HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-05; Planning Commission; Resolution 68161 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 6816
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
o OF AVENIDA ENCINAS IN LOCAL FACILITIES
MANAGEMENT ZONES 1, 3 AND 22.
10 CASE NAME: AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION,
FORCE MAIN AND GRAVITY SEWER
11 REPLACEMENT
CASE NO.: POP 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP 10-
12 17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/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 Numbers 206-092-12, 206-092-
10 and 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 Number 210-010-
22 41). The sewer lift station and associated piping are proposed
on the grounds of the Encina 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; and
26
~7 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, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
3
(CEQA) a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
4
- Program (MND/MMRP) was prepared in conjunction with said project; and
6 WHEREAS, the MND/MMRP document was first sent to the State
7 Clearinghouse (SCH #2010081053) for a 30-day public review period on August 15, 2010;
8 and
9 WHEREAS, as part of the public review of the MND/MMRP, the City
10
received one comment letter, a copy of which is attached along with staffs response; and
WHEREAS, the project was modified slightly after the initial public
13 comment period to increase the proposed 4-inch potable water line to 6-inch per the City of
14 Carlsbad Fire Department's requirements to have enough water pressure available to
1 -> operate a proposed fire hydrant on the Encinas Power Station site; and
WHEREAS, the minor project change did not require recirculation of the
17
MND/MMRP in accordance with CEQA Section 15073.5(c)(2), since the increase in the
18
potable water line size is necessary only to accommodate a fire hydrant at the project site,
2Q and does not constitute a significant project modification nor create a new avoidable
21 significant effect; and
22 WHEREAS, a finding stating the minor change to the project description
23 does not require re-circulation is included as part of this Resolution; and
24
WHEREAS, at their meeting on February 2, 2011, the Planning Commission
25
conducted a public hearing and recommended approval of the project and26
j~, recommendation of adoption of the MND/MMRP; and
28
PCRESONO. 6816 -2-
1 WHEREAS, at their Joint Special Meeting on March 8, 2011, the City
2 Council and Housing and Redevelopment Commission conducted a public hearing and
3
received testimony on said project; and
WHEREAS, at the request of the Planning Director, the City Council and
5 Housing and Redevelopment Commission continued the public hearing to a date certain, in
7 order for staff to fully respond to written and oral testimony received concerning the
o project and the environmental analysis; and
9 WHEREAS, the City Council and Housing and Redevelopment Commission
10
resumed the public hearing on said project at their April 26, 2011 Joint Special Meeting to
11
consider staffs response to previous testimony, and to receive and consider additional
testimony; and
14 WHEREAS, the City Council and Housing and Redevelopment Commission
remanded the project to the Planning Director to conduct further analysis of the
MND/MMRP and, if warranted, to circulate the MND/MMRP for public comment, and to
17
schedule the application and revised MND/MMRP for a new hearing by the Planning
18
Commission for a recommendation to the City Council and Housing and Redevelopment
20 Commission; and
21 WHEREAS, staff completed additional analysis of the MND/MMRP, and as
22 a result, new or amended mitigation measures have been incorporated into the Conditions
23 of Approval in order to reduce identified environmental impacts to a level of insignificance;
24
and
25
WHEREAS, in accordance with CEQA Section 15073.5, the MND/MMRP26
was re-circulated for a 30-day public review period on July 23,2011; and
28 WHEREAS, the city received three comment letter; copies of which are
attached along with staffs responses; and
PCRESONO. 6816 -3-
1 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did on October 5, 2011, hold a duly
2 noticed public hearing as prescribed by law to consider said request; and
3
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony4
<- and arguments, examining the initial study, analyzing the information submitted by staff, and
5 considering any written comments received, the Planning Commission considered all factors
7 relating to the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
o Program.
9 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Planning
10
Commission as follows:
11
A) That the foregoing recitations are true and correct.
13 B) That based on the evidence presented at the public hearing, the Planning
Commission hereby RECOMMENDS ADOPTION of the Mitigated Negative
14 Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, Exhibit
"MND," according to Exhibits "Notice of Intent (NOI)," and "Environmental
15 Impact Assessment Form - Initial Study (EIA)," attached hereto and made a part
,,. hereof, based on the following findings and subject to following condition:
17 Findings:
18 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad does hereby find:
a. it has reviewed, analyzed, and considered the Mitigated Negative Declaration and
20 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER
LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
21 PROJECT - PDF 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-
02 and HMP 10-03 and the environmental impacts therein identified for this project
22 and any comments thereon prior to RECOMMENDING APPROVAL of the
2- project; and
24 b. the MND/MMRP was first sent to the State Clearinghouse (SCH #2010081053)
for a 30-day public review period on August 15,2010; and
25
c. the project was modified slightly after the first public comment period to
2" increase the proposed 4-inch potable water line to 6-inch per the City of
~7 Carlsbad Fire Department's requirements to have enough water pressure
available to operate a proposed fire hydrant on the EPS site. The increase in the
28 potable water line will allow for an additional 1,000 gallons per minute (GPM) of
water flow to be 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
PCRESONO. 6816 -4-
Declaration in accordance with CEQA Section 15073.5(c)(2), since the increase
2 in the potable water line and water flow is only to accommodate a fire hydrant,
and therefore does not constitute a significant project modification nor create a
3 new avoidable significant effect; and
after the initial public review, and public hearings, the project was remanded
<- back to staff to complete additional analysis of the MND/MMRP, and as a result,
new or amended mitigation measures have been incorporated into the
6 Conditions of Approval in order to reduce identified environmental impacts to a
level of insignificance; and
7 e. the revised Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Program has been prepared in accordance with requirements of the
California Environmental Quality Act, the State Guidelines and the Environmental
Protection Procedures of the City of Carlsbad and was re-circulated for a 30-day
public review period on July 23,2011; and
10
the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program reflects the independent judgment of the Planning Commission of the City
of Carlsbad; and
13 g. based on the El A and comments thereon, there is no substantial evidence the project
will have a significant effect on the environment.
14
Condition:
15
,, 1. The Developer shall implement the mitigation measures described in the Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program for the AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT
17 STATION, FORCE MAIN AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT project.
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PCRESONO. 6816 -5-
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PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Planning
Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California, held on October 5, 2011, by the following vote,
to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Chairperson L'Heureux, Commissioners Arnold, Black, Nygaard,
Scully, Schumacher and Siekmann
STEPHEN ^AP" L'HEUREUX, Chairperson
CARLSBAD PLANNING COMMISSION
ATTEST:
DON NEU
Planning Director
PCRESONO. 6816 -6-
CITY OF
V CARLSBAD
Community & Economic Development
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#:2010081053
Lead Agency:
Project Title:
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).
Note: This project's CEQA document was sent to the State Clearinghouse (SCH #2010081053) for a 30-day
public review period, which ended on September 15, 2010. The project description has not changed only
additional information has been analyzed and clarifying information added in the CEQA document.
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.
Planning Division
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
July 20, 2011
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 air quality during construction activities
2. Potential impacts to sensitive biological resources of Agua Hedionda Lagoon
3. Potential impacts to lagoon water quality
4. Potential aesthetics issues related to construction of the new lift station and sewer bridge across the
lagoon
5. Overall potential Coastal Zone impacts
6. Potential cumulative impacts resulting from approved and planned projects in the area
7. Potential impacts to cultural resources, primarily those possible impacts to Native American resources
8. 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. Force Main, and Gravity Sewer Replacement
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: 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 & 92011
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: n NOP
G Early Cons
n Neg Dec
n Draft EIR
Supplement/Subsequent
EIR (Prior SCH No.)
Other: MND
NEPA: [J NO!EA
Draft EIS
FONSI
OTHER: Q Joint Document
| | Final Document
[J Other:
LOCAL ACTION TYPE:
| | General Plan Update CR]
| [ General Plan Amendment | |
[^1 Genera] Plan Element £<3
| | Community Plan f~|
Specific Plan
Master Plan
Planned Development Permit
Site Plan •
I| Rezone
|| Prezone
^ Use Permit-Floodplain
[ [ Land Division (Subdivision,
Parcel Map, Tract Map, etc.)
Annexation
Redevelopment
Coastal Permit
Other: Hillside Development
Permit & Habitat
Management Plan Permit
DEVELOPMENT TYPE:
| | Residential: Units
[7J Office: Sq. Ft.
j | Commercial: Sq. Ft.
[7J Industrial: Sq. Ft.
PI Educational:
| | Recreational:
PROJECT ISSUES DISCUSSED
£3 Aesthetic/Visual ^]
[71 Agricultural Land f"]
Acres
Acres Employees
Acres Employees
Acres Employees
IN DOCUMENT:
Flood Plain/Flooding [7J
Forest Land/Fire Hazard | |
[7J Water Facilities:
PI Transportation:
[~1 Mining:
|~| Power:
£3 Waste Treatment:
|~1 Hazardous Water:
|7J Other:
Schools/Universities
Septic Systems
Tvpe MOD
Tvne
Mineral
Tvpe Watts
Tvpe Sewer lift station & gravity and
force mains
Tvoe
JTJ Water Quality
|~~1 H2O Supply/Ground H2O
|~|
Air Quality ^
Archaeological/Historical | |
Coastal Zone Q
Drainage/Absorption |~1
Economic/Jobs ^
Fiscal D
Geological/Seismic
Minerals
Noise
Population/Hsg. Balance
Public Services/Facilities
Recreation/Parks
Sewer Capacity
Soil Erosion/Compaction/Grading
Solid Waste
Toxic/Hazardous
Traffic/Circulation
Vegetation
Wetland/Riparian
Wildlife
Grovrth Inducing
Land Use
Cumulative Effect
Other:
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:
Note: This project's CEQA document was sent to the State Clearinghouse (SCH #2010081053} for a 30-day public review period,
which ended on September 15, 2010. The project description has not changed only additional information has been analyzed and
clarifying information added in the CEQA document.
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.
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 #U
.Department of Transportation Planning (headquarters)
JHousing & 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
lAir 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
Signature _
Ending Date
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
Ciry/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:
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
SITEMAP
NOT TO SCALE
Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift
Station and Gravity and Force Mains
POP 00-02(C) / SP 144(L) / RP 10-26 /
CDP 10-17 / HDP 10-05 / SUP 10-02 / HMP 10-03
CITY OF
^'CARLSBAD
Community & Economic Development www.carlsbadca.gov
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
CASE NAME: Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station, Force Main, and Gravity Sewer
Replacement
CASE NO: PDF 00-02(CVSP 144(LVRP 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-057
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;
Note: This project's CEQA document was sent to the State Clearinghouse (SCH #2010081053)
for a 30-day public review period, which ended on September 15, 2010. The project description
has not changed only additional information has been analyzed and clarifying information added
in the CEQA document.
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
1 Reference segments from City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan, March 2003.
Planning Division
1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 T 760-602-4600 F 760-602-8559 ®
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.
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 July 23. 2011 - August 22. 2011
PUBLISH DATE July 23. 2011
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
CASE NAME: Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station. Force Main, and Gravity Sewer
Replacement
CASE NO: PDF 00-02(CVSP 144(LVRP 1Q-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-057
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: Note: This project's CEQA document was sent to the State
Clearinghouse (SCH #2010081053) for a 30-day public review period, which ended on
September 15, 2010. The project description has not changed only additional information has
been analyzed and clarifying information added in the CEQA document.
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.
1 Reference segments from City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan, March 2003.
ADOPTED: [CLICK HERE ^ :-- :v-Me] ^ . pursuant to
TCLICK HERE Administrative Approval. PC/GC Resolution Ho., or CC Ordinance No.l
ATTEST:
DONNEU
City Planner
June 28,2011
Draft
ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY and
DRAFT MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station, Force Main, and Gravity
Sewer Replacement
PREPARED FOR:
City of Carlsbad Engineering/Public Works Department
Terry Smith
CITY OF CARLSBAD
Engineering/Public Works
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Ron Ross
BROWN & CALDWELL
9665 Chesapeake Drive
Suite 201
San Diego, CA 92123
PREPARED BY:
PLANNING SYSTEMS
1530 Faraday Avenue
Suite 100
Carlsbad, CA 92008
PDF 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03
AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN,
AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
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. Agricultural 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
XI. 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 - 6/28/11
PDF 00-02(C)/SP I44(L)/RP 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03
AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Regional Map 5
Figure 2: Location Map 6
Figures: 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 26
Figure 9: Visual Simulation - Carlsbad Beach 27
Figure 10: Visual Simulation - Garfield Street 28
Figure 11: Important Farmland 33
Figure 12: Stormwater Management Plan 70
Figure 13: 100-Year Flood Zone 76
Figure 14: Lift Station Overlay 86
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Environmental Setting and Surrounding Land Uses 18
Table 2: Construction Activity Emissions (pounds/day) 36
Table 3: Sensitive Plants and Animals Potentially Present in the Project Area 39
Table 4: Project Impacts to Vegetation Communities 41
Table 5: Database - Hazardous Materials List 62
Table 6: Adjacent Land Uses 79
Table 7: Noise Exposure Limits to Land Uses in the Vicinity of the Lift Station 91
Table 8: Regional Circulation Roadways in Carlsbad 98
Table 9: NCTD Bus Service through Project Alignment 100
Table 10: Storm Drain Facilities in the Vicinity of the Project 102
Table 11: Development Projects in the Vicinity of the Project 107
Table 12: Encina Water Pollution Control Facility 5-Year CIP Projects 122
Table 13: Sewer Collection System 5-Year CIP Projects 122
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
Appendk G: Environmental Soils and Groundwater Sampling
Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project
Environmental Initial Study - 6/28/11
7/18/11 DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY and
DRAFT MITIGATED DECLARATION
DATE: 6/28/2011
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 10-17/ HDP 10-
05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03
Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station, Force Main, and Gravity
Sewer Replacement
City of Carlsbad
Planning Department
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Pam Drew
(760) 602-4644
The project is located 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 Avenue
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
Note: This project's original CEQA document was sent to the
State Clearinghouse (SCH #2010081053) for a 30-day public
review period, which ended on September 15, 2010. The
project description has not changed only additional
information has been analyzed and clarifying information
added in the CEQA document.
The proposed project involves the installation of a sewer trunk
PDF 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03
AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
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.
Easements will be acquired for the facilities including the
widening of the existing sewer easement by 12.5 feet. 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.
11. EXISTING LAND USE AND
SETTING:
12. SURROUNDING LAND USES
AND SETTING:
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
BACT j
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 Available Control Technology
Best Management Practices
Burlington Northern Santa Fe
Railroad
California Ambient Air Quality
Standards
California Air Resources Board
California Coastal Commission
California Department of Fish &
Game
HMPP
hp
HWL
1-5
JURMP
KW
LFMP
LOS
LWL
MBTA
mgd
MHCP
MMRP
MSL
Habitat Management Plan Permit
horsepower
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
: Reference segments from City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan, March 2003.
Agua Hedionda Sewer Line & Lift Station Project
Environmental Initial Study - 6/28/11
PDF 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03
AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
CDP
CECP
CEQA
cfm
cfs
CH4
CIP
City
CMWD
CNDDB
CO
C02
CIP
CNEL
CNPS
CRLS
CRHR
CRT
CWA
cy
dBA
DCSS
EPS
EWPCF
ESA
ESHA
EUC
EXO
EWPCF
FEMA
FM
FRTP
gpm
GPS
HDD
BMP
Coastal Development Permit
Carlsbad Energy Center Project
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
Capitallmprovement Plan
Community Noise Equivalent
Level
California Native Plant Society
Cannon Road Lift Station
California Register of Historical
Resources
Carlsbad Rail Trail
Clean Water Act
cubic yards
decibels on the A-weighted scale
Diegan coastal sage scrub
Encina Power Station
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
gallons per minute
Global Positioning System
Horizontal directional drilling
Carlsbad Habitat Management
Plan
NAH
NAHC
NCTD
NMFS
N2O
NNG
NOX
NPDES
NRG
OW
PID
PLRCP
ppm
PVC
POP
PDWF
PWWF
RAQS
RCP
ROW
RPM
RS
RWQCB
SANDAG
SDAB
SDG&E
SOX
SP
SSWPPP
SUP
SUSMP
SWMP
USAGE
USFWS
VC
VOC
North Agua Hedionda
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 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
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 - 6/28/11
PDF 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03
AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
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 Agiia 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 is presently shown on the
approved City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan, dated March, 2003. In locations where easements do not already
exist, easements will be acquired for the facilities. This will include the widening of the existing sewer easement by
12.5 feet, so that the existing 17.5-foot easement will ultimately constitute a public utility easement of 30.0 feet in
width.
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.
2 Reference segments from City of Carlsbad Sewer Master Plan, March 2003.
Agua Hedionda Sever Line & Lift Station Project
Environmental Initial Study - 6/28/11 4
Figure ^
Regional Map
AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION
Carlsbad, California
June 4, 2010
0 1250
PS# 080205
2500 5000 FT
NORTH SCALE: 1" = 2500'
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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
June 4, 2010 PS# 080205
Figure 3
Aerial Photo
AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION
Carlsbad, California
NORTH SCALE: 1"= 1500'
PLANNINGSYSTEMSID™!
PDF 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03
AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
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.
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 - 6/28/11
, REPLACE BRIDGE
I (140 FT. SPAN)
PROPOSED 12" RECYCLED
WATER L^JE (OPEN TRENCH)
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
FIGURE 4
Schematic of Proposed System
New Forcemain/ Gravity to EWPCF
and use of Existing Pipelines
Carlsbad, California
2»!2Miiw5c^iraGUB~** J
" 'imCAlTON
I is '! '. n I i n m
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Figure 5
AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION
Cartsbad, California
June 4, 2010 PS# 080205
NORTH SCALE: 1"= 120'
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Figure 6
AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION
Carlsbad, California
June 4, 2010 PS# 080205
NOT TO SCALE
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AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION
Carlsbad, California
iGaldwell
PDF 00-02(C)/SP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP 10-17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03
AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
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, a maintenance vehicle crossing road, a 12-inch high-pressure gas
line and a future pedestrian trail with 42" hand railing. Thus the bridge could accommodate the anticipated Carlsbad
Rail Trail (CRT) Reach 3 segment if and when that planned trail alignment is determined, and the CRT project is
approved and funded; however, the CRT is a separate and independent future project. 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. The proposed site is directly north-
northeast and adjacent to the 23-acre location of the proposed Carlsbad Energy Center Project (CECP) which is a
planned second power plant on the Encina Power Station (EPS) site. An application for certification for this
expansion has been submitted and is presently under review by the California Energy Commission (07-AFC-6). An
analysis of impacts to the proposed CECP during CECP construction and thereafter is provided in Sections VIII(g)
and X(b) of this document.
The proposed 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 25.5
feet 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. An existing overhead electric line to the old lift station will also be removed and replaced
with an electrical feed to the new station, in compliance with the 2010 California Building Code (CBC). The
existing overflow basin will also be demolished (concrete removed), filled in with soil and vegetated (hydroseeded
and planted with native or otherwise drought-tolerant vegetation).
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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.
Project Compatibility. As mentioned, the proposed lift station and almost 2,000 feet of sewer line is located on the
EPS property. This particular section of the EPS site is a central hub of existing and planned electrical generation
and transmission lines. This area is also a route for a number of public and private utilities which travel through the
same area. A significant effort to avoid conflicts with existing and planned utility facilities and lines has been
addressed with the proposed lift station location and pipe routing. The proposed location was the result of an
extensive siting/routing alternatives analysis, titled "Alignment and Site Study for Replacement of Reaches VC1 IB-
IS and Agua Hedionda Lift Station of the Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Sewer System", dated June 30, 2006, prepared
by Brown & Caldwell, The subject area is constrained not only by existing and planned facilities and utility lines,
but also surrounded by environmentally constrained wetlands, and the hydraulic limits of the gravity/force main
relationship. The alternatives analysis has concluded that the proposed location for the lift station and sewer line
alignment are optimal, inasmuch as they allow for the proper hydraulics, they avoid environmentally sensitive areas,
and they minimize impacts on existing and future utility facilities. Coordination of construction work and materials
laydown areas will be necessary between the proposed utility facilities on the EPS site. The coordination effort
required is analyzed thoroughly in this document.
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
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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 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 paniculate 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 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.
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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 300- feet south of 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.
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.
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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 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.
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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 will be required from 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 Redevelopment Permit (RP) because the portion of the project between Agua Hedionda Lagoon
and a point along Avenida Encinas just south of Cannon Road is within the boundaries of the South Carlsbad
Coastal Redevelopment Area (SCCRA). Because PDP 00-02 is proposed for amendment, an amendment to the
Encina Specific Plan (SP 144), which encompasses the Encina Power Plant and adjacent lands, is also needed. 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 and
construction of the new bridge 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 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. In the event that nighttime construction is anticipated, a
nighttime construction permit pursuant to the requirements of Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 8.48.020 will be
required. This permit is issued by the Carlsbad City Manager.
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. Proposed
future CECP power plant facility.
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.
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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.
• 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.
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• 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 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.
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AGUA HED1ONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
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.
j Aesthetics
| Agriculture and
Forestry Resources
J Air Quality
^ Biological Resources
J Cultural Resources
3 Geology/Soils
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Noise
Hazards/Hazardous Materials LJ Population and Housing
Hydrology/Water Quality
Land Use and Planning
Mineral Resources
I Mandatory Findings of
Significance
Public Services
| | Recreation
IXj Transportation/Circulation
Utilities & Service Systems
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AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
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.
D
D
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
City Planner's Signature Date
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AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
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.
• 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)
Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project
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AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
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 Hedianda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project
Environmental Initial Study - 6/28/11 24
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AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE TO BE ADDRESSED: Potentially Potentially Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact Unless Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
I. AESTHETICS - Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? Vl
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 I I
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?
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 (CDP)
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 - 6/28/11 25
Figure 8
Visual Simulation -1-5 Southbound
AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION
Carlsbad, California
June 4,2010 PS# 080205
NOT TO SCALE
HH LAKt> VSS/COASTAl, PLANNING. -. .:• :• . •• ••• ;• "..>.••. •• !,- •'; ; •• r v .-; "..-•.... . .. .... ...,. .,, .. . .
Figure 9
Visual Simulation - Carlsbad Boulevard
AGUA HED1ONDA LIFT STATION
Carlsbad, California
June 4, 2010 PS# 080205
NOT TO SCALE
: :< c"-/,, '., .. I
Figure 10
Visual Simulation - Garfield Street
June 4, 2010 PS# 080205
NOT TO SCALE
-.- • •}:i - --
AGUA HEDiONDA LIFT STATION
Carlsbad, California
';.••• '• .•••*•..'.. -j .-,
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AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
The existing lift station concrete overflow basin will be removed, filled in with soil and hydroseeded with native plant or
otherwise drought-tolerant plant mix. 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, all screened or painted to match), 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 vis'ible from any
scenic vista, and will be visible only to passersby in close proximity. The portion of the line north of the lagoon channel
will be placed 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 so as to protect the new (larger)
pipe, This 3-foot increase in height of the berm is not of a height that would significantly impact the distant views to or
from the area. This increased embankment of soil will be vegetated with hydroseed mix and will not result in a significant
visual impact.
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 eucalyptus trees (three mature multi-trunked trees) will be removed
from the site of the proposed lift station, which is located on the most northwest side of the CECP property. As indicated in
the proposed lift station plan, the project will replace the non-native eucalyptus trees with twelve (12) drought tolerant
native screening trees, including species such as the Cajeput Tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia), New Zealand Christmas Tree
{Meterosideros excelsus), and the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo). These trees grow to a height of 35, 30 and 25 feet,
Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project
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AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
respectively, are evergreens and will thus adequately replace the removed eucalyptus. Further, mitigation is required for
the removal of the eucalyptus trees, which are listed as Habitat Group F- Eucalyptus Woodlands in the city's Habitat
Management Plan (HMP) dated 2004. These trees will be mitigated at a 0.1:1 ratio. Please refer.to mitigation measure
BIO-1 on page 48. The visual simulations (Figures 8, 9 and 10) demonstrate views toward the project with the eucalyptus
trees removed and the replacement trees added. Furthermore, the CECP project's Final Staff Assessment (FSA), dated
November 2009, states in part that the CECP project shall, in coordination with the City of Carlsbad, prepare and submit
supplemental, modified landscape plans to provide for replacement tree planting as needed, to the greatest feasible extent,
in the future event of loss of existing tree screening due to City of Carlsbad sewer and/or lift station projects (Mitigation
Measure VIS-2, page 526).
In addition, two median landscaping trees and numerous decorative shrubs will be removed from the center median of
Avenida Encinas, south of Cannon Road. The median trees 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.
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 (CIP) 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 screening or painting of pipes, 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, including the berm
section north of the lagoon channel in which the soil surface will be raised 3-feet in height to provide adequate soil cover,
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.I
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
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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 include 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
intersections. This limited nighttime construction would be short-lived inasmuch the recycled line installation would
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 would be
required for the project except possibly 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:
H. 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?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
n
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AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY .SEWER REPLACEMENT
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 51104(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?
n
D
D
D
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?
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.
Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Sewer Line Project
Environmental Initial Study ~ 6/28/11 32
LEGEND
Urban and Built-up Land
Prime Farmland
Farmland of Statewide Importance
] Unique Farmland
13 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
o 2000
June 4, 2010
8000 FT
NORTH SCALE: 1" = 4000'
LAND USE/COASTAL fOAKHtttOLANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURET AKD rj
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d)Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest uses?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
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.
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 no n-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?
D D
n
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 (ARE) 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
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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:
• 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 May 2, 2011. 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 sq. ft.) 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
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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 15 mile round-trip. A 15
mile round-trip assumption is feasible because a 7.5 mile one-way travel distance includes all of the City of Carlsbad,
northern Encinitas, and much of the cities of San Marcos and Oceanside. Numerous potential stockpile locations exist
within this 7.5 mile radius. 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.
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
140.44
0.00
50.40
18.80
209.64
550.00
No
NOX
123.84
0.00
57.95
14.72
196.51
250.00
No
SOX
11.24
0.00
6.56
0.02
17.82
250.00
No
PM,«
13.90
2.60
3.78
0.56
20.84
100.00
No
PM2J
12.554
2.480
3.502
0.551
19.087
55.000
No
ROG
31.204
0.000
5.779
0.046
37.029
55.000
No
As can be seen in the table above, estimated daily emissions of CO, NOX, Sox,
period are all projected to be well below the threshold APCD standards.
ROG during the construction
As shown in Table 2 above, the project complies with the APCD adopted thresholds, it is concluded that the project
construction project will not violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality
violation, and thus will not result in a significant impact to air quality. 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. While the air
quality impacts from the project construction do not exceed the emission thresholds adopted by the APCD, the construction
operation may still cause temporary adverse effects on air quality in the immediate vicinity of the project. Thus, in the
absence of mitigation, construction activities may result in short-term high quantities of dust, and as a result, local visibility
may be impaired due to larger dust particles, which would fall out of the atmosphere within the adjacent several hundred
feet of the site and could result in nuisance-type impacts. Also, combustion engine emissions of criteria air pollutants from
operation of heavy off-road construction equipment may contribute to short-term, localized adverse impacts on air quality
in the immediate vicinity of the project construction. Thus, potential air pollutants that could be generated during
construction include particulates (soil dust), and to -a lesser extent, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and
sulfur dioxides associated with combustion emissions from construction equipment, and as a result the following mitigation
measures are necessary in order to reduce these potential localized impacts to a level of insignificance.
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.
AQ-2 Project construction shall implement the following measures in order to minimize construction-related
emissions due to dust:
• Water all active construction areas at least twice daily.
Threshold Source: SDAPCD Rule 1501,20.2(d)(2), 1995; EPA 40CFR93, 1993.
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• Cover all trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose materials or require all trucks to maintain at
least 2 feet of freeboard.
• Pave, apply water three times daily, or apply soil stabilizers on all unpaved access roads,
parking areas, and staging areas at the construction sites.
• Sweep streets daily (with water sweepers) if visible soil material is carried onto adjacent public
streets.
• Apply soil stabilizers or hydrosseed to previously-graded inactive construction areas.
• Cover, enclose or apply soil binders to exposed stockpiles.
• Limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 mph.
• Replant vegetation in disturbed areas as quickly as possible.
The City of Carlsbad Grading Ordinance and erosion control requirements also 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. Further, the site for exported soil will not exceed a maximum 15 mile round-trip for the haul/dump trucks.
Emissions from construction equipment, worker and delivery and material-hauling trucks, and construction related power
consumption would be temporary and would result in estimated total air quality impacts of only up to 78% of the SDAB
significance threshold and therefore, in conjunction with the above mitigation measures AQ-1 and AQ-2, would result in a
less than significant impact on both regional and localized air quality.
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?
Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. 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. As a result of the fact that the YMCA youth recreation facility is used by children, this facility is
considered a sensitive receptor. The YMCA facility is located directly adjacent to the project work area, on the north side
of the lagoon channel. Lagoon channel bridge construction and equipment and machinery used for adjacent trenching
would impact the YMCA facility. Since the YMCA facility is open for youth recreation only during the summer months,
summer timeframe construction of the bridge and adjacent facilities on the north side of the lagoon channel would subject
children using the facility to significant impacts of air pollution from the heavy machinery and construction equipment.
This conflict would result in a significant air quality impact on a sensitive receptor. This significant impact however, can
be reduced to a level of insignificance with the addition of Mitigation Measure AQ-3, which states that the work in this area
will be accomplished with the cooperation of the YMCA youth facility staff to ensure no children are present during the
period of construction for this segment.
Since no other sensitive receptors are location near the proposed project (the second closest sensitive receptor is Jefferson
Elementary School, which is located 1,600 linear feet north of the northerly terminus of the proposed project); with the
inclusion of Mitigation Measure AQ-3, the significant impact associated with proximity to sensitive receptors is mitigated.
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AQ-3 Grading, construction and pipe laying operations on the north side of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon
channel, including construction of the channel bridge, shall be accomplished with the cooperation of the
YMCA youth recreation facility slaff to ensure no children are present during construction of this
segment.
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 built
into the facility. The project will utilize state-of-the-art features which remove odors and volatile organic compounds from
the sewage transport process. The proposed odor control features have been proven to successfully eliminate odors from
sewage facilities. This odor control technology has been used for decades at wastewater treatment and conveyance
facilities and has resulted in significant success and high reliability. These advanced odor control facilities have a proven
record of quality and reliability in filtering and eliminating odors from hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, mercaptans,
methylamine and other malodorous gases which have been known to emanate from municipal sewage facilities. The odor
control air scrubbers utilize chemical reactants to absorb soluble gases from the air stream. This process transfers the odor-
causing chemicals to the liquid phase where they are neutralized and/or destroyed. The media used in the carbon absorbing
packing is engineered for superior wet scrubbing. The odor control media performance will be constantly monitored,
logged and maintained by the City of Carlsbad maintenance crews to ensure the system is operating properly. This odor
control media will be replaced as needed to ensure compliance with the air quality standards of the SDAPCD.
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
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than No
Significant Impact
Impact
n
n
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n n
a)
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any I I \7| I I
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 I \7 I I
Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation
Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state
habitat conservation plan?
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.
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)
HMP Narrow
Endemic
HMP Narrow
Endemic
HMP Narrow
Endemic
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
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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)
Eiyngium 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)
Muilla Cleveland!! (San
Diego goldenstar).
Myosurus minimus ssp.
apus (Little mousetail)
Navarretia fossalis
(Prostrate navarretia)
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
HMP Narrow
Endemic, Fed.
Species Special
Concern
HMP Narrow
Endemic, Fed.
Species Special
Concern
HMP Narrow
Endemic
Absent
Unknown
Unknown
Absent
Absent
Absent
Absent
Absent
Absent
Absent
Absent
Absent
Absent
Absent
Unknown
Absent
Absent
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
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
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Orcuttia californica
(California orcutt grass)
Pinus torreyana (Torrey
pine)
Quercus dumosa
(Nuttal's scrub oak)
Quercus engelmanni
(Englemann oak)
HMP Narrow
Endemic
Fed. Species
Special Concern
Fed. Species
Special Concern
Fed. Species
Special Concern
Absent
Absent
Absent
Absent
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
Impac
t
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
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 BIO-1 and BIO-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,
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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 BIO-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 BIO-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.
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
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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.
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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, 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 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.
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
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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
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.
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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.
The construction of the bridge will involve the pouring of abutments on each side of the channel and the laying (via crane)
of the horizontal bridge structure between the abutments, so as to totally avoid direct impacts to the channel. However,
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 BIO-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
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 driller's 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
4 USAGE Regulatory Guidance Letter, RGL 08-02, June 26,2008
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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.
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.
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. '
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
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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 "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
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.
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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 TV(c) above. For these reasons it is concluded that a less than
significant impact would occur.
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?
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
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 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.
The project will not direct any new surface drainage into Agua Hedionda Lagoon.
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AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
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 stream course.
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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
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
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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.
12. 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.
13. 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
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than No
Significant Impact
Impact
D
D
n
a)Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5?
No Impact. An Archaeological Resources Survey for the Agua Hedionda Sewer and Lift Station, dated May 2009, has
been prepared by Affmis 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 Rey quadrangle, the 1898 USGS 15' Oceanside quadrangle, the 1942
USGS 15' Oceanside quadrangle, the 1948 USGS 7.5' San Luis Rey 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
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
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impact area (CA-SDI-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 Vi 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 archaeological
resources are encountered during excavation or grading, the archaeological monitor shall direct the
contractor to avoid all work in the immediate area for a reasonable period of time to allow the
archaeologist to evaluate the significance of the finding and determine an appropriate course of action.
The appropriate course of action may include, but not be limited to avoidance, recordation, relocation,
excavation, documentation, curation, data recovery, or other appropriate measures. The Project
Contractor shall provide a reasonable period of time for pursuing the appropriate activities, including
salvage of discovered resources. Salvage operation requirements pursuant to Section 15064.5 of the
CEQA Guidelines shall be followed. Recovered artifactual materials and data 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 die pre-excavation agreement. If any human remains are discovered, all construction
activity in the immediate area of the discovery shall cease immediately, and the Archaeological monitor
shall notify the County Medical Examiner pursuant to California Health and Safety Section 7050.5.
Should the Medical Examiner determine the human remains to be Native American; the Native
American Heritage Commission shall be contacted pursuant to California Public Resources Code
Section 5097.98. The Native American Monitor (pursuant to Mitigation Measure CUL-2), in
consultation with the Native American Heritage Commission, shall inspect the site of the discovery of
the Native American remains and may recommend to the City of Carlsbad and the Project Contractor
actions for treating or disposing, with appropriate dignity, the human remains and any associated grave
goods. The recommendation may include the scientific removal and nondestructive analysis of human
remains and items associated with Native American burials. The Project Contractor shall provide a
reasonable period of time for salvage of discovered human remains before resuming construction
activities.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than No
Significant Impact
Impact
n
n
] n
n n
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.
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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
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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.
As indicated in the Geotechnical Evaluation, the installation of utility piping lines such as those proposed will not result in
soil settlement, spread or subsidence in the area, and should thus not impact future proposed development in the vicinity of
the project, including the CECP. Trenches and horizontal directional drilling ("HDD") will be designed and constructed by
professional personnel, in accordance with OSHA regulations. The Geotechnical Evaluation concludes that due to the
depth of the proposed pipelines, settlements are not anticipated to impact surface improvements and underground utilities.
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.
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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
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 No
Significant Impact
Impact
n
n
a)Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the
environment?
Less Than Significant Impact Global temperatures are regulated by naturally occurring atmospheric gases (referred to as
greenhouse gases) such as water vapor (H^O), carbon dioxide (COj), nitrous oxide (^O), methane (CH*),
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). The effect that each greenhouse gas
(GHG) 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
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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 CO2.
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
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, CPLj 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.
An estimate of GHG projected to result from the project includes GHGs that could be produced from electricity use, water
use, and creation of solid waste. Operationally, the project's only 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 of electricity per year. An estimate of the GHG contribution from the operation of the lift station
was conducted using the EMFAC 2007 emissions inventory model. This model addresses GHG emissions of COj and CH4
for the project, NiO emissions were derived from the U.S. EPA N2O conversion ratio. A construction GHG inventory was
also projected. This construction GHG inventory considered the emissions projected from heavy vehicles and construction
equipment emissions, worker trip emissions, and water usage. The construction estimate was conducted for the same
contributing gases using the OFFROAD 2007 emissions inventory model to calculate those GHG emissions resulting from
project construction.
Based on this analysis, it is estimated that the sewer lift station operations will generate only 0.786 metric tons of CO2 or
CO2 equivalent, 0.310 metric tons of CH4, and 0.078 metric tons of N2O, per year. The temporary construction operation
(estimated at three years of construction, of which only a single 60-day period will involve the maximum assemblage of
grading and construction machinery) is projected to generate 1,308 metric tons of CO2 or CO2 equivalent, 51.5 metric tons
of CH4 and 0.003, and metric tons of N2O, per year. Further, 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.
As with other individually relatively small projects (i.e., projects that are.not oil refineries, electric generating facilities, co-
generation facilities, large-scale manufacturing plants or other stationary combustion sources that emit more than 25,000
million metric tons (MMT) of CO2 or CO2 equivalent per year), the GHG emissions from the project would not be
expected to individually have an impact on global climate change and the primary concern is rather whether the project
would be in conflict with the State of California goals for reducing GHG emissions.
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Three types of analyses are used to determine whether the project could be in conflict with the State of California goals,
including Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32) the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, passed in 2006, for reducing
GHG emissions. The analyses are reviews of;
1. The potential conflicts with the California Air Resources Board (GARB) recommended actions for reduction of
GHG emissions,
2. The relative size of the project in comparison to the estimated GHG reduction goal of 174 MMT CO2C by year
2020 and in comparison to the size of major facilities that are required to report GHG emissions (25,000 metric
tons of CO2C per year), and
3. The basic parameters of a project to determine whether its design is inherently energy efficient, will lead to
wasteful energy use, or is neutral with regard to future energy use.
With regard to Analysis Item 1 above, the project does not pose any conflict with the list of CARB recommended actions
for reduction of GHG. These actions are listed on the Expanded List of Early Action Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas
Emissions in California. California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board, October 2007± and include
measures such as energy efficiency guidelines, high speed rail, green building policies, water recycling, and similar
measures intended to provide long-term reduction in GHGs.
With regard to Analysis Item 2, the total project operational GHG emissions would approximate only 0.786 metric tons of
CO2 per year. The project would thus not be classified as a major source of GHG emissions. Although no specific CEQA
thresholds of significance have been established, however when compared to the overall state reduction goal of
approximately 174 MMT of CO2 per year, the maximum GHG emissions for the project are very small and would not
conflict with the state's ability to comply with the AB 32 or other state goals.
With regard to Analysis Item 3, the project is efficient with regard to energy use (see Project Description). Further, the
projected net energy use can be reduced by the off-set of the elimination of the existing lift station.
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. Neither CEQA nor the CEQA Guidelines prescribe thresholds of significance or particular methodologies for
performing a GHG impact analysis. This is left to the lead agency's judgment and discretion, based upon factual data and
guidance from regulatory agencies and other credible sources. Until such a standard is established, each lead agency must
develop their own approach to performing an analysis for projects that generate GHG emissions.
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). The project will not violate any air quality
standard or state guidelines, and as indicated above will not contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality or
greenhouse gas 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. Thus, the project will result in no impact to these adopted plans, policies or
regulations.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED:
VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Would the project:
Potentially Potentially
Significant Significant
Impact Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than No
Significant Impact
Impact
D D
D
n n
D D
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?
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
would ensure that the impact associated with the routine transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials would be less
than significant.
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n
n
n
n
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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, are
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 mgd 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 on the subject site or adjacent neighboring sites, including the CECP site,
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
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
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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 onto the subject site or
neighboring sites, or into the environment in general 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^ 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.
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
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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
Health's Site Assessment and Mitigation Manual, RWQCB guidelines, and the standard of care of the
industry.
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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 in accordance with the requirements of HAS-1 and HAZ-2 and the
recommendations of the HASP and SMP. 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 III-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-1 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 EmerEencv Operations Plan, dated June 9, 2003.
This plan addresses the City of Carlsbad's planned response to extraordinary emergency situations associated with natural
disasters, human events, and technological incidents, including both peacetime and wartime nuclear defense operations. It
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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.
The proposed project has the potential to affect emergency access to and from the CECP construction. The proposed
utility lines (force main and recycled water line extensions) would travel southward from the lift station area to Cannon
Road. Along this length, the lines run parallel and adjacent to the CECP project. The existing sewer gravity trunk line
travels within an existing sewer line easement. This easement serves also as the primary emergency access from Cannon
Road to the CECP site and the lift station site. The proposed project will increase this easement width by 12.5 feet, to allow
for a full, 30.0-foot wide joint-use general utility easement which would accommodate three utility lines; (1) the existing
gravity sewer line (which will remain), (2) the proposed new 30-inch force main sewer line, and (3) the proposed 12-inch
recycled water line. This widening of the easement by 12.5 feet will allow the improved use of this easement area for
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vehicle access, or emergency vehicle access, since the City is proposing to install only buried utilities and, upon completion
of construction, the surface area will be maintained as an emergency and maintenance roadway.
During pipe installation construction, the proposed new 30-inch force main sewer line will be installed through horizontal
directional drilling construction method, which involves ground surface disruption only at the entry and exit points, at the
lift station site and in the vicinity of Cannon Road. As such, installation and operation of the sewer line will create no
disruption or obstruction of the emergency/maintenance access route through the CECP site. The proposed 12-inch
recycled water line will be constructed via open trenching however, and as such trenching and installation of this water line
could have the potential to result in obstruction of this access route. The water line has been aligned along the eastern edge
of the proposed 30-foot easement, designed at only 3 to 3.5 feet in depth. Therefore, the trench necessary for laying the
pipe will be excavated to an approximate size of 18-inches wide and 3.5 feet deep. Trenching and spoils stockpile
associated with the installation of this water line will thus necessitate a maximum temporary construction impact work area
of up to 18 feet in width. The balance of the 30-foot easement (12-feet minimum) would be maintained for regular access
and emergency access.
Further, the substantive work effort associated with installation of the water line will only involve approximately 14 days of
trenching construction, and can thus be coordinated with CECP or other construction, in the event the construction
operation schedules coincide. However, notwithstanding the facts that the water pipe installation will involve a relatively
narrow and shallow trench, and the installation operation will be of short duration, the trenching and pipe-laying could
potentially significantly impact emergency access around the active trenching activities. Further, in the event that the water
pipe trenching took place during the actual CECP construction operation, obstruction or closure of this accessway could
impact the heavy haul and other equipment access. As a result of these factors, it is determined that trenching and
installation of the water line could result in a significant impact to emergency and construction equipment access to and
from the CECP site. Thus, mitigation measure HAZ-5 is added to reduce this impact to a level of insignificance.
HAZ-5 A minimum 12-foot wide, unobstructed emergency, construction and operations access shall be
maintained at all times during construction trenching and installation of the recycled water line segment
between the sewer lift station site and Cannon Road.
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.
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)?
Potentially Potentially Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact Unless Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
n n
n
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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?
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?
D
D
n
D
n
n n
n n
Kl
n
Kl
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
D
n
n
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q) Result in the exceedance of applicable surface or I I I I h/j I I
groundwater receiving water quality objectives or
degradation of beneficial uses?
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
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 purnp 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.
Further, the proposed lift station and sewer pipeline will replace an existing, obsolete lift station and pipeline. These
obsolete facilities will be replaced with improved, newer, state-of-the-art equipment, which will have greater efficiency and
reliability. Also, the State of California and local regulations require the operator to have a Sanitary Sewer Overflow
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Response Plan in place prior to start-up operation of the lift station. As such, it is concluded that the proposed project will
improve the reliability of the sewage transport system along this route from the present obsolete facilities.
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 paniculate 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.
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LEGEND:
(POR7UWJO CEWENT CONCRETE)
F!LTRATK)M MEDIA (WSERT
Figure 12
Stormwater Management
AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION
Carlsbad, California
June 4, 2010
0 60
PS# 080205
120 2<0 FT
NORTH SCALE: 1" = 120'
AVCXU& SUTTS ISO, CAJ&S&AA CA(780) 8^1-0763 FAX (76« 831-97**
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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 Spill Contingency 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 and actions that will be taken in the event of a spill into the adjacent uplands or 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. The actions to be
taken will include spill containment through temporary blockage of flows within the system using the capacity of the large
upstream pipe holding facilities. The Spill Contingency Plan will also include a description of the personnel available to
deploy in the event of a sewage spill, the staff notification procedures, and anticipated response times and notification to
industrial/ commercial dischargers and residential customers in the service area to minimize water usage.
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.
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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.
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 VIII(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.
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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 VIII(a) above. Compliance with these requirements will ensure that
the project would result in a less than significant impact on water quality.
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 I] 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
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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 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.
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
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
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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 VIII(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. •
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflovv?
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.
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/
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 ARE A NORTH SCALE: 1" = 1500'
June 4, 2010 PS# 080205
LAHD USE/COASTAL PLANK1KOLANDSCAPE ARCHn-ECTURE
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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 wftather 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.
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.
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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
VII(a), (f) and (I), 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.
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.
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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 VIII(a) and VIII(l), 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.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than No
Significant Impact
Impact
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?
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.
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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
zone's 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
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/ero'sion 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,
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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 Hedlonda 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 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.
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.
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 21.203.040(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 BMP 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.
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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 Resolution 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.
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 PDF 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 PDF 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 PDF
00-02(B), further discussed below.
7. Precise Development Plan 00-Q2(B). The project will require a formal amendment to the Precise Development
Plan (PDF) 00-02(B) pursuant to Section VI of that document. Formal amendments are required for all but
generally minor improvements. This PDF 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.
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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 on land use plans, policies
or regulations is assessed.
The project has also been analyzed for any potential impacts or inconsistencies with the proposed CECP. As mentioned
previously, the CECP involves the proposed construction of a second power plant on 23 acres in a location situated between
1-5 and the railroad tracks, adjacent to (south and southeast of) the proposed lift station. This location is also immediately
east and adjacent to the proposed force main and recycled water line that would traverse the EPS site in a north-south
direction. The proposed CECP site presently houses empty oil storage tanks which would ultimately be replaced by the
CECP. An application for certification for this CECP expansion has been submitted to the California Energy Commission
(07-AFC-6) and the project is under review for approval by this body. An overlay of the proposed project and the proposed
CECP project is shown on Figure 14.
The proposed sewer project has been designed to avoid the improvements planned for the CECP. As can be seen on Figure
14, approximately half of the permanent lift station facility would overlap into the proposed CECP "construction laydown
area", located at the extreme north end of the CECP project. So as a result, the lift station would affect approximately 30%
of the CECP construction laydown (construction materials and supplies) area at the north end of the CECP. However, the
sewer lift station facility does not overlap or directly impact any permanent structural or operational portion of the CECP.
Therefore, while the lift station does not overlay any of the permanent CECP project facilities, if the lift station is
constructed prior to construction of the CECP, the lift station would result in necessary reduction in size of the available
CECP "construction laydown area" planned for the north end of the CECP. It is unclear as to whether the CECP
construction operation can be modified in this way. However, elimination of 30% of one of the available laydown areas is
not anticipated to constitute a significant impact that would jeopardize the feasibility of the CECP project. Conversely, the
proposed project construction plan also includes utilizing this northerly area for a laydown area for sewer lift station and
force main construction materials and supplies. In the event that (for whatever reason) this construction laydown area is not
made available from the property owner (NRG), the sewer contractor will alternatively use a portion of the Cannon
substation property (owned by SDG&E) or the vacant lot, with disturbed vegetation, adjacent to the Carlsbad Water
Recycling Facility (owned by the City of Carlsbad) at the south end of the sewer project on Avenida Encinas. It is possible
that the two projects (the CECP - proposed construction period 2011-2013, this timeframe may vary depending on when
the project is approved and all entitlements received) and the proposed sewer project (proposed construction period 2012-
2013- mis timeframe may vary depending on when the project is approved and all entitlements received) may be under
construction at the same time, While this issue of possibly overlapping construction laydown areas does not result in any
environmental impacts, it would result in some level of increased construction planning and coordination of the CECP
construction effort. A second planned CECP temporary construction laydown area is proposed south of the CECP directly
adjacent to the widened (from 17.5 feet to 30.0 feet) sewer line easement. Temporary construction materials laydown
however only affects the surface of the soil, and thus will have no affect on sewer or recycled water lines lying well below
the ground surface. Thus, temporary construction materials laydown within the easement would not conflict with the
underground utilities, and would thus be compatible. Further, no conflict would result from construction schedule overlap
with the CECP and the sewer force main because the force main will be constructed via HDD tunneling methodology and
will thus not affect the ground surface. Since the recycled water line is proposed to be constructed via conventional
trenching operation and will temporarily affect the ground surface, coordination of schedules to avoid trenching conflicts
with the edge of the CECP materials laydown would be necessary. This coordination of schedules can readily be achieved
inasmuch as the recycled line trenching and installation is expected to involve only 14 days of actual construction within
this affected segment. Thus, no significant inconsistency with this southerly construction laydown area is expected to result
from this additional 12.5-foot widened easement.
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The CECP also proposes expansion of the existing Cannon substation, located immediately south of the proposed CECP
project, adjacent to the widened sewer easement. This expansion does not affect the area within 15-feet of the existing
sewer line easement, and thus sufficient area exists in this area to accommodate the additional 12.5 foot widening of the
easement.
As mentioned, the proposed utility lines (force main and recycled water line extensions) would travel southward from the
lift station to Cannon Road. Along this length, the lines run parallel and adjacent to the CECP project. The existing sewer
gravity trunk line travels within an existing sewer line easement. The proposed project will increase this easement width by
12.5 feet, to allow for a full, 30.0-foot wide joint-use general utility easement which would accommodate three utility lines;
(1) the existing gravity sewer line (which will remain), (2) the proposed new 30-inch force main sewer line, and (3) the
proposed 12-inch recycled water line. This widening of the easement by 12.5 feet will not prohibit the CECP from using
this easement area for vehicle access, or emergency vehicle access, since the city is proposing to install only buried utilities.
Additionally, the city has avoided the potential for utility conflicts across the CECP site since the proposed force main line
will be constructed at an 'approximate depth of 30-feet through HDD trenchless drilling (tunneling) construction method.
This depth is deeper than the utility lines proposed to connect to and from the CECP. The recycled water main will be
shallow and the construction schedule for this utility will not take place while the CECP is under construction in order to
avoid construction conflicts. As such, will not result in exposed trenching or other surface or shallow soil impacts to the
future CECP project construction or operations.
In addition, the CECP project proposes to construct an approximate 60-foot wide "spoil berm for excavated berm material"
along the west side of the proposed CECP plant facilities. This spoil berm will be located between the CECP structures and
the north-south trending sewer line easement (widened by 12.5 feet) and maintenance road. The berm will be extensively
landscaped with trees and shrubs by the CECP developer in an effort to minimize the visual impact of the CECP facilities
from views into the site from the west. The proposed 12.5-foot widened easement needed to accommodate the force main
pipe will not significantly interfere with provision of this spoil berm because the only prohibition to berm construction
within the 12.5-foot widened area is the prohibition against the installation of trees (due to deep root conflicts) specifically
within the easement. Berming, installation of shrubs and other vegetation types with shallow root systems would be
allowed within this easement. Thus, sufficient area would continue to be provided to accommodate the full 60-foot
landscaped berm. While trees would be prohibited within 12.5 feet of this berm, the 60-foot landscaped berm includes a
minimum of 47.5 horizontal feet of this berm accommodating tree landscape screening. Both the CECP and the proposed
sewer project anticipate that the adjacent access road will continue to be maintained for maintenance and emergency access
into the area.
The Desalination Plant, proposed on the opposite (west) side of the railroad tracks, will also include a 54-inch diameter
pressurized product water pipeline on the west side of the tracks traveling parallel to the proposed sewer force main and
recycled water lines and then perpendicular (east-west) to them near Cannon Road . The force main and recycled water
lines have been designed at a vertical elevation so as to avoid conflicts with this Desalination line. Since all of these lines
are flowing under pressure, the line elevations are not dictated by gravity, and avoidance of vertical conflicts is not a
difficult design task. No conflict with the Desalination line will result from implementation of the two projects.
Also, the CECP project proposes two overhead electrical transmission lines which will cross the proposed utility line
alignment. These lines will not result in any conflicts with the underground sewer line or the recycled water line, however
pipeline construction or installation will need to take precautions during construction, if the sewer line were to be installed
after the CECP is constructed.
It is concluded that the proposed project will not result in significant environmental impacts from incompatibility issues
with adjacent existing and planned land uses. The project will however impact (remove from use) approximately 30% of
the construction laydown area planned for use by CECP project, and will result in the need for a modification of that aspect
of the CECP construction program. However, elimination of 30% of one of the available laydown areas is not anticipated
to constitute a significant impact that would jeopardize the feasibility of the CECP project. Therefore, no significant
impacts to the CECP project will result from implementation of the proposed project.
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
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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.
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'PROPOSED
AGUA
HEDIONDA
LIFTSTATIO
SEWER LINE ALIGNMENT
HEDIONDA
LAGOON
Sources:
- Carlsbad Energy Center Project - Figure 2.1-1 'CECP PLOT PLAN' (Sept, 2007}
- Shaw Stone & Webster, Inc.
Figure 14
Lift Station Overlay
AGUA HEDIONDA LIFT STATION
Carlsbad, California
May 9, 2011
LAND USE/COASTAL PLANKINGLANDSCAPE ASCHtTSCTimf-;POLICY A.ND I'HOCKSSfNG3NV1RONMENTAI. HITICATIQW
NORTH SCALE: 1" = 500'
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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, 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
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
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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.
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 stream course.
5. Policy 7-5. The project complies because it does rtot 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 7-77. 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 TV - Biological Resources, above, any potential impacts would be less
than significant.
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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?
Potentially
.Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
O
a)
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?
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 MEIR 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.
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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 No
Significant Impact
Impact
D
D
n
D
D
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 die 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
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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". Consideration
has been given to installation of a Coastal Rail Trail bicycle and pedestrian trail in an undetermined location west 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, arid
• 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 oh 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
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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. Per the requirements of Section 8.48.010, the
City Manager must find that the proposed nighttime construction will not "create disturbing, excessive or offensive noise"
during the nighttime hours. If such finding is made, then the City Manager may grant an exception to the daytime
limitation and allow nighttime construction; (a) when emergency repairs are needed, or (b) in nonresidential zones where
no residences are located within 1,000 feet of the construction site. Most of the alignment of Phase 1 of the proposed
project (the segment within Avenida Encinas, south of Cannon Road) is located within 400-feet of the closest residences.
Thus, the finding of at least 1,000 foot distance to allow nighttime construction cannot be made. Noise levels at the nearest
residences during the nighttime construction could be as high as 63 dBA CNEL along the Phase 1 route, Farther to the
north, the proposed lagoon channel bridge is located between 850 and 1,050 feet from the nearest residences located on the
north shore of the lagoon. Most of the Phase 2 line is far closer than 1,000 feet. Thus, the finding of 1,000 foot distance
cannot be made for construction within Phase 2 of the project (north of the lagoon channel) either. Noise levels at the
nearest residences to Phase 2 could be as high as 73 dBA CNEL. The closest residences to construction work that would
take place on Phase 3 (between the lagoon channel and Cannon Road) are in excess of 1,050 feet from the construction
zone. Thus, construction work in this Phase (which includes the lift station) could be allowed subject to the discretion of
the Carlsbad City Manager. Nighttime noise levels experienced at the nearest residences to Phase 2 are not projected to
exceed 58 dBA CNEL.
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. Permanent noise
levels at the nearest sensitive receptor are not projected to exceed 65 dBA at the YMCA youth recreation facility, situated
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250 linear feet north of the lift station. 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?
Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. 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 YMCA youth recreation facility is located directly adjacent to the alignment of the proposed project on the north side
of the lagoon channel. This YMCA facility is used by children and as a result is considered a sensitive noise receptor.
Lagoon channel bridge construction would impact users of the YMCA facility. Since the YMCA facility is open for youth
recreation only during the summer months, summer timeframe construction of the bridge and adjacent facilities on the
north side of the lagoon channel would subject children using the facility to temporary significant noise impacts from the
heavy machinery and construction equipment. This significant impact however, can be reduced to a level of insignificance
with the addition of Mitigation Measure AQ-3, which states, grading, construction and pipe laying operations on the north
side of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel, including construction of the channel bridge, shall be conducted with the
cooperation of the YMCA youth recreation facility staff to ensure no children are present during the construction of this
segment.
Since no other sensitive receptors are location near the proposed project (the second closest sensitive receptor is Jefferson
Elementary School, which is located 1,600 linear feet north of the northerly terminus of the proposed project) with
Mitigation Measure AQ-3, the significant impact associated with the temporary increase in ambient noise levels is
mitigated.
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
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, only those impacts association with construction of Phase 2, including the
lagoon bridge, will result in significant increases in noise levels at the YMCA youth recreation facility, Thus, this
temporary increase in noise level during construction of this northerly phase are considered significant, and must be
mitigated through inclusion of mitigation measure AQ-3., which states, grading, construction and pipe laying operations on
the north side of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel, including construction of the channel bridge, shall be conducted with
the cooperation of the YMCA youth recreation facility staff to ensure no children are present during the construction of this
segment.
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
CALUCP). 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
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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 Potentially Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact Unless Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
D
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
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, trie 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?
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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 Potentially Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact Unless Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
n
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
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
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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.
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 Potentially Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact Unless Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
D
D
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?
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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
project:
Would the
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? .
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
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
D
D
D
n
n
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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.
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.
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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 McCIellan 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
(ALUCP). 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- (AIA), 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?
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,
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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.
Within the EPS property, the proposed new force main sewer line project will not obstruct the existing north-south
emergency and maintenance roadway or impact emergency vehicle access to the CECP or any other facilities in the area.
This fact is primarily the result of the use of HDD trenchless construction methods for the force main installation and once
operational, the fact that the line is situated well underground. The proposed 12-inch recycled water line will be
constructed via open trenching however, and as such trenching and installation of this water line could have the potential to
result in obstruction of this access route. The trench necessary for laying the pipe will be excavated to an approximate size
of 18-inches wide and 3.5 feet deep. Trenching and spoils stockpile associated with the installation of this water line will
thus necessitate a maximum temporary construction impact work area of up to 18 feet in width, leaving a 12-feet minimum
clear area to accommodate emergency access.
Further, the substantive work effort associated with installation of the water line will only involve approximately 14 days of
trenching construction, and can thus be coordinated with CECP or other construction, in the event the construction
operation schedules coincide. However, notwithstanding the facts that the water pipe installation will involve a relatively
narrow and shallow trench, and the installation operation will be of short duration, the trenching and pipe-laying could
potentially significantly impact emergency access around the active trenching activities. As a result of this factor, it is
determined that trenching and installation of the water line could result in a significant impact to emergency access to and
from the CECP site. However the inclusion of mitigation measure HAZ-5, which requires that a minimum 12-foot wide,
unobstructed emergency access be maintained at all times during construction trenching and installation of the recycled
water line segment between the sewer lift station site and Cannon Road, be maintained; the environmental impacts
associated with emergency access to and from the CECP site will be reduced to a level of insignificance.
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:
TabU 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 Camirio 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.
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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. The project is consistent with
preliminary CRT plans for pedestrian and bicyclist access through the EPS area. Although the CRT alignment has not been
finalized, if desired by the approving bodies, the CRT could share the existing 17.5 foot wide sewer easement (and
maintenance road) through the EPS property. Also, the CRT could travel from the south side of the proposed channel
bridge underneath the railroad tracks to the west side of the tracks. Thus, the sewer force main and lift station project will
not preclude the CRT alignment from being placed on either the east or west side of the railroad tracks. 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?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
D
D
D
n
n
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e) Result in a determination by the wastewater I 1 I IN/1 I I
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?
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 I I I S7J I I
regulations related to solid waste?
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
15-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
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Several other smaller storm drains are located along the alignment of the proposed project.
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 die 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.
f) 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.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED:Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
n
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?
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.
Vegetation communities which would be impacted through implementation of the project, includes Diegan Coastal Sage
Scrub (DCSS), Developed Lands (DEV), disturbed lands (PIS) and Eucalyptus Woodlands (EUC). Thus, project related
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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 '/z
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.
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.
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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, even when the
environmental impacts may be individually limited. The cumulative impact from several projects can be quantified as the
change in the environment that results from the incremental impact of the proposed 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 particular window 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.
Cumulative Effects - Surrounding Development Projects: The analysis of cumulative impacts requires estimation in
many cases, because specific quantification of impacts is not always feasible, due to the level of information available on a
planned future project, variations in the status and timing of projects, and environmental conditions that may exist over the
specific time that the cumulative projects become developed. For example, much of the environmental impacts associated
with the proposed Agua Hedionda Sewer and Lift Station project occur during the construction stage only, and then are
eliminated once construction is completed. Thus, related impacts from other cumulative projects that are not in existence or
under construction during the construction period of the sewer line and lift station would not result in substantive
cumulative impacts. However, the development schedule of planned projects cannot be assured. As such, this cumulative
analysis addresses impacts that might be anticipated to compound or interrelate directly with those of the proposed project
simply because this project is one of a number of identified planned or ongoing projects in the same geographic area.
These cumulative projects are listed in Table 11 below. The scope of the cumulative analysis varies by environmental topic,
because cumulative projects that are relative to one environmental issue may not be to another. For example, projects that
may contribute to cumulative biological impacts may not exacerbate impacts from projects that would be a higher traffic
generator or more relevant to traffic impacts.
Therefore, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064(h)(l), the following is a list of "probable future" cumulative
projects that would have the potential to have some geographic and timing relationship with, and thus contribute to the
potential for cumulative impacts when considered in conjunction with the proposed project.
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Table 11: Cumulative Projects
Project
No.
Project Name Project Description Project Location
1.Poseidon
Desalination
Plant Project
50-million gallons per day (MOD) seawater-to-potable water
Reverse Osmosis (RO) industrial plant that has received city
approval and all other entitlements. The plant will involve the
construction of several large structures, including a reverse osmosis
building which would be nearly 50,000 square-feet, in area, a
60,000 square foot pretreatment area surrounded by tall screening
walls, and an equipment and tank area also screened by tall walls.
The reverse osmosis building, which would reach a maximum of
thirty-five (35) feet above existing grade at its highest point, is the
tallest plant structure.
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 desalination plant would occupy an approximately
45.7 acre parcel in the area currently containing the southernmost of
three large tanks nearest Carlsbad Boulevard and an area south of
the large tank. Except for utility connections and the product water
pipeline, all desalination plant components would be on the west
side of the Amtrak/NCTD railroad tracks. A fuel oil tank and
miscellaneous power plant facilities would be demolished to
accommodate the desalination facility. Associated onsite
improvements would include the intake pump station and pipeline;
concentrate return pipeline, sewer connection, reverse osmosis and
solids handling buildings, pretreatment facilities, electrical
transmission lines, road improvements, and product water pipeline.
Located on the EPS
site, at and south of
EPS oil storage tank
#3, and west of the
railroad tracks. Water
conveyance facilities
extend beyond the
immediate site.
2.Carlsbad
Energy Center
Project
("CECP")
Construction of a second power plant on 23 acres in a location at
the north-east quadrant of the existing EPS site. An application for
certification for this expansion has been submitted to the California
Energy Commission. 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 be a smaller facility than the existing
EPS in terms of generating capacity, footprint, and height. It will
contain two 14-story venting stacks and 9 to 10-story buildings.
The project is expected to take 25 months to construct. The project
also includes underground pipelines and above ground transmission
poles and lines (up to 100 feet tall) to connect the CECP to existing
and proposed facilities.
Northeast section of the
EPS site, immediately
southeast of the
proposed sewer lift
station project.
Between the existing
railroad line and
Interstate 5,' primarily
at the location of three
presently-existing fuel
oil tanks.
Coastal Rail
Trail (CRT)
(Reach 3)
A segment of proposed public trail which travels along the Coaster
commuter rail line between Tamarack Avenue and Cannon Road.
Reach 3 is part of an overall trail program which is ultimately
intended to extend from Oceanside to San Diego. The trail is
anticipated to be generally 12-feet in width, asphalt surface,
allowing for pedestrians, bicyclists, and inline skating. While the
city has completed portions of the CRT in Carlsbad, the alignment
of Reach 3 (in the vicinity of the proposed project) is not yet
complete. There is no approved alignment, funding or construction
schedule for this portion of the CRT at this time.
Along the Coaster
commuter rail line
railroad tracks from
Tamarack Avenue to
Cannon Road.
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NCTD
Railroad
Double-
Tracking
This project is a future project proposed by the California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans) 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.
Construction has begun, with installation of the additional rail
crossing over Agua Hedionda Lagoon underway.
On the east side and
parallel to the existing
railroad track. The
project will necessitate
an additional bridge
across the lagoon
channel.
Interstate
Widening
Project
This CalTrans project involves the widening of 1-5 on both the east
and west sides of the freeway (affecting both north and southbound
lanes) and adding operational improvements to add capacity to this
freeway. Four widening alternatives are proposed by Caltrans and
could involve the expansion of up to two managed (HOV) lanes,
auxiliary lanes where needed, and potentially one general purpose
lane, all in each direction. Through Carlsbad, the project would
expand 1-5 by up to 80-feet westerly towards the proposed project,
and provide a direct access ramp ("DAR") on the east side of 1-5 in
the vicinity of the project to connect with Cannon Road opposite
Paseo Del Norte.
Along both the east and
west sides of 1-5 from
La JoJla Village Drive
in San Diego to Harbor
Drive in Oceanside.
Southbound
Carlsbad
Boulevard
Realignment
A proposal by the City of Carlsbad to modify the existing
alignment of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard between Monzano
Drive and Breakwater Drive. The purpose of the realignment is to
create additional public open space along the coastline and improve
the design and traffic-carrying capacity of the roadways and
intersections. The South Carlsbad Coastal Redevelopment Plan
identifies the Carlsbad Boulevard Realignment Project as an
important infrastructure development to assist with the expansion
of recreational opportunities, including the expansion of the State
campgrounds and other amenities within this key coastal location.
The project concept is to realign southbound Carlsbad Boulevard to
create excess or surplus land that might be used for a variety of
purposes, with primary focus on expansion of recreational and
related uses. It is perceived that the realignment project will
continue to include two travel lanes in each direction and a
promenade or similar space along the west side of southbound
Carlsbad Boulevard. The open spaces may include landscaping,
public art, park furniture, trash containers, lighting, water fountains,
bicycle racks, etc. The City of Carlsbad is currently considering a
land exchange with the State Department of Parks and Recreation
(State) to assist with accomplishing the goal to provide for new
and/or expanded recreational opportunities.
Along Carlsbad
Boulevard between
Monzano Drive and
Breakwater Drive.
Agua
Hedionda
Lagoon
Dredging
The regularly scheduled dredging of sediment by NRG Energy
removing 500,000 cubic yards of sediment and pumping it onto the
adjacent Carlsbad State Beach to be utilized for beach sand
replenishment. The dredging takes place within the Jagoon
waterway, between Carlsbad Boulevard and the railroad tracks. The
purpose of the dredging is to keep the sediment from clogging the
seawater intakes for the existing Encina Power Station.
Within the outer lagoon
between Carlsbad
Boulevard and the
railroad tracks.
Typically takes place
every other year (The
last dredging occurred
in early 2011).
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Carlsbad
Power Plants
EIR and Land
Use Study
In October 2010, the Carlsbad City Council adopted Ordinance CS-
110 to extend a previously adopted urgency ordinance to prohibit
any new or expanded power plants in the City's Coastal Zone.
Additionally, the Council adopted Resolution 2010-238, declaring
its intention to, among other things, consider land use alternatives
for the Encina Power Station. Accordingly, the City of Carlsbad
Planning Division considering land use applications, which, if
approved by the Carlsbad City Council and the California Coastal
Commission, would modify the build-out land uses on the Encina
Power Station site from utility and power-generating uses to a
combination land use district of travel-recreation commercial and
open space uses. More specifically, a Combination District of
Travel Recreation Commercial (TR) and Open Space (OS) is
recommended. This designation would allow coastal-oriented
commercial uses which could include various combinations of
resort, hotels, motels, restaurants, and retail and active/passive
recreation facilities which might include athletic fields, bicycle
paths, campsites, picnic areas, and parks, to be developed on the site
as alternatives to the existing public utility/heavy industry uses.
The exact balance of the two proposed land uses would be
determined at the time development was proposed. This
Combination District designation would permit a broad range of
land uses, when and if the site should be redeveloped. In addition
to the Combination District Land Use designation, the site should
be designated in the General Plan as a Special Planning
Considerations Area. As a Special Planning Considerations area,
site specific compatibility and goals can be established to guide
development to be consistent with the City Council's intended
direction. It is anticipated that land use actions proposed for the
Encina Power Station may be processed over the next two years,
excluding Coastal Commission review. A draft Environmental
Impact Report may be released within the next year.
These plans are very preliminary in nature. At this point in time, no
land use assumptions have been developed to determine
environmental impacts associated with the proposal to assign new
land use designations at the Encina Power Station; thus, impact
assessment is speculative. Further, it is not anticipated that any
development will occur under the proposed land use designations
until the existing Encina Power Station is demolished.
Within the
EPS property.
95-acre
Cumulative Effects - Aesthetics
The viewshed of the cumulative projects listed in Table 11 is comprised of the aesthetically-valuable Agua Hedionda
Lagoon and coastal City of Carlsbad beach environment. The area is presently used for both active and passive recreation,
such as hiking, swimming, sunbathing, walking, boating, bicycling, fishing, viewing and bird watching. The area is within
the viewshed of scenic highways, Carlsbad Boulevard and 1-5, and the BNSF Rail line.
All of the projects identified in Table 11, taken together, would contribute to aesthetic changes in the environment of the
scenic area in and around the proposed project. These projects, when taken cumulatively, will significantly modify the
appearance of the area. The Poseidon Desalination Plant and the CECP are located entirely within the EPS property in a
location directly adjacent to (southerly of) the proposed project. The Desalination Plant will involve the construction of
several large structures, including a reverse osmosis building which would be nearly 540,000 square-feet, in area, a 60,000
square foot pretreatment area surrounded by tall screening walls, and an equipment and tank area also screened by tall
walls. The reverse osmosis building, which would reach a maximum of thirty-five (35) feet above existing grade at its
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highest point. This is in keeping with the scale of the two existing adjacent oil storage tanks to the north, which are of
similar height. These two tanks, located west of the railroad tracks, are not affected by the construction of the CECP. In
addition, structures and screening walls are sensitively designed so the desalination plant has a modern office/industrial
building appearance. The project's certified EIR includes mitigation measures to mitigate potentially significant aesthetic
impacts.
The proposed CECP would remove three of four existing (unused) oil storage tanks which sit roughly 24 feet below
surrounding grade east of the railroad tracks. In addition, the proposed site is currently bordered to the north and east by an
earthen berm roughly 10 to 15 feet above surrounding grade, which is planted with Eucalyptus and other screening
vegetation reaching 45 feet or more in height on the north and east. The oil storage tanks would be replaced with a large-
scale structural housing for two gas combustion turbine electricity generators and associated facilities and equipment,
including filter systems, cooler systems and combustion and piping systems. This power generating facility will include
venting stacks up to 139 feet in height,, generator housing up to 88 feet in height, and other enclosures and structures up to
76 feet in height, all over an area of approximately 23 acres.
To reduce the visual impacts of the venting stacks and other prominent features, the proposed CECP would be constructed
below existing grade (24 feet), in combination with berming (up to 39 feet would be below the top of the existing earth
berm adjoining 1-5), the visible height of the CECP structures would be reduced such that as seen from 1-5 the tallest of the
structures, the venting stacks, would appear to be 100 feet tall. Additionally, nine transmission poles, which would extend
out from the CECP site, have heights ranging from 74 to 100 feet. The mature vegetation, located along the west side of
the railroad tracks, currently provides partial screening of the Desalination Plant site from railroad passengers and of the
proposed CECP site from Carlsbad Boulevard, The vegetation will generally remain, any trees proposed for removal due to
Desalination Plant construction are required by that project's mitigation measures to be replaced. However, existing
berming and mature landscaping where the Encina Power Station (and proposed CECP site) borders 1-5 would be
completely removed by all four of the freeway widening alternatives proposed.
Since the existing vegetative berm and screening of the site may be affected by activities necessary for construction of the
CECP, and since the CECP project reaches a structural height exceeding this berming and landscape, a potentially
significant cumulative impact to scenic resources could result. Further, the 1-5 widening project will eliminate portions of
the landscape berm along the east side of the proposed CECP. Mitigation measures for the CECP project are proposed to
provide comparable visual screening within the buffer zone adjacent to the widened freeway. These mitigation measures
include a requirement (Condition of Certification VIS-5) to "maintain a permanent buffer zone including the existing
vegetative visual screening, along the eastern portion of the CECP site, between the existing NRG fence line and storage
tank perimeter road. ...The buffer zone shall be kept available to maintain existing visual screening, accommodate future
possible 1-5 widening to the extent necessary, and to accommodate both future hazard protection features and visual
screening. ...In addition, the Applicant shall work with Caltrans to develop a Mitigation Plan for accommodating the [1-5]
widening project while maintaining visual screening of the CECP to acceptable levels. This plan could include complete or
partial avoidance of the CECP site, complete or partial berm retention or replacement, complete or partial retention of
existing landscape screening, and replacement screening as needed."
Lights will be provided for security, operation, maintenance and safety of these utility uses. The lighting will be directed
downward and will be capped to reduce glare and significant light trespass off of the site.
The NCTD Railroad Double-tracking and the proposed future CRT pedestrian trail both travel in a north-south direction
through the same property, directly adjacent to the proposed project. Double-tracking of the railroad tracks and the 1-5
Widening project will both be expected to encourage a greater number of public passengers and motorists to travel through
and thus view the area in which these projects will be located. The 1-5 southbound widening and addition of new travel
lanes will also draw southbound motorists up to 45 feet closer to the proposed cumulative projects. A retaining wall of less
than ten feet in height is planned along a portion of the 1-5 frontage at the north end of the EPS property to provide a level
excavated area for the new lanes.
The City of Carlsbad General Plan Update for the EPS property and its subsequent modification of allowed land uses
within the EPS property would also be expected to significantly increase tourist and public access to the area. Considering
the existing utility-oriented heavy-industrial uses presently on the property, these proposed modified land uses would be
expected to result in beneficial aesthetic impacts to the environment. Additionally, the planned realignment of southbound
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Carlsbad Boulevard, located approximately 0.75 mile southwesterly of the EPS site will also increase efficiency of traffic
circulation, and thus motorist access into the City of Carlsbad.
The remaining projects on the list of cumulative projects are not of a setting or scale which, even when taken together,
would contribute significant aesthetic impacts to the visual resources of the area. The CRT and the Agua Hedionda Lagoon
Dredging do not include structures or other features which would have the potential to substantially degrade the visual
aesthetics of the environment. Further, the impacts from the proposed sewer and lift station project will contribute only a
minor incremental impact to the aesthetic impacts associated with the cumulative projects, This incremental impact is a
result of construction of the Agua Hedionda channel pipeline bridge abutment supports and bridge span and the visible lift
station structure walls which will be visible up to 25.5 feet in height above the finish grade. In comparison to the overall
scale of structures proposed for the CECP and the Desalination Plant, the sewer lift station structure will be insignificant.
The proposed bridge will be highly visible, but not aesthetically unattractive, and will replace an existing obsolete and
unattractive bridge. The remaining lengths of sewer and related pipelines will be located underground, and thus they will
not contribute to any cumulative visual effects.
Thus, it is concluded that any significant aesthetic change or degradation from the combination of cumulative projects will
result from; (a) the size and scale of the CECP and Desalination Plant facilities, (b) the removal of portions of the buffer
berm screen by the 1-5 widening project and a portion of the mature vegetation screen by the Desalination Plant and (c) the
increase in public access and viewing to the immediate area from the 1-5 Widening, the Railroad Double Tracking (and
subsequent increase in passenger volumes), and potentially, the Coastal Rail Trail. The Carlsbad Power Plants EIR and
Land Use Study project changes in land uses on the EPS property could contribute to beneficial aesthetic, improvements to
the viewshed of the area and an increase in public access to the immediate area. The combination of these effects will
result in a significant change in the visual character of the area. The proposed sewer facilities, including the lift station
structure at 25.5 feet in height and the channel bridge at 30 feet in height, would not significantly compound or significantly
increase these visual impact from the cumulative projects.
Cumulative Effects - Air Quality
As a result of their long-term nature, any emissions from plant and project operations for pollutants for which the San
Diego air basin is not in attainment with state and federal standards are considered to be cumulatively significant. The
SDAB is currently in non-attainment (state and/or federal) for Ozone and Particulate Matter. NOT and ROC are ozone
precursors. Long-term operational emissions from the cumulative projects will be caused largely through the electrical
power generation operations of the CECP project. Secondarily, the Desalination Plant project and the Agua Hedionda
Lagoon dredging project's use of electrical energy will also contribute air pollutants.
Short term cumulative air quality impacts could result from construction also as heavy equipment use for the separate
cumulative projects proceeds within areas and within timeframes of other cumulative project construction. For example,
the proposed sewer project construction is anticipated to be phased timeframe-wise and geographically over possibly three
years. As such, project construction will occupy a relatively small area at any given time, and will move along fairly
rapidly with minimal impacts at any given location along the project construction route in comparison to larger fixed
location construction projects. While the proposed sewer project's construction contribution to air quality impacts is not
considered to be significant, it could contribute to a significant localized incremental air quality impact if construction
occurs at exactly the same time as construction for the adjacent CECP, the nearby 1-5 Widening, the Desalination Plant,
and/or the Southbound Carlsbad Boulevard Realignment. It is not anticipated that all construction activities will take place
concurrently. However, the railroad double-tracking project began construction in early 2011 and is expected to be
completed through the EPS area by the end of 2011 or beginning of 2012. The Poseidon Desalination Plant is projected to
begin in 2012 and will not overlap with other proposed projects in the area. The proposed sewer project is expected to be
constructed during years 2012-2013, however, only part of the project is within the EPS. The CECP is estimated to break
ground for construction in 2011-2013. All project start times depend upon one or several factors, including receiving final
approval, receiving all required entitlements and acquiring needed funding. Although no specific construction schedule has
been adopted, the Southbound Carlsbad Boulevard Realignment could begin construction as early as 2015. The 1-5
widening project segment through the City of Carlsbad is not expected to be constructed until after 2020. It is anticipated
that the construction operations will be staggered, therefore, no significant cumulative air quality impacts will result from
the cumulative projects.
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The CECP project will contribute the highest levels of air pollutants from the identified cumulative projects under both the
operations and construction scenarios. The CECP Final Staff Assessment (FSA), which is functionally equivalent to an
EIR, indicates however, that the potential of the CECP to create air quality impacts will be mitigated by the installation and
operation of Best Available Control Technology (BACT) for the gas turbines and emergency fire pump engine and also
from the eventual retirement of existing Generating Units 1, 2 and 3. Emission reductions from the shutdown of these units
will represent emission reductions and will be used to offset the project's emissions. Thus, with this offset, according to the
CECP FSA, criteria pollutant emissions which would result from the CECP project would not cause exceedances of
ambient air quality standards. This FSA concludes that all health impacts from the project are far below the thresholds of
significance established by the state and the San Diego APCD.
It must be noted that while the proposed sewer project complies with the adopted APCD air quality threshold standards for
construction operations, the SDAB is currently not in attainment for Ozone and Paniculate Matter, both of which all of the
cumulative projects would be expected to contribute to during their respective construction, and in a number of cases,
during their operational, periods. Notwithstanding that the SDAB is in non-attainment, the staggered construction
schedules anticipated for the proposed cumulative projects will not contribute significant cumulative air quality impacts
beyond those which would result from the construction of the projects individually. Further, other than their geographical
relationship, no operational connection or relationship exists which would amplify the air quality impacts among the
cumulative projects, and thus the operations of the cumulative projects will also not contribute significant cumulative air
quality impacts beyond those which would result from the projects individually.
Cumulative Effects - Biological Resources
The cumulative projects listed on Table 11 are all located within the City of Carlsbad. The City of Carlsbad is a participant
in the MHCP Program and has adopted a Habitat Management Plan (HMP) pursuant to Section 10(a) of the Federal ESA.
The MHCP considers biological resource conservation on a sub-regional scale and therefore serves as an appropriate format
for analysis of cumulative impacts. The City's HMP provides the local implementation guidelines for compliance with the
MHCP policies. As such, the HMP provides the mitigation policy guidelines which address the effects of both individual
and cumulative development. Therefore, if a project is determined to be consistent with the HMP, or in conjunction with
the adoption of mitigation measures is found to be consistent with the HMP, then, by definition, its cumulative effects are
not significant.
Although sensitive plant and wildlife species and vegetation communities are known to occur within the vicinity of the
cumulative projects, they are essentially restricted to the estuarine and open water habitats associated with the Agua
Hedionda Lagoon and the surrounding natural habitats and do not significantly occur on the proposed project site, the
Desalination Plant site nor the CECP site. Migratory birds including waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors are attracted to
Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Raptors that would be expected to forage on and near the site include Red-tailed hawk, Cooper's
hawk, Red-shouldered hawk, American kestrel, Osprey, and Peregrine falcon. The eucalyptus perimeter of the north and
east sections of the EPS site provides raptor nesting habitat. With regard to California gnatcatcher habitat, remnants of CSS
vegetation occurs in isolated cases along the railroad ROW, and will be impacted by the NCTD Double-tracking. The
southbound Carlsbad Boulevard Realignment program of street improvements will also impact small, isolated areas of
CSS. Some short-term temporary impacts to aquatic species could result from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Dredging. Of
the cumulative projects, only the bi-annual dredging and the 1-5 widening would be expected to directly impact wetlands.
Virtually all of the remaining features affected by the cumulative projects are situated on urbanized, disturbed property.
In an effort to continue supporting sensitive wildlife species in this area, the City of Carlsbad's HMP designates species-
specific management guidelines that generally include preservation of estuarine and coastal salt marsh habitat, reduction of
disturbance at nesting sites, and maintenance of lagoon hydrology and water quality, including a 100-foot setback from
existing wetland habitats. In the event that avoidance is not feasible, mitigation is required pursuant to the HMP
requirements. All of the cumulative projects will be required to comply with the HMP guidelines prior to issuance of
individual development permits.
Further, the HMP requires other biological mitigation measures during construction of these projects in order to minimize
indirect impacts to HMP protected species. Construction noise levels will require implementation of various avoidance and
minimization measures (mitigation) to reduce potential temporary noise impacts to wildlife around the cumulative sites.
For example, a preconstruction survey for nesting special-status birds, including raptors, noise monitoring and other
protective features will be necessary. Direct lighting within 200 feet of hardline preserves must be directed away from the
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HMP wetlands preserve. If nighttime construction occurs, then nighttime lighting will be required to be limited to minimal
work space lighting. Therefore, assuming project(s) compliance with the HMP, construction and operational light impacts
to wildlife and migrating birds from the cumulative projects are expected to be less than significant.
Therefore, whether or not the projects listed in Table 11 are constructed concurrently, temporary construction noise impacts
are not anticipated to be significant because all projects will incorporate a combination of noise reduction measures to avoid
or minimize impacts to nesting raptors, and other sensitive nesting bird species. Due to the nature of the separate projects,
each one separately required to be in compliance with the HMP regulatory guidelines the cumulative effects would not be
significant.
Further, the HMP provides regional mitigation for cumulative biological resource impacts. If a project is determined to be
consistent with the MHCP (and the City of Carlsbad's associated subarea plan - the HMP) and it provides appropriate
mitigation to ensure less than significant impacts, then its cumulative effects would by definition, be in compliance with the
"take" authorizations of the HMP. Thus, as long as all cumulative projects are found to be consistent with the MHCP and
the HMP, no significant cumulative effects on biological resources would result from implementation of these projects.
Cumulative Effects - Cultural Resources
Impacts to cultural resources related to the cumulative development of projects that are expected to occur within the area
surrounding the proposed project could be significant if significant cultural resources are destroyed as a result of
development. The analysis conducted in Section V(b) of this MND provides a summary of all potential impacts to cultural
resources identified as a result of the records search (which included a one mile radius of the subject project - including the
area of the cumulative projects). This records search included a literature review (including the area of the cumulative
projects), and the field survey conducted for the area of project effect (APE) for the proposed sewer line project. Records
investigations for the Archaeological Resources Survey for the Agua Hedionda Sewer an Lift Station, dated May 2009 and
prepared by Affinis, concluded that two archaeological sites containing primarily marine shell materials were previously
recorded in the area of the EPS.
Much of the upper levels of the soil within the EPS property has been most likely impacted or destroyed by construction of
the railroad, storage tanks, and other elements of the Power Station facility. It is noted however, that the marine shell
observed within the project area appears to be the result of dredging, and that the Encina Power Plant supports a significant
amount of fill soils of unknown origin, but that the lower soil strata could include cultural deposits. The area specifically
involving the Desalination Plant and the CECP has been heavily impacted by construction and operation of the existing
EPS and construction of four storage tanks. These tanks were constructed in the late 1960's and early 1970's to hold fuel
for the power plant. They are sited in deep containment pits with sloped, concrete walls. The ground surface in this area is
dominated by gravel and fill material and some asphalted roads surround the tanks. However, given the number of
archaeological sites in the area and the nature of the deeper soils, there is a potential for archaeological resources to exist
within a subsurface context, which could occur with little or no evidence on the existing soil surface. Therefore, the CECP,
the Desalination Plant, and the NCTD Double-tracking could result in cumulative impacts on cultural resources.
Insufficient information exists at this time regarding the soils in the area affected by the Southbound Carlsbad Boulevard
Realignment project, or the 1-5 Widening project.
Although specific environmental analyses for many of these cumulative projects have not been completed at the time of the
MND, standard mitigation measures exist to reduce impacts to cultural resources to a less-than significant level, and it is
anticipated that impacts to cultural resources from the cumulative projects, if any, would be mitigated to a less than
significant level. These mitigation measures will include the retention of a qualified archaeologist and Native American
monitor to be on site during all excavation during the project's construction phase. If archaeological material is observed by
the archaeologist and or Native American monitor, ground-disturbing activity will be halted in the vicinity of the find so
that its significance can be determined. If evaluated as significant, mitigation measures, including avoidance or data
recovery, will be developed in consultation with the City of Carlsbad. This is standard mitigation required by the City of
Carlsbad for compliance with CEQA requirements for avoidance, documentation and/or data recovery of significant
cultural resources, and as a result all cumulative impacts related to cultural resources are reduced to less than significant
levels.
With regard to paleontological resources, the potential contribution to cumulative impacts would be appreciable, given the
probability of encountering these resources, in the absence of mitigation. Thus, the proposed project would contribute
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measurable cumulative negative impacts in the absence of mitigation. This would be the same circumstance with all
cumulative projects identified in Table 11, except the Lagoon Dredging project. As with cultural resources, such mitigation
measures are typically applied by cities in San Diego County, including the City of Carlsbad. If the individual projects are
approved with the inclusion of paleontological mitigation such as monitoring observation of grading operations by a
qualified paleontologist, then the cumulative impacts to paleontological resources will be reduced to a level of
insignificance. The subject sewer project includes these mitigation measures as CUL-1, CUL-2, and CUL-3.
Cumulative Effects - Geology and Soils
Construction of the cumulative projects identified in Table 11 will take place in a seismically active area, as is most of
southern California. The area including the cumulative projects is not underlain by known active faults, nor is there
evidence of ground displacement in the area during the last 11,000 years. The closest fault is Rose Canyon located
approximately 4.6 miles westerly of the site. The Elsinore fault zone is located approximately 24 miles east of the site.
According to the Geotechnical Evaluation prepared by Ninyo & Moore, dated August 3, 2009, the potential for rupture
resulting from earthquake is considered to be low. Construction of the proposed cumulative projects would not exacerbate
any of these geotechnical hazards. Tectonic movement, which is independent of human influence, solely affects these
conditions. Due to the lack of known active faults on the site, the potential for surface rupture at the site is considered low.
For these reasons, project impacts would be less than significant.
The potential for structural or infrastructural damage from seismic ground shaking or liquefaction will be mitigated by
ensuring the projects are constructed to the 2010 California Building Code (CBC) standards for the southern California
area. All projects in Table 11 are subject to these standards. Construction to this standard will minimize impacts to the
project from design-basis earthquakes and be protective of life and property. More specifically, the structures and facilities
associated with the cumulative projects will be designed and constructed to withstand strong earthquake-shaking as
specified in the 2007 Uniform Building Code (UBC) for Seismic Zone 4. Construction to this standard will minimize
impacts to the projects from design-basis earthquakes, and will be protective of life and properties.
No soil subsidence has been identified to have occurred in the vicinity of the projects. No significantly expansive soils, no
mass wasting are evidenced on the projects for which geotechnical information is available. The heights of any proposed
structures on Table 11 are above the level of the highest anticipated tsunami wave run-up height. The area encompassing
these cumulative projects does not generally contain steep slopes. The soil mapping units in the area are relatively level to
gently sloping soils, formed in old sand dunes near the coast. These soils have moderate to rapid permeability, slow to
medium runoff, and a moderate erosion hazard. Due to the urbanized nature of the area, it is expected that soil conditions
would vary significantly, since urban development often entails significant mixing of local soils from grading and the
import of construction fill soils beneath structures and roadways. These imported soils would necessarily be suitable for
compaction to support structures and roadways. They would not be expected to contain unsuitable materials such as
organic debris or expansive alluvium or clays. None of the cumulative projects will have any direct effects on jurisdictional
wetlands or on lands currently used for agricultural purposes.
During construction, erosion hazards can be increased to a cumulatively considerable amount, as the rate of construction or
other human induced use of the land can lead to unstable surficial soil conditions. The City of Carlsbad requires the
issuance of a grading permit in accordance with Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC) 15.16.010 prior to beginning
construction of a project. To obtain the grading permit, a Preliminary Soils Investigation Report must be submitted that
evaluates bearing capacities of the soil of the site, expansive characteristics of the soil, and summarizes the field and
laboratory testing of the soils. The grading plan must also include provisions for protective measures for control of urban
pollutants and erosion and sedimentation in compliance with the Carlsbad SUSMP. An erosion control plan and a
landscape plan must also accompany the application for the grading permit. These plans shall be designed to minimize the
loss of soil from the project site to the maximum extent possible. The plan must also include erosion control measures for
the site. The City of Carlsbad has developed a set of standards and design criteria to ensure the success of all construction
projects within their borders. Given the requirements for permanent erosion control and storm water quality measures,
construction and operational soil losses and offsite soil impacts will not be significant. All projects on Table 11 are subject
to these requirements.
The City of Carlsbad requires the employment of Best Management Practices (BMPs) which, when implemented during
both construction and operations, requires that project applicants implement an erosion and sediment control plan, and a
storm water management plan (SWMP) to reduce the impact of runoff from the projects. Mandatory site monitoring also
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require inspections to ensure that the BMPs described in the permits are utilized effectively. Since these are requirements
of the City of Carlsbad, it is expected that the cumulative projects would employ BMPs and comply with all local, state and
federal requirements. With implementation of these measures, the cumulative projects will not result in adverse impacts
related to geologic hazards. Therefore, the project will not result in any cumulatively considerable geological hazards
impacts.
Cumulative Effects - Greenhouse Gases (GHG)
The lead agencies for projects under CEQA must assess whether the emissions from the proposed project are "cumulatively
considerable" even though the project's GHG emissions may be individually limited. Individual lead agencies may
undertake a project-by-project analysis, consistent with available guidance and current CEQA practice.
Section 15130(b) of the CEQA Guidelines states the following:
The following elements are necessary to an adequate discussion of significant cumulative impacts;
Either: a) A list of past, present, and probable future projects producing related or cumulative
impacts, including, if necessary, those projects outside the control of the agency, or b) a summary of
projections contained in an adopted general plan or related planning document, or in a prior
environmental document which has been adopted or certified, which described or evaluated regional
or area-wide conditions contributing to the cumulative impact.
Even a very large individual project cannot generate enough greenhouse gas emissions to measurable influence climate
change. It is a project's incremental contribution combined with the cumulative increase of all other sources of GHG that
together form anthropogenic climate change impacts. However, the theory that an increase of one molecule of an air
pollutant constitutes a significant increase cannot be the basis of a de-facto significance threshold.
An individual project contributes to cumulative GHG emissions through construction, increased vehicular travel, and
increased energy consumption. Each project can reduce its own GHG emissions through project-level review and
mitigation, including energy efficiency features, green building programs, water recycling, and similar measures.
However, the cumulative impact of GHG emissions, and therefore climate change, cannot be mitigated on a piecemeal,
case-by-case basis. It is the regional development pattern, land use, and transportation policies that determine the
cumulative impact in which a project participates.
According to CEQA Guidelines 15145, if a Lead Agency finds that a particular impact is too speculative for evaluation, the
agency should note its conclusion and terminate the discussion of the impact. The assessment of cumulative climate
change impacts resulting from the list of cumulative projects in Table 11, or plus all the other "cumulative" projects that are
planned or could be reasonably conceived of being planned, is speculative at this time for the following reasons:
1. Guidelines for establishing the radius for climate change have not yet been adopted. Without such guidelines, it is
impossible to know how large an appropriate impact study area should be. For this reason, the "Project List"
approach for conducting a CEQA cumulative impacts analysis, such as that assessed in Table 11, is not feasible.
2. There is no approved plan that covers the jurisdiction of the project that discusses climate change or GHG;
therefore, the plan approach is not viable at this time. State and local agencies are currently trying to develop
strategies to reduce GHG in their jurisdictions; however, these strategies are not complete at this time. Without a
region-specific plan that addresses the cumulative nature of GHG and creates a framework for comprehensive
GHG emission reductions, a project's cumulative impacts to climate change through GHG emissions "when added
to closely related past, present, and reasonably foreseeable probable future projects" (CEQA Guidelines Section
15355) is speculative at this time.
3. There are no adopted legal, regulatory, or advisory thresholds for measuring project or cumulative impacts of
GHG.
GHG emissions resulting from the operations of the CECP and the cumulative projects will be offset in part by the
shutdown and retirement of Encina Power Station Units 1, 2 and 3. As a result, the CECP EIR concludes that the project's
GHG emissions are not substantial compared to global emissions and the cumulative impact of the project's GHG emissions
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is less than significant. The CECP EIR further concludes that since the project is subject to regulation pursuant to AB 32,
any remaining cumulative effects will be mitigated, and that the project "reasonably minimizes GHG emissions associated
with this type of activity". This MND draws the same conclusion.
Cumulative Effects - Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Some hazardous wastes will be generated and stored during operations of the CECP, the Desalination Plant and the
proposed sewer lift station project, and to a lesser degree, all of the remaining projects listed on Table 11. The storage,
handling and use of all chemicals will be conducted in accordance with applicable city and state laws, ordinances,
regulations, and standards, of which all projects are required to be in compliance. Chemicals will be stored in appropriate
chemical storage facilities. In all cases, bulk chemicals will be stored in storage tanks, and other chemicals will be stored in
returnable-delivery containers. Chemical storage and feed areas will be designed to contain leaks and spills. Flammable
and explosive materials will be used and stored on the site.
Additionally, during the construction of these cumulative projects, workers may be exposed to construction hazards. As a
result, conditions of certification as recommended by the CEC in the Presiding Member's Proposed Decision (May 2011)for
the CECP and the EIR for the Desalination Plant projects include mitigation measures requiring that safety programs be
developed and implemented to mitigate and appropriately manage those hazards. Through the implementation of State and
local construction safety requirements, it is anticipated that all construction projects will be required to comply with worker
safety policies and programs.
Further, existing federal, state and local laws address the handling of hazardous materials and the transportation and use of
hazardous materials. Any risk of a fire and/or explosion would be reduced through compliance with these applicable codes,
regulations, and industry design/construction standards. Compliance with these laws and regulations will ensure that
hazardous materials at the cumulative projects are safely managed. As a result, assuming compliance with worker safety
and hazardous materials regulations, no significant impact to hazards and hazardous materials will result from the
cumulative development of these projects.
The proposed CRT project will encourage public access adjacent to the Encina area. Although no specific alignment has
been adopted for the CRT project, it is anticipated that this trail will provide a public trail connection along the railroad
ROW between Tamarack Avenue and Cannon Road. As such, this trail will be routed through the EPS property in a
general north-south direction. It is unknown at this time exactly what method of precautionary separation between the
public pedestrians and the CECP, Poseidon Desalination, the EPS facility, and the double tracking operations will be
provided, however some method of separation barrier(s) will be necessary in order to avoid vandalism or accident, The
safety barrier(s) could be provided through routing alignment, fencing or other available options. However, this potential
for use incompatibility and public safety issues must be addressed prior to construction of the CRT through these plant
operations facilities. Although the exact method of providing separation barrier(s) has not been planned, the provision of
the barrier is in no case infeasible. Thus, the accommodation of a pedestrian walkway across the Agua Hedionda Lagoon
channel bridge, as designed in the proposed project, does not prejudice the options for resolution of this potential future
safety issue.
Cumulative Effects - Hydrology and Water Quality
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. None of the
projects will be developed within specific drainage channels, nor will they be developed directly in the 100-year flood zone.
Treatment Control BMPs are structures, procedures, and practices that help to prevent pollutants from entering the
drainages and improved storm drains within the city. The City of Carlsbad requires non-structural BMPs, which are
preventative actions that involve policies, ordinances, requirements, practices, and standards that help prevent storm water
pollution. Structural BMPs are designed to provide treatment of storm water either through storage, filtration, or
infiltration. Structural BMPs include regulations on materials storage and cleaning, perimeter controls for erosion such as
gravel bags, silt fences, etc., staging areas (covered, protected), tracking controls (gravel or steel shaker plates to limit
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offsite sediment tracking), washout areas, dirt and grading protection (tarps, etc.) and storm drain protections. The City
requires private property owners and project developers to maintain these BMPs. These requirements will be required of all
development listed in Table 11.
Although specific environmental analyses for many of these cumulative projects have not been completed at the time of the
MND, standard mitigation measures are required to reduce impacts to water quality to a less-than significant level, and it is
anticipated that impacts to water quality from the cumulative projects, if any, would be mitigated to a less than significant
level. These mitigation measures will include the employment of Best Management Practices (BMPs which, when
implemented during both construction and operations, requires that project applicants implement an erosion and sediment
control plan to reduce the impact of runoff from the projects. Mandatory site monitoring will require inspections to ensure
that the BMPs described in the permits are utilized effectively. Therefore, in consideration of the fact that all of the
cumulative projects will be required to individually comply with the Carlsbad Municipal NPDES and SUSMP, water
quality impacts associated with these projects would be both individually and cumulatively insignificant. Since these water
quality regulations regulate storm water protections from both construction operations and pbs-construction operations,
water quality and hydrology issues associated with the cumulative projects would not contribute to cumulatively significant
impacts.
Cumulative Effects - Land Use and Planning
Cumulative impacts analysis to land use are defined as impacts that result from incremental changes in land use that would
cumulatively result in substantial disruption within an established community, or cumulatively result in conflicts with
adopted land use or zoning plans and policies. The existing land uses in the area include the Encina Power Station, the
Agua Hedionda Lagoon open space (Middle and Outer Agua Hedionda Lagoon and public beach), and transportation
corridors (Carlsbad Boulevard, the ATSF railroad and 1-5).
The subject area encompassing these cumulative projects is subject to several land use policy requirements of the City of
Carlsbad. In particular are the Carlsbad General Plan, the Carlsbad Local Coastal Program (including the Agua Hedionda
Land Use Plan), the City of Carlsbad Zoning Ordinance, the existing Specific Plan 144, the Encina Power Station Precise
Development Plan and the South Carlsbad Coastal Redevelopment Plan. Many or most of these policy documents will
necessitate policy amendment prior to implementation of several of these planned projects. The property is also located
within the California Coastal Zone, for which most of the area the Coastal Commission presently retains permit
jurisdiction. The City of Carlsbad possesses permit jurisdiction for properties south of Cannon Road. Environmental and
resource protection policy documents which affect the cumulative properties include the HMP and the Scenic Corridor
Guidelines. Other adopted policy documents necessitating compliance are Carlsbad Growth Management Program, the
McClellan-Palomar Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and the Carlsbad Landscape Manual. Amendments, including
amending the allowed land uses, will be required for many of these policy documents in order to make the necessary
consistency findings.
The cumulative projects listed in Table 11 would not have the effect of dividing an established community or conflicting
with environmental policies. Indeed, the Carlsbad Power Plants EIR and Land Use Study Project would modify the
allowed land uses within the EPS from its current Public Utilities (U) designation to a Combination District (which is
authorized in the Carlsbad General Plan) of Travel Recreation Commercial (TR) and Open Space (OS). This designation
would disallow any new utility or heavy industrial uses, and instead allow coastal-oriented commercial uses which could
include various combinations of resort, hotels, motels, restaurants, and limited retail and active/passive open space and
recreation facilities.
None of the cumulative properties are subject to the Williamson Act. No unique or prime farmland of Statewide
Importance will be impacted by development of any or all of the cumulative projects listed.
Cumulative land use impacts could occur if the development of the proposed project and other related planned future
cumulative projects which are presently inconsistent with applicable plans and policies were to develop together. However,
it is anticipated that the appropriate amendments to the land use and planning policy documents will be processed and
completed prior to development of the projects.
Cumulative impacts or incompatibilities could also result from conflicts between the proposed project and adjacent projects
listed in Table 11, particularly with the neighboring proposed CECP. The CECP involves the proposed construction of a
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power plant with associated facilities, concrete structures, stations, substations, roads and parking areas, transmission lines,
and switchyards adjacent to (south and southeast of) the proposed lift station. This location is also immediately east and
adjacent to the proposed force main and recycled water line that would traverse the EPS site in a north-south direction. The
proposed CECP site presently houses empty oil storage tanks which would ultimately be replaced by the CECP.
The proposed sewer project has been designed so as to not conflict with the improvements planned for the CECP, however
a portion (approximately half) of the permanent lift station facility would overlap into the proposed CECP "construction
laydown area", located at the extreme north end of the CECP project. As a result, the lift station would affect
approximately 30% of the northernmost CECP construction laydown (construction materials and supplies) area.
Notwithstanding this conflict between the construction materials laydown area and lift station, the lift station facility does
not overlap or directly impact any permanent structural or operational portion of the CECP, Therefore, while the lift station
does not overlay any of the permanent CECP project facilities, if the lift station is constructed prior to construction of the
CECP, the lift station would result in necessary reduction in size of this northerly available CECP construction laydown
area. Conversely, the sewer line and lift station project also proposed to utilize this northerly area for a laydown area for
sewer lift station and force main construction materials and supplies. It is not anticipated that the two projects (the CECP — •
proposed construction period 2011-2013) and the proposed sewer project (proposed construction period 2012-2013) could
be under construction at the same time. However, as stated previously, the schedules depend on receiving final approval,
required entitlements, and funding). While this issue of overlapping construction laydown areas does not result in any
environmental impacts, it will result in some level of increased construction planning and coordination of the CECP
construction effort. Elimination of 30% of one of the available laydown areas is not anticipated to constitute a significant
impact that would jeopardize the feasibility of the CECP project. A second planned CECP temporary construction laydown
area is proposed south of the CECP directly adjacent to the widened (from 17.5 feet to 30.0 feet) sewer line easement.
Temporary construction materials laydown however only affects the surface of the soil, and thus will have no affect on
sewer or recycled water lines lying well below the ground surface. Thus, temporary construction materials laydown within
the easement would not conflict with the underground utilities, and would thus not result in a significant cumulative impact
associated with project compatibility. Further, no conflict would result from construction schedule overlap with the CECP
and the sewer force main because the force main will be constructed via HDD tunneling methodology and will thus not
affect the ground surface. Since the recycled water line is proposed to be constructed via conventional trenching operation
and will temporarily affect the ground surface, coordination of schedules to avoid trenching conflicts with the edge of the
CECP materials laydown would be necessary. This coordination of schedules can readily be achieved inasmuch as the
recycled line trenching and installation is expected to involve only 14 days of actual construction within this affected
segment. Thus, no significant inconsistency with this southerly construction laydown area is expected to result from this
additional 12.5-foot widened easement.
Immediately south of the CECP, SDG&E proposes a 138 kV Encina Switchyard and further south a new Relocated 138 kV
Encina Switchyard and a 230kV Encina East Switchyard Cannon substation complex. This expansion of electrical
substation and switchyards will involve the re-direction of transmission lines and the adding of additional banks of
transformers to the existing substation facilities. Transmission lines will be placed in conduits which will supply energy
from the substation to the desalination plant. These conduits will be located in an existing utility easement parallel to the
railroad tracks and cross under the railroad tracks to the desalination plant through an existing tunnel.
The proposed sewer force main and recycled water line extensions utility lines would travel southward from the sewer lift
station to Cannon Road. Along this length, the lines run parallel and adjacent to the CECP project and the Cannon
Substation expansion areas identified above. The existing sewer gravity trunk line travels within the existing sewer line
easement along this route. Due to the additional sewer and water piping proposed, the project will increase this easement
width by 12.5 feet, to allow for a full, 30.0-foot wide joint-use general utility easement which would accommodate three
utility lines; (1) the existing gravity sewer line (which will remain), (2) the proposed new 30-inch force main sewer line,
and (3) the proposed 12-inch recycled water line. This widening of the easement by 12.5 feet will not prohibit the CECP
from using this easement area for vehicle access, or emergency vehicle access, since the City is proposing to install only
buried utilities. The expansion of the easement does not affect the existing access road and the area within 15-feet of the
existing sewer line easement, and thus sufficient area exists in this area to accommodate the additional 12.5 foot widening
of the easement.
Additionally, the cumulative utility conflicts across the CECP site and the Cannon Substation expansion areas is not
expected to occur since the proposed force main line will be constructed at an approximate depth of 30-feet through HDD
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trenchless drilling (tunneling) construction method. This depth is deeper than the utility lines proposed to connect to and
from the CECP. The recycled water main will be located within this same easement, will be shallow and the construction
schedule for this utility will not take place while the CECP is under construction in order to avoid construclion conflicts.
No exposed trenching or other surface or shallow soil impacts to the future CECP project construction or operations will
result, which would create cumulative or compatibility impacts. Also, the CECP project proposes two overhead electrical
transmission lines which will cross the proposed utility line alignment. These lines will not result in any conflicts with the
underground sewer line or the recycled water line, however pipeline construction or installation will need to take
precautions during construction, if the sewer line were to be installed after the CECP is constructed.
In addition, the CECP project proposes to construct an approximate 60-foot wide "spoil berm for excavated berm material"
along the west side(the railroad side) of the proposed CECP plant facilities. This spoil berm will be located between the
CECP structures and the north-south trending sewer line easement (widened by 12.5 feet) and maintenance road. The berm
will be extensively landscaped with trees and shrubs by the CECP developer in an effort to minimize the visual impact of
the CECP facilities from views into the site from the west. The proposed 12.5-foot widened easement needed to
accommodate the force main pipe will not significantly interfere with provision of this spoil berm because the only
prohibition to berm construction within the 12.5-foot widened area is the prohibition against the installation of trees (due to
deep root conflicts) specifically within the easement. Berming, installation of shrubs and other vegetation types with
shallow root systems would be allowed within this easement. Thus, sufficient area would continue to be provided to
accommodate the full 60-foot landscaped berm. While trees would be prohibited within 12.5 feet of this berm, the 60-foot
landscaped berm includes a minimum of 47.5 horizontal feet of this berm accommodating tree landscape screening. Both
the CECP and the proposed sewer project anticipate that the adjacent access road will continue to be maintained for
maintenance and emergency access into the area.
Other neighboring projects which could result in cumulative impacts or incompatibilities include the proposed Desalination
Plant. The Desalination Plant will include a 54-inch diameter pressurized product water pipeline on the west side of the
railroad tracks traveling perpendicular (east-west) to the proposed sewer force main and recycled water lines. Near Cannon
Road, the desalination pipeline will turn east, crossing and perpendicular to the sewer force main and recycled water lines.
The force main and recycled water lines have been designed at a vertical elevation so as to avoid conflicts with this
Desalination line. Since all of these lines are flowing under pressure, the line elevations are not dictated by gravity, and
avoidance of vertical conflicts is not a difficult design task. No conflict with the Desalination line will result from
implementation of the two projects.
No other projects listed in Table 11 are in such close proximity to the proposed project so as to have the potential to result
in compatibility impacts from cumulative effects. As a result, no significant cumulative impact to planning and land use
will result from the cumulative development of the projects identified in Table 11.
Cumulative Effects - Noise
The City of Carlsbad has established land use compatibility guidelines for noise at residential areas of 60 dBA CNEL.
Sources of existing noise in the area of the cumulative projects are primarily transportation related, including 1-5, Carlsbad
Boulevard, local roads, and commuter and freight rail traffic.
In general, noise impacts associated with the majority of the cumulative projects identified in Table 11 are long-term effects
related to traffic generated by the development. These cumulative traffic impacts generally increase over time, as buildout
of the City of Carlsbad and the surrounding region nears completion. Some long-term operational noise is projected from
the CECP and the Desalination Plants; however, individual projects which generate long-term noise impacts are required to
implement long-term noise mitigation in order to comply with the adopted City of Carlsbad noise limits. Therefore it is
anticipated that as cumulative projects develop, mitigation to address their noise impacts will be employed for each project,
in order to protect sensitive receptors and to comply with City policy.
Construction noise of the cumulative projects is also a source of noise. Were the projects to develop cumulatively, it is not
anticipated that those cumulative impacts would reach a level of significance. The time frame for construction of the
proposed individual projects is relatively short, and it is therefore not anticipated that ambient noise levels will increase
substantially beyond current levels before completion of project construction.
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Construction equipment for these cumulative projects will include various excavators and backhoes, dump trucks, cranes,
compressors, welders, concrete vibrators, paving equipment and other trucks and equipment. Construction activities may,
at times, exceed the 60 dBA threshold. Much of the cumulative project properties are located adjacent to wildlife habitat,
including the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Therefore construction of the cumulative projects may result in temporary, indirect
noise impacts to sensitive wildlife species foraging and nesting areas. Distance attenuation should reduce construction
noise levels to between 60 and 71 dBA for average construction noise. Additional sound attenuation will be achieved by
the fact that berm and temporary barriers will be incorporated into the construction design should construction activities
occur during the riparian bird nesting season. If construction cannot avoid the nesting season, then a qualified biologist will
conduct the necessary preconstruction surveys of the surrounding riparian and estuarine habitats. Should noise levels
exceed 60 dBA during the breeding season, then feasible noise reduction measures will be implemented to reduce average
noise levels to below this threshold.
The YMCA youth recreation facility is the only urban sensitive receptor located within the close vicinity of the cumulative
projects. Residential units are located south and southwest of the Encina Power Station site, and north of the proposed
sewer project. As such, any nighttime construction noise and operations resulting from the CECP, the Desalination Plant,
the CRT and the Carlsbad General Plan Update will affect residents of these units. As mentioned, construction noise in the
City of Carlsbad is regulated by the Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC) Chapter 8.48. Pursuant to adopted City policy,
nighttime construction must comply with the noise restrictions articulated in the CMC 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. 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. Homes and hotel
uses exist around and near the South Carlsbad Boulevard Realignment project.
Although specific environmental analyses for many of these cumulative projects have not been completed at the time of the
MND, standard mitigation measures exist to ensure compliance with the City of Carlsbad allowable noise levels and thus to
reduce noise impacts to a less-than significant level. In consideration of these requirements, it is not anticipated that the
project, in conjunction with cumulative projects, would result in significant noise impacts.
Cumulative Effects - Traffic and Circulation
The City of Carlsbad Growth Management Plan (CMC 21.90) disallows approval of any development which is projected to
result in any road segment or intersection in the zone nor any road segment or intersection out of the zone which is
impacted by development in the zone to be projected to exceed a service level C during off- peak hours, or service level D
during peak hours. Impacted means where twenty percent or more of the traffic generated by the Local Facility
Management Zone will use the road segment or intersection. The determination of compliance with these Growth
Management Standards is to evaluate impacted road segments and intersections that are impacted by at least 20% of the
traffic projected to be generated by the Local Facilities Management Plan (LFMP) Zone in which the project(s) is located,
based on the assumed phasing of development and roadway/traffic improvements. Computer travel forecasts used for the
analysis of existing, short-term and long-term (assumed buildout) have been evaluated using surrounding traffic volume
estimates using the SANDAG Regional Transportation Model for the City of Carlsbad,
Traffic impact analyses are inherently cumulative. The cumulative impacts analysis for traffic and circulation considers the
intersections and road segments to which proposed projects could contribute to a cumulative impact. With regard to the
CECP, the Desalination Plant, the CRT and the NCTD double tracking, project contribution to traffic impacts are primarily
associated with construction. Since the time frame for construction of these projects is relatively short and may or may not
occur simultaneously, it is not anticipated that a substantial increase in current traffic levels resulting from cumulative
development will occur prior to completion of construction of these projects. Therefore, temporary traffic impacts
associated with these projects will cease prior to any substantial cumulative traffic impacts being realized on local roadways
and intersections. Therefore construction-related impacts to roadways and intersections are considered to be less than
significant.
The 1-5 Widening Project, and the Southbound Carlsbad Boulevard Realignment are projected to improve traffic flow on
those affected roadways, and thus will result in a beneficial impact to traffic circulation. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon
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Dredging project has no perceptible effect on traffic. No traffic analysis has been conducted for the planned Carlsbad
Power Plants EIR and Land Use Study Project.
Were all of these projects to be constructed and/or otherwise come to fruition at the same time, temporary localized traffic
impacts could result from construction, and long-term impacts could result from resort/commercial uses proposed for the
EPS property. However, the localized impacts from these cumulative projects would be expected to be superseded or
mitigated by the traffic improvements associated with the 1-5 Widening Project and the Southbound Carlsbad Boulevard
Realignment project. Furthermore, the proposed sewer line and lift station project would not significantly contribute to this
cumulative impact. Therefore the project is not anticipated to contribute to any significant cumulative traffic impacts.
Construction-related traffic could reach a level of significance if most or all of the cumulative projects were to be
constructed concurrently. However, as stated above, it is not anticipated that all construction activities will take place
during the same timeframes. However, for instance, the railroad double-tracking project began construction in early 2011
and will be completed through this area by the end of 2011 or beginning of 2012 and will not overlap with the other
proposed projects in the area. The Poseidon Desalination Plant is projected to begin in 2012. The proposed sewer project
is expected to be constructed during years 2012-2013. The CECP is estimated to break ground for construction in 2011-
2013. However, as stated previously, the schedules depend on receiving final approval, required entitlements, and
acquiring funding.. The Carlsbad Boulevard Realignment project is in the early planning and preliminary engineering
phase, and no construction schedule has yet been determined. It is anticipated, however, that construction will occur in
stages over the next 10 to 15 years as funding is identified. The 1-5 widening project segment through Carlsbad is not
expected to be constructed until after 2020. It is anticipated that the construction operations will be staggered, therefore,
no significant cumulative traffic, transit or emergency access impacts will result from the cumulative projects.
Cumulative Effects - Public Utilities and Service Systems
As indicated in Section XVIII; Public Services and Utilities, the proposed project is not projected to result in the need for
additional public facilities or services and would not contribute to considerable increases in demand for public services. In
addition, the project would not result in significantly increased energy demand that would necessitate additional electrical
generating or transmission facilities.
Also, the Poseidon Desalination Plant is projected in the project's EIR to have a less than significant effect on energy
resources and facilities. And the Desalination Plant is proposed in an effort to provide a greater supply of potable water to
the subject cumulative sites and beyond. Potable water will be supplied through the existing water supply infrastructure
and will be used for domestic purposes, for fire protection, and as an emergency water supply for the projects.
The CECP, if developed, will provide significant amounts of electrical power to the region. If the Carlsbad Power Plants
EIR and Land Use Study is approved and enacted, sanitary and storm drain sewer collection will be necessary for the EPS
area, along with water distribution and other public utilities and services. The proposed sewer project will accommodate
and allow for sewer service to the cumulative area. And construction and operation of the sewer project will not significant
contribute to the cumulative demand for public utilities and services. No significant impacts to these systems are
anticipated.
Summary; Planned growth in the County of San Diego and the City of Carlsbad is considerable. The proposed project
represents a response to the demand for additional, modern, upgraded sewer facilities for the development of the region.
Growth (primarily redevelopment of existing urban areas) will continue in the region. City of Carlsbad and California
Coastal Commission regulatory policies however do not allow development inconsistent with the local land use and
planning standards.
The list of cumulative projects analyzed in this report will result in significant environmental impacts with regard to Air
Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology and Soils, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Noise, and
Transportation/Circulation. It is expected however, that all environmental impacts associated with these development
projects could be mitigated to levels that would be less than significant by means of mitigation measures which are
typically and routinely required by the City of Carlsbad, and measures similar in content to those identified in this
Environmental Initial Study. As a result, it is concluded that the proposed project will not add a significant cumulative
impact even when all cumulative projects identified in Table 11 are considered together.
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Cumulative Effects - CIP Sewer Improvement Projects: The cumulative effects of the proposed project and other
cumulative master planned sewer facilities have also been analyzed. 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.
Table 12: Encina 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 NAHT1A
•North Batiquitos Interceptor Rehabilitation
Poinsettia Sewage Lift Station Odor/Noise Abatement
Sewer Li'ft 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 VC13 to VC15
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; Air Quality - Fugitive dust and construction equipment emissions; Biological Resources
- Possible presence and impacts to sensitive species and habitats; and Cultural Resources - Possible unearthing of cultural
and paleontological resources through excavation. .
It would be expected however, that all environmental impacts associated with the cumulative sewer CIP projects, could be
mitigated to levels that would be less than significant by means of mitigation measures similar in content to those identified
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in this Environmental Initial Study. As a result, and assuming mitigation measures similar to those found in this Study,
these projects in combination with the proposed project would not result in significant cumulative impacts.
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.
XVHI. 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.
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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 (MEIR 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 CEOA Guidelines. State of California Natural Resources Agency. July 27,2007.
6. Sewer Master Plan..City of Carlsbad. March. 2003.
7. Alignment and Site Study for Replacement of Reaches VC11B-15 and Agua Hedionda Lift Station of the
Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Sewer System. Brown and Caldwell. June 30. 2006.
8. Scenic Corridor Guidelines. City of Carlsbad. July 1. 1988.
9. City of Carlsbad Local Coastal Program. City of Carlsbad. Adopted November 1987, Mello I Segment.
10. Agua Hedionda Land Use Plan. City of Carlsbad Local Coastal Program, Kelly Ranch LCP Amendment,
July 11, 2000.
11. San Diego County Important Farmland. California Department of Conservation. September, 2002.
12. Air Quality Conformity Assessment. Planning Systems. March 5, 2010.
13. Current Rules and Regulations. County of San Diego Air Pollution Control District. November, 2002.
14. Preliminary Biological Assessment Agua Hedionda Sewer Line and Lift Station. Planning Systems. May
28, 2010.
15. Regulatory Guidance Letter. US Army Corps of Engineers, RGL 08-02. June 26, 2008.
16. Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad. City of Carlsbad. Final
Approval November, 2004.
17. Archaeological Resources Survey. Agua Hedionda Sewer and Lift Station. Affmis. May 2009.
18. Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map. California Geological Survey. May 1,1999.
19. Special Publication 42: Fault Rupture Hazard Zones in California. California Department of Conservation
Division of Mines and Geology. 2007 Revision.
20. California Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment. United States Geological Survey. October, 2003.
21. Geotechnical Evaluation of the Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Force Main. Ninyo & Moore. August 3,
2009
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22. Environmental Soil and Groundwater Sampling for the Agua Hedionda Lift Station and Force Main. Ninyo
& Moore. August 28, 2009,
23. Uniform Building Code - Volume 1 (1997); Table 18-1-B.
24. Special Publication 42. California Geological Survey; State Geologist Division of Mines and Geology. May
1996.
25. Expanded List of Early Action Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in California. California
Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board, October 2007.
26. Limited Environmental Due Diligence Review Agua Hedionda Project. Brown and Caldwell. June 27,
2007.
27. City of Carlsbad Emergency Operations Plan. June 9, 2003.
28. McClellan Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan -. Carlsbad, California. (March 4, 2010.)
Approved by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.
29. California Airport Land Use Planning Handbook. California Department of Transportation Bureau of
Aeronautics. January, 2002.
30. Carlsbad Municipal Code Title 21; Zoning Ordinance. City of Carlsbad. Updated through November, 2009.
31. Draft Agua Hedionda Lift Station Storm Water Management Plan. Brown & Caldwell. June. 2008.
32. Flood Insurance Rate Map (Map Number 06073C076F) Federal Emergency Management Agency. June 19,
1997.
33. Draft Noise Guidelines Manual. City of Carlsbad. 1998
34. San Diego County Regulatory Ordinances, San Diego County Noise Ordinance. Section 36.409-410,
County of San Diego. Amended November 19, 2008.
35. Zone 2 Local Facilites Management Plan. City of Carlsbad. November, 1986
36. Carlsbad General Plan - Circulation Element, City of Carlsbad Planning Department. March, 1994.
37. Presiding Member's Proposed Decision. Carlsbad Energy Center Project. California Energy Commission,
May 2011.
38. Carlsbad Energy Center Project. CH2MHJ11. July 2010.
39. Carlsbad Energy Center Project. Project Enhancement and Refinement Document. CH2MH111, July 2,
2008.
40. . Precise Development Plan and Desalination Plant Project EIR. Dudek Associates, City of Carlsbad, June
13, 2006 and August, 2009. .
41. Interstate 5 North Coast Corridor Project Draft Environmental Impact Report. Caltrans Metric, June, 2010.
42. Fact Sheet: 1-5 Express Lanes Project. Caltrans. San Diego Association of Governments, federal
Department of Transportation, July 2011.
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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-1
AH 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.
AQ-2
Project construction shall implement the following measures in order to minimize construction-related emissions
due to dust:
• Water all active construction areas at least twice daily.
• Cover all trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose materials or require all trucks to maintain at least 2 feet
of freeboard.
• Pave, apply water three times daily, or apply soil stabilizers on all unpaved access roads, parking areas,
and staging areas at the construction sites.
• Sweep streets daily (with water sweepers) if visible soil material is carried onto adjacent public streets.
• Apply soil stabilizers or hydrosseed to previously-graded inactive construction areas.
• Cover, enclose or apply soil binders to exposed stockpiles.
• Limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 mph.
• Replant vegetation in disturbed areas as quickly as possible.
AQ-3
Grading, construction and pipe laying operations on the north side of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel, including
construction of the channel bridge, shall be conducted with the cooperation of the YMCA youth recreation facility
staff to ensure no children are present during the construction of this segment.
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 of this document (except Diegan coastal sage scrub mitigation acreage
shall include a minimum 1:1 creation component, 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 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
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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.
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.
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AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
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 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.
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.
BIO-11
Prior 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
128 Rev. 01/02/07
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AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
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
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-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 archaeological resources are encountered during excavation or
grading, the archaeological monitor shall direct the contractor to avoid all work in the immediate area for a
reasonable period of time to allow the archaeologist to evaluate the significance of the finding and determine an
appropriate course of action. The appropriate course of action may include, but not be limited to avoidance,
recordation, relocation, excavation, documentation, curation, data recovery, or other appropriate measures. The
Project Contractor shall provide a reasonable period of time for pursuing the appropriate activities, including
salvage of discovered resources. Salvage operation requirements pursuant to Section 15064.5 of the CEQA
Guidelines shall be followed. Recovered artifactual materials and data 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. If any human remains are discovered, all construction activity in the immediate area of the
discovery shall cease immediately, and the Archaeological monitor shall notify the County Medical Examiner
pursuant to California Health and Safety Section 7050.5. Should the Medical Examiner determine the human
remains to be Native American; the Native American Heritage Commission shall be contacted pursuant to
California Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. The Native American Monitor (pursuant to Mitigation
Measure CUL-2), in consultation with the Native American Heritage Commission, shall inspect the site of the
discovery of the Native American remains and may recommend to the City of Carlsbad and the Project
Contractor actions for treating or disposing, with appropriate dignity, the human remains and any associated
grave goods. The recommendation may include the scientific removal and nondestructive analysis of human
remains and items associated with Native American burials. The Project Contractor shall provide a reasonable
period of time for salvage of discovered human remains before resuming construction activities.
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
129 Rev. 01/02/07
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AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
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.
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.
130 Rev. 01/02/07
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AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
HAZ-4
A qualified air monitor shall be retained to monitor air quality during trenching and grading operations. Air
monitoring shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of HAZ-1 and HAZ-2 and the recommendations
of the HASP and SMP. 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.
HAZ-5 A minimum 12-foot wide, unobstructed emergency, construction and operations access shall be
maintained at all times during construction trenching and installation of the recycled water line segment
between the sewer lift station site and Cannon Road.
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 buses that are
scheduled on Avenida Encinas, south of Palomar Airport Road, within the alignment of the proposed project.
131 Rev. 01/02/07
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AGUA HEDIONDA SEWER LIFT STATION, FORCE MAIN, AND GRAVITY SEWER REPLACEMENT
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.
x^l*"^***"^
Date / ' Signature /^ /
132 . Rev. 01/02/07
Page 1 of 14
PROJECT NAME:
Force Mains
Agua Hedionda Sewer Lift Station & Gravity &FILE NUMBERSPDP 00-02(C VSP 144(L)/RP 10-26/CDP 11-
17/HDP 10-05/SUP 10-02/HMP 10-03
APPROVAL DATE:
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.
AQ-2 - Project construction shall implement the following
measures in order to minimize construction-related
emissions due to dust:
• Water all active construction areas at least twice
daily.
• Cover all trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose
materials or require all trucks to maintain at least 2
feet of freeboard.
• Pave, apply water three times daily, or apply soil
stabilizers on all unpaved access roads, parking
areas, and staging areas at the construction sites.
• Sweep streets daily (with water sweepers) if visible
soil material is carried onto adjacent public streets.
• Apply soil stabilizers or hydrosseed to previously-
graded inactive construction areas.
• Cover, enclose or apply soil binders to exposed
stockpiles.
Monitoring
Type
Project
Project
Monitoring
Department
Engineering -
Utilities
Department &
Construction
Contractor
Engineering -
Utilities
Department &
Construction
Contractor
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.
information.
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
RD - Appendix P.
Page 2 of 14
Mitigation Measure
• Limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 mph.
• Replant vegetation in disturbed areas as quickly as
possible.
AQ-3 - Grading, construction and pipe laying operations
on the north side of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon channel,
including construction of the channel bridge, shall be
accomplished with the cooperation of the YMCA youth
recreation facility staff to ensure no children are present
during construction of this segment.
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 in the
EIA Part II (except Diegan coastal sage scrub mitigation
acreage shall include a minimum 1:1 creation component,
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
Monitoring
Type
Project
Project
Project
Monitoring
Department
Engineering -
Utilities
Department &
Construction
Contractor
Planning
Division
Planning
Division &
Engineering-
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.
information.
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
RD - Appendix P.
Page 3 of 14
Mitigation Measure Monitoring
Type
Monitoring
Department
Shown on
Plans
Verified
Implementation Remarks
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.
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
Project Planning
Division &
Biological
Monitor
Explanation of Headings:
Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative.
Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular
mitigation measure.
information.
Shown on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be
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
RD - Appendix P.
Page 4 of 14
Mitigation Measure
mitigation identified, to the satisfaction of the biological
monitor. Temporary orange construction fencing shall be
removed upon project completion of construction of the
project.
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 preconstruction (< 3 days), 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)
Monitoring
Type
Project
Project
Monitoring
Department
Planning
Division &
Engineering-
Utilities
Department
Planning
Division &
Biological
Monitor
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.
information.
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
RD - Appendix P.
Page 5 of 14
Mitigation Measure Monitoring
Type
Monitoring
Department
Shown on
Plans
Verified
Implementation Remarks
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).
Project Planning
Division &
Biological
Monitor
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 Planning
Division &
Biological
Monitor
Explanation of Headings:
Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative.
Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular
mitigation measure.
information.
Shown on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be
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
RD-Appendix P.
Page 6 of 14
Mitigation Measure
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 natural habitats.
Monitoring
Type
Project
Monitoring
Department
Engineering -
Utilities
Department &
Construction
Contractor
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.
information.
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
RD - Appendix P.
Page 7 of 14
Mitigation Measure
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.
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.
BIO-11 - Prior 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
Monitoring
Type
Project
Project
Project
Monitoring
Department
Engineering -
Utilities
Department &
Biological
Monitor
Engineering -
Utilities
Department &
Biological
Monitor
Planning
Division,
Engineering -
Utilities
Department &
Biological
Monitor
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.
information.
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
RD -Appendix P.
Page 8 of 14
Mitigation Measure Monitoring
Type
Monitoring
Department
Shown on
Plans
Verified
Implementation Remarks
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.
Explanation of Headings:
Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative.
Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular
mitigation measure.
information.
Shown on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be
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
RD - Appendix P.
Page 9 of 14
Mitigation Measure Monitoring
Type
Monitoring
Department
Shown on
Plans
Verified
Implementation Remarks
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 bridges 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 cultural resources are
documented and assessed. If archaeological resources
are encountered during excavation or grading, the
archaeological monitor shall direct the contractor to avoid
all work in the immediate area for a reasonable period of
time to allow the archaeologist to evaluate the significance
of the finding and determine an appropriate course of
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.
information.
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
RD - Appendix P.
Page 10 of 14
Mitigation Measure Monitoring
Type
Monitoring
Department
Shown on
Plans
Verified
Implementation Remarks
action. The appropriate course of action may include, but
not be limited to avoidance, recordation, relocation,
excavation, documentation, curation, data recovery, or
other appropriate measures. The Project Contractor shall
provide a reasonable period of time for pursuing the
appropriate activities, including salvage of discovered
resources. Salvage operation requirements pursuant to
Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines shall be followed.
Recovered artifactual materials and data 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. If any human remains are
discovered, all construction activity in the immediate area
of the discovery shall cease immediately, and the
Archaeological monitor shall notify the County Medical
Examiner pursuant to California Health and Safety Section
7050.5. Should the Medical Examiner determine the
human remains to be Native American; the Native
American Heritage Commission shall be contacted
pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section
5097.98. The Native American Monitor (pursuant to
Mitigation Measure CUL-2), in consultation with the Native
American Heritage Commission, shall inspect the site of
the discovery of the Native American remains and may
recommend to the City of Carlsbad and the Project
Contractor actions for treating or disposing, with
appropriate dignity, the human remains and any
associated grave goods. The recommendation may
include the scientific removal and nondestructive analysis
of human remains and items associated with Native
Explanation of Headings:
Type = Project, ongoing, cumulative.
Monitoring Dept. = Department, or Agency, responsible for monitoring a particular
mitigation measure.
information.
Shown on Plans = When mitigation measure is shown on plans, this column will be
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
RD - Appendix P.
Page 11 of 14
Mitigation Measure
American burials. The Project Contractor shall provide a
reasonable period of time for salvage of discovered human
remains before resuming construction activities.
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
Monitoring
Type
Project
Project
Project
Monitoring
Department
Planning
Division,
Engineering -
Utilities
Department
Planning
Division,
Engineering -
Utilities
Department
Engineering -
Utilities
Department
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.
information.
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
RD - Appendix P.
Page 12 of 14
Mitigation Measure
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.
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
Monitoring
Type
Project
Project
Monitoring
Department
Engineering -
Utilities
Department
Engineering -
Utilities
Department
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.
information.
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
RD - Appendix P.
Page 13 of 14
Mitigation Measure
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 in accordance with the
requirements of HAZ-1 and HAZ-2 and the
recommendations of the HASP and SMP. 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.
HAZ-5 - A minimum 12-foot wide, unobstructed
emergency, construction and operations access shall be
maintained at all times during construction trenching and
installation of the recycled water line segment between the
sewer lift station site and Cannon Road.
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 buses that
Monitoring
Type
Project
Project
Project
Project
Monitoring
Department
Engineering -
Utilities
Department
Engineering -
Utilities
Department
Engineering -
Utilities
Department &
Construction
Contractor
Engineering -
Utilities
Department
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.
information.
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
RD - Appendix P.
Page 14 of 14
Mitigation Measure
are scheduled on Avenida Encinas, south of Palomar
Airport Road, within the alignment of the proposed project.
Monitoring
Type
Monitoring
Department
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.
information.
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
RD - Appendix P.