DCSS revegetation is expected to occur within and around the eastern half of the demolished, filled-in existing lift station overflow basin, but could occur in a different location in the area. Thus, as a result of the inclusion of Mitigation Measures BIO-1 and BIO-2, the project will result in no-net-loss of DCSS. 3. Policy 7-3. The project complies because it does not impact any Oak Woodland vegetation. 4. Policy 7-4. The project complies because it does not impact any streamcourse. 5. Policy 7-5. The project complies because it does not impact any ephemeral drainage or ephemeral stream. 6. Policy 7-6. The project complies because it does not impact any delineated wetlands. 7. Policy 7-7. The project complies because the only impact to wetlands from the project is the removal of the trestle bridge(s) and trestle footings and their replacement with the new bridge (which will span over the top of the wetlands). Thus, the temporary construction impacts to wetlands are not permanent and the project will result in no loss of wetland. 8. Policy 7-8. The project complies because the impacts to DCSS are incidental and will be fully mitigated and no impacts are proposed to Maritime Succulent Scrub, Southern Maritime Chaparral, Southern Mixed Chaparral, Native Grassland or Oak Woodland, and therefore no mitigation is required for these vegetation types. 9. Policy 7-9. The project complies because it does not impact CSS, Southern Maritime Chaparral, Maritime Succulent Shrub, Native Grassland or Oak Woodland, and therefore no mitigation is required for these vegetation types. 10. Policy 7-10. This policy is not applicable because the project is not highly constrained (i.e.; is less than 80% constrained), and thus the project is in compliance with this policy. 11. Policy 7-11. The project complies because all proposed structures (except for the proposed bridge across the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel) will maintain in excess of the minimum 100-foot wetland setback, and in excess of the minimum 20-foot setback from all DCSS. The bridge structure however, is location dependent because no feasible alternative location exists for the bridge, and by-definition, it must cross the channel. Further, the bridge will replace an existing bridge which will be removed. Thus, a reduction in setback for the bridge will be necessary. With this anticipated reduction in setback for the location-dependent bridge, the project is in compliance with this policy. 12. Policy 7-12. The project complies because all graded areas will be improved or landscaped which will minimize erosion. Also grading will not occur during the rainy season unless sufficient erosion control measures have been included in the project construction program. 13. Policy 7-13. This policy is not applicable to the project because the project is not located on lands adjacent to Macario Canyon and Veterans Memorial Park. 14. Policy 7-14. This policy is not applicable because the project is not located on any of the properties identified. The project would minimize and mitigate for impacts to sensitive vegetation and would not affect the functioning of the hardline open space area including the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and thus is considered consistent with the City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad. Therefore, with the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, as stated in Section IV - Biological Resources, above, any potential impacts would be less than significant. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 81 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26 / CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 / HMP10-03 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS TO BE ADDRESSED: XL MINERAL RESOURCES - Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of future value to the region and the residents of the State? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact X X a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of future value to the region and the residents of the State? No Impact. No known or expected mineral deposits of future value to the region and the residents of the state are located in the immediate vicinity of the subject project. The Geotechnical Revaluation Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Force Main. Carlsbad. California, dated August 3, 2009, by Ninyo & Moore, concludes that the project alignment is generally underlain by fill, alluvium, old paralic deposits, materials of the Santiago Formation and terrace deposits. Fill soil is presumed to have been placed in the area in conjunction with grading for the adjacent land uses, including the railway, building pads associated with the power plant, commercial structures, and roadways. The fills are generally expected to be relatively shallow; however fills placed to construct the railroad where the proposed pipe bridge across the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel is proposed may be up to 35 feet deep. These fill soils would be expected to have a low potential for mineral resources. Alluvial deposits also underlay the area around the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The materials generally consisted of light olive gray to dark brown, poorly consolidated, sands and silty sands. In locations where the pipe bridge is proposed to cross Agua Hedionda Lagoon, at the north and south abutment locations, the alluvium is anticipated to extend to depths of about 150 feet and 75 feet deep, respectively. These alluvial soils would be expected to have a low potential for mineral resources. Pleistocene-age terrace deposits were observed along the west side of Avenida Encinas, south of Palomar Airport Road and along the railroad right of way south of Cannon Road. The materials observed generally consist of light brown to reddish- brown, damp, loose to dense, silty, and fine to medium-grained sand. The terrace deposits are expected to underlie the surficial soils across the project site. In previous excavation in the area, these Pleistocene-age deposits are not known to have a significant potential for mineral resources. Further, the project alignment does not cross any area of mineral resources as identified in the City of Carlsbad's General Plan Update ME1R 93-01, dated March 1994, map 5.13-1. As a result of the minor amount of trenching excavation and disruption of the surface of the land that will result from the proposed project, no impact to the potential for valuable mineral deposits is anticipated from the project. b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? No Impact. The subject site is not designated on the City of Carlsbad General Plan or the Zoning Ordinance, or in Specific Plan-144 as a locally important mineral resource recovery site. As a result of the fact that the City has not designated the subject property as an important mineral resource recovery site in any regulatory land use document, it is determined that implementation of the proposed project will not result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site. Since no adopted regulatory land use documents, including the City of Carlsbad General Plan or the Zoning Ordinance, designate the subject site as a mineral resource recovery location, it is concluded that no impacts would occur as a result of implementation of the project. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 82 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: XII. NOISE - Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundbourne vibration or groundbourne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact X X X X X No Impact ^] X a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance or applicable standards of other agencies? Less Than Significant Impact. Presently, the primary noise source in the vicinity of the proposed project alignment is noise generated by vehicular traffic on 1-5, Avenida Encinas, Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road and Carlsbad Boulevard, trains on the BNSF railroad tracks, and Encina Power Plan equipment. Upon completion of construction, the sewer line will be underground and will not generate any perceptible noise. The lift station will however, generate noise. Noise has been simply defined as "unwanted sound". Sound becomes unwanted when it interferes with normal activities, when it causes actual physical harm or when it has adverse effects on health. Noise is measured on a logarithmic scale of sound pressure level known as a decibel (dB). A-weighted decibels (dBA) approximate the subjective response of the human ear to broad frequency noise sources by discriminating against very low and very high frequencies of the audible spectrum. They are adjusted to reflect only those frequencies which are audible to the human ear. The Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) is the weighted average of the intensity of a sound, with corrections for time of day, and averaged over a 24 hour period. The time of day corrections require the addition of 5 decibels to sound levels during the evening hours (between 7 PM and 10 PM) and the addition of 10 decibels to sound levels at night (between 10 PM and 7 AM). These additions are made to account for the noise sensitive time periods during night hours when sound appears louder due to less ambient noise. The Noise Element of the City of Carlsbad General Plan identifies certain sound levels that are compatible with various land uses. The Carlsbad Draft Noise Guidelines Manual, dated 1989, which is used to implement the Noise Element Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 83 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 / HMP10-03 requirements, indicates that sound levels up to 60 dBA CNEL are compatible with residential land uses. Residential land uses are the closest "noise sensitive" land uses to the alignment of the proposed project. The proposed lift station is not located in the close proximity to residential housing developments or other sensitive receptors. The land uses around the lift station are industrial (power generating plant) in nature, which is considered in the Noise Guidelines Manual as a "General Industrial, Manufacturing or Utilities" land use. Noise exposure levels for this use are higher than those allowed for residential uses, up to 80 dBA CNEL as being "conditionally acceptable". The future Coastal Rail Trail bicycle and pedestrian trail is proposed approximately 50-100 feet westerly (the exact location is not yet known) of the lift station structure. However these pedestrians would also be subjected to extreme noise levels (several times louder than the lift station equipment) from passing coaster trains on the adjacent railroad tracks and equipment on the adjacent Encina Power Plant site. Table 7: Noise Exposure Limits to Land Uses in the Vicinity of the Lift Station Use Pedestrian Trail Industrial Residential dBA CNEL Limit 65 dBA CNEL 80 dBA CNEL 60 dBA CNEL Proximity to Lift Station 50 feet away 70 feet away 1,800 feet away Mechanical components within the lift station have the potential to exceed the 65 dBA noise level typically allowed for pedestrian trails, neighborhood parks, and similar open space recreation uses. These components are; supply and exhaust fans, air conditioning unit, and emergency generator(s). However, the below-grade design of the lift station will reduce potential noise impacts significantly, and additional noise abatement measures for this equipment will include sound enclosures and insulation, noise attenuation panels around generator rooms, and exhaust manifold silencers for the generators. The industrial limit of 80 dBA is significantly higher than the residential or pedestrian trail limits, and no significant impacts to the industrial power plant uses are anticipated based on the anticipated noise levels from the lift station. With regard to residential, the nearest residences (60 dBA limit) to the lift station site are located across (on the north side of) the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, in the neighborhoods on Aguila Street and Kalpati Circle, a linear distance of 1,800 feet. The noise generated by lift station operations will not be perceived by these residents. Construction of the project (particularly the lift station grading, and trenching along the entire project length) will increase temporary ambient noise levels. Two types of construction related noise would occur: • Noise generated by stationary construction equipment operating along the project alignment, and • Noise generated by construction related trucks along the alignment. Construction noise levels for nearby receptors such as residential units generated by construction equipment can vary substantially depending upon a number of factors. These factors include the number and type of equipment in operation at any given time, as well as the distance and intervening topography between the construction area and the receptors. As a result of the relatively large size of the pipeline (54-inch diameter) and the trench depth (up to 20 feet), any given nearby location along the pipeline alignment could be subjected to construction noise for a few weeks while pipeline construction progresses toward and then past that location. Construction equipment to be used for the project is estimated to generate temporary short term noise levels of up to 80 dBA at a 50 foot distance. The nearest residential units will be approximately 110-feet east of the trench location at the closest point (northernmost point of the proposed project). This noise level drops off approximately 6 dBA per doubling of distance. Therefore, at 100 feet horizontal distance, the short term construction dBA could reach 73 dBA. Since the CNEL scale is 24-hour weighted, and work will only take place primarily within the day hours, the CNEL dBA for construction-related impacts to the closest residences will not exceed allowed limits. Further, it should be recognized that residences in this location are subjected to extreme noise levels (several times louder than the construction equipment) from passing coaster trains on the adjacent railroad tracks and from ambient noise from vehicular traffic travelling on nearby 1-5. Project-related construction noise would also include noise generated by construction truck activity on public streets. The City of Carlsbad Municipal Code (Chapter 8.48) prohibits construction activity after sunset of any day, and before 7 A.M. Monday through Friday, and before 8 A.M. on Saturday, and all day Sunday and specified holidays. The Noise Ordinance does not set a defined noise level standard for construction activities, but simply limits the hours of construction, except for Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 84 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP 10-26/COP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 / HMP10-03 certain very limited construction activities that do not create disturbing, excessive or offensive noise after sunset and before 7:00 AM. The significance of construction noise produced during project construction is typically assessed in accordance with the County of San Diego Noise Ordinance. San Diego County Noise Ordinance Section 36.410 stipulates that construction noise shall not exceed 75 dBA for more than 8 hours during any 24-hour period. Noise from haul trucks travelling along the project alignment would generate noise levels of up to 76 dBA at a distance of 50 feet. These noise levels would diminish rapidly with distance from the project alignment at a rate of approximately 6 dBA per doubling of distance (70 dBA at 100 feet, etc.). Nighttime construction may be employed for the recycled water line crossings of the Cannon Road intersection and the Palomar Airport Road intersection. Construction necessitating use of moderate noise-producing equipment such as small excavators, backhoes, flat bed truck and dump truck, and including pneumatic tools with compressor will be used during this limited nighttime operation. Pursuant to adopted City policy, nighttime construction must comply with the noise restrictions articulated in Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 8.48.010, which stipulates allowance for limited nighttime construction pursuant to issuance of a City Manager-issued permit subject to findings that residences within 1,000 feet of the construction will not be unduly impacted by noise from the construction. As a result of these factors, it is determined that both operational and construction noise levels generated by the project are anticipated to comply with City of Carlsbad Draft Noise Guidelines Manual land use noise levels, the City permitted construction noise levels and hours, and County of San Diego Noise Policy standards. As a result, a less than significant impact is assessed. b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundbourne vibration or groundbourne noise levels? Less Than Significant Impact. Construction of the project will generate temporary ground-borne vibration and noise levels typical of soil movement and hauling activities from operations of earthmoving equipment, tunneling machines and other large construction vehicles. However, these activities will be temporary in nature. Ground-borne vibration or ground-borne noise levels associated with the project would have a less than significant impact. c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? Less Than Significant Impact. The sewer line will be underground and will not generate any perceptible noise. The proposed project lift station will include equipment components which will have the potential to exceed the levels of noise without the project. These components are; supply and exhaust fans, air conditioning unit, and emergency generator(s). Noise abatement measures for this equipment will include; undergrounding much of the lift station structure, sound enclosures and insulation, noise attenuation panels around generator rooms, and exhaust manifold silencers for the generators. Further, the lift station is located away from sensitive residential receptors, and in an area which is adjacent to and thus directly subjected to extreme noise levels (several times louder than the lift station equipment) from passing coaster trains on the adjacent railroad tracks, and ambient noise from 1-5 and Carlsbad Boulevard traffic. Thus, as indicated in Section XI(a), the increase in ambient noise levels from the lift station is considered a less than significant impact. d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? Less Than Significant Impact. During construction, the project would generate temporary increases in noise levels in the immediate area of the construction activities. As indicated in Section XI(a), construction equipment would generate noise levels of up to 80 decibels at a 50 foot distance. As a result of the relatively large size of the pipeline (54-inch diameter) and the trench depth (up to 20 feet), any given nearby location along the pipeline alignment could be subjected to construction noise for a few weeks while pipeline construction progresses toward and then past that location. The nearest residential units will be approximately 110-feet east of the trench location at the closest point (northernmost point of the proposed project). Again, it should be recognized that residences in this location are subjected to extreme noise levels (several times louder than the construction equipment) from passing coaster trains on the adjacent railroad tracks, and from vehicular traffic travelling on nearby 1-5. While project construction will create temporary increases in ambient noise levels, noise would only be generated during daytime hours (except for limited nighttime installation of the recycled water line across the lanes of Cannon Road and Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 85 Agua Hediomla Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26 / CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 Palomar Airport Road, subject to issuance of a City Manager permit), and any sensitive receptors (such as nearby residences) would only be exposed to construction noise during the few weeks the sewer line is being trenched and installed nearby any given residence. For this reason, impacts associated with temporary increases in noise levels are considered less than significant. e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Less Than Significant Impact. The extreme southern end of the proposed sewer line alignment is located 1.96 miles from the western property line of McClellan Palomar Airport, and 2.10 miles from the runway of that airport. The southern end of the project alignment, from the approximate mid-point between Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road to the EWPCF is located within the Airport Influence Zone as outlined in the McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCPX adopted January 25, 2010 and amended March 4, 2010, prepared by SANDAG. No section of the proposed project is situated within an identified Airport noise contour zone. The nearest zone contour (60-65 dBA CNEL) is located on the east side of 1-5. The ALUCP also includes a Safety Policy Map. The subject project is not located in any of the identified safety hazard zones. As a result of the above factors, no restrictions are placed upon the subject use within this contour. Except for the lagoon bridge and above-grade portions of the sewer lift station outside the Airport Influence Area, the proposed project is a wholly-underground allowable use. Thus, the proposed sewer line use is considered compatible with the ALUCP. As a result, the project will not result in subjecting people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise. The project will not create any perceptible noise. Therefore, a less than significant impact is assessed. f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? No Impact. No private airstrip exists in the vicinity of the subject project. As a result, no impacts will occur from implementation of the project. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING - Would the project: a) Induce substantial growth in an area either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact XI No Impact X X a) Induce substantial growth in an area either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? Less Than Significant Impact. The project alignment travels through the City of Carlsbad's LFMP Zones 1 and 3. The project does not propose the construction of any employment generating or residential uses that would induce population growth in the area. While the project would improve the quality and capacity of the V/C Sewer Line, the improvements are proposed in response to the anticipated growth in the sewer service area, in accordance with the adopted General Plans of Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 86 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(Q /SP 144(L) / RP 10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 the north Carlsbad and the Vista cities. Thus the project is considered a response to anticipated growth in the service area, not an inducement of growth. No population increase would result from implementation of the proposed project. As a result of the fact that the project would not induce growth, it would also not lead to secondary impacts on the environment associated with induced growth. As a result, the impacts from the project are considered less than significant. b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? No Impact. The project will not result in the elimination of any residential units, and no impact associated with the removal of existing housing would occur. c)Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? No Impact. No people or houses will be displaced by implementation of the project. No residences exist within the alignment of the proposed project and no replacement housing will be needed. Therefore, no impacts associated with the construction of replacement housing would occur from the project. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered government facilities, a need for new or physically altered government facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any of the public services: i) Fire protection? ii) Police protection? iii) Schools? iv) Parks? v) Other public facilities? Potentially Significant Impact J Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated 1 u Less Than Significant Impact XI X No Impact X X X a)Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered government facilities, a need for new or physically altered government facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any of the public services: i. Fire protection? Less Than Significant Impact. The project alignment is located within the Zones 1 and 3 LFMP areas. City of Carlsbad Fire Station No. 1 (1275 Carlsbad Village Dr.) serves the northern portion of the subject alignment, and Fire Station No. 4 (6885 Batiquitos Dr.). The subject project alignment is considered by the Carlsbad Fire Department to be within an effective fire response time (within five minutes) of these stations. The project proposes no business or residential uses. The majority of the project will be installed underground and will thus not be subject to significant fire risk. The two Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 87 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 structures proposed in conjunction with the project, the lift station and the channel bridge will be almost totally fireproof, inasmuch as the lift station will be constructed with cured-in-place concrete walls and metal roof and doors, and the bridge will be constructed of concrete supports and steel bridge. The presence of approximately 20 construction workers (during the project construction period) at any single time could create the potential for a construction accident or other medical emergency to occur, and could require response from the appropriate fire station. This potential however, would not necessitate the need for new or altered fire protection facilities or additional staff. Fire protection impacts will be less than significant. ii. Police protection? Less Than Significant Impact. The Carlsbad Police Department (CPD), located at 2560 Orion Way, services the entire city of Carlsbad. Although the City has not established an official service standard for the department, CPD does maintain a general in-house guideline that is followed in order to assure adequate police service to the community. This guideline suggests a six-minute maximum response time anywhere within the city limits. The project dos not propose any residential or business uses; therefore, the proposed project would not represent an increase in demand on CPD resources. During the project construction period, theft or vandalism at the construction site or the staging areas could require a response from CPD. While the likelihood of occurrences is unknown, their number is expected to be low. Temporary security lighting and other security measures will be used at the staging areas where construction equipment could be stored, and this is expected to discourage vandalism or theft. As a result of the fact that the project would not result in the construction of residential or business structures, the likelihood of other police-dependent incidents would be low, and the project will not require the need for new or altered police protection facilities or additional staff. Police protection impacts will be less than significant. iii. Schools? No Impact. The project will not include the construction of any components that would result in an increase in population or students. Also, no portion of the project alignment would be located adjacent to a school facility. The nearest school facility to the proposed project alignment is Jefferson Elementary School at the corner of Jefferson Street and Tamarack Avenue. Since no increase in demand for school services will occur, and construction activities will not interfere with any school facilities, no impact to school services will result from the project. iv. Parks? No Impact. The project will not include the construction of any components which would create an increase in demand for parks. The nearest park is the Carlsbad State Beach, which is 650 feet westerly of the northern segment of the project alignment. As a result of the fact that no increase in demand for parks will result, and that construction activities will not interfere with existing park facilities, no impacts to park facilities would occur from implementation of the project. v. Other public facilities? No Impact. The proposed project does not include residential, commercial or industrial land uses, and does not include any components that would result in an increase in population or any public facility or infrastructure demand. The project operations will not result in any increased traffic and will thus not result in any substantial deterioration of the public roadway system. The project will not generate a need for other governmental services, such as libraries, hospitals, or public housing. Construction of the project will not increase or generate the need for any of these public facilities or services. For these reasons, it is concluded that the project will result in no impacts associated with the provision of or maintenance of public facilities. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 88 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26 / CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SVP10-02 /HMP10-03 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: XV. RECREATION a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities, which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact X X a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? No Impact. The proposed project does not include the construction of any population inducing uses, such as residential, commercial or employment-opportunity business uses. As such, no increase in demand for neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities would be expected to occur from the project. The project alignment is sufficiently distant (650 ft.) from the Carlsbad State Beach that pipeline facility construction operations would not impact the existing use of the beach park. Thus, the project will generate no residents or workers and thus would not increase demand for parks. It will also create no construction impacts on nearby parks. As a result, no impacts would occur. b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities, which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? No Impact. The project does not feature the construction of any recreational facilities, thus no impact associated with the construction or expansion of recreational facilities would occur. It also does not create any demand for recreational facilities because it does not generate any population, and therefore no housing or employment requirements. The project is designed to accommodate [does not preclude] the future Coastal Rail Trail, a Citywide community pedestrian trail which is anticipated to be aligned across the lagoon channel bridge, and along the BNSF railroad ROW. For these reasons, it is concluded that no impacts to recreational facilities would occur as a result of implementation of the project. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC - Would the project: a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non-motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact X No Impact u Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 89 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated X Less Than Significant Impact X X No Impact X X a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non-motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit? Less Than Significant Impact. The project operations will not generate any observable traffic, other than daily visits for observation monitoring by a wastewater technician and infrequent maintenance operations. Vehicular trips associated with project construction activities would be made up of an estimated 20 commuting construction workers, and haul trucks used for transferring soil, gravel, and materials. The construction workers would account for approximately 20 round trips per day (40 ADT) for the 18 month period, and haul truck trips are estimated to occur at a rate of 40 round trips per day (80 ADT) for 60 total days of soil hauling. These total 120 ADT would travel on the local public roadway system, and would thus increase the traffic by 120 ADT on adjacent roadways during this temporary 60-day soil hauling period and an estimated 40 ADT for the balance of the 18 month construction period. Upon completion of the project, the project will not generate any measurable traffic. Neither construction traffic increase would result in significant traffic congestion. The street system has been designed and sized to accommodate traffic from the project and cumulative development in the City of Carlsbad. The project is consistent with the Carlsbad General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Specific Plan 144, and the Carlsbad Local Coastal Program, Project operations will not significantly interfere with vehicular traffic, or with mass transit and non-motorized travel. Open trenching for the sewer line will be necessary in some areas. This trenching will take place within the center median and center lanes of Avenida Encinas. It may include a temporary closure (except for local access) of small sections of Avenida Encinas south of Palomar Airport Road. Standard, approved traffic controls will be utilized during the construction so that traffic can continue to use convenient, parallel streets during the construction period. Major streets that are crossed by the proposed project include Palomar Airport Road and Cannon Road. Sewer pipeline installation across these streets is proposed via micro-tunneling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) (respectively) construction methods. Open trenching across the Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road intersections for the recycled water line will take place in one-lane segments so that only a single lane is closed to traffic at any time. Some of this work may be done during nighttime hours to minimize disruption to traffic flow and business operations. Lane closures across these busy roadways will be of short duration (3-days) since the recycled water line involves only a relatively shallow 5-foot deep trench. Upon completion of open trenching backfill, the trench area will be promptly capped with asphalt to return the roadway to a smooth driving surface. As a result, no significant impact to traffic circulation on these major streets should result. The project will not cause a substantial increase in traffic, and a less than significant impact is assessed. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study-8/5/10 90 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP JO-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? No Impact. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), acting as the County Congestion Management Agency, has designated three roads (Rancho Santa Fe Road, El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road) and one highway segment in Carlsbad as part of the regional circulation system. The Existing and Buildout average daily traffic (ADT) and Existing LOS on these designated roads and highways in Carlsbad are: Table 8: Regional Circulation Roadways in Carlsbad Roadway Rancho Santa Fe Road El Camino Real Palomar Airport Road SR78 LOS A-D A-D A-D F The Congestion Management Program's (CMP) acceptable Level of Service (LOS) standard is "E", or LOS "F" if that was the LOS in the 1990 base year (e.g., SR 78 in Carlsbad was LOS "F" in 1990). Accordingly, all designated roads and highways are currently operating at or better than the acceptable standard LOS. Achievement of the CMP acceptable LOS "E" standard assumes implementation of the adopted CMP strategies. Based on the design capacity(ies) of the designated roads and highway and implementation of the CMP strategies, they will function at acceptable levels of service in the short-term and at buildout of Carlsbad and surrounding communities. The buildout ADT projections above are based on the full implementation of the region's general and community plans. The proposed project is a permitted open space use and is consistent with General Plan land use Regional Commercial designation for the project site; therefore, its traffic was used in modeling the buildout projections. Achievement of the CMP acceptable LOS "E" standard assumes implementation of the adopted CMP strategies. Based on the design capacities of the designated roads and highways and implementation of the CMP strategies, the designated streets will function at acceptable level(s) of service in the short-term and at buildout. Pipeline construction at Palomar Airport Road will be through microtunnel construction technique, which will avoid any impacts to the traffic or level of service on Palomar Airport Road. As a result, the project will not exceed or significantly impact the level of service standard established by the county SANDAG representatives on regional roadways in Carlsbad. Thus the project will not conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other traffic standards. c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that result in substantial safety risks? No Impact. The extreme southern end of the proposed sewer line alignment is located 1.96 miles from the western property line of McClellan Palomar Airport, and 2.10 miles from the runway of that airport. The southern end of the project alignment, from the approximate mid-point between Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road to the EWPCF is located within the Airport Influence Zone as outlined in the McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCPX dated January 25, 2010 and amended March 4, 2010, approved by the San Diego County Airport Authority. Although the project alignment is situated within the Airport Influence Area (A1A), the project will not involve the construction of any aboveground structures within this AIA, and thus, will not result in any air traffic impacts. The southern portion of the project is however, within ALUCP Review Area 2. The northern portion of the project is outside of the Airport influence area. Projects in the Review Area 2 are subject to Airport Overflight Notification. No section of the proposed project is situated within an identified Airport noise contour zone. The nearest zone contour (60-65 dBA CNEL) is located on the east side of 1-5. The ALUCP also includes a Safety Policy Map. The subject project is not located in any of the identified safety hazard zones. On July 6, 2010, the City of Carlsbad has received written clearance from the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority that the project will not require ALUC review inasmuch as the project is consistent with the ALUCP. As a result, no impacts to air traffic would occur from the project. d) . Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature or incompatible uses? Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 91 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26 / CDP10-17/HDP JO-OS/SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project will not include hazardous design features or incompatible uses. Upon completion of construction, the only aboveground components of the project (other than the manholes which will stand only 0-inches to 18-inches above grade) would be the lift station structure and the channel bridge structure. Thus, no potential for safety hazards would be expected to occur. The project will also avoid impacts to heavily-travelled Palomar Airport Road and Cannon Road due to the proposed microtunneling and HDD construction methods, which do not necessitate detour routing or other hazardous features or circumstances. Also, on Avenida Encinas, where short segments of travel lanes may be temporarily closed during the construction period, the construction contractor will be responsible for safely redirecting the traffic flow. No sharp curves or dangerous intersections would be created as a result of the proposed project. The proposed uses, sewer trunk line, sewer lift station, are compatible with the adjacent railroad, power plant industrial and arterial roadway uses. Impacts to safety from design features or incompatible uses would be less than significant. e)Result in inadequate emergency access? Less Than Significant Impact. Temporary traffic diversions will be necessary when the two interior Avenida Encinas traffic lanes are closed (the two outside lanes will remain open) north of Palomar Airport Road, and when Avenida Encinas south of Palomar Airport Road is closed except for local traffic. Convenient alternative routes are available for motorists wishing to utilize these road segments. Thus, thru-access, and access to nearby uses will not be significantly hindered. The construction contractor will use standard adopted City of Carlsbad procedures to minimize traffic diversions. Emergency vehicles will be able to pass through the project area without obstruction, or take a convenient alternative route during the potential temporary closure of the short sections of Avenida Encinas south of Palomar Airport Road. Further, open trenching across the Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road intersections for the recycled water line will take place in one-lane segments so that only a single lane is closed to traffic at any time. Lane closures across these busy roadways will be of short duration (3-days) since the recycled water line involves only a relatively shallow 5-foot deep trench. As required by the City of Carlsbad Traffic policies, any construction work within a public roadway right-of-way will be the subject of a Traffic Control and Detour Plan. Such plans allow for contractor work in public streets while maintaining a safe, uniform flow of traffic, including vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The Traffic Control and Detour Plan identifies all existing roadway improvements, shows the location and dimensions of the construction work zone, delineates staging areas in and around the work zone as appropriate, and indicate locations of construction signs, barricades and delineators (including cones) and detours. As required by the City, this plan also indicates the duration of the construction work and traffic control, and must be approved by the City Traffic Engineer prior to beginning of construction within the roadway right-of-ways. Required compliance with this City policy is sufficient to determine that this impact is less than significant. f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities? Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. The NCTD operates "Breeze" bus service lines through portions of the alignment of the project, as follows: Table 9: NCTD Bus Service through Project Alignment Route No. 101 321 444 445 Service Southbound - Oceanside Transit Center to University Towne Center Eastbound - Carlsbad Village to Palomar College via Legoland Westbound - Carlsbad Research Center/El Camino Real to Carlsbad Poinsettia Station (Coaster Connection) Westbound - Palomar Oaks Business Park in Carlsbad to Carlsbad Poinsettia Station (Coaster Connection) Project Alignment Portion Affected Route travels Avenida Encinas south of Palomar Airport Road to Kaiser Permanente offices on Avenida Encinas. Route travels Cannon Road from Carlsbad Boulevard to Paseo del Norte. Route Travels Palomar Airport Road to south on Avenida Encinas to Carlsbad Poinsettia Station. Route Travels Palomar Airport Road to south on Avenida Encinas to Carlsbad Poinsettia Station. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 92 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 Although once completed, the project will not have any impact on the above transit service lines, construction of the project will impact three of the four service routes through the area. Routes 101, 444 and 445 all travel down the south segment of Avenida Encinas. Route 101 travels this route to access the Kaiser Permanente offices south of the EWPCF, and Routes 444 and 445 travels to the Carlsbad Poinsettia Transit Station, also located south of the EWPCF on Avenida Encinas. Temporary traffic diversions will be necessary when Avenida Encinas south of Palomar Airport Road is closed except for local traffic. A convenient alternative route will be made available for NCTD to use to access these destination points (Kaiser Permanente and Poinsettia Transit Station) from Poinsettia Lane (from the south), rather than from Palomar Airport Road (from the north). A mitigation measure is included which will provide for advance notice and coordination with NCTD of this imminent, temporary closure of this Avenida Encinas segment. This mitigation measure is indicated below. Route 321 crosses the project alignment across Cannon Road, but will not be impacted by construction since pipe installation at Cannon Road will be via HDD tunneling, which does not necessitate any modification of traffic lanes or practice. No bicycle racks or other alternative transportation features would be demanded by the project since it does not propose business, employment, residential, commercial, health, or other high-demand uses. No bicycle or pedestrian facility performance would be impacted significantly, nor would the safety of such facilities be affected by implementation of the project. TRAF-1 Prior to the commencement of development of the proposed project, the developer shall coordinate with NCTD to determine an acceptable routing during the construction period of NCTD transit service for buses that are scheduled on Avenida Encinas, south of Palomar Airport Road, within the alignment of the proposed project. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICES SYSTEMS - Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which would cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d).. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider, which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? Potentially Significant Impact U Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated U U Less Than Significant Impact X X X No Impact XI XI Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 93 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/COP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? Potentially Significant Impact D Pot Sig L Mil Inco entially nificant nless igation rporated ...——- Less Than Significant Impact X X No Impact a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? Less Than Significant Impact. Under Section 402 of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) issues NPDES permits to regulate discharges to "waters of the U.S." which include rivers, lakes, and their tributary drainages. Waste discharges include discharges of storm water and construction project discharges. A construction project resulting in the disturbance in excess of one acre requires an NPDES permit. Construction project developers are also required to prepare a SWPPP plan. As a result of the fact that the project would be required to comply with the waste discharge prohibitions and water quality objectives established by the RWQCB and the City of Carlsbad (as a co-permittee), impacts related to this issue would be less than significant. b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which would cause significant environmental effects? No Impact. The proposed project is needed to replace the existing Agua Hedionda Lift Station (AHLS) and significant portions of the Agua Hedionda sewer trunk line because the latter is nearing the end of its useful life and does not have sufficient capacity to convey future project wastewater flows. The AHLS is part of the Vista/Carlsbad Sewer Interceptor system, which covers the Vista/Carlsbad drainage basin (sewer service area) and drains sanitary sewage generated by urban development from this basin to the EWPCF. The project is planned of a size and scale which will handle the projected build-out sewage anticipated from the service area. The project will not result in an increase in quantity of wastewater generation already handled by the Encina Wastewater Treatment Plant. The proposed project will connect to the existing sewer tributary lines at the north end of the project alignment, and future recycled water lines at the north and south ends of the project alignment. It will not impact any other sewer or other utility lines in the area. Thus, impacts to local sewer collection facilities in the area will be avoided. The project would not necessitate the construction of, or expansion of any new water, sewer or wastewater treatment facilities. Further, the project will not require the construction of any habitable structures, such as residences, commercial or retail uses, or businesses; therefore it would not generate new wastewater flows. As a result, inasmuch as the project does not include provision of any uses that would generate wastewater flows, no new or expanded wastewater facilities would be needed to accommodate the project. No impacts would occur from implementation of the project. c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? No Impact. The City of Carlsbad Master Plan of Drainage Facilities (2007) indicates that the following drainage facilities and structures exist and/or are proposed within or near the alignment of the proposed project: Table 10: Storm Drain Facilities in the Vicinity of the Project Storm Drain Facility Larger than 48-inch diameter 1 5-inch to 24-inch diameter Storm Drain Facility Location Parallel and adjacent to the proposed project at northern terminus of project to north shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Parallel to Cannon Road, on south side of Cannon Road Several other smaller storm drains are located along the alignment of the proposed project. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 94 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 /HMP 10-03 During construction, BMPs would be implemented to prevent construction-tainted runoff (containing sediments, oil, grease, etc.) into the storm drain system. The BMPs will include a variety of measures to control these pollutants, such as the use of sandbags and straw bales to block drain inlets to prevent discharge from entering the storm drain system, and other temporary protections. Once completed, the project would not increase storm water flows in the area of the project. As a result, the project will not result in the need for modification or addition of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, and therefore, no impacts would occur. d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project involves the placement of an underground sewer trunk line, a sewer lift station and a bridge structure to support the sewer line over the Agua Hedionda channel. The project will upgrade and replace sewer trunk collection facilities, but will not result in any substantial overall changes to local or regional sewer or water supplies. Construction will require temporary use of water for dust control; however, this relatively small amount of water use will not affect local or regional water supplies and would not require any new expanded entitlements. Impacts are considered less than significant. The project also involves the provision of a 12-inch (diameter) recycled water line. This line will serve to distribute recycled water from the EWPCF to the northern region of Carlsbad. The water will be used primarily for landscape irrigation throughout this northern section of Carlsbad. Thus, the project will contribute to an increase in the availability of water supply for the northern portion of Carlsbad. e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider, which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? Less Than Significant Impact. While the project will transport wastewater, the project will not generate wastewater. The proposed sewer line and lift station will replace an existing line and lift station. The project will improve the current wastewater infrastructure, which will subsequently be able to handle increased flow to the EWPCF. These increased flows can be accommodated within the EWPCF capacity. Therefore, the project would result in more efficient and reliable wastewater transport to the Encina Wastewater Plant. As a result, impacts would be less than significant. 0 Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? Less Than Significant Impact. The project will not include any components (such as residences or business offices) that would require regular solid waste disposal services over the life of the project. During construction, demolished portions of the pipeline, existing lift station, trestle bridges and concrete overflow basin would be disposed of in accordance with local, state and federal requirements. Soil excavated during project construction would be temporarily stockpiled at the staging areas and would be reused, as appropriate, to fill trenches following pipe placement. While the project will generate some debris that would require disposal, it will be relatively minimal, and therefore impacts to landfills will be less than significant. g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? Less Than Significant Impact. The project will be required to comply with applicable elements of AB 1327, Chapter 18 (California Solid Waste Reuse and Recycling Access Act of 1991) and other applicable local, state and federal solid waste disposal standards; therefore impacts associated with this issue are less than significant. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 95 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(Q /SP 144(L) /RP 10-26 / COP 10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 /HMP10-03 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED: XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumula- tively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects?) c) Does the project have environmental effects, which will cause the substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Potentially Significant Impact Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated E Less Than Significant Impact K E No Impact a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. The following discussion demonstrates how, with mitigation, the proposed project would result in less than significant impacts with respect to the potential for substantially degrading the quality of the environment; substantially reducing the habitat of a fish or wildlife species; causing a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels; threatening to eliminate a plant or animal community; reduce the number or restrict the range of an endangered, or rare or threatened species; or eliminate important examples of major period of California history or prehistory. Potential to degrade the quality of the environment. The project would not have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment. As indicated in the foregoing environmental analysis; No Impact, a Less Than Significant Impact, or a Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated is assessed to occur for each and every environmental issue addressed as a result of implementation of the project. In cases where the impact is assessed at Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated, mitigation measures are included in the project's MMRP, which will minimize impacts to a level of insignificance. Substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species. Cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self- sustaining levels. Threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, or reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 96 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 Vegetation communities which would be impacted through implementation of the project, includes Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (DCSS), Developed Lands (DEV), disturbed lands (DIS) and Eucalyptus Woodlands (EUC). Thus, project related impacts will occur to one sensitive upland vegetation association (CDSS) and this is considered a significant impact. No direct impacts will occur to sensitive wetland or riparian habitats. No impacts to waters of the U.S. will result from the project. Thus, no impacts to fish will result. Impacts to the remaining impacted vegetation communities (excluding Developed Lands) are considered significant unless HMP-required mitigation credit (Lake Calavera Mitigation Credit) is complied with. Impacts to Developed Lands are not significant. During construction of the project, machinery necessary to accomplish the trenching and pipe laying work will be located on urbanized pads and streets, and will maintain a minimum 10 feet buffer from adjacent non-impacted sensitive vegetation communities. Also, staging areas for pipes, machinery, materials and tools will be on previously-graded urbanized areas, or within adjacent traffic lanes which will be closed to traffic. Backhoe tractors will be primarily utilized for trenching, with the spoils temporarily laid directly adjacent to the trench, a minimum 10-foot from any sensitive vegetation or water. Trucks to transport materials to the site and other smaller vehicles will access the area and park on the public streets and on the urbanized pads. Thus, direct temporary impacts to adjacent sensitive habitats will be avoided. However, the project may have the potential for indirect impacts on rare nesting or breeding birds in the sensitive habitats located in the adjacent Agua Hedionda Lagoon area because of impacts resulting from temporary, construction-related noise. Listed birds not identified on or near the site but potentially impacted by indirect impacts because they forage or rest in or near the lagoon include the Great blue heron, Elegant tern, and the California Brown pelican, all species that are listed as endangered or threatened and may be found in and around the adjacent open water. These potential noise impacts would be considered impacting only if the noise created a disruption of nesting activities, and thus only during the bird nesting/breeding season, generally from January 15 to September 15 of any year. Thus, if project construction in locations adjacent to Agua Hedionda lagoon is contemplated during this time, the project would need to implement mitigation measures to ensure any construction noise impacts do not significantly impact these nesting migratory birds. These birds nest in trees, shrubs and on the ground. As a result of these factors, with the incorporation of Mitigation Measures BIO-1 through BIO-13 which will ensure provision of additional protections on rare plants and animals during construction, and will ensure the revegetation of sensitive habitats, the project will not have the potential to substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, or reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal. Have the potential to substantially eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. The proposed project would not eliminate important examples of major periods of California history or prehistory. With regard to history, based on an archaeological literature and records search of historic maps and aerial photographs, no buildings or structures have been recorded within the project area of potential effect. With regard to prehistory, records investigations for the Archaeological Resources Survey, dated May 2009, concluded that two archaeological sites were previously recorded adjacent to the project area and one site was previously recorded within the impact area. During a 2009 archaeological field survey, no cultural material was observed within the project area. However, based on monitoring of geotechnical testing, it is suggested that intact cultural deposits may be present beneath the existing fill soils that cover portions of the project alignment. Therefore, if the proposed pipeline would be trenched into native soils beneath these fills, which is anticipated, there is a potential for encountering cultural resources. Given the number of archaeological sites in the area and the nature of the soils, there is a potential for archaeological resources to exist within a subsurface context, with little or no evidence on the existing soil surface. Based on this, a monitoring program must be implemented for the project, as detailed in the following mitigation measures. The Native American Heritage Commission records show no indication of Native American cultural resources within Vi mile of the project, although the field survey referenced above suggests that there are Native American cultural resources in proximity to the project area. As a result, the project could also result in a significant impact to Native American resources if mitigation is not included. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 97 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 / HMP10-03 With the incorporation of Mitigation Measures CUL-1 and CUL-2, which will ensure provision of construction monitoring for prehistoric deposits, the project will not have the potential to eliminate important examples of major portions of history or prehistory. Therefore, impacts from the project would be less than significant. b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects?) Less Than Significant Impact. Cumulative impacts are defined as two or more individual effects that, when considered together, are considerable or that compound or increase the severity of other environmental impacts. The cumulative impact from several projects can be quantified as the change in the environment that results from the incremental impact of the development when added to the impacts of other closely related past, present, and reasonably foreseeable or probable future developments. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor, but collectively significant, developments taking place over a period of time. CEQA Guidelines, Section 15130(a) and (b) states: (a) Cumulative impacts shall be discussed when the project's incremental effect is cumulatively considerable. (b) The discussion of cumulative impacts shall reflect the severity of the impacts and their likelihood of occurrence, but the discussion need not provide as great detail as is provided of the effects attributable to the project. The discussion should be guided by the standards of practicality and reasonableness. Development Projects: Three development projects are proposed in the vicinity of the subject project. 1. The Poseidon Desalination Plan is a50-million gallons per day (MOD) seawater-to-potable water Reverse Osmosis (RO) industrial plant. The plant will include a desalination plant, pipelines, electrical transformers, and solids handling building. Once operational, it is anticipated that the plant will have the capacity to deliver water to the city of Carlsbad and other regional partners. The project has been approved and will be constructed south of the proposed lift station site. 2. The NRG Power Plant Expansion involves construction of a second power plant on the existing Encina Power Plant site. An application for certification for this expansion has been submitted to the California Energy Commission; however the City of Carlsbad is officially opposing the project. The project would be located on property immediately south-east of the proposed lift station site. It is estimated to generate approximately 540 megawatts of power for the region. The project would contain two 14-story smokestacks and 9 to 10-story buildings. 3. The NCTD Railroad Double-Tracking project is a future project proposed by the California Department of Transportation and Amtrak for NCTD. It involves the addition of a parallel railroad track along the subject section of track within Carlsbad. The project will necessitate an additional bridge across the lagoon channel. It is anticipated that the second track will be installed easterly of the existing track. Table 11: Development Projects in the Vicinity of the Project Project No. 1. 2. 3. Project Description Poseidon Desalination Plan NRG Power Plant Expansion NCTD Railroad Double-Tracking CIP Sewer Improvement Projects: The City of Carlsbad 5-Year Capital Improvements Program (CIP), approximately $10.6 million worth of improvements and upgrades are proposed for projects directly related to the EWPCF over the next five years. These projects include EWPCF Building Improvements, Capital Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Staffing, Debt Service and Facility Expansion. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 98 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP 10-26/COP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 Table 12: Enema Water Pollution Control Facility 5-Year CIP Projects Project No. 5800 5801 5803 Project Description EWPCF Building Improvements Capital Acquisition/Rehabilitation and Staffing Phase IV Expansion - Debt Service Phase V Expansion Also, another approximately $50.3 million are proposed for improvements and upgrades to the Citywide sewer collection system projects over this same five-year period. It is concluded that no significant cumulative impacts would result from implementation of the project. These projects are listed on the following table. Table 13: Sewer Collection System 5-Year CIP Projects Project No. 5501 5507 3622 3873 3951 5500 3573 3538 3875 5505 3840 3927 5504 5502 5508 3492 3886 3949 3867 3950 Project Description Avenida Encinas Gravity Sewer Beech Street Sewer Replacement Buena Interceptor Sewer Improvements Calavera Hills Treatment Plant Demolition Carlsbad Trunk Sewer Reaches VCT1 A, VCT1B, VCT1C condition Assessment of Sewer Mains Faraday Avenue - Orion to Melrose Sewer Home Plant - Pipeline Replacement Home Plant Lift Station Replacement La Costa Meadows Sewer Extension La Golondria Sewer Extension North Agua Hedionda Interceptor - West Segment North Agua Hedionda trunk Sewer Reach NAHT1 A North Batiquitos Interceptor Rehabilitation Poinsettia Sewage Lift Station Odor/Noise Abatement Sewer Lift Station Removals - Various Sewer Lift Station Repairs and Upgrades Sewer Line Refurbishments/Replacement and Manholes Sewer Master Plan Connection Fee Update Sewer Monitoring Program Terramar Lift Station Replacement Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Buena Vista Lift Station Force Main Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Agua Hedionda Lift Station Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Reach VC1 IB Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Reach VC 1 3 to VC 1 5 Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Rehab Reaches 1 and 2 Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Replacement Reach 3 If all of these projects were initiated and constructed at the same time, potentially significant impacts with respect to three environmental issues could occur: 1. Air quality - Fugitive dust and construction equipment emissions; 2. Biological Resources - Possible presence and impacts to sensitive species and habitats; and 3. Cultural Resources - Possible unearthing of cultural and paleontological resources through excavation. It would be expected however, that all environmental impacts associated with these development projects, plus this massive sewer CIP project, could be mitigated to levels that would be less than significant by means of mitigation measures similar in content to those identified in this Environmental Initial Study. However, possible environmental impacts resulting from the NRG Power Plant expansion project have not been analyzed in this document inasmuch as that project has not yet been specifically defined and the impacts are not known at this time. As a consequence, and assuming mitigation measures similar to those found in this Study, these projects, excluding the NRG Power Plant expansion project, in combination with the proposed project would not result in significant cumulative impacts. Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 99 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(1) /RP10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 In terms of assessing whether the project's incremental contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is "cumulatively considerable" pursuant to Section 15130 of the State CEQA Guidelines, the extremely minor contribution of the project to global greenhouse gas emissions suggests that this project does not contribute "cumulatively considerable" greenhouse gas emissions. It is beyond the scope of this Environmental Initial Study to determine the greenhouse gas effects of all past, present, and probably future projects producing related or cumulative impacts.5 Further, it is not possible to rely on a summary of projections contained in the Carlsbad and/or Vista General Plan because the applicable adopted local and regional planning documents do not provide the necessary analyses of greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, while the global significance of climate change may be acknowledged, determining the cumulative contribution relative to the proposed project and other closely related past, present, and reasonably foreseeable or probable future related projects would be speculative, and therefore, is not pursued further in this Environmental Initial Study. Thus, it is concluded that impacts of the proposed project would be less than significant. c) Does the project have environmental effects, which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Less Than Significant Impact. Potential adverse effects on the human population have been evaluated in preceding sections of this checklist. The incorporation of design measures identified in the project description, applicable City of Carlsbad policies and standards, and applicable state and federal guidelines, will ensure that no substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly, will result from the project. Impacts of the proposed project would be less than significant. XVIII. EARLIER ANALYSES Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, one or more effects have been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case a discussion should identify the following on attached sheets: a) Earlier analyses used. Identify earlier analyses and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts adequately addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation measures. For effects that are "Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures, which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project. State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15130(b)(l)(A). Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project Environmental Initial Study - 8/5/10 100 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 EARLIER ANALYSIS USED AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION SOURCES The following documents were used in the analysis of this project and are on file in the City of Carlsbad Planning Department located at 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, California, 92008. 1. Final Master Environmental Impact Report for the City of Carlsbad General Plan Update (ME1R 93-01), City of Carlsbad Planning Department. March 1994. 2. California Department of Transportation website, "California Scenic Highway Mapping System." http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/scenic highways/index.htm. Accessed May 13,2009. 3. "California Department of Conservation - San Diego County Important Farmland". September, 2002 4. Capital Improvement Program. City of Carlsbad, Finance Department, 2008-2013. 5. State of California CEQA Guidelines. State of California Natural Resources Agency. July 27, 2007. 6. Sewer Master Plan. City of Carlsbad. March. 2003. 7. Scenic Corridor Guidelines. City of Carlsbad. July 1, 1988. 8. City of Carlsbad Local Coastal Program. City of Carlsbad. Adopted November 1987, Mellol Segment. 9. Agua Hedionda Land Use Plan. City of Carlsbad Local Coastal Program, Kelly Ranch LCP Amendment, July 11, 2000. 10. San Diego County Important Farmland. California Department of Conservation. September, 2002. 11. Air Quality Conformity Assessment Planning Systems. March 5, 2010. 12. Current Rules and Regulations. County of San Diego Air Pollution Control District. November, 2002. 13. Preliminary Biological Assessment Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station. Planning Systems. May 28, 2010. 14. Regulatory Guidance Letter. US Army Corps of Engineers, RGL 08-02. June 26, 2008. 15. Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad. City of Carlsbad. Final Approval November, 2004. 16. Archaeological Resources Survey. Agua Hedionda Sewer and Lift Station. Affinis. May 2009. 17. Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map. California Geological Survey. May 1, 1999. 18. Special Publication 42; Fault Rupture Hazard Zones in California. California Department of Conservation Division of Mines and Geology. 2007 Revision. 19. California Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment. United States Geological Survey. October, 2003. 101 Rev. 01/02/07 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 20. Geotechnical Evaluation of the Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Force Main, Ninyo & Moore. August 3, 2009 21. Environmental Soil and Groundwater Sampling for the Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Force Main, Ninyo & Moore. August 28, 2009, 22. Uniform Building Code - Volume 1 (1997); Table 18-1-B. 23. Special Publication 42. California Geological Survey; State Geologist Division of Mines and Geology. May 1996. 24. Limited Environmental Due Diligence Review Agua Hedionda Project. Brown and Caldwell. June 27, 2007. 25. City of Carlsbad Emergency Operations Plan. June 9, 2003. 26. McClellan Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan -. Carlsbad, California. (March 4, 2010.) Approved by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. 27. California Airport Land Use Planning Handbook. California Department of Transportation Bureau of Aeronautics. January, 2002. 28. Carlsbad Municipal Code Title 21: Zoning Ordinance. City of Carlsbad. Updated through November, 2009. 29. Draft Agua Hedionda Lift Station Storm Water Management Plan. Brown & Caldwell. June, 2008. 30. Flood Insurance Rate Map (Map Number 06073C076F) Federal Emergency Management Agency. June 19, 1997. 31. Draft Noise Guidelines Manual. City of Carlsbad. 1998 32. San Diego County Regulatory Ordinances, San Diego County Noise Ordinance. Section 36.409- 410, County of San Diego. Amended November 19, 2008. 33. Zone 2 Local Facilites Management Plan. City of Carlsbad. November, 1986 34. Carlsbad General Plan - Circulation Element, City of Carlsbad Planning Department. March, 1994. 102 Rev. 01/02/07 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP W-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 LIST OF MITIGATING MEASURES (IF APPLICABLE) To mitigate potentially significant project impacts, the following mitigation measures shall be applied to the development of the proposed project: Air Quality AQ-l All construction equipment will be maintained at appropriate mechanical and electronic tuning levels per the manufacturer's specifications. Diesel equipment standing idle for more than five minutes shall be turned off. This would include dump trucks waiting to deliver or receive soil, gravel, aggregate or other bulk materials. Biological Resources BIO-1 Mitigation for permanent and temporary impacts to upland vegetation communities (HMP Habitat Groups D, E and F) will be mitigated by debiting the appropriate acreage (total 1.20 acres) from the Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel at the ratios indicated in Table 4 above (except Diegan coastal sage scrub mitigation acreage shall include a minimum 1:1 creation component within the vicinity of the impacts, as indicated in Mitigation Measure #2 below). The Lake Calavera property was identified in the City's Habitat Management Plan as a public project mitigation parcel for municipal projects. The total acreage available for credit at its inception was 186.55 acres. That acreage is available to mitigate for habitat impacts from City projects on an acre-for-acre basis regardless of the type of habitat being impacted, except for Group A, B or C habitat groups, none of which are impacted by the proposed project. The mitigation provided for each City project by the Lake Calavera parcel is tracked and reported on an annual basis in the City's HMP Annual Report. As of the end of the last reporting period (October 2009), a total of 183.8 acres of mitigation land was still available. BIO-2 Pursuant to Conservation Standards 7-8 and 7-9 (p. D-l 15) of the HMP, the project applicant shall mitigate for the loss of 0.09 acre of coastal sage scrub by creation of at least 0.09 acre (no net loss) of creation of coastal sage scrub in a location acceptable to the Carlsbad Planning Department and the Wildlife Agencies. Upon agreement as to the selected site, the applicant shall prepare a restoration program for review and approval by the City and Wildlife Agencies. The restoration program shall include a five-year maintenance and monitoring program, with a requirement to meet City/Wildlife Agencies-approved success criteria. This restoration program shall be approved prior to the commencement of any clearing of coastal sage scrub associated with project construction. The restoration program shall include site preparation guidelines, implementation monitoring, performance standards, long-term maintenance and monitoring methodology, and contingency measures with a commitment to funding. BIO-3 In order to avoid impacts to adjacent open space habitats during construction, all impacted open space interfaces will require temporary orange construction fencing which clearly delineates the edge of the approved limits of grading and clearing and environmentally sensitive areas beyond. This fencing shall be installed in all areas adjacent to protected open spaces, and shall be installed prior to construction, and maintained for the duration of construction activity. Fencing shall be installed in a manner trial does not impact habitats to be avoided. The applicant shall submit to the City for approval, at least seven days prior to initiating project impacts, the final plans and photographs for initial clearing and grubbing of habitat and project construction. These final plans shall include photographs that show the fenced limits of impact and all areas to be impacted or avoided. If work occurs beyond the fenced or demarcated limits of impact, all work shall cease until the problem has been remedied and mitigation identified, to the satisfaction of the biological monitor. Temporary orange construction fencing shall be removed upon project completion of construction of the project. 103 Rev. 01/02/07 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDF 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 / HMP10-03 BIO-4 The developer shall hire a biological monitor to monitor the construction operations. The biological monitor shall have the ability to halt construction work, if necessary and confer with the City and Wildlife Agencies to ensure the proper implementation of species and habitat protection measures. The biologist shall report any violation to the USFWS within 24 hours of its occurrence. The biological monitor shall be present to monitor clearing, grading, and construction activities in the vicinity of biological open space areas. The biological monitor shall have the authority to stop construction and require additional precautions or conservation measures to protect the proposed open space preserve areas, including the wildlife movement corridor, as necessary. Implementation of this measure shall be verified by the City prior to and concurrent with construction. BIO-5 Prior to the commencement of any ground-disturbing activities (i.e., clearing, grubbing, trenching, grading) that occur between January 15 and September 15, a biological survey by a qualified biologist shall be conducted of the project area. If active raptor and/or migratory bird nests are observed during the construction phase, a buffer area of adequate width (typically 500 feet), as determined by the monitoring biologist, shall be established between the construction activities and the nest so that nesting activities are not interrupted. To avoid potential impacts, trees shall be removed outside of the breeding season of local raptor species (trees shall be removed between September 15 and January 15). Noise attenuation and buffer (if required) shall remain in place until the construction activities are completed or the nest is no longer active. Implementation of this measure shall be verified by the City. BIO-6 Construction noise created during the breeding season that could affect the breeding of the California gnatcatcher, migratory songbirds and other bird species associated with the adjacent sensitive open water, wetlands, riparian, and coastal sage scrub habitat shall be avoided. This restriction can be waived by the City, with concurrence from the Wildlife Agencies, upon completion of a breeding/nesting bird survey of the area in accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. A biological monitor of the construction operation is required. If nests are present, no loud construction (exceeding 60 dBA hourly average, adjusted for ambient noise levels, at the nesting site) may take place within 500 feet of active nesting sites during the nesting/breeding season (January 15 through September 15). BIO-7 The developer shall train all contractors and construction personnel on the biological resources adjacent to portions of this project and ensure that training is implemented by construction personnel. At a minimum, training shall include: 1) the purpose for resource protection; 2) a description of the gnatcatcher and its habitat; 3) limiting activities, vehicles, equipment, and construction materials to the fenced project footprint to avoid sensitive resource areas in the field (i.e., avoided areas delineated on maps or on the project site by fencing); 4) the protocol to resolve conflicts that may arise at any time during the construction process; and, 5) the general provisions of the Endangered Species Act, the need to adhere to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act, the penalties associated with violating the Endangered Species Act. B1O-8 In order to adequately protect the adjacent open spaces, the applicant shall ensure that the following mitigation measures are implemented during project construction: • Employees shall strictly limit their activities, vehicles, equipment and construction materials to the fenced project footprint; • Pets of project personnel shall not be allowed on the project site; • Disposal or temporary placement of excess fill, brush or other debris shall not be allowed in waters of the United States or their banks; • All equipment maintenance, staging, and dispensing of fuel, oil, coolant, or any other such activities shall occur in designated areas within the fenced project impact limits and in such a manner as to prevent any runoff from entering offsite open spaces, and shall be shown on the construction plans. Fueling of 104 Rev. 01/02/07 Agua Hedlonda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05 /SUP 10-02 / HMP10-03 equipment shall take place within existing paved areas greater than 100 feet from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel shore. Contractor equipment shall be checked for leaks prior to operation and repaired as necessary. "No-fueling zones" shall be designated on construction plans; and • Night lighting, if any, of construction staging areas shall be of the lowest illumination necessary for human safety, selectively placed, shielded, and directed away from adjacent natural habitats. BIO-9 The hydroseed mix or landscape mix in areas adjacent to open spaces shall not involve the use of invasive exotic seeds or plants. The list of invasives shall be those identified on List A and List B of the California Exotic Plant Council's List of Exotic Plants of Greatest Ecological Concern in California, as of October, 1999, and updated if applicable. Implementation of this measure shall be verified by the City during review of the Erosion Control Plans. BlO-10 During construction, the project applicant shall install temporary silt barriers along the limits of project impacts (including construction staging areas and access routes) adjacent to open space habitats to prevent additional habitat impacts and prevent the spread of silt from the construction zone into adjacent habitats to be avoided. Silt fencing shall be installed in a manner that does not impact habitats to be avoided. All work activities occurring near the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel in particular will utilize silt fencing to completely control any disturbed soils from entering the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel. Runoff from project construction and landscaped areas shall not be allowed to enter the channel. All runoff will remain within landscaped areas or be filtered through appropriate storm drain facilities. BlO-llPrior to beginning construction work, the project contractor shall notify the City Engineer, City Planner and Coastal Commission Staff as necessary, of the completion of a final, site specific, Spill Contingency Plan that outlines actions to be taken in the event that an accidental discharge of construction fluids occurs. Such Spill Contingency Plan shall include, at a minimum, the following requirements: a. In the event that a "frac-out," (escape of bentonite slurry into the environment) or other spill or accidental discharge of drilling fluids occurs during the drilling operations, all construction shall cease and shall not recommence except as provided below: b. Following discovery of the "frac-out," spill or accidental discharge of drilling fluids, the applicant shall immediately implement the above stated Spill Contingency Plan. No work shall continue until all spilled fluids have been contained and/or removed and measures taken to prevent a recurrence consistent with the approved contingency plan. If the spill or accidental discharge results in a change to the approved project description or to the scope of the impacts to resources, the permittee shall notify the biological monitor to immediately conduct an assessment of the biological impacts, and submit to the City Planner, and Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission as necessary, a revised project and restoration plan prepared by qualified professional(s) that provides for (1) necessary revisions to the proposed project to avoid further spill or accidental discharge of fluids; and (2) restoration of the area(s) affected by the spill or accidental discharge to pre-project conditions. The revised project and restoration plan shall be consistent with any applicable requirements of the USFWS, CDFG and/or San Diego RWQCB. The revised project and restoration plan shall be processed as an amendment to the coastal development permit. The trenchless construction operations may not recommence until after an amendment to this permit is approved by the City Planner, and Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission as necessary, unless the City Planner, and the Executive Director as necessary, determines that no amendment is legally required. BIO-12 Prior to removal of the existing sewer and/or gas trestle bridges or construction of the new bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel, the project proponent shall apply for and receive approval of a Nationwide Permit 12 (Utility Line Activities) pursuant to Section 10 of the River and Harbors Act. This bridge removal and construction activity shall also necessitate water quality certification issued by the San Diego Regional Water 105 Rev. 01/02/07 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) / RP10-26/COP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP10-03 Quality Control Board pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Action, and issuance of a Streambed Alteration Agreement with the California Department of Fish and Game. No additional mitigation beyond removal of the existing trestle bridges is anticipated to be required. Cultural Resources CUL-l Prior to the commencement of ground-disturbing activities, the project developer shall retain a qualified archaeologist to monitor ground-disturbing activities. The qualified archaeologist shall be on-site during all grading, trenching, and other ground-disturbing activities unless otherwise agreed upon by the archaeologist and City Staff. In the event any potential cultural resource is uncovered during the course of the project construction, ground-disturbing activities in the vicinity of the find shall be redirected until the nature and extent of the find can be evaluated by the archaeological monitor. If cultural resources are encountered, the archaeologist shall have the authority to temporarily halt or redirect grading/trenching while the cultural resources are documented and assessed. If significant resources are encountered, appropriate mitigation measures must be developed and implemented. If any human remains are discovered, the County Medical Examiner shall be contacted. In the event that the remains are determined to be of Native American origin, the Most Likely Descendant, as identified by the Native American Heritage Commission, shall be contacted in order to determine proper treatment and disposition of the remains. Recovered artifactual materials shall be cataloged and analyzed. A report shall be completed describing the methods and results of the monitoring and data recovery program. Artifacts shall be curated with accompanying catalog to current professional repository standards or the collection will be repatriated to the appropriate Native American Tribe(s), as specified in the pre-excavation agreement. CUL-2 Prior to the commencement of ground disturbing activities, the project developer shall retain the services of a Native American monitor. The purpose of this monitoring will be to allow for tribal observation of trenching excavation including formalized procedures for the treatment of Native American human remains and burial, ceremonial, or cultural items that may be uncovered during any ground disturbance activities. Prior to implementation of the monitoring, a pre-excavation agreement shall be developed between the appropriate Native American Tribe and the City of Carlsbad. The Native American representative(s) shall attend the pre-grading meeting with the contractors to explain the requirements of the program. The Native American monitor shall be on-site during all grading, trenching, and other ground-disturbing activities unless otherwise agreed upon by the monitor and City Staff. CUL-3 Prior to any excavation or trenching into undisturbed, older Pleistocene sediment, the project developer shall retain a qualified paleontologist during construction excavations within these sediment deposits, if any, to observe construction excavations. In the event that any unique paleontological resources are encountered, the resources shall be salvaged, recorded, and curated, under the direction of the monitoring paleontologist. Geology and Soils GEO-1 Grading and construction of the southern bridge abutment shall comply with the geotechnical recommendations contained in the Geotechnical Evaluation prepared by Ninyo & Moore, dated August 3, 2009, in order to reduce the potential for settlement due to seismically-induced liquefaction or lateral spread. These recommendations shall include the use of deep foundations and the removal and recompaction of surface soils prior to construction. 106 Rev. 01/02/07 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project POP 00-02(C) /SP 144(L) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03 Hazards and Hazardous Materials HAZ-1 A site-specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP) shall be prepared prior to subsurface construction activities in the vicinity of; (a) the lift station site and (b) Avenida Encinas just south of Palomar Airport Road. The HASP shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, and with the California OSHA requirements for hazardous waste operations and emergency response regulations. The HASP shall be reviewed and signed by a Certified Industrial Hygienist and include a community health and safety component. Anyone performing subsurface work in these areas should be alerted to the potential for encountering petroleum hydrocarbons and/or pesticides in soil and petroleum hydrocarbons and/or VOCs in groundwater and have received the appropriate training in accordance with the approved site-specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP). HAZ-2 A Soil Management Plan (SMP) shall be prepared prior to subsurface construction activities in the vicinity of; (a) the lift station site, (b) approximately 300-400' feet south of the lift station site, (c) Avenida Encinas just south of Palomar Airport Road, and in Avenida Encinas just south of Cannon Road and 400-500 feet north of Palomar Airport Road, if dewatering activities are determined to be necessary. If dewatering activities are to be performed during construction, the SMP should include a groundwater management component for dewatering activities. If dewatering activities are proposed to be discharged to surface waters or the sewer system, the concentrations of metals in the extracted groundwater should meet the requirements provided in the permit from either the RWQCB (General Waste Discharge Requirements and NPDES permit or the City of Carlsbad. The SMP shall be prepared by a professional environmental consultant in accordance with the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health's Site Assessment and Mitigation Manual, RWQCB guidelines, and the standard of care of the industry. HAZ-3 Prior to any excavation or trenching, the construction contractor shall prepare a contingency plan documenting the procedures to be used should an unexpected pocket of hazardous materials be encountered during excavation and/or trenching activities. This plan shall be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer. HAZ-4 A qualified air monitor shall be retained to monitor air quality during trenching and grading operations. Air monitoring shall be conducted using a portable photoionization detector (PID). This instrument is capable of detecting both petroleum hydrocarbons and organic solvents and will provide assurance that construction workers are not inadvertently exposed to potentially harmful organic vapors. Transportation/Traffic TRAF-l Prior to the commencement of development of the proposed project, the developer shall coordinate with NCTD to determine an acceptable routing during the construction period of NCTD transit service for buses that are scheduled on Avenida Encinas, south of Palomar Airport Road, within the alignment of the proposed project. 107 Rev. 01/02/07 Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station Project PDP 00~02(C) /SP 144(1) /RP10-26/CDP10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02 / HMP10-03 APPLICANT CONCURRENCE WITH MITIGATION MEASURES THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT I HAVE REVIEWED THE ABOVE MITIGATING MEASURES AND CONCUR WITH THE ADDITION OF THESE MEASURES TO THE PROJECT. Date -"" Signature^ 108 Rev. 01/02/07 Page 1 of 9 PROJECT NAME: APPROVAL DATE: Aqua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station & Gravity & Force Mains FILE NUMBERS: PDF 00-02(C) / SP 144(L) / RP 10-26 / GDP 10-17 / HDP 10-05 / SUP 10-02 / HMP 10-03 The following environmental mitigation measures were incorporated into the Conditions of Approval for this project in order to mitigate identified environmental impacts to a level of insignificance. A completed and signed checklist for each mitigation measure indicates that this mitigation measure has been complied with and implemented, and fulfills the City's monitoring requirements with respect to Assembly Bill 3180 (Public Resources Code Section 21081.6). Mitigation Measure AIR QUALITY AQ-1 - All construction equipment will be maintained at appropriate mechanical and electronic tuning levels per the manufacturer's specifications. Diesel equipment standing idle for more than five minutes shall be turned off. This would include dump trucks waiting to deliver or receive soil, gravel, aggregate or other bulk materials. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES BIO-1 - Mitigation for permanent and temporary impacts to upland vegetation communities (HMP Habitat Groups D, E and F) will be mitigated by debiting the appropriate acreage (total 1.20 acres) from the Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel at the ratios indicated in Table 4 above (except Diegan coastal sage scrub mitigation acreage shall include a minimum 1:1 creation component within the vicinity of the impacts, as indicated in Mitigation Measure #2 below). The Lake Calavera property was identified in the City's Habitat Management Plan as a public project mitigation parcel for municipal projects. The total acreage available for credit at its inception was 186.55 acres. That acreage is available to mitigate for habitat impacts from City projects on an acre-for-acre basis regardless of the type of habitat being impacted, except for Group A, B or C habitat groups, none of which are impacted by the proposed project. The mitigation provided for each City project by the Lake Calavera parcel is tracked and reported on an annual basis in the City's HMP Annual Report. As of the end of the last reporting period (October 2009), a total of 183.8 acres of mitigation land was still available. Monitoring Type Project Project Monitoring •• Department • Engineering - Utilities Department & Construction Contractor Planning Division Shown on Plans Verified Implementation • ;'• " Remarks Explanation of Headings: Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative. Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular mitigation measure. Shown on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be initialed and dated. Verified Implementation = When mitigation measure has been implemented, this column will be initialed and dated. Remarks = Area for describing status of ongoing mitigation measure, or for other information. RD - Appendix P. Page 2 of 9 BIO-2 - Pursuant to Conservation Standards 7-8 and 7-9 (p. D-115) of the HMP, the project applicant shall mitigate for the loss of 0.09 acre of coastal sage scrub by creation of at least 0.09 acre (no net loss) of creation of coastal sage scrub in a location acceptable to the Carlsbad Planning Department and the Wildlife Agencies. Upon agreement as to the selected site, the applicant shall prepare a restoration program for review and approval by the City and Wildlife Agencies. The restoration program shall include a five-year maintenance and monitoring program, with a requirement to meet City/Wildlife Agencies-approved success criteria. This restoration program shall be approved prior to the commencement of any clearing of coastal sage scrub associated with project construction. The restoration program shall include site preparation guidelines, implementation monitoring, performance standards, long-term maintenance and monitoring methodology, and contingency measures with a commitment to funding. Project Planning Division & Engineering Utilities Department BIO-3 - In order to avoid impacts to adjacent open space habitats during construction, all impacted open space interfaces will require temporary orange construction fencing which clearly delineates the edge of the approved limits of grading and clearing and environmentally sensitive areas beyond. This fencing shall be installed in all areas adjacent to protected open spaces, and shall be installed prior to construction, and maintained for the duration of construction activity. Fencing shall be installed in a manner that does not impact habitats to be avoided. The applicant shall submit to the City for approval, at least seven days prior to initiating project impacts, the final plans and photographs for initial clearing and grubbing of habitat and project construction. These final plans shall include photographs that show the fenced limits of impact and all areas to be impacted or avoided. If work occurs beyond the fenced or demarcated limits of impact, all work shall cease until the problem has been remedied and mitigation identified, to the satisfaction of the biological monitor. Temporary orange construction fencing shall be removed upon project completion of construction of the project. Project - Prior to Grading and During All Construction Activities Planning Division & Biological Monitor Explanation of Headings: Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative. Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular mitigation measure. Shown.on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be initialed and dated. Verified Implementation = When mitigation measure has been implemented, this column will be initialed and dated. Remarks = Area for describing status of ongoing mitigation measure, or for other information. RD - Appendix P. Page 3 of 9 BIO-4 - The developer shall hire a biological monitor to monitor the construction operations. The biological monitor shall have the ability to halt construction work, if necessary and confer with the City and Wildlife Agencies to ensure the proper implementation of species and habitat protection measures. The biologist shall report any violation to the USFWS within 24 hours of its occurrence. The biological monitor shall be present to monitor clearing, grading, and construction activities in the vicinity of biological open space areas. The biological monitor shall have the authority to stop construction and require additional precautions or conservation measures to protect the proposed open space preserve areas, including the wildlife movement corridor, as necessary. Implementation of this measure shall be verified by the City prior to and concurrent with construction. Project Planning Division & Engineering Utilities Department BIO-5 - Prior to the commencement of any ground-disturbing activities (i.e., clearing, grubbing, trenching, grading) that occur between January 15 and September 15, a biological survey by a qualified biologist shall be conducted of the project area. If active raptor and/or migratory bird nests are observed during the construction phase, a buffer area of adequate width (typically 500 feet), as determined by the monitoring biologist, shall be established between the construction activities and the nest so that nesting activities are not interrupted. To avoid potential impacts, trees shall be removed outside of the breeding season of local raptor species (trees shall be removed between September 15 and January 15). Noise attenuation and buffer (if required) shall remain in place until the construction activities are completed or the nest is no longer active. Implementation of this measure shall be verified by the City. Project - Prior to Any Ground Disturbing Activities Planning Division & Biological Monitor BIO-6 - Construction noise created during the breeding season that could affect the breeding of the California gnatcatcher, migratory songbirds and other bird species associated with the adjacent sensitive open water, wetlands, riparian, and coastal sage scrub habitat shall be avoided. This restriction can be waived by the City, with concurrence from the Wildlife Agencies, upon completion of a breeding/nesting bird survey of the area in accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. A biological monitor of the construction operation is required. If nests are present, no loud construction (exceeding 60 dBA hourly average, adjusted for ambient noise levels, at the nesting site) may take place within 500 feet of active nesting sites during the nesting/breeding season (January 15 through September 15). Project Planning Division & Biological Monitor Explanation of Headings: Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative. Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular mitigation measure. Shown on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be initialed and dated. Verified Implementation = When mitigation measure has been implemented, this column will be initialed and dated. Remarks = Area for describing status of ongoing mitigation measure, or for other information. RD - Appendix P. Page 4 of 9 BIO-7 - The developer shall train all contractors and construction personnel on the biological resources adjacent to portions of this project and ensure that training is implemented by construction personnel. At a minimum, training shall include: 1) the purpose for resource protection; 2) a description of the gnatcatcher and its habitat; 3) limiting activities, vehicles, equipment, and construction materials to the fenced project footprint to avoid sensitive resource areas in the field (i.e., avoided areas delineated on maps or on the project site by fencing); 4) the protocol to resolve conflicts that may arise at any time during the construction process; and, 5) the general provisions of the Endangered Species Act, the need to adhere to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act, the penalties associated with violating the Endangered Species Act. Project - Prior to Any Grading or Construction Activities Planning Division & Biological Monitor BIO-8 - In order to adequately protect the adjacent open spaces, the applicant shall ensure that the following mitigation measures are implemented during project construction: • Employees shall strictly limit their activities, vehicles, equipment and construction materials to the fenced project footprint; • Pets of project personnel shall not be allowed on the project site; • Disposal or temporary placement of excess fill, brush or other debris shall not be allowed in waters of the United States or their banks; • All equipment maintenance, staging, and dispensing of fuel, oil, coolant, or any other such activities shall occur in designated areas within the fenced project impact limits and in such a manner as to prevent any runoff from entering offsite open spaces, and shall be shown on the construction plans. Fueling of equipment shall take place within existing paved areas greater than 100 feet from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel shore. Contractor equipment shall be checked for leaks prior to operation and repaired as necessary. "No-fueling zones" shall be designated on construction plans; and • Night lighting, if any, of construction staging areas shall be of the lowest illumination necessary for human safety, selectively placed, shielded, and directed away from adjacent naturaI habitats. Project Engineering - Utilities Department & Construction Contractor Explanation of Headings: Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative. Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular mitigation measure. Shown on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be initialed and dated. Verified Implementation = When mitigation measure has been implemented, this column will be initialed and dated. Remarks = Area for describing status of ongoing mitigation measure, or for other information. RD - Appendix P. Page 5 of 9 BIO-9 - The hydroseed mix or landscape mix in areas adjacent to open spaces shall not involve the use of invasive exotic seeds or plants. The list of invasives shall be those identified on List A and List B of the California Exotic Plant Council's List of Exotic Plants of Greatest Ecological Concern in California, as of October, 1999, and updated if applicable. Implementation of this measure shall be verified by the City during review of the Erosion Control Plans. Project Engineering - Utilities Department & the Biological Monitor BIO-10 - During construction, the project applicant shall install temporary silt barriers along the limits of project impacts (including construction staging areas and access routes) adjacent to open space habitats to prevent additional habitat impacts and prevent the spread of silt from, the construction zone into adjacent habitats to be avoided. Silt fencing shall be installed in a manner that does not impact habitats to be avoided. All work activities occurring near the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel in particular will utilize silt fencing to completely control any disturbed soils from entering the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel. Runoff from project construction and landscaped areas shall not be allowed to enter the channel. All runoff will remain within landscaped areas or be filtered through appropriate storm drain facilities. Project Engineering - Utilities Department & Biological Monitor BIO-11 - Prior to beginning construction work, the project contractor shall notify the City Engineer, City Planner, and Coastal Commission Staff of the completion of a final, site specific, Spill Contingency Plan that outlines actions to be taken in the event that an accidental discharge of construction fluids occurs, Such Spill Contingency Plan shall include, at a minimum, the following requirements: a. In the event that a "frac-out" (escape of bentonite slurry into the environment) or other spill or accidental discharge of drilling fluids occurs during the drilling operations, all construction shall cease and shall not recommence except as provided below: b. Following discovery of the "frac-out," spill or accidental discharge of drilling fluids, the applicant shall immediately implement the above stated Spill Contingency Plan. No work shall continue until all spilled fluids have been contained and/or removed and measures taken to prevent a recurrence consistent with the approved contingency plan. If the spill or accidental discharge results in a change to the approved project description Project - Prior to & During all Construction Activities Planning Division, Engineering - Utilities Department & Biological Monitor Explanation of Headings: Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative. Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular mitigation measure. Shown on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be initialed and dated. Verified Implementation = When mitigation measure has been implemented, this column will be initialed and dated. Remarks = Area for describing status of ongoing mitigation measure, or for other information. RD - Appendix P. Page 6 of 9 or to the scope of the impacts to resources, the permittee shall notify the biological monitor to immediately conduct an assessment of the biological impacts, and submit to the City Planner, and the Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission as necessary, a revised project and restoration plan prepared by qualified professional(s) that provides for (1) necessary revisions to the proposed project to avoid further spill or accidental discharge of fluids; and (2) restoration of the area(s) affected by the spill or accidental discharge to pre-project conditions. The revised project and restoration plan shall be consistent with any applicable requirements of the USFWS, CDFG and/or San Diego RWQCB. The revised project and restoration plan shall be processed as an amendment to the coastal development permit. The trenchless construction operations may not recommence until after an amendment to this permit is approved by the City Planner, and the Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission as necessary, unless the City Planner, and the Executive Director as necessary, determines that no amendment is legally required. BIO-12 - Prior to removal of the existing sewer and/or gas trestle bridges or construction of the new bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel, the project proponent shall apply for and receive approval of a Nationwide Permit 12 (Utility Line Activities) pursuant to Section 10 of the River and Harbors Act. This bridge removal and construction activity shall also necessitate water quality certification issued by the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Action, and issuance of a Streambed Alteration Agreement with the California Department of Fish and Game. No additional mitigation beyond removal of the existing trestle bridge is anticipated to be required. Project Engineering Utilities Department CULTURAL RESOURCES CUL-1 - Prior to the commencement of ground-disturbing activities, the project developer shall retain a qualified archaeologist to monitor ground- disturbing activities. The qualified archaeologist shall be on-site during all grading, trenching, and other ground-disturbing activities unless otherwise agreed upon by the archaeologist and City Staff. In the event any potential cultural resource is uncovered during the course of the project construction, ground-disturbing activities in the vicinity of the find shall be redirected until the nature and extent of the find can be evaluated by the archaeological monitor. If cultural resources are encountered, the archaeologist shall have the authority to temporarily halt or redirect grading/trenching while the Project - Pre- Con Meeting and During Ground Disturbing Activities Planning Division - Engineering Utilities Department Explanation of Headings: Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative. Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular mitigation measure. Shown on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be initialed and dated. Verified Implementation = When mitigation measure has been implemented, this column will be initialed and dated. Remarks = Area for describing status of ongoing mitigation measure, or for other information. RD - Appendix P. Page 7 of 9 cultural resources are documented and assessed. If significant resources are encountered, appropriate mitigation measures must be developed and implemented. If any human remains are discovered, the County Medical Examiner shall be contacted. In the event that the remains are determined to be of Native American origin, the Most Likely Descendant, as identified by the Native American Heritage Commission, shall be contacted in order to determine proper treatment and disposition of the remains. Recovered artifactual materials shall be cataloged and analyzed. A report shall be completed describing the methods and results of the monitoring and data recovery program. Artifacts shall be curated with accompanying catalog to current professional repository standards or the collection will be repatriated to the appropriate Native American Tribe(s), as specified in the pre- excavation agreement. CUL-2 - Prior to the commencement of ground disturbing activities, the project developer shall retain the services of a Native American monitor. The purpose of this monitoring will be to allow for tribal observation of trenching excavation including formalized procedures for the treatment of Native American human remains and burial, ceremonial, or cultural items that may be uncovered during any ground disturbance activities. Prior to implementation of the monitoring, a pre-excavation agreement shall be developed between the appropriate Native American Tribe and the City of Carlsbad. The Native American representative(s) shall attend the pre- grading meeting with the contractors to explain the requirements of the program. The Native American monitor shall be on-site during all grading, trenching, and other ground-disturbing activities unless otherwise agreed upon by the monitor and City Staff. Project - Pre- Con Meeting and During Ground Disturbing Activities Planning Division - Engineering Utilities Department CUL-3 - Prior to any excavation or trenching into undisturbed, older Pleistocene sediment, the project developer shall retain a qualified paleontologist during construction excavations within these sediment deposits, if any, to observe construction excavations. In the event that any unique paleontological resources are encountered, the resources shall be salvaged, recorded, and curated, under the direction of the monitoring paleontologist. Project Planning Division - Engineering Utilities Department Explanation of Headings: Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative. Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular mitigation measure. Shown on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be initialed and dated. Verified Implementation = When mitigation measure has been implemented, this column will be initialed and dated. Remarks = Area for describing status of ongoing mitigation measure, or for other information. RD - Appendix P. Page 8 of 9 GEOLOGY AND SOILS GEO-1 - Grading and construction of the southern bridge abutment shall comply with the geotechnical recommendations contained in the Geotechnical Evaluation prepared by Ninyo & Moore, dated August 3, 2009 in order to reduce the potential for settlement due to seismically-induced liquefaction or lateral spread. These recommendations shall include the use of deep foundations and the removal and recompaction of surface soils prior to construction Project Engineering Utilities Division HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HAZ-1 - A site-specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP) shall be prepared prior to subsurface construction activities in the vicinity of; (a) the lift station site and (b) Avenida Encinas just south of Palomar Airport Road. The HASP shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, and with the California OSHA requirements for hazardous waste operations and emergency response regulations. The HASP shall be reviewed and signed by a Certified Industrial Hygienist and include a community health and safety component. Anyone performing subsurface work in these areas should be alerted to the potential for encountering petroleum hydrocarbons and/or pesticides in soil and petroleum hydrocarbons and/or VOCs in groundwater and have received the appropriate training in accordance with the approved site-specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP). Project Engineering Utilities Division HAZ-2 - A Soil Management Plan (SMP) shall be prepared prior to subsurface construction activities in the vicinity of; (a) the lift station site, (b) approximately 300-400 feet south of the lift station site, (c) Avenida Encinas just south of Palomar Airport Road, and in Avenida Encinas just south of Cannon Road and 400-500 feet north of Palomar Airport Road, if dewatering activities are determined to be necessary. If dewatering activities are to be performed during construction, the SMP should include a groundwater management component for dewatering activities. If dewatering activities are proposed to be discharged to surface waters or the sewer system, the concentrations of metals in the extracted groundwater should meet the requirements provided in the permit from either the RWQCB (General Waste Discharge Requirements and NPDES permit or the City of Carlsbad. The SMP shall be prepared by a professional environmental consultant in accordance with the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Project Engineering Utilities Department Explanation of Headings: Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative. Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular mitigation measure. Shown on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be initialed and dated. Verified Implementation = When mitigation measure has been implemented, this column will be initialed and dated. Remarks = Area for describing status of ongoing mitigation measure, or for other information. RD - Appendix P. Page 9 of 9 Health's Site Assessment and Mitigation Manual, RWQCB guidelines, and the standard of care of the industry. HAZ-3 - Prior to any excavation or trenching, the construction contractor shall prepare a contingency plan documenting the procedures to be used should an unexpected pocket of hazardous materials be encountered during excavation and/or trenching activities. This plan shall be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer. HA2-4 - A qualified air monitor shall be retained to monitor air quality during trenching and grading operations. Air monitoring shall be conducted using a portable photoionization detector (PID). This instrument is capable of detecting both petroleum hydrocarbons and organic solvents and will provide assurance that construction workers are not inadvertently exposed to potentially harmful organic vapors. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC ! TRAF-1 - Prior to the commencement of development of the proposed project, the developer shall coordinate with NCTD to determine an acceptable routing during the construction period of NCTD transit service for busses that are scheduled on Avenida Encinas, south of Palomar Airport Road, within the alignment of the proposed project. Project - Prior to Any Ground Disturbing Activities Project - Prior to Any Ground Disturbing Activities Project - Prior to Any Construction Work Engineering - Utilities Division Engineering - Utilities Division Engineering - Utilities Division Explanation of Headings: Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative. Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular mitigation measure. Shown on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be initialed and dated. Verified Implementation = When mitigation measure has been implemented, this column will be initialed and dated. Remarks = Area for describing status of ongoing mitigation measure, or for other information. RD - Appendix P. STATE OF CALIFORNIA — BUSINESS. TRANSPORTS"" ' 'AND HOUSING AGENCY ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER. Governor DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING DIVISION District 1 1 4050 Taylor Street, M.S. 240 San Diego, CA 92110 PHONE (619)688-6960 FAX (619)688-4299 TTY711 fMTV 'V f &D»Oil Y !«>r UAHL Flex your power! Be energy efficient! Community & Economic Development Department 1 l-SD-5 PM 47.03-49.28 Agua Hedionda Sewer project SCH #2010081053 September 15, 2010 Ms. Pam Drew City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 Dear Ms. Drew: The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) received a copy of the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the proposed Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station and Gravity and Force Mains project (SCH #201 008 1 053), in proximity to Interstate 5 (1-5). Caltrans has the following comments: The project should not interfere with future 1-5 widening plans that are identified in the 1-5 North Coast Corridor project DEER/DEIS that is currently out for public review. Please coordinate with Caltrans on any questions or issues regarding future 1-5 widening at it relates to this proposed project. Any work performed within Caltrans right-of-way (R/W) will require discretionary review and approval by Caltrans and an encroachment permit will be required for any work within the Caltrans' R/W prior to construction. If you have any questions on the comments Caltrans has provided, please contact Leila Ibrahim of the Development Review Branch at (619) 688-6954. Sincen JACOB ARMSTRONG, Chief Development Review Branch "Caltrans improves mobility across California " state of California ~" f;|TV AP HI ^^ Natural Resources Agency Memorandum To: City of Carlsbad Date: September 9, 2010 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, California 92008 Attn: Pam Drew, Associate Planner Website: www.fire.ca.gov Re: Aqua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station & Gravity & Force Mains SCH# 2010081053 Mitigated Neg/Dec After review of the above referenced document, the project complies with Public Resource Codes (PRC) and California Fire Code (CFC) applicable to Wildland fire. The project does not involve construction of any habitable structures. Thank you for this opportunity to participate in this process. Mark Ostrander CAL FIRE San Diego Unit Environmental Coordinator 31577 Hwy 94 Campo, CA 91906 Mandated Due Date: 09/15/10 Date Document Received in Mail: 08/31/10 Comment Letter Date: 09/09/10 Date Mailed: 09/09/10 PLEASE REMEMBER TO CONSERVE ENERGY. FOR TIPS AND INFORMATION, VISIT "FLEX YOUR POWER" AT WWW.CA.GOV. Pam Drew From: Elizabeth Lucas [ELucas@dfg.ca.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 02, 2010 7:47 AM To: Pam Drew Cc: Terry Smith; Marilyn Fluharty; Janet_Stuckrath@fws.gov; Paul Klukas Subject: Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station MND Pam, The Department of Fish and Game has not and will not review the subject MND, and therefore will not determine whether the proposed project is consistent with the HMP. However, we defer to the USFWS on this one. Thank you. Libby Lucas - Staff Environmental Scientist NCCP Program California Department of Fish and Game 4949 Viewridge Avenue San Diego CA 92123 Phone: 858 467-4230 Fax: 858 467-4299 e-mail: ELucas@dfg. ca.gov Starting August 1, 2010, per Governor Schwarzenegger's Executive Order S-12-10, this office will be closed on the second, third, and fourth Fridays of each month. >» Pam Drew <Pam.Drew@carlsbadca.gov> 9/1/2010 3:53 PM >» Thanks Janet for your quick review of the project's MND. —Original Message— From: Janet_Stuckrath@fws.gov [mailto:Janet_Stuckrath@fws.gov] Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2010 2:34 PM To: Pam Drew Cc: ELucas@dfg.ca.gov Subject: Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station MND SDG/CDFG-10B0655-10TA0920 Pam, The Service concurs that the Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station and Gravity and Force Mains Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) is consistent with the City's Habitat Management Plan (HMP) provided the mitigation measures as stated in the MND are implemented. The Service would agree to the mitigation going to a location other than Lake Calavera if an appropriate site within the Agua Hedionda Management Area with protection and management in perpetuity can be found. State \Fqter Resources Centre" Board Division of Financial Assistance 1001 I Street • Sacramento, California 95814 • (916) 341-5700 FAX (916) 341-5707 Linda S. Adams Mailing Address: P.O. Box 944212 • Sacramento, California -94244-2120 Arnold Schwarzenegger Secretary for Internet Address: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov Governor Environmental Protection SEP 14 2010 Ms.Pa.Drew CITY OF CARLSBAD City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue f;; Carlsbad, CA 92008 Community & Economic Development DepartmentDear Ms. Drew: INITIAL STUDY AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (IS/MND) FOR CITY OF CARLSBAD (CITY); AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION AND GRAVITY AND FORCE MAIN (PROJECT); STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NO. 2010081053 We understand the City may be pursuing Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) financing for this Project. As a funding agency and a state agency with jurisdiction by law to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California's water resources, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) is providing the following information and comments for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) document prepared for the Project. The CWSRF Program is partially funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and requires additional "CEQA-Plus" environmental documentation and review. Four information sheets are included that further explain the environmental review process and additional federal requirements in the CWSRF Program. In addition, an environmental evaluation form is included for the City to submit should it pursue State Water Board funding. The State Water Board can consult directly with agencies responsible for implementing federal environmental laws and regulations. Any environmental issues raised by federal agencies or their representatives will need to be resolved prior to State Water Board approval of a CWSRF financing commitment. For further information on the CWSRF Program environmental review requirements please contact Ms. Michelle Lobo at (916) 341-6983. It is important to note that prior to a CWSRF financing commitment, projects are subject to the provisions of the Federal Endangered Species Act and must obtain approval from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and/or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for any potential effects to special status species. Please be advised that the State Water Board can consult with the USFWS, and/or NMFS on behalf of the City regarding all federal special status species the Project has the potential to impact if the Project is to be funded under the CWSRF Program. In addition, CWSRF projects must comply with federal laws pertaining to cultural resources, specifically Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The State Water Board has been delegated responsibility for carrying out the requirements of Section 106 under a Nationwide Programmatic Agreement executed for the CWSRF Program by the USEPA, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers. California Environmental Protection Agency if\ Recycled Paper Ms. Pam Drew - 2 - As stated above, the State Water Board has responsibility for ensuring compliance with Section 106 and the State Water Board Cultural Resources Officer (CRO) consults directly with the California State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO). SHPO consultation is initiated when sufficient information is provided by the CWSRF applicant for projects having potential impacts to cultural resources. Please contact the State Water Board CRO Ms. Cookie Him at 916-341-5690, to find out more about the requirements and questions on how to begin the Section 106 compliance process. The State Water Board has no further comments on the draft IS/MND at this time. Thank you once again for the opportunity to review the City's environmental document. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at (916) 327-9401, or contact Ms. Justine Herrig at (916) 327-9117. Sincerely, Lisa Lee Environmental Scientist Enclosures (5) cc: State Clearinghouse w/o enclosures (Re: SCH# 2010081053) P. O. Box 3044 Sacramento, CA 95812-3044 California Environmental Protection Agency j Recycled Paper Pam Drew From: Diane Nygaard [dandd2@peoplepc.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2010 3:07 AM To: Pam Drew Cc: John Cahill; Michael Porter; David Lawhead; Janet Stuckrath Subject: Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station MND Comments Attachments: AH sewer lift mnd 8-10 26.docx Ms Drew Att is our comment letter on the Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station project. Please reply to confirm receipt. We look forward to working with you to address these concerns. Diane Nygaard Preserve Calavera RECEIVED August 31, 2010 SEP 0 1. 2010 CITY OF CARLSBAD Pam Drew, Planner PLANNING DERT City of Carlsbad 1200 Carlsbad Village Dr Carlsbad, CA 92008 Subject: Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift MND Dear Ms. Drew: These comments on the Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station project are made on behalf of Preserve Calavera. Preserve Calavera is a grassroots conservation organization whose goal is to preserve, protect and enhance the natural resources of coastal north San Diego County. This project is replacement of an existing facility, on a site that was already impacted by the existing sewer plant and pipeline. However, the proposed project could cause further direct and indirect impacts to the natural resources of this area, primarily the Agua Hedionda watershed and lagoon. We believe that with some modifications to the current project plans that there could be a significant reduction in these adverse impacts and this could be done in a way that still fully meets the objectives for this project. The following are our specific comments on this project: Bridge to provide second roadway access Currently there is a very simple structure to support pipes. The project proposes to replace this with a much more substantial bridge that would accommodate vehicles and thereby provide a secondary road access to the site. While this new bridge would remove support structures from the waterway, it would cause significant direct habitat impacts. We think it could also cause additional indirect impacts associated with vehicle traffic and other use of this bridge in an area that previously would be very undisturbed. The MND indicates that only one daily vehicle trip to the site is anticipated for inspection and periodic additional trips for maintenance. Since there already is an access road that can easily accommodate this very low level of use there does not seem to be sufficient justification for the permanent and temporary habitat impacts plus potential additional operational impacts from adding a second road to the site. We recommend an alternatives analysis that uses the existing structure to support 5020 Nighthawk Way - Oceanside, CA 92056 www.preservecaiavera.org Nonprofit 501(c)3 ID#33-0955504 r the pipes , or makes the minimal changes necessary to the existing structure to support the proposed pipe expansion. i I'-:'.' ]•-*'' !. " In addition the MND should consider the indirect and cumulative impacts of adding a'b.nidge and.the resultant potential for increased traffic to this relatively undisturbed area. :-• Excess impervious cover It appears that a large amount of the increased impermeable cover is related to adding a second road that then must allow for vehicles to move around the site from two locations instead of just one. Eliminating this second roadway should result in a significant reduction in pavement required. Increasing the percentage of impervious cover in a watershed is one of the key contributors to watershed decline. The Agua Hedionda sub-watershed is already at 32% impervious cover- a level at which a natural watershed cannot maintain natural functions and is in a state of decline without intervention. (See discussion of this in CWN Watershed Management Plan). Increasing impervious cover in this particularly sensitive area right next to the lagoon will only contribute to the cumulative decline of this watershed. - Compliance with HMP and other wetlands protection requirements While the project does not cause direct impacts to wetlands, there are three sensitive bird species present in the adjacent wetlands: Blue heron, Elegant tern, and Brown Pelican; and one upland bird species CA Coastal Gnatcatcher(CCG). The BIO mitigation measures properly considered this as occupied CSS. But the BIO measures do not adequately address all of the other species specific requirements included in the HMP. HMP Table 9 includes specific species level conservation goals for the Brown Pelican and Elegant Tern at Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The avoidance/minimization measures for the Brown Pelican include : - "Manage preserve areas to minimize contamination by pesticides, oil and other pollutants; reduce disturbance at important foraging and roosting areas, - and maintain lagoon hydrology and water quality ( e.g. 100 foot setback from existing wetland habitats." Additional requirements for the Elegant Tern include: - "Manage preserved areas to minimize edge effects, control non-native plants, maintain hydrology and water quality, protect habitats from physical disturbances, control predators, and maintain vegetation to provide optimal conditions for breeding. Where opportunities arise, restore and enhance habitat in preserved areas; Habitat adjacent to the lagoons will be preserved to the maximum extent possible.": The MND needs to specifically address how the proposed plan is in compliance with all of these avoidance measures- particularly the 100' setback and preserving habitat adjacent to the lagoons to the maximum extent possible. This facility has operated for years with a single road. Much more justification is needed to support adding a second road and more paving in this highly sensitive area. - Project not in compliance with coastal zone requirements Item 7-8 of the HMP says that impacts to CSS "shall be located to minimize impacts to Coastal sage Scrub and maximize protection of the Coastal California gnatcatcher and its habitat." Clearly there are alternatives to reduce the impacts to CSS in the coastal zone- like realigning the bridge up to the already disturbed area, reducing the size of the bridge or eliminating expansion of the bridge completely. - Mitigation as proposed does not best preserve the habitat functions The mitigation proposed retains the mitigation in the coastal zone and near the area of impact, at a 2:1 ratio. This meets the letter of the requirements- but fails to meet the intent. Replacing one small isolated patch of CSS with another small isolated patch does not best serve the goal of protecting coastal resources. The NNG mitigation is proposed at the Lake Calavera area. This is consistent with the HMP, but provides no value to the area of impact along Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Several opportunities for buffer improvement and habitat restoration along the lagoon were identified in the AH Watershed Management Plan. The city should evaluate these areas for mitigation for impacts around the lagoon as a first choice- before going miles away. Clearly it costs less to use the Lake Calavera area- but it provides no direct benefit to the lagoon- and that is the area that is being impacted. Potential indirect impacts on future smart growth projects The project is intended to provide sufficient capacity to meet build out of the city- based on the existing approved General Plan. While the city has a Growth Management Plan in place that sets a limit on growth by quadrant - the exact nature of this growth and where it could be located has some flexibility. Has this project adequately sized this facility so that it can accommodate future growth- including that included on the SANDAG smart growth map ? Sizing it to meet these anticipated changes will assure that these impacts do not occur again in a few years. - Sewage spill warning systems The recent sewer spill that effected Buena Vista Lagoon was made worse by not being detected in a timely manner. One of the recommendations we made to the RWQCB in response to this was to include better pipeline/sewer system failure warning systems. The MND mentioned a single daily site inspection. Please describe how this project will address pipeline monitoring including sensors and turn-offs that would limit the damage from any future pipeline or other system failures. We look forward to working with you to assure that all of these issues are addressed before this project moves forward. Thank you for considering these comments. Sincerely, Diane Nygaard Preserve Calavera Cc: Janet Stuckrath USFWS, David Lawhead DFG, Michael Porter RWQCB ^^^K^ . \, -- - C IT Y O F CARLSBAD Planning Division www.carisbadca.gov September 23, 2010 Diane Nygaard Preserve Calavera 5020 Nighthawk Way Oceanside, CA 92056 RE: COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE AGJJArJ4EDIONDA^SEWER-44l^-S^ REPLACEMENT- PDF 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10- 02/HMP 10-03 Dear Ms. Nygaard: Thank you for submitting comments on the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station and Gravity and Force Main project (SCH No. 2010081053). This response letter was written to address your comment letter dated August 31, 2010. Each comment from your letter is shown in italics, followed by the City's response. Comment: Bridge to provide second roadway access. Currently there is a very simple structure to support pipes. The project proposes to replace this with a much more substantial bridge that would accommodate vehicles and thereby provide a secondary road access to the site. While this new bridge would remove support structures from the waterway, it would cause significant direct habitat impacts. We think it could also cause additional indirect impacts associated with vehicle traffic and other use of this bridge in an area that previously would be very undisturbed. The MND indicates that only one daily vehicle trip to the site is anticipated for inspection and befio'dicTadditional trips for maintenance. Since there already'is an'access road that can easily accommodate this very low level of use there does not seem to be sufficient justification for the -permanent and-temporaryhabjlaj-im^^ from adding a second road to the site. We recommend an alternatives analysis that uses the existing structure to support the pipes, or makes the minimal changes necessary to the existing structure to support the proposed pipe expansion. Response: The existing trestle bridge structure has been analyzed as an alternative to the installation of the new proposed bridge. From a functional standpoint, the structure is aged and in generally poor condition from decades of weathering. Efficient repair and upgrade of this existing bridge for long-term pipe support would necessitate the replacement of the deteriorated support pilings and horizontal members, and as such, would effectively result in replacement of all bridge materials. Furthermore, the existing sewer pipe is 42-inches in diameter, and it will be replaced by a 54-inch diameter pipe. 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 1760-602-4600 F 760-602-8559 PDF 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/Rr 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-ud/HMP 10-03 - AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION AND GRAVITY AND FORCE MAINS September 23, 2010 Page 2 Utilizing the existing 42-inch pipeline alignment would require construction of a temporary by- pass sewer pipe and structure to cross the lagoon during the implementation of structural improvements of the existing sewer bridge. The direct impacts to the surrounding area would. effectively be identical to the proposed new structure. Furthermore, the existing bridge design is inadequate to hold the additional weight associated with the larger pipe. As mentioned in the MND, this larger pipe is necessary in order to provide the necessary capacity for future anticipated build-out demand of the service area, as identified in the City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan, dated March 2003. In addition, from an environmental standpoint, the existing bridge structure contains eight (8) narrow bridge support/pilings which presently are located within the lagoon. This channel is the most environmentally sensitive segment of the project construction area. These support/pilings -are—144nchesJn-diameter,---and-seUntcuco.nc^ below the mud line on the bottom of the channel. The proposed new replacement bridge will be supported by concrete bridge abutments located on dry land on each side of the channel. With a horizontal clear span of 140-feet, the new bridge will span the entire width of the channel. Therefore, the existing in-channel obstructions will be eliminated by the full-span bridge. This design will have a positive effect on the hydrology and biology of the channel. The suggested alternative of repairing the existing weathered pilings would require significant construction and - replacement work within the channel waters and on the channel bottom, including pile driving and/or excavation. The new bridge renders this work in the channel unnecessary. The inclusion of the maintenance vehicle access drive in the bridge design does not result in any additional biological impacts. The accommodation of maintenance access across the -bridge will result in greater efficiency of maintenance, and swifter response to any emergency that may arise at the lift station, and does not result in substantive expansion of the bridge width. In addition, multi-use of the bridge structure is a sensible and cost effective use of this public utility structure. Comment: In addition the MND should consider the indirect and cumulative impacts of adding a bridge and the resultant potential for increased traffic to this relatively undisturbed area. Response: No significant increase in traffic to the relatively undisturbed lift station area will result from the inclusion of a gated and locked maintenance drive across the proposed channel bridge. Vehicular trips across this bridge are estimated at 2 average daily trips (ADT's). This 2 ADT's estimate is based on the anticipated per day maintenance vehicle visit to and from the lift station. Such level of ADT is considered de minimus for CEQA purposes, and will not result in any significant direct, indirect or cumulative traffic impacts. Primary access will continue to go through the Encina Power Plant site. Comment: Excess impervious cover. It appears that a large amount of the increased impermeable cover is related to adding a second road that then must allow for vehicles to move around the site from two locations instead of just one. Eliminating this second roadway should result in a significant reduction in pavement required. Increasing the percentage of impervious cover in a watershed is one of the key contributors to watershed decline. The Agua Hedionda sub-watershed is already at 32% impervious cover- a level at which a natural watershed cannot maintain natural functions and is in a state of decline without intervention. (See discussion of this in OWN Watershed Management Plan). Increasing POP 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/RF- .0-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-Do/HMP 10-03-AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION AND GRAVITY AND FORCE MAINS September 23, 2010 Page 3 impervious cover in this particularly sensitive area right next to the lagoon will only contribute to the cumulative decline of this watershed. Response: The proposed lift station and related driveways will increase impervious cover from 20,434 square feet (existing lift station is 8,670 square feet and the existing overflow basin is 11,764 square feet) to 55,390 square feet. However, as indicated in the MND, the new lift station will include a number of site design water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) which will serve to ensure that this increase in impervious cover will not negatively impact the watershed. These BMPs include treating runoff from the site through: 1) routing drainage into pervious vegetated or rock swales; 2) designing with catch basin structures with filter media inserts; 3) inclusion of pervious ground surface materials; 4) situating an infiltration basin at the low end of the site to treat project runoff; and 5) hydroseeding the area where the overflow basin is with a native seed mixture. All of these features serve to allow the natural filtering ability of the soil to remove pollutants from runoff prior to exiting the project area. The existing facility does not have these runoff treatment features. Some increase in impervious area will result from the proposed project; however, the project design incorporates sufficient BMPs which will mitigate any potential for increase in impacts on the natural functions of the lagoon and watershed. Therefore, the implementation of the project will not cause a decline to the watershed. Comment: Compliance with HMP and other wetlands protection requirements. While the project does not cause direct impacts to wetlands, there are three sensitive bird species present in the adjacent wetlands; Blue Heron, Elegant Tern, and Brown Pelican; and one upland bird species CA Coastal Gnatcatcher (CCG). The BIO mitigation measures properly considered this as occupied CSS. But the BIO measures do not adequately address all of the other species specific requirements included in the HMP. HMP Table 9 includes specific species level conservation goals for the Brown Pelican and Elegant Tern at Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The avoidance/minimization measures for the Brown Pelican include: • Manage preserved areas to minimize contamination by pesticides, oil and other pollutants; reduce disturbance at important foraging and roosting areas, and maintain lagoon hydrology and water quality (e.g. 100 foot setback from existing wetlands habitats). Additional requirements for the Elegant Tern include: • Manage preserved areas to minimize edge effects, control non-native plants, maintain hydrology and water quality, protect habitats from physical disturbances, control predators, and maintain vegetation to provide optimal conditions for breeding. • Where opportunities arise, restore and enhance habitat in preserved areas; • Habitat adjacent to the lagoons will be preserved to the maximum extent possible. The MND needs to specifically address how the proposed plan is in compliance with all of these avoidance measures - particularly the 100' setback and preserving habitat adjacent to the lagoons to the maximum extent possible. This facility has operated for years with a single road. Much more justification is needed to support adding .a second road and more paving in this highly sensitive area. PDF 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/Rv 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-w/HMP 10-03 - AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION AND GRAVITY AND FORCE MAINS September 23, 2010 Page 4 Response: The proposed project does not result in any direct impacts to wetland habitats. As such, the HMP does not require that avoidance/minimization measures of Table 9 be specifically addressed because the habitat is avoided. However, the MND does conclude on page 42 that the project may have the potential for indirect impacts on nesting or breeding birds in the adjacent Agua Hedionda Lagoon wetland habitat because of impacts resulting from temporary, construction-related noise. Listed birds not identified on or near the site, but potentially impacted by indirect impacts, include the birds you listed. These potential noise impacts would be considered impacting only if the noise created a disruption of nesting activities, and thus only during the bird nesting/breeding season, generally from January 15 to September 15 of any year. Thus, the MND concludes that if project construction is contemplated during this time, the project would need to implement Mitigation -Measure BIO-5, which will ensure that noise impacts do not adversely impact nesting birds. In addition to avoiding direct impacts to the wetlands, the project minimizes edge effects on the wetlands as required by the HMP. Project features which have been included to minimize the edge effects are: 1) fencing around the lift station site; 2) water quality BMPs; and 3) revegetation of upland habitats on or near the impact location. These project features are consistent with the recommendation of the HMP. Furthermore, the project will maintain a 100-foot setback in all cases except for the proposed bridge across the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel. This bridge structure however, is "location dependent" because no feasible alternative location exists for the bridge and by definition the sewer line must cross the channel wetlands. Further, the bridge will replace an existing deteriorating pipe support bridge which will be removed. Discussions ~of these aspects of the project are included in the MND. Justification for the maintenance road and increase in paving has been addressed in responses above. With the design of the project and with the inclusion of the Biology Mitigation Measures listed in the MND, the indirect project impacts to federal and/or state listed species will be fully mitigated. Comment: Project not in compliance with coastal zone requirements. Item 7-8 of the HMP says that impacts to CSS shall be located to minimize impact to Coastal Sage Scrub and maximize protection of the Coastal California gnatcatcher and its habitat. Clearly there are alternatives to reduce the impacts to CSS in the coastal zone - like realigning the bridge up to the already disturbed area, reducing the size of the bridge or eliminating the expansion of the bridge completely. Response: The project has been designed to execute the project goals while minimizing impacts on CSS and other sensitive habitats. Total impacts to CSS are limited to 0.05 acres of permanent and 0.04 acres of temporary impacts. As indicated in the MND, these minimal impacts will be fully mitigated. Realignment of the 54-inch sewer trunk main in order to avoid a very small area of CSS located at the south bridge abutment would result in unnecessary turning/angling of the line. This turning/angling would not only result in increased costs devoted to longer bridge construction, etc., but also would add interior surface friction and resulting operational and maintenance costs. Reducing the size of the bridge in the same proposed location will not avoid this small area of CSS, and eliminating the bridge is not feasible. Using the existing trestle bridge is not recommended for the reasons stated above. r ( C POP 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/RF- 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-05/HMP 10-03-AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION AND GRAVITY AND FORCE MAINS September 23, 2010 Page 5 Comment: Mitigation as proposed does not best preserve the habitat functions. The mitigation proposed retains the mitigation in the coastal zone and near the area of impact, at a 2:1 ratio. This meets the letter of the requirements - but fails to meet the intent. Replacing one small isolated patch of CSS with another small isolated patch does not best serve the goal of protecting coastal resources. The NNG mitigation is proposed at the Lake Calavera area. This is consistent with the HMP, but provides no value to the area of impact along Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Several opportunities for buffer improvement and habitat restoration along the lagoon were identified in the AH Watershed Management Plan. The city should evaluate these areas for mitigation for impacts around the lagoon as a first choice - before going miles away. Clearly it costs less to use the Lake Calavera area - but it provides no direct benefit to the lagoon - and that is the area that is being impacted. Response: One of the key objectives of the HMP was permitting for city public facility projects mandated by the city's Growth Management Plan. Both the HMP and the HMP Implementing Agreement between the USFWS, CDFG and the City established the Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel for biological mitigation of public works projects that the City undertakes. Appendix B-3 of the HMP specifically lists the Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station project as a project to be covered by Lake Calavera mitigation credits. Not only is it a cost-effective means by which biological mitigation can be achieved, it is appropriate for the city to mitigate at Lake Calavera because a fundamental objective of the HMP is to build the citywide preserve system by combining small mitigation requirements into a larger, contiguous area. Comment: Potential indirect impacts on future smart growth projects. The project is intended Jo provide sufficient capacity tp_mee± buildout of the city_- based on the existing approved General Plan. While the city has a Growth Management Plan in. place that sets a limit on growth by quadrant - the exact nature of this growth and where it could be located has some flexibility. Has this project adequately sized this facility so that it can accommodate future growth ~ including that included on the SAN DAG smart growth map? Sizing it to meet these anticipated changes will assure that these impacts do not occur again in a few years. Response: The project has been designed to accommodate future sewer demand at buildout as anticipated by the approved General Plans for cities within the service area with an additional allowance for wet weather flows. It is anticipated that future capacity will become available as _aoj±lla]isJmd^duce.we^ into the system. Additionally, wastewater flows per capita are anticipated to decline in future years as customers continue to conserve water and implement water saving devices and appliances. Comment: Sewage spill warning systems. The recent sewer spill that affected Buena Vista Lagoon was made worse by not being detected in a timely manner. One of the recommendations we made to the RWQCB in response to this was to include better pipeline/sewer system failure warning systems. The MND mentioned a single daily site inspection. Please describe how this project will address pipeline monitoring including sensors and turn-offs that would limit the damage from any future pipeline or other system failures. Response: The lift station is equipped with multiple redundant features in terms of emergency back-up power. It is designed with two independent electrical circuits (primary and secondary) plus a generator, for a total of three independent power sources and will include an automatic standby transfer switch in the event of catastrophic electric failure. In the event of full regional PDF 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/RV 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-DO/HMP 10-03-AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION AND GRAVITY AND FORCE MAINS September 23, 2010 PageS _ blackout, emergency power will be provided by a built-in, onsite diesel fuel generator. Under such emergency conditions, the generator will provide power to all lift station facilities. The generator has the capacity to store enough fuel for 24 hours of operation. In addition, the lift station includes two independent pumping elements providing mechanical redundancy, ensuring that equipment failures do not result in sewage spills. In the event that a total mechanical failure occurs on either side, the station remains operable without consequences under peak dry weather flow conditions. Furthermore, the station is designed with alarms to alert officials to any electrical problem and to enact the contingency plan to reduce flow into the station (upstream lift stations contain storage volume) if an emergency were to occur. The upstream pipe also contains a significant amount of passive storage capacity, which can gradually fill up to allow the time necessary to resolve a problem, should it occur. --- Additionally— t-he^ew^rejeet^dds^-par-allel-pipeta of high-density polyethylene which is resistant to both internal and external corrosion. Thank you again for your comments. Sincerely, RAM DREW Associate Planner -PDrbd— Terry Smith, Senior Civil Engineer File Copy