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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-03-16; Planning Commission; Resolution 7148 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE FINDING THAT THE FINAL MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (MND 5-914) AND MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM (MMRP) AND ADDENDUM, PREPARED AND ADOPTED BY THE BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT, ARE ADEQUATE FOR THIS PROJECT TO INSTALL A REPLACEMENT SEWER PIPELINE AND APPURTENANCES ON PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY ON PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD FROM EL CAMINO REAL, WEST TO THE INTERSECTION WITH PASEO DEL NORTE, AND CONTINUING SOUTH ON PASEO DEL NORTE FOR APPROXIMATELY 1,200 FEET IN LOCAL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT ZONES 3, 5 AND 13. CASE NAME: BUENA OUTFALL FORCE MAIN PHASE III CASE NO.: CDP 14-06/CUP 15-08 WHEREAS, Buena Sanitation District, “Developer,” has filed a verified application with the City of Carlsbad regarding property described as A portion of property identified by Assessor’s Parcel Number 209-050- 25, 211-040-27, 212-092-21 and 213-020-18 and generally located within the public rights-of-way on Palomar Airport Road from El Camino Real, west to Paseo del Norte, and continuing south on Paseo del Norte for approximately 1,200 and on file in the Planning Division (“the Property”); and WHEREAS, the Buena Sanitation District, acting in its capacity as lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) did, on September 24, 2014 adopt a Final Mitigated Negative Declaration, MND 5-914, in conjunction with said project; and WHEREAS, since the 30-day public review of the draft MND, the Buena Sanitation Districted has conducted additional engineering studies on the project, resulting in minor changes to the project; and WHEREAS, these changes are reflected in the attached Addendum, memorandum from the Buena Sanitation District, dated January 5, 2016. The MND is also attached; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did, on March 16, 2016, hold a duly noticed public hearing as prescribed by law to consider the MND (MND 5-914), and to determine whether the MND prepared and adopted by the Buena Sanitation District is adequate for use by the City of Carlsbad as a responsible agency; and PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 7148 PC RESO NO. 7148 -2- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and arguments, examining the initial study and addendum, analyzing the information submitted by staff, and considering any written comments received, the Planning Commission considered all factors relating to the MND. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad as follows: A) That the foregoing recitations are true and correct. B) That based on the evidence presented at the public hearing, the Planning Commission hereby determines that the MND and Addendum, prepared and adopted by the Buena Sanitation District, attached hereto and made a part hereof, is adequate for the BUENA OUTFALL FORCE MAIN PHASE III – CDP 14-06/CUP 15-08 based on the following findings and subject to the following conditions: Findings: 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad does hereby find: a. it has reviewed, analyzed, and considered the MND and Addendum prepared and adopted by the Buena Sanitation District for the BUENA OUTFALL FORCE MAIN PHASE III – CDP 14-06/CUP 15-08 and the environmental impacts therein identified for this project and any comments thereon prior to APPROVING the project; and b. the MND 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 c. it reflects the independent judgment of the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad; and d. based on the MND and Addendum and comments thereon, and with the incorporation of mitigation measures identified in the MND and required in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project, there is no substantial evidence the project will have a significant effect on the environment. Conditions: 1. This approval is granted subject to all conditions contained in Planning Commission Resolution No. 7149 for the other approval incorporated herein by reference. 2. The Developer shall implement the mitigation measures described in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project. . . . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 NOTICE TO APPLICANT An appeal of this decision to the City Council must be filed with the City Clerk at 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, California, 92008, within ten (10) calendar days ofthe date of the Planning Commission's decision. Pursuant to Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 21.54, section 21.54.150, the appeal must be in writing and state the reason(s) for the appeal. The City Council must make a determination on the appeal prior to any judicial review. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California, held on March 16, 2016, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Chairperson Anderson, Commissioners Black, Goyarts, L'Heureux, Montgomery, Segall and Siekmann ~£t.o~W CARLSBAD PLANNING COMMISSION 17 ATTEST: 18 ~7b 19 DON NEU City Planner 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 PC RESO NO. 7148 -3- DATE: January 5, 2016 TO: Project File FROM: Patrick Johnson, District Manager SUBJECT: Addendum to the Final Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH 2014041035) for the Buena Sanitation District Buena Outfall Force Main, Phase III (CIP 8131) ______________________________________________________________________ The Buena Sanitation District (District) prepared an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) (SCH 2014041035) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for the Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project (Project) which was adopted by the District on September 23, 2014. A Notice of Determination (NOD) was filed with the County Clerk on September 24, 2014. The IS/MND was based on 60% design drawings. Since the IS/MND was finalized in 2014, the District completed the 100% design phase and in coordination with the City of Carlsbad made corrections to the descriptions of some existing facilities and minor technical changes to some elements of the project design. These include definition of final pipe diameters, segment lengths (e.g., transitions to a force main versus gravity line or vice versa) and a modification to the location of an odor control unit. The overall project alignment and footprint is not modified in any way, with the majority of the Buena outfall project alignment confined to City of Carlsbad’s existing right-of-way (ROW) located within the public street. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines §15164, the Lead Agency (District) is required to prepare an Addendum to a previously adopted IS/MND if some changes or additions are necessary but where none of the conditions described in CEQA Guidelines §15162 have occurred. Key to the Lead Agency’s decision to prepare an Addendum are that changes to the Project do not result in any new significant effects, increase the severity of any previously identified significant effects or require changes to the adopted mitigation measures. Additionally, the minor changes to the Project Description do not require recirculation of the IS/MND since the changes are consistent with the description of “new information” in CEQA Section 15073.5(c)(4), which states recirculation is not required if “new information is added to the negative declaration which merely clarifies, amplifies, or makes insignificant modifications to the negative declaration.” Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Addendum to the Final Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration The District has reviewed the adopted IS/MND relative to the final Project design and has determined that neither a subsequent IS/MND nor a supplement to the IS/MND is warranted since the changes in the Project description are minor in nature and include clarifications to existing conditions and existing facilities. The District has determined that the final engineering specifications for pipeline segment lengths and diameters and clarification on the location of one of the odor control units would not result in any new significant impacts, a worsening of identified significant impacts, or create a need for any new mitigation measures. This Addendum has been prepared as a part of the CEQA administrative record to document the final description of some of the existing Buena outfall facilities and modified project design details which are as follows:  The IS/MND states on page 1-5 that the existing Buena Outfall is located 650 feet southwest to the north side of Palomar Airport Road. The final design notes the correct reference should be 500 feet southwest to the north side of Palomar Airport Road.  The IS/MND states on page 1-6 that the force main in the vicinity of Yarrow Road and Palomar Airport Road will be a 24-inch diameter pipeline; however the final design indicates this pipeline segment will be 26 inches in diameter.  The IS/MND states on page 1-6 that the force main in the vicinity of Yarrow Road and Palomar Airport Road will be 3,250 feet; however the final design indicates this segment will be 2,600 feet in length.  The IS/MND states on page 1-6 that this segment of pipeline will transition to a 24-inch diameter gravity sewer line. Based upon the final design, the pipeline will tie into a 30-inch diameter gravity sewer line.  The IS/MND states on page 1-6 that the gravity sewer line will continue another 5,500 feet in the westbound lanes of Palomar Airport Road; however, final design indicates this segment of pipeline is 5,600 feet in length.  The IS/MND states on page 1-6 that gravity sewer line will transition back to an 18-inch force main. Final design confirms this will be a 24-inch force main.  The IS/MND states on page 1-6 that the force main will continue approximately 10,000 feet further west to the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and Paseo Del Norte. Final design indicates that the actual length of pipeline will be 9,700 feet. BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT FINAL MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND INITIAL STUDY CHECKLIST Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III – CIP 8131 PROJECT NAME: Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III – CIP 8131 PROJECT LOCATION: The project alignment begins at the northeast corner of the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real, traverses within the westbound lanes of Palomar Airport Road and terminates within Paseo Del Norte, approximately 1,200 feet south of Palomar Airport Road, in the city of Carlsbad, northwestern San Diego County. PROJECT APPLICANTS: Buena Sanitation District LEAD AGENCY: Buena Sanitation District 200 Civic Center Drive Vista, California 92084 Contact: Elmer Alex, Senior Engineer (760) 643-5416 ealex@cityofvista.com PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD: April 9, 2014 to May 9, 2014 State Clearinghouse Number: 2014041035 This Final Mitigated Negative Declaration and Initial Study Checklist have been prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code, Section 21000, et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Section 15000, et seq.). It was available for a 20-day public review period as shown above. Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist TABLE OF CONTENTS Topic Page Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1-1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 1-1 Authority ....................................................................................................................................................... 1-1 Scope ............................................................................................................................................................ 1-2 Chapter 1 Environmental Setting and Project Description .......................................................................... 1-1 Project Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 1-1 Existing Environmental Setting ................................................................................................................... 1-1 Surrounding Land Uses ............................................................................................................................... 1-5 Proposed Project Description ..................................................................................................................... 1-5 Chapter 2 Initial Study Environmental Checklist .......................................................................................... 2-1 Project Information ...................................................................................................................................... 2-1 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected ............................................................................................... 2-2 Environmental Determination ..................................................................................................................... 2-2 I. Aesthetics ........................................................................................................................................ 2-4 II. Agriculture and Forestry Resources .............................................................................................. 2-6 III. Air Quality ........................................................................................................................................ 2-8 IV. Biological Resources .................................................................................................................... 2-14 V. Cultural Resources ....................................................................................................................... 2-22 VI. Geology and Soils ......................................................................................................................... 2-26 VII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions ......................................................................................................... 2-30 VIII. Hazards and Hazardous Materials .............................................................................................. 2-32 IX. Hydrology and Water Quality ........................................................................................................ 2-37 X. Land Use and Planning ................................................................................................................ 2-43 XI. Mineral Resources ........................................................................................................................ 2-46 XII. Noise .............................................................................................................................................. 2-47 XIII. Population and Housing ............................................................................................................... 2-55 XIV. Public Services .............................................................................................................................. 2-56 XV. Recreation ..................................................................................................................................... 2-58 XVI. Transportation/Traffic .................................................................................................................. 2-59 XVII. Utilities and Service Systems ....................................................................................................... 2-72 XVIII. Mandatory Findings of Significance ............................................................................................ 2-74 Chapter 3 References and List of Preparers ................................................................................................ 3-1 Individuals and Organizations Consulted ................................................................................................... 3-1 References ................................................................................................................................................... 3-1 List of Preparers........................................................................................................................................... 3-3 TABLE OF FIGURES Figure 1 Project Location Map .......................................................................................................................... 1-2 Figure 2 Site Location with Proposed Alignment ............................................................................................. 1-3 Figure 3 Project Alignment - Aerial Photo ......................................................................................................... 1-4 Appendix A Applicable Project Design Features and Standard Conditions of Approval from the 2008 Sewer Master Plan PEIR Appendix B Comment letters on the Draft MND/IS and Responses from the Buena Sanitation District Buena Sanitation District Introduction Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project Introduction September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Introduction Overview The Buena Sanitation District (District) has prepared this Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/ Initial Study (MND/IS) to evaluate the potential environmental consequences associated with the Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III project (proposed project). The public review period ran from April 9 through May 9, 2014. Comment letters were received from the following public agencies:  California Department of Transportation  City of Carlsbad  California Department of Fish and Wildlife  San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians  Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, State Clearinghouse  Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 9  Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians Copies of these comment letters as well as the responses from the District are included in Appendix B. Some minor clarifications and some additional information have been added to this MND/IS in response to the comment letters. None of the impact conclusions have changed and no new or additional mitigation measures are required as part of the discretionary approval process, the proposed project was required to undergo environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). One of the main objectives of CEQA is to disclose to the public and the decision makers the potential environmental effects of the proposed activities. CEQA requires that the lead agency prepare an Initial Study to determine whether an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Negative Declaration (ND), or a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) is needed. The Buena Sanitation District is the Lead Agency for the proposed project under CEQA. The City of Carlsbad is a Responsible Agency under CEQA due to the location of the project within its municipal limits. A description of this proposed project is found in Chapter 2 of this document. Authority The preparation of this MND/IS is governed by two principal sets of documents: CEQA (Public Resources Code Section 21000, et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations Section 15000, et seq.). Specifically, the preparation of an MND/IS is guided by the State CEQA Guidelines; Section 15063 describes the requirements for an Initial Study, and Sections 15070–15075 describe the process for the preparation of a Mitigated Negative Declaration. Where appropriate and supportive to an understanding of the issues, reference will be made to either the CEQA statute or State CEQA Guidelines. This MND/IS contains all of the contents required by CEQA, which includes a project description, a description of the existing environmental setting, potential environmental impacts, mitigation measures for any significant impacts, consistency with applicable plans and policies, and names of preparers. The Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III project would be implemented by the District as part of the City of Vista and Buena Sanitation District’s 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update, which provides a set of recommended projects for inclusion in the District’s overall Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The District prepared a Program Environmental Impact Report (Program EIR, State Clearinghouse No. 2007091072) in 2008 to addresses the potential environmental consequences of various proposed rehabilitation, replacement, and sewer pipeline relocation Buena Sanitation District Introduction Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project Introduction September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist projects that constitute the recommended CIP identified in the 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update (City of Vista, 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update Program EIR, 2008). The Buena Outfall Force Main project was identified in the PEIR as a capacity-related Capital Improvement Program project; however, the alignment has changed since 2008, as reflected in the current project description. Although the alignment of the proposed project differs from that previously evaluated in the PEIR, the PEIR contains information on the types of impacts associated with the current project and recommends mitigation measures, standard project design, and construction features to avoid, reduce or lessen the potential for adverse environmental effects. Therefore, this MND/IS tiers from the 2008 PEIR. Where relevant to the current Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III project, provisions from Table S- 4 Index to Mitigation Measures and Table S-5 Summary of Standard Project Design Features and Construction Measures, from the City’s 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update Program EIR,, have been incorporated into the project and are contained in Appendix A of this MND/IS for reference. Although some project design features (PDFs) and standard conditions of approval (SCAs) are incorporated into the project, they do not constitute “mitigation measures” as mitigation measures are required only when a potentially significant impact has been identified that must be avoided or reduced. The MND/IS contains mitigation measures which are provided to reduce potential impacts from the proposed pipeline project to below the level of significance. In addition to the mitigation measures contained in this document (and the companion Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP)), the District, through codes and standard design and construction practices, have incorporated project design features and construction measures into the project that help to reduce the potential for environmental effects. In the context of this CEQA document, references to the City of Vista mean the City of Vista or the Buena Sanitation District, as applicable. For all environmental issue areas, residual impacts would not be significant with implementation of mitigation measures. This conclusion is consistent with the findings of the City of Vista 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update Program EIR. Scope This MND/IS evaluates the proposed project’s effects on the following resource topics:  aesthetics  agricultural and forestry resources  air quality  biological resources  cultural resources  geology and soils  greenhouse gas emissions  hazards and hazardous materials  hydrology and water quality  land use planning  mineral resources  noise  population and housing  public services  recreation  transportation/traffic  utilities and service systems Buena Sanitation District Chapter 1 – Environmental Setting and Project Description Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 1-1 Chapter 1 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION Project Overview The Buena Sanitation District (District) is responsible for the collection and delivery of wastewater from homes and businesses to the Encina Water Pollution Control Plant (EWPCF). These flows are conveyed via the Buena Outfall originally constructed in 1964, which currently collects from two drainage basins. The Buena Creek Pump Station Basin and Raceway Pump Station Basin wastewater flows are pumped via the Buena Creek and Raceway pump stations through the Buena Outfall Force Main. These flows are then collected and conveyed to treatment within the Buena Outfall into the EWPCF. The existing Buena Outfall does not provide sufficient capacity for implementation of the District’s approved 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update. A new outfall needs to be constructed to accommodate the previously approved flows and Carlsbad’s local flow. The District has proposed a new 24” Force Main to replace the existing outfall. This proposed project will re-route the existing Buena Outfall and tie into both the existing 30-inch Buena Outfall and the 48-inch Vallecitos Water District (VWD) Land Outfall at Paseo Del Norte. The District owns capacity within the 48-inch VWD Land Outfall. A flow control structure will be utilized to direct sewer flow to the existing 30-inch Buena Outfall and/or the 48-inch VWD Land Outfall. The city of Carlsbad’s local flows shall remain in the existing Buena Outfall. The District is also proposing up to five odor control units along the project alignment. Existing Environmental Setting City of Carlsbad The proposed project is located within the city of Carlsbad. Carlsbad is located in northwestern San Diego County, and includes approximately 39 square miles of land located adjacent to the Pacific Ocean (Figure 1). The city has approximately seven miles of coastline and is located about 30 minutes north of the City of San Diego. The city includes three coastal lagoons including the Buena Vista Lagoon, Agua Hedionda Lagoon, and the Batiquitos Lagoon. The Buena Vista Lagoon represents the City’s northern border with the City of Oceanside and the Batiquitos Lagoon represents the City’s southern border with the City of Encinitas. The city shares an eastern border with the city of Vista and the city of San Marcos. The city’s elevation ranges from sea level along the western edge where it abuts the ocean to a maximum elevation of approximately 600 feet above mean sea level. For city planning and growth management purposes, Carlsbad is divided into four distinct quadrants including the Northwest, Northeast, Southeast and Southwest quadrants. The project site is located in the center of the city of Carlsbad and primarily within the Northwest and Northeast quadrants (located west of El Camino Real) (Figures 2 and 3). The Northwest quadrant of Carlsbad includes the downtown "Village,” the Barrio, and "Old Carlsbad." It was the first part of Carlsbad to be settled; homes range from 1950s cottages and bungalows to elegant mansions on the hill overlooking the ocean. It is also home to Hosp Grove Park, a grove of trees designated by the city for recreational use, in addition to the Buena Vista and Agua Hedionda Lagoon. It is located west of El Camino Real and north of Palomar Airport Road. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 1 – Environmental Setting and Project Description Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 1-2 Buena Sanitation District Chapter 1 – Environmental Setting and Project Description Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 1-3 Buena Sanitation District Chapter 1 – Environmental Setting and Project Description Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 1-4 Buena Sanitation District Chapter 1 – Environmental Setting and Project Description Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 1-5 The Northeast quadrant consists mostly of single-family homes, with larger lots found in the older area known as Chestnut Hills. It is located east of El Camino Real and north of Palomar Airport Road. The Southeast quadrant features several newer master-planned communities set among rolling hillsides, golf courses, and open space. Residents here are served by the award-winning Carlsbad Unified School District. This quadrant is located east of El Camino Real and south of Palomar Airport Road. The Southwest quadrant extends along the Pacific Ocean to the south of the center of Carlsbad. It includes the Aviara neighborhood. It is located west of El Camino Real and south of Palomar Airport Road. Surrounding Land Uses Existing land uses adjacent to the proposed project alignment include both commercial and industrial land uses. There are no residential land uses that are directly adjacent to the proposed project alignment. At the eastern end of the project alignment, adjacent land uses include open space, the McClellan-Palomar Airport, the Palomar Commons commercial shopping center, and residential and commercial uses within Bressi Ranch (master planned community). Heading west along the alignment within Palomar Airport Road, adjacent land uses consist of commercial office buildings, several hotels, industrial land uses including those related to the airport, the Crossings Golf Course owned by the City of Carlsbad, Costco, Legoland, and the Flower Fields. At the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and Paseo Del Norte, the alignment turns south. Existing surrounding land uses include three gas stations, commercial uses, fast food outlets, a hotel, office and industrial buildings and restaurants. Proposed Project Description The proposed project will provide additional capacity to allow future projected flows from previously approved and existing land use densities coming from the existing Buena Creek and Raceway lift stations to be conveyed to the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility (EWPCF). The EWPCF is a regional wastewater treatment plant located in the City of Carlsbad, west of Interstate 5 on Avenida Encinas, between Palomar Airport Road on the north and Poinsettia Road on the south. The proposed project is intended to improve and enhance capacity and non-capacity- related facilities (e.g., odor control facilities) that are necessary to ensure safe and reliable operation of the existing sewer system. The following objectives have been identified for this project:  Relocate the District’s primary trunk sewer out of environmentally sensitive areas to minimize potential impacts in case of a spill;  Provide access for regular maintenance activities;  Reduce the potential for sewer overflows;  Make facility improvements on age, material, and condition related infrastructure; and,  Restore, maintain, and/or enhance existing sewer service. The District is proposing to construct a new Buena Outfall. The alignment begins at an existing 24- inch force main just east of manhole #55A. The Buena Outfall starts as a pressurized force main then continues across El Camino Real, parallel to the existing 18-inch VCP Buena Outfall sewer, Buena Sanitation District Chapter 1 – Environmental Setting and Project Description Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 1-6 approximately 650 feet southwest to the north side of Palomar Airport Road. The force main then proceeds within the westbound lanes of Palomar Airport Road towards the intersection of Yarrow Drive and Palomar Airport Road. The alignment continues west for approximately 2,600 feet to a high point before the intersection of Yarrow and Palomar Airport Road. The total length of 24-inch force main for this section is approximately 3,250 feet. A proposed manhole will be placed where the force main will end and discharge into the proposed 24-inch gravity sewer and continue approximately another 5,500 feet along the north side (westbound lanes) of Palomar Airport Road. At approximately Palomar Oaks Way, the pipeline would transition to an 18--inch force main sewer and continue approximately 10,000 feet further west to the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and Paseo Del Norte. The pipeline will then transition to a 24-inch gravity sewer main and turn south and proceed within the southbound lanes of Paseo Del Norte a distance of approximately 1,200 feet and tie into the existing 48-inch and 30-inch trunk sewers, which flow, to the EWPCF located west of Interstate 5. The proposed project will re-route the existing Buena Outfall and tie into the existing 30-inch sewer and 48-inch sewer at Paseo Del Norte. The District owns capacity in both sewer pipelines which consists of 10.75 million gallons per day (MGDs) in the 30-inch pipeline and 3.75 MGDs in the 48-inch pipeline. In order to provide maximum flexibility, the design will include a flow-splitting manhole just upstream of the tie-in point. The diversion manhole will be equipped with the means to allow flow to be diverted to one or both of the existing trunk sewer lines A preliminary geotechnical review was prepared for this project. The report indicated that Santiago formation will be encountered and imbedded with silty and clayey sandstones, claystones, and siltstones; some cement zones, cobbles, and fill material. It is anticipated that the existing materials will be suitable for trench backfill. The County of San Diego has indicated that this project will be within 1,000 feet of the closed Palomar Airport Landfill. The review of the County maps indicated that the project alignment is outside of the limits of the solid waste deposit footprint. Although most of the work for the Buena Outfall will be confined to City of Carlsbad right of way (ROW), four potential parcels have been identified, portions of which will have to be obtained either through easement or fee. Each of the potential parcels is described below. Parcel 1 - Palomar Airport Road (APN 213-20-18). This parcel lies at the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real. This right-of-way is required to provide a site for the directional drilling that will be required to cross from the junction of the existing force main and the new force main to the north side of Palomar Airport Road. Parcel 2 - Palomar Airport Road north of Yarrow Drive. This parcel lies on the north side of Palomar Airport Road and approximately 1,000 feet east of the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and Yarrow Road. This site would be used for the construction of an odor control facility. Parcel 3 - Palomar Airport Road east of Paseo del Norte. This parcel lies on the south side of Palomar Airport Road approximately 500 feet east of Paseo del Norte in the parcel currently being used for parking for Costco and the Carl’s Jr. Restaurant. This site would be used for the construction of an odor control facility. Parcel 4 - Paseo Del Norte at the Motel 6. This parcel lies on the west side of Paseo Del Norte. Portions of this parcel are vacant and others are used for parking for the Motel 6. This site would Buena Sanitation District Chapter 1 – Environmental Setting and Project Description Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 1-7 be used for one or more odor control facilities. However, the location of any odor control facilities will not permanently remove any parking spaces from the Motel 6 parking lot. Construction Methods and Phasing Project construction is anticipated to be initiated in late 2014 and will take approximately one year including project start up, material procurement and close out. The actual pipeline construction will be a roving operation with a production rate of approximately 200-feet per night. The trenchless activities which would include installing pipe near the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real will take approximately three months. The trenchless construction and cut and cover construction would likely occur concurrently. The project would be built primarily at night generally between the hours of 9pm to 6am (Sunday through Thursday) to ensure that short-term construction impacts to traffic on Palomar Airport Road and other City of Carlsbad streets are minimized. Construction along Paseo Del Norte near the Motel 6 would occur in the daytime to avoid creating nighttime noise related impacts to hotel guests. In addition to the pipeline, other proposed ancillary facilities include odor control facilities and short-term construction laydown and staging areas. A combination of cut and cover and trenchless technologies (including micro-tunneling) would be utilized for this project. The proposed project would be constructed generally from west to east in progressive 200-foot long segments. The pipeline would consist either of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Active construction is estimated to take approximately one year. Because the majority of constriction would occur within the limits of Palomar Airport Road, the majority of project construction would occur at nighttime (between the hours of 9pm and 6am) to avoid creating peak hour traffic impacts along this heavily traveled roadway. The District will prepare a traffic control plan based on final design to minimize disruptions to traffic on the affected streets and intersections during morning and evening peak hour times. Odor Control Facilities Implementation of the proposed project has the potential for odor generation. Preliminary sizing of the odor control facilities are based on both turbulence at the connection between the force main and the gravity system, the flow control structure, flow monitoring structures, and low flow deposition in the gravity sewer with resulting odors released through the manholes. Several odor control methods were evaluated to reduce and minimize potential odors from the project. For individual manhole applications, the District would utilize a combination of manhole seal/biofilter inserts. The District is also proposing up to five above ground odor control units. The odor control facility locations include one a site located on the north side of Palomar Airport Road near the intersection with Yarrow Drive, a second unit would be located on the south side of Palomar Airport Road just west of the Costco and three additional odor control facilities would be located near the project terminus at the Motel 6. The active odor control units will be installed with noise reduction features that limit the generated noise level from the fan to approximately 60 decibels (dB) at 10 feet away) and 46 dB at 50 feet away which is below City of Carlsbad noise guidance for motel, hotels, and commercial areas. The active unit(s) along Palomar Airport Road will be located in areas with existing noise levels generated by road traffic that will mask the noise. The active unit near Motel 6 will be located 50-feet from any motel rooms. Passive odor control units will not produce any noise. The approximate dimensions of the odor control units would be 10 feet wide x 20 feet long x 8 feet high and they would be enclosed or landscaped or otherwise visually screened to ensure effective aesthetic treatment. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 1 – Environmental Setting and Project Description Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 1-8 Project Approvals In addition to the City/District review and approval under CEQA, the proposed project would be required to obtain a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) Permit from the City of Carlsbad, which is also a Responsible Agency under CEQA; a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Land Disturbance and Disturbance Activities, Order No. 2010-0014-DWQ, NPDES No. CAS000002, and any other local Regional Water Quality Control Board permits as applicable and required; an Encroachment Permit from the Department of Transportation, and a permit from the San Diego Air Pollution Control District for any active odor control units. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-1 Chapter 2 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Project Information Project Title: Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project Lead Agency Name and Address: Buena Sanitation District 200 Civic Center Drive Vista, CA 92084 Contact Person and Phone Number: Elmer Alex, P.E., Senior Engineer (760) 643-5416 Project Location: Northeast corner of the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real, traverses within the westbound lanes of Palomar Airport Road and terminates within Paseo Del Norte, approximately 1,200 feet south of Palomar Airport Road, in the city of Carlsbad. Project Applicant: Buena Sanitation District 200 Civic Center Drive Vista, CA 92084 Contact: Patrick Johnson, District Manager General Plan Designations: Prime Arterial, Planned Industrial, Governmental Facilities, Open Space, Travel/Recreation Commercial, Airport Influence Area 1 Zoning Designations: Commercial, Industrial, Planned Industrial, Open Space, Commercial Visitor Serving Overlay, Arterial Roadway, Neighborhood Commercial, Residential Professional. Description of Project: See Chapter 2, Project Description. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting: See Chapter 2, Project Description. Other Public Agency Approvals: City of Carlsbad Coastal Development Permit; National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Land Disturbance and Disturbance Activities, Order No. 2010-0014-DWQ, NPDES No. CAS000002, and any other local San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board permits as applicable and required. . Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-3 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts The following IS checklist provides analysis of the proposed project's potential to result in significant adverse environmental impacts. Section 15063(c) of the Guidelines indicates that the purpose of an IS is to: 1. Provide the Lead Agency (the District) with information to use as the basis for deciding whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) or Negative Declaration (ND); 2. Enable an applicant or Lead Agency to modify a project, mitigating adverse impacts before an EIR is prepared, thereby enabling the project to qualify for a ND; 3. Assist the preparation of an EIR, if one is required, by: a. Focusing the EIR on the effects determined to be significant; b. Identifying the effects determined not to be significant; c. Explaining the reasons why potentially significant effects would not be significant; and, d. Identifying whether a program EIR, tiering, or another appropriate process can be used for analysis of the project’s environmental effects. 4. Facilitate environmental assessment early in the design of a project. 5. Provide documentation of the factual basis for the finding in an ND that a project will not have a significant effect on the environment. 6. Eliminate unnecessary EIRs. 7. Determine whether a previously prepared EIR could be used with the project. Impact Terminology The following terminology is used to describe the potential level of significance of impacts:  A finding of no impact is appropriate if the analysis concludes that the project would not affect the particular topic area in any way.  An impact is considered less than significant if the analysis concludes that it would not cause substantial adverse change to the environment and requires no mitigation.  An impact is considered less than significant with mitigation incorporated if the analysis concludes that it would not cause substantial adverse change to the environment with the inclusion of environmental commitments that have been agreed to by the applicant.  An impact is considered potentially significant if the analysis concludes that it could have a substantial adverse effect on the environment. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-4 I. Aesthetics Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b. Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? d. Create a source of substantial light or glare, which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? DISCUSSION The city of Carlsbad is aesthetically characterized by a mixture of natural and urban landforms. The natural environment is comprised of diverse landforms, rock outcrops, plants, and animal resources, natural colors and hues and panoramic public views of the horizon, foothills, lagoons, and the Pacific Ocean. The natural scenic landscape includes rugged coastal bluffs, several expansive low lying coastal lagoons, and numerous valleys and small canyons surrounded by rolling foothills. The urban environment includes commercial and industrial buildings, landscaping, signage/monuments, and works of art. There is no dominant architectural theme throughout the City. The proposed project alignment would be located within the center of the city of Carlsbad and would be surrounded by existing commercial and industrial development. The proposed project would be entirely underground with the exception of the planned odor control facilities. The locations of these facilities are determined, in large extent to the location within the system, where there are areas of system turbulence and are designed to reduce the potential for odor. The dimensions are approximately 10 feet x 20 feet x 8 feet and the odor control facilities would be located in areas that are screened from public view to the maximum extent practical. To the extent they are publicly visible, the structures would be screened from public view through site orientation, landscaping, or other aesthetic treatment. A total of five odor control units are currently planned by the District with locations to be determined in consultation with the City of Carlsbad during the final project design phase. a. – d. Less than Significant Impact. Temporary impacts to a scenic vista could occur during construction. However, the majority of the project components are located along existing road rights-of-way and involve below ground installations, and areas outside existing road rights-of-way, in landscaped areas, or where there is native vegetation. However, to offset this potential impact, the Project Design Features (PDFs) requiring vegetation that is removed to be replaced, or in the case of natural areas, revegetated to blend with adjacent natural areas. All disturbed areas would be returned to pre-construction conditions. Furthermore, any aboveground sewer line work would include upgrades to existing facilities and no new aboveground pipelines or other components are proposed. The project will Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-5 comply with all PDFs in the 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update Program EIR and these are listed in Appendix A of this MND/IS. Therefore, no scenic views would be affected in the long-term and no permanent visual effects on a scenic vista are anticipated. Views from scenic roadways could be impacted during construction-related activities. However, no mobile viewers from a scenic roadway would be able to view project construction for any substantial length of time, and given the relatively short-term visual change associated with construction activities, impacts would be less than significant. Views from scenic roadways could be impacted during construction-related activities. However, no mobile viewers from a scenic roadway would be able to view project construction for any substantial length of time, and given the relatively short-term visual change associated with construction activities, impacts would be less than significant. The visual character of the project area and its surroundings would not be adversely affected once construction is completed and the disturbed road surfaces are restored to pre-existing conditions. In addition, the relatively small scale physical changes associated with such pipeline construction activities would not substantially degrade the existing visual character. Consequently, the project will not result in any significant long-term visual impacts to its surroundings. The project would require outdoor lighting for nighttime work. There are no residences located along the length of the proposed project alignment. Project-related lighting would be short-term and would not be required after the construction period concluded and therefore, impacts would be less than significant. Up to five primary (above ground) odor control facilities will be strategically placed along the alignment in concrete masonry (CMU) block enclosures similar in size, color and style to the existing public utility CMU block walls that exist along Palomar Airport Road. The enclosures will be gated and secured from public access. The maximum footprint of the primary odor control facility sites will be 10 feet wide x 14 feet long x 8 feet high. One of the primary odor facilities will not require as large of a footprint. There are several methods available for screening the primary odor control units to ensure they are visually enclosed, landscaped and/or otherwise screened to ensure effective aesthetic treatment and blending with the locally adjacent colors and styles. The District is committed to continue working with the City of Carlsbad on final layout, appearance and color of facilities and enclosures to minimize the potential for visual impacts. Aesthetics Mitigation Measures None Required. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-6 II. Agriculture and Forestry Resources Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code Section 51104(g))? d. Result in the loss of forestland or conversion of forestland 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 nonagricultural use? DISCUSSION Agriculture is an important activity and resource in Carlsbad. The City’s agricultural policies are intended to support agricultural activities while planning for the possible future transition of the land to more urban uses consistent with the policies of the General Plan and the Carlsbad Local Coastal Program (LCP). The City’s LCP protects agricultural lands from the premature conversion to more urban land uses by establishing programs which require mitigation for conversion of agricultural property to urban uses. It also has established methods to benefit agriculture in the community by providing financial assistance through cash programs. As stated in the Open Space and Conservation Element of the City’s General Plan, it is the City’s intention to support and utilize all measures available to secure agricultural land uses for as long as possible prior to development, and to promote the long-term economic viability of agricultural uses. However, the projected pattern of development in Carlsbad is such that the extensive areas generally required for economic agricultural operations are unlikely to be available in the long-term. The city of Carlsbad consists mainly of urbanized and developed lands along the western, southern, and northwestern portions, with large areas of undeveloped lands interspersed throughout the eastern and central portions (City of Vista, 2008 Sewer Master Plan Program EIR, 2008). a.-e. No Impact. The project alignment would be almost entirely within existing roadways including Palomar Airport Road. The surrounding land uses include primarily industrial and commercial land uses. The Carlsbad Flower Fields are located near the project’s western terminus along Paseo Del Norte and are part of the City’s Open Space areas. The Flower Fields are an active working ranch and regional tourist attraction. The primary crop is the ranunculus flower and bulb. While the project alignment would be located within the roadway located south of the Flower Fields, no impacts to the Flower Fields themselves would occur as part of project implementation. Based on farmland Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-7 maps prepared by the California Department of Conservation, the property is not located in an area designated as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance. Therefore, project implementation would not convert any Prime, Unique, or Important farmland to nonagricultural use, and no impacts would occur. There are no forest resources located within the project area. The project alignment (project site) is not currently in active agricultural use, and it is not under a Williamson Act contract. Project implementation would not conflict with existing agricultural zoning or Williamson Act contracts; therefore, no agricultural impacts would occur. The project alignment is not located within forest or timberland, nor is the project footprint timberland zoned Timberland Production. Project implementation would not conflict with existing forest/timberland zoning, nor result in the loss of forestland or conversion of forestland to non- forest land; and therefore, no forestry resources impacts would occur. The project consists of construction of linear underground sewer pipeline primarily within an existing roadway to improve the current flow and capacity and meet future demands. The project would not involve or affect any other changes in the existing environment of the subject property or surrounding land that could result in the conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses or conversion of forestland to non-forest use. Consequently, project implementation would not convert any farmland or forestland to nonagricultural use, and no impacts would occur. Agriculture and Forest Resources Mitigation Measures None required. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-8 III. Air Quality Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact 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 non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed qualitative thresholds for ozone precursors?) d. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? e. Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? The discussion below is summarized and based on the findings contained within the report, Air Quality and Green House Gas Emissions Technical Report for the Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project (RCH Group, 2014) prepared for the proposed project. This report is on file and available for review with the District. DISCUSSION The above referenced technical report is the basis of the following analysis. The report focuses on potential air quality impacts that would be associated with criteria pollutants would be generated under the Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III project (proposed project). The proposed project would reroute the Buena Outfall Force Main and gravity sewer eliminating the current alignment through an industrial park south of Palomar Airport Road that has caused odor problems. The proposed project would be implemented as part of the City of Vista and Buena Sanitation District’s 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update, which provides a set of recommended projects for inclusion in the City’s overall Capital Improvement Program (CIP). This analysis tiers, where appropriate, from the Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that was prepared to addresses the potential environmental consequences of the proposed rehabilitation, replacement, and relocation sewer pipeline projects that constitute the recommended CIP identified in the 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update (City of Vista, 2008). It should be noted that the Program EIR found all air quality related impacts that would occur under the updated plan, including those associated with the Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III project, to be less than significant (City of Vista, 2008). Formulas and emission factors from the Road Construction Emissions Model (version 7.1.2) program were used to estimate air quality (i.e., criteria pollutant) that would be associated with the proposed project. The Road Construction Emissions Model, version 7.1.2, was used to analyze construction- related criteria air pollutants. Construction-related calculations include emissions from numerous sources, including diesel and gas mobile construction equipment associated with Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-9 trenching and installation of the pipelines, and asphalt off-gassing. No new or increased operation-related criteria air pollutants would be associated with the Proposed Project. The San Diego Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) does not have CEQA guidelines for projects in the San Diego Air Basin. Construction emissions for the proposed project were estimated using the Road Construction Emissions Model (version 7.1.2) model. Operational emissions from the proposed project would be the same as the current existing emissions. The Road Construction Emissions Model files are included in the Air Quality Appendix. a. Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project would not include land use changes that would conflict with the long-range air quality projections of the SDAPCD in the applicable San Diego County Regional Air Quality Strategy (RAQS). The proposed project would be located within City of Carlsbad roadways and would not conflict with the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) most recent growth forecast used to prepare the RAQS. The proposed project would also be consistent with the policies of the City of Carlsbad General Plan, and therefore would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the RAQS. b.-c. Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation. Construction activities for the proposed project would result in short-term impacts on ambient air quality in the area. Temporary construction emissions would result directly from construction activities, including those associated with the conventional pipeline construction (i.e., trench installation), trenchless pipeline construction, and road rehabilitation activities (e.g., paving), and indirectly from haul truck material deliveries and construction worker commuting patterns. Pollutant emissions would vary daily depending on the level of activity, the specific operations, and the prevailing weather. The San Diego Air Basin is considered a basic non-attainment area for the 8-hour federal standard for ozone (O3), and a non-attainment area for the 1-hour and 8-hour state standards for O3, and for the 24-hour and annual state standards for particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10) and particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5). Therefore, construction activities under the proposed project would have the potential to contribute to a potentially significant amount of airborne particulates to the air basin. The Basin is in attainment of federal and state standards for carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and lead. The SDAPCD establishes emission thresholds for determining the potential significance of stationary source projects, which are used in this analysis to determine the potential air quality impacts of the proposed project. SDAPCD Rule 20.2 establishes significance criteria for non-major stationary source air pollutant emissions. Although not directly applicable to construction and mobile emissions, these significance criteria are used as significance criteria for this proposed project. Because no significance criterion for reactive organic compounds (ROG) is set in Rule 20.2, ROG is assigned a significance criterion equal to the NOx criterion in Rule 20.2, because they are both ozone precursors. Rule 20.2 also does not contain a threshold from PM2.5. Because no significance criterion for PM2.5 is set in SDAPCD Rule 20.2, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) threshold of 55 pounds per day is used. The proposed project would not result in substantial long-term air quality impacts. The above ground odor control units may need a venting control source permit from the SDAPCD. However, since they are not attached to a treatment plant or lift station they may not need a permit (RCH, 2014). Operation and maintenance of the pipelines would result in routine patrolling and Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-10 emergency repairs, which would generate a minimal amount of increased traffic, and no-dig rehabilitations, which would generate negligible emissions. Therefore, operation of the proposed project would not result in a violation of applicable air quality standards, and impacts would be less than significant. For the purposes of estimating construction emissions, construction activities for the proposed project are broken down into three main activity components, including conventional pipeline construction (i.e., trench installation), trenchless pipeline construction, and road rehabilitation activities (e.g., paving). Assumptions on construction equipment types and quantities were derived from the Delta Diablo Sanitation District Conveyance System Reliability Improvements and Pump Station Remedial Projects at Bay Point. It is assumed that the conventional pipeline construction speed would proceed at a maximum rate of approximately 200 feet per day and all pipeline trench construction activities would be completed over a year period. Trenchless pipeline construction activities are estimated to occur over a three-month period. It is assumed that the trenchless pipeline construction activities would commence subsequent to the completion of the conventional pipeline construction activities. Road rehabilitation activities would occur concurrent to the conventional and trenchless pipeline construction activities. Compared to open trench construction, trenchless technologies require less excavation, which can result in a reduction in construction equipment use, pavement replacement, construction time, and traffic congestion. Some studies have shown an approximate 80 percent reduction in air emissions with trenchless technologies due to increased productivity and reduced equipment requirements (Trenchless International, 2009). This analysis assumes that all pipeline construction utilize conventional pipeline construction methods, which offers conservative air quality emissions estimates. Based on an estimated average trench volume of 19,311 feet long by 4 feet wide by 8 feet deep, it is assumed that up to approximately 237 cubic yards of debris material and soil may need to be removed from the pipeline alignment per day (at maximum operations) if soils are inappropriate for backfill. It is also assumed that up to 237 cubic yards of clean soil material would be delivered and backfilled into the trench per day (at maximum operations) once the pipeline is installed. In addition, at least 200 feet of pipeline (24-inch and 18-inch) and other materials would need to be delivered to the pipeline construction site each day. Accounting for all materials that would be hauled to and from the construction site, it is estimated that up to 12 heavy-duty diesel truck trips would be required each day. The assumptions described above were used as input for the Road Construction Emissions Model (version 7.1.2) run that was conducted for the project. The estimated proposed project construction emissions are summarized in Table AQ-1. As indicated in table, proposed project- related construction emissions would not exceed the SDAPCD significance thresholds for criteria pollutants. Therefore, while the air quality impacts from proposed project could contribute to existing cumulative air quality impacts, the overall air quality impacts would be considered less than significant. Although air quality impacts that would be associated with the Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III project would be less than significant, the District has committed to incorporating specific project design features into the project (Appendix A). Implementation of these measures would further reduce the potential for environmental effects (City of Vista, 2008). In addition, AQ-1 and AQ-2 below will be applied to the project as mitigation to further reduce the potential for short-term construction related air quality impacts. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-11 TABLE AQ-1 ESTIMATED EMISSIONS FROM CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES (POUNDS PER DAY) Maximum Daily Activity ROG NOX CO PM10 PM2.5 Construction Emissions 7 82 32 4 3 Significance Thresholds based upon SDAPCD Rule 20.3 250 250 550 100 55 Significant? No No No No No SCAQMD threshold of PM 2.5 is used SDAPCD Rule 20.2 does not contain thresholds applicable for PM2.5. Note: Refer to Air Quality Appendix for all assumptions used as input to the Road Construction Emissions Model. d. Less than Significant Impact. Please also see sections a. and b. above. Sensitive receptors are populations that are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution than the population at large, such as the very young, the elderly, and those suffering from certain illnesses or disabilities. Construction activities along the west end of the proposed pipeline route would be closest to residential sensitive receptors when construction is approximately 850 feet from residences on Sapphire Drive. Guests at hotels can also be sensitive to air pollutants and the construction would be within 50 to 100 feet from the Motel 6 and the Discovery Isle childcare center on Paseo Del Norte. The construction activities would also be as close as 350 feet to the Courtyard Hotel and 200 feet to the Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites Hotel. In all cases, the proposed project’s construction-related diesel particulate impacts are considered less than significant because of the short-term nature of the construction activities. Construction activities would entail the use of diesel equipment that would generate emissions of diesel particulate matter (DPM), which the CARB has categorized as a human carcinogen. Typically, heath risks are estimated based on a chronic exposure period of 70 years. The Air Quality indicates that DPM exhaust emissions associated with construction of the proposed project would be approximately four (4) pounds per day, well below the District’s threshold of 100 pounds per day. Exhaust emissions associated with construction of the proposed project are relatively low and construction activities would be short-term in nature (as construction activities would occur within a year period and move during along the project alignment). In addition, these emissions are well below the typical exposure period of 70 years. As such, it is not anticipated that exposure to construction-related DPM would result in an elevated health risk; and potential impacts would be less than significant. e. Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project would extend and reroute the Buena Outfall Force Main and gravity sewer, in part, to eliminate existing odor problems at the industrial park south of Palomar Airport Road. Potential foul odors from the wastewater contained within the proposed pipelines could potentially generate objectionable odors that could affect a substantial number of people due to hydrogen sulfide and other gaseous compounds present in sewage. An Odor Control Technical Memorandum (DHK Engineers Inc., 2013) was prepared by DHK Engineers, Inc., which evaluated odor control options. DHK Engineers, Inc. met with District and Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-12 City staff to discuss existing force main odor strategies, near-term odor control plans, and direction on liquid additives. DHK Engineers, Inc. reviewed the following items:  Existing odor data (2008) and flow data (CY2012) provided by the City  Southern California wastewater data for modeling input parameters Based on the conclusions of the DHK Engineers Inc., the following odor control measures will be included in the final design of the project:  Up to five active and/or passive odor control units will be installed along the alignment. Passive units would be located at the transition manhole at Yarrow Street where the force main transitions to a gravity system and near the drop manhole structure near the Motel 6. Up to three active odor control units will be installed at the end of the siphon near the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and Paseo del Norte and near the splitter box connected to the Vallecitos Land Outfall.  Final locations and odor control unit types will be determined during final design and will depend on availability of power, right-of-way, visual impacts, and maximum length of air pipeline.  Manhole inserts will be provided that will include odor control media. The purpose of the active and passive odor control biofilter scrubbers are to treat and eliminate odors from the project at critical locations. Through implementation of odor control design features, the gases and subsequent odor impacts from the proposed project will be treated to address points of gas and odor accumulation. The proposed improvements will be in accordance to local County of San Diego Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) regulations and permitting. The District will operate the project in compliance with SDAPCD Rule 51 and the required documents and information will be included in the project plans and contractor specifications. The District will obtain all necessary permits from SDAPCD for the proposed active odor control facilities sited along the alignment. Implementation of these odor control measures into the final design of the project would ensure that there are no potentially significant odor impacts with project implementation. Therefore, the proposed project would not generate any objectionable odors that would affect a substantial number of people. Air Quality Mitigation Measures AQ-1 All construction equipment will be maintained at appropriate mechanical and electronic tuning levels per the manufacturer's specifications. Diesel equipment, including dump trucks waiting to deliver or receive soil, gravel, aggregate or other bulk materials, standing idle for more than five minutes shall be turned off in accordance with the Regulation for In- Use Off-Road Vehicles (California Code of Regulations Title 13, Article 4.8, Chapter 9, Section 2449(d)(3)), which took effect June 15, 2008: (A) Idling Limit—No Vehicles or engines subject to this regulation may idle for more than five consecutive minutes. Idling of a vehicle that is owned by a rental company is the responsibility of the renter or lessee, and the rental agreement should so indicate. The idling limit does not apply to: 1. Idling when queuing, Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-13 2. Idling to verify that the vehicle is in safe operating condition, 3. Idling for testing, servicing, repairing or diagnostic purposes, 4. Idling necessary to accomplish work for which the vehicle was designed (such as operating a crane), 5. Idling required to bring the machine system to operating temperature, and 6. Idling necessary to ensure safe operation of the vehicle (B) Written Idling Policy—As of March 1, 2009, medium and large fleets must also have a written idling policy that is made available to operators of the vehicles and informs them that idling is limited to five consecutive minutes or less. (C) Waiver—A fleet owner may apply to the Executive Officer for a waiver to allow additional idling in excess of 5 consecutive minutes. The Executive Officer shall grant such a request upon finding that the fleet owner has provided sufficient justification that such idling is necessary. AQ-2 Project construction shall implement the following measure in order to minimize construction-related emissions due to dust:  Limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 mph. Level of Significance after Mitigation All potential air quality impacts would be reduced below significance thresholds with implementation of the mitigation measures above. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-14 IV. Biological Resources Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the 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? d. Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP), or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? The discussion below is based on a Biological Resources Letter Report (Helix 2014) which is on file and available for review at the District. DISCUSSION a. Less Than Significant with Mitigation. The majority of the study area is characterized by urban/developed land associated with the Palomar Airport Road, Paseo Del Norte, and El Camino Real ROW areas. These areas are primarily occupied by existing paved road, sidewalk, hardscape features, and sparse non-native ornamental landscaping. No native habitat or significant stands of non-native vegetation occur within these portions of the study area. The areas are highly disturbed and routinely used by vehicles and pedestrians. The areas are further subject to regular noise, nighttime lighting, trash, and other disturbances associated with transportation-oriented uses. As such, the areas are of very low biological quality and have extremely limited biological function and value; they are not expected to support any sensitive biological resources. As also discussed above, a short segment of the study area occurs within land associated with the El Camino Real ROW, Palomar Airport Road ROW, and County of San Diego-owned Palomar Airport Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-15 parcels in the eastern portion of the study area. This short segment occurs on and in the immediate vicinity of the El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road intersection. At this location, El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road are six-lane roadways that are subject to regular, high levels of traffic. The segment also occurs directly beneath the approach flight path for aircraft landing at Palomar Airport. As such, the area is subject to high levels of human-related disturbance, especially noise generated by the transportation and aviation uses. No special-status plant species were determined to have a high potential to occur due to lack of suitable habitat and other factors. Additionally, no special-status plant species were observed during the biological surveys in April and June 2013, which included 100 percent visual coverage of undeveloped areas during a time of year when most plant species known to the local area are readily identifiable. Where vegetation is present, it is dominated by non-native plant species typical of ornamental landscaping and disturbed areas, which do not provide suitable conditions for special-status plants. The project site consists primarily of Palomar Airport Road and is predominantly flat with very little topographic relief. The site is mapped as supporting two soil types according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Web Soil Survey (USDA 2013). They are Huerhuero loam (5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded) and Loamy alluvial land-Huerhuero complex (9 to 50 percent slopes, severely eroded). The observed surface soils within the site are highly disturbed due to previous grading and vegetation clearing, ongoing maintenance activities, and placement of landscape groundcover material. Additional information on soils in the project area is contained in Section VI, Geology and Soils below. The underlying soils are highly disturbed and not known to be specifically associated with any special-status plant species. The project would primarily occur within existing developed areas, would result in limited direct impacts to undeveloped habitat that is highly disturbed, and is generally unsuitable for special-status plants. The eastern terminus of the Palomar Airport/El Camino Real project segment occurs in the vicinity of off-site chaparral habitat that is suitable for special-status plant species. The off-site habitat is further designated by the USFWS as critical habitat for the federally listed San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia). Existing disturbed land separates the project site from the off-site habitat and no direct impacts are anticipated to occur. If construction activities are not restricted to designated work areas, inadvertent encroachment into adjacent and off-site sensitive resources could occur, which could potentially impact special-status plant species and USFWS- designated critical habitat. In addition, if not properly controlled, stormwater and non-stormwater runoff from construction work areas has the potential to enter into adjacent sensitive resource areas, potentially resulting in impacts to special-status plant species and degradation of the habitat. Last, if appropriate plant species are not selected, activities associated with the replacement of existing landscaping and, if required, hydroseeding of temporary impact areas could result in introduction of non-native invasive and exotic plant species to the local area. Non- native invasive and exotic plants could become established in adjacent sensitive resource areas, potentially displacing special-status plant species and degrading the habitat. These impacts would be considered potentially significant and mitigation is required. The proposed project would be required to comply with the NPDES Construction General Permit and stormwater management and discharge control requirements. Compliance with existing regulations would help prevent potential impacts associated with stormwater runoff from construction work areas. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-16 Implementation of mitigation measures BIO-1 through BIO-4 below would reduce potentially significant impacts on special-status plant species and their habitat to less than significant levels. No special-status animal species were determined to have a high potential to occur. The project would result in limited direct impacts to existing habitat that is highly disturbed and generally unsuitable for most special-status animal species. Much of the existing habitat within the areas planned for construction occurs within land that has been severely degraded and fragmented. The existing undeveloped land is highly disturbed, surrounded by existing development, locally and regionally isolated, and relatively small, and would not be expected to support any special-status animal species. The Palomar Airport/El Camino Real project site contains trees (i.e., several ornamental pine and eucalyptus trees) and other vegetation () that provide suitable nesting habitat for common birds, including raptors, protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and California Fish and Game Code (CFG Code). Construction of the proposed project could result in the removal or trimming of trees and other vegetation during the general bird nesting season (January 15 through September 15) and, therefore, could result in impacts to nesting birds in violation of the MBTA and CFG Code. Direct impacts could occur as a result of removal of vegetation supporting an active nest. In addition, the eastern terminus of the Palomar Airport/El Camino Real project segment occurs adjacent to off-site chaparral habitat that is suitable for special-status animal species. Although coastal sage scrub-associated species such as the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) are not likely to breed in the off-site habitat, non-listed sensitive species such as southern California rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens) could potentially breed in the off-site habitat. Existing disturbed land separates the project site from the off-site habitat and no direct impacts are anticipated to occur. If construction activities are not restricted to designated work areas, inadvertent encroachment into adjacent and off-site sensitive resources could occur, including potential breeding territories and nests of special-status bird species. Direct impacts could inadvertently occur to active nests supporting eggs or chicks. These potential direct impacts would be considered significant. If not properly controlled, stormwater and non-stormwater runoff from construction work areas has the potential to enter into adjacent sensitive resource areas, potentially resulting in degradation of special-status animal species habitat. Further, if appropriate plant species are not selected for landscaping and restored areas, non-native invasive and exotic plants could become established in adjacent sensitive resource areas, potentially degrading special-status animal species habitat. These potential indirect impacts would be considered significant. Potential indirect impacts on special-status species associated with construction noise would be less than significant given existing high noise levels at the project site. The site occurs among urban areas and along heavily-travelled roadways where noise and other anthropogenic disturbances are frequent. Transportation and aviation uses at this location generate high levels of noise at the project site and immediate area. The site occurs within and immediately adjacent to El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road, which are both major arterials that experience high volumes of traffic on a regular basis. In addition, the flight path for aircraft approaching Palomar Airport occurs directly overhead and further to the east and west of the site. A threshold of 60.0 dBA has been established as a guideline by the USFWS and CDFW for determining potential noise effects on nesting birds, and most notably, special-status species known to the region such as the coastal California gnatcatcher and least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus). Noise exceeding 60.0 dBA has the potential to result in nest abandonment and nest failure. Noise measurements taken Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-17 during two time periods in May 2013 and at a location along Palomar Airport Road to the west of the site recorded average noise levels ranging from 63.8 dBA to 79.8 dBA and maximum noise levels ranging from 78.0 dBA to 87.3 dBA (Miller 2013). Noise levels are expected to be even higher at the project site, given its location at the EL Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road intersection and below the flight path for Palomar Airport. The average and maximum noise levels for the existing baseline condition exceed the 60.0 dBA threshold, and as such, birds selecting to nest in the area are already subjected to potential adverse noise effects. These birds would be expected to have a high tolerance to noise given the existing high levels measured in the area. The proposed project’s contribution to existing noise levels would not be expected to result in adverse effects above and beyond what is already occurring as the baseline condition. Therefore, construction-generated noise would not be expected to result in nest abandonment or nest failure, and any potential indirect impacts would be less than significant. Implementation of mitigation measures BIO-1 through BIO-5 below would reduce potentially significant impacts on special-status animal species and their habitat, including nesting birds, to less than significant levels. b. Less Than Significant with Mitigation. No sensitive natural communities occur within the Palomar Airport Road/El Camino Real project site. The site supports urban/developed land. The project impacts to vegetation communities are summarized below within Table Bio-1. TABLE BIO-1 IMPACTS TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES Vegetation Community Habitat Group Existing* Impacts* Required Mitigation Proposed Mitigation Ratio Acreage Urban/Developed N/A 0.4 <0.1 N/A N/A N/A TOTAL 0.4 <0.1 N/A N/A N/A *Areas are presented in acre(s) rounded to the nearest 0.1. The eastern terminus of the project alignment occurs immediately adjacent to areas characterized by scrub oak chaparral, which is considered a sensitive natural community and Habitat Group D type under the Carlsbad HMP. The habitat is further designated by the USFWS as critical habitat for a listed species. If construction activities are not restricted to designated work areas, inadvertent encroachment into adjacent and off-site sensitive natural communities could occur. In addition, if not properly controlled, stormwater runoff from construction work areas has the potential to enter into adjacent sensitive natural communities. Last, if appropriate plant species are not selected for landscaping and restored areas, non-native invasive and exotic plants could become established in adjacent sensitive resource areas, potentially degrading sensitive natural communities. These impacts would be considered significant. The western terminus of the Project would be located outside of, and approximately 100 feet south of, the North County Habitat Bank and would not have any direct or indirect effects on this Hardline Conservation Area. Biological Resources avoidance and minimization measures (BIO-1, BIO-2 and BIO-3), included in this MND on Pages 2-19 and 2-20, which would require fencing and installation of silt barriers near, any open space areas potentially affected by the Project and Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-18 additional contractor/design specifications that are required to be implemented to ensure the protection of natural resources and the avoidance and minimization of adverse effects. The proposed project would be required to comply with the NPDES Construction General Permit and stormwater management and discharge control requirements and the Carlsbad Standard Urban Storm Water Management Plan (SUSMP). Compliance with existing regulations would help prevent potential impacts to off-site sensitive natural communities associated with stormwater runoff from construction work areas. Implementation of mitigation measures BIO-1 through BIO-4 below would reduce potentially significant impacts on sensitive natural communities to less than significant levels. c. Less Than Significant with Mitigation. No potential jurisdictional waters and wetlands were identified during the general biological surveys. A shallow, east-west trending, round-bottom swale occurs in the southern portions of the Palomar Airport/El Camino Real site. This swale is a man-made roadside ditch associated with an existing storm drain facility within the Palomar Airport Road ROW areas. The round-bottom swale was confirmed to be isolated within an upland area and did not support an ordinary high water mark, riparian habitat, dominance of hydrophytic vegetation, wetland hydrology, or other physical characteristics of a potential jurisdictional wetland or waterway during the surveys. Previous wetland delineation data further substantiate these findings (Merkel & Associates, Inc. 2009). Potential jurisdictional waters and wetlands, including federally protected wetlands, are presumed to be absent from the study area. Therefore, no direct impacts to jurisdictional waters and wetlands are anticipated to occur. Potential jurisdictional waters and wetlands occur at several off-site locations in the vicinity of the study area, namely areas associated with Encinas Creek and unnamed tributaries. If not properly contained and treated, stormwater and non-stormwater runoff could potentially transport pollutants from construction sites into stormwater drainage systems and ultimately to jurisdictional waters and wetlands associated with Encinas Creek and the Pacific Ocean, which would degrade the water quality of these downstream receiving waters. These potential indirect impacts would be considered significant. The proposed project would be required to comply with the NPDES Construction General Permit and stormwater management and discharge control requirements. Compliance with existing regulations would help prevent potential impacts associated with stormwater runoff from construction work areas. Implementation of mitigation measures BIO-2 and BIO-3 would further reduce potentially significant impacts on potential jurisdictional waters and wetlands located off-site to less than significant levels. d. Less Than Significant Impact. No known wildlife corridors or linkages occur on or in the immediate vicinity of the PGDSP project survey area (City of Carlsbad 2004). The study area and immediate vicinity are constrained by existing developments and do not support habitat that would contribute substantially to the assembly and function of any local or regional wildlife corridors or linkages. The closest potential corridor or linkage area occurs as open space and chaparral habitat off-site to the east of the Palomar Airport/El Camino Real project segment within the study area. The site does not encroach into the adjacent open space and does not support any habitat that would contribute to animal Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-19 movement functions in the local area. Further, no permanent aboveground developments are proposed that would serve as a barrier to local animal movement. Therefore, the proposed project would have no significant impact on wildlife movement and nursery sites and no mitigation is required. e. & f. Less Than Significant with Mitigation. The proposed project occurs within the boundaries of the adopted Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP) area, but outside of the HMP Preserve Hardline, Proposed Hardline, and Standards Area. Based on the results of the April and June 2013 biological surveys, the project is not expected to result in any impacts to special-status plant or animal species, including HMP covered species, other listed non-covered species, or narrow endemic species. Further, the project would not result in impacts to any wildlife corridors or linkages, including lands identified within the Carlsbad HMP as Linkage Areas or other areas of local or regional wildlife movement importance. The eastern terminus of the site occurs immediately adjacent to off-site areas characterized by scrub oak chaparral, which is considered a Habitat Group D under the Carlsbad HMP. These off- site areas are contained within Core Area #5 for the Carlsbad HMP and provide suitable habitat for special-status species, including several HMP covered species, non-covered species, and narrow endemic species (Helix 2014). Measures are proposed herein to ensure avoidance of the off-site scrub oak chaparral. If appropriate avoidance and minimization measures are not implemented, project construction and operation could result in potentially significant indirect impacts to off-site Habitat Group D, including habitat potentially occupied by HMP species. Compliance with existing regulations would help prevent potential impacts to off-site Habitat Group D associated with stormwater runoff from construction work areas. Further, implementation of mitigation measures BIO-1 through BIO-4 above would ensure that construction activities are restricted to designated work areas and adjacent Habitat Group D is avoided and protected during project construction and operation. Therefore, with the implementation of mitigation measures BIO-1 through BIO-4, potentially significant impacts to Carlsbad HMP resources would be reduced to less than significant levels and the project would be consistent with the Carlsbad HMP. Biological Resources Mitigation Measures BIO-1 In order to avoid impacts to adjacent open space habitats during construction, 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. At least seven days prior to initiating project impacts, the final plans and photographs for initial clearing and grubbing of habitat and project construction shall be submitted to the District for review and approval. 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 in the area shall cease until the problem has been remedied and mitigation identified, to the satisfaction of a qualified biological monitor. Temporary orange construction fencing shall be removed upon completion of construction of the project. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-20 BIO-2 The District 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. BIO-3 In order to adequately protect the adjacent open spaces, the District shall ensure that the following mitigation measures are implemented during project construction by incorporating them into the design/contractor specifications of the project:  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. 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-4 The hydroseed mix or landscape mix in areas adjacent to open spaces shall not include any invasive exotic seeds or plants 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 District during review of the Erosion Control Plans. Implementation of mitigation measure BIO-5 would ensure that potential impacts to nesting birds protected under the MBTA and CFG Code, including raptors, are avoided during project construction. BIO-5 In the event that the preferred option of utilizing trenchless construction methods (e.g., jack and bore, directional drilling) for pipeline installation between STA 196+00 and STA 201+48 at the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real cannot be implemented, and activities requiring the direct removal, trimming and/or pruning of the eucalyptus and pine trees located along the pipeline alignment at this location are determined necessary for installation, the District shall require that the activities are performed outside of the general breeding season for migratory birds and raptors, which is defined as occurring between January 15 and September 15. If activities requiring the direct removal, trimming and/or pruning of the trees must occur during the general bird breeding season, the District shall retain a qualified biologist to perform a pre-construction survey of the trees to confirm the absence of active nests belonging to migratory birds and raptors afforded protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Fish and Game Code. The pre-construction survey shall be performed no more than three days prior Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-21 to the commencement of removal, trimming, and/or pruning of the eucalyptus and pine trees. If the qualified biologist determines that no active migratory bird or raptor nests occur, the activities shall be allowed to proceed without any further requirements. If the qualified biologist determines that an active migratory bird or raptor nest is present, no impacts shall occur until the young have fledged the nest and the nest is confirmed to no longer be active, as determined by the qualified biologist. Implementation of this measure to ensure compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Fish and Game Code shall be verified by the District. Level of Significance after Mitigation The mitigation measures identified above would reduce potential impacts to biological resources to a level that is less than significant, and no residual impacts would occur. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-22 V. Cultural Resources Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact 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 significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? c. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geological feature? d. Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? The discussion below is based on a Cultural Resources Survey and Letter Report (Affinis, 2013) which is on file and available for review at the District. DISCUSSION a.–d. Less than Significant with Mitigation. A cultural resources study was initially conducted by Affinis in 2010 for the eastern portion of the Project, from the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real westerly to a short distance east of the intersection with Aviara Parkway/College Boulevard. The western portion of the alignment from the intersection of Palomar Airport Road at the College Boulevard/Aviara Parkway intersection to the project’s western terminus was surveyed by Affinis in April 2013. In February 2010, Affinis archaeologists conducted a records search at the South Coastal Information Center (SCIC) at San Diego State University for the project area as defined at that time and a ½-mile radius around it to supplement in-house records from SCIC and the San Diego Museum of Man. The Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) was contacted for a search of their Sacred Lands Files in January 2010. The senior archaeologist discussed the Project with Clint Linton of Red Tail Monitoring and Research (Kumeyaay) and Cami Mojado of Saving Sacred Sites (Luiseño). A field check of the eastern portion of the Project was conducted by Andrew Giletti of Affinis and Cami Mojado of Saving Sacred Sites on January 25, 2010. Mr. Giletti and Ms. Mojado surveyed the portions of the Project alignment along Palomar Airport Road for which no previous survey reports could be found. In April 2013, an updated records search update was conducted at SCIC covering the entire Project alignment and a ½-mile radius around it. The NAHC was contacted for a Sacred Lands File search for the entire alignment as well. On April 25, 2013, Kristina Davison of Affinis and Cami Mojado of Saving Sacred Sites conducted a field survey of the western portion of the Project alignment. Dozens of previous archaeological surveys and studies have been conducted within ½ mile of the Project, including surveys of portions of the alignment along Palomar Airport Road (Cheever and Gallegos 1987; Smith 1990; WESTEC 1987) and the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real (Gallegos et al. 1999; Smith 1990). A testing program was conducted at one site on the south side of Palomar Airport Road (CA-SDI-10,876) in conjunction with improvements to the roadway and an adjacent stream channel (Gallegos and Pigniolo 1988). It is likely that the entire Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-23 Project area was surveyed in conjunction with environmental review for improvements to Palomar Airport Road, the Palomar Oaks development, and other development projects. However, there is a segment for which no reports of surveys were on file at SCIC. This is the segment surveyed by Affinis and Saving Sacred Sites in 2010. Thirty-five archaeological sites and four isolates have been recorded within ½ mile of the project area, none within the Project area itself. Twenty-eight of the sites recorded in the vicinity contain shell; in some cases, the sites are light shell scatters, in others, the site includes a dense shell midden. Some of the sites with shell also include artifacts, and three of them were described as habitation sites, at least one of which included human burials. Deep cultural deposits were noted at several sites. Three of the sites in the vicinity consist of bedrock milling slicks. Three sites were recorded as scatters of flaked lithic artifacts, one site consists of ground stone fragments found during paleontological monitoring, and two shell scatters were later determined to be paleontological in nature. The isolates include a metate, a flake, a core, and a shell fragment. All culture periods seem to be represented in the area; various sites were noted as San Dieguito, Archaic, and Late Prehistoric. The only archaeological site recorded adjacent to the project alignment is CA-SDI-10,876. This site was recorded during a survey in conjunction with proposed road improvements and a storm drain along Palomar Airport Road (Cheever and Gallegos 1987). CA-SDI-10,876 was described as a shell midden with abundant marine shell and approximately 20 pieces of flaked stone debitage on the surface. “Indications of a subsurface deposit were noted in erosional cuts. Heavy disturbance was noted along the north and eastern perimeter of the site” (Gallegos and Pigniolo 1988:2-1). A testing program was conducted at the site, which included nine shovel test pits, one test unit, and two backhoe trenches (Gallegos and Pigniolo 1988). The excavation unit and shovel test pits yielded abundant shell, as well as Tizon Brown Ware pottery, flakes and debitage, a flaked stone tool, 1 stone bowl fragment, and two other ground stone fragments. Historic material included glass, metal, plastic, and wood, as well as road gravel (Gallegos and Pigniolo 1988). “Backhoe trenching was conducted to assess stratigraphic integrity… The trenching revealed that the native subsoil and topsoil were buried by 1 to 2 m of fill” (Gallegos and Pigniolo 1988:3-3). CA-SDI- 10,876 was determined not to be a significant cultural resource. “The cultural midden of SDi- 10876 was moved from another locality perhaps in Carlsbad to the present setting, and as such lacks integrity” (Gallegos and Pigniolo 1988:3-7). During the survey of the western portion of the Project in April 2013, one possible quartz mano fragment was found and collected. Upon further examination in the lab, the item was determined not to be an artifact. The NAHC was contacted in 2010 for a check of their Sacred Lands File with regard to the eastern portion of the Project. The file check did not indicate the presence of Native American cultural resources within 1/2 mile of the Project as it was defined at that time. A Sacred Lands File search for the entire Project alignment was requested from the NAHC in April 2013. This search also “failed to indicate the presence of Native American traditional cultural place(s) in the project site location.” The project area is quite disturbed, and no surface evidence of archaeological resources would be anticipated, with the possible exception of material in fill soils that have been placed along the alignment in conjunction with development of Palomar Airport Road, such as is the case at CA-SDI-10,876. There is a possibility of cultural resources buried beneath fill soils, with no surface evidence. No archaeological material has been identified within or adjacent to the Project. Based on this, no impacts to cultural resources are anticipated. However, there is a potential for unknown buried cultural resources in native soil within the Project area, such as beneath fill soils and in areas of alluvium/colluvium. Sites with relatively deep midden deposits have been recorded in the vicinity, Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-24 including sites with human remains. Therefore, monitoring of excavation/trenching in native soils is recommended. The monitoring program would include a Qualified Archaeologist and a Native American (Luiseño) monitor. If cultural resources are encountered, the monitors would have the authority to temporarily halt or redirect grading/trenching while the artifacts or features are assessed and appropriate mitigation measures are implemented, if necessary. The mitigation measures are detailed below. Cultural Resources Mitigation Measures CR-1 Prior to the start of any grading/trenching/ground-disturbing work on the Project, the City/District shall enter into a pre-excavation agreement with the San Luis Rey Band of Luiseño Mission Indians (San Luis Rey Band), the local Luiseño Native American tribe. The purpose of this agreement shall be to formalize protocols and procedures between the District and the San Luis Rey Band for the protection and treatment of, including but not limited to, Native American human remains, funerary objects, cultural and religious landscapes, ceremonial items, traditional gathering areas and cultural items, located and/or discovered through a monitoring program in conjunction with the construction of the proposed project, including additional archaeological surveys and/or studies, excavations, geotechnical investigations, grading, and all other ground disturbing activities. CR-2 Prior to the start of any grading/trenching/ground-disturbing work on the Project, the District shall provide written and signed verification to the District Manager stating that a Luiseño Native American Monitor and a Qualified Archaeologist have been retained at the District’s expense to implement the monitoring program, as described in the pre- excavation agreement. CR-3 The Qualified Archaeologist shall maintain ongoing consultation with the Luiseño Native American Monitor during ground disturbing activities. The requirement for the monitoring program shall be noted on all applicable construction documents, including demolition plans, grading plans, etc. The District shall notify the District Manager in writing of the start and end of all ground disturbing activities subject to monitoring. CR-4 The Luiseño Native American Monitor and Qualified Archaeologist shall attend all applicable pre-construction meetings with the General Contractor and/or associated Subcontractors to present the monitoring program. The Luiseño Native American Monitor and Qualified Archaeologist shall be present on-site during grubbing, excavating, trenching, and/or any other ground disturbing activities, to identify evidence of potential archaeological resources. This includes excavation/trenching beneath existing artificial fills. If fill materials are used they shall be absent of any and all cultural resources. The Luiseño Native American Monitor and Qualified Archaeologist shall have the authority to halt monitoring activities in areas where excavation is in formational soils and there is potential for cultural material to be encountered. CR-5 The Qualified Archaeologist or the Luiseño Native American Monitor may halt ground disturbing activities if unknown archaeological artifact deposits or cultural features are discovered. Ground disturbing activities shall be directed away from these deposits to allow a determination of potential importance. Isolates and clearly non-significant deposits will be minimally documented in the field, and before grading, excavation, or trenching proceeds these items shall be given to the San Luis Rey Band so that they may be repatriated at a later date. If a determination is made that the unearthed artifact deposits Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-25 or cultural features are considered potentially significant, the San Luis Rey Band shall be notified and consulted with in regards to the respectful and dignified treatment of those resources. The avoidance and protection of the significant cultural resource and/or unique archaeological resource is the preferable mitigation. If however, a data recovery plan is authorized by the District as the Lead Agency under CEQA, the San Luis Rey Band shall be notified and consulted regarding the drafting and finalization of any such recovery plan. For significant artifact deposits or cultural features that are part of a data recovery plan, an adequate artifact sample to address research avenues previously identified for sites in the area will be collected using professional archaeological collection methods. If the Qualified Archaeologist collects such resources, the Luiseño Native American monitor must be present during any testing or cataloging of those resources. Moreover, if the Qualified Archaeologist does not collect the cultural resources that are unearthed during the ground disturbing activities, the Luiseño Native American Monitor may, at their discretion, collect said resources and provide them to the San Luis Rey Band for respectful and dignified treatment in accordance with the Tribe’s cultural and spiritual traditions. CR-6 Following completion of the construction, a monitoring report and/or evaluation report, if appropriate, which describes the results, analysis and conclusions of the archaeological monitoring program (e.g., data recovery plan) shall be submitted by the Qualified Archaeologist, along with the Luiseño Native American monitor’s notes and comments, to the Director of Community Development for approval. CR-7 As specified by California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5, if human remains are found on the project site during ground disturbing activities or during archaeological work, the person responsible for the excavation, or his or her authorized representative, shall immediately notify the San Diego County Coroner’s office by telephone. No further excavation or disturbance of the site or any nearby area reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent remains shall occur until the Coroner has made the necessary findings as to origin and disposition pursuant to Public Resources Code 5097.98. If such a discovery occurs, a temporary construction exclusion zone shall be established surrounding the area of the discovery so that the area would be protected, and consultation and treatment could occur as prescribed by law. By law, the Coroner will determine within two working days of being notified if the remains are subject to his or her authority. If the Coroner recognizes the remains to be Native American, he or she shall contact the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) within 24 hours. The NAHC will make a determination as to the Most Likely Descendent. If Native American remains are discovered, the remains shall be kept in situ, or in a secure location in close proximity to where they were found, and the analysis of the remains shall only occur on-site in the presence of a Luiseño Native American Monitor. Level of Significance after Mitigation Implementation of the mitigation measures above would reduce potential impacts to cultural resources to a level that is less than significant, and no residual impacts would occur. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-26 VI. Geology and Soils Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact a. Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: 1. 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 known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Pub 42. 2. Strong seismic ground shaking? 3. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? 4. 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 soil, as defined in Table 18-1- B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), 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? The discussion below is summarized and based on the findings contained within the Preliminary Geologic and Geotechnical Investigation-Westerly Segment prepared by TerraCosta Consulting Group (April 25, 2013) and the Geotechnical Design Report prepared by TerraCosta Consulting Group (October 13, 2009). Both reports are on file and available for review at the District. DISCUSSION a1. No Impact. The purpose of the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act is to mitigate the hazard of surface faulting by preventing the construction of buildings used for human occupancy over an area with known faults. Unlike damage from ground shaking, which can occur at great distances from the fault, impacts from fault rupture are limited to the immediate area of the fault zone where the fault breaks along the ground surface. The project site is not located within an Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone; therefore, impacts from ground rupture within the project area would be expected to be low, and no direct impacts would arise from project implementation. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-27 a2. Less than Significant Impact. The project area, like most of Southern California, is subject to strong ground shaking from seismic events. The ground motion characteristics of any future earthquakes in the region would depend on the characteristics of the generating fault, the distance to the epicenter, the magnitude of the earthquake, and the site-specific geologic conditions. There are no known active or potentially active faults, which intercept the project site; however, major faults in the region could be a source of a strong seismic-related movement along the project site. The Geotechnical Design Report (2009) concluded the project risk associated with fault rupture is low, which translates into a less than significant impact under CEQA. a3. Less than Significant Impact. Liquefaction is a phenomenon in which a saturated cohesion less soil causes a temporary transformation of the soil to a fluid mass, resulting in a loss of support. The proposed project located on soil deposits that have a very low to negligible susceptibility to liquefaction; and would therefore not expose people and structures to potential seismic-related ground failure. Although significant surface water and groundwater flows are not anticipated to be encountered along the majority of the alignment, it is possible that local perched groundwater conditions may be encountered, depending on seasonal rainfall conditions and local irrigation practices (TerraCosta, 2009). Due to the dense nature of the soil materials underlying the site and the lack of near surface water, the potential for liquefaction or seismically-induced settlement at the site is considered low. A less than significant impact from liquefaction would be expected to occur with project implementation. a4. Less than Significant Impact. The Geotechnical Design Report (2009) investigation included review of aerial photographs, published reports, geologic maps, and site reconnaissance, which did not reveal any features indicative of ancient natural landslides crossing the proposed pipeline alignment. However, review of DMG Open File Report No. 95-04, Landslide Hazards in the Northern Part of San Diego Metropolitan Area, San Diego County, California, Landslide Hazard Identification Map No. 35 (Plate 35D, Encinitas Quadrangle), dated 1995, stated the site is located within an area that is designated Landslide Susceptibility 3-1, making the area generally susceptible to landsliding. The Geotechnical Design Report (2009) concluded that assuming the extensive grading and development along, and adjacent to, Palomar Airport Road and the proposed pipeline alignment has mitigated the previously identified landslides. Therefore, a less than significant impact from landslide would be expected to occur with project implementation. b. Less than Significant Impact. The project alignment is located within the Peninsular Ranges Geomorphic Province. Located along the westerly margin of this province are the coastal terraces that form that coastal plain of San Diego County. The geology of the coastal plain is characterized by thick sequences of interbedded Eocene marine siltstones, claystones, sandstones, and conglomerates covered by a veneer of recently developed soils. At depth, these deposits are underlain by Jurassic to Cretaceous-age metavolcanic and granitic rocks, which rise toward the east and north. The Geotechnical Design Report (2009) encountered along the entire alignment, the middle Eocene- age Santiago Formation consists of light colored, poorly bedded, poorly indurated, fine- to medium-grained sandstone interbedded with siltstone and claystone. As discussed in Section 4.5.2.3 of the City of Vista GP 2030 Update Program EIR, Santiago Formation deposits have a high paleontological sensitivity. High sensitivity is assigned to geologic formations known to Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-28 contain paleontological localities with rare, well-preserved, and/or critical fossil materials for stratigraphic or paleoenvironmental interpretation, and fossils providing important information about the paleobiology and phylogeny (evolutionary history) of wildlife and plant groups. Generally speaking, highly sensitive formations are known to produce, or have the potential to produce vertebrate fossils. To ensure no significant impacts to paleontological resources occur with project implementation, Cultural Resources Mitigation Measures 1-6 have been incorporated into the proposed project as noted above in Section V. Cultural Resources above. Alluvium and colluvium soils, which are deposited in the bottoms of the natural drainages, consist predominantly of unconsolidated silts, clays, sands, and occasional gravels derived from the local hillsides. As well as, fill soils covering much of the alignment, with estimated depths ranging from 0 to 25+ feet. These fill soils, which are typically derived locally from the above-described formational units, consist predominantly of silty sands and sandy clays to clayey sands. Soils would be removed during excavation operations associated with construction of the proposed project. Because the majority of the project components would be located within roadways and existing right of way there would be no significant impacts related to the loss of topsoil. Regardless, standard design features and construction measures incorporated in the project (as outlined in Table 2-3 of the Program EIR and listed as Project Design Features in Appendix A of this MND/IS) include compliance with the Construction General Permit which requires the development and implementation of a SWPPP (refer to Hydrology and Water Quality section for inclusion to the mitigation program) well as implementation of BMPs. Because the proposed projects would result in the disturbance to approximately 1.8 acres of land, the District will comply with BMP’s and prepare a SWPPP. General BMPs include erosion controls, sediment controls, tracking controls, wind erosion control, non-stormwater management, and materials and water management. Implementation of these BMPs and SWPPP would ensure that erosion impacts would remain below a level of significance (City of Vista, 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update Final Program EIR, 2008). Short-term erosion effects during the construction phase of the project would be prevented through implementation of the sedimentation control plan, which includes the implementation of standard practices such as sandbags, silt fencing, and temporary detention to control on-site and off-site erosion. The project would also be required to implement the recommendations in the Preliminary Geologic and Geotechnical Report (2013) and the Geotechnical Design Report (2009) [which are listed within Appendix A of this MND/IS),) to ensure that potential soil erosion effects are minimized. c. Less than Significant Impact. Please also refer to responses a3 and b above. The Palomar Airport Road/El Camino Real site is predominantly flat with very little topographic relief. Elevations range from approximately 296 feet above mean sea level (amsl) in the eastern portion of the site to approximately 283 feet amsl in the western portion. No major land features characterize the site. A shallow, east-west trending, swale occurs in the southern portions of the site. This swale is a man-made roadside ditch associated with an existing storm drain facility within the Palomar Airport Road ROW areas. The round-bottom swale was confirmed to be isolated within an upland area and does not support an ordinary high water mark, riparian habitat, dominance of hydrophytic vegetation, wetland hydrology, or other physical characteristics of a potential jurisdictional wetland or waterway. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-29 The site is mapped as supporting two soil types according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Web Soil Survey (USDA 2013). They are Huerhuero loam (5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded) and Loamy alluvial land-Huerhuero complex (9 to 50 percent slopes, severely eroded). The observed surface soils within the site are highly disturbed as a result of previous grading and vegetation clearing, ongoing maintenance activities, and placement of landscape groundcover material. Construction of the project would not increase the potential for on-site or off-site soil erosion, landslides, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, collapse, or shrinking and swelling (due to soil expansion) to occur. Before construction begins, the District or contractor is required to prepare a SWPPP and implement standard erosion control measures and stormwater construction BMPs (through the grading permit process) that would minimize potentially significant impacts from soil erosion during construction. The Geotechnical Design Report (2009) concluded that the proposed project is located on soil deposits that have a very low to negligible susceptibility to liquefaction. Therefore, with the incorporation and adherence to the recommendations of the geotechnical report in project design and construction, the potential for subsidence, lateral spreading, landslide, or liquefaction would be less than significant. d. Less than Significant Impact. Expansive soils generally consist of certain clay materials that occur naturally, and are generally found in areas that historically were flood plain or lake areas. Expansive soil is subject to shrinking and swelling. The amount of shrink and swell varies in proportion to the amount of moisture present in the soil. These types of soil characteristics can pose a threat to overlying structures. According to the Geotechnical Design Report, the clayey portions of the existing fills, the colluvium, and the Santiago Formation are considered expansive. As such, the use of these expansive soils should be restricted to general fill, and should not be used as backfill around pipes in accordance with the recommendations of the geotechnical report and impacts would be less than significant. e. No Impact. The proposed project would tie into existing sewers, avoiding the need to use septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems. As a result, significant impacts would not occur with project development. Geology and Soils Mitigation Measures None required. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-30 VII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact 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? The discussion below is based in part on the findings contained within the Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Technical Report (RCH Group, 2014) prepared for the proposed project. This report is on file and available for review at the District. DISCUSSION a. Less than Significant Impact. The County of San Diego has prepared guidelines for analysis of GHG emissions (Guidelines for Determining Significance and Report Format and Content Requirements, 2013) that include screening criteria that identify projects that would not require a full Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions analysis. Projects that fall under the screening criteria would be exempt from GHG analysis because they would produce GHG emissions of less than 2,500 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e) per year. The proposed pipeline (approximately 3.7 miles in length) falls under the screening criteria for a new pipeline of no more than 11 miles; that would disturb no more than 81 acres of land; and have no more than 3,100 cubic yards per day of soil hauling. This pipeline project would be smaller than each of the criteria. Therefore, no further GHG analysis is required for the proposed project. However, GHG emissions from construction were estimated to ensure the project would produce GHG emissions of less than 2,500 MT CO2e per year. The Road Construction Emissions Model (version 7.1.2) was used with proposed project assumptions to calculate the air quality criteria pollutants, and the Model also calculated GHG emissions from the pipeline construction. Construction GHG emissions are reported as CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emission levels. Construction-related calculations include emissions from numerous sources, including diesel and gas mobile construction equipment associated with trenching and installation of the pipelines, and asphalt off-gassing. As shown in Table GHG-1, construction GHG emissions would be approximately 1,265 metric tons per year. The proposed project’s incremental contribution to global climate change would not be considered cumulatively significant. As such, the proposed project’s project-specific and cumulative contributions of GHG emissions are less than significant. TABLE GHG-1 POTENTIAL PROJECT RELATED GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Annual Emissions Construction-Related Emissions (Metric Tons of CO2e) Proposed Project 1,265 San Diego County Screening Criteria* 2,500 Significant?* No Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-31 b. Less than Significant Impact. In response to Executive Order (EO) S-3-05 (June 2005), which declared California’s vulnerability to climate change, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32) was signed into effect on September 27, 2006. In passing the bill, the California Legislature found that “Global warming poses a serious threat to the economic well-being, public health, natural resources, and the environment of California…” (California Health & Safety Code, Division 25.5, Part 1). Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to global climate change include CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, hydro fluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. Emissions of CO2 occur largely from combustion of fossil fuels. The major categories of fossil fuel combustion CO2 sources can be broken into sectors for residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, and electricity generation. The transportation sector includes all motor gasoline and diesel fuel combustion, and the GHG emissions of this sector are not split into activities or uses (i.e., there is no separate estimate for the level of GHG emissions caused by gasoline or diesel fuel combustion related to statewide construction activities). Other GHG emissions such as methane and nitrous oxide are also tracked by state inventories but occur in much smaller quantities. The global warming potential of methane is about 21 times that of CO2. When quantifying GHG emissions, the different global warming potentials of GHG pollutants are usually taken into account by normalizing their rates to an equivalent CO2 emission rate (shown as CO2e). There are no City of Carlsbad plans or policies regarding GHG emissions from construction. However, as noted in section a) above, GHG emissions during project construction were estimated to be below the San Diego County screening size for projects requiring full GHG analysis. In addition, the project would not conflict with the State’s ability to reach the overall goals of AB 32 because of the minimal amount of overall GHG emissions (estimated at 1,265 MT CO2e). Therefore, the project would not conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. Impacts would be less than significant. Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures None required. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-32 VIII. Hazards and Hazardous Materials Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact 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 the 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 the environment? e. For a Project located 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? The discussion below is based partially on research and analysis of hazards and hazardous materials provided in the Preliminary Geotechnical Report prepared by Terra Costa Consulting Group, April 2013. This report is on file and available for review at the District. DISCUSSION a. – c. Less than Significant Impact. The Carlsbad Fire Department enforces local, State, and federal hazardous materials regulations for the city. City regulations include securing of hazardous materials containers to prevent spills, and spill containment and mitigation. In addition, the State Fire Marshal enforces pipeline safety Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-33 regulations, and the federal government enforces hazardous materials transport pursuant to its interstate commerce regulation authority. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory as standard permitting conditions, and would minimize the potential for the accidental release or upset of hazardous materials, thus ensuring public safety. Therefore, compliance with the above referenced requirements would result in less than significant impacts with respect to the creation of significant hazards to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. Furthermore, the project would not generate, store, dispose of, or transport large quantities of hazardous substances during construction or operations. Construction equipment that would be used to build the proposed project has the potential to release oils, greases, solvents, and other finishing materials through accidental spills. However, implementation of existing federal, State, and local regulations pertaining to hazardous materials handling and storage, impacts from reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions during the project construction and operations would be less than significant. Operation of the project would not expose on-site users or the surrounding community to any health hazards from hazardous materials, and no significant impacts would occur. Operation of the project would not result in the generation, storage, disposal, or transportation of hazardous materials. Based on the regulatory requirements pertaining to hazards materials, the proposed project would not be expected to result in significant hazardous impacts. The County of San Diego has indicated that this project will be within 1,000 feet of the closed Palomar Airport Landfill. The County has provided a map and monitoring report showing the landfill limits. The map (contained in Appendix E of the 2013 Preliminary Geologic and Geotechnical Report) shows the area where the proposed pipeline crosses Palomar Airport will be outside of Unit 3 of the actual landfill. Further, there is a monitoring well (MW-7) at the southwest corner of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real, and the report stated that based on the monitoring all offsite structures appeared to be adequately protected from migrating landfill- generated methane gas. This information will be included in the final specifications to the Contractor. There are no schools within one-quarter mile of the project alignment and the proposed project would not emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste. Consequently, project development would not create any significant hazardous impacts to schools. d. Less Than Significant with Mitigation. The entire project site has been previously disturbed or developed. As part of Terra Costa’s geotechnical investigations, they reviewed the California State Water Resources Control Board, Geotracker Website (http://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov) for nearby active environmental clean- up sites. While their review did not indicate any currently open/active cases, there is the possibility that contaminated soils may remain exist that could require special handling and disposal. The projectalignment as of the 60% Design has been determined. Based on final geotechnical analysis and recommendation, there are no significant geotechnical-related issued that would adversely influence the project design. A Community Health and Safety Plan (HASP) has been developed by a Certified Industrial Hygienist for this project which establishes the protocol for safe removal and disposal of any hazardous materials encountered during project construction. While hazardous materials are not Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-34 anticipated to be encountered during construction, a mitigation measure has been included to address a condition in the event this does occur. With implementation of mitigation measure HM- 1, impacts would be reduced to less than significant levels with project implementation. No environmental concerns were observed during on-site reconnaissance. No evidence of release of hazardous materials, sumps, Underground Storage Tanks, past subsurface investigations, or adverse site usage was identified on the project site. No current or historical recognized environmental conditions (RECs) were identified by Terra Costa Consulting Group. There are no structures on-site containing Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) or Lead Based Paint (LBP) on-site in the form of flooring and roofing materials, windows, doors, walls, and doorframes. Therefore, no impacts would occur. A record search (http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/SiteCleanup/Cortese_List.cfm - accessed March 30, 2010) indicted that the project alignment is not located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5. The provisions in Government Code Section 65962.5 are commonly referred to as the "Cortese List.” The Hazardous Waste and Substances Sites “Cortes List” is a planning document used by the State, local agencies and developers to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act requirements in providing information about the location of hazardous materials release sites. Government Code section 65962.5 requires the California Environmental Protection Agency to develop at least annually an updated Cortese List. While the project site was not identified on any of the databases, eight off-site properties were identified from the database search. However, none of these adjacent properties poses a significant environmental risk to the subject site due to their status, and location relative to the project site. Therefore, no significant hazard or to the public or environment from a site listed pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 is anticipated with implementation of the project. e.-h. No Impact. The project alignment is located directly south of McClellan-Palomar Airport and within the Airport Influence Area (AIA) (Carlsbad General Plan and McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan). McClellan-Palomar Airport is a general aviation, publicly owned airport facility located in the Carlsbad vicinity. The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (SDCRAA) acts as the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) for the San Diego region as provided in Section 21670.3 of the California Public Utilities Code, and is charged with developing Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans (ALUCPs) for each airport in the County. SDCRAA prepared an ALUCP for the McClellan- Palomar Airport in order to: (1) provide for the orderly growth of the airport and the area surrounding the airport; and (2) safeguard the general welfare of the inhabitants within the vicinity of the airport and the public in general (SDCRAA 2004). The most recent ALUCP was adopted in January 2010 and amended in March 2010. The ALUCP identifies an Airport Influence Area (AIA) to designate the general area in which current and future airport-related noise, over flight, safety, and/or airspace protection factors may affect land uses or necessitate restrictions on the uses. Implementation of the ALUCP is intended to reduce the adverse impacts from aircraft noise, limit the increase in the number of people exposed to airport approach hazards, and ensure that no structures are erected that are deemed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to be hazards and that no obstructions are erected that either individually or cumulatively cause and adverse safety effect on air navigation as determined by the FAA (City of Vista, 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update Program EIR, 2008). Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-35 Due to the nature of the project which is a short-term, linear underground pipeline project which would be constructed within existing roadways, project construction and operation would not affect the operation of the airport nor would the project be affected by airport operations; consequently, development of the project would not create any airport land use compatibility impacts for the reasons detailed below. Large fixed cranes (such as those being used to construct the seawater desalination project) are not required for project pipeline installation and general construction activities because: 1. The pipeline diameters for this project are considerably smaller (24 inch versus 48 inch or greater), permitting narrow trench. 2. The Project will not construct any permanent above grade structures in the airport approach opposed to the multi-story structure at the desalination complex. 3. The proposed depth of the pipeline is significantly less facilitating the use of smaller equipment. The list of anticipated equipment to be used for pipeline construction is listed below on page 2-51. Preliminary coordination with FAA codes and ordinances imply that project construction activities and equipment will not be categorized as temporary obstructions based on the existing topographical features of the area and the available horizontal distance from construction activities from the end of runway. A project analysis has been submitted to the FAA and no significant impacts are anticipated. The proposed project would not require the closure of any public or private streets or roadways. A traffic control plan would be prepared prior to construction to ensure that project construction activities do not impede access of emergency vehicles to the project or any surrounding areas, and it would provide all required emergency access in accordance with the requirements of the Carlsbad Fire Department. With incorporation of the traffic control measures and adherence to applicable regulations and SCA’s (See Appendix A), the project would not significantly impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. As a result, no significant impacts to emergency response would occur. The project site is not identified as being located within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone on the Carlsbad Draft Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map prepared by the California Department of Forest and Fire Protection’s Fire and Resource Assessment Program, which is incorporated into the citywide GIS. Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps are intended to be used for implementing wildland- urban interface (WUI) building standards for new construction; natural hazard real estate disclosure; 100-foot defensible space clearance requirements around buildings; property development standards, including road widths, water supply, and signage; and consideration in general plans. Because the site is not located within an identified fire hazard severity zone, no significant impacts from wildfires would occur. Hazards and Hazardous Materials Mitigation Measures HM-1 The District shall ensure that all trash, debris, and waste materials are disposed of off-site, in accordance with current local, state, and federal disposal regulations, including any containers which may contain paint. Any hazardous materials which may be potentially encountered during construction will be evaluated prior to removal and disposal consistent with the construction HASP and throughout daily construction operations.. Any buried Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-36 trash/debris shall be evaluated by a Qualified Environmental Professional (as defined by 40 Code of Federal Regulation Section 312.10) prior to removal. Level of Significance after Mitigation The mitigation measure identified above would reduce potential impacts associated with hazards and hazardous materials to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, no significant unavoidable adverse impacts relating to these resources would occur Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-37 IX. Hydrology and Water Quality Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact a. Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements, including but not limited to increasing pollutant discharges to receiving waters? b. Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? d. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount 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 storm water 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 hazard delineation map? h. Place within a 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. Contribute to inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? The following discussion is based in part on a draft Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan being prepared by Lee & Ro. (February 2014) and the Preliminary Geologic and Geotechnical Report and the Geotechnical Design Report by TerraCosta, prepared in 2013 and 2009, respectively. Each of these reports is on file and available for review at the District. DISCUSSION a. Less than Significant Impact. The 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update Program EIR (City of Vista and Buena Sanitation District) determined the proposed project may result in the transport of sediment and pollutants into local Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-38 drainage systems during construction; however, these impacts were associated with the original alignment and would not necessarily occur with the current Buena Outfall alignment located primarily within existing roadways. Project components built during the rainy season could impact water quality as a result of runoff and sediment transport during construction activities. Construction and operation of project components may require trench dewatering. Dewatering may result in potential impacts to surface water quality if not performed in accordance with applicable discharge permits. Standard design features and construction measures incorporated in the project are listed below and are intended to minimize water quality impacts. Project components would require adherence to different standards conditional on the amount of land impacted during grading activities. Because the proposed project would impact more than one acre of land (20,000 linear feet x 4 foot wide trench) , the District would be required to comply with the Construction General Permit, which requires the development and implementation of a SWPPP. To address potential water quality impacts due to project construction, BMPs would be implemented during construction. Selected BMPs from the City of Carlsbad Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) (updated January 14, 2011), would be applied to reduce pollutants to maximum levels (see Table HWQ-1 for BMPs incorporated into the project’s design). Minimizing the proposed project’s effects on water quality, as well as compliance with State and local requirements can be most effectively achieved by using a combination of BMPs which include Source Control, and for Priority projects shall include Treatment Control measures. These design and control measures employ a multi-level strategy which consists of: 1) reducing or eliminating post-project runoff; 2) controlling sources of pollutants; and 3) treating stormwater runoff before discharging it to the storm drain system or to receiving waters Short-term erosion impacts during the construction of the project would be prevented through implementation of an erosion control plan. An erosion control plan is required and would include construction BMPs such as:  Silt Fence, Fiber Rolls, or Gravel Bag  Street Sweeping and Vacuuming  Storm Drain Inlet Protection  Stabilized Construction Entrance/Exit  Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance, Cleaning, and Fueling  Material Delivery and Storage  Stockpile Management  Spill Prevention and Control  Solid Waste Management  Concrete Waste Management Although the proposed project is a linear underground project (LUP) according to the State Water Resources Control Board, the area of construction disturbance would be approximately 1.8 acres (20,000 linear feet long and approximately 4 feet wide) which is over the 1.0 acre threshold. Therefore, a Notice of Intent (NOI) will be filed with the California State Water Resources Control Board to obtain an NPDES General Permit for stormwater discharges associated with land disturbances of one acre or greater. Other local San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board permits will be obtained as applicable and required. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-39 In accordance with the City of Carlsbad SUSMP, all development projects must be reviewed under the City’s “Stormwater Standards Questionnaire” to determine if a project would be considered a “priority” project. Priority projects are required to incorporate post-construction (or permanent) Low Impact Development (LID) site design, source control, and treatment control BMPs into the project’s design. The proposed project is classified as a priority project. Implementation of the project specific NPDES Permit requirements (e.g., SWPPP and Erosion and Sediment Control Plan with BMPs) are intended by design to prevent water quality degradation and reduce potential impacts to water quality during construction and operational activities. Therefore, potential impacts would not be significant. b. Less than Significant Impact. Although significant surface water and groundwater flows are not anticipated to be countered along the majority of the alignment, it is possible that local perched groundwater conditions may be encountered, depending on seasonal rainfall conditions and local irrigation practices. Groundwater may also be encountered at the westerly end of the alignment (TerraCosta, Geotechnical Design Report, 2009). However, the construction and operation of the proposed project would not use groundwater and would not directly affect groundwater levels. Dewatering may be required to prepare sites for pipeline installation; yet, the potential impact to groundwater would be temporary and would not substantially deplete groundwater supplies. In addition, the amount of groundwater that would be directed to stormwater drainage systems would not exceed capacity for those systems. Therefore, impacts to groundwater supplies would be less than significant (City of Vista, 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update Program EIR, 2008). c.-d. Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project entails the construction of a new underground sewer pipeline within Palomar Airport Road. All project components are located underground, with the exception of the odor control facilities, and project construction would ultimately result in restoration of the project site to its original condition. The proposed project would not alter the course of a stream or river. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant. e. Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project could temporarily contribute runoff to the existing stormwater system during construction and maintenance activities. The amount of runoff generated during such activities would be minimal and short-term. Furthermore, the proposed project would be required to adhere to Section 402 of the NPDES, which requires implementation of a SWPPP and BMPs to address water quality impacts (listed as a standard condition of approval below). The proposed project would not exceed the capacity of the existing stormwater system, nor would the project provide substantial sources of polluted runoff. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant (City of Vista, 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update Program EIR, 2008). f. Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation. The Preliminary Geologic and Geotechnical Report and the Geotechnical Design Report (TerraCosta, 2013 and 2009, respectively) concluded that regional groundwater is not anticipated to be encountered. However, mitigation measure HWQ-1 has been included in the event that local seepages and perched water and, depending upon the depth of excavation, local groundwater Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-40 zones are encountered, especially in the buried natural drainages that exist along the proposed alignment. The project alignment is located within the watershed that drains to the Pacific Ocean via Encinas Creek. Both waterbodies are identified on the SWRCB’s Section 303(d) List of Impaired Water Bodies. If not properly contained and treated, stormwater and non-stormwater runoff could potentially transport pollutants from construction sites into stormwater drainage systems and ultimately to jurisdictional waters and wetlands associated with Encinas Creek and the Pacific Ocean, which would degrade the water quality of these downstream receiving waters. These potential indirect impacts would be considered significant. The proposed project would be required to comply with the NPDES Construction General Permit and stormwater management and discharge control requirements. Compliance with existing regulations would help prevent potential impacts associated with stormwater runoff from construction work areas. Implementation of mitigation measures HWQ-1 and BIO-2 and BIO-3 would reduce potentially significant water quality impacts on potential jurisdictional waters and wetlands located off-site to less than significant levels. Stormwater runoff during construction activities would be addressed via adherence to the General Construction Permit which requires development of a SWPPP and BMPs. Compliance with the mitigation measures, General Permit, and implementation of BMPs would reduce potential impacts to water quality to below a level of significance (City of Vista, 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update Program EIR, 2008). Types of Construction BMPs Source control BMPs are intended to minimize, to the maximum extent practicable, the introduction of pollutants and conditions of concern that may result in significant impacts generated from site runoff to off-site drain systems. Treatment control BMPs are intended to treat stormwater runoff before it discharges off-site. According to the Carlsbad SUSMP (2011), specific localized treatment control BMPs are more effective at reducing or minimizing pollutants of concern than other types of BMPs. Each type of BMP that would be implemented during the construction phase of the proposed project is shown in Table HWQ-1, below. Post construction Stormwater BMPs will be satisfied through the MS4 program (refer to the SWPPP.). TABLE HWG-1 PROJECT RELATED BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Construction Stormwater Management BMPs Erosion and Sediment Control Tracking Control Wind Erosion Control Stockpile Management Non-storm Water Control Waste Management and Materials Pollution Control The implementation of construction BMPs would reduce, to the maximum extent feasible, all anticipated pollutants of concern. Therefore, development of the proposed project would have a less than significant impact on water quality standards or waste discharge requirements. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-41 Groundwater Impacts Groundwater was not encountered during subsurface investigations undertaken as part of the Geotechnical Report (Terra Costa, 2013). However, mitigation measure HWQ-1 and mitigation measures BIO-2 and BIO-3 have been included in the event that local seepages and perched water are encountered along the proposed alignment. Consequently, no significant impacts to groundwater resources are anticipated with development of the project. Hydrology/Drainage Impacts The proposed project is a linear, underground pipeline project that would be constructed primarily within the existing roadway of Palomar Airport Road. Therefore, the existing site runoff locations will be maintained in the post developed site condition and drainage patterns will not be significantly altered as a result of the proposed development. As a result, development of the proposed project would not result in substantial erosion, siltation, or flooding on- or off-site, or exceed the capacity of existing or planned downstream stormwater drainage systems. In addition, the development of the project would incorporate construction and permanent BMPs that would reduce, to the maximum extent feasible, all potential construction-related project pollutants; therefore, the proposed project would not otherwise substantially degrade water quality and development of the project would result in less than significant impacts. g. No Impact. The proposed project does not involve construction of housing; therefore, flood risk to housing would not be an issue for this project. The majority of all project components would be placed underground with the exception of up to five odor control units. The odor control units will be unmanned and above ground and located adjacent to the existing roadways along the project alignment, which are located outside the floodplain. Thus, there would be no impacts associated with exposure of people or structures to a significant risk or loss, injury, or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam with project implementation. h. No Impact. No portion of the project alignment is located within a 100-year floodplain or floodway. No portion of the project would impede or redirect flow because all project components are underground with the exception of the odor control facilities, which would be located outside of the roadway and adjacent to the roadway right of way. All areas of where active construction would occur would be returned to pre-construction contours. Flood capacity would not be altered as a result of project components and no impacts to flooding would occur with project implementation. i. Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project is not located within a dam inundation zone (SanGIS 2013), and all project components would be placed underground except for the odor control facilities. Thus, impacts associated with exposure of people or structures to a significant risk or loss, injury, or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam, would be less than significant. j. Less than Significant Impact. The project site is predominantly flat with little topographic relief. Elevations range from approximately 296 feet amsl in the eastern portion of the site to approximately 283 feet amsl in the western portion. Therefore, the potential for mudflow is low. The project is located east of Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-42 Interstate 5 and approximately 1 mile east of the Pacific Ocean at an elevation that is almost 300 feet above sea level. The majority of the project would be installed underground. Therefore, given the location and nature of the project, exposure of structures to inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow is unlikely; therefore, less than significant impacts are anticipated. Hydrology and Water Quality Mitigation Measures HWQ-1: Mitigation measures listed below shall be implemented in order to reduce impacts to jurisdictional waters.  Prior to construction, the District shall obtain all necessary permits to comply with the federal Clean Water Act, state discharge permitting requirements, and local grading ordinances. Copies of each permit shall be maintained at the project site for the duration of construction.  Biological Resources mitigation measures BIO-2 and BIO-3 provide mitigation for projects affecting downstream waters and potential wetlands. Level of Significance after Mitigation With implementation of the mitigation measures listed above, residual impacts to hydrology and water quality would be less than significant. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-43 X. Land Use and Planning Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact a. Disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of 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 Comprehensive Plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c. Be incompatible with existing land use in the vicinity? DISCUSSION a.-c. No Impact. The proposed project is an identified City of Vista/District Capital Improvement Project [CIP #8131]. The project consists of the rerouting of the Buena Outfall Force Main and gravity sewer bypassing the existing outfall alignment which runs through an industrial park and riparian corridor south of Palomar Airport Road. The existing outfall will remain in place to serve existing City of Carlsbad sewer connections and previously approved development. The proposed project alignment is located wholly within existing roadways and would not disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of the community, or conflict with any applicable land use policy, or be incompatible with the existing land uses in the project vicinity. The project alignment would be located within the existing roadway or right-of-way (ROW) of Palomar Airport Road. A short segment of the project alignment would be located within developed land associated with the Paseo Del Norte ROW and a commercial property (Motel 6) in the western portion of the study area. In addition, a short segment occurs within developed and undeveloped land associated with the El Camino Real ROW, Palomar Airport Road ROW, and County of San Diego-owned Palomar Airport parcels (Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 213-020-18 and 209-050-25) in the eastern portion of the study area. The project requires a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) from the City of Carlsbad for construction of the proposed project. The proposed project’s consistency with the City’s General Plan, Municipal Code, and other land use plans and policies is discussed below. General Plan The City of Carlsbad is in the process of updating its General Plan. The Carlsbad City Council expressed their preference for the General Plan Update (Envision Carlsbad) Land Use Map on September 11, 2012. The majority of the project site has a planned land use designation of Prime Arterial. The project site is partially located within the Coastal Zone. The City's coastal zone has been divided into six segments and separate Local Coastal Programs (LCPs) regulate each segment. The boundaries of the City's Coastal Zone were established by the State. The City has a certified Local Coastal Program for the portion of the City in which the project site is located (Mello 2 Segment) and therefore has jurisdiction to issue a CDP under the Coastal Act. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-44 The project site is also located within the McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Planning area. California law requires preparation of airport land use compatibility plans for each public-use and military airport in the state. The basic function of such plans is to promote compatibility between airports and the land uses that surround them. For McClellan-Palomar Airport, the San Diego County Airport Land Use Commission has prepared and adopted the McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP). As required by State law, Carlsbad's General Plan must be consistent with the adopted ALUCP. As described above, the proposed project would be consistent with key applicable goals and policies in the Land Use Element of the Carlsbad General Plan (City of Carlsbad, 2010). Therefore, no significant land use impacts would occur with project implementation. Circulation Element The project alignment is located within several existing roadways including El Camino Real, Palomar Airport Road, and Paseo Del Norte. As discussed in the Transportation/Traffic section of this document, implementation of the proposed project would not have an adverse effect on traffic, circulation, bus routes/transit, pedestrians or cyclists because the majority of the project alignment would be constructed at night, thereby avoiding morning and evening peak hour traffic. A traffic control plan has been prepared to ensure the potential impacts to traffic, including short- term detours, are minimized to the maximum extent feasible. All affected roadways will be restored to their pre-project conditions by the District following the conclusion of all construction activities. Other General Plan Elements The proposed project would be conditioned to comply with all applicable noise, safety, and open space City standards regarding land use. Consequently, no inconsistencies with the City’s Noise Element and Public Safety Element, and Conservation Element are anticipated as a result of project development; therefore, no impact to the City’s General Plan would be expected to occur. Zoning Code As noted above, the majority of the project site, because it is a roadway, has a zoning designation of Arterial Roadway. The site is occupied by Palomar Airport Road and the proposed project use of the site for development of a linear, underground public infrastructure project would be consistent with this existing use. A Coastal Development Permit is required to be obtained from the City of Carlsbad to develop the project and to ensure that it is consistent with the underlying zoning designation and would comply with all applicable City policies and standards. Compliance with the terms and provisions of the CDP would ensure that no significant land use compatibility impacts would occur. Habitat Management Plan As discussed in the Biological Resources section of this document, there is 0.4 acre of land located at the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real that is identified as “Urban/Developed” land that would be disturbed by the project. The remainder of the site is located within the existing roadway or is otherwise already developed with buildings and contained to habitat value. Therefore, there is no existing habitat or natural communities on-site that would be affected or removed by project implementation; therefore, no significant impacts to a habitat plan would occur. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-45 Compliance with Development Standards With review approval of the Carlsbad CDP, the project’s proposed development would be consistent with all of the applicable development standards of the Carlsbad Development Code. Land uses surrounding the project alignment, including their respective land use and zoning designations, are included below in Table LU-2. As indicated in Table LU-2, due to the nature and location of the proposed project, the project would be compatible with all of the surrounding land uses. Therefore, no significant impacts would occur. TABLE LU-2 SURROUNDING LAND USES Direction Land Use Zoning Designation General Plan Designation North Airport, transportation, commercial, industrial, open space, residential Arterial roadway, open space, manufacturing, planned industrial, commercial–visitor serving overlay, commercial- tourist, planned community overlay Prime arterial, major arterial, planned industrial, governmental facilities, open space, travel/recreation commercial, regional commercial, airport influence area South Transportation, commercial, industrial, open space, residential Arterial roadway, commercial tourist, planned industrial, commercial–visitor serving overlay, open space, residential professional, residential density-multiple Prime arterial, major arterial, general commercial, planned industrial, unplanned areas/combination district, residential medium, open space, governmental facilities, travel/recreation commercial, airport influence area East Transportation, commercial, industrial, open space, residential Arterial roadway, scenic preservation overlay, planned commercial, open space Prime arterial, major arterial, general commercial, planned industrial, open space, airport influence area West Transportation, commercial, industrial, open space, residential Arterial roadway, transportation corridor, planned community, residential professional, commercial–visitor serving overlay Prime arterial, major arterial, general commercial, planned industrial, unplanned areas/combination district, residential medium, open space, governmental facilities, travel/recreation commercial Source: City of Carlsbad GIS Zoning Map, May 2013 Land Use and Planning Mitigation Measures None required. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-46 XI. Mineral Resources Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact a. Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local Comprehensive Plan, specific plan or other land use plan? DISCUSSION a.-b. No Impact. The California Department of Conservation’s Division of Mines and Geology (DMG) does not identify the project site as an area with high potential for aggregate or mineral resources (DMG 1993). The City’s General Plan does not identify the project site as a locally important mineral resource recovery site. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project would not result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource, and no impacts would occur. Mineral Resources Mitigation Measures None required. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-47 XII. Noise Would the project result in: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact 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 groundborne vibration or groundborne 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 two 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 in the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? The discussion below is summarized and based on the findings contained within the Noise Impact Report (RCH Group, 2014) prepared for the proposed project. The report is on file and available for review at the District. DISCUSSION This analysis focuses on potential construction-related and operational noise impacts that would result from the Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III project. The proposed project would reroute the Buena Outfall Force Main and gravity sewer. The proposed project would be implemented as part of the City of Vista and Buena Sanitation District’s 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update, which provides a set of recommended projects for inclusion in the District’s overall CIP. This analysis tiers, where appropriate, from the Program EIR that was prepared to addresses the potential environmental consequences of the proposed rehabilitation, replacement, and relocation sewer pipeline projects that constitute the recommended CIP identified in the 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update (City of Vista, 2008). It should be noted that the Program EIR found all noise related impacts that would occur under the updated plan, including those associated with the Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III project, to be less than significant (City of Vista, 2008). However, unlike the projects presented in the Master Plan Update, construction of the proposed project would occur primarily at night (between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.) to avoid potential traffic impacts. Noise limits established in the City of Carlsbad Municipal Code and estimated short-term, temporary construction noise levels were used to analyze the potential for construction-related noise impacts from the proposed project. Construction-related noise sources would include Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-48 construction equipment, construction activities (e.g., trenching, pipe installation, paving, etc.), and construction-related haul trips. With the implementation of the proposed project design features and additional mitigation identified in this report, potential noise and vibration impacts associated with the proposed construction activities would be reduced to levels that are less than significant. No mitigation measures are required for operation-related noise and vibration impacts, because the proposed project would not result in long-term changes to the ambient noise or vibration environment. a. Less Than Significant Impact. Most of the potential noise impacts associated with the proposed project would be related to pipeline construction activities. Construction would move along the pipeline alignment and the total project construction, including material acquisition, construction, testing, and acceptance, is expected to last approximately one year. Operational noise that could be generated by the project are limited to the active odor control facilities proposed along the alignment. Active odor control units will be installed with noise reduction features that limit the generated noise level from the fan to approximately 60 decibels (dB) at 10 feet away and 46 dB at 50 feet away which is below City of Carlsbad noise guidance for motel, hotels, and commercial areas. The active unit(s) along Palomar Airport Road will be located in areas with existing noise levels generated by road traffic that will mask the noise. The active unit near Motel 6 will be located 50-feet from any motel rooms. Passive odor control units will not produce any noise. A discussion of the applicable noise standards as they would pertain to the proposed project is presented below. Noise Standards City of Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 8.48 (Noise), limits nighttime construction noise. The code sections on construction hour limitations and exceptions were revised in May of 2013 as described in the remainder of this discussion. Pursuant to Section 8.48.010 (Construction hours limitation), construction activities are prohibited after six p.m. on any day, and before seven a.m. Monday through Friday, and before eight a.m. on Saturday. According to the Carlsbad noise ordinance, construction activities are also prohibited all day on Sunday, and on any federal holiday. Pursuant to Section 8.48.020 (Exceptions), the building official, city engineer, or other official designated by the City Manager may modify the hours of construction specified in Section 8.48.10. In making a determination to lengthen or shorten the hours of construction, the city official shall consider the following: a. Whether the project is an emergency repair required to protect the health and safety of any member of the community; b. Whether the construction would be less objectionable at night than during the daylight hours; c. The character and nature of the neighborhood in the vicinity of the work site; d. The potential for great economic hardship; e. If the work is in the interest of the general public; f. Whether there is a previously unforeseen effect on the health, safety or welfare of the public; and Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-49 g. Any history of complaints regarding compliance with the limitation on hours of construction. The majority of construction activities are proposed to occur during 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. to avoid traffic congestion issues. The weekly construction schedule would begin Sunday at 9 p.m. and would end Thursday at 6 a.m., with no construction on Friday or Saturday. Nighttime construction would minimize any disruption to typical daytime traffic on the construction roadway, primarily on Palomar Airport Road. This schedule would be less objectionable than disrupting daytime traffic on Palomar Airport Road for the construction period of approximately one year, and therefore would be in the interests of the general public. Therefore, the building official, city engineer, or other official designated by the City Manager may grant an exemption to Section 8.48.010 for the proposed project because the project satisfies conditions (b) and (e) above. With the exemption, nighttime construction and Sunday construction would be permitted and there would not be a conflict with the local municipal code and therefore this potential impact would be less than significant. b. Less than Significant Impact. Groundborne vibrations consist of rapidly fluctuating motions within the ground that have an average motion of zero. The effects of groundborne vibrations typically cause a nuisance only to people, but at extreme vibration levels, damage to buildings may occur. Although groundborne vibration can be felt outdoors, it is typically an annoyance only indoors, where the associated effects of the shaking of a building can be notable. Groundborne noise is an effect of groundborne vibration and only exists indoors, since it is produced from noise radiated from the motion of the walls and floors of a room and may consist of the rattling of windows or dishes on shelves. Peak particle velocity (PPV) relates to the maximum instantaneous peak of the vibration signal and is often used in measuring the magnitude of vibration. Construction vibration is analyzed in accordance with standards established by the Transportation and Construction-Induced Vibration Guidance Manual issued by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Table N-1 presents these standards. Continuous sources include the use of vibratory compaction equipment and other construction equipment that creates vibration other than in single events. Transient sources create a single isolated vibration event, such as tractor-trailer movements. Thresholds are provided for both structural damage and annoyance. Structural damage thresholds are considered the CEQA significance thresholds; however, annoyance thresholds are also provided for context. TABLE N-1 VIBRATION EXPOSURE THRESHOLDS Type of Structure Threshold Maximum Peak Particle Velocity (inches/second) Continuous Sources Transient Sources Newer residential structures Structural damage 0.5 1.0 Annoyance 0.1 0.9 Modern Industrial/Commercial Buildings Structural damage 0.5 2.0 Annoyance NA NA Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-50 Source: California Department of Transportation, 2004 Annoyance thresholds are not applicable to industrial/commercial buildings due to the lack of sensitive receptors. The primary sources of vibration during construction would be from front-end loaders, backhoes, and excavators, etc. If required for project construction, a vibratory roller would produce the greatest amount of vibration along the pipeline route, with a 0.210 PPV at 25 feet (Caltrans, 2004). The nearest sensitive receptor is a Motel 6 on the west side of Paseo Del Norte that is approximately 50 to 100 feet from the proposed pipeline route. This hotel is classified as a “newer” structure and, therefore, has a continuous vibration exposure structural damage threshold of 0.5 PPV and an annoyance threshold of 0.1 PPV. Vibration levels (PPV) from front-end loaders, backhoes, excavators, and vibratory rollers at 50 feet would be less than 0.1 PPV, which is well below the significance threshold (0.5 PPV) (Caltrans, 2004). Therefore, vibration related impacts would be less than significant. c. No Impact. The proposed project would not result in a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the proposed project vicinity because the project consists of installing pipeline and construction would be temporary. In addition, the active odor control units proposed along the alignment will be installed with noise reduction features that limit the generated noise level from the fan to approximately 60 decibels (dB) at 10 feet away and 46 dB at 50 feet away which is below City of Carlsbad noise guidance for motel, hotels, and commercial areas. The active unit(s) along Palomar Airport Road will be located in areas with existing noise levels generated by road traffic that will mask the noise. The active unit near Motel 6 will be located 50-feet from any motel rooms. The passive odor control units will not produce any operational noise. Therefore, there would be no substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above the existing levels. . d. Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation. Potential noise impacts associated with the proposed project would be related to short-term pipeline construction activities and operation of the active odor control units. Discussions of the existing noise conditions, sensitive receptors, and the associated construction noise impacts, as they would pertain to the proposed project, are presented below. Existing Noise Conditions Noise is generally defined as unwanted sound. Sound is measured in decibels (dB). Normal speech has a sound level of approximately 60 dB. The dB levels measured to quantify environmental sounds consist of determining all of the frequencies of a sound according to a weight system that reflects non-linear response characteristics of the human ear. This is called “A” weighting and the decibel level measured is called the A-weighted sound level or dBA. Ambient noise levels near the proposed pipeline route are moderate to high. The most prominent noise sources in the area of the proposed project are those associated with Palomar Airport and roadway traffic along Palomar Airport Road, El Camino Real, Paseo Del Norte, and streets that cross Palomar Airport Road between El Camino Real and Paseo Del Norte. Sensitive Receptors The City of Carlsbad defines noise sensitive receptors in its General Plan Noise Element as those land uses that are particularly affected by excessive noise, including residences, motels, hotels, public meeting rooms, schools, churches, libraries, hospital, parks, recreation areas, etc. (City of Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-51 Carlsbad, 1994). The nearest sensitive receptors to the proposed pipeline route include the following:  The southwest end of the pipeline would be within approximately 50-100 feet of the Motel 6 on the western side of Paseo Del Norte and the Discovery Isle center on the east side of Paseo Del Norte. Most of the motel rooms and classrooms are 100 feet or further away from the project site. However, some of the motel rooms and motel office are as close as approximately 50 feet to the project site.  The west end of the pipeline would be within approximately 850 feet of residences on Sapphire Drive. The homes are on the top of a hillside ridge; the line of sight between many of the homes and the pipeline route is blocked by four large buildings.  The Courtyard hotel is approximately 350 feet northwest of the project site, off Owens Avenue.  The Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites hotel is along the south side of Palomar Airport Road (approximately 200 feet south of the pipeline route), northeast of Yarrow Road.  There is a large residential subdivision (Bressi Ranch) approximately 2,000 feet to the southeast of the nearest portion of the pipeline route near the Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real intersection. Construction Noise Impacts Construction activities would move along the pipeline alignment and all construction activities are expected to last approximately one year. Construction activities would require the use of numerous pieces of noise-generating equipment, such as jackhammers, front-end loaders, backhoes, excavators, cranes, etc. Construction-related material haul trips would raise ambient noise levels along haul routes, depending on the number of haul trips made and types of vehicles used. Construction activities would occur primarily at nighttime, increasing the ambient noise levels above existing conditions, which could be perceived as annoying to people at sensitive receptor locations in the area. The noise levels generated by construction equipment would vary greatly depending upon factors such as the type and specific model of the equipment, the operation being performed, the condition of the equipment and the prevailing wind direction. The highest noise levels associated with construction typically occur with earth moving equipment, which includes excavating machinery (e.g., backhoes, excavators, front-end loaders, etc.) and road building equipment (e.g., compactors, scrapers, graders, etc.). Construction traffic associated with the proposed project would generally involve the export of dirt and asphalt debris and the import of pipeline, concrete, and other materials. The maximum noise levels for various types of construction equipment that would be required to build the proposed pipeline are provided in Table N-2, Typical Noise Levels from Construction Equipment. Based on Table N-2, the maximum noise levels from most of the project construction equipment at 50 feet would be in the mid to high 80 dBA range. However, the average sound level of the construction activity would depend upon the amount of time that the equipment would operate and the intensity of the construction activity. Therefore, it is estimated that the average noise level that would occur during proposed pipeline construction activities would be approximately 85 dBA at 50 feet. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-52 Construction activities associated with the proposed project would result in noise impacts to various types of sensitive receptors, including residences and hotels. Noise from construction activities generally attenuate at a rate of 6.0 to 7.5 dBA per doubling (Caltrans, 1998) of distance from the source, depending on the topography of the area and environmental conditions (i.e., atmospheric conditions and noise barriers, either vegetative or manufactured, etc.). Where topography or physical structures obstruct the line of sight from the noise-producing equipment to the receptor location, noise levels would be further reduced (generally by at least 5 dBA) (Caltrans, 1998). TABLE N-2 TYPICAL NOISE LEVELS FROM CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT (LMAX) Construction Equipment Noise Level (dBA at 50 feet) Dump Truck 88 Portable Air Compressor 81 Concrete Mixer (Truck) 85 Paver 89 Loader 85 Generator 76 Backhoe 85 Source: Federal Transit Administration, 2006 Notes: dBA = A-weighted decibel; Lmax = maximum sound level The pipeline route is generally in a non-residential area. Most of the single family residences that could be disturbed by nighttime noise are located more than 700 feet from the construction areas. One multi-family residence is within 800 feet of the area of construction noise. Table N-3 provides the estimated outdoors and indoors noise levels at the sensitive receptor locations in the project vicinity given the noise attenuation rate of 6.0 to 7.5 dBA, the estimated average construction noise level of 85 dBA at 50 feet, and the ability for residential and hotel structures with closed windows to attenuate indoor noise levels by at least an additional 25 dBA. As indicated in Table N-3, outdoor construction nighttime noise levels would be as high as 61 dBA at the nearest residences and as high as 85 dBA at the nearest hotel. These noise level estimates are conservative because they do not account for any additional noise attenuation that would occur due to rough surfaces, intervening structures and vegetation, atmospheric conditions, etc. Because normal residential and hotel structures with closed windows would attenuate noise levels by at least 25 dBA, proposed pipeline construction activity noise levels within the nearest residences and hotel would be as high as 36 dBA and 60 dBA, respectively. It should be noted that these maximum average noise levels would occur for one or two nights at each location, while the pipeline construction activities would be at the closest distance to the receptors. As the linear pipeline construction would proceed along the route and away from sensitive receptors, noise levels would decrease. For the purposes of this noise analysis, nighttime indoor average noise levels of 40 dBA or higher would constitute a significant short-term nuisance to sensitive receptors. Therefore, potentially significant short-term nighttime noise impacts would occur at the three hotels identified below which include the Marriott Courtyard, Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites. Construction in front of the Motel 6, located on Paseo Del Norte, would occur during the daytime thereby avoiding the potential for nighttime noise effects. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-53 TABLE N-3 ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION NOISE LEVELS AT SENSITIVE RECEPTOR LOCATIONS Sensitive Receptor Distance Noise Level (dBA) (outdoors) Noise Level (dBA) (indoors) Residences on Sapphire Drive 850 54 – 61 29 – 36 Courtyard Hotel 350 64 – 68 39 – 43 Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites Hotel 200 70 – 73 45 – 48 Bressi Ranch community 2,000 45 – 53 20 – 28 Motel 6/Discovery Isle 50-100 77.5-85 52.5-60 The District has committed to incorporating project design features into the proposed project, which are shown in Appendix A of this MND/IS. Implementation of these measures would reduce the potential for environmental effects (City of Vista, 2008). Although the PDF’s and construction measures already incorporated into the project would reduce the effects of the proposed project construction activities, short-term noise impacts would remain potentially significant. Therefore, implementation of Mitigation Measure MM N-1 would be required to reduce the potentially significant short-term noise impacts to less-than-significant levels. e. No Impact. The project alignment is located directly south of McClellan-Palomar Airport and within the Airport Influence Area (AIA) (Carlsbad General Plan and McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan). Portions of the route are located as close as 600 feet from the east end of the airport runway and are within the 70 dBA Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) contour estimated for the airport (City of Carlsbad, 1994). The CNEL is a 24-hour sound level average with a 10 dB penalty for the nighttime hours of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. and a five dB penalty added between 7 pm. and 10 p.m. Other portions of the construction route are within the 65 dBA contour, within the 60 dBA contour and outside the 60 dBA contour. Although the proposed project would be located within two miles and within the airport impact area of the McClellan-Palomar Airport, the proposed project would not expose people residing on or working in the area to excessive noise levels. The construction of the facilities in the airport vicinity would be short-term and would not contribute to a long-term noise effect. There would be no impact. f. No Impact. There are no private airstrips located near the proposed project site. Thus, no impact would occur with project implementation. Noise Mitigation Measures N-1 The District or its construction contractors shall develop a Nighttime Noise Mitigation Plan to be implemented within 300 feet of the hotels along the proposed pipeline route. The plan shall be developed in coordination with the hotel management staff. The plan shall include, but not be limited to: Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-54  The contractor shall appoint a construction liaison that shall be responsible for coordinating any/all complaints about construction with District staff and the City of Carlsbad, responding to any local complaints about construction noise, and notifying the hotels regarding dates and the anticipated length of construction.  Installation of temporary noise barriers, when necessary and where feasible, to block the line of sight between major construction noise generating activities and nearby hotel rooms.  Require construction during daytime hours for the Motel 6 on the western end of the construction route, and any other receptors identified that have high sensitivity to nighttime noise.1  Require contractors to modify nighttime construction activities, as feasible, when they receive complaints from the nearest adjacent receptors. This could include developing schedules so that the loudest activities would occur in the first couple of hours of construction each shift if nighttime construction is utilized. Level of Significance after Mitigation With the implementation of the mitigation measure, potential noise impacts associated with the proposed construction activities would be reduced to levels that are less than significant. No mitigation measures are required for operation-related noise and vibration impacts, because the proposed project would result in no long-term changes to the ambient noise or vibration environment due to the nature of the project. 1 LOS Engineering Inc. performed a traffic analysis documenting roadway Level of Service (LOS) along Paseo Del Norte with temporary lane restrictions associated with the project. The traffic analysis found that one northbound lane restriction and one southbound lane restriction along Paseo Del Norte south of Palomar Airport Road would allow both northbound and southbound operations to remain at acceptable operations (LOS A) throughout the day or night. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-55 XIII. Population and Housing Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact a. Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through an 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? DISCUSSION a.-c. No Impact. The proposed project involves the construction of a new sewer line that would be located primarily within existing roadways (Palomar Airport Road and Paseo Del Norte). Development of this project is not expected to affect population growth in the area because the project is required under the 2008 Sewer Master Plan to meet existing and projected future sewer demands based on forecasted population growth and development projections provided by the City of Vista and SANDAG. Furthermore, the project would be constructed within an area of the city that has existing infrastructure and public services. As a result, development of the project would not result in potentially growth-inducing effects by extending utilities into an undeveloped area. The proposed project alignment is linear, underground and is located within existing roadways and does not include or affect any residential land uses. Therefore, development of the project would not displace substantial numbers of people or necessitate the construction of replacement housing. Consequently, substantial direct or indirect population growth, or the displacement of people or housing would not occur with project development; as a result, no impacts to population or housing would occur with project implementation. Population and Housing Mitigation Measures None required. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-56 XIV. Public Services Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact a. result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, or need for new or physically altered governmental 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 following public services: 1. Fire protection? 2. Police protection? 3. Schools? 4. Maintenance of public facilities including roads? 5. Other public facilities? DISCUSSION a.1–a.2 Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project would result in less than significant impacts to fire protective services, police services, roads, and other public facilities, and no impacts to schools. Potential impacts on each public service are discussed below. Fire Protection Services The proposed project would be constructed in accordance with all applicable fire codes set forth by the state Fire Marshal and the Carlsbad building code. Development of the proposed project is not expected to result in an incremental increase in the demand for emergency services, due to the nature of the project. The closest fire station is located at 2560 Orion Way, which is less than one mile from the project site. In addition, Carlsbad Fire Department staff has reviewed the preliminary site plans, and identified recommendations to reduce potential impacts to fire protective services. The project site is not located within an area designated as a “Fire Hazard Severity Area.” In addition, prior to final project approval, the Carlsbad Fire Marshal would verify that the project has been designed to conform to code. Therefore, development of the proposed facility would not exceed the capacity of the CFD to serve the site or other areas with existing fire protection services and resources, and would result in less than significant impacts. Police Protective Services Short-term project construction would involve lane closures which would occur primarily at night. A traffic control plan has been prepared for the project to ensure that potential effects on traffic are minimized to the maximum extent feasible. In addition, nighttime construction is proposed along portions of the project alignment to avoid disruptions to peak hour traffic volumes along potentially affected roadways including Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real. These project design features are intended to minimize the potential for effects on existing traffic including police vehicles (emergency vehicles as well as regular patrol cars) traveling on roadways within the project area. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-57 Due to the nature of the proposed project, no new demands for police services or facilities is anticipated. The nearest police services would be provided by the City of Carlsbad Police Department (CPD) located approximately one mile to the east of the project alignment at 2560 Orion Way. The project would be located within an area of existing commercial, institutional, commercial, and residential uses, which is served by the CPD. Therefore, the project would not exceed the capacity of the CPD to provide police protective services within the project site, and impacts would be less than significant. a.3 No Impact Schools The proposed project would consist of the construction of a new sewer pipeline within existing roadways. Due to the nature and location of the project, no impacts to existing schools would occur with project implementation. a.4–a.5 Less than Significant Impact. Maintenance of Public Facilities Due to the nature of the project, the project is not anticipated to result in an incremental increase in the use of libraries, senior centers, and other public facilities. Project development is not expected to affect the demand of these services such that construction of new or expanded facilities is required. Maintenance of public roads in the vicinity of the project alignment is provided by the City of Carlsbad. Due to the size and scope of the proposed project and associated vehicular and required street and circulation improvements (as outlined in the Traffic and Transportation), project development is not anticipated to increase roadway maintenance on local roads above normal levels. Following the completion of project construction, the affected roadways would be restored to their previous conditions as part of the proposed project. As a result, less than significant impacts on maintenance of public facilities would occur with project implementation. Public Services and Utilities Mitigation Measures None required. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-58 XV. Recreation Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact 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? DISCUSSION a.-b. No Impact. The proposed project involves the construction of a new linear underground sewer line that would be located primarily within existing roadways (Palomar Airport Road and Paseo Del Norte). The project does not include the construction of any recreational facilities. Nearby recreational amenities and facilities located near the project alignment include the Flower Fields, Legoland, and the Carlsbad Crossings municipal golf course. However, due to the nature of the project and because the project would be constructed within the existing roadways, no impacts to recreational resources would be anticipated with project implementation. Recreation Mitigation Measures None required. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-59 XVI. Transportation/Traffic Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact 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 supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? The discussion below is summarized from, and based on, the findings contained within the Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Traffic Letter Report (LOS Engineering, Inc. 2014) and a conceptual traffic control plan prepared for the proposed project. The traffic report is on file and available for review with the District. DISCUSSION a.-b. Less than Significant Impact The following analysis evaluates and describes the potential short-term construction related impacts to roadway segment and intersection Level of Service (LOS) along Palomar Airport Road and Paseo Del Norte with the temporary lane restrictions, intersections closures, and traffic detours associated with the proposed project proposed by the District. The project limits are generally along Palomar Airport Road from Paseo Del Norte to El Camino Real and along Paseo Del Norte just south of Palomar Airport Road within the City of Carlsbad. According to the City of Carlsbad Growth Management Plan, no road segment or intersection shall be projected to exceed a service level C during neither off-peak hours, nor service level D during peak hours. If the project traffic causes the intersection or street segment to decrease to worse than LOS D during the peak hour and LOS C for off-peak hours, then the project is considered to have a significant impact by the city of Carlsbad and mitigation is required. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-60 The traffic analyses prepared for this study were based on the Intersection Capacity Utilization (ICU) ratio analysis and Volume to Capacity (V/C) ratios using Level of Service (LOS) evaluation criteria and the City of Carlsbad significance criteria requirements. The LOS designations range from A through F with LOS A representing the best operating condition and LOS F representing the worst operating condition. The study intersections were analyzed based on the ICU ratio. This process defines LOS in terms of the ratio of available intersection capacity. Intersection LOS were calculated using ICU spreadsheets from the Growth Management Plan Traffic Monitoring Program. The ICU LOS is described in Table TR-1. TABLE TR-1 INTERSECTION LEVEL OF SERVICE (ICU) Level of Service Intersection Capacity Utilization Ratio A 0.00 – 0.60 B 0.61 – 0.70 C 0.71 – 0.80 D 0.81 – 0.90 E 0.91 – 1.00 F Greater than 1.00 Source: City of Carlsbad Growth Management 2013 Plan Traffic Monitoring Program The street segments were analyzed on a peak hour basis using a Volume to Capacity ratio (V/C) to determine the LOS. The City of Carlsbad uses a one-direction capacity of 1,800 vehicles per lane per hour for LOS capacity calculations. The following analysis was prepared using the following documents and assumptions:  City of Carlsbad 2013 Traffic Management Plan.  Buena Sanitation District Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III (CIP 8131) Preliminary Design Report and preliminary traffic control concept plan.  Construction is anticipated to be initiated in late 2014 and will require approximately one year for completion.  Short-term construction related vehicle trips would total approximately 30 trips per day  Lane restrictions associated with construction will occur from 9 PM until 6 AM.  The project will complete work by 5 AM at the intersection of Palomar Airport Road at McClellan/Yarrow Drive to avoid impacting the operations of bus Route 309.  El Camino Real will have trenchless construction, thereby reducing the number of lane closures at the intersection of Palomar Airport Road/El Camino Real.  Traffic restrictions were analyzed with two westbound lanes closed along Palomar Airport Road.  Traffic restrictions were analyzed with one northbound lane and one southbound lane closed along Paseo Del Norte. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-61 Description of Phased Construction Lane Closures Project construction will temporarily close two westbound lanes (one lane to remain open) along Palomar Airport Road) generally between El Camino Real on the east and Paseo Del Norte on the west. Additionally, a segment of Paseo Del Norte will have temporary closure of one northbound and one southbound lane immediately south of Palomar Airport Road. There are several planned construction phases (with some overlap) which are summarized below. Palomar Airport Road Phase 1 Lane restrictions generally affect Palomar Airport Road from the east side of El Camino Real to the west side of El Camino Real. Palomar Airport Road will have two westbound lanes closed and the intersection of Palomar Airport Road at El Camino Real will be restricted to one westbound lane. Due to the proposed trenchless construction beneath El Camino Real north of Palomar Airport Road, no additional lane restrictions will be required at the intersection of Palomar Airport Road at El Camino Real. Palomar Airport Road Phase 2 Lane restrictions generally affect Palomar Airport Road from the east side of El Camino Real to the west side of McClellan/Yarrow Drive. Palomar Airport Road will have two westbound lanes closed. The intersection of Palomar Airport Road at El Camino Real will be restricted to one westbound lane. The intersection of Palomar Airport Road at McClellan/Yarrow Drive will be partially closed permitting only eastbound-westbound through and right turn movements and northbound- southbound right turns. Palomar Airport Road Phase 3 Lane restrictions generally affect Palomar Airport Road from the east side of McClellan/Yarrow Drive to the west side of College Boulevard-Aviara Parkway. Palomar Airport Road will have two westbound lanes closed. The intersection of Palomar Airport Road at McClellan/Yarrow Drive will have the westbound travel lanes restricted to a single through-right turn lane; however, the remaining intersection movements will be un-restricted. The intersection of Palomar Airport Road at Camino Vida Roble, Palomar Oaks Way, and College Boulevard-Aviara Parkway will be partially closed permitting only eastbound-westbound through and right turn movements and northbound- southbound right turns. Palomar Airport Road Phase 4 Lane restrictions generally affect Palomar Airport Road from the east side of College Boulevard- Aviara Parkway to the west side of Paseo Del Norte. Palomar Airport Road will have two westbound lanes closed. The intersection of Palomar Airport Road at College Boulevard-Aviara Parkway will have the westbound travel lanes restricted to a single through-right turn lane and the northbound dual left turn lane on College Boulevard restricted to a single left turn lane. The intersections of Palomar Airport Road at The Crossing Drive-Hidden Valley Road and Palomar Airport Road at Armada Drive will be partially closed, permitting only eastbound-westbound through and right turn movements and northbound-southbound right turns. The intersection of Palomar Airport Road at Paseo Del Norte will have various lane closures and other lane closures when the construction moves down to Paseo Del Norte. Paseo Del Norte Phase 1 Lane restriction will be along Paseo Del Norte south of Palomar Airport Road with restrictions of one southbound lane and one northbound lane. The intersection of Palomar Airport Road at Paseo Del Norte will not have lane restrictions during this phase. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-62 Road Segment Analysis – Palomar Airport Road Two segments of Palomar Airport Road were analyzed based on available mid-block count data from the 2013 Traffic Monitoring Program (2013 TMP). Both of these segments fall within the proposed limits of construction. The first roadway segment was Palomar Airport Road between Paseo Del Norte and Armada Drive and the second segment is between Yarrow Drive and El Camino Real. Of the five traffic control phases, Palomar Airport Road Phase 3 has the most number of intersections affected along Palomar Airport Road causing the largest number of vehicle detours. The vehicle detours would be needed due to the restriction against crossing the centerline of Palomar Airport Road because of the open trench construction. Detoured vehicles include eastbound and westbound left turns along Palomar Airport Road; and northbound and southbound left turns and through movements across Palomar Airport Road that originate from the side streets. These detoured vehicles would add to the background traffic on Palomar Airport Road as they travel either east or west looking for the next possible open intersection to complete a U-turn. The number of detoured vehicles is based on establishing the peak hour from a side street adjacent to Palomar Airport Road near the project. The 2013 TMP segment of College Boulevard just north of Palomar Airport Road was used for this purpose. The peak hour on College Boulevard is between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Although all lane closures are planned at night (9 PM through 6 AM), peak hour counts were used as a starting point because night time turn movement data was not available. Using the PM peak hour as a starting point, a peak from Phase 3 of 2,153 redirected PM peak hour vehicles were calculated from the 2013 TMP data. The other phases had either no intersection turn restrictions or fewer intersections with turn restrictions; therefore, the higher detoured volumes from Phase 3 were used for the segment analysis. The segment volumes were adjusted to non-peak hours because all lane restrictions are proposed at night from 9 PM to 6 AM. The redirected Phase 3 PM volume was adjusted to non-peak hours based on the ratio of the College Boulevard PM peak hour over 24 hours as a percentage of the maximum PM volume. The Phase 3 PM peak hour volume of 2,153 was multiplied by the individual hourly ratios to calculate the hourly detour volume. Even though the project is proposed in 2014, other new projects are being developed and constructed in the vicinity that may add traffic that may not have been captured by the 2013 TMP data; therefore, a 5 percent growth factor was included for these nearby projects in development or under construction. The 5 percent growth factor was calculated by multiplying the detour volume by 5 percent. The detour plus the ambient growth makes up the Phase 3 detour volumes as shown in Table TR-2. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-63 TABLE TR-2 PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD DETOUR VOLUMES BASED ON COLLEGE BLVD 2013 VOLUMES The hourly operations of Palomar Airport Road were calculated by mapping out the hourly westbound volumes from the 2013 TMP and adding the detour volumes from Table TR-2 above. The analysis is based on restricted lanes with only one westbound lane open using a capacity of 1,800 vehicles per lane to determine the level of service. The segment operations for Palomar Airport Road between Paseo Del Norte and Armada Drive are shown in Table TR-3 and in Table TR- 4 for Palomar Airport Road between Yarrow Drive-McClellan and El Camino Real. Percentage Phase 3 Detour 5% Increase for Phase 3 of Max Peak from PM peak Ambient Growth Detour Volumes 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM 48 3.7%79 4 83 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM 25 1.9%41 2 43 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM 17 1.3%28 1 29 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM 22 1.7%36 2 38 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM 72 5.5%118 6 124 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM 200 15.2%328 16 345 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM 523 39.9%858 43 901 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM 1,030 78.5%1,690 85 1,775 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM 1,298 98.9%2,130 107 2,237 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM 882 67.2%1,447 72 1,520 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM 709 54.0%1,163 58 1,222 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 891 67.9%1,462 73 1,535 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM 1,116 85.1%1,831 92 1,923 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM 971 74.0%1,593 80 1,673 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 801 61.1%1,314 66 1,380 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM 867 66.1%1,423 71 1,494 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM 1,081 82.4%1,774 89 1,863 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM MAX 1,312 100.0% 2,153 108 2,261 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM 734 55.9%1,204 60 1,265 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM 447 34.1%734 37 770 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM 291 22.2%478 24 501 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM 204 15.5%335 17 352 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM 132 10.1%217 11 227 11:00 PM to 12:00 AM 78 5.9%128 6 134 Time Notes: 2013 volume is a 2 day average (Tue 7/23/13 and Wed 7/24/13) from City of Carlsbad 2013 Traffic Monitoring Program. College Blvd 2013 Volumes Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-64 TABLE TR-3 PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD WESTBOUND LOS (PASEO DEL NORTE TO ARMADA DRIVE) As shown in Table TR-3, the westbound lane restrictions and detour volumes along Palomar Airport Road between Paseo Del Norte and Armada Drive would allow westbound operations to remain at acceptable operations (LOS A) from 9 PM to 6 AM; however, if lane restrictions would occur between 6 AM and 7 PM, then the segment would result in unacceptable LOS. 2013 WB Additional Total WB Number Capacity Volume to Level of Volume Detour Volume Volume of Lanes per Lane Capacity Ratio Service 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM 108 83 191 1 1,800 0.11 A 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM 45 43 88 1 1,800 0.05 A 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM 47 29 76 1 1,800 0.04 A 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM 45 38 83 1 1,800 0.05 A4:00 AM to 5:00 AM 119 124 243 1 1,800 0.14 A 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM 290 345 635 1 1,800 0.35 A 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM 697 901 1,598 1 1,800 0.89 D 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM 937 1,775 2,712 1 1,800 1.51 F 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM 1,059 2,237 3,296 1 1,800 1.83 F 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM 1,142 1,520 2,662 1 1,800 1.48 F 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM 1,430 1,222 2,652 1 1,800 1.47 F11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 1,909 1,535 3,444 1 1,800 1.91 F 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM 2,037 1,923 3,960 1 1,800 2.20 F 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM 1,846 1,673 3,519 1 1,800 1.96 F 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 1,878 1,380 3,258 1 1,800 1.81 F 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM 2,075 1,494 3,569 1 1,800 1.98 F 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM 2,353 1,863 4,216 1 1,800 2.34 F 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM 2,537 2,261 4,798 1 1,800 2.67 F 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM 1,892 1,265 3,157 1 1,800 1.75 F 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM 1,276 770 2,046 1 1,800 1.14 F8:00 PM to 9:00 PM 943 501 1,444 1 1,800 0.80 C 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM 518 352 870 1 1,800 0.48 A 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM 352 227 579 1 1,800 0.32 A 11:00 PM to 12:00 AM 181 134 315 1 1,800 0.18 A Time Notes: WB: Westbound. 2013 WB volume is a 2 day average (Wed 7/10/13 and Thur 7/11/13) from City of Carlsbad 2013 Traffic Monitoring Program. Additional detour volume from redirected volumes due to closure of crossing Palomar Airport Road during project construction. Capacity per lane and Level of Service from City of Carlsbad 2013 Traffic Monitoring Program. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-65 TABLE TR-4 PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD WESTBOUND LOS (YARROW DRIVE TO EL CAMINO REAL) As shown in Table TR-4, the westbound lane restrictions and detour volumes along Palomar Airport Road between Yarrow Drive and El Camino Real allow westbound operations to remain at acceptable operations (LOS A) from 9 PM to 6 AM; however, if lane restrictions would occur between 6 AM and 7 PM, then the segment would result in unacceptable LOS. Segment Analysis – Paseo Del Norte The segment of Paseo Del Norte south of Palomar Airport Road was analyzed using 24 hours of traffic data collected on Thursday January 30, 2014 (data included in full technical report). Traffic count data was collected for this segment while the MND was being prepared because 2013 summertime traffic data was not available for this roadway segment from the City of Carlsbad. As shown below in Tables TR-5 and TR-6, even at am and pm peak hours this roadway segment (both northbound and southbound) operates at an LOS A. The lane restrictions along Paseo Del Norte are south of Palomar Airport Road, with one southbound and one northbound lane closed (leaving one lane open in each direction). The segment analysis incorporated a cumulative project (and recently opened) Green Dragon Tavern. Traffic from the Green Dragon Tavern was assigned to Paseo Del Norte as described in Traffic Letter Report Attachment F. Additionally, a 5 percent factor was applied for other projects in development or under construction and for potential additional traffic from adjacent parcels that may have to turn rights followed by a U-turn when available. The 5 percent factor was calculated by multiplying the background volume by 5 percent. The analysis is based on restricted lanes with only one northbound and one southbound lane open using a capacity of 1,800 vehicles per lane to determine the level of service. The segment operations for northbound Paseo Del 2013 WB Additional WB Total WB Number Capacity Volume to Level of Volume Detour Volume Volume of Lanes per Lane Capacity Ratio Service 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM 53 83 136 1 1,800 0.08 A 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM 32 43 75 1 1,800 0.04 A 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM 36 29 65 1 1,800 0.04 A 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM 56 38 94 1 1,800 0.05 A 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM 239 124 363 1 1,800 0.20 A 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM 543 345 888 1 1,800 0.49 A 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM 1,070 901 1,971 1 1,800 1.10 F 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM 1,544 1,775 3,319 1 1,800 1.84 F 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM 1,317 2,237 3,554 1 1,800 1.97 F 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM 1,107 1,520 2,627 1 1,800 1.46 F 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM 1,128 1,222 2,350 1 1,800 1.31 F 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 1,191 1,535 2,726 1 1,800 1.51 F 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM 1,210 1,923 3,133 1 1,800 1.74 F 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM 1,135 1,673 2,808 1 1,800 1.56 F 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 1,042 1,380 2,422 1 1,800 1.35 F3:00 PM to 4:00 PM 1,116 1,494 2,610 1 1,800 1.45 F 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM 1,130 1,863 2,993 1 1,800 1.66 F 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM 1,111 2,261 3,372 1 1,800 1.87 F6:00 PM to 7:00 PM 786 1,265 2,051 1 1,800 1.14 F 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM 504 770 1,274 1 1,800 0.71 B 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM 366 501 867 1 1,800 0.48 A9:00 PM to 10:00 PM 252 352 604 1 1,800 0.34 A 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM 176 227 403 1 1,800 0.22 A 11:00 PM to 12:00 AM 90 134 224 1 1,800 0.12 A Time Notes: WB: Westbound. 2013 WB volume is a 2 day average (Tue 7/23/13 and Wed 7/24/13) from City of Carlsbad 2013 Traffic Monitoring Program. Additional detour volume from redirected volumes due to closure of crossing Palomar Airport Road during project construction. Capacity per lane and Level of Service from City of Carlsbad 2013 Traffic Monitoring Program. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-66 Norte south of Palomar Airport Road are shown in Table TR-5 and in Table TR-6 for southbound Paseo Del Norte south of Palomar Airport. TABLE TR-5 PASEO DEL NORTE NORTHBOUND LOS (SOUTH OF PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD) TABLE TR-6 PASEO DEL NORTE SOUTHBOUND LOS (SOUTH OF PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD) 2014 SB Cumulative 5% Increase for Forecasted Number Capacity Volume to Level of Volume Project Vol Detour and Growth 2014 SB Vol. of Lanes per Lane Capacity Ratio Service 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM 22 1 23 1 1,800 0.01 A 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM 12 1 13 1 1,800 0.01 A2:00 AM to 3:00 AM 7 0 8 1 1,800 0.00 A 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM 5 0 5 1 1,800 0.00 A 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM 3 0 3 1 1,800 0.00 A5:00 AM to 6:00 AM 16 1 16 1 1,800 0.01 A 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM 46 10 2 56 1 1,800 0.03 A 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM 151 19 8 172 1 1,800 0.10 A8:00 AM to 9:00 AM 146 23 7 176 1 1,800 0.10 A 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM 138 26 7 171 1 1,800 0.10 A 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM 175 21 9 203 1 1,800 0.11 A11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 233 47 12 289 1 1,800 0.16 A 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM 261 55 13 327 1 1,800 0.18 A 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM 277 30 14 320 1 1,800 0.18 A2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 297 20 15 331 1 1,800 0.18 A 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM 287 19 14 321 1 1,800 0.18 A 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM 326 36 16 376 1 1,800 0.21 A5:00 PM to 6:00 PM 391 62 20 469 1 1,800 0.26 A 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM 298 86 15 404 1 1,800 0.22 A 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM 191 60 10 266 1 1,800 0.15 A8:00 PM to 9:00 PM 164 49 8 222 1 1,800 0.12 A 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM 106 31 5 145 1 1,800 0.08 A 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM 45 60 2 110 1 1,800 0.06 A11:00 PM to 12:00 AM 27 1 29 1 1,800 0.02 A ADT 3,624 653 181 4,457 Time Notes: 2014 Volume collected on Paseo Del Norte south of Palomar Airport Road on Thursday 1/30/2014. Cumulative project volume for The Green Dragon Tavern yet to be opened when 1/30/2014 count were collected. The total 1,305 ADT for this cumulative project matches the traffic study for The Green Dragon Travern. The 5% growth calcualted by multiplying 2014 volume by 5%. Forecasted volume is the 2014 volume + cumulative project + 5% growth volume. 2014 NB Cumulative 5% Increase for Forecasted Number Capacity Volume to Level of Volume Project Vol Detour and Growth 2014 NB Vol. of Lanes per Lane Capacity Ratio Service 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM 15 1 16 1 1,800 0.01 A1:00 AM to 2:00 AM 9 0 10 1 1,800 0.01 A 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM 8 0 8 1 1,800 0.00 A 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM 6 0 6 1 1,800 0.00 A4:00 AM to 5:00 AM 10 1 10 1 1,800 0.01 A 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM 47 2 48 1 1,800 0.03 A 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM 117 10 6 129 1 1,800 0.07 A7:00 AM to 8:00 AM 297 19 15 322 1 1,800 0.18 A 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM 306 23 15 344 1 1,800 0.19 A 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM 242 26 12 283 1 1,800 0.16 A10:00 AM to 11:00 AM 246 21 12 279 1 1,800 0.16 A 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 285 47 14 344 1 1,800 0.19 A12:00 PM to 1:00 PM 252 55 13 321 1 1,800 0.18 A1:00 PM to 2:00 PM 304 30 15 347 1 1,800 0.19 A 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 255 20 13 290 1 1,800 0.16 A3:00 PM to 4:00 PM 228 19 11 260 1 1,800 0.14 A4:00 PM to 5:00 PM 253 36 13 300 1 1,800 0.17 A 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM 298 62 15 372 1 1,800 0.21 A6:00 PM to 7:00 PM 204 86 10 305 1 1,800 0.17 A 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM 114 60 6 184 1 1,800 0.10 A 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM 71 49 4 126 1 1,800 0.07 A9:00 PM to 10:00 PM 40 31 2 75 1 1,800 0.04 A 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM 17 60 1 79 1 1,800 0.04 A 11:00 PM to 12:00 AM 9 0 10 1 1,800 0.01 AADT 3,633 653 182 4,467 Time Notes: 2014 Volume collected on Paseo Del Norte south of Palomar Airport Road on Thursday 1/30/2014. Cumulative project volume for The Green Dragon Tavern yet to be opened when 1/30/2014 count were collected. The total 1,305 ADT for this cumulative project matches the traffic study for The Green Dragon Travern. The 5% growth calcualted by multiplying 2014 volume by 5%. Forecasted volume is the 2014 volume + cumulative project + 5% growth volume. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-67 As shown in Table TR-5, the northbound lane restriction along Paseo Del Norte south of Palomar Airport Road would allow northbound operations to remain at acceptable operations (LOS A) throughout the day or night. As shown in Table TR-6, the southbound lane restriction along Paseo Del Norte south of Palomar Airport Road would allow southbound operations to remain at acceptable operations (LOS A) throughout the day or night. Intersection Analysis Two intersections along Palomar Airport Road were analyzed based on available count data from the City of Carlsbad 2013 Traffic Monitoring Program. The intersections included Palomar Airport Road at College Boulevard-Aviara Parkway and Palomar Airport Road at El Camino Real. These intersections were selected because they will have lane restrictions associated with the project. Other intersections will also be affected along Palomar Airport Road; however, those will have some movements completely closed; therefore, those locations were accounted for under the detour volume calculations in the segment analysis section. The intersections that had more movements restricted that contributed to the detour volumes during the different Phases included: Palomar Airport Road at McClellan/Yarrow Drive; Palomar Airport Road at Camino Vida Roble; Palomar Airport Road at Palomar Oaks Way; Palomar Airport Road at College Boulevard- Aviara Parkway; Palomar Airport Road at The Crossing Drive-Hidden Valley Road; Palomar Airport Road at Armada Drive; and Palomar Airport Road at Paseo Del Norte. These seven aforementioned intersections were not analyzed with the lane restrictions because the ICU delay cannot be calculated for an intersection with traffic that is detoured away rather than going through an intersection. The two intersections with available TMP data and without detoured movements were analyzed as described below. The intersection of Palomar Airport Road at College Boulevard-Aviara Parkway is planned to have two of the three westbound lanes closed and one of the College Boulevard dual northbound left turn lanes closed due to the temporary westbound lane closures along Palomar Airport Road. Due to the proposed trenchless construction under El Camino Real north of Palomar Airport Road, this intersection will only have two of the three westbound lanes closed due to the temporary westbound lane closures along Palomar Airport Road west of El Camino Real where active construction would occur. The intersection volumes were adjusted to non-peak hours because all lane restrictions are proposed at night from 9 PM to 6 AM except for a portion of the project area where construction will be concluded at 5pm to avoid conflicts with planned bus service for bus Route 309. The adjustment was based on the ratio of Palomar Airport Road PM peak hour over 24 hours as a percentage of the maximum PM volume. For example, the PM peak (maximum) volume on Palomar Airport Road between 4-5 PM is 2,649 vehicles. The next hour from 5-6 PM has 2,596 vehicles or about 98% of the maximum PM peak. These percentages were used to reduce the overall AM and PM peak hour volumes from the 2013 TMP to forecast intersection ICU LOS operations for hours other than the AM and PM peaks (ICU calculations and 2013 TMP volumes for Palomar Airport Road are included in the full technical report). The percentage of the maximum peak hour along with the ICU and LOS for the intersection of Palomar Airport Road at College Boulevard-Aviara Parkway and the intersection of Palomar Airport Road at El Camino Real are shown in Table TR-7. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-68 TABLE TR-7 OFF-PEAK INTERSECTION OPERATIONS ALONG PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD As shown in Table TR-7, the intersection of Palomar Airport Road at College Boulevard-Aviara Parkway is calculated to operate at LOS A during the night time construction from 9 PM to 6 AM. The intersection of Palomar Airport Road at El Camino Real is also calculated to operate at LOS A during the night time construction from 9 PM to 6 AM. North County Transit District Bus Route on Palomar Airport Road The North County Transit District (NCTD) has four bus routes identified that use Palomar Airport Road. These include Routes 309, 444, 445, and 446. An excerpt of the bus route map and schedules for these routes are included in the traffic report (LOS Engineering, 2014) on file with the District.  Bus route 309 generally runs along El Camino Real; however, this route serves a bus stop near Palomar Airport Road and Yarrow Drive from Monday through Friday between the hours of 5:21 AM and 8:43 PM.  Bus route 444 runs along Palomar Airport Road from Avenida Encinas to College Boulevard Monday through Friday generally between the hours of 7:25 AM and 5:35 PM.  Bus route 445 generally runs along Palomar Airport Road from Avenida Encinas to Las Posas Monday through Friday generally between the hours of 7:25 AM and 5:40 PM.  Bus route 446 runs along Palomar Airport Road from Paseo Del Norte to Armada Monday through Friday generally between the hours of 7:25 AM and 5:39 PM. 2013 Percentage Volume of Combined Maximum LOS LOS EB & WB Peak Hour ICU With Restriction ICU With Restriction 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM 150 5.7%1:00 AM to 2:00 AM 77 2.9% 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM 74 2.8% 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM 95 3.6% 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM 316 11.9% 0.20 A 0.19 A 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM 789 29.8% 0.34 A 0.35 A 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM 1,573 59.4% 0.59 A 0.60 A 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM 2,517 95.0% 0.87 D 0.90 D 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM 2,273 85.8% 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM 1,906 72.0% 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM 1,906 72.0% 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 2,206 83.3%12:00 PM to 1:00 PM 2,329 87.9% 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM 2,274 85.8% 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 2,150 81.2% 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM 2,453 92.6% 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM MAX 2,649 100.0% 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM 2,596 98.0% 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM 1,918 72.4% 1.05 F 0.82 D7:00 PM to 8:00 PM 1,277 48.2% 0.72 C 0.57 A 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM 987 37.3% 0.58 A 0.47 A 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM 735 27.7% 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM 481 18.2% 11:00 PM to 12:00 AM 293 11.1% Notes: 2013 EB and WB volume is a 2 day average (Tue 7/23/13 and Wed 7/24/13) from City of Carlsbad 2013 Traffic Monitoring Program. ICU ratio for Level of Service from City of Carlsbad 2013 Traffic Monitoring Program. Airport Rd at College Blvd Airport Rd at El Camino Real Intersection of: Palomar Intersection of: Palomar LOS A through deduction with less volume than 6-7 AM Remaining LOS will be at or below LOS D because intersection volumes higher during day than night Remaining LOS will be at or below LOS D because intersection volumes higher during day than night LOS A through deduction with less volume than 5-6 AM Time LOS A through deduction with less volume than 8-9 PM LOS A through deduction with less volume than 8-9 PM Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-69 According to the published bus schedules, all normally operating buses will have completed their routes on Palomar Airport Road before the lane restrictions are implemented from 9 PM to 6 AM, except for Route 309. Therefore, the project will complete work by 5 AM at the intersection of Palomar Airport Road at McClellan/Yarrow Drive to avoid impacting the operations of Route 309. No transit impacts or conflicts are on the remaining Routes 444, 445, and 446 with the night time construction from 9 PM to 6 AM. Bicyclists and Pedestrians There are designated bike lanes and sidewalks throughout the majority of the proposed project area. The volume of bicyclists and pedestrians is not anticipated to be significant during the night when the project is proposed to have the lane closures from 9 PM to 6 AM. However, bicyclists and pedestrians would be expected to follow the detour signs in the same manner as required of vehicle operators. Conclusions Short-term construction related vehicle trips generated by the project would total approximately 30 trips per day. Given the existing LOS of the roadways during the night time, these additional short-term construction related trips would not affect roadway segment or intersection LOS. The Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project proposed by the Buena Sanitation District will require the temporary closure of two westbound lanes along Palomar Airport Road generally from El Camino Real to Paseo Del Norte and temporary closure of one northbound and one southbound lane along Paseo Del Norte south of Palomar Airport Road. The temporary lane closures along Palomar Airport Road are proposed at night between the hours of 9 PM and 6 AM and will remain at acceptable LOS. However, several intersections along Palomar Airport Road will have temporary restrictions for some movements that will result in detours. The District will continue coordinating with the city of Carlsbad during the project construction on:  Maintaining pedestrian and bicycle restrictions to prevent crossing Palomar Airport Road or Paseo Del Norte in and around the lane restrictions during construction,  Potentially extending the left turn phasing to accommodate the extra U-turning vehicles from the detour at the ends of the construction zones,  Observing and reporting traffic flow concerns to the City of Carlsbad during construction,  Implementing the traffic control features such as bike lane closures, side walk closures, and red flashing mode for traffic signals as noted on the traffic control plans,  Completing construction work at the intersection of Palomar Airport Road at McClellan/Yarrow Drive by 5 AM to avoid impacting the operations of Bus Route 309,  Coordinating with Caltrans if encroachment permits are needed for traffic control devices encroaching on to Caltrans right-of-way near I-5 and Palomar Airport Road, and  Preventing any lane restrictions from creating dead-end roadways. The NCTD transit service would not be affected by the night time lane restriction on Palomar Airport Road because bus service is not scheduled between the hours of 9 PM and 6 AM. Therefore, the proposed night time lane restrictions from 9 PM to 6 AM resulted in acceptable LOS for the study segments and intersections and do not impact the bus schedule as shown in Table TR-8. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-70 TABLE TR-8 RECOMMENDED TIMES FOR LANE RESTRICTIONS ALONG PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD The recommended time restrictions for the westbound lane closures along Palomar Airport Road match the preliminary proposed construction hours, which would restrict the lane closures to the hours between 9 PM and 6 AM. The study intersections and roadway segments did not drop below LOS C (for off-peak) between the hours of 9 PM and 6 AM; therefore, the project would not have a significant impact on traffic or circulation according to the City of Carlsbad Growth Management Plan. Project construction would be phased, therefore the temporary disruptions will occur in sections along Palomar Airport Road generally starting near El Camino Real and ending on Paseo Del Norte south of Palomar Airport Road. The project is estimated to take approximately one year to complete. The temporary lane closures along Paseo Del Norte would not result in unacceptable LOS regardless of the time of day; therefore, Paseo Del Norte is not recommended to have restrictions for temporary lane closures based on traffic. c.-f. No Impact. Development of the proposed project would not result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location, which would result in substantial safety risks. A segment of the project site is located adjacent to the McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad. Project traffic would not cause an increase in air traffic levels, or create a physical impediment that would necessitate an alteration of flight patterns. Significant impacts would not occur with project development. Segment of Segment of Bus Palomar Airport Rd Palomar Airport Rd Route Paseo del Norte Yarrow Dr to 309 to Armada Dr El Camino Real along 1 Lane Open WB 1 Lane Open WB Palomar LOS LOS ICU LOS ICU LOS Airport Rd 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM A A 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM A A2:00 AM to 3:00 AM A A 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM A A 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM A A 0.20 A 0.19 A 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM A A 0.34 A 0.35 A 5:21 AM6:00 AM to 7:00 AM D F 0.59 A 0.60 A 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM F F 0.87 D 0.90 D 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM F F 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM F F10:00 AM to 11:00 AM F F 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM F F 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM F F 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM F F2:00 PM to 3:00 PM F F 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM F F 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM F F 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM F F6:00 PM to 7:00 PM F F 1.05 F 0.82 D 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM F B 0.72 C 0.57 A 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM C A 0.58 A 8:43 PM 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM A A10:00 PM to 11:00 PM A A11:00 PM to 12:00 AM A A No Lane RestrictionsLane Restrictions OK Lane Restrictions OK Recommended Times for Lane Restrictions Bold indicates unacceptable LOS and shading represents times that lane restrictions could adversly affect roadway users. Intersection of Palomar Airport Rd at College Blvd with Lane Restrictions Intersection of Palomar Airport Rd LOS A through deduction with less volume than 6-7 AM Remaining LOS will be at or below D because intersection volumes higher during day than night LOS A through deduction with less volume than 7-8 PM LOS A through deduction with less volume than 8-9 PM Remaining LOS will be at or below D because intersection volumes higher during day than night LOS A through deduction with less volume than 6-7 AM Time Various bus service through- out day No Service No Service at El Camino Real with Lane Restrictions Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-71 Development of the proposed project does not involve any potentially dangerous traffic or transportation hazards, nor does it propose any incompatible uses that could affect existing traffic or circulation in the project areas. The proposed project would not result in impacts to emergency access. As a result, significant impacts would not occur with project development. The project would not conflict with any adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation. As a result, no significant impacts would occur. Transportation and Traffic Mitigation Measures None required. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-72 XVII. Utilities and Service Systems Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact 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 could cause significant environmental effects? c. Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e. Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider, which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments? f. Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal needs? g. Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? DISCUSSION a. No Impact. The proposed project involves the construction of a new sewer/wastewater line that would be located within existing roadways. The project would not result in the generation of new wastewater. Wastewater that would be conveyed within the project alignment would be treated at the existing Encina Water Pollution Control Facility, which is a conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plant with a treatment capacity of 36 million gallons per day (mgd). The sanitation district and wastewater treatment facility operate in accordance with applicable wastewater treatment requirements of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the project’s wastewater system has been designed to comply with these treatment requirements. Therefore, upon development, the proposed development would tie into existing wastewater/sewer lines and would adhere to all wastewater treatment requirements specified by the City and the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board so that no impacts would occur. b. Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project involves the construction of a new sewer/wastewater line that would be located within existing roadways. The Buena Outfall Force Main - Phase III project will realign the existing outfall sewer system with a new pipeline generally following Palomar Airport Road between El Camino Real on the east and Paseo Del Norte on the west. As stated above, wastewater from the project would be treated by the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility. Wastewater generation from the proposed project would not exceed the capacity of the facility to Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-73 treat it. Therefore, the project’s contribution of wastewater would not require new water/wastewater facilities to be built or existing facilities to expand; therefore, impacts would be less than significant. c. No Impact. The proposed project involves the construction of a new, linear, underground sewer/wastewater line that would be located within existing roadways. As discussed in the Hydrology and Water Quality section of this document, with implementation of the proposed project, impervious surface coverage would not increase from existing conditions because the new sewer pipeline would be located within an existing paved roadway that would be restored following the completion of construction. Because the post development flows would be equal to the existing conditions, no detention facilities are needed. As a result, development of the proposed project would not result in substantial erosion, siltation, or flooding on- or off-site, or exceed the capacity of existing or planned downstream stormwater drainage systems. Therefore, no impacts would result from project development. d.-f. Less than Significant Impact. Construction of the proposed project would result in less than significant impacts to water supplies, wastewater capacity, and permitted landfill capacity. Potential impacts on each utility service are discussed below. Development of the proposed project site would not result in an increase in the demand for potable water because the proposed project is a linear underground project and not a land development project. Water service for project construction would be provided by water trucks as needed and would not affect existing water supplies or water suppliers. As previously discussed above, the proposed project would not generate new wastewater. The District, through its Sewer Master Plan Update, is restoring and upgrading the capacity and condition of the existing sanitary sewer conveyance system over a 20-year period. The proposed project is a key element of the planned sewer system upgrades. Therefore, project-related impacts would be considered less than significant. Development of the project would result in a temporary, short-term, construction-related increase in solid waste generation during project construction because some demolition is required. The project would comply with AB 939, which requires cities to divert 50 percent of solid waste to recycling programs and away from landfills. Solid waste generated by the proposed project would either be hauled to the existing Palomar Waste Transfer Station in Carlsbad, which has a permitted daily capacity of 2,250 tons per day or the Sycamore Landfill in San Diego, which has a permitted capacity of 2,500 tons per day (tpd) and an average daily intake of 900 tpd. Both of these solid waste facilities are capable of accommodating the small amounts of solid waste that may be generated by the proposed project during construction. Because the project’s contribution would be negligible in terms of the remaining capacity of these available landfills, impacts would be less than significant. No mitigation measures are required. g. No Impact. The proposed project would comply with all regulations related to solid waste such as the California Integrated Waste Management Act and city recycling programs; therefore, no impacts would occur. Utilities and Service Systems Mitigation Measures None required. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 2 – Initial Study Environmental Checklist Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 2-74 XVIII. Mandatory Findings of Significance Would the project: Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact a. Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of 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 (“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)? c. Does the project have environmental effects, which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? DISCUSSION a. Less than Significant with Mitigation. With implementation of the mitigation measures for air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality and noise, the proposed Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project would not 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 plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. b. Less than Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed project would not result in individually limited nor cumulatively considerable significant impacts. All resource topics associated with the project have been analyzed in accordance with CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines and were found to pose no impacts, less-than-significant impacts, or less than significant impacts with mitigation. In addition, taken in sum with other projects in the area the scale of the proposed project is small and any potential impacts environmental resources or issue areas would be short-term and would not be cumulatively considerable. c. Less than Significant Impact. The project would result in short-term construction related impacts but would not result in permanent or substantial adverse impacts on persons in the vicinity. All resource topics associated with the proposed project have been analyzed in accordance with CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines and were found to pose no impacts, less than significant impacts, or less than significant impacts with mitigation. Consequently, the project would not result in any environmental effects that would cause substantial adverse effects on human beings directly or indirectly. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 3 – References and List of Preparers Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 3-1 Chapter 3 REFERENCES AND LIST OF PREPARERSREPARERS Individuals and Organizations Consulted Elmer Alex, P.E., Senior Engineer, City of Vista/Buena Sanitation District Steve Jepsen, Sewer Program Manager, City of Vista/Buena Sanitation District Robin Putnam, Sewer Program Director, City of Vista/Buena Sanitation District John Hamilton, Environmental Planner, City of Vista/Buena Sanitation District Community Development Department Ryan Morgan, P.E., Project Manager, Lee & Ro, Inc. Tom Holliman, P.E., Managing Principal, Lee & Ro, Inc. Maria Alvarez, P.E., Senior Engineer, Lee & Ro, Inc. Don King, P.E., DHK Engineers, Inc. Terry Smith, Senior Engineer, City of Carlsbad John Kim, Associate Engineer, City of Carlsbad Glen Van Peski, Engineering Manager, City of Carlsbad Pam Drew, Senior Planner, City of Carlsbad Mark Biskup, Associate Engineer, City of Carlsbad References Section 15150 of the State CEQA Guidelines permits an environmental document to incorporate by reference other documents that provide relevant data. The documents listed below are hereby incorporated by reference. The pertinent material is summarized throughout this Initial Study where that information is relevant to the analysis of impacts of the proposed project. All referenced documents that are starred * are on file and available for review at the City of Vista Land Development Counter located at 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista. Affinis Environmental Services. Cultural Resources Survey Letter Report. July 1, 2013.* Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP). Alternative Approaches to Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Global Climate Change in CEQA Documents. 2007. California Air Resources Board (CARB). Climate Change Scoping Plan. 2008. California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology. Mineral Land Classification: Aggregate Materials in the Western San Diego County Production- Consumption Region. Special Report 153. 1993. California Department of Conservation. San Diego County Important Farmland Map. 2004. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Technical Noise Supplement. October 1998. California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). Transportation- and Construction-Induced Vibration Guidance Manual. June 2004. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 3 – References and List of Preparers Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 3-2 City of Carlsbad. 2013 Traffic Management Plan.2013. City of Carlsbad. Carlsbad General Plan. 2010. City of Carlsbad. Envision Carlsbad General Plan Update. http://www.carlsbadca.gov/services/departments/community/envision- carlsbad/Documents/PreferredPlan.09112012.pdf. Website accessed August 13, 2013. City of Carlsbad. Fiscal Year 2012-13 Growth Management Plan Monitoring Report. 2013. City of Carlsbad. Noise Guidelines Manual. 1995. City of Carlsbad. Standard Urban Storm Water Management Plan. January 11, 2011. City of Carlsbad. Zoning Map. http://www.carlsbadca.gov/services/departments/planning/Documents/zone1117.pdf. Website accessed June 4, 2013. City of Vista. 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update Final Program EIR. [State Clearinghouse No. 2007091072]. May 2008. City of Vista. 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update. January 2008. County of San Diego. McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. 2004. DHK Engineers, Inc. Odor Control Technical Memorandum. 2013. Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment. May 2006. Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR). CEQA Guidelines and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.http://www.opr.ca.gov/index.php?a=ceqa/index.html. Website accessed April 6, 2010. Helix Environmental Planning. Biological Resources Technical Letter Report. February 2014. * Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). Trip Generation 9th Edition. 2012. Lee & Ro, Inc. Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III, Draft Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. February 2014. Lee & Ro, Inc. Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III, Preliminary Design Report. October 2013. * LOS Engineering, Inc. Traffic Letter Report. February 2014.* North County Transit District. Schedules & Maps. January 9, 2014. RCH Group. Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Technical Report. February 2014. * RCH Group. Noise Technical Report. February 2014. * RCH Group. Phone Memo: Odor Control Buena Vista Outfall Project, discussion with Don King of DHK Engineers. January 31, 2014. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 3 – References and List of Preparers Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 3-3 Terra Costa Consulting Group. Geotechnical Design Report. October 13, 2009. * Terra Costa Consulting Group. Preliminary Geologic and Geotechnical Investigation – Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III. April 25, 2013. * Traffic Control Solutions, LLC. Draft Traffic Control Plan – Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project. June 2013. * Trenchless International. (http://trenchlessinternational.com/news/calculating_airborne_emissions_in_undergroun d_utility_projects/004595/). October 2009 Urban Systems Associates, Inc. Traffic Impact Analysis for the Green Dragon Tavern. February 2009. List of Preparers Leslea Meyerhoff, AICP, Principal/Project Manager, Harvey Meyerhoff Consulting Group, Inc. Dr. Jeffrey Harvey, Principal/Senior Scientist, Harvey Meyerhoff Consulting Group, Inc. Elizabeth Meyerhoff, Environmental Planner, Harvey Meyerhoff Consulting Group, Inc. Jennifer Reed, Technical Editor, Harvey Meyerhoff Consulting Group, Inc. Maria Pascoal, Graphic Design Artist, Harvey Meyerhoff Consulting Group, Inc. Paul Miller, Principal of Environmental Services, RCH Group, Inc. Justin Rasas, P.E., PTOE, LOS Engineering, Inc. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 3 – References and List of Preparers Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 3-4 APPENDIX A The following Project Design Features (PDF) and Standard Conditions of Approval (SCA) are contained in the 2008 Sewer Master Plan Program EIR (PEIR) and will be incorporated into the proposed project design and are listed here for reference. Aesthetics Project Design Features A-PDF 1 Vegetation that is removed will be replaced, or in the case of natural areas, revegetated to blend with adjacent natural areas. All disturbed areas would be returned to pre-construction conditions. A-PDF 2 Demolition debris shall be removed in a timely manner for off-site disposal. A-PDF 3 Tree and vegetation removal shall be limited to those depicted on construction drawings. A-PDF 4 All above ground odor control structures shall be screened from public view through site orientation, landscaping, or other aesthetic treatment. Air Quality Project Design Features AQ-PDF 1 Water or dust control agents shall be applied to active grading areas, unpaved surfaces, and dirt stockpiles as necessary to prevent or suppress particulate matter from becoming airborne. All soil to be stockpiled over 30 days shall be protected with a secure tarp or tackifiers to prevent windblown dust. AQ-PDF 2 Covering/tarping will occur on all vehicles hauling dirt or spoils on public roadways unless additional moisture is added to prevent material blow-off during transport. AQ-PDF 3 Grading and other soil handling operations shall be suspended when wind gusts exceed 25 miles per hour. The construction supervisor shall have a hand-held anemometer for evaluating wind speed. AQ-PDF 4 Dirt and debris spilled onto paved surfaces at the project site and on the adjacent roadway shall be swept or vacuumed and disposed of at the end of each workday to reduce resuspension of particulate matter caused by vehicle movement. During periods of soil export or import, when there are more than six trips per hour, dirt removal from paved surfaces shall be done at least twice daily. AQ-PDF 5 Disturbed areas shall be revegetated as soon as work in the area is complete. AQ-PDF 6 Electrical power shall be supplied from commercial power supply wherever feasible, to avoid or minimize the use of engine-driven generators. AQ-PDF 7 Air filters on construction equipment engines shall be maintained in clean condition according to manufacturers’ specifications. AQ-PDF 8 The construction contractor shall comply with the approved traffic control plan to reduce non-project traffic congestion impacts. Methods to reduce construction interference with existing traffic and the prevention of truck queuing around local sensitive receptors shall be incorporated into this plan. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 3 – References and List of Preparers Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 3-5 AQ-PDF 9 Staging areas for construction equipment shall be located as far as practicable from residences. Geology and Soils Standard Conditions of Approval GS-SCA 1 The project shall adhere to recommendations contained within the Preliminary Geologic and Geotechnical Report (2013) and the Geotechnical Design Report (2009) prepared by TerraCosta Consulting Group. GS-SCA 2 A precise sedimentation erosion control plan shall be required in accordance with the City of Vista Grading Ordinance and prior to final approval of the project. Short- term erosion effects during the construction phase of the project would be prevented through implementation of the erosion control plan, which includes the implementation of standard practices such as sandbags, silt fencing, and temporary detention to control on-site and off-site erosion. GS-SCA 3 All segments of the 2008 Sewer Master Plan Update will be constructed in accordance with California Building Code Standards and accepted standards for public works construction. These standards pertain to protection against seismic activity, settlement, liquefaction, and other integrity issues. GS-SCA 4 A study shall be conducted during final design for all project components. Each respective component shall adhere to the findings of the Geotechnical study including recommendations regarding soil compaction and replacement. Hazards and Hazardous Materials Standard Conditions of Approval HHM-SCA 1 Fire safety information shall be disseminated to construction crews during regular safety meetings. Fire management techniques shall be applied during project construction as deemed necessary by the lead agency and depending on site vegetation and vegetation of surrounding areas. HHM-SCA 2 A brush management plan will be incorporated during project construction by the District or its contractors, as necessary. Construction within areas of dense foliage during dry conditions will be avoided, when feasible. In cases where avoidance is not feasible, necessary brush fire prevention and management practices will be incorporated. Specifics of the brush management program will be determined as site plans for the project are finalized. HHM-SCA 3 A site-specific record search for the locations and type of hazardous materials will be conducted during final design. HHM-SCA4 The use, storage, transportation, and disposal of chemicals and use of petroleum fuel during construction and operation of the project will be regulated by the County Department of Hazardous Waste Management, and will be conducted according to all applicable state, federal and local regulations. HHM-SCA 5 In order to ensure that the project does not cause a significant hazard to the public or the environment through release of or transport of hazardous materials during construction and operation, the District through its contractors will implement the following project design features: pipelines of the project components would be constructed with PVC pipe, or other material, which is highly resistant to rupture. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 3 – References and List of Preparers Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 3-6 HHM-SCA 6 Prior to construction, the District will prepare a traffic control plan in accordance with the City of Carlsbad traffic control guidelines that will specifically address construction traffic during construction of project components within the public right-of-way. Hydrology and Drainage Project Design Features HWQ-PDF 1 During construction, the District will comply with the current California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for construction dewatering (Order Number 98-67 or current permit) and obtain a NPDES permit for stormwater and runoff discharge for project components resulting in grading of more than 1 acre. In compliance with the RWQCB requirements and the NPDES permit a Best Management Practices (BMP) program for stormwater pollution control and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) will be implemented. HWQ-PDF 2 Material stockpiled during construction shall be placed such that interference with onsite drainage patterns will be minimized or avoided. During rain events, stockpiles shall be covered with impermeable materials such as tarps in order to allow flow from the construction site to occur without excessive sediment loading. HWQ-PDF 3 BMPs shall include both sediment control measures to prevent rainfall from contacting exposed soil surfaces, and erosion control measures (e.g., gravel bags) to prevent eroded material from leaving construction areas, especially from flat graded areas, in accordance with the required erosion control plan. HWQ-PDF 4 A construction spill contingency plan shall be prepared in accordance with County Department of Environmental Health regulations and retained on site by the construction manager. If soil is contaminated by a spill, the soil shall be properly removed and transported to a legal disposal site. HWQ-PDF 5 If groundwater is encountered and dewatering is required, then the groundwater shall be disposed of by pumping to the sanitary sewer system or discharging to the storm drain system according to the conditions of the appropriate discharge permit. HWG-PDF 6 For all potential impacts to natural drainages (i.e., pre-development hydrology), BMPs on-site shall be used to fully reduce the potential for project-related contaminants in the surface flows prior to their discharge to streams. Noise Project Design Features N-PDF 1 Heavy equipment shall be repaired at sites as far as practical from nearby residences. N-PDF 2 Construction equipment, including vehicles, generators and compressors, shall be maintained in proper operating condition and shall be equipped with manufacturers’ standard noise control devices or better (e.g., mufflers, acoustical lagging, and/or engine enclosures). N-PDF 3 Electrical power shall be supplied from commercial power supply, wherever feasible, in order to avoid or minimize the use of engine-driven generators. Buena Sanitation District Chapter 3 – References and List of Preparers Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project September 2014 Final Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study Checklist Page 3-7 N-PDF 4 Staging areas for construction equipment shall be located as far as practicable from residences. N-PDF 5 Operating equipment shall be designed to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal noise regulations. N-PDF 6 If lighted traffic control devices are to be located within 500 feet of residences, the devices shall be powered by batteries, solar power, or similar sources, and not by an internal combustion engine where practical. N-PDF 7 The District or its construction contractors shall provide advance notice, between two and four weeks prior to construction, by mail to all residents or property owners within 300 feet of the alignment. The announcement shall state specifically where and when construction will occur in the area. If construction delays of more than 7 days occur, an additional notice shall be made, either in person or by mail. The District shall also publish a notice of impending construction in local newspapers, stating when and where construction will occur. N-PDF 8 The District shall identify and provide a public liaison person before and during construction to respond to concerns of neighboring residents about noise and other construction disturbance. N-PDF 9 The District shall also establish a program for receiving questions or complaints during construction and develop procedures for responding to callers. Procedures for reaching the public liaison officer via telephone or in person shall be included in notices distributed to the public in accordance with the information above. Transportation Project Design Features TR-PDF 1 Maintain pedestrian and bicycle restrictions to prevent crossing Palomar Airport Road or Paseo Del Norte in and around the lane restrictions during project construction. TR-PDF 2 Potentially extend the left turn phasing to accommodate the extra U-turning vehicles from the detour at the ends of the construction zones. TR-PDF 3 Observing and reporting traffic flow concerns to the City of Carlsbad during construction. TR-PDF 4 The traffic control features such as bike lane closures, sidewalk closures, and red flashing mode for traffic signals should be implemented as noted on the traffic control plans. Appendix B Comments and Responses on the Draft MND SLR Comments Regarding Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III – CIP 8131 Page 1 SAN LUIS REY BAND OF MISSION INDIANS 1889 Sunset Drive • Vista, California 92081 760-724-8505 • FAX 760-724-2172 www.slrmissionindians.org May 8, 2014 Elmer Alex P.E. Senior Engineer VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL Buena Sanitation District ealex@ci.vista.ca.us 200 Civic Center Drive Vista, CA 92084-6275 RE: COMMENTS ON THE NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – BUENA OUTFALL PHASE III PROJECT (CIP 8131) Dear Mr. Alex: We, the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians (“Tribe”), have received and reviewed the Buena Sanitation District’s (“District’s”) Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (“MND”) and all of its supporting documentation as it pertains specifically to the protection and preservation of Luiseño Native American cultural resources that may be located within the parameters of the Buena Outfall Phase III Project (“Project’s”) property boundaries. After our review, the Tribe is satisfied, and concurs, with the proposed Cultural Resource Mitigation Measures (CR-1 through CR-7) contained within the MND and that the Project should be allowed to proceed as proposed. The Tribe, however, is opposed to any undocumented fill being used during the proposed development. In the event the “fill” will be imported into the Project area, the Tribe requests that any proposed use of fill be clean of cultural resources and documented as such. It has been a practice of many in the construction profession to utilize fill materials that contained cultural resources from other “unknown” areas thereby contaminating the potential cultural landscape of the area being filled. This type of fill material is unacceptable. Moreover, if the fill material is to be utilized from areas within the Project boundaries, then we ask that that fill be analyzed and confirmed by an archeologist and/or Luiseño Native American monitor that such fill material does not contain cultural resources. A requirement that fill material be absent of any and all cultural resources should therefore be included as an additional mitigation measure of the Final MND. The San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians appreciates this opportunity to provide the Buena Sanitation District with our comments on the Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project. As stated above, the Tribe is satisfied with the mitigation measures for Cultural Resources as SLR Comments Regarding Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III – CIP 8131 Page 2 proposed in the MND. As always, we look forward to working with the District to guarantee that the requirements of the CEQA are rigorously applied to this Project and all projects. We thank you for your continuing assistance in protecting our invaluable Luiseño cultural resources. Sincerely, Merri Lopez-Keifer Tribal Legal Counsel cc: Melvin Vernon, Tribal Captain Carmen Mojado, Secretary of Government Relations and President of Saving Sacred Sites Buena Sanitation District September 2014 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM FOR THE BUENA OUTFALL FORCE MAIN PHASE III PROJECT September 2014 PROJECT NAME: Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project (CIP 8131) DESCRIPTION: The District is proposing to construct a new Buena Outfall that begins at an existing force main just east of manhole #55A. The proposed project will replace and re-route the existing Buena Outfall. The Buena Outfall starts as a pressurized force main then continues across El Camino Real, parallel to the existing Buena Outfall sewer, approximately 650 feet southwest to the north side of Palomar Airport Road. The force main then proceeds within the westbound lanes of Palomar Airport Road towards the intersection of Yarrow Drive and Palomar Airport Road. The alignment continues west for approximately 2,600 feet to a high point before the intersection of Yarrow and Palomar Airport Road. A proposed manhole will be placed where the force main will end and discharge into the proposed gravity sewer and continue approximately another 5,500 feet in the westbound lanes of Palomar Airport Road. At approximately Palomar Oaks Way, the pipeline would transitions to force main and continues to the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and Paseo Del Norte. The pipeline will then transition back to a gravity sewer main and turn south and proceed within the southbound lanes of Paseo Del Norte a distance of approximately 1,200 feet and tie into the existing 48-inch and 30-inch trunks sewers, which flow, to the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility located west of Interstate 5. LOCATION: The project alignment begins at the northeast corner of the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real, traverses within the westbound lanes of Palomar Airport Road and terminates within Paseo Del Norte, approximately 1,200 feet south of Palomar Airport Road, in the City of Carlsbad, northwestern San Diego County. The following Mitigation Measures are to be implemented before, during or after construction in accordance with the project conditions of approval, thereby reducing all identified potentially significant impacts to a less than significant level. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program – Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project (CIP 8131) Buena Sanitation District September 2014 MITIGATION MEASURES STAFF MONITOR TIMING OF COMPLIANCE DATE OF COMPLIANCE AQ-1 All construction equipment will be maintained at appropriate mechanical and electronic tuning levels per the manufacturer's specifications. Diesel equipment, including dump trucks waiting to deliver or receive soil, gravel, aggregate or other bulk materials, standing idle for more than five minutes shall be turned off in accordance with the Regulation for In-Use Off-Road Vehicles (California Code of Regulations Title 13, Article 4.8, Chapter 9, Section 2449(d)(3)), which took effect June 15, 2008: (A) Idling Limit—No Vehicles or engines subject to this regulation may idle for more than five consecutive minutes. Idling of a vehicle that is owned by a rental company is the responsibility of the renter or lessee, and the rental agreement should so indicate. The idling limit does not apply to: 1. Idling when queuing, 2. Idling to verify that the vehicle is in safe operating condition, 3. Idling for testing, servicing, repairing or diagnostic purposes, 4. Idling necessary to accomplish work for which the vehicle was designed (such as operating a crane), 5. Idling required to bring the machine system to operating temperature, and 6. Idling necessary to ensure safe operation of the vehicle (B) Written Idling Policy—As of March 1, 2009, medium and large fleets must also have a written idling policy that is made available to operators of the vehicles and informs them that idling is limited to five consecutive minutes or less. (C) Waiver—A fleet owner may apply to the Executive Officer for a waiver to allow additional idling in excess of five consecutive minutes. The Executive Officer shall grant such a request upon finding that the fleet owner has provided sufficient justification that such idling is necessary. District Engineer During construction AQ 2 Project construction shall implement the following measure in order to minimize construction-related emissions due to dust:  Limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 mph. District Engineer During construction Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program – Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project (CIP 8131) Buena Sanitation District September 2014 MITIGATION MEASURES STAFF MONITOR TIMING OF COMPLIANCE DATE OF COMPLIANCE BIO 1 In order to avoid impacts to adjacent open space habitats during construction, 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. At least seven days prior to initiating project impacts, the final plans and photographs for initial clearing and grubbing of habitat and project construction shall be submitted to the District for review and approval. 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 in the area shall cease until the problem has been remedied and mitigation identified, to the satisfaction of a qualified biological monitor. Temporary orange construction fencing shall be removed upon completion of construction of the project. District Engineer Prior to construction BIO 2 The District 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. District Engineer Prior to construction BIO 3 In order to adequately protect the adjacent open spaces, the District shall ensure that the following mitigation measures are implemented during project construction by incorporating them into the design/contractor specifications of the project: • 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. 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. District Engineer Prior to construction Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program – Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project (CIP 8131) Buena Sanitation District September 2014 MITIGATION MEASURES STAFF MONITOR TIMING OF COMPLIANCE DATE OF COMPLIANCE BIO 4 The hydroseed mix or landscape mix in areas adjacent to open spaces shall not include any invasive exotic seeds or plants 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 District during review of the Erosion Control Plans. District Engineer Following completion of active construction phases BIO 5 In the event that the preferred option of utilizing trenchless construction methods (e.g., jack and bore, directional drilling) for pipeline installation between STA 196+00 and STA 201+48 at the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real cannot be implemented, and activities requiring the direct removal, trimming and/or pruning of the eucalyptus and pine trees located along the pipeline alignment at this location are determined necessary for installation, the District shall require that the activities are performed outside of the general breeding season for migratory birds and raptors, which is defined as occurring between January 15 and September 15. If activities requiring the direct removal, trimming and/or pruning of the trees must occur during the general bird breeding season, the District shall retain a qualified biologist to perform a pre-construction survey of the trees to confirm the absence of active nests belonging to migratory birds and raptors afforded protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Fish and Game Code. The pre- construction survey shall be performed no more than three days prior to the commencement of removal, trimming, and/or pruning of the eucalyptus and pine trees. If the qualified biologist determines that no active migratory bird or raptor nests occur, the activities shall be allowed to proceed without any further requirements. If the qualified biologist determines that an active migratory bird or raptor nest is present, no impacts shall occur until the young have fledged the nest and the nest is confirmed to no longer be active, as determined by the qualified biologist. Implementation of this measure to ensure compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Fish and Game Code shall be verified by the District. District Engineer Prior to construction in affected area CR 1 Prior to the start of any grading/trenching/ground-disturbing work on the Project, the District shall enter into a pre-excavation agreement with the San Luis Rey Band of Luiseño Mission Indians (San Luis Rey Band), the local Luiseño Native American tribe. The purpose of this agreement shall be to formalize protocols and procedures between the District and the San Luis Rey Band for the protection and treatment of, including but not limited to, Native American human remains, funerary objects, cultural and religious landscapes, ceremonial items, traditional gathering areas and cultural items, located and/or discovered through a monitoring program in conjunction with the construction of the proposed project, including additional archaeological surveys and/or studies, excavations, geotechnical investigations, grading, and all other ground disturbing activities. District Engineer Prior to construction Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program – Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project (CIP 8131) Buena Sanitation District September 2014 MITIGATION MEASURES STAFF MONITOR TIMING OF COMPLIANCE DATE OF COMPLIANCE CR 2 Prior to the start of any grading/trenching/ground-disturbing work on the Project, the District shall provide written and signed verification to the District Manager stating that a Luiseño Native American Monitor and a Qualified Archaeologist have been retained at the District’s expense to implement the monitoring program, as described in the pre-excavation agreement. District Engineer Prior to construction CR 3 The Qualified Archaeologist shall maintain ongoing consultation with the Luiseño Native American Monitor during ground disturbing activities. The requirement for the monitoring program shall be noted on all applicable construction documents, including demolition plans, grading plans, etc. The District shall notify the District Manager in writing of the start and end of all ground disturbing activities subject to monitoring. District Engineer Ongoing during construction CR 4 The Luiseño Native American Monitor and Qualified Archaeologist shall attend all applicable pre- construction meetings with the General Contractor and/or associated Subcontractors to present the monitoring program. The Luiseño Native American Monitor and Qualified Archaeologist shall be present on-site during grubbing, excavating, trenching and/or any other ground disturbing activities, to identify evidence of potential archaeological resources. This includes excavation/trenching beneath existing artificial fills. If fill materials are used they shall be absent of any and all cultural resources. The Luiseño Native American Monitor and Qualified Archaeologist shall have the authority to halt monitoring activities in areas where excavation is in formational soils and there is potential for cultural material to be encountered. District Engineer Ongoing during construction Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program – Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project (CIP 8131) Buena Sanitation District September 2014 MITIGATION MEASURES STAFF MONITOR TIMING OF COMPLIANCE DATE OF COMPLIANCE CR 5 The Qualified Archaeologist or the Luiseño Native American Monitor may halt ground disturbing activities if unknown archaeological artifact deposits or cultural features are discovered. Ground disturbing activities shall be directed away from these deposits to allow a determination of potential importance. Isolates and clearly non-significant deposits will be minimally documented in the field, and before grading, excavation or trenching proceeds these items shall be given to the San Luis Rey Band so that they may be repatriated at a later date. If a determination is made that the unearthed artifact deposits or cultural features are considered potentially significant, the San Luis Rey Band shall be notified and consulted with in regards to the respectful and dignified treatment of those resources. The avoidance and protection of the significant cultural resource and/or unique archaeological resource is the preferable mitigation. If however, a data recovery plan is authorized by the District as the Lead Agency under CEQA, the San Luis Rey Band shall be notified and consulted regarding the drafting and finalization of any such recovery plan. For significant artifact deposits or cultural features that are part of a data recovery plan, an adequate artifact sample to address research avenues previously identified for sites in the area will be collected using professional archaeological collection methods. If the Qualified Archaeologist collects such resources, the Luiseño Native American monitor must be present during any testing or cataloging of those resources. Moreover, if the Qualified Archaeologist does not collect the cultural resources that are unearthed during the ground disturbing activities, the Luiseño Native American Monitor may, at their discretion, collect said resources and provide them to the San Luis Rey Band for respectful and dignified treatment in accordance with the Tribe’s cultural and spiritual traditions. District Engineer Ongoing during construction CR-6 Following completion of the construction, a monitoring report and/or evaluation report, if appropriate, which describes the results, analysis and conclusions of the archaeological monitoring program (e.g., data recovery plan) shall be submitted by the Qualified Archaeologist, along with the Luiseño Native American monitor’s notes and comments, to the Director of Community Development for approval. District Engineer Post- construction Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program – Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project (CIP 8131) Buena Sanitation District September 2014 MITIGATION MEASURES STAFF MONITOR TIMING OF COMPLIANCE DATE OF COMPLIANCE CR-7 As specified by California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5, if human remains are found on the project site during ground disturbing activities or during archaeological work, the person responsible for the excavation, or his or her authorized representative, shall immediately notify the San Diego County Coroner’s office by telephone. No further excavation or disturbance of the site or any nearby area reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent remains shall occur until the Coroner has made the necessary findings as to origin and disposition pursuant to Public Resources Code 5097.98. If such a discovery occurs, a temporary construction exclusion zone shall be established surrounding the area of the discovery so that the area would be protected, and consultation and treatment could occur as prescribed by law. By law, the Coroner will determine within two working days of being notified if the remains are subject to his or her authority. If the Coroner recognizes the remains to be Native American, he or she shall contact the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) within 24 hours. The NAHC will make a determination as to the Most Likely Descendent. If Native American remains are discovered, the remains shall be kept in situ, or in a secure location in close proximity to where they were found, and the analysis of the remains shall only occur on-site in the presence of a Luiseño Native American Monitor. HM 1 The District shall ensure that all trash, debris, and waste materials are disposed of off-site, in accordance with current local, state, and federal disposal regulations, including any containers which may contain paint. Any hazardous materials which may be potentially encountered during construction will be evaluated prior to removal and disposal consistent with the construction HASP and throughout daily construction operations. Any buried trash/debris shall be evaluated by a Qualified Environmental Professional (as defined by 40 Code of Federal Regulation Section 312.10) prior to removal. District Engineer Ongoing during construction HWQ-1 Mitigation measures listed below shall be implemented in order to reduce impacts to jurisdictional waters. • Prior to construction, the District shall obtain all necessary permits to comply with the federal Clean Water Act, state discharge permitting requirements, and local grading ordinances. Copies of each permit shall be maintained at the project site for the duration of construction. • Biological Resources mitigation measures BIO-2 and BIO-3 provide mitigation for projects affecting downstream waters and potential wetlands. District Engineer Prior to construction Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program – Buena Outfall Force Main Phase III Project (CIP 8131) Buena Sanitation District September 2014 MITIGATION MEASURES STAFF MONITOR TIMING OF COMPLIANCE DATE OF COMPLIANCE N-1 The District or its construction contractors shall develop a Nighttime Noise Mitigation Plan to be implemented within 300 feet of the hotels along the proposed pipeline route. The plan shall be developed in coordination with the hotel management staff. The plan shall include, but not be limited to: • The contractor shall appoint a construction liaison that shall be responsible for coordinating any/all complaints about construction with District staff and the City of Carlsbad, responding to any local complaints about construction noise, and notifying the hotels regarding dates and the anticipated length of construction. • Installation of temporary noise barriers, when necessary and where feasible, to block the line of sight between major construction noise generating activities and nearby hotel rooms. • Require construction during daytime hours for the Motel 6 on the western end of the construction route, and any other receptors identified that have high sensitivity to nighttime noise. • Require contractors to modify nighttime construction activities, as feasible, when they receive complaints from the nearest adjacent receptors. This could include developing schedules so that the loudest activities would occur in the first couple of hours of construction each shift if nighttime construction is utilized. District Engineer Prior to construction