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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-05-15; City Council; 5845; Encina facility expansion precise planCITY OF CARLSBAD Initial AGENDA BILL NO: Q Y 1 O ; Dept. Hd. DATE: May 15. 1979 1_ °tY' Atty ~> • Cty. Mgr. r\ DEPARTMENT: PLANNING SUBJECT: PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN -1 ' ENCINA WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY, EXPANSION AND UPGRADING TO SECONDARY TREATMENT. ' APPLICANT; JAC ^ Statement of the Matter The Planning Commission held a public hearing on this matter-on April 25 1979, and has recommended approval of the expansion and upgrading as requested by JAC. < This meeting was attended by citizens living in the AltaMira Development which is. on the east side of 1-5 to the southeast • of -the _ Encina treatment plant; their area has received most-ofthe offensive odors emitted from the Ehcina plant in-the. recent past. These citizens requested that Encina not be. expanded until the upgrading has been determined to be effective in controlling odors. - The Planning Commission, however, recommended approval of the expansion as .well as the upgrading since they felt that doing both together is cost effective and there is a need for additional sewer capacity. The Commission recommends conditions of approval as suggested by staff with a modification to;Condition 7 to have further research on the noise-possibilities; modi- tying 13-to require screening from all adjacent residential development or future development; adding a condition to control dust during grading, and addrng a condition requiring that research be-done to develop proper methods to dispose of sludge. •' <• The Planning Commission was concerned about water reclamation. They felt- that the EIR as drafted for this expansion did not adequately review the present water availability problem in California. Therefore, they have asked the City Council to study the need for water reclamation at Encina- how it can be done, and its possible uses. • Exhibits . • ' Planning Commission Resolution No. 1514 Staff.Report dated April 25, 1979 Letter from the Loomis Company dated April 30, 1979. Recommendation The Planning Staff and Planning Commission have both recommended approval of Precise Plan No. 1. If the City Council concurs, you should direct the City Attorney to prepare documents approving Precise Plan No. 1 as per Planning Commission Resolution No. 1514. Furthermore, the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council airect the preparation of a study for reclaiming water from the Encina treatment plant. ' • BPtjd • - • AGENDA BILL 5845 Page 2 COUNCIL ACTION: 5-15-79 Council continued the public hearing to the next regular meeting to be held June 5, 1979. 6-5-79 Council directed the City Attorney to prepare the necessary doaments approving Precise Plan No. 1 as per Planning Commission Resolution No. 1514, subject to scrutiny of the conditions to insure that the conditions properly reflect the City's commitment to the mitigation of adverse impacts identified in the EIR and further that those items that deal with purely technical matters be examined as to their appropriateness ' in any conditions connected with the approval of the POP. 1 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1514 2 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING 3 APPROVAL OF PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1 FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE ENCINA.WATER POLLUTION CONTROL 4 FACILITY (FROM 13.75 TO 18 MGD) AND UPGRADING TO SECONDARY TREATMENT, IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH 5 FEDERAL AND STATE, ON PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED WEST OF 1-5 BETWEEN POINTSETTIA LANE 6 AND PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD. 7 CASE NO.: PDP-1 APPLICANT: LES EVANS, ENCINA JOINT POWERS 8 9 WHEREAS, a verified application has been filed with the City 10 of Carlsbad and referred to the Planning Commission? and 11 WHEREAS, said verified application constitutes a request 12 as provided by Title 21of the Carlsbad Municipal Code; and 13 WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Code 14 the Planning Commission did on the 25th day of April, 1979, 15 ~ hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider a request by 16 applicants for a Precise Plan to allow the expansion of the 17 Encina Water Pollution Control Facility from 13.75 mgd to 18 mgd, 18 and to upgrade to secondary treatment, in order to comply with 19 Federal and State Laws, on property more specifically described 20 as: 21 That portion of Lot 1, Fraction Section 20, Township 22 12 South, Range 4 West, S.B.M., in the County of San Diego, State of California, according to U.S. 23 Government Survey approved October 25, 1875; and 24 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did consider the environ- 25 j mental effects of said request as indicated in an environmental 26 impact report (dated February 1975) that had been certified by 27 the Vista Sanitation District by Resolution No. 75-19; and 28 // 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 the testimony and arguments, if any, of all persons who desired to be heard, the Planning Commission considered all factors relating to the proposed Precise Development Plan (PDP-1), and found the following facts and reasons to exist: 1. The Precise Development Plan ensures the compatibility of the project with the City's General Plan for the following . reasons: a. The General Plan Land Use Element designates the subject property for a public utility use. b. The project is consistent with the goal and policy of the public facilities element of the General Plan. 2. The proposed Precise Development Plan ensures the compatibilit} of the development with surrounding development for the following reasons: a. Conditions are imposed as part of this approval that mitigate most significant impacts resulting from the project. b. The development is located in a depressed area that can easily be buffered in order to prevent adverse impacts to adjacent properties. 3. The proposed project conforms to the California Environmental Quality Act, and the Carlsbad Environmental Protection Ordinance since: a. An EIR has been prepared and certified by the lead agency. b. Although it was found that the project may have sign- ificant adverse environmental impacts, said lead agency has found overriding considerations justifying approval of the project. c. Adequate measures to mitigate significant impacts are included as part of the required approvals. d. The City, acting as responsible agency, has considered this EIR in approving the project. e. Other environmental agencies have conditionally ap- proved the project. -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 4. re ce 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. The proposed Precise Development Plan provides for necessary public improvements as necessitated by the develop- ment since conditions are imposed which require such improvements. WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, by the following vote, recommended approval of Precise Development Plan (PDP-1) with certain conditions: Development of the site shall occur as shown on PDP-1 Exhibit: A and B, dated 4/11/79, and Exhibit D, dated 4/9/79; except for modifications that are contained herein, and minor modifications approved by the Public Works Administrator. In addition to the approval of the development indicated in the Exhibits noted in Condition No. 1, all other requirements listed in this approval shall be indicated on. the final Precise Development Plan. Grading plans shall be approved by the Public Works Adminis- trator or his designee, prior to this issuance of a building permit. Said plans shall include provisions to limit grading to the minimum area necessary for construction of the facilities. Surfaces shall be graded to direct runoff toward designed drainage facilities and away from cut and fill slopes. Land shall not be cleared of vegetation except immediately before grading, and all slopes shall be established for erosion control immediately upon completion of such grading. Netive vegetation shall be retained wherever feasible. Landscape and irrigation plans shall be submitted for the entire facility and subject to the approval of the Planning Director. The landscaping shall be designed to screen facilities from views along 1-5, and surrounding properties. Plans shall include fast growing tall trees, as well as a combination of shrubs and ground cover. Plants shall be drought tolerant to the maximum extent feasible, and fire retardent whre necessary. Said landscape and irrigation shall be installed immediately upon completion of constructio^, except that all screening landscaping shall be installed upon completion of grading, prior to any construction. A noise study shall be performed by a qualified noise expert in order to establish acceptable noise levels at the property line of the treatment facility. Based on this study and subject to the approval of the City Engineer, all noise producing mechanisms and facilities shall be shielded and buffered in such a manner so as to reduce noise levels to the acceptable level. -3- '****' 1 8. All influent wastewater shall be pre-treated in order to remove odors. In addition, the screening structures, grit g removal tanks, primary sedimentation tanks, and all open channels, including primary effluent channels, shall be 3 covered and ventilated in order to remove odors. 4 9. Odor removal towers are required and shall be delineated on the final Precise Development Plan, subject to the 5 approval of the Public Works Administrator. 6 10. Fire hydrants shall be placed on the site as required and approved by the Fire Marshall. 7 11. All necessary public improvements shall be installed subject 8 to the approval of the City Engineer. Said improvements shall include the extension of the existing 10" water line 9 along Avenida Encinas, from the northerly boundary of the treatment facility to its southerly boundary. 10 12. All storm drain and channel designs shall be subject to 11 the approval of the City Engineer. 12 13. The placement of equipment on any roof tops shall be screened from views along 1-5 and from adjacent properties and subject 13 to the approval of the Planning Director. 14 14. All lighting shall be designed in a manner that will not adversely affect nearby residences or public roadways. 15 A lighting plan shall be subject to the approval fo the Planning Director. 16 15. Upon approval, the applicant shall submit a reproducible 17 copy of the Precise Development Plan which incorporates all requirements of the approval to the City Manager for 18 signature. Prior to signing the final Precise Development Plan, the City Manager shall determine that all applicable 19 requirements have been incorporated into the plan and that all conditions of approval have been satisfactorily met or 20 otherwise guaranteed. The final signed Precise Development Plan shall be the official site layout plan for the 21 property and shall be attached to any application for a building permit on the subject property. 22 16. Special provisions to control dust which is generated by 23 grading activities shall be approved by the City Engineer prior to commencement of grading. 24 17. A "sludge disposal alternative" study shall be prepared 25 by a qualified person, and subject to the approval of the Public Works Administrator or his designee. The most 26 feasible sludge disposal alternative which would reduce the greatest number of negative impacts shall be incorporated 27 into the subject project. 28 // —4— AYES: L'Heureux, Schick, Marcus, Jose, Larson 2 NOES: None 3 ABSTAIN: Rombotis 4 ABSENT: Wrench 5 WHEREAS, the permit for this Precise Development Plan shall g become null and void: (1) when any time specified in the permit 7 has expired; or (2) if the permit is not used within one year 3 after the adoption of this resolution unless it is extended one 9 or more times by the Planning Commission for an additional period 10 of time; however, no request for an extension of time shall be 11 granted if the request is made after the expiration date of the 12 original permit or term for performance of the condition or 13 extension thereof, 14 NOW, THEREFORE, the Planning Commission of the City of 15 Carlsbad does hereby recommend approval of PDP-1 as submitted by 16 the applicant for the development of said property, in accordance 17 with Exhibits on file in the Planning Department Office, and by 18 reference made a part hereof. 19 20 STEPHEN M. L'HEUREUX, Chairman 21 ATTEST: 22 23 24 JAMES C. HAGAMAN, Secretary CARLSBAD PLANNING COMMISSION 25" 26 27 28 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 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO ) CITY OF CARLSBAD )ss I, JAMES C. HAGAMAN, Secretary to the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly introduced, approved and adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad at a regular meeting of said Commission held on the 9th day of May, 1979, by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: . .- JAMES C. HAGAMAN, Secretary CARLSBAD PLANNING COMMISSION PDP-1 -6- c. PC DATE: DATE: TO: FROM: CASE NO.: REQUEST: STAFF REPORT April 25, 1979 March 16, 1979 Planning Commission Planning Department Precise Development Plan (PDP-1) PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE ENCINA WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY (FROM 13.75 TO 18 MGD) AND UPGRADING TO SECON- DARY TREATMENT, IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS. BACKGROUND Location and Description of Property The subject property is located on the west side of 1-5, east of the AT&SF railroad (between Poinsettia Lane and Palomar Airport Road). The site is partially developed with the existing Encina Facility, while much of the expansion area is currently vacant. This vacant area has been subject to some earthwork in the past, although native vegetation has revegetated much of the site. This area has sloping sections which will be graded (approximately 1000 cubic yards with some 2:1 slopes) in order to allow development. Landscaping is proposed in order to screen the treatment facility and revegetate the graded slopes. An existing earthen flood control channel traverses the site. This channel will be straightened and improved in order to provide 100-year flood protection. No improvement to the existing out- fall pipe is proposed. The subject property is entirely fenced off from adjacent properties. Existing Zoning Subject Property: North: South: East: West: Existing Land Use Subject Property: North: South: East: Southeast: West: PU M R-l-10,000 M, P-C RD-M; R-l-10,000 Sewerage Treatment Facility Industrial Agricultural Industrial; partially vacant Residential (Alta Mira - approximately 500 feet) Vacant C General Plan The City's general plan designates the subject property for public utility use. Therefore, the project is consistent with this general plan designation. Environmental Impact Information An environmental impact report has been prepared for the proposed project. This EIR was certified by the Vista Sanitation District (Resolution No. 75-19). The Sanitation District made the follow- ing findings pursuant to the subject EIR: (a) The project will have a significant effect on the environment. (b) The major significant effects are as follows: (1) Construction will have a short-range detri- mental effect due to noise, dust and rerouting of traffic; such effects can be mitigated by use of proper construction techniques and traffic control. (2) The marine environment will be affected by a volumetric increase in ocean discharge; such effect will be mitigated by the fact that the discharge will be of higher quality. ~ (3) Air quality will be indirectly affected due to an increase capacity, even though the population growth is not caused by the enlargement; such effect can be mitigated by land use control policies and pollution control policies by the appropriate agencies. (4) The project is indirectly growth inducing, as it will accommodate, but not cause, population growth; such effect is mitigated by the fact that the increased capacity is smaller than required for expected population growth and need not be further expanded if population growth does not take place as projected. (5) The operation of the plant will increase the noise level of the surrounding area; such effect will be mitigated by the use of appropriate walls and exhaust systems. (6) The possibility of odors will increase; such possibility will be mitigated by odor control facilities constructed as part of the improved treatment system. -2- It was found that the project will have a significant environmental effect, however, the Sanitation District found two over- riding considerations in approving the project: (a) This project is needed to ensure compliance with State and Federal regulations; (b) The impacts can be successfully mitigated. Although the subject EIR was certified almost 4 years ago (June 19, 1975), the State EIR Guidelines state that a sub- sequent EIR need not be prepared unless substantial changes in the project or environment have occurred, or new, significant information has been received. Since none of these situations have occurred, the subject EIR is determined to be adequate and a subsequent EIR need not be prepared. As a responsible agency, the City of Carlsbad must review and consider this EIR prior to acting upon the project. Public Facilities As previously noted, the project is necessary in order to comply with State and Federal water quality control requirements. The project is also necessary in order to provide adequate capacity to meet projected increases in wastewater flow. Secondary growth related impacts on other public facilities would be addressed on a project-by-project basis. . History and Related Cases ZC-168, (Ordinance No. 9442), adopted by City Council on November IT, 1975. This ordinance allowed a zone change on the subject property from R-l-10,000 to P-U. This zone change assured consistency of the existing sewage treatment facility with the General Plan and the Zone Code. ZCA-97, (Ordinance No. 9507), adopted by City Council on September 5,1978).This ordinance amended Title 21, Chapter 21.32, Section 21.36.020 to clear ambiguities and allow waste- water treatment, disposal, or reclamation facilities in the P-U Zone. Major Planning Considerations 1) Is the proposed expansion desirable in terms of City policy? 2) What significant environmental impacts (i.e, noise, visual aethetics, odors) will result from the proposed project? Can these impacts be sufficiently mitigated? -3- c Discussion The proposed project involves upgrading the Encina Sewage Facility to secondary treatment and increasing its capacity from 13.75 mgd to 18.00 mgd. The upgraded facility will provide additional service to the surrounding areas of Vista, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Leucadia, Buena, and Encinitas. Carlsbad will receive an approximately 25% share of the additional capacity. Both the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments have established stringent effluent quality requirements, and a schedule for meeting these requirements. Included in these requirements is the stipulation that the facility must be upgraded to secondary treatment. (Secondary treatment consists of reducing both the biochemical oxygen demand and the amount of suspended solids). Therefore, a major objective of this project is to meet the State and Federal requirements. In order to increase the plants capacity and upgrade treatment, new facilities must be constructed and some existing facilities must be modified. New facilities include various operation buildings, aeration and sedimentation tanks, and other necessary appurtenances. The existing storm drainage channel which bisects the site will be straightened and improved (concrete lining, diking and culvert improvements) in order to accommodate a 100 year flood. Other facilities must also be modified in order to comply with the mandated guidelines. Effluent from the facility will be discharged through the existing ocean outfall. The sludge generated from the facility will be dewatered on site, and transported in specially designed trucks to a land fill. Within the EIR, two alternatives to the proposed secondary treatment/ocean disposal project were discussed. These are the "no action" and "groundwater recharge" alternatives. The no action alternative involves the continuation of primary discharge to the ocean, which would thereby violate State and Federal requirements for minimum treatment levels. Groundwater recharge involves upgrading the treatment plant to tertiary level before distribution to three groundwater basins. This alternative was found to be economically unfeasible and opposed by the Department of Health due to the unknown long term effects on stable organic compounds. It should be mentioned that within the selected alternative, there was a choice among three secondary treatment processes. The selected method, i.e. activated sludge, is most desirable in terms of monitary costs, and in reducing potential odor and visual impacts. Through the certification of the EIR, the Vista Sanitation District requested agencies with appropriate regulatory powers within the subject area to impose regulations that mitigate significant environmental impacts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), California Coastal Commission, and State Department of Fish and Game have conditionally approved the project. The conditions -4- ~ c Oc imposed by these agencies deal primarily with secondary growth related impacts by regulating the timing of plant expansion and the areas to be provided with sewer services. Specifically, the Coastal Commission has designated agricultural and steep sloped areas where sewer service can be extended only if it is in conformance with the certified Local Coastal Program. Also, the conditions imposed by the EPA and SWRCB coordinate expansion of the facility with the implementation schedule of the Regional Air Quality Strategy (RAQS). Since the project has been approved by the affected State and Federal Agencies; staff believes that it is important for the Commission to direct its attention at establishing conditions which will mitigate any significant impacts on the surrounding area and ensure the project's compatibility with City policies. Potential significant impacts from the project include: noise impacts from construction and plant operation; odor impacts; and visual aesthetic impacts. The EIR lists specific measures, such as the treatment of influent, odor removal towers, covering and ventilating certain facilities to reduce odors, and other screening/buffering methods, which would mitigate these impacts. These mitigation measures have been incorporated into the project, either by the applicant or through conditions of approval. Staff Recommendation Staff recommends that the Planning Commission forward a rec- ommendation or APPROVAL of Precise Development Plan -1 to the City Council, based on the following findings and subject to the following conditions: 1) The Precise Development Plan ensures the compatibility of the project with the City's General Plan for the following reasons: a) The General Plan Land Use Element designates the subject property for a public utility use. b) The project is consistent with the goal and policy of the public facilities element of the General Plan. 2) The proposed Precise Development Plan ensures the compatibility of the development with surrounding development for the following reasons: a) Conditions are imposed as part of this approval that mitigate any significant impacts resulting from the project. b) The development is located in a depressed area that can easily be buffered in order to prevent adverse impacts to adjacent properties. -5- t ( 3) The proposed project conforms to the California Environmental Quality Act, and the Carlsbad Environmental Protection Ordinance since: a) An EIR has been prepared and certified by the lead agency. b) Although it was found that the project may have significant adverse environmental impacts, said lead agency has found overriding considerations justifying approval of the project. c) Adequate measures to mitigate significant impacts are included as part of the required approvals. d) The City acting as a responsible agency has considered this EIR in approving the project. e) Other environmental agencies have conditionally approved the project. 4) The proposed Precise Development Plan provides for necessary public improvements as necessitated by the development since conditions are imposed which require such improvements. Conditions 1) Development of the site shall occur as shown on Exhibits A and B dated 4/11/79, and Exhibit D dated 4/9/79; except for modifications that are contained herein, and minor modifications approved by the Public Works Administrator. 2) In addition to the approval of the development indicated in the Exhibits noted in Condition No. 1, all other requirements listed in this approval shall be indicated on the final Precise Development Plan. 3) Grading plans shall be approved by the Public Works Administrator or his designee, prior to the issuance of a building permit. Said plans shall include provisions to limit grading to the minimum area necessary for construction of the facilities. 4) Surfaces shall be graded to direct runoff toward designed drainage facilities and away from cut and fill slopes. 5) Land shall not be cleared of vegetation except immediately before grading, and all slopes shall be established for erosion control immediately upon completion of such grading. Native vegetation shall be retained wherever feasible. j6) Landscape and irrigation plans shall be submitted for the entire facility and subject to the approval of the Planning Director. The landscaping shall be designed to screen facilities from views along 1-5, and surrounding properties. Plans shall include fast growing tall trees, as well as a combination of shrubs and ground cover. Plants shall be drought tolerant to the maximum extent feasible, and fire -6- c c : c retardent where necessary. Said landscape and irrigation shall be installed immediately upon completion of construction, except that all screening landscaping shall be installed upon completion of grading, prior to any construction. 7) All noise producing mechanisms and facilities shall be shielded and buffered in such a manner so as to reduce the noise level to a maximum of 65 dba, from the property line of the facility, in accordance with the noise element of the General Plan. 8) All influent wastewater shall be pre-treated in order to remove odors. In addition, the screening structures, grit removal tanks, primary sedimentation tanks, and all open channels, including primary effluent channels, shall be covered and ventilated in order to remove odors. 9) Odor removal towers are required and shall be delineated on the final Precise Development Plan subject to the approval of the Public Works Administrator. 10) Fire hydrants shall be placed on the site as required and approved by the Fire Marshall. 11) All necessary public improvements shall be installed subject to the approval of the City Engineer. Said improvements shall include the extension of the existing 10" water line along Avenida Encinas, from the northerly boundary of the treatment facility to its southerly boundary.. - 12) All storm drain.and channel designs shall be subject to the approval of the City Engineer. 13) The placement of equipment on any roof tops shall be screened from views, and subject to the approval of the Planning Director. 14) All lighting shall be designed in a manner that will not adversely affect nearby residences or public roadways. A lighting plan shall be subject to the approval of the Planning Director. 15) Upon approval, the applicant shall submit a reproducible copy of the Precise Development Plan which incorporates all requirements of the approval to the City Manager for signature. Prior to signing the final Precise Development plan, the City Manager shall determine that all applicable requirements have been incorporated into the plan and that all conditions of approval have been satisfactorily met or otherwise guaranteed. The final signed Precise Development Plan shall be the official site layout plan for the property and shall be attached to any application for a building permit on the subject property. -7- BMrar 4/20/79 V PDP-l ENC1NA CASE NO.Date Rec'd DCC Date: -4M/23_PC Date Description of Request:WATF=Px P/3UUJnOM Address or Location of Request AMO Applicant: Engr. or Arch. Brief Legal: A.A/-IJ TV\g. MAP !School District: Assessor Book:_ General Plan Land Use Description: Existing Zone: p?—}J Acres:No.'of Lots ^Proposed Zone: •2 ? P-U i v;ater District: <TP/Sanitation District: i Coast Permit Area: ITHE — Property Management & Real Estate Sales April 30, 1979 City Council City of Carlsbad 1200 Elm Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 Dear Council Members: As president of the management agent for the Altamira Homeowners Association, I am writing in concern to the proposed expansion of the Encina Sewer Plant. It is the general consensus of these 672 homeowners that no expansion of this facility should take place until the odor problem is eliminated. It is hoped that each member of the council will take the time to visit Altamira before addressing this issue on May 15. Very truly yours, MEPrejv P.O. BOX 1068 • 2122 EL CAMINO REAL • OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92054 TELEPHONES: SALES 433-0271; MANAGEMENT (714) 433-0917; LA JOLLA 452-8263 REALTOR