HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-11-18; City Council; 17378 EIR 1 of 2; Water and Sewer Master Plans Updates
DRAFT FINAL
PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
for the
WATER AND SEWER MASTER PLANS UPDATES
SCH #2003051014
Prepared for:
City of Carlsbad
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, California 92008
EIR # 03-01
Prepared by:
605 Third Street
Encinitas, California 92024
JULY OCTOBER 2003
TABLE OF CONTENTS
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR i
SectionSectionSectionSection Page No.Page No.Page No.Page No.
PREFACE TO THE FINAL PROGRAM EIR........................................................................i
LIST OF ACRONYMS..........................................................................................................ii
SUMMARY.....................................................................................................................S-1
S-1 Introduction/Background..........................................................................S-1
S-2 Purpose and Scope of Report.....................................................................S-1
S-3 Environmental Procedures Under the California Environmental
Quality Act..................................................................................................S-2
S-4 Areas of Known Controversy .....................................................................S-4
S-5 Project Objectives.......................................................................................S-5
S-6 Project Location.........................................................................................S-5
S-7 Project Characteristics...............................................................................S-5
S-8 Affected Environment................................................................................S-6
S-9 Environmental Impacts and Cumulative Impacts ....................................S-6
S-10 Other Considerations Required by CEQA...............................................S-19
S-11 Alternatives ..............................................................................................S-22
1.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Project Background.....................................................................................1-1
1.1.1 Carlsbad Municipal Water District..................................................1-1
1.1.2 Carlsbad Sewer District ..................................................................1-2
1.2 Purpose and Scope of Report.....................................................................1-2
1.3 Environmental Procedures under the California Environmental
Quality Act..................................................................................................1-3
1.3.1 Notice of Preparation......................................................................1-3
1.3.2 Use of the Program EIR..................................................................1-4
1.4 Areas of Known Controversy ..................................................................... 1-5
1.5 Consultation and Coordination ................................................................. 1-7
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...............................................................................2-1
2.1 Project Objectives.......................................................................................2-1
2.2 Project Location.........................................................................................2-1
2.3 Previous Master Plans................................................................................2-1
2.3.1 Previous Water Master Plans..........................................................2-1
2.3.2 Previous Sewer Master Plans..........................................................2-5
2.4 Project Characteristics...............................................................................2-6
2.4.1 2003 Water Master Plan Update....................................................2-7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR ii
2.4.2 2003 Sewer Master Plan Update..................................................2-18
2.4.3 Standard Design Features and Construction Measures...............2-27
2.4.4 Construction Schedule................................................................. 2-30
2.5 Approvals Required and Intended Uses of the EIR ................................2-31
3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING........................................................................3-1
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS .....................................................................4-1
4.1 Aesthetics .................................................................................................4.1-1
4.1.1 Existing Conditions.......................................................................4.1-1
4.1.2 Significance Criteria.....................................................................4.1-2
4.1.3 Impact Analysis............................................................................4.1-3
4.1.4 Mitigation Measures....................................................................4.1-6
4.1.5 Residual Impacts After Mitigation ..............................................4.1-6
4.2 Air Quality...............................................................................................4.2-1
4.2.1 Existing Conditions......................................................................4.2-3
4.2.2 Significance Criteria.....................................................................4.2-4
4.2.3 Impact Analysis............................................................................4.2-6
4.2.4 Mitigation Measures.................................................................. 4.2-11
4.2.5 Residual Impact After Mitigation.............................................. 4.2-11
4.3 Biological Resources ...............................................................................4.3-1
4.3.1 Existing Conditions......................................................................4.3-1
4.3.2 Significance Criteria...................................................................4.3-12
4.3.3 Impact Analysis..........................................................................4.3-13
4.3.4 Mitigation Measures..................................................................4.3-21
4.3.5 Residual Impact After Mitigation..............................................4.3-23
4.4 Cultural Resources..................................................................................4.4-1
4.4.1 Existing Conditions/Setting ........................................................4.4-1
4.4.2 Significance Criteria.....................................................................4.4-7
4.4.3 Impact Analysis........................................................................... 4.4-8
4.4.4 Mitigation Measures..................................................................4.4-12
4.4.5 Residual Impact After Mitigation..............................................4.4-21
4.5 Geology and Soils....................................................................................4.5-1
4.5.1 Existing Conditions......................................................................4.5-1
4.5.2 Significance Criteria.....................................................................4.5-3
4.5.3 Impact Analysis............................................................................4.5-5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR iii
SectionSectionSectionSection Page No.Page No.Page No.Page No.
4.5.4 Mitigation Measures....................................................................4.5-7
4.5.5 Residual Impact After Mitigation................................................4.5-7
4.6 Hazards and Hazardous Materials .........................................................4.6-1
4.6.1 Existing Conditions......................................................................4.6-1
4.6.2 Significance Criteria.....................................................................4.6-3
4.6.3 Impact Analysis............................................................................4.6-4
4.6.4 Mitigation Measures....................................................................4.6-6
4.6.5 Residual Impacts After Mitigation ..............................................4.6-6
4.7 Hydrology and Water Quality................................................................. 4.7-1
4.7.1 Existing Conditions...................................................................... 4.7-1
4.7.2 Significance Criteria.....................................................................4.7-6
4.7.3 Impact Analysis............................................................................4.7-8
4.7.4 Mitigation Measures..................................................................4.7-10
4.7.5 Residual Impact After Mitigation...............................................4.7-11
4.8 Land Use..................................................................................................4.8-1
4.8.1 Existing Conditions......................................................................4.8-1
4.8.2 Significance Criteria.................................................................... 4.8-3
4.8.3 Impact Analysis........................................................................... 4.8-3
4.8.4 Mitigation Measures....................................................................4.8-7
4.8.5 Residual Impact After Mitigation................................................4.8-7
4.9 Noise........................................................................................................4.9-1
4.9.1 Existing Conditions......................................................................4.9-2
4.9.2 Significance Criteria.....................................................................4.9-3
4.9.3 Impact Analysis............................................................................4.9-3
4.9.4 Mitigation Measures....................................................................4.9-7
4.9.5 Residual Impact After Mitigation.............................................. 4.9-11
4.10 Transportation/Traffic.......................................................................... 4.10-1
4.10.1 Existing Conditions.................................................................... 4.10-1
4.10.2 Significance Criteria...................................................................4.10-2
4.10.3 Impact Analysis..........................................................................4.10-2
4.10.4 Mitigation Measures..................................................................4.10-5
4.10.5 Residual Impact After Mitigation..............................................4.10-7
5.0 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ................................................................................5-1
5.1 Introduction...............................................................................................5-1
5.2 Analysis of Cumulative Impacts ................................................................ 5-1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR iv
SectionSectionSectionSection Page No.Page No.Page No.Page No.
6.0 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS REQUIRED BY CEQA ................................6-1
6.1 Significant Environmental Effects Which Cannot be Avoided
if the Proposed Project Is Implemented....................................................6-1
6.2 Significant Irreversible Environmental Changes Which
Would Be Caused by the Proposed Project Should it be Implemented....6-1
6.3 Growth Inducing Impact of the Proposed Project.....................................6-2
6.4 Effects Not Found to be Significant...........................................................6-4
7.0 ALTERNATIVES................................................................................................ 7-1
7.1 No Project Alternative................................................................................7-2
7.2 Planning and Land Use Alternatives.........................................................7-2
7.3 Environmentally Superior Alternative ......................................................7-3
8.0 LIST OF PREPARERS ......................................................................................8-1
9.0 REFERENCES AND PERSONS CONTACTED ............................................9-1
9.1 References and Bibliography.....................................................................9-1
9.2 Persons Contacted......................................................................................9-3
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A Public Scoping Materials and Comments (Including NOP)
Appendix B Cultural Resources Technical Report
Appendix C Comments on the Draft Program EIR and Response to Comments
TABLE OF CONTENTS
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR v
SectionSectionSectionSection Page No.Page No.Page No.Page No.
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1 Vicinity Map...............................................................................................2-2
Figure 2-2 Project Map................................................................................................2-3
Figure 2-3 Relationship to Development Projects....................................................2-13
Figure 4.3-1 Study Area Vegetation.............................................................................4.3-3
Figure 4.7-1 Study Area Hydrology.............................................................................4.7-3
LIST OF TABLES
Table S-1 Summary of Impacts and Mitigation - Water Master Plan.....................S-10
Table S-2 Summary of Impacts and Mitigation - Sewer Master Plan.....................S-15
Table 2-1 Carlsbad Municipal Water District Capital Improvement Program.........2-8
Table 2-2 Related Environmental Documentation for Water Lines Included
in CMWD’s Water Master Plan................................................................2-15
Table 2-3 Projects Identified in the 2003 Sewer Master Plan Update................... 2-20
Table 2-4 Projects Proposed at the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility.........2-26
Table 2-5 Summary of Standard Project Design Features and Construction
Measures ..................................................................................................2-27
Table 4.2-1 Ambient Air Quality Standards ..............................................................4.2-2
Table 4.2-2 Ambient Air Quality Summary – Escondido and Oceanside
Monitoring Stations 1996-2000.............................................................4.2-5
Table 4.4-1 Cultural Resource Sites Within or Adjacent to the Water Master
Plan Update Study Area......................................................................... 4.4-8
Table 4.4-2 Cultural Resource Sites Within or Adjacent to the Sewer Master
Plan Update Study Area........................................................................4.4-10
Table 4.9-1 Typical Sound Levels Measured in the Environment and Industry ......4.9-1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR vi
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
PREFACE
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR i
PREFACE TO THE FINAL PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTPREFACE TO THE FINAL PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTPREFACE TO THE FINAL PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTPREFACE TO THE FINAL PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
This Final Program EIR includes revisions made to the Draft Program EIR as a result of
responding to written comments received during the 45-day public review period for the
Draft Program EIR, as well as minor corrections and revisions initiated by City of
Carlsbad staff based on their ongoing review. The revisions/additions to the Final
Program EIR text are highlighted by shaded text. Text removed is denoted by
underlined text. For the list of commentors, written comments, and responses to
comments received on the Draft Program EIR, refer to Appendix C.
LIST OF ACRONYMS
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR ii
ACOE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
ADT Average daily traffic
ALUC Airport Land Use Commission
APCD Air Pollution Control District
ARB Air Resources Board
AT&SF Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe
BMPs Best Management Practices
California Register California Register of Historical Places
CCAA California Clean Air Act
CDFG California Department of Fish and Game
CDPs Coastal Development Permits
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CGS California Geological Survey
CIP Capital Improvement Program
CLUP Comprehensive Land Use Plans
CMWD Carlsbad Municipal Water District
CNEL Community Noise Equivalent Level
CO Carbon Monoxide
dB Decibels
du/ac dwelling units per acre
DOC California Department of Conservation
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
FAZ Flight Activity Zone
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
HMP Habitat Management Plan
I-5 Interstate 5
I-15 Interstate 15
Leq Over noise level of a period of time
Leq(h) 1-hour Leq value
LOS Level of service
LWD Leucadia Wastewater District
MHCP Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan
MND Mitigated Negative Declaration
MSCP Multiple Species Conservation Plan
MRZ Mineral Resource Zone
MTDB Metropolitan Transit Development Board
NCCP Natural Community Conservation Plan
LIST OF ACRONYMS
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR iii
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
NOP Notice of Preparation
NOx Nitrogen oxides
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NRCS National Resource Conservation Service
MWD Municipal Water District
PEIR Program Environmental Impact Report
PM10 Respirable particulate matter
RAQS Regional Air Quality Strategy
RMP Risk Management Plan
ROG Reactive organic gases
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SANDAG San Diego Association of Governments
SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality Management District
SCH State Clearinghouse
SDCWA San Diego County Water Authority
SDG&E San Diego Gas & Electric
SDNR San Diego Northern Railroad
SIP State Implementation Plan
SR-76 State Route 76
SR-78 State Route 78
SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board
TCP Traffic control plan
TSP Total suspended particulates
UBC Uniform Building Code
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
WPCF Water Pollution Control Facility
WTP Wastewater Treatment Plant
YBP Years before present
SUMMARY
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-1
SSSS----1111 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUNDINTRODUCTION/BACKGROUNDINTRODUCTION/BACKGROUNDINTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND
The Carlsbad Municipal Water District (CMWD) and Carlsbad Sewer District (CSD)
propose to implement the Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates. This Draft Program
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) addresses the potential environmental
consequences of the updated Master Plan projects.
The CMWD and CSD are responsible for the respective maintenance, operations, and
management of water distribution and sewer collection systems in the City of Carlsbad
(City). Each District proposes to implement an update to their Master Plan for the
provision of infrastructure services throughout the City. The Water Master Plan and
Sewer Master Plan represent comprehensive programs for the phased and orderly
development of water and sewer utilities for future needs of the City. They consist of
individual capital improvement projects to construct new facilities and modify or
expand existing facilities that would be needed to implement the Master Plan Updates.
The CMWD Board of Directors is the decision-making body for the CMWD. The
Carlsbad City Council is the decision-making body for the CSD. Together, CMWD and
CSD will be Co-Lead Agencies in preparing this Program Environmental Impact Report
(EIR) in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA)
statutes (Cal. Pub. Res. Code, § 21000 et seq., as amended) and implementing State
CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., Title 14, § 15000 et seq., 1998).
SSSS----2222 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF REPORTPURPOSE AND SCOPE OF REPORTPURPOSE AND SCOPE OF REPORTPURPOSE AND SCOPE OF REPORT
The purpose of this Program EIR is to assess and disclose potential impacts to the
physical environment associated with construction and operation of the proposed
updates to the Water and Sewer Master Plans. This document provides program-level,
and in some cases project-level, information for consideration by decision-makers and
the general public.
This Program EIR focuses on the 10 issue areas of Aesthetics; Air Quality; Biological
Resources; Cultural Resources; Geology and Soils; Hazards and Hazardous Materials;
Hydrology and Water Quality; Land Use and Planning; Noise; and
Transportation/Traffic. Other issue areas, including Public Services and Recreation, are
not evaluated in detail in Chapter 4.0 of this Program EIR and are addressed as
required by CEQA in Section 6.4 (Effects Not Found to be Significant).
Summary
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-2
Chapter 2.0 describes the project in detail, including the project’s objectives and
characteristics. Chapter 3.0 provides the existing environmental setting. The
Environmental Analysis section of the Program EIR (Chapter 4.0) addresses each
relevant issue in detail by describing existing conditions, discussing potential impacts
and their significance, and proposing mitigation measures to avoid or reduce identified
significant impacts. The mitigation measures will be incorporated into a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) to be adopted by the Districts as
conditions of approval for the project. Cumulative impacts are assessed in Chapter 5.0,
and other considerations required by CEQA are discussed in Chapter 6.0. Alternatives
to the proposed project are addressed in Chapter 7.0. Chapter 8.0 identifies the list of
preparers, and Chapter 9.0 provides the references used in the preparation of this
document.
SSSS----3333 ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURES UNDER THE CALIFORNIAENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURES UNDER THE CALIFORNIAENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURES UNDER THE CALIFORNIAENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURES UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACTENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACTENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACTENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
This Program EIR has been prepared by the CMWD and CSD in accordance with the
requirements of CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines, as amended. An EIR is an
informational document that is designed to inform decision-makers, other responsible
or interested agencies, and the general public of the potential environmental effects of a
proposed project; to examine and implement methods of eliminating or reducing any
potentially adverse impacts; and to consider alternatives to the project as proposed.
While CEQA requires that major consideration be given to avoiding environmental
damage, the lead agency(ies) must balance adverse environmental effects against other
public objectives, including economic and social goals, in determining whether and in
what manner a project should be approved.
To identify key issues and concerns relevant to the scope of the Program EIR, the
Districts encouraged participation in the environmental review process from public
agencies, special interest groups, and the general public. A major component of this
process is public scoping. Scoping is a process designed to determine the breadth of
issues to be addressed in the Program EIR. The aspects of the public scoping discussed
in this section include the Notice of Preparation (NOP) and areas of controversy
identified as a result of public scoping.
Notice of PreparationNotice of PreparationNotice of PreparationNotice of Preparation
The State CEQA Guidelines include requirements for an early and open process to
Summary
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-3
determine the scope of issues that should be addressed prior to implementation of a
proposed action (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15082 and 15083). The Districts initiated
the scoping process on April 28, 2003 through issuance of an NOP that included
distribution to the State Clearinghouse (SCH) at the California Office of Planning and
Research. The SCH monitors compliance of state agencies in providing timely
responses and assigned state identification number (SCH #2003051014) to this EIR.
The NOP is included in Appendix A.
The NOP provided notification to all federal, state, and local agencies involved with
funding or approval of the project, and to other interested organizations and members
of the public, that an EIR will be prepared for this project. The NOP was intended to
encourage interagency communication concerning the proposed action and provide
sufficient background information about the proposed action so that agencies,
organizations, and individuals could respond with specific comments and questions on
the scope and content of the Program EIR.
The Districts held a 30-day public review period to solicit comments on the NOP,
beginning on April 28 and ending on June 1, 2003. Appendix A contains the eight
comment letters received in response to the NOP.
Use of the Program EIRUse of the Program EIRUse of the Program EIRUse of the Program EIR
A Program EIR will be used to analyze the first-tier effects of the Master Plan Updates.
First-tier EIRs typically cover issues in a broad generalized level of analysis. A Program
EIR is typically used for an agency program or series of actions that can be characterized
as one large project. Typically, such a project involves actions that are closely related
geographically (Cal. Code of Regs., Title 14, § 15168(a)(1)), for agency programs (§
15168(a)(3)), or as individual activities carried out under the same authorizing statutory
or regulatory authority and having generally similar environmental effects which can be
mitigated in similar ways (§ 15168(a)(4)). Program EIRs generally analyze broad
environmental effects of the program with the acknowledgment that site-specific
environmental review may be required for particular aspects of portions of the program
when those aspects are proposed for implementation (§ 15168(a)).
Once the Program EIR is prepared for the Master Plan Updates, subsequent (or second-
tier) activities within the program must be evaluated to determine whether an additional
CEQA document needs to be prepared. When the subsequent activities involve site-
specific operations, the City would use a written checklist to document its determination
Summary
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-4
whether the environmental effects of the operation were covered in the Program EIR. If
the Program EIR addresses the program’s effects as specifically and comprehensively as
possible, many subsequent activities could be found to be within the Program EIR scope
and additional environmental documentation would not be required (§ 15168(c)).
If a subsequent activity would have effects that are not within the scope of the Program
EIR, the City of Carlsbad would need to prepare a new Initial Study leading to either a
Negative Declaration, Mitigated Negative Declaration, or an EIR. Subsequent CEQA
documents would incorporate by reference the general discussions from this broader
Program EIR, primarily concentrating on the issues specific to the action being
evaluated.
At the time the Initial Study is performed, the appropriate responsible agency or
agencies would be identified. Such agencies would be noticed of the City’s intention to
implement or approve the project at the time of public noticing of any such intent to
approve or implement the project. The Initial Study is prepared to analyze whether the
subsequent project may cause any significant effect on the environment that was not
examined in the Program EIR and whether the subsequent project was described in the
Program EIR as being within the scope of the Program EIR.
If the lead agency, based on the Initial Study, determines that a proposed subsequent
project would have no additional effect on the environment that was not identified in
the Program EIR and that no new or additional mitigation measures or alternatives may
be required, the lead agency is to make a written finding based upon the information
contained in the Initial Study that the subsequent project is within the scope of the
project covered by the Program EIR.
Additional procedures for analyzing second-tier projects are described in Section 4.0.
SSSS----4444 AREAS OF KNOWN CONTROVERSYAREAS OF KNOWN CONTROVERSYAREAS OF KNOWN CONTROVERSYAREAS OF KNOWN CONTROVERSY
Commentors on the NOP expressed concerns about potential impacts to energy
resources, archaeological resources, impacts to water supply resulting from a proposed
seawater desalination project, biological resources including wetlands, sensitive plant
and animal species, and impacts to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. These concerns have
been identified as areas of known controversy.
Summary
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-5
SSSS----5555 PROJECTPROJECTPROJECTPROJECT OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVES
The CMWD and CSD propose to implement the Master Plan Updates in order to:
! Make facility improvements on aging wastewater infrastructure;
! Increase capacity as necessary;
! Facilitate identified expansion needs; and
! Reduce maintenance costs.
In addition, in the case of the CSD, a project objective is to reduce the potential for
wastewater overflows.
SSSS----6666 PROJECT LOCATIONPROJECT LOCATIONPROJECT LOCATIONPROJECT LOCATION
The project site is located in the northern part of San Diego County within the City of
Carlsbad as shown in Figure 2-1. All project components would be located within the
Districts’ boundaries, with two exceptions, as shown in Figure 2-2 (refer to Chapter 2).
A proposed water line upsize at the eastern end of Palomar Airport Road (component
26) would be located within the City of San Marcos, and the abandonment of nine water
wells is proposed (component 32) near Foussat Road within the City of Oceanside.
SSSS----7777 PROJECT CHARACTERISTICSPROJECT CHARACTERISTICSPROJECT CHARACTERISTICSPROJECT CHARACTERISTICS
The 2003 Master Plan Updates for Water and Sewer were assembled using the following
assumptions, data, and methods:
! Inventorying data of existing facilities;
! Examining water billing records for existing development;
! Employing the City’s Growth Management Database for future development
projections;
! Applying unit factors for anticipated demand;
! Using models for future infrastructure needs and sizing; and
! Calculating fees derived based on estimated construction costs
Summary
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-6
The Master Plan Updates consist of multi-year studies for facility improvements within
the Districts, and identify infrastructure needs to accommodate demands from future
development through City buildout. The plans include a review of existing and
projected flows, capacity analyses, existing conditions assessment, Capital Improvement
Program (CIP), and revisions to the sewer and water connection fee programs. They
would establish a connection fee program to fund buildout water and sewer
infrastructure identified as part of the planning process. Therefore, three actions are
included in the overall project: adoption of the two Master Plan Updates and adoption
of the connection fee program. The connection fee program would result in economic
effects in that it would update the fee structure used to obtain funds for capital projects.
As such, the connection fee program is not subject to CEQA and will not be discussed in
the EIR. However, CEQA requires that the lead agencies make findings for certification
of the project, particularly because the project requires an amendment to the City's
Municipal Code. Accordingly, the City would make findings for the connection fee
program exemption in the final environmental documentation.
SSSS----8888 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTAFFECTED ENVIRONMENTAFFECTED ENVIRONMENTAFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
The environmental setting for the proposed Master Plan Updates includes all 84 project
sites within the Cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside, and San Marcos in the northern portion of
San Diego County, California. The environmental setting is described in terms of its
general characteristics in Chapter 3.0. The environmental setting for each issue area is
discussed in more detail in Chapter 4.0 of this document.
SSSS----9999 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTSENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTSENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTSENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
The analysis of each environmental issue area in Chapter 4.0 includes a description of
the existing conditions within the project study area; the criteria for determining
significance; an evaluation of how the specific resources would be affected by
implementation of the proposed project; program-level mitigation measures to reduce
significant impacts; and residual impacts after mitigation.
The study area lies within the Cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside, and San Marcos. Refer to
Figure 2-1 for a vicinity map. The evaluation in Chapter 4.0 is organized generally by
the category of environmental effect anticipated by a certain project component.
Summary
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-7
Approach to Impact AnalApproach to Impact AnalApproach to Impact AnalApproach to Impact Analysisysisysisysis
The Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates include a total of 84 project components.
The analysis contained in this Program EIR is considered to be a first-tier level of
analysis for the Master Plan Updates. Impacts are summarized in Tables S-1 and S-2.
The data in these tables has several uses.
Primarily, Tables S-1 and S-2 are used to identify those components that would require
additional CEQA review, and as described in Section 1.3, additional CEQA review could
take the form of a Negative Declaration, Mitigated Negative Declaration, or EIR.
Accordingly, Tables S-1 and S-2 also identify the project components that would not
result in environmental effects as a result of construction or operation. These project
components would not necessitate additional, second-tier (or project-level)
environmental review, as their effects have been adequately assessed in this Program
EIR.
Tables S-1 and S-2 are designed to serve as a guide for the evaluation of each project
component as it comes forward for approval or implementation. Tables S-1 and S-2 are
based on known conditions and an evaluation of probable future conditions. Since
future conditions may change, the first step in environmental review of future projects
under this Program EIR should be to ascertain if future conditions are different from
present assumptions, and to determine if environmental review has already been
accomplished. For example, where pipelines are assumed in this Program EIR to be
located in street rights-of-way, this first check should include affirming the assumption.
Conditions evaluated at this stage for any change could include sizing, location, site
disturbance, or other factors. If conditions are as assumed, City staff shall use the
following procedure to establish mitigation on a project-specific basis for all issues
where the potential for mitigation requirements is indicated.
! Each project shall be reviewed to determine if local environmental review has
been carried out by the local land use jurisdiction as part of a project for which
the local land use jurisdiction was the lead agency under CEQA.
! If local review was carried out under CEQA, the City will determine if that review
for each issue was sufficient to meet the City’s requirements. If so, further
environmental review by the City shall not be required.
Summary
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-8
! If further environmental review by the City is required, the City shall review
project plans to determine if there is a potential for the project to have a
significant effect on the environment using the Tables S-1 and S-2 as a guide, but
with the possibility of changed future conditions in mind.
! Where indicated, environmental review of subsequent projects with the potential
for a significant effect or effects shall include the applicable studies, surveys,
coordination, or other procedures specified in Chapter 4 of this Program EIR.
Biological or cultural resource surveys or jurisdiction coordination for traffic
issues, for instance, may be needed to establish project-specific conditions and
mitigation measures.
! Where project-specific studies or other information indicate that significant
effects would result and feasible mitigation be implemented to reduce the effect
to a level below significance, a Mitigated Negative Declaration may be prepared
for the project under review.
! If project-specific studies indicate that any significant effect would result that
cannot be mitigated to a level below significance, a separate project-specific EIR
shall be required to address any potential significant effects.
Refer to Section 1.3 for more information on assessing first- and second-tier impacts of
future projects.
Summary of Impacts and MitigationSummary of Impacts and MitigationSummary of Impacts and MitigationSummary of Impacts and Mitigation
Tables S-1 and S-2 present potential environmental impacts, and mitigation as
applicable, for all Water Master Plan and Sewer Master Plan components within the
scope of this Program EIR. Projects are identified in the first column by their reference
number, which corresponds to the EIR text and Figure 2-2. The second column
identifies the projects by their name. The remaining columns summarize the
anticipated level of environmental effect categorized by CEQA issue area, and describes
mitigation if necessary.
It is anticipated that each project will be evaluated by City staff when appropriate to
begin design, approval, and implementation. The mitigation identified in Tables S-1
and S-2 is the process to be followed by City staff in evaluating the project at that time.
The tables are intended to guide City staff in subsequent environmental assessment of
Summary
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-9
each project, and an Environmental Initial Study will be performed for each project as it
is brought forward for implementation. Many of the projects will be carried out as part
of private development (mostly residential) projects for which the City has already
conducted, is in the process of conducting, or will conduct in the future, separate
environmental review. Additional information on the evaluation process is described in
the introduction to Chapter 4.0.
Based on the analysis in Chapter 4.0 and Section 6.4, the projects identified in the
Master Plan Updates were not found to have potentially significant impacts on
Aesthetics; Air Quality; Agricultural Resources; Energy Resources; Land Use and
Planning; Population and Housing; Public Services; Recreation; or Utilities and Service
Systems. As such, these issue areas are not shown in Tables S-1 and S-2.
In addition, some issue areas are not shown in Tables S-1 and S-2 because for that issue
area, all project components will require site-specific studies, or the specific project
components requiring additional studies cannot be determined at this program level of
analysis.
For Geology and Soils, all project components will require site-specific geotechnical
studies for engineering and design, which would determine the actual level of
environmental impact to geology and soils. For impacts to paleontological resources,
specific locations of potential impact would be those locations considered to be high- to
moderately sensitive in paleontological resources. This specific information would
become available at the time of grading. Only those considered to be high- to
moderately sensitive in paleontological resources would require additional
investigation.
For Hazards and Hazardous Materials, additional project-level analysis is required to
determine the significance of potential hazard effects for all project components. Since
hazardous materials sites are subject to changing conditions; e.g., closure of known
sites, discovery of new hazardous materials sites, site leakages, and/or remediation of
existing sites, it is not appropriate to make a significance determination at this program
level of analysis. Details on the known hazardous materials locations would need to be
investigated at the project level of analysis for individual project components to
determine the specifics on location, type, and status of hazardous materials sites that
may be affected.
Summary
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-10
For most environmental issue areas, there would not be residually significant
environmental impacts after mitigation measures are applied. The only exception is for
cumulative impacts to biological resources, which is described in Section 5.2 of the
Program EIR.
Summary July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-11 TABLE S-1 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION – WATER MASTER PLAN Reference Number Project Component Biological Resources Cultural Resources Hydrology Noise Transportation/ Traffic 1 New Watermain & PRS – from end of Marron Road east to Tamarack; PRS at Tamarack vegetation mapping, wetlands delineation, California gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant surveys Testing required1 Potential 303(d) and floodplain effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 2 New Watermain – parallel ex. 8" pipeline in Crestview Dr. west of El Camino Real No significant effect No significant effect Potential 303(d) effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 3 New Watermain – El Camino Real south from Kelly Dr. to Lisa St. No significant effect No significant effect No significant effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 4 New Watermain – Bryant Dr. from Longfellow to El Camino Real, south on El Camino Real to College and NE on College to Badger Lane No significant effect No significant effect Potential 303(d) effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 5 Watermain Replacement – upsize existing 20" to 30" along El Camino Real from Cougar Dr. to Faraday Ave including Maerkle Control Valve No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 6 Watermain & PRS – College Blvd from Carlsbad Village Drive south to Cannon Road, PRS evaluated in Calavera Hills Master Plan EIR Testing required1 Potential 303(d) and floodplain effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 7 New Watermain – College Blvd from future intersection with Cannon south to future Tee leading to Maerkle Reservoir evaluated in Calavera Hills Master Plan EIR Testing required1 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 8 New Watermain – College Blvd from Cannon Road south to Badger Lane evaluated in Calavera Hills Master Plan EIR No significant effect Potential 303(d) effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 9 New Watermain in Cannon Rd., from Merwin Dr. east to intersection with future College Blvd. evaluated in Calavera Hills Master Plan EIR Testing required1 Potential 303(d) and floodplain effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 10 New Watermain in College Ave, from Badger Lane north ~1200 ft, then east through future development evaluated in Cantarini-Holly Springs EIR Testing required1 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 11 New Watermain – connection from terminus of Project #10 to Maerkle Reservoir vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant surveys No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required
Summary July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-12 TABLE S-1 (Continued) Reference Number Project Component Biological Resources Cultural Resources Hydrology Noise Transportation/ Traffic 12 New Watermain in future extension of Melrose Dr., from PAR north to future Faraday Rd. evaluated in Carlsbad Raceway/Palomar Forum Business Park MNDs Testing required1 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 13 New Watermain in north El Fuerte St. extension, to future Faraday Rd. evaluated in Carlsbad Oaks North Specific Plan EIR No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 14 New Watermain in future Faraday Rd. extension, between El Fuerte St. and Melrose Dr. evaluated in Carlsbad Oaks North Specific Plan EIR Testing required for CA-SDI-16048, CA-SDI-16049 and CA-SDI-160541. No significant effect for P-37-024171 and P-37-024176 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 15 New Watermain – El Fuerte Street from PAR south to Rancho Pancho evaluated in Bressi Ranch and Villages of La Costa EIRs Testing required1 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 16 Watermain Replacement – El Camino Real from Palomar Airport Road south to Cassia Road partially evaluated in Bressi Ranch EIR; remainder of pipeline is within roadway; impacts would be less than significant Testing required1 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 17 New Watermain – Poinsettia Lane west from Skimmer Ct. to Blackrail Rd. vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher, wetlands delineation, and spring rare plant surveysTesting required1 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 18 Watermain Replacement – Poinsettia Road, 1100 feet east of Blackrail Rd. evaluated in water tank farm project MNDs No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 19 New Watermain – Aviara Parkway at Plum Tree north to Mariposa St, then east to Sapphire Dr. vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant surveys No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required
Summary July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-13 TABLE S-1 (Continued) Reference Number Project Component Biological Resources Cultural Resources Hydrology Noise Transportation/ Traffic 20 New Pump Station – Northeast corner of El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant surveys. No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 21 New PRS – Intersection of El Fuerte and Corintia St. No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact No significant effect 22 New Watermain – Carlsbad Boulevard from Avenida Encinas south to the District boundary noise assessment and appropriate mitigation for potential noise impacts to nesting sensitive birds Testing required1 Potential 303(d) effects Noise study necessary for effects to sensitive birds Traffic Control Plan required 23 New Watermain – Cannon Road, 1,800 feet NE from Faraday Road evaluated in Kelly Ranch EIR Testing required1 Potential 303(d) and floodplain effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 24 New Watermain – Parallel ex. pipeline in Poinsettia Rd from Ambrosia Lane to Blackrail Rd. evaluated in water tank farm project MNDs No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 25 New Watermain – Poinsettia Road from El Camino Real west to Skimmer Court (Poinsettia Lane) No significant effect Testing required1 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 26 Watermain Replacement – Palomar Airport Road west of SDCWA Conn. #1 No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 27 New water reservoir – construct new 375 Zone water reservoir next to existing D-3 Reservoir evaluated in water tank farm project MNDs No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects Noise study necessary Traffic Control Plan required 28 New Water Reservoir – construct buried storage reservoir next to existing Maerkle Reservoir vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant surveys No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects Noise study necessary Traffic Control Plan required 29 Enlarge pump station – Maerkle Pump Station capacity improvements vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant surveys No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects Noise study necessary Traffic Control Plan required 30 PRS upgrade – gross pressure reducing station improvements vegetation mapping and potential sensitive species assessment No significant effect Potential 303(d) effects No significant impact No significant effect
Summary July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-14 TABLE S-1 (Continued) Reference Number Project Component Biological Resources Cultural Resources Hydrology Noise Transportation/ Traffic 31 New watermain – El Camino crossing at Kelley Dr. No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 32 Well abandonment – Foussat Road well abandonments vegetation mapping and potential sensitive species assessment No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact No significant effect 33 Reservoir improvements – Lake Calavera Reservoir improvements vegetation mapping, vernal pool assessment, least Bell's vireo, California gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant surveys Testing required1 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 34 Intertie upgrade – Oceanside Intertie upgrade vegetation mapping and potential sensitive species assessment No significant effect Potential 303(d) effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 35 PRS – install PRS at Cannon Rd. & College Blvd. evaluated in Calavera Hills Master Plan EIR Testing required1 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact No significant effect 36 PS upgrades – Calavera PS, College Blvd at Carlsbad Village Dr. evaluated in Calavera Hills Master Plan EIR Testing required1 Dewatering and discharge effects Noise study necessary No significant effect Projects Required to Increase Available Fire Flow F1 Pipeline replacement – upsize 6" and 4" pipeline in Jeanne Place to end of cul-de-sac No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required F2 Pipeline replacement – upsize 6" pipeline in Nob Hill Drive to end of cul-de-sac No significant effect Testing required1 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required F3 Pipeline replacement – upsize 6" pipeline in Holly Brae Lane and Alder Ave east of Skyline Dr. No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required F4 Pipeline replacement – upsize 6" pipeline in Falcon Dr. East of Donna Dr. To cul-de-sac No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required F5 Pipeline replacement – upsize 6" pipeline in Cynthia Ln & Gregory Dr from Knowles Ave to cul-de-sac No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required F6 Pipeline replacement – upsize 6" pipeline in Tamarack Ave from Highland Dr west to Dair St., No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required
Summary July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-15 TABLE S-1 (Continued) Reference Number Project Component Biological Resources Cultural Resources Hydrology Noise Transportation/ Traffic and in Adair St to cul-de-sac F7 Pipeline replacement – upsize 6" pipeline in Highland Dr from Yourell Ave to Ratcliff No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required F8 New connection to fire hydrants – switch supply to hydrants at the Calavera Recreation Center from the 580 Zone to the 446 Zone No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required F9 Pipeline replacement – upsize 6" pipeline from Chestnut Ave at Woodland Way to the end of Woodland Way No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required F10 Pipeline replacement – upsize 6" pipeline in Garfield from Chinquapin Ave to end of cul-de-sac No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required F11 Pipeline replacement – upsize 6" pipeline in Arland Rd from Highland to Buena Vista Way No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required F12 New watermain – install parallel pipeline in Highland Dr. from Hillside Dr south to Adams St.No significant effect Testing required1 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required F13 New watermain – install parallel pipeline in Cove Dr from Park Dr to end No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required F14 Emergency pump – high elevation areas in the vicinity of Obelisco Place/Circle No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required Note: 1 If the site is located in an area that has already been developed, monitoring during construction is recommended. Depending on monitoring results, testing and data recovery may be necessary to evaluate the cultural resource and to mitigate the impacts.
Summary July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-16 TABLE S-2 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION – SEWER MASTER PLAN Reference Number Project Component Biological Resources Cultural Resources Hydrology Noise Transportation/Circulation 1 Avenida Encinas Gravity Sewer No significant effect Testing required Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 2 North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Rehabilitation – West Segment-Cove Drive to Hoover Street vegetation mapping, wetlands delineation, California gnatcatcher, potential sensitive shorebird species assessment, and spring rare plant surveys Testing required1 Potential 303(d) effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 3 North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Rehabilitation – East Segment El Camino Real to Kelly vegetation mapping, wetlands delineation, California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, and spring rare plant surveysNo significant effect for CA-SDI-209; testing required for CA-SDI-6140 and CA-SDI-96541 Potential 303(d) effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 4 North Agua Hedionda Trunk Sewer - Reach NAHT1A vegetation mapping and California gnatcatcher surveys No significant effect1 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 5 North Batiquitos Interceptor Rehabilitation vegetation mapping, wetlands delineation, California gnatcatcher, potential sensitive shorebird species assessment, and spring rare plant surveys Testing required for CA-SDI-608, CA-SDI-6823, CA-SDI-12807, and CA-SDI-128101, monitoring during construction for CA-SDI-694, CA-SDI-6826 and CA-SDI-11953 Potential floodplain effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 6 El Camino Sewer No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 7 Sewer Lift Station Repairs/ Upgrades No significant effect Testing required for CA-SDI-67511; no significant effect for P-37-15325 Dewatering and discharge effects Noise study necessary No significant effect 8 Forest Gravity Sewer and Lift Station No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 9 Home Plant Lift Station vegetation mapping and potential sensitive species assessment No significant effect Potential 303(d) effects Noise study necessary No significant effect 10 La Costa Meadows Sewer Extension vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant surveys; partially evaluated in Villages of La Costa EIR Testing required1 Potential floodplain effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required
Summary July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-17 TABLE S-2 (Continued) Reference Number Project Component Biological Resources Cultural Resources Hydrology Noise Transportation/Circulation 11 La Golondrina Sewer Extension partially evaluated in Villages of La Costa EIR No significant effect Potential floodplain effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 12 Poinsettia Sewage Lift Station Odor and Noise Abatement partially evaluated in Villages of La Costa EIR Testing required1 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact No significant effect 13 Sewer Line Refurbishment/ Replacement each proposed work area should be evaluated for potential sensitive habitat and species occurrence; methods for impact avoidance and reduction shall be implemented during refurbishment and replacement procedures Each proposed work area should be evaluated for potentialcultural resources Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 14 Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Reaches VC1 and VC2 vegetation mapping, wetlands delineation, California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, and spring rare plant surveys Testing required for CA-SDI-9472, CA-SDI-9474, CA-SDI-5652, and CA-SDI-99671; no significant effect for CA-SDI-9473; data recovery, avoidance and/or capping for CA-SDI-628 Potential 303(d) and floodplain effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 15 Gateshead Lift Station No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact No significant effect 16 Vancouver Lift Station vegetation mapping and potential sensitive species assessment Testing required1 Potential 303(d) and floodplain effects No significant impact No significant effect 17 Simsbury Lift Station No significant effect Testing required1 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact No significant effect 18 Villas Lift Station No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact No significant effect 19 Woodstock Lift Station No significant effect Testing required1 Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact No significant effect 20 Faraday #14 (Upper) Lift Station No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact No significant effect 21 Faraday #10 (Lower) Lift Station No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact No significant effect
Summary July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-18 TABLE S-2 (Continued) Reference Number Project Component Biological Resources Cultural Resources Hydrology Noise Transportation/Circulation 22 North Batiquitos Lift Station vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant surveys No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact No significant effect 23 Carlsbad trunk Sewer Reaches VCT1A, VCT1B, VCT1C vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant surveys Testing required1 Potential 303(d) and floodplain effects No significant impact Traffic Control Plan required 24 Master Plan Update No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact To be determined on an individual project basis as concluded in the Program EIR and subsequent environmental documentation 25 Sewer Monitoring Program N/A N/A N/A No significant impact N/A 26 Sewer Access Hole Rehabilitation N/A N/A N/A No significant impact No significant effect 27 Sewer Connection Fee Update N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 28 Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Reach VC3 vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant surveys No significant effect Potential 303(d) and floodplain effects No significant impact TCP required 29 Buena Vista Lift Station upgrade vegetation mapping, wetlands delineation, California gnatcatcher, potential sensitive shorebird species assessment, and spring rare plant surveys No significant effect Potential 303(d) and floodplain effects No significant impact No significant effect 30 Buena Vista Lift Station forcemain vegetation mapping, wetlands delineation, California gnatcatcher, potential sensitive shorebird species assessment, and spring rare plant surveys Testing required1 Potential 303(d) and floodplain effects No significant impact TCP required 31 Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Sewer Reach 11B vegetation mapping, wetlands delineation, California gnatcatcher, Testing required for CA-SDI-6751 and CA-SDI-2101, Potential 303(d) and floodplain No significant impact TCP required
Summary July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-19 TABLE S-2 (Continued) Reference Number Project Component Biological Resources Cultural Resources Hydrology Noise Transportation/Circulation potential sensitive shorebird species assessment, and spring rare plant surveys no significant effect for P-37-15325 effects 32 Agua Hedionda Lift Station No significant effect No significant effect Potential 303(d) effects Noise study necessary No significant effect 33 Lower Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor, Reaches VC13, VC14, and VC15 No significant effect No significant effect Dewatering and discharge effects No significant impact TCP required 34 South Agua Hedionda/Kelly Ranch Lift Station No significant effect; partially evaluated in Kelly Ranch EIR Testing required for CA-SDI-6133, CA-SDI-6135, CA-SDI-10671, CA-SDI-10672, CA-SDI-13008, and CA-SDI-96531;monitoring during construction for CA-SDI-5353 Potential 303(d) effects Noise study necessary TCP required Note: 1 If the site is located in an area that has already been developed, monitoring during construction is recommended. Depending on monitoring results, testing and data recovery may be necessary to evaluate the cultural resource and to mitigate the impacts.
Summary
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-20
SSSS----10101010 OTHER CONSIDERATIONSOTHER CONSIDERATIONSOTHER CONSIDERATIONSOTHER CONSIDERATIONS REQUIRED BY CEQAREQUIRED BY CEQAREQUIRED BY CEQAREQUIRED BY CEQA
Significant Environmental ESignificant Environmental ESignificant Environmental ESignificant Environmental Effects Which Cannot be Avoided iffects Which Cannot be Avoided iffects Which Cannot be Avoided iffects Which Cannot be Avoided if f f f the the the the Proposed Project iProposed Project iProposed Project iProposed Project is Implementeds Implementeds Implementeds Implemented
The Program EIR evaluated the proposed project with respect to Aesthetics; Air Quality;
Biological Resources; Cultural Resources; Geology and Soils; Hazards and Hazardous
Materials; Hydrology and Water Quality; Land Use and Planning; Noise;
Transportation/ Traffic; and Utilities and Service Systems. As described in Chapter 4.0,
potentially significant impacts would occur for the issue areas of Biological Resources;
Cultural Resources; Geology and Soils; Hazards and Hazardous Materials; Hydrology
and Water Quality; Noise; and Transportation/Traffic.
As discussed in Chapter 4.0, mitigation measures would reduce impacts for all of these
CEQA issue areas. With mitigation, the residual impact is less than significant for all
issue areas.
Significant Irreversible EnvSignificant Irreversible EnvSignificant Irreversible EnvSignificant Irreversible Environmental Changes Whironmental Changes Whironmental Changes Whironmental Changes Which Would bich Would bich Would bich Would be e e e Caused by the Proposed Project Should it Caused by the Proposed Project Should it Caused by the Proposed Project Should it Caused by the Proposed Project Should it bbbbe Implementede Implementede Implementede Implemented
Water and sewer infrastructure components, once constructed, may be considered
permanent. Occasionally facilities are abandoned/removed or upgraded once operation
has resulted in the deterioration of their working condition. The systems for which
water and sewer facilities are a part are integrally dependent on all their working
components. Should components become deteriorated, malfunction or obsolete,
replacement must occur. Because the implementation of many projects within the
Master Plan Updates would be implemented far into the future and because
implementation and timing may affect land use decisions, adoption of the Master Plan
Updates would leave the commitment of resources open in the future.
The project components would support existing and planned growth within the City and
Districts’ service areas. Where impacts are significant as defined by CEQA and the City,
this Program EIR includes a process to identify and mitigate such impacts. Having said
this, impacts such as changes in the visual appearance of a setting or hillside due to a
pump station installation would be considered an irreversible change. Implementation
of pipeline facilities within sensitive biological areas also may result in irreversible
change to the hydrologic and biological environments of these sensitive areas.
Summary
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-21
Construction of all project components would be carried out according to all applicable
engineering standards to reduce, as much as possible, accidents related to offsite runoff
during or post-construction. It should be noted that accidents from both human and
naturally caused situations can compromise the integrity of best management practice
mitigation measures. For example, a severe storm of unprecedented level could impact
the area; precautions included in the project to prevent damage from occurring as a
result of this type of severe event may be compromised. Depending on the type of
disaster and the resources impacted, significant irreversible environmental
commitments of resources may occur. However, there will likely be mitigation
programs which can partially mitigate for large, unforeseen disasters. Following
engineering standards set out in the Master Plan Updates is the best defense against an
unforeseen event and therefore an unforseen commitment of resources.
Construction of water and sewer facilities involves the relatively permanent
consumption of building materials such as pipeline components, wood for stability
structures and energy for digging and earthmoving tasks. These resources, although at
some extent in the long-term may be recycled, are considered to be permanently
consumed. This type of commitment of resources is neither unusual nor unexpected
given the nature of the facilities and is generally understood to be the tradeoff for
benefits the system provides to the community.
Growth Inducing Impact of the Proposed ProjectGrowth Inducing Impact of the Proposed ProjectGrowth Inducing Impact of the Proposed ProjectGrowth Inducing Impact of the Proposed Project
Induced growth is that which exceeds the planned growth and results from new
developments that would not have taken place in absence of the project. Growth
inducement impacts can result in accelerated economic or population growth, or the
construction of new housing, that either directly or indirectly resulted from building a
project.
Section 15126.2(d) of the CEQA Guidelines requires that EIRs discuss whether a
proposed project could:
“...foster economic or population growth, or the construction of additional
housing, either directly or indirectly, in the surrounding environment.
Included in this are projects which would remove obstacles to population
growth (a major expansion of a waste water treatment plant might, for
example, allow for more construction in service areas). Increases in the
population may tax existing community service facilities, requiring
Summary
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-22
construction of new facilities that could cause significant environmental
effects. Also (the environmental analysis must) discuss the characteristics
of some projects which may encourage and facilitate other activities that
could significantly affect the environment, either individually or
cumulatively. It must not be assumed that growth in any area is
necessarily beneficial, detrimental, or of little significance to the
environment.”
The proposed project is a multi-year master plan for facility improvements within the
CMWD and CSD. The Master Plan Updates include a review of existing and projected
flows, design criteria, capacity analyses, existing conditions assessment, and CIP. The
improvement projects detailed in the CIP range from minor projects such as manhole
replacements, to major infrastructure improvements such as replacement of a sewer
main and installation of a new water reservoir. The CIP includes 84 improvement
projects to be built by 2020.
Generally, growth-inducing projects possess such characteristics as being located in
isolated, undeveloped or underdeveloped areas, necessitating the extension of major
infrastructure (e.g., sewer and water facilities, roadways, etc.), or those that could
encourage “premature” or unplanned growth (i.e., “leap-frog” development). While
infrastructure improvements, like those planned in the Water and Sewer Master Plans’
CIPs, raises the issue of growth inducement, the proposed project is not considered to
be growth inducing because the proposed project would not provide additional long-
term employment opportunities, no residences are planned as part of the proposed
project, and no extension of services beyond that currently planned for in respective
planning documents (e.g., City of Carlsbad General Plan) is associated with the
proposed project.
In calculating flow projections for the project, the Master Plan Updates relied on recent
regional population projections published by SANDAG. The ultimate wastewater flow
projections were based on existing unit flow generation rates which were then applied to
SANDAG 2020 population projections. Therefore, the CIP wastewater projects would
not generate additional population or cumulatively exceed official regional or local
population projections. In addition, because no unplanned growth would be served by
the project, the project would not remove an obstacle to growth.
The facilities in the proposed Master Plan Updates are community service facilities,
serving an urban infrastructure necessary to support economic and population growth.
Summary
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-23
Their size and capacities are predicated on the projected growth that relates to the type
of land use and the SANDAG population estimates and projections (SANDAG 2020
Cities/County Forecast). For that reason, the facilities in the Master Plan Updates do
not induce growth guided by the City’s planning documents.
Effects Not Found to bEffects Not Found to bEffects Not Found to bEffects Not Found to be Significante Significante Significante Significant
The CEQA Guidelines (§ 15128) require that the environmental document include a brief
discussion of various environmental issues that were determined not to be significant.
This Program EIR addressed all probable or foreseeable possible effects of the proposed
project. Based on the discussions presented in Chapter 4.0, effects were not found to be
significant for the following issue areas: Aesthetics; Air Quality; and Land Use and
Planning.
Based on the public scoping process for this project (refer to Section 1.3.1), the following
issue areas were not considered to be areas of controversy, and were not addressed in
Chapter 4.0 of the EIR. Hence, an evaluation of Agricultural Resources, Energy
Resources, Population and Housing, Public Services, Recreation, and Utilities and
Service Systems, those issues not addressed in Chapter 4.0, is offered in Section 6.4 of
this Program EIR.
SSSS----11111111 ALTERNATIVESALTERNATIVESALTERNATIVESALTERNATIVES
Three alternatives to the proposed project are described in Section 7.0 of the Program
EIR and summarized below. For the Master Plan Updates that are the subject of this
Program EIR, alternative locations are not possible. However, the Master Plan Updates
are comprised of individual improvement projects and there are or may be possible
variation in the size, phasing, location, and implementation of many of the individual
projects, especially in the later phases. For these reasons, no alternative location for the
project is considered, but a discussion of the variability of individual project
alternatives, in the context of the existing and planned system, is included.
No Project AlternativeNo Project AlternativeNo Project AlternativeNo Project Alternative
Under the No Project alternative, the proposed Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates
would not be adopted by the City of Carlsbad. This does not mean, however, that the
facilities in the Master Plan Updates or other facilities based on development and need
in the city, would not be constructed. All projects in the Master Plan Updates could be
Summary
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-24
constructed or implemented on an individual project basis whether or not the Master
Plan Updates are adopted. Potential environmental impacts identified in this Program
EIR would still be likely to occur. This alternative would, however, deprive the City of
Carlsbad of a valuable planning tool, and one that is informative for those interested in
the City’s future plans and facilities.
Most of the projects in the Master Plan Updates are intended to remedy deficiencies that
were identified in the modeling of the City’s water and sewer systems or to correct
problems or potential problems in the operation of that system. If the Master Plan
Updates were not adopted, the deficiencies and potential problems would remain and
would still require remedy through, in most cases, the improvement projects that make
up the integrated programs in the Master Plan Updates. Likewise, the new projects in
the plans are predicated on the improvements needed to make the system adequate to
serve the City’s planned future growth. Under the No Project alternative, the same
improvements would likely be brought forward for approval as individual projects, but
in piecemeal fashion and not as an integrated program that had been evaluated as a
single environmental project. In addition, the No Project alternative would deprive the
City of the opportunity to streamline environmental review of future projects through
the use of the Program EIR and subsequent updates. For these reasons, the No Project
alternative offers no environmental advantages in either procedures, impacts, or public
information over the proposed Master Plan Updates.
Planning and Land Use AlternativesPlanning and Land Use AlternativesPlanning and Land Use AlternativesPlanning and Land Use Alternatives
The Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates were developed using the best available
information on population growth; proposed, planned, and forecast growth and
development; means of effluent disposal; requirements and recommendations for peak
flows, volumes, and facility capacities; and other factors affecting future City water and
sewer utilities planning. The planning period for the Master Plan Updates is long-term,
extending to 2020, and almost all the factors in such long-range planning are to some
degree uncertain. Most land use planning, until projects are implemented as buildout of
the City proceeds, is subject to change for a variety of reasons. Thus, the Districts’ staff
will continue to monitor factors likely to affect land use in the City and identify changes
that could affect the forecasts and assumptions used to develop the improvement
programs in the Master Plan Updates.
Most of the projects in the Master Plan Updates are upgrading and modification of
existing facilities. In such cases, the location of the project is usually fixed. Nonetheless,
Summary
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR S-25
adjustments are possible because the Master Plan Updates are guiding documents
rather than rigid templates.
Flexibility in the implementation of the Master Plan Updates will occur at a specific
project implementation level. Partly as a result of the mitigation program in this
Program EIR, evaluation of the individual projects in the Master Plan Updates can occur
at the stage of project approval or implementation. Given the speculative and to some
degree uncertain nature of future conditions, this process is the only practical way to
assure that feasible alternatives to each project, if desirable or necessary, are developed.
As an example, if development plans approved for a given area change the street pattern
in that area, the location of pipelines projected in the Master Plan Updates may change.
If density or type of development in a given area changes, the storage capacity needed to
serve that area, and thus the size of water reservoirs may change, and the capacity of
sewer collection facilities may also change. Individual project review in the planning
stage is the only time an informed decision on such matters can occur.
Environmentally Superior AlternativeEnvironmentally Superior AlternativeEnvironmentally Superior AlternativeEnvironmentally Superior Alternative
As analyzed in Section 7.1, the No Project alternative would not result in reduced
environmental effects when compared to the proposed project. The proposed project
would result in the same or less impacts when compared to the No Project alternative
because of its comprehensive program to identify, avoid, and minimize impacts to
environmental resources in the overall study area. As such, the proposed project is
considered to be the environmentally superior alternative.
CHAPTER 1.0
INTRODUCTION
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 1-1
1.11.11.11.1 PROJECT BACKGROUNDPROJECT BACKGROUNDPROJECT BACKGROUNDPROJECT BACKGROUND
The Carlsbad Municipal Water District (CMWD) and Carlsbad Sewer District (CSD)
propose to implement the Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates. The existing Water
Master Plan and Sewer Master Plan were adopted by the City of Carlsbad in 1990 and
1992, respectively. The current project represents an update to both of these planning
documents. This Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) addresses the
potential environmental consequences of the updated Master Plan projects.
The CMWD and CSD are responsible for the respective maintenance, operations, and
management of water distribution and sewer collection systems in the City of Carlsbad
(City). Each District proposes to implement an update to their Master Plan for the
provision of infrastructure services throughout the City. The Water Master Plan and
Sewer Master Plan represent comprehensive programs for the phased and orderly
development of water and sewer utilities for future needs of the City. They consist of
individual capital improvement projects to construct new facilities and modify or
expand existing facilities that would be needed to implement the Master Plans. (Note:
Once constructed, the facilities remain as a part of the Master Plan; they do not get
removed from the Master Plan once built.)
The CMWD Board of Directors is the decision-making body for the CMWD. The
Carlsbad City Council is the decision-making body for the CSD. Together, CMWD and
CSD will be Co-Lead Agencies in preparing this Program Environmental Impact Report
(EIR) in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA)
statutes (Cal. Pub. Res. Code, § 21000 et seq., as amended) and implementing State
CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., Title 14, § 15000 et seq., 1998).
1.1.11.1.11.1.11.1.1 Carlsbad Municipal Water DistrictCarlsbad Municipal Water DistrictCarlsbad Municipal Water DistrictCarlsbad Municipal Water District
The CMWD water service area covers approximately 85 percent of the City and includes
an area of approximately 32 square miles. Primary land uses in the service area include
industrial, residential, and agricultural uses. All of CMWD’s water is supplied through
four San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) treated water aqueduct connections.
The CMWD is totally dependent on the SDCWA supply for potable water needs. Storage
is provided by 11 enclosed reservoirs, one reservoir not in use, and one dam (Maerkle
Dam).
1.0 IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 1-2
CMWD’s water distribution system includes over 230 miles of distribution mains 6
inches in diameter and larger. The water mains begin at each of the four SDCWA
connections and move westward. In addition, four booster pump stations exist in the
CMWD system, although one is inactive. Other components within the CMWD system
include pressure reducing stations, a number of water wells, a hydro generation facility
at Maerkle Reservoir, and two disinfection facilities.
1.1.21.1.21.1.21.1.2 Carlsbad Sewer DistrictCarlsbad Sewer DistrictCarlsbad Sewer DistrictCarlsbad Sewer District
The CSD, previously known as the Carlsbad Sanitary District, provides sewer service to
the Carlsbad area. Portions of the City’s existing conveyance system date back as far as
1929. The CSD wastewater service area covers approximately 70 percent of the City
limits. Sewer service to the southeast corner of the City is provided by the Leucadia
Wastewater District (LWD), and the Vallecitos Water District (VWD) provides service to
the Meadowlark area along the eastern City limit.
The service area is comprised of five major drainage basins, which extend from
approximately the eastern service area boundary, and drain west to the coast and
ultimately to the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF). These sewage
drainage basins are defined by the existing and planned interceptors within the City of
Carlsbad. In addition to the gravity interceptors, a number of lift stations are required to
convey wastewater flows to the Encina WPCF.
1.21.21.21.2 PURPOSE AND SCOPEPURPOSE AND SCOPEPURPOSE AND SCOPEPURPOSE AND SCOPE OF REPORT OF REPORT OF REPORT OF REPORT
The purpose of this Program EIR is to assess and disclose potential impacts to the
physical environment associated with construction and operation of the proposed
updates to the Water and Sewer Master Plans. This document provides program-level,
and in some cases project-level, information for consideration by decision-makers and
the general public.
This Program EIR focuses on the 10 issue areas of Aesthetics; Air Quality; Biological
Resources; Cultural Resources; Geology and Soils; Hazards and Hazardous Materials;
Hydrology and Water Quality; Land Use and Planning; Noise; and Transportation/
Traffic. Other issue areas, including Public Services and Recreation, are not evaluated
in detail in Chapter 4.0 of this Program EIR and are addressed as required by CEQA in
Section 6.4 (Effects Not Found to be Significant).
1.0 IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 1-3
Chapter 2.0 describes the project in detail, including the project’s objectives and
characteristics. Chapter 3.0 provides the existing environmental setting. The
Environmental Analysis section of the Program EIR (Chapter 4.0) addresses each
relevant issue in detail by describing existing conditions, discussing potential impacts
and their significance, and proposing mitigation measures to avoid or reduce identified
significant impacts. The mitigation measures will be incorporated into a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) to be adopted by the Districts as
conditions of approval for the project. Cumulative impacts are assessed in Chapter 5.0,
and other considerations required by CEQA are discussed in Chapter 6.0. Alternatives
to the proposed project are addressed in Chapter 7.0. Chapter 8.0 identifies the list of
preparers, and Chapter 9.0 provides the references used in the preparation of this
document.
1.31.31.31.3 ENVIROENVIROENVIROENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURES UNDER THE CALIFORNIA NMENTAL PROCEDURES UNDER THE CALIFORNIA NMENTAL PROCEDURES UNDER THE CALIFORNIA NMENTAL PROCEDURES UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACTENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACTENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACTENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
This Program EIR has been prepared by the CMWD and CSD in accordance with the
requirements of CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines, as amended. An EIR is an
informational document that is designed to inform decision-makers, other responsible
or interested agencies, and the general public of the potential environmental effects of a
proposed project; to examine and implement methods of eliminating or reducing any
potentially adverse impacts; and to consider alternatives to the project as proposed.
While CEQA requires that major consideration be given to avoiding environmental
damage, the lead agency(ies) must balance adverse environmental effects against other
public objectives, including economic and social goals, in determining whether and in
what manner a project should be approved.
To identify key issues and concerns relevant to the scope of the Program EIR, the
Districts encouraged participation in the environmental review process from public
agencies, special interest groups, and the general public. A major component of this
process is public scoping. Scoping is a process designed to determine the breadth of
issues to be addressed in the Program EIR. The aspects of the public scoping discussed
in this section include the Notice of Preparation (NOP) and areas of controversy
identified as a result of public scoping.
1.3.11.3.11.3.11.3.1 Notice of PreparationNotice of PreparationNotice of PreparationNotice of Preparation
The State CEQA Guidelines include requirements for an early and open process to
1.0 IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 1-4
determine the scope of issues that should be addressed prior to implementation of a
proposed action (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15082 and 15083). The Districts initiated
the scoping process on April 28, 2003 through issuance of an NOP that included
distribution to the State Clearinghouse (SCH) at the California Office of Planning and
Research. The SCH monitors compliance of state agencies in providing timely
responses and assigned state identification number (SCH #2003051014) to this EIR.
The NOP is included in Appendix A.
The NOP provided notification to all federal, state, and local agencies involved with
funding or approval of the project, and to other interested organizations and members
of the public, that an EIR will be prepared for this project. The NOP was intended to
encourage interagency communication concerning the proposed action and provide
sufficient background information about the proposed action so that agencies,
organizations, and individuals could respond with specific comments and questions on
the scope and content of the Program EIR.
The Districts held a 30-day public review period to solicit comments on the NOP,
beginning on April 28 and ending on June 1, 2003. Appendix A contains the eight
comment letters received in response to the NOP.
1.3.21.3.21.3.21.3.2 UUUUse of the Program EIRse of the Program EIRse of the Program EIRse of the Program EIR
A Program EIR will be used to analyze the first-tier effects of the Master Plan Updates.
First-tier EIRs typically cover issues in a broad generalized level of analysis. A Program
EIR is typically used for an agency program or series of actions that can be characterized
as one large project. Typically, such a project involves actions that are closely related
geographically (Cal. Code of Regs., Title 14, § 15168(a)(1)), for agency programs
(§ 15168(a)(3)), or as individual activities carried out under the same authorizing
statutory or regulatory authority and having generally similar environmental effects
which can be mitigated in similar ways (§ 15168(a)(4)). Program EIRs generally analyze
broad environmental effects of the program with the acknowledgment that site-specific
environmental review may be required for particular aspects of portions of the program
when those aspects are proposed for implementation (§ 15168(a)).
Once the Program EIR is prepared for the Master Plan Updates, subsequent (or second-
tier) activities within the program must be evaluated to determine whether an additional
CEQA document needs to be prepared. When the subsequent activities involve site-
specific operations, the City would use a written checklist to document its determination
1.0 IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 1-5
whether the environmental effects of the operation were covered in the Program EIR. If
the Program EIR addresses the program’s effects as specifically and comprehensively as
possible, many subsequent activities could be found to be within the Program EIR scope
and additional environmental documentation would not be required (§ 15168(c)).
If a subsequent activity would have effects that are not within the scope of the Program
EIR, the City of Carlsbad would need to prepare a new Initial Study leading to either a
Negative Declaration, Mitigated Negative Declaration, or an EIR. Subsequent CEQA
documents would incorporate by reference the general discussions from this broader
Program EIR, primarily concentrating on the issues specific to the action being
evaluated.
At the time the Initial Study is performed, the appropriate responsible agency or
agencies would be identified. Such agencies would be noticed of the City’s intention to
implement or approve the project at the time of public noticing of any such intent to
approve or implement the project. The Initial Study is prepared to analyze whether the
subsequent project may cause any significant effect on the environment that was not
examined in the Program EIR and whether the subsequent project was described in the
Program EIR as being within the scope of the Program EIR.
If the lead agency, based on the Initial Study, determines that a proposed subsequent
project would have no additional effect on the environment that was not identified in
the Program EIR and that no new or additional mitigation measures or alternatives may
be required, the lead agency is to make a written finding based upon the information
contained in the Initial Study that the subsequent project is within the scope of the
project covered by the Program EIR.
Additional procedures for analyzing second-tier projects are described in Section 4.0.
1.41.41.41.4 AREAS OF KNOWN CONTROVERSYAREAS OF KNOWN CONTROVERSYAREAS OF KNOWN CONTROVERSYAREAS OF KNOWN CONTROVERSY
Commentors on the NOP expressed concerns about potential impacts to energy
resources, archaeological resources, biological resources including wetlands, sensitive
plant and animal species, and impacts to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. These concerns
have been identified as areas of known controversy and are analyzed in Chapter 4.0
(Environmental Analysis).
1.0 IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 1-6
In addition, comments were received expressing the desire for coordination with the
San Diego County Water Authority (Authority) and Poseidon Resources, who is
proposing a water desalination plant in the City of Carlsbad. Commentors expressed the
need to analyze the potential environmental impacts of the proposed desalination
project (including its impacts on water supply). However, it is beyond the scope of this
EIR to analyze the potential desalination facility for several reasons.
As one of the largest proposed desalination projects on the U.S. West Coast, it is
uncertain whether the project would ever be constructed due to its location adjacent to
sensitive coastal resources and high cost. The project considers several alternatives for
pipelines and pump facilities throughout the City of Carlsbad and in adjacent
jurisdictions, although the location and sizing of these facilities has not yet been
decided. To determine impacts on water supply, more precise information on the
proposed routing and size of these lines would be required. Also, it is unknown at this
time whether the proposed desalination project would co-mingle desalinated water with
other drinking water in the same pipelines, or whether new and separate pipelines
would need to be constructed by the Authority. Further, the proposed desalination
facility plans are still subject to change in the near future, making it infeasible for the
Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates EIR analysis to remain current with the
desalination facility plans. For these reasons, the project is considered to be highly
uncertain, both in its totality and in the specific facilities which would be required (e.g.,
pipelines, pumps, other associated facilities). Thus, it would be infeasible to adequately
analyze the desalination facility in this Master Plan program-level document. The
desalination project is currently being analyzed in a separate project EIR being prepared
by the Authority. Project-specific information regarding the size, location, and nature of
the desalination facility including potential impacts to water supply, and appropriate
alternatives will be analyzed in that document.
1.51.51.51.5 CONSULTATION AND COORDINATIONCONSULTATION AND COORDINATIONCONSULTATION AND COORDINATIONCONSULTATION AND COORDINATION
The CMWD and CSD are the co-lead agencies for this proposed project and have been
coordinating with the following agencies and organization:
! California Regional Water Quality Control Board (San Diego, Region 9)
! City of Oceanside
! City of San Marcos
! U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
! California Department of Fish and Game
1.0 IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 1-7
! San Diego Archaeological Society
! Native American Heritage Commission
! California Office of Historic Preservation
! California Department of Transportation, District 11
! SDG&E
! Encina Wastewater Authority
! San Diego County Water Authority
! Vallecitos Water District
! Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation
! Leucadia Wastewater District
1.0 IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 1-8
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
CHAPTER 2.0
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-1
This chapter provides a description of the proposed project, the environmental effects of
which are evaluated in Chapter 4.0 of this EIR. The project objectives and project
location are described in this chapter, followed by a description of project characteristics
and a summary of project approvals that would be required.
2.12.12.12.1 PROJECT OBJECTIVESPROJECT OBJECTIVESPROJECT OBJECTIVESPROJECT OBJECTIVES
The CMWD and CSD propose to implement the Master Plans in order to:
! Make facility improvements on aging wastewater water and sewer infrastructure;
! Increase capacity as necessary;
! Facilitate identified expansion needs; and
! Reduce maintenance costs.
In addition, in the case of the CSD, a project objective is to reduce the potential for
wastewater overflows.
2.22.22.22.2 PROJECT LOCATIONPROJECT LOCATIONPROJECT LOCATIONPROJECT LOCATION
The project site is located in the northern part of San Diego County within the City of
Carlsbad as shown in Figure 2-1. All project components would be located within the
Districts’ boundaries, with two exceptions, as shown in Figure 2-2. A proposed water
line upsize at the eastern end of Palomar Airport Road (component 26) would be located
within the City of San Marcos, and the abandonment of nine water wells is proposed
(component 32) near Foussat Road within the City of Oceanside.
2.32.32.32.3 PREVIOUS MASTER PLAPREVIOUS MASTER PLAPREVIOUS MASTER PLAPREVIOUS MASTER PLANSNSNSNS
Master planning for water and sewer infrastructure has been conducted previously in
the City. The current plans represent updates to previous master planning documents.
Summaries of recent Water and Sewer Master Plans are provided below, followed by a
description of the current updates.
2.3.12.3.12.3.12.3.1 Previous Water Master PlansPrevious Water Master PlansPrevious Water Master PlansPrevious Water Master Plans
The original Water Master Plan was approved in 1990 and prepared by MacDonald-
Stephens Engineers. A subsequent update, prepared in 1997 by ASL Consulting
Engineers, revised and updated population projections, City planning criteria, and
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-2
specific project
Figure 2-1 Vicinity Map
FIGURE City of Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plans
Vicinity Map
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-3
Figure 2-2 Project Map
11x17
e I 4
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-4
Figure 2-2
11x17 backup
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-5
development plans. The 1997 Master Plan Update identified the facilities required to
serve existing and projected potable water demands within the service area and adjacent
areas of influence. The 1997 document was not formally adopted by the City of
Carlsbad, and as such, the recommendations made in the 1997 Update have been
incorporated into the current 2003 Master Plan Update and are evaluated in this
Program EIR.
2.3.22.3.22.3.22.3.2 Previous Sewer Master PlansPrevious Sewer Master PlansPrevious Sewer Master PlansPrevious Sewer Master Plans
1987 Master Plan of Sewerage1987 Master Plan of Sewerage1987 Master Plan of Sewerage1987 Master Plan of Sewerage
The 1987 Master Plan of Sewerage was prepared by Wilson Engineering and was the
first plan prepared in accordance with City of Carlsbad Growth Management Plan. In
1987, the majority of development in Carlsbad was along the coastal strip and was
predominantly residential. The population of the 1987 study area was estimated at
39,000, and the ultimate population was projected to be 95,700. In 1987, the ultimate
average flow from the City of Carlsbad was projected to be 13.41 million gallons per day
(mgd).
1992 Master Plan of Sewerage1992 Master Plan of Sewerage1992 Master Plan of Sewerage1992 Master Plan of Sewerage
The 1992 Master Plan of Sewerage was prepared by Wilson Engineering and was an
update of the 1987 Master Plan. By 1992, the population of the study area had increased
to 65,000 and the ultimate population projection had increased to 130,000.
Development was starting to progress inland and the percentage of
commercial/industrial development had increased since the last Master Plan. The
projected population growth curve first developed in the 1987 Master Plan was revised
to increase more rapidly through the year 2000, and then flatten out to an annual
growth rate of approximately 1 percent from the year 2000 to buildout. In 1992, the
ultimate average flow projection was increased slightly from the 1987 projection to an
estimated flow of 13.84 mgd. A CEQA Negative Declaration was prepared for this
document, addressing the environmental effects of the Master Plan of Sewerage.
1997 Sewer Master Plan Update1997 Sewer Master Plan Update1997 Sewer Master Plan Update1997 Sewer Master Plan Update
In 1994, the City of Carlsbad adopted a new General Plan. The 1997 Sewer Master Plan
Update, prepared by Carollo Engineers, incorporated the revised 1994 land use and
population projections from the new General Plan. Because ultimate population
projections were reduced only slightly from those used in the previous plan, an updated
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-6
capacity analysis of sewer interceptors was deemed unnecessary. The 1997 update
addressed capacity analyses for various sewer trunk lines and the Encina WPCF.
Similar to the 1997 Water Master Plan Update, the 1997 Sewer Master Plan Update was
not formally adopted by the City of Carlsbad. The recommendations made in the 1997
Master Plan Update have been incorporated into the current 2003 Master Plan Update
and are evaluated in this Program EIR.
2.42.42.42.4 PROJECT CHARACTERISTICSPROJECT CHARACTERISTICSPROJECT CHARACTERISTICSPROJECT CHARACTERISTICS
The 2003 Master Plan Updates for Water and Sewer were assembled using the following
assumptions, data, and methods:
! Inventorying data of existing facilities;
! Examining water billing records for existing development;
! Employing the City’s Growth Management Database for future development
projections;
! Applying unit factors for anticipated demand;
! Using models for future infrastructure needs and sizing; and
! Calculating fees derived based on estimated construction costs
The Master Plan Updates consist of multi-year studies for facility improvements within
the Districts, and identify infrastructure needs to accommodate demands from future
development through City buildout. The plans include a review of existing and
projected flows, capacity analyses, existing conditions assessment, Capital Improvement
Program (CIP), and revisions to the sewer and water connection fee programs. They
would establish a connection fee program to fund buildout water and sewer
infrastructure identified as part of the planning process. Therefore, three actions are
included in the overall project: adoption of the two Master Plan Updates and adoption
of the connection fee program. The connection fee program would result in economic
effects in that it would update the fee structure used to obtain funds for capital projects.
As such, the connection fee program is not subject to CEQA and will not be discussed in
the EIR. However, CEQA requires that the lead agencies make findings for certification
of the project, particularly because the project requires an amendment to the City's
municipal code. Accordingly, the City would make findings for the connection fee
program exemption in the final environmental documentation.
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-7
2.4.12.4.12.4.12.4.1 2003 Water Master Plan Update2003 Water Master Plan Update2003 Water Master Plan Update2003 Water Master Plan Update
The 2003 Water Master Plan Update (DUDEK 2003) evaluates the existing CMWD
water distribution system and its ability to meet project demands. Since the most recent
Master Plan Update in 1997, a substantial number of residential, commercial, and
industrial developments have been constructed and future development has been
identified in the City’s 2001 Growth Management Database. The 2003 document
presents an update of CMWD’s Water Master Plan for the planning period between
2001 and buildout of the District’s service area, which is anticipated to occur by 2020.
Based on the condition of many existing facilities, CMWD reviewed all infrastructure
within the service area to identify necessary improvements to existing facilities, capacity
improvements, and expansion needs. As stated in Section 1.2.1, the CIP developed in
the 1997 Update is included in the 2003 Master Plan Update effort.
CIP projects (or project components) of the Water Master Plan include:
! Installation of 20 new water mains;
! Replacement or improvements to 5 existing water mains;
! Installation of two new water storage tanks, and improvements to one existing
reservoir;
! Installation of four new pressure reducing stations (PRS), and conducting
capacity improvements to one existing PRS;
! Installation of one new pump station and increasing the capacity of two other
existing pump stations;
! One new intertie upgrade;
! Abandoning nine water wells; and
! Fire flow improvements at 14 locations.
These components are shown in Figure 2-2 and briefly described below. The project
components are detailed in Table 2-1, including their location, description, and project
type.
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-8
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-9 TABLE 2-1 CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM LABEL ZONE DESCRIPTION/LOCATION PROJECT TYPEEXISTING DIAMETER NEW DIAMETER PIPELINE LENGTHBENEFIT/COMMENTS Water Master Plan Components 1 255 From end of Marron Road east to Tamarack; PRS at Tamarack New Watermain & PRS NA 12-in. 6,600' Supply new developments in LFMZ 25 & provide additional supply to 255 Zone 2 255 Parallel ex. 8" pipeline in Crestview Dr. west of El Camino Real New Watermain 8-in. 8-in. 600' Provides redundant supply to existing residential area 3 255 El Camino Real south from Kelly Dr. to Lisa St. New Watermain NA 10-in. 1,500' Provides looping to improve pressures and reliability 4 375 Bryant Dr. from Longfellow to El Camino Real, south on El Camino Real to College and NE on College to Badger Lane New Watermain NA 12-in. 4,000' Connects isolated portions of 375 Zone; provides supply from Maerkle Reservoir for existing & future development 5 490 Upsize existing 20" to 30" along El Camino Real from Cougar Dr. to Faraday Ave including Maerkle Control Valve Watermain Replacement 20-in. 30-in. 1,500' Larger diameter pipe reduces pressure loss during emergency supply to 550 Zone from Maerkle Dam 6 490/ 446 College Blvd from Carlsbad Village Drive south to Cannon Road, PRS Watermain & PRS NA 16-in. 6,330' Increase supply capacity to 446 Zone from Maerkle Reservoir 7 490 College Blvd from future intersection with Cannon south to future Tee leading to Maerkle Reservoir New Watermain NA 16-in. 4,000' Primary feed for Robertson Ranch; increase supply capacity from Maerkle Reservoir 8 375 College Blvd from Cannon Road south to Badger Lane New Watermain NA 12-in. 4,130' Supply for new development & create 375 Zone loop east of El Camino Real 9 375 In Cannon Rd., from Merwin Dr. east to intersection with future College Blvd. New Watermain NA 12-in. 4,400' Supply for new development & create 375 Zone loop east of El Camino Real 10 490 In College Ave, from Badger Lane north ~1200 ft, then east through future development New Watermain NA 36-in. 5,200' Increase supply capacity from Maerkle Reservoir and provide a redundant supply pipeline 11 490 Connection from terminus of Project #10 to Maerkle Reservoir New Watermain NA 36-in. 4,100' Increase supply from Maerkle Reservoir; Supply to new 490 development east of El Camino and Rancho Carlsbad Golf Course
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-10 TABLE 2-1 (Continued) LABEL ZONE DESCRIPTION/LOCATION PROJECT TYPEEXISTING DIAMETER NEW DIAMETER PIPELINE LENGTHBENEFIT/COMMENTS 12 700 In future extension of Melrose Dr., from PAR north to future Faraday Rd. New Watermain NA 16-in. 4000' Provide looped supply to fut. north 700 zone business park in LFMZ 16 13 700 In north El Fuerte St. extension, to future Faraday Rd. New Watermain NA 16-in. 2200' Provide looped supply to fut. north 700 zone business park in LFMZ 16 14 700 In future Faraday Rd. extension, between El Fuerte St. and Melrose Dr. New Watermain NA 16-in. 3600' Provides looped supply to LFMZ 16 & supply to 550 Zone from 700=>550 PRV 15 700 El Fuerte Street from PAR south to Rancho Pancho New Watermain NA 24-in. 5200' Connects 700N and 700S Zones; Supply for future development 16 550 El Camino Real from Palomar Airport Road south to Cassia Road Watermain Replacement 20-in. 24-in. 6100' Replace existing pipeline and provide increased flow capacity 17 375 Poinsettia Lane west from Skimmer Ct. to Blackrail Rd. New Watermain NA 12-in. 4500' Completes 375 Loop along Poinsettia Lane; Increase capacity to/from the D3 Reservoir 18 550 Poinsettia Road, 1100 feet east of Blackrail Rd. Watermain Replacement 18-in. 30-in. 1100' Increase supply to 550 Zone and D3 Reservoir 19 550 Aviara Parkway at Plum Tree north to Mariposa St, then east to Sapphire Dr. New Watermain NA 8-in. 3100' Provide redundant supply to residential development 20 700 Southeast corner of El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road New Pump Station NA Capacity = 2,500 gpm Provide emergency supply to 700, 680, 510, and 580S Zones from Maerkle Reservoir PS sized to supply the ult ADD of the zones supplied. 21 680 Intersection of El Fuerte and Corintia St. New 700 => 680 PRS NA NA NA Provide redundant supply to 680, 580S and 510 Zones 22 318 Carlsbad Boulevard from Avenida Encinas south to the District boundary New Watermain NA 12-in. 4900' 2-way Emergency Conn. with SDWD 240 Zone; emergency supply to 318 Zone west of I-5 & portion of the 255 Zone 23 375 Cannon Road, 1,800 feet NE from Faraday Road New Watermain NA 16-in. 2760' Provide 375 supply from Maerkle Reservoir; Increased capacity for fut. development 24 550 Parallel ex. pipeline in Poinsettia Rd from Ambrosia Lane to Blackrail Rd. New Watermain 18-in & 30-in 12-in. 2000' Provide redundant supply to residential developments25 375 Poinsettia Road from El Camino Real west to Skimmer Court (Poinsettia Lane) New Watermain NA 12-in 1300' Parallel ex. 8-inch to increase capacity in the 375 Zone and supply from the 550 Zone 26 700 Palomar Airport Road west of SDCWA Conn. #1 Watermain Replacement 20-in. 30-in. 1500' Reduce velocity & provide increased capacity from SDCWA #1 Connection into 700 Zone.
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-11 TABLE 2-1 (Continued) LABEL ZONE DESCRIPTION/LOCATION PROJECT TYPEEXISTING DIAMETER NEW DIAMETER PIPELINE LENGTHBENEFIT/COMMENTS 27 375 Construct new 375 Zone water reservoir next to existing D-3 Reservoir New Water Reservoir NA Capacity = 8.5 MG Provides additional daily storage within the distribution system for ultimate demands 28 490 Construct buried storage reservoir next to existing Maerkle Reservoir New Water Reservoir NA Capacity = 15 MG Provides additional emergency storage to meet 10-day storage criteria based on ult. demands 29 490 Maerkle Pump Station Capacity Improvements Enlarge Pump Station NA Additional capacity = 10,000 gpm Required for emergency supply from Maerkle Dam. Increase PS capacity to existing ADD 30 375 Gross Pressure Reducing Station Improvements 490=>375 PRS Upgrade NA NA NA Increase capacity of existing Gross PRS to supply new development from 490 Zone 31 490 El Camino crossing at Kelley Dr. New watermain NA 12-in. 300 Increase supply to the 255 Zone directly from 490 Zone thru Kelley PRS 32 NA Foussat Road Well Abandonments Well Abandonment NA NA NA Abandon 9 wells per State standards; removal of pumps, structures & restoration of property 33 NA Lake Calavera Reservoir Improvements Reservoir Improvements NA NA NA Replacement of outlet tower valves & piping; Re-grade reservoir bottom 34 255 Oceanside Intertie Upgrade Intertie Upgrade NA NA NA Valve, pipeline & meter replacements for the existing inter-tie 35 392 Install 490=>392 PRS at Cannon Rd. & College Blvd. 490=>392 PRS NA NA NA Project will take place when ex. "C" Reservoir is taken out of service Projects Required to Increase Available Fire Flow F1 330 Upsize 6" and 4" pipeline in Jeanne Place to end of cul-de-sac Pipeline Replacement 6-in. 8-in. 600' Upsize to provide residential fire flow F2 446 Upsize 6" pipeline in Nob Hill Drive to end of cul-de-sac Pipeline Replacement 6-in. 8-in. 650' Upsize to provide residential fire flow F3 446 Upsize 6" pipeline in Holly Brae Lane and Alder Ave east of Skyline Dr. Pipeline Replacement 6-in. 8-in. 890' Upsize to provide residential fire flow F4 446 Upsize 6" pipeline in Falcon Dr. east of Donna Dr. to cul-de-sac Pipeline Replacement 6-in. 8-in. 870' Upsize to provide residential fire flow F5 255 Upsize 6" pipeline in Cynthia Ln & Gregory Dr, from Knowles Av to cul-de-sac Pipeline Replacement 6-in. 8-in. 710' Upsize to provide residential fire flow F6 330 Upsize 6" pipeline in Tamarack Av from Highland Drive west to Adair St., and in Adair St to cul-de-sac Pipeline Replacement 6-in. 8-in. 1250' Upsize to provide residential and multi-family fire flow
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-12 TABLE 2-1 (Continued) LABEL ZONE DESCRIPTION/LOCATION PROJECT TYPEEXISTING DIAMETER NEW DIAMETER PIPELINE LENGTHBENEFIT/COMMENTS F7 330 Upsize 6" pipeline in Highland Dr. from Yourell Ave to Ratcliff Pipeline Replacement 6-in. 8-in. 700' Upsize to provide residential fire flow F8 580 Switch supply to hydrants at the Calavera Recreation Center from the 580 Zone to the 446 Zone New Connection to Fire HydrantsNA NA NA The 580 Zone has no storage. Modify system to provide commercial/industrial fire flow to recreation center from the 446 Zone and TAP Reservoir F9 330 Upsize 6" pipeline from Chestnut Ave at Woodland Way to the end of Woodland Way Pipeline Replacement 6-in. 8-in. 560' Upsize to provide multi-family fire flow F10 255 Upsize 6" pipeline in Garfield from Chinquapin Ave to end of cul-de-sac Pipeline Replacement 6-in. 8-in. 846' Upsize to provide commercial/industrial fire flow F11 255 Upsize 6" pipeline in Arland Road from Highland to Buena Vista Way Pipeline Replacement 6-in. 12-in. 780' Upsize to provide commercial/industrial fire flow F12 330 Install parallel pipeline in Highland Dr. from Hillside Dr. south to Adams St. New Watermain 6-in. 8-in. 2400' Upsize to provide residential fire flow & redundant supply F13 255 Install parallel pipeline in Cove Dr. from Park Dr. to end New Watermain 6-in. 10-in. 1300' Upsize to provide multi-family fire flow & provide redundant supply F14 680 High elevation areas in the vicinity of Obelisco Place/Circle Emergency pump NA NA NA Install emergency pump to boost pressures & provide the required fire flow @ 20psi
2.0 PrPrPrProject Descripoject Descripoject Descripoject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-13
Water Pipelines and MainsWater Pipelines and MainsWater Pipelines and MainsWater Pipelines and Mains
A large number of the CIP pipeline and water main projects proposed under the Water
Master Plan Update would be financed via development fees from private developers as
part of development projects throughout the City that are separate from the Water
Master Plan Update project. As such, many of the water pipelines and water mains have
been previously documented in separate CEQA documents such as EIRs, Mitigated
Negative Declarations (MNDs), or Negative Declarations (NDs) as part of those
development projects (refer to Figure 2-3). A number of mixed use and residential
development projects proposed by other parties have included water line upgrades and
capacity analyses as part of those projects, in order to analyze whether adequate water
supply would be available to their proposed developments. As such, a number of water
lines have been discussed and analyzed in separate CEQA documents, which are
available for review at the City of Carlsbad Planning Department.
As indicated on Figure 2-3, the dashed lines indicate water lines that have been
previously addressed in a separate CEQA document, or are currently being reviewed in a
separate CEQA document. These include facilities that will be provided or have already
been installed by private developers as part of various developments. The solid lines
indicate pipelines that are proposed as part of the 2003 Master Plan Update.
Table 2-2 provides additional detail regarding prior or current environmental review of
pipelines shown on the map.
Water StorageWater StorageWater StorageWater Storage
Two new water storage tanks are proposed to accommodate water supply needs. The
first tank, component 27, is proposed at the existing water tank farm along Black Rail
Road near its intersection with Poinsettia Lane. This tank would be approximately
175 feet in diameter, 56 feet high, and would be the fourth tank at that facility. The
proposed tank would be the same size as the three existing tanks, approximately 8.5
million gallons.
The second proposed water tank, component 28, would be a 15-million-gallon facility at
Maerkle dam to supplement existing dam storage. It is proposed to be buried and would
be approximately 350 feet wide and 110 feet high.
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-14
Figure 2-3
11x17 color
,
24 ij
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-15
Figure 2-3
11x17 color backup
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-16 TABLE 2-2 RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION FOR WATER LINES INCLUDED IN CMWD’S WATER MASTER PLAN MAP COLOR PROJECT NAME AND DATA BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION Lime Green Calavera Hills Master Plan EIR 98-02 CT 00-02 Three project components: amendment of Calavera Hills Master Plan; extensions to College Boulevard and Cannon Road; and two detention basins in the Calavera Creek watershed. The Master Plan includes residential and open space uses. Sewer conveyance impacts were less than significant with mitigation incorporated. As mitigation, the project was required to participate in the fee program for financing the South Agua Hedionda Interceptor. No water distribution system impacts are identified. All proposed sewer and water conveyance facilities to be built in road right-of-ways. Completed-- Certified 1/15/02, CC Reso 2002-016 Manilla Robertson Ranch LFMP Zone 14 CT 02-16 MP 02-03 Information will be available in 2003. Pending - no Draft EIR as of 12/02 Pink Cantarini-Holly Springs EIRs LFMP Zone 15 CT 00-18 CT 00-21 1. Cantarini Ranch is a 155-acre site subdivision to allow 105 residential units, 80 apartment units, and 69 acres of open space. Infrastructure improvements include water and sewer facilities that were analyzed in the Calavera Hills Master Plan EIR (EIR 98-02). The project is reliant on construction of the South Agua Interceptor Sewer and pump station. The project is conditioned to meet the standards set forth in the Zone 15 LFMP for water and sewer; impacts are less than significant. 2. The Holly Springs project involves a 99-acre site proposed for 43 single-family lots and an 80-unit apartment project. Infrastructure improvements include water and sewer facilities that were analyzed in the Calavera Hills Master Plan EIR (EIR 98-02). The project is reliant on construction of the South Agua Interceptor Sewer and pump station. The project is conditioned to meet the standards set forth in the Zone 15 LFMP for water and sewer; impacts are less than significant. EIRs are pending
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-17 TABLE 2-2 (Continued) MAP COLOR PROJECT NAME AND DATA BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION Violet Kelly Ranch LFMP Zone 8 EIR 98-05 General Plan amendment and zone change for 432 acres, including a residential subdivision and associated infrastructure including roads, water, and sewer facilities. No significant effects to water and sewer facilities are identified. Future sewer service to be provided in future Cannon Road being built by the City. Water service available via existing 10-inch water main onsite. Infrastructure is assured through the mandated implementation of LFMP Zone 8. Completed– Certified 5/11/99 CC Reso 1999-162 Tan Carlsbad Oaks North Specific Plan LFMP Zone 16 EIR 98-08 The Specific Plan proposes an industrial park, Faraday Avenue Road Extension, El Fuerte Street Extension, and construction of Reaches SAHT1 A through D of the South Agua Hedionda Interceptor Sewer to serve the project as well as industrial properties to the east. The environmental review for the original design of the project identified significant impacts resulting from implementation of water and sewer facilities due to the need for the sewer interceptor to cross Agua Hedionda Creek and undisturbed habitats. However, the City Council ultimately approved an alternative design for the project which resulted in no significant impact to habitats. Completed– Certified 10/8/02 CC Reso 2002-298 Sage Green Carlsbad Raceway Business Park MND CT 99-10 Subdivision of 146.3-acre parcel into 25 industrial lots and 3 open space lots. The project would comply with LFMP Zone 18 to ensure the timely provision of public facilities including water and sewer infrastructure; impacts are less than significant. Completed– Approved 12/04/01 CC Reso 2001-351 Sage Green Palomar Forum Business Park MND CT 99-06 13-lot industrial subdivision of 70.6-acre parcel, involving a General Plan amendment and zone change. Proposed use includes a wildlife habitat corridor. No impacts were found to be significant and unmitigable. Completed– Approved 12/04/01 CC Reso 2001-352 Peach Bressi Ranch LFMP Zone 17 EIR 98-04 CT 00-06 The Master Plan proposes 623 residential units, 2,160,500 square feet of industrial space, 130,000 square feet of commercial, and 138,000 square feet of community facilities. Offsite placement of a sewer line south of the project might also be required, to be located within the future right-of-way of Alicante Road. One California gnatcatcher pair would be significantly affected by the construction of Alicante Road. The road area is part of the HCP/OSMP that was previously approved through the Section 10 (a) FESA process. No additional mitigation is required. The specific acreage of impacts to biological resources resulting from the installation of the water and sewer lines is not provided. Impacts were found to be significant for biological resources, and were mitigated to less than significant levels. Water and sewer infrastructure is assured through the mandated implementation of LFMP Zone 17. No significant effects to water and sewer would result. Completed– Certified 7/9/02 CC Reso 2002-205
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-18 TABLE 2-2 (Continued) MAP COLOR PROJECT NAME AND DATA BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION Aqua Green Villages of La Costa LFMP Zones 10 and 11 EIR 98-07 CT 99-03 Development of portions of three villages including 2,390 residential units, business park, school, park, two community facilities, road improvements, and infrastructure. The infrastructure includes water and sewer lines to be implemented in four phases, and a water pressure regulating station at the corner at El Camino Real and Poinsettia Lane. The projected demand for water would have a significant water supply and storage effect. Mitigation includes payment of major facilities fees, provision of a 30-inch water line in Poinsettia Lane and 12-inch line in Corintia Street, implementation of conservation measures, and provision of adequate fire flow facilities. With mitigation, impacts are reduced to less than significant. Existing sewer facilities would be able to accommodate the project; impacts would not be significant. (Note: the size of that water line was later reduced to 16 inches. Thus, the Master Plan identifies it as a 16-inch line.) Completed – Certified 10/16/01 CC Ordinance Nos. NS604 and NS605 Light Brown De Jong Property MND for CT 98-05 29-unit residential subdivision including 2 open space lots. The project is consistent with LFMP Zone 20 standards and requirements for water and sewer infrastructure provision; all impacts were less than significant with mitigation. Completed -- Approved 5/11/99 CC Reso 99-161
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-19
Improvements to the existing reservoir at Lake Calavera (component 33) are also
included in the Master Plan. However, due to a more immediate need to prevent
potential flooding and related issues, the City wanted to avoid delay and is currently
preparing a separate EIR for this project.
Pressure Reducing StationsPressure Reducing StationsPressure Reducing StationsPressure Reducing Stations
A PRS provides a method of serving water between different pressure zones, from a
higher pressure zone to a lower. Four new stations are proposed under the 2003 Master
Plan Update. The size of the pressure reducing stations has not yet been determined,
but each would be approximately 8 by 12 feet and could possibly be located
underground. The facilities would include sump pumps and pressure reducing valves.
Two of the stations (components 6 and 35) would be located within the Calavera Hills
Master Plan area, near future Cannon Road east of El Camino Real.
The third PRS (component 21) is planned for the southeast part of the City along El
Fuerte Street, and the fourth (component 1) is located near future Marron Road in the
northern section of the City. Also, one existing PRS (component 30) is proposed to be
upsized with increased capacity to supply new development in the 375 zone. This PRS is
located east of El Camino Real just south of the Cantarini-Holly Springs residential
development projects.
Pump StationsPump StationsPump StationsPump Stations
One new pump station (PS) is proposed as component 20. It would be located at the
southeast corner of the El Camino Real/Palomar Airport Road intersection. The pump
station would include three pumps and would roughly be 15 by 20 feet in size.
Two PS projects (components 29 and 37) would involve conducting capacity
improvements to existing stations. Component 29 is required for emergency supply
from Maerkle Dam, and component 37 would also include installation of an emergency
generator and other onsite improvements.
2.4.22.4.22.4.22.4.2 2003 Sewer Master Plan Update2003 Sewer Master Plan Update2003 Sewer Master Plan Update2003 Sewer Master Plan Update
The 2003 Sewer Master Plan Update (DUDEK 2003) represents an update of the CSD’s
Sewer Master Plan for the planning period between 2001 and buildout of the District’s
service area (anticipated by 2020). In summary, the 2003 Update includes tasks to
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-20
document existing facilities, project ultimate average wastewater flows, estimate
existing and ultimate peak flows, and develop a computer model to perform an existing
and ultimate system capacity analysis. The outcome of these analyses is a
recommended long-term CIP for improvement of existing wastewater collection and
treatment facilities. The 2003 Update also recommends a sewer connection fee to
finance the recommended facilities. In the 2003 Master Plan Update, ultimate sewer
flow projections are based on the City’s recently compiled Growth Management
Database, which projects the number of additional single and multi-family units and the
number and size of non-residential buildings at buildout.
The 2003 Sewer Master Plan Update is to include capacity improvements to the existing
sewer collection system’s wastewater interceptors. The components of the 2003 plan
would involve rehabilitation or replacement activities for existing sewer pipelines and
forcemains, improvements to existing lift stations, and removing several lift stations.
Refer to Figure 2-2 for the location of these proposed facilities.
The previously prepared Master Plan (Carollo 1997) addressed improvements and
capacity analyses of trunk sewers, and capacity summary of the Encina WPCF. No
CEQA documentation was prepared for the 1997 report; as such, the Program EIR will
address the effects of implementing the projects recommended in the 1997 study, as well
as impacts resulting from implementation of the 2003 Master Plan Update. Table 2-3
shows the proposed projects to be implemented as part of the 2003 project.
Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Capacity ImproveVista/Carlsbad Interceptor Capacity ImproveVista/Carlsbad Interceptor Capacity ImproveVista/Carlsbad Interceptor Capacity Improvementsmentsmentsments
As shown in Figure 2-2, projects proposed in the 2003 Sewer Master Plan Update’s
recommended improvements include those related to the Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor.
The 2003 Update recommends replacement of existing interceptor lines with new 42-
inch lines and replacing a parallel forcemain. These activities would all be conducted
within existing alignments in roadways; no new lines are proposed.
The existing Buena Vista Lift Station forcemain (component 30) consists of parallel 24-
and 16-inch diameter pipelines for most of its length. It is recommended that a new 24-
inch diameter forcemain replace the 16-inch main and parallel the existing 24-inch main
for its entire length. In addition to increasing the station capacity, the new parallel
forcemain would reduce peak velocities and increase reliability.
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-21 TABLE 2-3 PROJECTS IDENTIFIED IN THE 2003 SEWER MASTER PLAN UPDATE PROJECT COMPONENT NUMBER PROJECT NAME PROJECT LOCATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION/NEED 1 Avenida Encinas Gravity Sewer Along north side of Lanakai Mobile Home Park in western Carlsbad, between Carlsbad Boulevard and Avenida Encinas Construct approximately 1,000 feet or 8-inch gravity sewer. The existing forcemain releases unacceptable levels of hydrogen sulfide gas resulting in numerous odor complaints and deterioration of the gravity sewer system. 2 North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Rehabilitation – West Segment-Cove Drive to Hoover Street North bank of Agua Hedionda Lagoon and Creek ! Design and construct access road to facilitate gravity sewer maintenance from El Camino Real to Park Drive (approximately 5,700 feet); enhancement include public trail improvements. ! Design and construct erosion protection for access road and existing gravity sewer where needed. ! Evaluate sewer realignment to relocate access holes away from creek to prevent inundation, reduce inflow, and improve access for maintenance. ! Assess all access holes, replace and rehabilitate as necessary. ! Conduct environmental survey and prepare documents necessary to obtain permits. ! Design and construct mitigation site. Implementation of the project will reduce the potential for accidental sewage spills to the lagoon and creek, avoid inflow to the sewer, and allow for maintenance vehicles to access the sewer. 3 North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Rehabilitation – East Segment El Camino Real to Kelly North bank of Agua Hedionda Lagoon and Creek Rehabilitate/replace 21 manholes 4 North Agua Hedionda Trunk Sewer -- Reach NAHT1A Along the north side of Tamarack Avenue from El Camino Real to Calavera Hills Treatment Plant Remove existing forcemain and construct 5,000 feet of 8-inch gravity sewer pipeline. When the Calavera Hills Treatment Plant was originally constructed, there was no provision for extending a gravity sewer line downstream of the plant. When the decision was made not to activate the plant, the sewer mains discharging into the plant site were connected to forcemain pipe and sewage flows by gravity towards El Camino Real. The existing forcemain is not sloped properly to handle gravity flow and lacks the necessary access holes for proper maintenance. Removal of the existing forcemain and construction of a new gravity line will complete this portion of the sewer master plan.
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-22 TABLE 2-3 (Continued) PROJECT COMPONENT NUMBER PROJECT NAME PROJECT LOCATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION/NEED 5 North Batiquitos Interceptor Rehabilitation North side of Batiquitos Lagoon from El Camino Real west to North Batiquitos Lift Station During high rainfall periods, the Batiquitos Lagoon level rises above the existing access road and access hole covers. The project will design a new access road to the sewer and raise access hole covers to a higher elevation where required. To avoid accidental sewage spill, reduce inflow to the sewer, and allow for maintenance vehicles to access the sewer. 6 El Camino Sewer In El Camino Real from Tamarack Avenue to Chestnut Avenue Construct 4,200 feet of 8-inch gravity sewer. 7 Sewer Lift Station Repairs/ Upgrades Terramar, Villas, and Gateshead Lift Stations Various improvements. 8 Forest Gravity Sewer and Lift Station Along Forest Avenue at Highland Drive Remove sewage lift station and construct gravity sewer. Existing lift station does not meet current electrical and ventilation safety requirements, and wet well and mechanical equipment need replacement. Sewer pipeline eliminates need for upgrade of facility. 9 Home Plant Lift Station Home Plant Lift Station near Carlsbad Boulevard and northern city limits Replace pumps, upgrade wet well ventilation system and reconstruct influent sewer manhole. Field review shows that sand accumulating in the wet well is due to undersized pumps. Installing larger pumps and completing other upgrades will reduce the maintenance costs at the pump station. 10 La Costa Meadows Sewer Extension In La Costa community from the end of Chorlito Street to El Fuerte Street Removal of the La Costa Meadows Lift Station, which is an LWD-owned facility, and extension of an eight-inch gravity sewer approximately 600 feet to the new gravity sewer constructed in El Fuerte Street by the Rancho Carrillo developer. The La Costa Meadows Lift Station was constructed to temporarily divert sewage flows into existing Leucadia County Water District (LCWD) facilities. The diversion was required due to a lack of City sewer facilities located downstream of the La Costa Meadows project within the Rancho Carrillo Valley. The diversion agreement between the City and LCWD required the removal of the lift station and connection to City sewer facilities when the downstream properties were developed and new sewer facilities extended up El Fuerte Street. The needed downstream sewer collection facilities were recently constructed as part of the Rancho Carrillo project.
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-23 TABLE 2-3 (Continued) PROJECT COMPONENT NUMBER PROJECT NAME PROJECT LOCATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION/NEED 11 La Golondrina Sewer Extension In the La Costa community from the end of La Golondrina Street south of Poinsettia Lane Removal of the La Golondrina Lift Station and extension of an eight-inch gravity sewer approximately 1,000 feet to the new gravity sewer constructed in Poinsettia Lane by the Rancho Carrillo project developer. The lift station was constructed to temporarily divert sewage flows into existing Leucadia County Water District (LCWD) facilities. The diversion was required due to a lack of City sewer facilities located downstream of the Ponderosa Homes project within the Rancho Carrillo Valley. The diversion agreement between the City and LCWD required the abandonment of the lift station and connection to City sewer facilities when the downstream properties were developed and new sewer facilities extended up Poinsettia Lane. 12 Poinsettia Sewage Lift Station Odor and Noise Abatement 2425 Poinsettia Lane Installation of an activated carbon absorption odor control system, including ducting, to treat foul air from the lift station wet well to reduce corrosion and control odor emissions, and sound enclosures for outdoor fans. The existing lift station emits odors that can reach future developments in close proximity to the lift station. In addition, uncovered supply and exhaust fans generate noise that reach or exceed 60 dBA at the fenceline. Control of the odors and reduction of noise will promote “good neighbor” policy and a higher level of service to adjacent residents. 13 Sewer Line Refurbishment/ Replacement Various Replace or refurbish various sewer lines older then 30 years. 14 Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Reaches VC1 and VC2 East of Buena Vista Lagoon and south of SR-78 Rehabilitation of 9,430 feet of 36-inch pipeline and 25 manholes. 15 Gateshead Lift Station Located on Gateshead Road just north of the Robertson Ranch development south of Tamarack Ave Remove Gateshead Sewer Lift Station. 200 feet of 8-inch lines to be installed adjacent to lift station to connect to residential development projects. 16 Vancouver Lift Station At the terminus of Vancouver Street north of Carlsbad Village Drive Remove Vancouver Lift Station and construct 300 feet of 8-inch gravity sewer. 17 Simsbury Lift Station On Simsbury Court in the northeast section of the City, within the Calavera Hills development project Remove Simsbury Lift Station and construct 500 feet of 8-inch gravity sewer. 18 Villas Lift Station North of Carlsbad Village Drive within the Calavera Hills development project Remove Villas Lift Station. 2,000 feet of 8-inch lines to be installed adjacent to lift station to connect to residential development projects.
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-24 TABLE 2-3 (Continued) PROJECT COMPONENT NUMBER PROJECT NAME PROJECT LOCATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION/NEED 19 Woodstock Lift Station On Woodstock Street, south of Tamarack Avenue adjacent to the Calavera Hills development project Remove Woodstock Lift Station. 400 feet of 8-inch lines to be installed adjacent to lift station to connect to residential development projects. 20 Faraday #14 (Upper) Lift Station Along Faraday Ave just west of College Blvd Remove Faraday #14 Lift Station and connect to existing gravity sewer. 21 Faraday #10 (Lower) Lift Station Along Faraday Ave south of Kelly Ranch Remove Faraday #10 Lift Station and connect to existing gravity sewer. 22 North Batiquitos Lift Station East of I-5 and north of the Batiquitos Lagoon Various improvements including installation of gas detectors and float switch modifications. 23 Carlsbad trunk Sewer Reaches VCT1A, VCT1B, VCT1C Vancouver and Simsbury lift stations Convey flows using 2,000 feet of 8-inch pipeline from Vancouver and Simbsury LiftStations to Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor. 24 Master Plan Update -- Prepare report. 25 Sewer Monitoring Program Various Monitor sewer flows. 26 Sewer Access Hole Rehabilitation Various Rehabilitate/replace manholes older than 30 years. 27 Sewer Connection Fee Update -- Prepare report. 28 Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Reach VC3 south of SR-78 and east of Buena Vista Lagoon Replacement of existing interceptor lines with 3,350 feet of new 42-inch lines. 29 Buena Vista Lift Station upgrade Along the southeast shore of Buena Vista Lagoon near Marron Road Upgrade lift station from 14,000 to 18,000 gallons per minute. Pumping units were last replaced at the Buena Vista Lift Station in 1994. As part of this upgrade, pumps would be changed, but no physical changes to the lift station’s existing footprint would result. 30 Buena Vista Lift Station forcemain Along the southern shore of Buena Vista Lagoon east of I-5 24-inch diameter forcemain to replace the existing 16-inch main and parallel the existing 24-inch main for its entire length. 31 Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Sewer Reach 11B Cross over (in a bridge structure) Agua Hedionda Lagoon in existing NCTD right-of-way. Replace existing Reach 11B and bridge with 915 feet of 54-inch pipeline and new concrete bridge.
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-25 TABLE 2-3 (Continued) PROJECT COMPONENT NUMBER PROJECT NAME PROJECT LOCATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION/NEED 32 Agua Hedionda Lift Station South of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon adjacent to the Cabrillo Power Plant Upgrade and slightly relocate lift station within existing property. Project includes five new pumping units for a firm pumping capacity of 36 mgd, and a new headworks, wet well, control building, 2.5 MG emergency storage basin, and 200 feet of 36-inch diameter forcemain. 33 Lower Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor, Reaches VC13, VC14, and VC15 Parallel to railroad tracks from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon south to Encina WPCF Interceptor Replacement: 9,890 feet of 54-inch pipeline. 34 South Agua Hedionda/Kelly Ranch Lift Station Along Cannon Road within Kelly Ranch Temporary lift station to be replaced with permanent South Agua Hedionda Lift Station and new 5,380 feet of 14-inch forcemain.
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-26
Lift StationsLift StationsLift StationsLift Stations
The 2003 Update recommends improvements to 8 existing sewer lift stations and the
removal of 10 lift stations, as shown in Table2-3 and Figure 2-2. At this program level
of analysis, it is assumed that several lift stations would be physically removed rather
than abandoned. As subsequent project-level plans become more defined, the CSD may
determine to abandon some of the lift stations. Removal is generally a more impactive
process on the environment than is abandonment, and as such, this Program EIR will
analyze the worse-case scenario for purposes of environmental analysis. As part of the
removal process, additional sewer lines are necessary to be installed in the immediate
area surrounding the Gateshead, Villas, Woodstock, and La Golondrina lift stations to
connect the sewer system to residential development projects.
Other Lift Station Improvements Identified in the 1997 Master PlanOther Lift Station Improvements Identified in the 1997 Master PlanOther Lift Station Improvements Identified in the 1997 Master PlanOther Lift Station Improvements Identified in the 1997 Master Plan
A detailed survey of the sewer lift stations with respect to the condition, code
compliance, standby power, and capacity was performed as part of the 1997 report. A
summary of the recommended improvements that have not yet been constructed is
provided in Table2-3 and shown on the map on Figure 2-2. All of the recommended
improvements would be installed within the footprints of the existing lift stations.
Encina Water Pollution Control Facility ProjectsEncina Water Pollution Control Facility ProjectsEncina Water Pollution Control Facility ProjectsEncina Water Pollution Control Facility Projects
The 2003 Update includes a sewer connection fee update. The connection fee update
includes 11 projects that would be implemented separately by the Encina Wastewater
Authority (EWA) as lead agency. As one of six EWA member agencies, the City of
Carlsbad is responsible to contribute their cost share of the proposed sewer projects,
which would be funded through the connection fee program. The EWA projects are
provided in this document to disclose the complete project description of the 2003
Update; however, EWA as lead agency is responsible for conducting separate
environmental review for these projects. Refer to Table 2-4 for a list of the 11 EWA
projects. All 11 projects are located on Encina WPCF property at 6200 Avenida Encinas.
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion July 2003 3194-04 Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-27 TABLE 2-4 PROJECTS PROPOSED AT THE ENCINA WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY ENCINA WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY PROJECT NUMBER PROJECT NAME PROJECT DESCRIPTION/NEED 1 Building Improvements To construct or improve existing building facilities including additional office, employee locker facilities, and expanded laboratory facilities. 2 Various Capital Improvements To upgrade the existing sewer treatment plant 3 Capital/Planning Services Ongoing capital planning for future projects at the Plant are necessary to assure that Growth Management Standards for sewer treatment capacity will continue to be met. 4 Cogeneration Project Upgrade and program electrical generators which power the blowers within the sewer treatment facility. Project is proposed to conform with mandated air quality regulations and to ensure the lowest power price rates from SDGE. 5 Flow Equalization Project Construction of a reservoir/tank to retain flows which exceed the capacity of the ocean outfall line. Retained flows would be released during periods of low flow. The retention facility may double as a recycled water reservoir. 6 Phase IV Expansion Debt Service Expansion of the Encina WPCF to increase treatment capacity from 22.5 mgd to 36 mgd of raw sewage. Required to meet Growth Management Standards. 7 Phase V Expansion Expand the Encina WPCF to buildout for the treatment of 45 to 60 mgd of wastewater. The project would provide for ultimate wastewater capacity of the Carlsbad Sewer District. 8 Phase V Expansion -Interim Capacity Construction of necessary interim improvements to provide additional capacity to meet current needs. The interim improvements would include primary enhancement facilities and fourth aeration basin facilities. Required to assure that Growth Management Standards for sewer treatment capacity will continue to be met. 9 Plant Rehabilitation Annual machinery rehabilitation to ensure efficient operating of the Encina WPCF. 10 Pump Station Services The project consists of a review of the possible methods to develop active monitoring of the various sewer pump stations which pump sewage from outside agencies. Development of an active interface to the pump station would provide more accurate and reliable measurement of the City’s treatment capacity. Required to assure that Growth Management Standards for sewer treatment capacity will continue to be met. 11 Technology Master Plan Development of a master plan to evaluate new treatment technologies for possible incorporation into the Encina WPCF. Required to assure that Growth Management Standards for sewer treatment capacity will continue to be met.
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-28
2.4.32.4.32.4.32.4.3 Standard Design Features and ConstructStandard Design Features and ConstructStandard Design Features and ConstructStandard Design Features and Construction Measuresion Measuresion Measuresion Measures
For all project components, design would be undertaken in conformance with applicable
codes and regulations, including the Uniform Building Code (UBC) and Standards and
Specifications for Public Works Construction (2000), commonly referred to as “The
Greenbook,” a public works standards manual. The lead agencies have incorporated
numerous project design features and construction measures into the project design
that are included in an effort to reduce the potential for environmental effect, as shown
in Table 2-5. These measures represent the minimum measures that would be
undertaken.
TABLE 2-5
SUMMARY OF STANDARD PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
AND CONSTRUCTION MEASURES
STANDARD DESIGN FEATURES AND CONSTRUCTION MEASURES
Aesthetics • Demolition debris shall be removed in a timely manner for off-site disposal.
• Tree and vegetation removal shall be limited to those depicted on construction drawings.
• Construction lighting shall be shielded or directed away from adjacent residences.
• All roadway features (signs, pavement delineation, roadway surfaces, etc) and structures within State and
private rights-of-way will be protected, maintained in a temporary condition, or restored.
• Aboveground components such as pump stations should be designed with exterior fencing, paint, and
vegetative screening to reduce aesthetic impacts in visually sensitive areas.
Air Quality • 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.
$ 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Disturbed areas shall be revegetated as soon as work in the area is complete.
• Electrical power shall be supplied from commercial power supply wherever feasible, to avoid or minimize the
use of engine-driven generators.
• Air filters on construction equipment engines shall be maintained in clean condition according to
manufacturers’ specifications.
$ 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.
• Staging areas for construction equipment shall be located as far as practicable from residences.
• Trucks and equipment shall not idle for more than 15 minutes when not in service.
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-29
TABLE 2-5 (Continued)
STANDARD DESIGN FEATURES AND CONSTRUCTION MEASURES
Biological
Resources
• Native vegetation disturbance shall be limited to the construction zones as indicated by flagging or fencing.
Prior to the commencement of construction, the limits of grading shall be clearly delineated by a survey crew
prior to brushing, clearing, or grading. The limits shall be checked by a biological monitor before initiation of
construction grading. The contractor(s) shall be responsible to mitigate impacts to sensitive biological
resources beyond those identified in this report or any subsequent reports that occur as a direct result of
construction activities.
• Activities shall be prohibited within drainages (other than those that may occur within an approved
construction zone), including staging areas, refueling areas, equipment access, and disposal or temporary
placement of excess fill.
• Construction in or adjacent to sensitive areas shall be appropriately scheduled to avoid sensitive and/or
breeding seasons and to minimize potential impacts to biological resources.
• Erosion and siltation into off-site areas during construction shall be minimized. The contractor shall prepare
an erosion control plan in accordance with applicable local code requirements. The construction supervisor
shall be responsible for ensuring that the erosion control plan is developed and implemented.
• Appropriate post-construction fencing and signage shall be installed to prohibit access and avoid potential
impacts to sensitive resources adjacent to project sites.
• To the extent feasible, all construction activities adjacent to coastal sage scrub habitat shall occur between
August 15 and March 1.
• If construction activities must extend beyond March 1, and the activities are adjacent to or within 500 feet of a
gnatcatcher nest, then noise reduction measures (e.g., temporary noise and line-of-sight barriers) shall be
incorporated to ensure that noise levels do not exceed 60 dBA Leq.
• If construction occurs during the raptor breeding season, a qualified biologist should conduct a pre-
construction survey of the project site and surrounding habitat to determine whether there are active raptor
nests within that area. If an active nest is observed, a buffer will be established between the construction
activities and the nest so that nesting activities are not interrupted. The buffer will be at least 500 feet wide
and will be in effect as long as construction is occurring and until the nest is no longer active.
• Temporary fencing will be used in all locations of the project where proposed grading or clearing would be
within 100 feet of proposed biological open space. Fencing will be placed on the impact side and will result in
no vegetation loss within adjacent open space. All temporary fencing will be removed only after the
conclusion of all grading, clearing, and construction.
• Lighting shall be diverted away from any native habitat and shall consist of low-sodium or similar lighting
equipped with shields to focus light downward onto the appropriate subject.
• Unless authorized as part of construction, existing roads or disturbed areas shall be used to access the
project sites.
• Topsoil from the project sites shall be stockpiled within the construction sites where feasible. If topsoil from
off-site construction must be stockpiled, it shall be stockpiled in disturbed areas. Stockpile areas shall be
delineated on the grading plans and reviewed by a qualified biologist.
• On-site staging areas shall be used where feasible. Staging areas shall be delineated on the grading plans
and reviewed by a qualified biologist. If staging areas outside the construction footprint are used, then they
shall be surveyed for biological resources prior to their use.
• The use of native plants to the greatest extent feasible in the landscape areas adjacent to mitigation or open
space areas (including wetland and riparian areas) will be considered during project-level review of
applicable project components of the Wastewater Master Plan Update. The lead agencies will not plant,
seed, otherwise introduce invasive exotic plant species to the landscaped areas adjacent to and/or near the
mitigation/open space area or wetland and riparian areas. Exotic plant species not be used include those
species listed on Lists A and B of the California Exotic Pest Plant Council’s “Exotic Pest Plants of Greatest
Ecological Concern in California as of October 1999.” This list includes such species as pepper trees,
pampas grass, fountain grass, ice plant, myoporum, black locust, and capeweed.
All segments of the Master Plan Update will be constructed in accordance with Uniform Building Code
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-30
TABLE 2-5 (Continued)
STANDARD DESIGN FEATURES AND CONSTRUCTION MEASURES
Standards and accepted standards for public works construction. These standards pertain to protection against
seismic activity, settlement, liquefaction, and other integrity issues.
Hazards and
Hazardous
Materials
• 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.
• A brush management plan will be incorporated during project construction by the City 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.
• A site-specific record search for the locations and type of hazardous materials will be conducted during final
design of the individual project components.
• 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.
• 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 City or its
contractors, and the Districts, will implement the following project design features:
– Pipelines of the project components would be constructed with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, or other
material, which is highly resistant to rupture.
– Pump stations included as part of the project, and stations that will service the proposed project shall be
designed or constructed with safety features, including an emergency generator in case of electrical
failure, and sufficient sewage detainment capacity in the event of generator and/or pump mechanism
failure to allow time for repair and/or emergency conveyance of the sewage. Should emergency leaks or
spills occur, the Sewer Prevention and Response Plan for both Districts will be implemented.
• Prior to construction, the City shall prepare a traffic control plan in accordance with the cities of Carlsbad,
Oceanside, and San Marcos traffic control guidelines that will specifically address construction traffic during
construction of project components within the public right-of-ways of the affected jurisdiction(s). The traffic
control plan will include signage and flagmen when necessary to allow the heavy equipment to utilize
residential streets. The traffic control plan will also include provisions for coordinating with local school hours
and emergency service providers regarding construction times.
Hydrology
and Water
Quality
• The construction contractor, in consultation with the lead agency, shall be responsible for filing all required
notices with the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), preparing the Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and implementing required Best Management Practices (BMPs). The construction
manager shall be responsible for monitoring and maintenance of BMPs until the construction area has been
permanently stabilized to ensure that they are working properly.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• The lead agencies will consider using pervious or semi-pervious surfaces where possible to reduce the
increase in the velocity of peak flows.
• For all potential impacts to natural drainages (i.e., pre-development hydrology), BMPs on-site shall be used
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-31
TABLE 2-5 (Continued)
STANDARD DESIGN FEATURES AND CONSTRUCTION MEASURES
to fully mitigate for project-related contaminants in the surface flows prior to their discharge to streams.
Noise • Heavy equipment shall be repaired at sites as far as practical from nearby residences.
• 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).
• Construction work, including on-site equipment maintenance and repair, shall be limited to the hours
specified in the noise ordinance of the affected jurisdiction.
• Electrical power shall be supplied from commercial power supply, wherever feasible, in order to avoid or
minimize the use of engine-driven generators.
• Staging areas for construction equipment shall be located as far as practicable from residences.
• Operating equipment shall be designed to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal noise
regulations.
• 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.
• The Districts or their 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 that 7 days occur, an additional notice shall be made, either in person or by mail. The
Districts shall also publish a notice of impending construction in local newspapers, stating when and where
construction will occur.
• The Districts 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. The Districts 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.
Transportatio
n/Traffic
• Prior to construction, the City shall 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-ways of the affected jurisdiction. The traffic control plan will include signage and
flagmen when necessary to allow the heavy equipment to utilize residential streets. The traffic control plan
will also include provisions for coordinating with local school hours and emergency service providers
regarding construction times (additional specifics are found in Section 4.10.4 of the EIR).
Construction would be performed by qualified contractors selected as part of
competitive bidding and award procedures practiced by the City. Contract documents,
plans, and specifications would incorporate stipulations regarding standard City
requirements and acceptable construction practices including, but not limited to, fill
materials, safety measures, vehicle operation and maintenance, excavation stability,
erosion control, drainage alteration, groundwater disposal, traffic circulation, public
safety, dust control, and noise generation. 2.4.42.4.42.4.42.4.4 Construction ScheduleConstruction ScheduleConstruction ScheduleConstruction Schedule
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-32
Construction of the proposed plans is varied, depending on the timing for individual
projects. A phased CIP has been developed to plan for future water and sewer system
improvements. In general, construction would proceed in three individual phases, with
the final phase being completed in the projected buildout year of 2020.
In the first phase, improvements to the existing water and sewer distribution system will
be implemented, including water pipeline projects recommended to improve fire flows
and meet redundancy criteria and lift station improvements. Replacement of older
water mains and additional capacity improvements are also included.
The second phase involves emergency water supply projects, and improvements
required to supply the entire distribution system from Maerkle Dam. Included is a new
pump station to supply the eastern parts of the City and capacity improvements at the
existing Maerkle Pump Station. Also included are transmission main improvements
that will be installed with the construction of Cannon Road and College Boulevard, and
a transmission main (Water Master Plan component 15).
Phase III would consist of improvements recommended for the final CIP phase
including construction of additional water and sewer pipelines, pressure reducing
stations, and operational and emergency storage facilities. Capacity improvements are
recommended that would be constructed with commercial/industrial development in
various areas throughout the City.
These three CIP phases should provide the Districts with a long range planning tool to
keep up with growth and provide for expansion of the water distribution system in an
orderly manner. It is noted that phasing for recommended improvement projects may
be accelerated or deferred as required to account for changes in development schedules,
availability of land or rights-of-way for construction, funding limitations, and other
considerations that cannot be predicted at this time.
2.52.52.52.5 APPROVALS REQUIRED AND INTENDED USES OF THE EIRAPPROVALS REQUIRED AND INTENDED USES OF THE EIRAPPROVALS REQUIRED AND INTENDED USES OF THE EIRAPPROVALS REQUIRED AND INTENDED USES OF THE EIR
The decision to implement the Master Plans is within the purview of the City of Carlsbad
City Council, which acts as the decision-making body for both lead agencies. As
described in Section 1.2, the Carlsbad City Council will use the information included in
this Program EIR to consider potential impacts to the physical environment associated
with the project when making the decision to implement the proposed project.
2.0 Project DescripProject DescripProject DescripProject Descriptiontiontiontion
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 2-33
The RWQCB will use the EIR and supporting documentation in its decision regarding
issuance of water quality permits, such as a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) General Construction Activity Storm Water Permit, Clean Water Act
401 Water Quality Certification, and/or a General Dewatering Permit.
If federally listed species are affected by the project, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) will use the EIR and supporting documentation in its decision regarding
issuance of relevant permits, such as take permits under Section 10 of the Endangered
Species Act.
Should wetlands or waters of the U.S. be affected, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(USACOE) will review the EIR and supporting documentation in its decision regarding
issuance of relevant permits, such as a 404 or nationwide permit.
The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) will use the EIR and supporting
documentation in its decision regarding issuance of a Section 1601 or 1603 Streambed
Alteration Agreement under the State Endangered Species Act.
The Cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside, and San Marcos, will use the EIR and supporting
documentation in their respective decisions regarding issuance of encroachment
permits for construction within each jurisdiction’s right-of-way.
The Cities of Carlsbad and Oceanside, and the California Coastal Commission, will use
the EIR and supporting documentation in their respective decisions regarding issuance
of Coastal Development Permits (CDPs) for any portion of the project lying within their
coastal zone jurisdictions.
For construction within existing San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) easements, SDGE
would use the EIR and supporting documentation in its decision regarding issuance of
encroachment permits.
CHAPTER 3.0
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 3-1
The environmental setting for the proposed Water and Sewer Master Plan Update
project includes all 84 project sites, predominantly within the City of Carlsbad in the
northern portion of San Diego County, California. Two components are located in other
neighboring jurisdictions (within the Cities of Oceanside and San Marcos). The
environmental setting is described in this chapter in terms of its general characteristics.
The environmental setting for each issue area is discussed in more detail in Chapter 4.0
of this document.
The City of Carlsbad is a coastal jurisdiction bordered generally on the north by the
cities of Oceanside and Vista, on the east by Vista and San Marcos, and on the south by
Encinitas. Approximately 68 percent of the City is undeveloped, with the remainder
being developed with a variety of land uses. Of the developed areas, 55 percent is
residential uses, 17 percent is commercial and/or industrial uses, and another 17 percent
is comprised of open space uses. The remaining 10 percent of the developed areas
consists of public uses and utility right-of-ways. The majority of existing commercial
development within the City is located along El Camino Real, immediately south of
Highway 78, and south of Cannon Road along I-5. In addition, existing commercial uses
predominate the City’s downtown along with numerous hotels and service stations along
Interstate 5 (I-5). Industrial land uses are primarily concentrated within the City’s
centralized industrial corridor which surrounds Palomar Airport and extends in a broad
band generally to the eastern and western City limits.
Major roadways in the study area include Interstate 5 (I-5) which runs north to south
along the coastal corridor, and State Route 78 (SR-78) and Mission Avenue (SR-76),
which provide inter-regional access, moving vehicles through or around the study area.
The City of Carlsbad’s transportation system is generally meandering, due to the
presence of natural topographic constraints (e.g., steep hills, lagoons). Portions of the I-
5 freeway and SR-78 bring regional traffic into and through the City. Several of the
City’s existing major arterials also carry through traffic as well as local traffic. The City
of Carlsbad contains three primary arterial roadways including El Camino Real which
runs north and south through the center of the City, Palomar Airport Road which runs
east/west through the center of the City, and Rancho Santa Fe Road which runs along
the southern and easterly boundary of the City.
The topography of the study area is very diverse, consisting of inland hills as well as
coastal bluffs adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, inland terrain of valley, hill, and ridge
formations ranging in elevation from sea level to 600 feet above mean sea level.
3.0 Environmental SettingEnvironmental SettingEnvironmental SettingEnvironmental Setting
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 3-2
Hydrologically, the study area is located within the San Diego Hydrologic Region, which
drains west into the Pacific Ocean. The San Diego Hydrologic Region encompasses
approximately 3,900 square miles and is further subdivided into 11 major watersheds.
The project components occur in the Carlsbad Watershed. The Carlsbad Watershed
occupies approximately 210 square miles, extending from Lake Wohlford on the east to
the Pacific Ocean on the west and from Vista on the north to Cardiff-by-the-Sea on the
south. This watershed includes the cities of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Vista, and
Escondido. The watershed is drained by Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda, San Marcos and
Escondido creeks and contains four coastal lagoons, including Buena Vista, Agua
Hedionda, Batiquitos and San Elijo lagoons.
The areas of the City nearest the coast are in the California Coastal Zone. In most areas,
El Camino Real forms the eastern boundary of the Coastal Zone within the City. The
City has an adopted Local Coastal Program covering the bulk of the City within the
Coastal Zone.
Under the California Natural Community Conservation Program (NCCP), the City of
Carlsbad and six other cities in northern San Diego County are participating in the
preparation of the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP). The MHCP is a
comprehensive planning program designed to develop an extensive ecological preserve
in northwestern San Diego County.
The City of Carlsbad, a participant in the MHCP, is preparing a subarea plan, called the
Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (December 1999). The HMP contains the specific
conservation, management, facility siting, land use, and other action the City will take to
implement the goals, guidelines, and standards or the MHCP plan. The Draft HMP was
approved by the California Coastal Commission in June 2003. With the other
participating jurisdictions, Carlsbad will submit its plan to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) and California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) to support
applications for permits and authorization to incidentally “take” listed threatened or
endangered species or other species of concern. “Take authorizations” issued by the
wildlife agencies through the MHCP will allow for otherwise lawful action, such as land
and infrastructure development, that may incidentally take or harm individuals of a
species or habitat of such species in exchange for conserving the species inside the
preserve system.
The City has a rich cultural history, including prehistoric occupation by Native
Americans, the Spanish missionary period, and the settlement of the present city by
3.0 Environmental SettingEnvironmental SettingEnvironmental SettingEnvironmental Setting
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 3-3
Americans in the nineteenth century. The coastal areas and lagoons are fertile sites for
historical archaeology, and numerous historical structure form the City’s growth to its
present status remain, largely west of I-5.
3.0 Environmental SettingEnvironmental SettingEnvironmental SettingEnvironmental Setting
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 3-4
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
CHAPTER 4.0
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4-1
This section describes the existing conditions of the project study area and the
environmental impacts that would occur with implementation of the proposed project.
The analysis of each environmental issue area includes a description of the existing
conditions within the project study area; the criteria for determining significance; an
evaluation of how the specific resources would be affected by implementation of the
proposed project; program-level mitigation measures to reduce significant impacts; and
residual impacts after mitigation.
CEQA requires a lead agency to determine the impacts of a proposed project based on
the project’s expected effects when compared to certain thresholds of significance. This
EIR relies on the CEQA thresholds as shown in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines.
The study area analyzed in this document focuses on the relatively broad geography
encompassed by the Master Plan Updates, as shown in Figure 2-2. The study area
includes the locations where potential environmental impacts are anticipated and
includes the footprints of each project component. Changes in the environment, as a
result of the project, would be reflected within the study area. For certain
environmental issue areas, including Biological Resources (Section 4.3) and Cultural
Resources (Section 4.4), the area of potential effect encompasses areas extending
beyond the project footprint to include ground-disturbing activities required for
construction or operation of the project. For Transportation/Traffic (Section 4.10), the
study area includes the adjacent streets that would be potentially affected by the
proposed project.
The study area lies predominantly within the City of Carlsbad, with two of the project
components occurring in adjacent jurisdictions (one each within the Cities of Oceanside
and San Marcos). Refer to Figure 2-1 for a vicinity map. The evaluation in Chapter 4.0
is organized generally by the category of environmental effect anticipated by a certain
project component, with the least impactive components described first.
Approach to Impact AnalysisApproach to Impact AnalysisApproach to Impact AnalysisApproach to Impact Analysis
The Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates include a total of 84 project components. As
described in Section 1.3, the analysis contained in this Program EIR is considered to be a
first-tier level of analysis for the Master Plan Updates. Impacts are summarized in
Tables S-1 and S-2. The data in these tables has several uses.
4.0 EnvironmentaEnvironmentaEnvironmentaEnvironmental Analysisl Analysisl Analysisl Analysis
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4-2
Primarily, Tables S-1 and S-2 are used to identify those components that would require
additional CEQA review, and as described in Section 1.3, additional CEQA review could
take the form of a Negative Declaration, Mitigated Negative Declaration, or EIR.
Accordingly, Tables S-1 and S-2 also identify the project components that would not
result in environmental effects as a result of construction or operation. These project
components would not necessitate additional, second-tier (or project-level)
environmental review, as their effects have been adequately assessed in this Program
EIR.
Tables S-1 and S-2 are designed to serve as a guide for the evaluation of each project
component as it comes forward for approval or implementation. Tables S-1 and S-2 are
based on known conditions and an evaluation of probable future conditions. Since
future conditions may change, the first step in environmental review of future projects
under this Program EIR should be to ascertain if future conditions are different from
present assumptions, and to determine if environmental review has already been
accomplished. For example, where pipelines are assumed in this Program EIR to be
located in street rights-of-way, this first check should include affirming the assumption.
Conditions evaluated at this stage for any change could include sizing, location, site
disturbance, or other factors. If conditions are as assumed, City staff shall use the
following procedure to establish mitigation on a project-specific basis for all issues
where the potential for mitigation requirements is indicated.
! Each project shall be reviewed to determine if local environmental review has
been carried out by the local land use jurisdiction as part of a project for which
the local land use jurisdiction was the lead agency under CEQA.
! If local review was carried out under CEQA, the City will determine if that review
for each issue was sufficient to meet the City’s requirements. If so, further
environmental review by the City shall not be required.
! If further environmental review by the City is required, the City shall review
project plans to determine if there is a potential for the project to have a
significant effect on the environment using the Tables S-1 and S-2 as a guide, but
with the possibility of changed future conditions in mind.
! Where indicated, environmental review of subsequent projects with the potential
for a significant effect or effects shall include the applicable studies, surveys,
coordination, or other procedures specified in Chapter 4 of this Program EIR.
4.0 EnvironmentaEnvironmentaEnvironmentaEnvironmental Analysisl Analysisl Analysisl Analysis
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4-3
Biological or cultural resource surveys or jurisdiction coordination for traffic
issues, for instance, may be needed to establish project-specific conditions and
mitigation measures.
! Where project-specific studies or other information indicate that significant
effects would result and feasible mitigation be implemented to reduce the effect
to a level below significance, a Mitigated Negative Declaration may be prepared
for the project under review.
! If project-specific studies indicate that any significant effect would result that
cannot be mitigated to a level below significance, a separate project-specific EIR
shall be required to address any potential significant effects.
Refer to Section 1.3 for more information on assessing first- and second-tier impacts of
future projects.
4.0 Environmental SettingEnvironmental SettingEnvironmental SettingEnvironmental Setting
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4-4
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
4.1 AestheticsAestheticsAestheticsAesthetics
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.1-1
4.14.14.14.1 AESTHETICSAESTHETICSAESTHETICSAESTHETICS
This section focuses on the components of the project which may produce visual impacts
or affect visual character upon implementation. A brief description of visual resources
is given followed by the visual impact analysis.
4.1.14.1.14.1.14.1.1 Existing ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting Conditions
The City of Carlsbad is aesthetically characterized by a mixture of natural and urban
landforms. The natural environment is made up 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
historic buildings, landscaping, signage/monuments, and works of art.
There is no dominant architectural theme throughout the City; however, there is a
concentration of older Victorian style structures in the northwestern portion of the City
and many Spanish and Western Ranch style buildings in the southeastern portion. The
industrial portion of the City is characterized by large industrial parks nestled into the
hills with a variety of glass/concrete office, manufacturing, and warehouse buildings.
The topography is also diverse. Along the coast, there are low sandy beaches and high
coastal bluffs. From the coast to I-5, the land is relatively level, sloping upward to the
east. East of I-5, the land becomes generally more hilly, with steeper slopes. The broad
floodplains of the three lagoons within City boundaries (Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda,
and Batiquitos) spread between hills on either side.
Throughout the City are water and sewer utilities facilities. Cylindrical steel or concrete
water reservoirs are scattered through the City, and in the neighborhoods where they
are located, many are familiar parts of the urban scene to residents. The largest
aboveground facilities include the Encina WPCF near the coast along I-5, Maerkle Dam
in the eastern portion of the City, and Lake Calavera Reservoir to the northeast.
City of Carlsbad Scenic Corridor GuidelinesCity of Carlsbad Scenic Corridor GuidelinesCity of Carlsbad Scenic Corridor GuidelinesCity of Carlsbad Scenic Corridor Guidelines
In 1988, the City prepared Scenic Corridor Guidelines to identify roadways and
transportation routes within the City to be designated as scenic corridors, and to suggest
4.1 AestheticsAestheticsAestheticsAesthetics
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.1-2
methods to preserve and enhance the character of those corridors (City of Carlsbad
1994). According to the City’s Circulation Element (1994), Carlsbad has adopted four
categories of scenic corridors. Transportation routes with potential corridor status are
identified below; however, currently, El Camino Real is the only designated roadway
within the City for which a set of development standards have been adopted.
Community Theme Corridors. These connect Carlsbad with adjacent
municipalities and present the City of Carlsbad to persons entering and passing thought
the community. Community Theme Corridors include El Camino Real, Carlsbad
Boulevard, Palomar Airport Road, La Costa Avenue, and Melrose Drive.
Community Scenic Corridors. These roadways interconnect major subareas of the
present and planned Carlsbad community. They include College Boulevard, Cannon
Road, Carlsbad Village Drive, Faraday Avenue, I-5, La Costa Avenue, Olivenhain
Road/Rancho Santa Fe Road, and Poinsettia Lane/Carrillo Way.
Natural Open Space and Recreation Corridors. These offer spectacular views of
waterscapes, landforms, wildlife, and the Pacific Ocean, and include Adams Street/Park
Drive, Batiquitos Drive, and Jefferson Street (the portion adjacent to the Buena Vista
Lagoon).
Railroad Corridor. This corridor presents the City to people passing through by rail,
on the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe (AT&SF) Railroad.
4.1.24.1.24.1.24.1.2 SignificanceSignificanceSignificanceSignificance Criteria Criteria Criteria Criteria
As stated in Section 4.0, the criteria for determining significance are based on Appendix
G of the CEQA Guidelines. A significant aesthetic or visual resources impact would
occur if the proposed project is determined to:
! Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista;
• Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway;
! Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its
surroundings; or
4.1 AestheticsAestheticsAestheticsAesthetics
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.1-3
! Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day
or nighttime views in the area.
4.1.34.1.34.1.34.1.3 Impact Analysis Impact Analysis Impact Analysis Impact Analysis
Implementation of the majority of water and sewer components would require
temporary disturbance of the project sites to access pipelines and components. Most
projects are below-ground installations and would have no visual effect when completed
in existing road rights-of-way. In addition, most of the project components are
maintenance or improvement projects for existing facilities and property. The large
majority of projects proposed under the Master Plans would not result in permanent
visual effects.
Implementation of the project components would predominantly take place in public
roadways, where visual disruption is likely to be noticeable. The potential construction-
related visual impacts could result from grading, pavement removal, trenching,
stockpiling of excavated soils, construction materials/equipment storage, and
backfilling of trenches. Visual disturbance from construction is short term in nature,
and the City has included commitments in the project design to restore road surfaces, in
both public and private rights-of-way, to their pre-existing visual condition or better
(refer to Table 2-5).
The water and sewer master plans include components that might be located outside
existing road rights-of-way, or in landscaped areas or where there is native vegetation.
In these cases, visual effects could be potentially significant unless vegetation that is
removed is replaced, or in the case of natural areas, revegetated to blend with adjacent
natural areas. The visual character of the project area and its surroundings would not
be adversely affected once construction is completed and the disturbed surfaces are
restored to pre-existing visual conditions. Also, some facilities will be designed as parts
of private development projects in the development plans subject to City review. In
those cases, environmental review of the facilities may be conducted as part of the
overall CEQA review of project plans by the City.
The modifications proposed to various PRS and PS facilities in the Water Master Plan
would involve short-term rehabilitation and upgrade activities. Similar to construction
activities on the underground pipeline segments, visual impacts would be short-term
and would not result in long-term significant effects to visual resources.
4.1 AestheticsAestheticsAestheticsAesthetics
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.1-4
New PRS facilities are not anticipated to result in significant visual effects, largely due to
the small size of these facilities (approximately 10 by 12 feet), and proposed location
within existing urban environments. In addition, it is possible that these facilities could
be placed underground, which would be determined at the project level of review,
thereby totally reducing any long-term visual effect.
The new 15 million gallon storage tank to be sited adjacent to the existing Maerkle
Reservoir (component 28) is proposed to be buried. Adjacent residential areas in the
Ocean Hills community within the City of Oceanside and community south of
Shadowridge Drive in the City of Vista would be exposed to the visual impacts of
construction, but once construction is complete, no long-term visual impact would
result since this component would be underground. Also in that area would be
component 29, which is the proposed capacity improvements to the existing Maerkle
Reservoir PS. Because the PS is existing, the incorporation of additional facilities at that
site to implement the capacity increase is not expected to result in a new land use in the
area, and would be visually consistent with the utilitarian appearance of the reservoir
and PS. Impacts would be less than significant.
Similarly, the new PS proposed at the southeast intersection of El Camino Real and
Palomar Airport Road (component 20) would not result in significant visual effects.
This project would include three pumps and would be roughly 15 by 20 feet in size.
Because PS facilities typically resemble ordinary buildings, even very large pump
stations, once constructed, usually are unremarkable features in the landscape for most
viewers. Along public roads, many motorists and area residents may pass them several
times daily and remain unaware of their presence. Given the lack of adjacent sensitive
receptors and suburban nature of this large, busy intersection, it is not anticipated that
construction of the PS at this location would result in a significant visual effect.
Nonetheless, the PS appearance can be enhanced by exterior treatment and
landscaping, as identified as a project design feature in Table 2-5.
Component 33 involves improvements to the existing reservoir at Lake Calavera. The
project would replace outlet tower valves and piping, and re-grade the bottom of the
reservoir. The re-grading of the reservoir bottom would result in short-term visual
effects during construction only, and the replacement of existing features is not expected
to result in a significant visual effect. Impacts would be less than significant.
The removal of the 10 lift stations as part of the Sewer Master Plan Update would
involve short-term demolition activity, but once complete, the effect of removing these
4.1 AestheticsAestheticsAestheticsAesthetics
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.1-5
aboveground infrastructure facilities would be a visual benefit. Improvement projects at
8 sewer lift stations would consist of short-term construction activities that, once
complete, would not result in significant visual impacts. Slightly relocating the existing
Agua Hedionda Lift Station (component 32) would not result in significant visual
impacts since the project would be located within the existing property boundary and
would be similar in nature to the existing facility.
There are no State scenic highways in the project study area (Caltrans 2003); therefore,
no impacts would occur. Although the City has its own Scenic Corridor Guidelines, it is
anticipated that due to the nature of the project, motorists would not be able to view
project construction for any substantial length of time. Any project-related lighting
would be short-term and would not remain after the construction period. New light
sources associated with the project would be regulated by local ordinance and are not
expected to result in an intrusion to the surrounding area. Surface coatings and
materials applied to all new structures are not anticipated to result in substantial glare
impacts.
Although some of the aboveground projects would be located near scenic vistas in the
City, these facilities would be designed to protect those vistas (as described in Table 2-1)
such as the use of vegetative screens, fencing, and paint. In some locations where
sensitive vistas would be affected, the City has taken additional measures in the past to
reduce aesthetic effects. These included incorporating additional design considerations
and structural improvements, such as designing lift stations to look like a home rather
than an industrial facility. The City would continue to investigate alternative visual
buffering and design features to reduce significant impacts on a case-by-case basis.
Consequently, the large majority of project components would not result in significant
long-term visual impacts.
One aboveground project, proposed in the Water Master Plan, has the potential to result
in a higher level of visual effects. The visual effect of aboveground structures is
dependent on the visibility of the project site; the degree of landform alteration required
to implement the project; the size, bulk, color, and prominence of the structure; the
number and proximity of viewers; and the landscaping, screening, or enclosures used to
mask visually undesirable features.
Installation of the new water storage tank (component 27) would result in the
introduction of a new aboveground feature into the visual landscape. Typically,
reservoirs must be of imposing bulk to hold the volume of water required. Reservoirs
4.1 AestheticsAestheticsAestheticsAesthetics
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.1-6
are most often cylindrical steel structures, and are situated higher in elevation than
most of the surrounding landscape and development, which increases their visibility.
While reservoirs can be highly visible features, viewer reactions to them are often mixed.
Reservoirs are familiar features of the landscape in almost all urban, suburban, semi-
rural, and rural parts of San Diego County and many residents of Carlsbad are familiar
with these structures near their homes. As such, their presence in the landscape is
familiar. For some viewers, however, they are perceived as intrusive, utilitarian
elements at odds with the rest of the visual landscape.
Component 27 would be visible from adjacent sensitive receptors, particularly the
residential areas stemming from Corte Orchidia and Black Rail Road (Encantata). This
tank would be approximately 175 feet in diameter, 56 feet high, and would be the fourth
tank at that facility. The proposed tank would be the same size as the three existing
tanks, approximately 8.5 million gallons. As such, there would not be a new land use
being introduced to the site. Additionally, as is the case with the existing tanks,
vegetative screening would be incorporated into the project, as would using fencing or
walls, which would help soften the appearance of the new facility. Overall, visual
impacts resulting from component 27 would be less than significant.
4.1.4 4.1.4 4.1.4 4.1.4 Mitigation Measures Mitigation Measures Mitigation Measures Mitigation Measures
No significant aesthetic effects have been identified; no mitigation measures are
necessary.
4.1.5 4.1.5 4.1.5 4.1.5 Residual Impacts After Mitigation Residual Impacts After Mitigation Residual Impacts After Mitigation Residual Impacts After Mitigation
There are no residual visual impacts.
4.2 Air QualityAir QualityAir QualityAir Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.2-1
4.24.24.24.2 AIR QUALITYAIR QUALITYAIR QUALITYAIR QUALITY
The primary focus of this section is to outline existing air quality conditions, plans and
guidelines regulating the quality of air and how the proposed project may impact
existing and future air quality conditions within northern San Diego County. Regulatory
authority for air quality in San Diego County exists at the federal, state, and local levels
and includes the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the California Air
Resources Board (ARB); the San Diego Air Pollution Control District (APCD); and the
San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). SANDAG, comprised of City and
County governments, has only advisory authority. However, SANDAG has the primary
responsibility to provide long-range, regional growth and transportation planning and
to include air quality considerations in its planning efforts. The EPA has overall
authority for maintaining and improving the nation’s air quality as mandated by the
Federal Clean Air Act of 1970. Since enactment of the Act in 1970, a series of federal and
state legislation has been enacted to enhance the quality of air. As a result of this
legislation, federal and state pollutant concentration standards have been derived.
These standards are designed to protect those people most susceptible to respiratory
stress (known as sensitive receptors).
Also as a result of the legislation, air quality management districts have been established
to measure pollutant concentrations in their air basins and monitor their conformance
with federal and state standards. If an air basin does not meet the established air
quality standards, the responsible air quality district must prepare an air quality plan to
show how the standards will be attained. The San Diego Air Basin (SDAB) is classified
as a “serious” non-attainment area for both federal and state standards for ozone
(smog). The SDAB also exceeds the state standard for airborne particulate matter PM10.
Management of the air quality in the SDAB is under the authority of the APCD. The
APCD has prepared a Regional Air Quality Strategy (RAQS) to comply with state and
federal legislation and to attempt to address attainment of both state and federal air
quality standards.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) were established in 1971 for six
pollution sources. States have the option to add other pollutants, require more stringent
compliance or to include different exposure periods. Those standards currently in effect
in California are shown in Table 4.2-1.
4.2 Air QualityAir QualityAir QualityAir Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.2-2
TABLE 4.2-1
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS FEDERAL STANDARDS
POLLUTANT CONCENTRATION AVERAGING TIME CONCENTRATION AVERAGING TIME
Ozone (O3) 0.09 ppm 1 hour average > 0.12 ppm > 1 hour average
20.00 ppm 1 hour average > 35.00 ppm 1 hour average > Carbon Monoxide
(CO) 9.00 ppm 8 hour average > 9.00 ppm 8 hour average >
Nitrogen Dioxide
(NO2)
0.25 ppm 1 hour average > 0.053 ppm annual average >
0.25 ppm 1 hour average > 0.03 ppm annual average > Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
0.04 ppm 24 hour average > 0.14 ppm 24 hour average >
Suspended
Particulate Matter
(PM10)
50 ug/m3
30 ug/m3
24 hour average >
annual geometric mean >
150 ug/m3
-----
24 hour average >
annual arithmetic mean >
Sulfates 25 ug/m3 24 hour average >= ----- ---
Lead 1.5 ug/m3 30 day average >= 1.5 ug/m3 calendar quarter >
Visibility Reducing
Particulates
In sufficient amount to
reduce the visual range to
less than 10 miles at relative
humidity less than 70
percent, 8-hour average (10
am-6 pm)
---- ----
Source: Table 20.1-7, California and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (www.sdapcd.co.san-diego.ca.us).
Sources of Pollution. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and reactive organic gases (ROG) are
the two precursors to photochemical smog formation. In San Diego County, ROG and
NOx are largely emitted from mobile (cars, ships, planes, heavy equipment, etc.) sources
(San Diego Air Pollution Control District, 1999).
Air Quality Management Planning. Due to the existing air quality in San Diego,
more specifically the exceedance of baseline pollutant levels, the APCD is required to
develop measures for which pollution control will occur. These measures and several
other components of the attainment process are contained in the regional air quality
management plan developed jointly by the APCD and SANDAG. Several regional air
quality plans have been adopted throughout the 1980s and 1990s under the title
Regional Air Quality Strategies (RAQS). Modifications, improvements and updates to
earlier RAQS have resulted in the 1998 version of this report.
In 1988, the California Legislature enacted the California Clean Air Act (CCAA). The
CCAA requires that each air quality region complete a clean air plan to address
compliance with state standards as well as their less stringent federal partners. A basin
4.2 Air QualityAir QualityAir QualityAir Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.2-3
plan was therefore developed and adopted in 1991 that predicted attainment of all
national standards by the end of 1997 from pollution sources within the air basin.
A plan to meet the federal standards for ozone was developed in 1994 through an update
of the 1991 State Plan. This local plan was combined with those from all other California
non-attainment areas with serious (or worse) ozone problems to create the California
State Implementation Plan (SIP). The SIP was adopted by the ARB in late 1994 and
EPA in mid-1996. In 1999, the SDAB was downgraded from the list of regions suffering
from a “severe” ozone problem to a “serious” ozone problem.
The proposed project relates to the SIP and/or RAQS through the land use and growth
assumptions that are incorporated into the air quality planning document. These
growth assumptions are based on each city’s and the County’s general plan. If a
proposed project is consistent with its applicable General Plan, then the project
presumably has been anticipated with the regional air quality planning process. Such
consistency would ensure that the project would not have an adverse regional air quality
impact.
The proposed Water and Sewer Master Plans relate only minimally to the RAQS.
Emissions from the project are almost entirely exclusive to construction. Except for
control of construction dust relating to PM10 production, there are no measures in the
RAQS that relate directly to the proposed project. The RAQS for SDAB do not specify
significance thresholds for air pollutants generated during construction. Therefore, this
analysis uses guidelines published in the South Coast Air Quality Management District
(SCAQMD) CEQA Air Quality Handbook. The proposed project would contribute
emissions of PM10 from construction-related dust, and emissions of CO and NOx from
diesel-powered equipment.
4.2.14.2.14.2.14.2.1 Existing ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting Conditions
The study area, encompassing parts of the City of Carlsbad, and minor parts of the Cities
of Oceanside, and San Marcos, is located within the SDAB, and enjoys a Mediterranean
climate characterized by warm, dry summers, mild winters, and infrequent rainfall. The
principal climatic features include the Pacific semi-permanent subtropical ridge with a
shallow marine layer and pronounced low-level inversion, along with the cool California
current that moderates temperature variations. Air quality within the basin generally
rates from fair to poor. Dispersion of air pollutants is relatively limited, owing to low
mixing heights, low-level temperature inversions, and light wind speeds. Local air
quality within the study area is degraded by subsidence and radiation inversions.
4.2 Air QualityAir QualityAir QualityAir Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.2-4
Subsidence inversions occur during the summer months as descending air associated
with the Pacific High pressure cell contacts cool marine air. The boundary between the
two air layers represents a temperature inversion which traps pollutants. The radiation
inversion develops on winter nights when air near the ground cools by heat radiation
and air aloft remains warm. The shallow inversion layer between these two air masses
can trap vehicular pollutants such as carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen. As this
air layer moves eastward it becomes progressively more polluted. This situation is
further complicated as trapped hydrocarbons (mobile source emissions) and oxides of
nitrogen (stationary and mobile source emissions) react in the presence of sunlight to
form photo-chemical smog.
Local sources of air pollutants are mostly related to transportation, with vehicular
emissions being the primary concern. The APCD currently maintains monitoring
stations in Oceanside and Escondido. Historical records from these stations show that
the level of ozone pollution in the region periodically exceed federal standards. As a
whole, the SDAB has been designated as a “non-attainment area” for air pollutants such
as ozone, suspended particulates, and reactive hydrocarbons. The ambient air quality
summary for the period of 1996-2000 is shown in Table 4-2.2.
4.2.24.2.24.2.24.2.2 SignificanceSignificanceSignificanceSignificance CriterCriterCriterCriteriaiaiaia
Thresholds for determining significance is based upon Appendix G of the CEQA
Guidelines. A significant air quality impact would occur if the proposed project is
determined to:
! Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan;
! Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or
projected air quality violation;
! Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for
which the project region is in non-attainment under an applicable federal or state
ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed
quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors);
! Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations; or
! Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people.
4.2 Air QualityAir QualityAir QualityAir Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.2-5
TABLE 4.2-2
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY SUMMARY
ESCONDIDO AND OCEANSIDE MONITORING STATIONS 1996-2000
CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)1 OZONE (O3)2
SUSPENDED PARTICULATE MATTER
(PM10)3
YEAR/
LOCATION
MAXIMUM
8-HOUR
CONCENTRATIO
N (PPM)
DAYS STATE
STANDARD
EXCEEDED
MAXIMUM
1-HOUR
CONCENTRATIO
N (PPM)
DAYS STATE
STANDARD
EXCEEDED
MAXIMUM
24-HOUR
CONCENTRATION
(UG/M3)
DAYS (% OF
SAMPLES) STATE
STANDARD
EXCEEDED3
1996
Escondido 7.1 0 0.120 12 53 Unknown
Oceanside 2.6 0 0.110 4 62 Unknown
1997
Escondido 4.9 0 0.110 5 63 Unknown
Oceanside 2.9 0 0.110 6 50 Unknown
1998
Escondido 4.5 0 0.120 9 51 Unknown
Oceanside 2.3 0 0.110 3 37 Unknown
1999
Escondido 5.3 0 0.104 1 60 Unknown
Oceanside 2.0 0 0.091 0 --- ---
2000
Escondido 4.9 0 0.124 6 65 Unknown
Oceanside --- --- 0.095 1 --- ---
The criteria states that where available, the significance criteria established by the
applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to
make the significance determinations. For criteria pollutant thresholds, the guidelines
and thresholds used by the SCAQMD apply.
Thresholds for Construction EmissionsThresholds for Construction EmissionsThresholds for Construction EmissionsThresholds for Construction Emissions
Specific criteria for determining whether the potential air quality impacts of a project
are significant are set forth in the SCAQMD's CEQA Air Quality Handbook. The
following CEQA significance thresholds for construction emissions have been
established by the SCAQMD:
! 2.5 tons per quarter or 75 pounds per day of ROC
! 2.5 tons per quarter or 100 pounds per day of NOx
! 24.75 tons per quarter or 550 pounds per day of CO
4.2 Air QualityAir QualityAir QualityAir Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.2-6
! 6.75 tons per quarter or 150 pounds per day of PM10
! 6.75 tons per quarter or 150 pounds per day of Sulfur Oxides (SOx)
Projects in the basin with construction related emissions that exceed these emission
thresholds could have significant impacts.
Thresholds for Operational EmissionsThresholds for Operational EmissionsThresholds for Operational EmissionsThresholds for Operational Emissions
Emissions Thresholds for Regional Criteria PollutantsEmissions Thresholds for Regional Criteria PollutantsEmissions Thresholds for Regional Criteria PollutantsEmissions Thresholds for Regional Criteria Pollutants
! 55 pounds per day of ROC
! 55 pounds per day of NOx
! 550 pounds per day of CO
! 150 pounds per day of PM10
! 150 pounds per day of SOx
Projects in the basin with operation related emissions that exceed these emission
thresholds could have significant impacts.
Standards for Localized Criteria PollutantsStandards for Localized Criteria PollutantsStandards for Localized Criteria PollutantsStandards for Localized Criteria Pollutants
! California State one hour CO standard of 20.0 ppm
! California State eight hour CO standard of 9.0 ppm
The significance of localized project impacts depends on whether ambient CO levels in
the vicinity of the project are above or below state and federal CO standards. If ambient
levels are below the standards, a project is considered to have significant impacts if
project emissions result in an exceedance of one or more of these standards. If ambient
levels already exceed a state or federal standard, then project emissions are considered
significant if they increase one hour CO concentrations by 1.0 ppm or more or eight
hour CO concentrations by 0.45 ppm or more.
4.2.34.2.34.2.34.2.3 Impact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact Analysis
Consistency with Air Quality PlansConsistency with Air Quality PlansConsistency with Air Quality PlansConsistency with Air Quality Plans
Section 15125(B) of the CEQA Guidelines contains specific reference to the need to
evaluate any inconsistencies between the proposed project and the applicable air quality
4.2 Air QualityAir QualityAir QualityAir Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.2-7
management plan. Transportation Control Measures (TCMs) are part of the RAQS. The
RAQS and TCM plan set forth the steps needed to accomplish attainment of state and
federal ambient air quality standards. The California ARB provides criteria for
determining whether a project conforms with the RAQS which include the following:
! Is a regional air quality plan being implemented in the project area?
! Is the project consistent with the growth assumptions in the regional air quality
plan?
The project area is located in the San Diego Air Basin, and as such, is located in an area
where a RAQS is being implemented. The project is consistent with the growth
assumptions of the City’s General Plan and the RAQS. Also, all CMWD and CSD
facilities are subject to and designed to conform with APCD Rules and Regulations
governing stationary and mobile sources. Because the Master Plans have been
formulated on the basis of local land use planning and regional growth and population
forecasts, and because all facilities proposed are subject to regional air pollution control
measures, the Master Plans are consistent with regional plans to improve and maintain
air quality. Therefore, the project is consistent with the regional air quality plan and will
in no way conflict or obstruct implementation of the regional plan.
Air Quality StandardsAir Quality StandardsAir Quality StandardsAir Quality Standards
Air quality impacts will result primarily from short-term construction activities,
emissions from vehicles used by the sanitation districts’ employees, and the operation of
other power-consuming city facilities. Standard equipment used for the rehabilitation
and replacement of pipelines can include dozers, rollers, dewatering pumps, backhoes,
loaders, delivery and haul trucks, and other equipment. The equipment to be found at
any one time on a given construction site varies with the type of project.
Short-term impacts will also result from dust generated by surface disturbance to
construct the project. Such dust potentially will be a soiling nuisance to parked cars,
landscaping/ vegetation or other surfaces. Heavy equipment (mainly diesel-powered)
will generate exhaust emissions from on-site activity and hauling of excess dirt offsite,
pipe and other construction materials. These impacts are generic to pipeline
construction and construction of related facilities. A discussion of these impacts is
provided below. All other impacts associated with construction, relative to combustion
emissions and fugitive dust, would also be applicable to the project.
4.2 Air QualityAir QualityAir QualityAir Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.2-8
Fugitive DustFugitive DustFugitive DustFugitive Dust
The California ARB estimates that each acre under construction disturbance generates
about 100 pounds of total suspended particulates (TSP) or dust per day, if no dust
control measures are implemented. Dust control measures, such as frequent watering
and periodic street washing near construction access, as required by San Diego APCD
rules and City of Carlsbad code requirements, can reduce the dust generation rate by
approximately 50 percent. The PM10 fraction for TSP is typically less than half. For
purposes of this analysis, a one-acre disturbance site was presumed to generate 30
pounds of TSP and 25 pounds of PM10 when the site is under active disturbance when
“standard” dust control measures are utilized.
During construction, it was determined that the active disturbance area on any given
day would be no more than approximately 200 feet by 30 feet at any given site, or 0.14
acre. Daily regional PM10 emissions would be approximately 3.5 pounds per day for
each area of construction. Even if multiple segments were under construction, the PM10
emissions would still be substantially less than the significance threshold of 150 pounds
per day.
PM10 emissions resulting from project construction would therefore be considered less
than significant. However, the PM10 levels in the SDAB are above the state standard;
therefore, while PM10 emissions during construction are short-term and less than
significant, measures are required to minimize the generation of airborne dust to the
maximum extent feasible. These measures, including the application of dust control
agents and the use of tarps on soil hauling vehicles, have been incorporated into the
project by design, as shown in Table 2-5. No further measures would be required.
Dust deposited on parked cars, outdoor furniture or other exposed surfaces from
construction related activities including the hauling of excavated materials from the site
may create a soiling nuisance. EPA studies have shown that the zone of impact for
heavy soiling nuisance extends 50 feet or less from the activity (EPA 1995). Where
construction occurs within 50 feet of sensitive receptors, soiling nuisance would occur.
Project design features included in Table 2-5, such as halting grading operations during
periods of high winds, would ensure that effects would be less than significant. No
additional measures would be required.
4.2 Air QualityAir QualityAir QualityAir Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.2-9
Combustion EmissionsCombustion EmissionsCombustion EmissionsCombustion Emissions
Equipment exhaust emissions are negligible due to the limited equipment necessary to
complete the proposed construction. Exhaust from construction activities would not
result in substantial concentrations of pollutants, either locally or regionally.
Total daily construction activity impacts from equipment exhaust and fugitive dust
cannot be specifically calculated at this program-level of analysis; however, given the
type of project, it is likely that impacts would not exceed identified significance
thresholds, and would be less than significant. However, the O3 and PM10 levels in the
SDAB are above national and state AAQS; therefore, while combustion emissions during
construction are short-term and less than significant, project design features have been
incorporated into the project to reduce effects to the extent feasible (Table 2-5). No
additional measures would be necessary.
Additional concerns during construction include traffic delays that may occur as a result
of construction vehicles interfering with existing traffic flow, and potential truck
queuing near sensitive receptors. Detours, delays and congestion from potential lane
closures or slow moving vehicles may cause vehicular emissions of CO and ROG to
increase. With an effective traffic control plan (as described in Table 2-5 and Sections
2.3 and 4.10 of this EIR) air quality impacts would be maintained at a level below
significance (see Section 4.2.4 below).
With implementation of the required dust abatement and exhaust pollution
minimization measures found in the project design features (see Table 2-5), emissions
associated with project implementation will be further reduced to a level below
significant. Implementation of these measures will reduce project-related emissions to
a level below significant by controlling construction-generated respirable particulate
matter (PM10) through dust abatement procedures and controlling construction-
generated O3 and NOx through proper maintenance of construction vehicles and
traffic/construction vehicle management.
Long-term emissions associated with travel to and from the project will be minimal.
Although air pollutant emissions would be associated with the project, they would
neither result in the violation of any air quality standard (comprising only an
incremental contribution to overall air basin quality readings), nor contribute
substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation.
4.2 Air QualityAir QualityAir QualityAir Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.2-10
NonNonNonNon----attainment Pollutantsattainment Pollutantsattainment Pollutantsattainment Pollutants
The air basin is currently in a non-attainment zone for ozone and suspended fine
particulates. The proposed project would represent a contribution to a cumulatively
considerable potential net increase in emissions throughout the air basin. As described
above, however, emissions associated with the proposed project would be minimal. As
supported by the preceding discussions, given the limited emissions potentially
associated with the proposed project, air quality would be essentially the same whether
or not the proposed project is implemented. The proposed project’s contribution to the
cumulative impact is not meaningful, and impacts would be less than significant.
Sensitive ReceptorsSensitive ReceptorsSensitive ReceptorsSensitive Receptors
As noted above, the proposed project would not result in substantial pollutant emissions
or concentrations. While sensitive receptors (e.g., schools or hospitals) exist in the
vicinity of most of the project components, project design features to limit emissions
and dust would help to maintain impacts at less than significant levels.
OdorOdorOdorOdor
The construction of the proposed project could generate fumes from the operation of
construction equipment, which may be considered objectionable by some people. Such
exposure would be short-term or transient. In addition, the number of people exposed
to such transient impacts is not considered substantial, and odor impacts during
construction of the project components would be less than significant.
The proposed underground water and sewer lines and improvements include few above
ground structures. Manholes are proposed in several project components. The
manholes would be sealed and opened only for maintenance or service to the line;
therefore, potential odors would be minimized, and effects would not be significant.
Other aboveground structures that can typically result in odor emissions are sewer lift
stations, which are vented to the atmosphere. Two existing sewer components, numbers
1 and 12, currently emit odorous levels of hydrogen sulfide gas, resulting in complaints
from adjacent sensitive receptors. The proposed projects would include facilities to
ameliorate the odor issues by installing an activated carbon adsorption odor control
system. Also, odor control measures would be included in all sewer lift station projects.
Odor impacts are not expected to be offensive to a substantial number of people, and
would be less than significant.
4.2 Air QualityAir QualityAir QualityAir Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.2-11
4.2.44.2.44.2.44.2.4 Mitigation MeasuresMitigation MeasuresMitigation MeasuresMitigation Measures
No significant air quality impacts were identified.
4.2.54.2.54.2.54.2.5 Residual Impact After MitigationResidual Impact After MitigationResidual Impact After MitigationResidual Impact After Mitigation
Residual impacts to air quality would be less than significant.
4.2 Air QualityAir QualityAir QualityAir Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.2-12
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-1
4.34.34.34.3 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCESBIOLOGICAL RESOURCESBIOLOGICAL RESOURCESBIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The project study area encompasses much of the incorporated City of Carlsbad as well as
two outlying areas and as such includes areas containing varying types of biological
resources. The evaluation of potential impacts of implementation of the proposed
project components on those biological resources has been made utilizing existing
resource databases and knowledge of design requirements and construction methods.
The following discussion includes a description of the methodology of analysis, the
results, and conclusions in terms of potential impacts, analysis of significance, and
proposed mitigation. The description of existing biological resources is largely based on
information in the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP) (City of Carlsbad 1999).
Resources consulted in the analysis of potential biological resource impacts include
vegetation community mapping provided by the City of Carlsbad (Carlsbad 1998),
sensitive species data occurrence provided by California Department of Fish and Game
(CDFG 2002) and San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG 2002), and reserve
planning information provided from the Carlsbad HMP. No field verification was
conducted as part of this analysis.
4.3.14.3.14.3.14.3.1 Existing ConditExisting ConditExisting ConditExisting Conditionsionsionsions
Carlsbad is situated along the Pacific Coast in northern San Diego County, California.
The coastal portions of Carlsbad are largely developed; however, natural vegetation
communities remain in and around the three coastal lagoons and on some of the higher,
steeper-sloped, inland portions of the City.
Vegetation CommunitiesVegetation CommunitiesVegetation CommunitiesVegetation Communities
Natural vegetation communities cover approximately 8,758 acres (36% of the City’s total
area). The remainder of the City is agricultural lands (approximately 1,812 acres),
disturbed lands (approximately 1,251 acres) or developed lands (approximately
12,749 acres). Figure 4.3-1 illustrates the distribution of vegetation types.
Natural communities present within the project area include the following general
types: grassland, sage scrub, chaparral, woodland, riparian, marsh, and other wetland
types. Below is a brief description of each.
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-2
GrasslandGrasslandGrasslandGrassland
Both native and non-native grasslands occur within the City, occupying approximately
1,807 acres within Carlsbad. Native grassland is characterized by perennial bunch
grasses such as needlegrass (Nassella spp.) and herbaceous annuals and perennials.
This habitat type is often associated with clay soils and frequently occurs as open
patches within coastal sage scrub.
Non-native grassland is characterized by non-native grasses such as wild oats (Avena
spp.), bromes (Bromus spp.), and others (e.g., Gastridium ventricosum, Vulpia spp.).
Other species present in this habitat type include telegraph weed (Heterotheca
grandiflora), fascicled tarweed (Deinandra fasiculata), doveweed (Eremocarpus
setigerus), Russian-thistle (Salsola tragus), black mustard (Brassica nigra), and
tocalote (Centaurea melitensis). Non-native grassland is not considered a sensitive
habitat; however, in a few locations it may be a significant resource for raptor foraging,
may support sensitive plant species, and may serve as a habitat linkage.
Sage ScrubSage ScrubSage ScrubSage Scrub
Sge scrub types within Carlsbad include maritime succulent scrub, Diegan coastal sage
scrub, and coastal sage scrub-chaparral scrub. Approximately 3,315 acres of sage scrub
exist within the City.
Maritime succulent scrub includes a variety of succulents, such as fish-hook cactus
(Mammilaria dioica), coast cholla (Opuntia prolifera), shore cactus (Opuntia
littoralis), California desert thorn (Lycium californicum), cliff-spurge (Euphorbia
misera), bladder-pod (Isomeris arborea), and several species of dudleya (Dudleya
spp.), mixed with typical Diegan sage scrub species.
Diegan coastal sage scrub is a drought-deciduous community comprised of aromatic
shrubs and subshrubs with a diverse understory of annual and perennial herbs,
perennial and annual grasses, and grass-like plants. It occurs primarily on dry south-
facing slopes and hillsides or on clay-rich soils adjacent to chaparral or upslope from
riparian woodlands. Carlsbad, the largest remaining tracts of Diegan coastal sage scrub
are found in the vicinity of Lake Calavera, southeast of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, and near
Rancho Santa Fe Road.
Coastal sage scrub-chaparral scrub is a transitional community between coastal sage
scrub
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-3
and chaparral types.
Figure 4.3-1
11 x 17 color
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-4
Figure 4.3-1
11x17 color backup
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-5
ChaparralChaparralChaparralChaparral
Chaparral habitat in the City has been grouped into two categories: undifferentiated
(including southern mixed and chamise chaparral) and southern maritime chaparral.
There are approximately 989 acres of undifferentiated chaparral in Carlsbad.
Southern mixed chaparral is a fire- and drought-adapted community composed of a
variety of woody shrubs, many of which are "stump sprouters" that regenerate rapidly
from underground undamaged tissues following fires or other ecological perturbation. It
is a heterogeneous community type (i.e., the dominant shrubs vary from site to site).
Chamise chaparral is a community where chamise is the overwhelming dominant plant.
These chaparral types have a patchy distribution throughout the City, occurring on more
mesic north- and west-facing slopes, alternating with coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and
oak woodlands.
Southern maritime chaparral is similar to southern mixed chaparral but occurs on
sandstone. It is the most limited chaparral type in distribution, particularly in Carlsbad,
and is characterized by several endemic shrubs, including Del Mar manzanita
(Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia), wart-stemmed ceanothus (Ceanothus
verrucosus), coast spice bush (Cneoridium dumosum), and Nuttall’s scrub oak. In
Carlsbad, the major stands of southern maritime chaparral are located northeast of the
junction of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real; east and west of El Camino Real
between Palomar Airport Road and Alga Road; slopes above Green Valley; and east and
west of El Camino Real between La Costa Avenue and Olivenhain Road.
WoodlandWoodlandWoodlandWoodland
Two woodland types occur in the City: oak woodland and eucalyptus woodland. There
are approximately 29 acres of oak woodland and 257 acres of eucalyptus woodland in
Carlsbad.
Oak woodland, as discussed here, is dominated by coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia),
with scattered individuals of other tree species.
Eucalyptus woodland is a non-native community. It is dominated by various species of
planted eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) that survived around old dwellings or in entire
groves (e.g., the Hosp Grove). Although this habitat supports no sensitive plant or
wildlife species, it is often used for nesting by raptors and other birds or roosting by
bats.
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-6
RiparianRiparianRiparianRiparian
Riparian types within the City include riparian scrub, riparian woodland, and riparian
forest. Riparian habitats are considered sensitive under federal and state wetlands
regulations and policies. There are approximately 572 acres of riparian habitat in
Carlsbad.
As used herein, riparian scrub includes several natural and semi-disturbed wetlands
communities, including mule fat scrub, southern willow scrub, and baccharis/tamarisk
scrub. These communities occur along river courses and seasonally moist drainages.
Characteristic areas of riparian scrub occur: along El Camino Real south of Batiquitos
Lagoon; extending east from the mudflats at the eastern end of Agua Hedionda Lagoon
(e.g., Macario Canyon); and along the northern portion of the City south of Highway 78
in Buena Vista Creek.
As used herein, riparian woodland includes sycamore-alder riparian woodland and
other riparian woodland. Sycamore-alder woodland is an open to moderately closed,
winter deciduous, broadleafed riparian woodland, dominated by well-spaced western
sycamore (Plantanus racemosa). Sycamore-alder woodland is uncommon, occurring
primarily in the Sunny Creek area and along a narrow drainage south of Lake Calavera.
Riparian forest, as discussed here, includes southern coast live oak riparian forest. This
type is dominated by coast live oak, with scattered individuals of other tree species, such
as western sycamore (Platanus racemosa), willow (Salix spp.), and Mexican elderberry
(Sambucus mexicanus).
MarshMarshMarshMarsh
Marsh and wetland habitats in Carlsbad include southern coastal salt marsh, freshwater
marsh, the unvegetated mud flats and open water areas of estuaries, and several other
aquatic habitat types. All marsh habitats are considered sensitive and are regulated
under federal and state regulations and policies. There are approximately 1,466 acres of
marsh habitats within the City.
Southern coastal salt marsh is a wetland community that develops in low, flat estuaries
at the mouths of rivers and streams. Tidal inundation or excessive evaporation results in
highly saline conditions around the margins of lagoons, and it is under these conditions
that salt marshes develop. Within Carlsbad, salt marsh habitat is present surrounding
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-7
portions of Batiquitos Lagoon and Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The habitat type also occurs
in limited amounts around Buena Vista Lagoon.
Freshwater marsh occurs in drainages, seepages, and other perennially moist low
places. This community is characterized by perennial, emergent monocots 2-3 m (6-10
feet) tall, such as cattails (Typha spp.) Patches of this habitat are present at the upper
ends of Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda, and Batiquitos lagoons, where a mixture of plants
of salt and freshwater habitats is encountered. Smaller freshwater marshes grow
around the perimeter of Lake Calavera and within riparian scrub communities.
Other Wetlands TypesOther Wetlands TypesOther Wetlands TypesOther Wetlands Types
Other wetland and aquatic types include disturbed wetland, estuaries, freshwater/open
water, vernal pools and cismontane alkali marsh.
Disturbed wetland is not a native plant community. It typically occurs where the natural
wetland vegetation has been degraded by mechanical activities or invaded by weedy,
nonnative species.
Estuarine habitat consists of a semi-enclosed body of water that has a free connection
with the open ocean and within which seawater is measurably diluted with fresh water
derived from land drainage. This aquatic habitat lacks vascular vegetation and includes
lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Excluding the three major coastal lagoons (Batiquitos,
Agua Hedionda, and Buena Vista), the largest open water area in the City is Lake
Calavera. There also are a number of smaller natural or artificial ponds throughout the
City.
Vernal pools are a highly restricted, unique wetland habitat type that contains high
numbers of endangered, sensitive, and endemic plant and animal species. This type
occurs in several scattered locations throughout the City on marine terraces.
Areas in Carlsbad classified as cismontane or alkali marsh are typically disturbed
riparian freshwater marsh that have changed in vegetative character due to agriculture
or other disturbance. Plant species found in these locations are often those associated
with salt marsh, as well as exotic or weedy species. Areas of cismontane alkali marsh
along portions of Encinitas Creek and in the vicinity of natural springs and seeps.
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-8
Sensitive Plant SpeciesSensitive Plant SpeciesSensitive Plant SpeciesSensitive Plant Species
A variety of sensitive plant species occur within the study area. Below is a brief
description of the most commonly occurring species.
San Diego ThornSan Diego ThornSan Diego ThornSan Diego Thorn----mint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia)mint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia)mint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia)mint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia)
San Diego thorn-mint is federally threatened and state endangered and is restricted to
distribution to San Diego County and northern Baja California, Mexico (CNPS 2001;
USFWS 1995). In San Diego County, the species is known from Carlsbad and San
Marcos south to Sweetwater and Otay Mesa, and east to Alpine (Beauchamp 1986;
USFWS 1995).This species is an annual plant that may experience dramatic yearly
fluctuations in population size and detectability. The species requires a clay soil
substrate, and appears to require particularly a micro-habitat within that general
category. It is susceptible to local extirpation by catastrophic fire and surface
disturbance (City of Carlsbad 1999).
Del Mar Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia)Del Mar Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia)Del Mar Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia)Del Mar Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia)
This federally endangered species occurs on sandstone terraces and bluffs and is
associated with southern maritime chaparral. This burl-forming, fire-adapted shrub
occurs on sandstone terraces and bluffs in southern maritime chaparral. Individuals are
typically long-lived. Del Mar manzanita is restricted to San Diego County and
northwestern Baja California, Mexico (CNPS 2001; USFWS 2002). Two major
populations of this species have been identified in Carlsbad, in the vicinity of Agua
Hedionda Lagoon and Green Valley/Olivenhain (City of Carlsbad 1999).
ThreadThreadThreadThread----leaved Brodiaealeaved Brodiaealeaved Brodiaealeaved Brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia)(Brodiaea filifolia)(Brodiaea filifolia)(Brodiaea filifolia)
This federally threatened, state endangered species generally occurs in heavy clay soils
in grasslands or vernal pools. Thread-leaved Brodiaea is known from Los Angeles,
Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties (CNPS 2001). This species
generally occurs in heavy clay soils in grasslands or vernal pools. It is an herbaceous
perennial from a corm, and often reproduces asexually by producing corm offsets. A
total of ten populations are believed to occur in Carlsbad (CNPS 2001).
WartWartWartWart----stemmed Ceanothusstemmed Ceanothusstemmed Ceanothusstemmed Ceanothus (Cea(Cea(Cea(Ceanothus verrucosus)nothus verrucosus)nothus verrucosus)nothus verrucosus)
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-9
This species is a federal species of concern and is associated with southern maritime
chaparral and southern mixed chaparral. It also forms nearly monotypic stands in some
inland locations. Wart-stemmed ceanothus is limited to western San Diego County and
Baja California, Mexico (CNPS 2001).This evergreen shrub is a highly fire-adapted
species whose fire response mechanism is seed germination from a persistent seedbank
after exposure to intense heat (CNPS 2001).
Del Mar Mesa Sand AsterDel Mar Mesa Sand AsterDel Mar Mesa Sand AsterDel Mar Mesa Sand Aster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. linifolia)(Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. linifolia)(Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. linifolia)(Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. linifolia)
Del Mar Mesa sand aster is a federal species of concern and San Diego County endemic
that occurs along bluffs or brushy slopes near the coast from Carlsbad southward to
Point Loma. This perennial sub-shrub occurs on sandstone terraces and bluffs in
southern maritime chaparral and coastal sage scrub. Individuals typically are relatively
short-lived. The species probably is an obligate seeder rather than a vigorous stump-
sprouter, and may invade disturbed soils readily.
San Diego GoldenstarSan Diego GoldenstarSan Diego GoldenstarSan Diego Goldenstar (Muilla clevelandii)(Muilla clevelandii)(Muilla clevelandii)(Muilla clevelandii)
This federal species of concern generally occurs in heavy clay soils in grasslands. San
Diego Goldenstar is endemic to San Diego County (CNPS 2001) where it has been
reported from Carlsbad, San Diego, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, and Otay. This species
generally occurs in heavy clay soils in grasslands (CNPS 2001).
Nuttall’s Scrub OakNuttall’s Scrub OakNuttall’s Scrub OakNuttall’s Scrub Oak (Quercus dumosa)(Quercus dumosa)(Quercus dumosa)(Quercus dumosa)
Nuttall's Scrub Oak is a federal species of concern and has a disjunctive distribution that
includes Santa Barbara, Orange, and San Diego Counties (CNPS 2001). This fire-
adapted shrub occurs on sandstone terraces and bluffs in southern maritime chaparral,
southern mixed chaparral and coastal sage scrub. Individuals are typically long-lived.
Sensitive Animal SpeSensitive Animal SpeSensitive Animal SpeSensitive Animal Speciesciesciescies
San Diego Fairy ShrimpSan Diego Fairy ShrimpSan Diego Fairy ShrimpSan Diego Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegoensis)(Branchinecta sandiegoensis)(Branchinecta sandiegoensis)(Branchinecta sandiegoensis)
San Diego fairy shrimp are federally endangered and are usually found early in the
season after winter and spring rains in vernal pools on mesas, in roadside ditches, and
in shallow (< 30 centimeters) tire ruts (Simovich and Fugate 1992). Hatched eggs
incubate at temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 °C. This species occurs in vernal pools
from coastal Orange County to northern Baja California, Mexico, from near the coast
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-10
(Orange County, Camp Pendleton) inland to Ramona (Simovich and Fugate 1992;
Brown, Wier and Belk 1994; USFWS 1997).
OrangeOrangeOrangeOrange----throated Whiptailthroated Whiptailthroated Whiptailthroated Whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi)(Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi)(Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi)(Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi)
Orange-throated whiptail is a California species of concern. They are most often
associated with open sage scrub habitats with a vegetative cover of about 50%, but are
also found in ruderal areas, open chaparral, riparian scrub, and oak woodlands. Orange-
throated Whiptail is locally common within its range in the extreme southwest corner of
California, which includes parts of Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties, and
northern Baja California at elevations below 2,800 feet.
Belding’s Savannah SparrowBelding’s Savannah SparrowBelding’s Savannah SparrowBelding’s Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi)(Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi)(Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi)(Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi)
Belding’s savannah sparrow is a state endangered species and is restricted to salt marsh,
mud flat, and low coastal strand vegetated habitats. This salt marsh sparrow is
distributed along the coastline from Santa Barbara County south to northern Baja
California. Salt marsh habitats within Agua Hedionda and Batiquitos lagoons contain
major populations of this species.
California Least TernCalifornia Least TernCalifornia Least TernCalifornia Least Tern (Sterna antillarum browni)(Sterna antillarum browni)(Sterna antillarum browni)(Sterna antillarum browni)
The federal and state endangered California least tern requires coastal beaches and
saltflats for colonial breeding and intertidal and estuarine waters for foraging. The
colonially breeding species is distributed along the coast from San Francisco Bay to Baja
California. Estuarine and salt marsh habitats within Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda, and
Batiquitos lagoons support major populations for the California Least Tern.
Coastal California GnatcatcherCoastal California GnatcatcherCoastal California GnatcatcherCoastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica)(Polioptila californica californica)(Polioptila californica californica)(Polioptila californica californica)
This species is closely associated with coastal sage scrub habitat, especially below 950-
foot elevation, and on slopes less than 40 percent (ERCE 1990b; Ogden 1992b; 1993b)
and is listed as federally threatened. Within Carlsbad, the number of existing coastal
California gnatcatcher pairs fluctuates seasonally and from year to year, based on
weather, fires and a number of other factors. Based on current information, estimates of
the total coastal California gnatcatcher population in Carlsbad range from 100 to 150
pairs.
LightLightLightLight----footed Clapper Railfooted Clapper Railfooted Clapper Railfooted Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris levipes)(Rallus longirostris levipes)(Rallus longirostris levipes)(Rallus longirostris levipes)
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-11
This subspecies is restricted to coastal salt marshes of southern California and is listed
as federal and state endangered. Salt marsh habitat associated with Buena Vista, Agua
Hedionda, and Batiquitos lagoons have been identified as critical locations for the this
species.
Southern California RufousSouthern California RufousSouthern California RufousSouthern California Rufous----crowned Sparrowcrowned Sparrowcrowned Sparrowcrowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens)(Aimophila ruficeps canescens)(Aimophila ruficeps canescens)(Aimophila ruficeps canescens)
The Rufous-crowned sparrow is a state species of concern and occurs primarily in
coastal sage scrub and has declined as a result of habitat loss. Rufous-crowned sparrows
occur particularly on steep, rocky slopes with sparse brush intermixed with grassland.
Due to the overlap of habitat use by the rufous-crowned sparrow and California
gnatcatcher, it is assumed that other rufous-crowned sparrows are located within
coastal sage scrub habitat.
Least Bell’s Vireo(Vireo bellii pusillus)Least Bell’s Vireo(Vireo bellii pusillus)Least Bell’s Vireo(Vireo bellii pusillus)Least Bell’s Vireo(Vireo bellii pusillus)
This migratory songbird breeds mostly in willow-mulefat-dominated riparian
woodlands. It is restricted to riparian woodlands in southern California, with the
majority of breeding pairs in San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Riverside Counties, and is
listed as federal and state endangered. No major populations or critical locations have
been identified for this species in the planning area. However, in 1998 a new population
was discovered in the Agua Hedionda Creek west of El Camino Real (Varnus, 1997).
YellowYellowYellowYellow----breasted Chat (Icteria virens)breasted Chat (Icteria virens)breasted Chat (Icteria virens)breasted Chat (Icteria virens)
This California species of concern occurs in riparian woodlands and is considered an
indicator species for potential least Bell’s vireo habitat and is an uncommon summer
resident of riparian woodland/scrub of coastal plain and foothills of California. It is
known from several locations along major riparian corridors in the City (City of
Carlsbad 1999).
Regional Resource Planning ContextRegional Resource Planning ContextRegional Resource Planning ContextRegional Resource Planning Context
As a participant in the Natural Communities Conservation Program (NCCP), Carlsbad
has prepared a Draft HMP which proposes a comprehensive, citywide program to
identify how the City, in cooperation with federal and state wildlife agencies, can
preserve the diversity of habitat and protect sensitive biological resources within the
City while allowing for additional development consistent with the City’s General Plan
and its Growth Management Plan. In so doing, the HMP is intended to lead to citywide
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-12
permits and authorization for the incidental take of sensitive species in conjunction with
private development projects, public projects, and other activities which are consistent
with the Plan. These permits would be issued under the U.S. Endangered Species Act,
the California Endangered Species Act, and the California Natural Community
Conservation Planning Act. Although the City and California Coastal Commission have
approved the HMP, the USFWS has not yet issued its Biological Opinion that would
authorize take under the HMP.
Based on existing distribution of vegetation communities and sensitive species, Focus
Planning Areas (FPAs) were identified in the HMP. The FPAs were further broken down
into HMP cores and linkages. Eight core FPAs that are connected to one another and to
habitat areas outside the City by a variety of linkages and wildlife movement corridors
have been identified. These areas served as a basis for biological planning for the
establishment of the proposed preserve system.
Certain naturally vegetated areas in the City are too small, edge-effected, or isolated to
be considered biological core or linkage areas, but are nonetheless important to preserve
design or the conservation of particular species. These areas are designated as Special
Resource Areas (SRAs).
Conservation of land within the City is implemented as either a 1) existing hardline, 2)
proposed hardline, or 3) standards area. The existing hardline preserve areas include
both publicly owned land and privately owned land that has been committed to habitat
conservation as a result of existing open space regulations, past development approvals
or other actions. The proposed hardline represents a number of proposed public and
private projects which have submitted proposed hardline conservation design for
inclusion in the HMP and the preserve system. Upon approval of the HMP, these
proposals will obtain the same conservation status as the existing hardline areas. Take
of habitat will be authorized for the remaining portions of the projects. For some key
properties within the City which have not submitted proposed hardline designs for
inclusion in the preserve system at this time, the HMP includes conservation goals and
standards which will apply to future development proposals in these areas (i.e.,
standards areas). The goals and standards have been arranged according to the Local
Facilities Management Zones (LFMZs) to which they apply.
4.3.24.3.24.3.24.3.2 Significance CriteriaSignificance CriteriaSignificance CriteriaSignificance Criteria
For purposes of this evaluation, a project component may have a significant effect on the
environment if:
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-13
! Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat
modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status
species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by California
Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
! Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian, aquatic or wetland habitat or
other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies,
or regulations or by California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service?
! 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, filing, hydrological interruption, or
other means?
! 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?
! Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources,
such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
! Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural
Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat
conservation plan?
! Impact tributary areas that are environmentally sensitive?
4.3.34.3.34.3.34.3.3 Impact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact Analysis
Water and sewer project components that were determined to have the potential to
impact biological resources that have not previously been evaluated under CEQA are
described below and are listed in Tables S-1 and S-2. In general, project components
were found to either:
! Have been previously analyzed and evaluated under CEQA by a separate
development project (e.g., Kelly Ranch, Calavera Hills);
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-14
! Have no potential for impacts to biological resources due to a location completely
within a currently urbanized area;
! Have limited potential for impacts to biological resources mainly due to the
existence of known habitats or species adjacent to the proposed project
component location; or
! Have potential for impacts to biological resources due to the existence of known
habitats or species within and around the proposed project component location.
The potential for a project component to result in impacts to biological resources was
evaluated based on both existing mapped resources and the potential for resources to
develop. Thus, project components which were found to not have a potential to impact
biological resources were only determined as such because of their location within
extensively developed areas. Project components identified as having a potential for
impacts to biological resources are required to have a biological survey report prepared
pursuant to CEQA. The discussion of each of these project components below will also
provide recommendations for focused surveys. The recommendations for focused
surveys are based on existing mapped resources in the vicinity of the project site. The
need for these surveys should be re-evaluated as updated and more detailed information
is collected from processing of the individual project components or from other adjacent
development projects.
Fifty-eight of the project components would not result in significant biological resource
impacts based on this program level of analysis. The majority of these facilities are
located in existing disturbed areas including road rights-of-way.
The following is a description of the 26 project components that would result in
potentially significant impacts to biological resources. These determinations are also
summarized in Tables S-1 and S-2. Each of these components occurs within or adjacent
to known sensitive habitat or species localities and most are within designated
standards or hardline conservation areas. As such, implementation of each component
identified below has the potential to directly or indirectly affect a sensitive resource
and/or affect the establishment of an effective regional preserve system.
Water Master Plan ComponentsWater Master Plan ComponentsWater Master Plan ComponentsWater Master Plan Components
Component 1 Component 1 Component 1 Component 1 ---- Watermain & PRS Marron Road to Watermain & PRS Marron Road to Watermain & PRS Marron Road to Watermain & PRS Marron Road to Tamarack Tamarack Tamarack Tamarack
This proposed watermain (6,600 feet long) lies within areas mapped as coastal sage
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-15
scrub and riparian scrub. In addition, the project would transverse a proposed
standards area under the HMP. Recommended focused surveys include project-level
vegetation mapping, wetlands delineation, California gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant
surveys.
Component 11 Component 11 Component 11 Component 11 ---- Watermain from Terminus of Component 10 to Maerkle Watermain from Terminus of Component 10 to Maerkle Watermain from Terminus of Component 10 to Maerkle Watermain from Terminus of Component 10 to Maerkle
ReservoirReservoirReservoirReservoir
This watermain, totaling 4,100 feet, would be located in areas of fragmented coastal
sage scrub within existing agricultural operations and more consolidated coastal sage
scrub south of the reservoir. The project would transverse proposed standards and
existing hardline conservation areas. Recommended focused surveys include project-
level vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher and spring rare plant surveys.
Component 17 Component 17 Component 17 Component 17 ---- Watermain, Poinsettia Lane from Skimmer Court to Blackrail Watermain, Poinsettia Lane from Skimmer Court to Blackrail Watermain, Poinsettia Lane from Skimmer Court to Blackrail Watermain, Poinsettia Lane from Skimmer Court to Blackrail
RoadRoadRoadRoad
Water component 17 includes installation of a 4,500-foot watermain in the future
extension of Poinsettia Lane. The alignment transverses maritime succulent scrub,
coastal sage scrub, and oak woodland habitats. Sensitive species known to occur in this
area include the federally-listed endangered Del Mar manzanita, California gnatcatcher,
Del Mar Mesa sand aster, and Nuttall’s scrub oak. This area is also a proposed standards
area under the Draft Carlsbad HMP. Recommended focused surveys include project-
level vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher, wetlands delineation, and spring rare
plant surveys.
Component 19 Component 19 Component 19 Component 19 ---- Watermain, Aviara Parkway from Plum Tree to Sapphire Drive Watermain, Aviara Parkway from Plum Tree to Sapphire Drive Watermain, Aviara Parkway from Plum Tree to Sapphire Drive Watermain, Aviara Parkway from Plum Tree to Sapphire Drive
This proposed watermain would be approximately 3,100 feet long and would cross some
fragemented habitat in the eastern portion of the alignment. This habitat is mapped as
coastal sage scrub supporting numerous sensitive species including the federally-listed
endangered San Diego thorn-mint, California gnatcatcher, and southern California
rufous-crowned sparrow. The habitat in this area contains designations for standards
and existing hardline conservation areas. As such, recommended focused surveys
include project-level vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher and spring rare plant
surveys.
Component 20 Component 20 Component 20 Component 20 ---- Pump Station at El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road Pump Station at El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road Pump Station at El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road Pump Station at El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-16
Although this project component is located at a major road intersection, there would be
potential impacts to biological resources if the project is sited adjacent to or within
extant habitat near the intersection. Habitats existing in this location include coastal
sage scrub, southern maritime chaparral, and southern mixed chaparral. No other
resources or HMP designations are recorded for this area. However, given the mapped
vegetation communities, recommended focused surveys include project-level vegetation
mapping, California gnatcatcher and spring rare plant surveys.
Component 22 Component 22 Component 22 Component 22 –––– Watermain, Watermain, Watermain, Watermain, AAAAlong Carlsbad Boulevard long Carlsbad Boulevard long Carlsbad Boulevard long Carlsbad Boulevard FFFFrom Avenida Encinas rom Avenida Encinas rom Avenida Encinas rom Avenida Encinas
SSSSouthouthouthouth
This project, although situated entirely within the right-of-way of Carlsbad Boulevard, is
sited adjacent to the nesting locations for the California least tern and western snowy
plover. Indirect construction noise impacts could occur to nesting species as a result.
The future biological analysis would need to include a noise assessment and appropriate
mitigation, such as seasonal restrictions on construction, adequate buffer areas, or
project design features.
Component 28 Component 28 Component 28 Component 28 ---- Water Reservoir adjacent to Maerkle Reservoir Water Reservoir adjacent to Maerkle Reservoir Water Reservoir adjacent to Maerkle Reservoir Water Reservoir adjacent to Maerkle Reservoir
This water reservoir project is located in an area known to support coastal sage scrub
and annual non-native grasslands. California gnatcatchers are also known from this
area. There are no HMP conservation designations likely to affect this project
component. Recommended focused surveys include project-level vegetation mapping,
California gnatcatcher and spring rare plant surveys.
Component 29 Component 29 Component 29 Component 29 ---- Pump Station Improvements at Maerkle Pump Station Pump Station Improvements at Maerkle Pump Station Pump Station Improvements at Maerkle Pump Station Pump Station Improvements at Maerkle Pump Station
Although this project component includes improvements to an existing PS facility, the
PS is located within an annual non-native grassland but adjacent to coastal sage scrub.
As such, expansion of the facility may affect existing biological resources. California
gnatcatchers are also known from this area. No HMP conservation designations have
been proposed for this area. Recommended focused surveys include project-level
vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher and spring rare plant surveys.
Component 30 Component 30 Component 30 Component 30 ---- Gross Pressure Reducing Station Improvements Gross Pressure Reducing Station Improvements Gross Pressure Reducing Station Improvements Gross Pressure Reducing Station Improvements
This facility is located within agricultural and disturbed habitat areas with no known
occurrence of sensitive species. However, the area is a proposed standards area under
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-17
the Draft Carlsbad HMP. Therefore it is recommended that focused surveys include
project-level vegetation mapping and potential sensitive species assessment.
Component 32 Component 32 Component 32 Component 32 ---- Foussat Road Foussat Road Foussat Road Foussat Road Well AbandonmentsWell AbandonmentsWell AbandonmentsWell Abandonments
This well abandonment project is located in the City of Oceanside within areas mapped
as annual non-native grassland. Occurrences of sensitive species are limited to the
adjacent San Luis Rey River and include riparian species such as the federally-listed
endangered least Bell’s vireo, and yellow-breasted chat. Furthermore, the project is
located within Offsite Mitigation Zone I under the Draft Oceanside Subarea Plan of the
MHCP. This zone allows for development but does have specific mitigation
requirements for permanent impacts to habitats including annual non-native grassland.
As such, the project should be evaluated to determine appropriate methods of reducing
potential adverse indirect impacts on adjacent sensitive riparian habitats.
Recommended focused surveys include project-level vegetation mapping and potential
sensitive species assessment. The project is currently being investigated by the City in a
Mitigated Negative Declaration.
Component 33 Component 33 Component 33 Component 33 ---- Calavera Reservoir Improveme Calavera Reservoir Improveme Calavera Reservoir Improveme Calavera Reservoir Improvementsntsntsnts
The Lake Calavera Reservoir supports numerous sensitive biological resources including
coastal sage scrub, southern mixed chaparral, oak woodland, open water, and riparian
scrub habitats. Sensitive species recorded for this area includes the California
gnatcatcher. Much of the habitat associated with the reservoir is within an existing
hardline conservation area and is a designated mitigation bank. As such, proposed
improvements would need to be evaluated with focused surveys to include project-level
vegetation mapping, vernal pool assessment, least Bell’s vireo, California gnatcatcher,
and spring rare plant surveys.
Component 34 Component 34 Component 34 Component 34 ---- Oceanside Intertie Upgrade Oceanside Intertie Upgrade Oceanside Intertie Upgrade Oceanside Intertie Upgrade
This proposed upgrade is within an area mapped as annual non-native grassland. The
area does not have any documented sensitive species occurrences or HMP conservation
designations. However, the project should be evaluated within project-level vegetation
mapping and potential sensitive species assessment.
Sewer Master Plan ComponentsSewer Master Plan ComponentsSewer Master Plan ComponentsSewer Master Plan Components
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-18
ComponenComponenComponenComponent 2 t 2 t 2 t 2 ---- North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Rehabilitation North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Rehabilitation North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Rehabilitation North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Rehabilitation ---- West West West West
SegmentSegmentSegmentSegment
This project is currently under evaluation at the EIR level with project-specific
vegetation mapping, wetlands delineation, and focused sensitive species surveys. The
project has the potential to affect coastal sage scrub, coastal salt marsh, intertidal
habitat, California gnatcatcher, and an existing hardline conservation area.
Recommended focused surveys to be included in the EIR evaluation include project-
level vegetation mapping, wetlands delineation, California gnatcatcher, potential
sensitive shorebird species assessment, and spring rare plant surveys.
Component 3 Component 3 Component 3 Component 3 ---- North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Rehabilitation North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Rehabilitation North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Rehabilitation North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Rehabilitation ---- East Segment East Segment East Segment East Segment
This project component has also undergone project-specific evaluation. In mid-2003,
the City filed a Notice of Exemption for this project. By design, the construction
methods are to avoid all impacts to sensitive biological resources. As part of the
Exemption, CDFG issued a set of conditions that must be met during the construction
phase.
Component 4 Component 4 Component 4 Component 4 ---- North Agua Hedionda Trunk Sewer North Agua Hedionda Trunk Sewer North Agua Hedionda Trunk Sewer North Agua Hedionda Trunk Sewer
This project involves construction of 5,000 feet of gravity sewer pipeline adjacent to
coastal sage scrub supporting California gnatcatcher. The adjacent habitat areas also
contain standards and existing hardline conservation designations. As such, the project
should be evaluated with focused surveys including project-level vegetation mapping
and California gnatcatcher.
Component 5 Component 5 Component 5 Component 5 ---- North Batiquitos Interceptor Rehabilitat North Batiquitos Interceptor Rehabilitat North Batiquitos Interceptor Rehabilitat North Batiquitos Interceptor Rehabilitationionionion
This interceptor sewer would be located on the north shore of Batiquitos Lagoon where
existing mapped resources include coastal sage scrub, maritime succulent scrub,
eucalyptus woodland, California gnatcatcher, Belding’s savannah sparrow, California
least tern, western snowy plover, California adolphia, and wart-stemmed ceanothus. In
addition, the lagoon habitat is designated as an existing hardline conservation area.
Recommended focused surveys include project-level vegetation mapping, wetlands
delineation, California gnatcatcher, potential sensitive shorebird species assessment,
and spring rare plant surveys.
Component 9 Component 9 Component 9 Component 9 ---- Home Plant Lift Station Home Plant Lift Station Home Plant Lift Station Home Plant Lift Station
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-19
This lift station is located in a developed area but is adjacent to coastal sage scrub within
an existing hardline conservation area. Although no sensitive species are known from
this area, recommended focused surveys include project-level vegetation mapping and
potential sensitive species assessment.
Component 10 Component 10 Component 10 Component 10 ---- La Costa Meadows Sewer Extension La Costa Meadows Sewer Extension La Costa Meadows Sewer Extension La Costa Meadows Sewer Extension
This lift station removal and installation of 600 feet of gravity sewer occurs in an area
supporting coastal sage scrub habitat. Although it appears that the sewer can be
constructed in the El Fuerte Street right-of-way, the street is surrounded by coastal sage
scrub with recorded sensitive species including San Diego thorn-mint and orange-
throated whiptail and an existing hardline designation. As such the project should be
evaluated for potential direct and indirect impacts utilizing project-level vegetation
mapping, California gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant surveys.
Component 13 Component 13 Component 13 Component 13 ---- Various Sewer Line Refurbishment/Replacement Various Sewer Line Refurbishment/Replacement Various Sewer Line Refurbishment/Replacement Various Sewer Line Refurbishment/Replacement
Implementation of these project components shall be conducted such that each
proposed work area is adequately evaluated for potential sensitive habitat and species
occurrence prior to initiation of work. Methods for impact avoidance and reduction
shall be implemented during refurbishment and replacement procedures. These
avoidance and impact reducing measures may include hand clearing of vegetation to
stumps versus mechanical clearing for access, application of erosion control measures
utilizing native seed mixes or existing biomass, and general employee training and
awareness of sensitive biological resources.
Component 14 Component 14 Component 14 Component 14 ---- Vis Vis Vis Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Reaches VC1 and VC2ta/Carlsbad Interceptor Reaches VC1 and VC2ta/Carlsbad Interceptor Reaches VC1 and VC2ta/Carlsbad Interceptor Reaches VC1 and VC2
This project includes the rehabilitation of over 9,000 feet of pipeline and 25 manholes.
The pipeline currently transverses coastal sage scrub and riparian scrub habitat along
Buena Vista Lagoon. Known sensitive species in this area include California
gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, and various raptor species. The lagoon is mainly within
an existing hardline conservation area, but standards areas are also designated along the
sewer alignment. Recommended focused surveys include project-level vegetation
mapping, wetlands delineation, California gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, and spring rare
plant surveys.
Component 16 Component 16 Component 16 Component 16 ---- Vancouver Lift Station Vancouver Lift Station Vancouver Lift Station Vancouver Lift Station
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-20
This project component includes removal of an existing lift station and construction of
300 feet of gravity sewer. The project appears to only affect annual non-native
grassland within a standards area. No sensitive species are recorded from this area.
Recommended focused surveys include project-level vegetation mapping and potential
sensitive species assessment.
Component 22 Component 22 Component 22 Component 22 ---- North Batiquitos Lift Station North Batiquitos Lift Station North Batiquitos Lift Station North Batiquitos Lift Station
The lift station is located away from the riparian and tidal portions of the Batiquitos
Lagoon but is in an area where coastal sage scrub and annual non-native grassland are
mapped. The area is within an existing hardline conservation area and is known to
support California gnatcatcher. As such, recommended focused surveys include project-
level vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant surveys.
Component 23 Component 23 Component 23 Component 23 ---- Carlsbad Trunk Sewer Carlsbad Trunk Sewer Carlsbad Trunk Sewer Carlsbad Trunk Sewer
This proposed 2,000-foot pipeline may affect southern mixed chaparral and coastal sage
scrub within existing hardline and standards areas. California gnatcatcher and
California adolphia are known to exist in this location. Recommended focused surveys
include project-level vegetation mapping, California gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant
surveys.
Component 28 Component 28 Component 28 Component 28 ---- Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Reaches VC3Reaches VC3Reaches VC3Reaches VC3
This sewer line runs along the southern edge of Buena Vista Lagoon and as such has the
potential to impact coastal sage scrub and riparian scrub supporting California
gnatcatcher. The line also transverses existing hardline conservation areas.
Recommended focused surveys include project-level vegetation mapping, California
gnatcatcher, and spring rare plant surveys.
Component 29 Component 29 Component 29 Component 29 ---- Buena Vista Lift Station Upgrade Buena Vista Lift Station Upgrade Buena Vista Lift Station Upgrade Buena Vista Lift Station Upgrade
This lift station is located on the southeast shore of Buena Vista Lagoon. Adjacent
resources include freshwater marsh and mapped localities of California least tern, light-
footed clapper rail, several raptor species, and California gnatcatcher. This area is also
designated as an existing hardline conservation area. Recommended focused surveys
include project-level vegetation mapping, wetlands delineation, California gnatcatcher,
potential sensitive shorebird species assessment, and spring rare plant surveys.
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-21
Component 30 Component 30 Component 30 Component 30 ---- Buena Vista Lift Station Forcemain Buena Vista Lift Station Forcemain Buena Vista Lift Station Forcemain Buena Vista Lift Station Forcemain
This project component is located within the same area as Component 29 described
above. As such recommended focused surveys are the same and include project-level
vegetation mapping, wetlands delineation, California gnatcatcher, potential sensitive
shorebird species assessment, and spring rare plant surveys.
Component 31 Component 31 Component 31 Component 31 ---- Vista/Carlsbad Inte Vista/Carlsbad Inte Vista/Carlsbad Inte Vista/Carlsbad Interceptor Reach 11Brceptor Reach 11Brceptor Reach 11Brceptor Reach 11B
This project component includes replacement of 915 feet of 54-inch pipe and a bridge
crossing. Existing habitats in this area include coastal sage scrub, coastal salt marsh,
and eucalyptus woodland. No sensitive species are recorded for this area; however, it is
within an existing hardline conservation area. Recommended focused surveys include
project-level vegetation mapping, wetlands delineation, California gnatcatcher, potential
sensitive shorebird species assessment, and spring rare plant surveys.
4.3.4 4.3.4 4.3.4 4.3.4 Mitigation MeasuresMitigation MeasuresMitigation MeasuresMitigation Measures
The 26 project components found to have a potentially significant impact to biological
resources require mitigation measures. The determination of final mitigation for each
project component shall first consider the project design features identified in Table 2-5.
Mitigation would then follow the guidelines discussed below but also shall be based on
project-level resource evaluation. The project-level evaluation would be more detailed
and may result in a finding of no significant impact, and in that event, would not require
mitigation. However, at this program level of analysis, each of the components
identified as having a significant impact to biological resources would require
mitigation.
Following project-level resource mapping and identification of precise implementation
methods and location, significant adverse impacts to biological resources can generally
be avoided or mitigated through incorporation of one or all of the following measures:
! Avoidance and minimization of impacts through project redesign or
implementation of construction restrictions including seasonal restrictions (these
measures would likely need to be ensured through construction monitoring
adjacent to sensitive resource areas);
! Conservation of like habitat near to project impact area through dedication of a
conservation easement and management endowment; and/or
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-22
! Enhancement, restoration, and/or creation of habitats affected by the project
with methodologies approved by the City and resource agencies.
Project impacts and resultant mitigation requirements will be evaluated under CEQA,
the Porter-Cologne Act, federal Clean Water Act, the California Fish and Game Code, the
state and federal Endangered Species Acts, and the Natural Communities Conservation
Act.
Impacts to jurisdictional wetlands are regulated by two state agencies and one federal
agency: the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), CDFG, and ACOE,
respectively. Authorization of impacts to jurisdictional wetlands occurs through
issuance of a Section 401 Water Quality Certification and/or Waste Discharge
Requirement by RWQCB, Streambed Alternation Agreement by CDFG, and Section 404
Nationwide or Individual Permit by ACOE. Each of these agencies implement a policy
of “no net loss” of jurisdictional wetlands and therefore require that all permanent
impacts be mitigated through the creation of like habitat at a ratio of at least 1:1.
Impacts are often mitigated through a combination of wetlands creation and
enhancement at a combined ratio between 2:1 and 5:1 depending on the rarity or
sensitivity of the habitat as well as temporal loss.
Currently, Take Authorization for listed species proposed for coverage under the
Carlsbad HMP has not been issued, therefore projects which may impact any state or
federally listed species must obtain permit authorization from the resource agencies.
The permit authorization may occur through Section 4(d), Section 7, or Section 10(a) by
USFWS, or Section 2080.1 or 2081 by CDFG. Section 4(d) is reserved for impacts to
coastal sage scrub under the Interim Habitat Loss Permit guidelines. These guidelines
allow for take of five percent of coastal sage scrub habitat from the time of NCCP
enrollment until Take Authorization is granted through an approved Subarea Plan (i.e.,
HMP). Section 7 is the authorization mechanism where another federal agency is
involved in the project. Typically this agency is the ACOE. Section 10(a) is employed
when authorization is granted through a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for the
affected species. In cases where the species affected is both state and federally listed,
CDFG is consulted throughout the process but only issues a 2081 Consistency
Determination. If the species is only state listed, CDFG must issue a 2080.1 take
authorization.
Take Authorization thresholds are different for the various permit methods described
above, but generally involve the avoidance and minimization of impacts and mitigation
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-23
for unavoidable impacts. For most species, mitigation occurs in the form of habitat
conservation and/or restoration (where temporary impacts would occur). This habitat
conservation must be like habitat supporting an equal or greater number of species than
that impacted by the project. Any Take Authorization will likely include evaluation of
the project in the context of the proposed HMP such that implementation of the project
does not preclude assemblage of the reserve.
Once Take Authorization has been issued for the HMP, impacts to covered species may
be permitted without consultation of the resource agencies. The HMP may contain
conditional coverage for species and therefore the project would need to be evaluated
under the conditions to determine if take is in fact authorized. These conditions may
include whether or not the species’ locality subject to impacts is within or outside a
designated conservation area, whether specific siting criteria have been implemented to
reduce potential impacts, and whether seasonal avoidance is being proposed. Although
take may be authorized by the HMP, mitigation may still be required on a project-level
basis. This mitigation will likely involve dedication of open space within the identified
reserve area and/or enhancement of habitats within the reserve.
4.34.34.34.3.5.5.5.5 Residual Impact After MitigationResidual Impact After MitigationResidual Impact After MitigationResidual Impact After Mitigation
Implementation of the suggested mitigation measures would reduce impacts to less than
significant.
4.3 Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.3-24
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-1
4.44.44.44.4 CULTURAL RESOURCESCULTURAL RESOURCESCULTURAL RESOURCESCULTURAL RESOURCES
The purpose of this cultural resource section is to assess general cultural resource
conditions and identify potential cultural resources within the vicinity of water and
sewer master plan components. Paleontological resources are also addressed. The
cultural resource information used in this analysis is from the May 2003 City of
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plans Cultural Resource Background Study
prepared by Gallegos and Associates for this Program EIR (Appendix B). Detailed
references to specific previous studies used to prepare the Cultural Resources Study can
be found in that appendix. Cultural resource field reconnaissance work was not
performed for each master plan component as part of this Program EIR.
The Cultural Resources Study included archaeological record and data review of the
project areas to determine the recorded patterns of cultural resources within the study
area boundaries. From this information and current aerial photographs of the project
locations, assessments could be made regarding the potential for cultural resources
within the general vicinity of pipelines and facilities. This information also indicated
where existing development has precluded the possibility of any cultural resources.
A record search was conducted at the South Coastal Information Center at San Diego
State University and Gallegos & Associates library. The record searches principally
focused on the locational information for recorded sites. The data from the Information
Center was transferred onto the project maps to assess possible conflicts with proposed
master plan components. The data was also compared to the project aerial photograph
series to determine where recorded archaeological sites were destroyed by previous
development. No surveys were conducted for this Program EIR, principally due to the
number of projects and miles of project components. As such, this section will identify
those project components that would require additional cultural resource investigation
when more detailed project design information becomes available. 4.4.14.4.14.4.14.4.1 Existing Conditions/Setting Existing Conditions/Setting Existing Conditions/Setting Existing Conditions/Setting
Cultural ResourcesCultural ResourcesCultural ResourcesCultural Resources
The City of Carlsbad has a very rich and extensive record of prehistoric activity. A
summary of the historic setting of previous populations is presented below; Appendix B
contains a complete description of the historic setting, as well as a complete set of
references cited in this section.
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-2
Background Background Background Background ---- Prehistory Prehistory Prehistory Prehistory
The body of current research of prehistoric occupation in San Diego County recognizes
the existence of at least two major cultural traditions, discussed here as Early
Period/Archaic and Late Period, based upon general economic trends and material
culture. Within San Diego County, the Archaic generally spans the period from 10,000
to 1300 years ago, while the Late Period spans from 1300 years ago to historic contact.
The Historic Period covers the time from Spanish contact to present.
Early Period/ArchaicEarly Period/ArchaicEarly Period/ArchaicEarly Period/Archaic
The Early Period/Archaic, for this discussion, includes the San Dieguito and La Jolla
complexes, which are poorly defined, as are the interrelationship between
contemporaneous inland, desert, and coastal assemblages (Gallegos 1987). Initially
believed to represent big game hunters, the San Dieguito are better typified as a hunting
and gathering society. These people had a relatively diverse and non-specialized
economy in which relatively mobile bands accessed and used a wide range of plant,
animal, and lithic resources. Movement of early groups into San Diego County may
have been spurred by the gradual desiccation of the vast pluvial lake system that
dominated inland basins and valleys during the last altithermal period. This hypothesis
is supported by the similarity between Great Basin assemblages and those of early
Holocene Archaic sites in San Diego County. Several researchers recognized the
regional similarity of artifacts and grouped these contemporaneous complexes under
the nomenclature of either the Western Pluvial Lakes Tradition or the Western Lithic
Co-tradition (Bedwell 1970; Davis et al. 1969; Rogers 1939; Warren 1967; Moratto
1984).
The origin of coastal populations and subsequent interaction between the coastal
population and Great Basin/desert groups is a subject of some debate (Gallegos 1987).
Whatever their origin, the first occupants immediately exploited the coastal and inland
resources of plants, animals, shellfish, and fish (Moriarty 1967; Kaldenberg 1982;
Gallegos 1991; Kyle et al. 1998).
The development of a generalized economic system indicates that the San Dieguito and
related groups can be placed within the general Archaic pattern. Archaic cultures occur
within North America at slightly different times in different areas, but are generally
correlated with local economic specialization growing out of the earlier Paleo-Indian
Tradition (Willig, Aikens and Fagan1988). Archaic cultures are often represented by
more diverse artifact assemblages and more complex regional variation than occur in
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-3
Paleo-Indian traditions. This is generally thought to have resulted from the gradual
shift away from a herd-based hunting focus to a more diverse and area specific
economy.
The earliest sites are found near coastal lagoons and river valleys of San Diego County.
These sites are the Harris Site (CA-SDI-149), Agua Hedionda Sites (CA-SDI-210/UCLJ-
M-15 and CA-SDI-10695), Rancho Park North (CA-SDI-4392/SDM-W-49), and
Remington Hills (CA-SDI-11069), dating from 9500 to 8000 years B.P. The northern
San Diego County coastal lagoons supported large populations, circa 6000 years ago, as
shown by the numerous radiocarbon dated sites adjacent to these lagoons. After 3000
years ago, there is a general absence of archaeological sites in north San Diego County to
circa 1500 years ago. This reduction in number of archaeological sites can be attributed
to the siltation of coastal lagoons and depletion of shellfish and other lagoon resources
(Warren and Pavesic 1963; Miller 1966; Gallegos 1985). Archaeological sites dated to
circa 2000 years ago are found closer to San Diego Bay, where shellfish were still
abundant and may well represent what can be considered the end of the La Jolla
Complex (Gallegos and Kyle 1988).
The La Jolla and Pauma complexes, which are identified as following the San Dieguito
Complex, may simply represent seasonal or geographic variations of the somewhat older
and more general San Dieguito Complex. Inland La Jolla occupation sites have been
reported in transverse valleys and sheltered canyons (True 1959; Warren et al. 1961;
Meighan 1954). These non-coastal sites were termed “Pauma Complex” by True (1959),
Warren et al. (1961), and Meighan (1954). Pauma Complex sites by definition have a
predominance of grinding implements (manos and metates), lack shellfish remains,
have greater tool variety, seem to express a more sedentary occupation, and have an
emphasis on both gathering and hunting (True 1959; Warren 1961; Meighan 1954).
Archaic sites from 10,000 to 1300 years ago within San Diego County include coastal
habitation sites, inland hunting and milling camps, and lithic quarry sites. Material
cultural assemblages during this long period are remarkably similar in many respects.
These deposits may well represent a process of relative terrestrial economic stability and
presumably slow cultural change. Though various culture traits developed or
disappeared during the long span of 10,000 to 1300 years ago, there is a clear pattern of
cultural continuity during this period.
Late PeriodLate PeriodLate PeriodLate Period
During the Late Period (circa 1300 to historic contact), a material culture pattern
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-4
similar to that of historic Native Americans first becomes apparent in the archaeological
record. The economic pattern during this period appears to be one of more intensive
and efficient exploitation of local resources. The prosperity of these highly refined
economic patterns is well evidenced by the numerous Kumeyaay/Diegueño and Luiseño
habitation sites scattered over San Diego County. This increase in Late Period site
density probably reflects better preservation of the more recent archaeological record
and a gradual population increase within the region. Artifacts and cultural patterns
reflecting this Late Prehistoric pattern include small projectile points, pottery, the
establishment of permanent or semi-permanent seasonal village sites, a proliferation of
acorn milling sites in the uplands, the appearance of obsidian from Obsidian Butte, and
interment by cremation.
Many of the Late Prehistoric culture patterns in southern California were shared with
groups along the eastern periphery of the region. Even in the most recent periods, the
Native Americans of southern California incorporated many elements of their neighbors’
culture into their own cultures. This transference and melding of cultural traits between
neighboring groups makes positive associations of archaeological deposits with
particular ethnographically known cultures difficult. This is particularly true of the
groups within San Diego County. Though significant differences exist between Luiseño
and Kumeyaay/Diegueño cultures (including linguistic stock), the long interaction of
these groups during the Late Period resulted in the exchange of many social patterns.
Archaeologists must rely heavily on ethnographic accounts of group boundaries as
recorded during the historic period, although it is not known how long these boundaries
had been in place or the validity of these boundaries as presently reported. The project
area falls within Luiseño territory as defined by Kroeber (1925).
As a result of contact with Spanish, Mexican and American settlers, Native American
populations were decimated by resettlement and disease. Presently, Native Americans
are found throughout San Diego County, especially within the 17 San Diego County
reservations.
HistoricalHistoricalHistoricalHistorical Background Background Background Background
An abbreviated history of Spanish, Mexican and American settlement in San Diego
County is presented, taken from Gallegos et al. 1993, for the purpose of providing a
background for discussion of the presence, chronological significance and historical
relationship of historical resources within the project area. The history of San Diego
County is commonly presented in terms of Spanish, Mexican and American political
domination. A discussion of historic land use and occupation under periods of political
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-5
rule by people of European and Mexican origin is justified on the basis of characteristics
associated with each period, when economic, political and social activities were
influenced by the prevailing laws and customs. Certain themes are common to all
periods, such as the development of transportation, settlement, and agriculture.
Robinson (1979) provides a comprehensive account of public and privately owned land
in California, with a discussion of laws, activities and events related to the development
of the State.
Spanish Period (1769Spanish Period (1769Spanish Period (1769Spanish Period (1769----1821)1821)1821)1821)
The Spanish Period represents: exploration; establishment of the San Diego Presidio,
and the San Diego and San Luis Rey missions; the introduction of horses, cattle, and
agricultural goods; and, a new method of building construction and architectural style.
Spanish influence continued after 1821, when California became a part of Mexico.
Under Mexican rule, the missions continued to operate as in the past, and laws
governing the distribution of land were also retained for a period of time.
Mexican Period (1821Mexican Period (1821Mexican Period (1821Mexican Period (1821----1848)1848)1848)1848)
The Mexican Period includes the initial retention of Spanish laws and practices until
shortly before secularization of the San Diego Mission in 1834, a decade after Spanish
rule. Although several grants of land were made prior to 1834, vast tracts of land were
dispersed through land grants offered after secularization. Cattle ranching prevailed
over agricultural activities and the development of the hide and tallow trade increased
during the early part of this period. The Pueblo of San Diego was established and
transportation routes were expanded. The Mexican Period ended as a result of the
Mexican-American War.
American Period (1848 to Present)American Period (1848 to Present)American Period (1848 to Present)American Period (1848 to Present)
The American Period began when Mexico ceded California to the United States under
the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Terms of the treaty brought about creation of the
Lands Commission, in response to the Homestead Act of 1851, that was adopted as a
means of validating land ownership throughout the state through settlement of land
claims. Few Mexican ranchos remained intact because of legal costs and lack of
sufficient evidence to prove title claims. Much of the land that once constituted rancho
holdings became available for settlement by immigrants to California. The influx of
people to California and the San Diego region was the result of various factors, including
the discovery of gold in the state; the conclusion of the Civil War; the availability of free
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-6
land through passage of the Homestead Act; and, later, the importance of the county as
an agricultural area supported by roads, irrigation systems, and connecting railways.
The growth and decline of towns occurred in response to an increased population and
the economic boom and bust cycle in the late 1800s.
Paleontological ResourcesPaleontological ResourcesPaleontological ResourcesPaleontological Resources
The following discussion presents those rock formations considered high to moderately
sensitive in paleontological resources.
Unnamed Pleistocene Terrace DepositsUnnamed Pleistocene Terrace DepositsUnnamed Pleistocene Terrace DepositsUnnamed Pleistocene Terrace Deposits
The Coastal Plain Province of San Diego County is characterized by a “stair-step”
sequence of elevated marine terraces (uplifted sea floors) and associated marine and
non-marine sedimentary covers. These deposits show a direct correlation between
elevation and geologic age; the lowest terraces are the youngest, and the highest terraces
are the oldest. These deposits consist primarily of poorly indurated claystones and
friable sandstones which form a sedimentary veneer.
The unnamed Pleistocene terrace deposits often consist of a basal nearshore marine
stratigraphic unit and an upper non-marine stratigraphic unit. The basal unit has
produced large and diverse assemblages of marine invertebrate fossils such as mollusks,
crustaceans, and echinoids as well as sparse remains of marine vertebrates such as
sharks, rays, and bony fish. The upper unit has produced sparse remains of terrestrial
mammals such as camel, horse, and mammoth. It is unclear whether the terrace
deposits represent nearshore marine or non-marine units discussed above. In either
case, no fossils are reported from these exposed terrace deposits. Based on the
sedimentary origin of these deposits and the published fossil record, they are assigned a
moderate resource sensitivity.
Unnamed Pleistocene Lagoonal DepositsUnnamed Pleistocene Lagoonal DepositsUnnamed Pleistocene Lagoonal DepositsUnnamed Pleistocene Lagoonal Deposits
This interbedded unit of poorly consolidated dark-gray claystone, siltstones, and clayey
sandstones underlies the unnamed Pleistocene terrace deposits. These deposits have a
patchy distribution.
Estuarine mollusks have been reported from Pleistocene lagoonal deposits occurring in
the north San Diego County region. Geotechnical testing resulted in the discovery of
fossil plant material in these lagoonal deposits. The recovery of leaves of terrestrial
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-7
plants and shells of estuarine mollusks from these deposits suggests a moderate
resource sensitivity rating.
Santiago FormationSantiago FormationSantiago FormationSantiago Formation
Middle Eocene sedimentary rocks in north San Diego County have been assigned to the
Santiago Formation, with three members (“A,” “B” and “C”) recognized in the Encinitas-
Oceanside area. Member “B” of the Santiago Formation consists largely of green and
gray, very fine- to medium-grained, arkosic sandstone, with common calcite-cemented
concretions and frequent interbed of multi-colored clayey sandstone and claystone.
Member “B” of the Santiago Formation has produced well-preserved vertebrate fossils
from numerous localities in Carlsbad and Oceanside including snakes, turtles,
opossums, insectivores, bats, primates, rodents, carnivores, tapirs, brontotheres,
rhinoceros, uintathere, protoreodonts, leptoreodonts, and oromerycid artiodatyls. The
mammalian fauna is especially significant as it contains a mosaic of archaic and
advanced species, and serves to document an important period in mammal evolutionary
history. Also recovered from Member “B” deposits are the remains of various types of
marine and estuarine mollusks.
Fossils of terrestrial vertebrates have been found in the Santiago Formation which
include the remains of extinct rhinoceros, carnivores, tortoise, brontothere, tapirs, and
rodents. To the west, this formation grades upward into a shallow marine environment
containing fossil clams, snails, sea urchins, sharks, and batray teeth. Member "B" of the
Santiago Formation is assigned a high paleontological resource sensitivity.
4.4.24.4.24.4.24.4.2 Significance CrSignificance CrSignificance CrSignificance Criteriaiteriaiteriaiteria
The project components would have a significant effect related to cultural
resources/paleontology if it would:
$ Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as
defined in CEQA Guidelines §15064.5;
$ Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archeological
resource pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15064.5;
$ Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal
cemeteries; or
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-8
$ Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature.
4.4.34.4.34.4.34.4.3 Impact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact Analysis Cultural ResourcesCultural ResourcesCultural ResourcesCultural Resources
The literature review and record search identified 87 previously prepared cultural
resource studies conducted within or immediately adjacent to the project study area.
Based on these studies, a total of 63 cultural resource sites have been identified within
the study area. Of the 63 sites, 9 sites were identified as not significant, 4 sites were
identified as significant, 48 sites were identified as unknown site status, and 2 sites were
identified as unknown site status for portions of the site. Of the 63 sites, a total of 33
sites have been recorded within the Water Master Plan Update study area, and a total of
34 sites have been recorded within the Sewer Master Plan Update study area. Data gaps
include the unevenness of the archaeological record and varied quality of the previously
recorded cultural resource database.
A list of the known cultural resource sites that would be potentially affected by various
project components in the proposed Master Plan Updates are identified in Tables 4.4-1
and 4.4-2 below. As such, the project components listed in the tables below have the
potential to result in significant impacts to cultural resources. Detailed information on
each of these sites is available in Appendix B of this EIR. In addition, Tables S-1 and S-2
summarize the cultural resource impacts and mitigation for each project component
within the proposed Master Plan Updates.
TABLE 4.4-1
CULTURAL RESOURCE SITES WITHIN OR ADJACENT
TO THE WATER MASTER PLAN UPDATE STUDY AREA
Water Project
Component Number Site Number Site Type Condition
CA-SDI-5651 Habitation Disturbed1
CA-SDI-6139 Habitation Disturbed
2 No sites
3 No sites
4 No sites
5 No sites
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-9
CA-SDI-5416 Artifact scatter; Milling stations Disturbed6
CA-SDI-5436 Artifact scatter Unknown TABLE 4.4-1 (Continued)
Water Project
Component Number Site Number Site Type Condition
CA-SDI-9615 Artifact scatter Disturbed 7
CA-SDI-15069 Artifact scatter; Milling stations Fair
CA-SDI-15073 Artifact scatter; Milling stations Disturbed 8
P-37-018284 Artifact scatter Unknown
CA-SDI-16135 Artifact scatter Fair 9
P-37-024329 Historic structure Good
CA-SDI-9092 Artifact scatter Disturbed
CA-SDI-9094 Artifact scatter Good
CA-SDI-15545 Artifact scatter Disturbed
10
CA-SDI-15546 Artifact scatter Disturbed
11 No sites
12 CA-SDI-9041 Lithic scatter Disturbed
13 No sites
CA-SDI-16048 Habitation Disturbed
CA-SDI-16049 Habitation Disturbed
CA-SDI-16054 Habitation Disturbed
P-37-024176 Unknown Unknown
14
P-37-024171 Unknown Unknown
15 CA-SDI-12739 Lithic scatter Disturbed
16 CA-SDI-4852 Lithic scatter Disturbed
CA-SDI-6821 Artifact scatter Disturbed
CA-SDI-8195 Artifact scatter Disturbed
17
CA-SDI-1016 Shell scatter Disturbed
18 No sites
19 No sites
20 No sites
21 No sites
22 CA-SDI-11026 Artifact scatter Disturbed
CA-SDI-6135 Artifact scatter Disturbed 23
CA-SDI-9653 Artifact scatter Disturbed
24 No sites
25 CA-SDI-8195 Artifact scatter Disturbed
26 No sites
27 CA-SDI-6819 Artifact scatter Disturbed
28 No sites
29 No sites
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-10
TABLE 4.4-1 (Continued)
Water Project
Component Number Site Number Site Type Condition
30 No sites
31 No sites
32 No sites
33 CA-SDI-5793 Historic Unknown
34 No sites
35 CA-SDI-15069 Artifact scatter, milling stations, historic Fair
36 CA-SDI-5431 Unknown Unknown
F1 No sites
F2 CA-SDI-10746 Artifact scatter Disturbed
F3 No sites
F4 No sites
F5 No sites
F6 No sites
F7 No sites
F8 No sites
F9 No sites
F10 No sites
F11 No sites
F12 CA-SDI-13701 Habitation Disturbed
F13 No sites
F14 No sites
TABLE 4.4-2
CULTURAL RESOURCE SITES WITHIN OR ADJACENT
TO THE SEWER MASTER PLAN UPDATE STUDY AREA
Sewer Project
Component Number Site Number Site Type Condition
1 CA-SDI-760 Artifact scatter Disturbed
2 CA-SDI-13701 Habitation Disturbed
CA-SDI-209 Artifact scatter Disturbed
CA-SDI-6140 Artifact scatter Disturbed
3
CA-SDI-9654 Artifact scatter Disturbed
4 No sites
CA-SDI-608 Artifact scatter Disturbed 5
CA-SDI-694 Artifact scatter Disturbed
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-11
CA-SDI-6823 Shell Scatter Disturbed TABLE 4.4-2 (Continued)
Sewer Project
Component Number Site Number Site Type Condition
CA-SDI-6826 Artifact scatter Disturbed
CA-SDI-11953 Artifact scatter Disturbed
CA-SDI-12807 Habitation Disturbed
5
CA-SDI-12810 Artifact scatter Disturbed
6 No sites
CA-SDI-6751 Shell scatter Disturbed 7
P-37-15325 Isolate Disturbed
8 No sites
9 No sites
10 CA-SDI-9846 Artifact scatter Disturbed
11 No sites
12 CA-SDI-4858 Shell Scatter Good
13 N/A
CA-SDI-628 Artifact scatter Disturbed
CA-SDI-5652 Habitation Disturbed
CA-SDI-9472 Artifact scatter Disturbed
CA-SDI-9473 Artifact scatter Good
CA-SDI-9474 Historic Disturbed
14
CA-SDI-9967 Habitation Disturbed
15 No sites
16 CA-SDI-9472 Artifact scatter Disturbed
17 CA-SDI-5601 Unknown Unknown
18 No sites
19 CA-SDI-5440 Shell Scatter Unknown
20 No sites
21 No sites
22 No sites
CA-SDI-5601 Unknown Unknown 23
CA-SDI-5651 Habitation Disturbed
24 N/A
25 N/A
26 N/A
27 N/A
28 No sites
29 No sites
30 CA-SDI-629 Artifact scatter Destroyed
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-12
TABLE 4.4-2 (Continued)
Sewer Project
Component Number Site Number Site Type Condition
31 CA-SDI-210 Unknown Unknown
CA-SDI-6751 Shell scatter Disturbed 31
P-37-15325 Isolate Disturbed
32 No sites
33 No sites
CA-SDI-6133 Artifact scatter Disturbed
CA-SDI-5353 Artifact scatter Disturbed
CA-SDI-6135 Artifact scatter Disturbed
CA-SDI-9653 Artifact scatter Disturbed
CA-SDI-10671 Artifact scatter Disturbed
CA-SDI-10672 Artifact scatter Disturbed
34
CA-SDI-13008 Artifact scatter Disturbed
Paleontological ResourcesPaleontological ResourcesPaleontological ResourcesPaleontological Resources
Implementation of the proposed Master Plan facilities could involve grading and
excavation activities within fossil-bearing geologic formations which could potentially
impact significant paleontological resources. Specific locations of potential impact
would be those locations considered to be high- to moderately sensitive in
paleontological resources. It should be noted that specific information would become
available at the time of grading.
Construction of new facilities may disturb fossil-bearing geological strata in almost any
location in the city. Pipelines are generally constructed in road rights-of -way or existing
easements where strata have already been disturbed, so that the potential for intact
fossils representing significant paleontological information is low. The same condition
will prevail at sites of lift stations, reservoirs, and pump stations where prior
construction has extensively disturbed the underlying earth materials.
4.4.44.4.44.4.44.4.4 MitigatMitigatMitigatMitigation Measuresion Measuresion Measuresion Measures
Cultural ResourcesCultural ResourcesCultural ResourcesCultural Resources
Survey, testing, and mitigation programs (where necessary) are recommended for the
cultural resources sites with undetermined site status and are based on CEQA and City
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-13
of Carlsbad Guidelines. For undeveloped lands, these consist of the project components
which have not been previously surveyed, and due to the high sensitivity of prehistoric
sites near lagoons, all project components within one-half mile of a lagoon.
For all sites located within undeveloped land, surface collections should be used to
determine the site limits and areas of artifact concentrations in order to ascertain
placement of test units and shovel test pits (STPs) and/or backhoe trenches. Excavation
units (1 x 1m) should be those areas where ground stone, fire-altered rock, or a
concentration of flaked material occur. Backhoe trenching is recommended at those
sites where deep subsurface deposits (i.e., historic privies or dumps or subsurface
prehistoric deposits) are possible. For all sites located within developed land, a
monitoring program is recommended during construction. Monitoring is recommended
for sites that have been previously addressed as to mitigation of impacts through a data
recovery program, as additional unknown buried deposits may still be present. For the
historic sites, the test program should include a literature/historic files review, mapping
of any remaining structures, and mechanical backhoe trenching when applicable for
determining the location of historic dumps. Mitigation through data recovery and all
reports should follow City of Carlsbad Guidelines (1980).
The following recommended mitigation measures would reduce impacts identified
above in Section 4.4.3 to less than significant.
1. Obtain permission from private landowners to survey the fields and yards in
order to determine presence/absence of cultural resources. If cultural resources
are located then mitigation measure [2] is recommended.
2. Test those sites that have not yet been tested so a determination of significance
can be made. If the resource is determined to be significant, mitigate through
avoidance. If avoidance is not feasible, then mitigation through a data recovery
program (see mitigation measure [3]).
3. If site avoidance, the preferred mitigation measure, is not feasible, then a data
recovery program should be completed to recover a large enough sample of
cultural material so that information of importance in addressing regional
research questions will not be irretrievable lost through impacts.
4. Provide a qualified archaeological monitor during construction so that buried
cultural resources can be identified in the field. Upon identification, the resource
should be tested (mitigation measure [2]) to determine significance with
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-14
appropriate mitigation measures as necessary. Monitoring ProgramMonitoring ProgramMonitoring ProgramMonitoring Program
An additional mitigation measure is intended for many sites within the study area that
are located within developed areas. For these sites, a monitoring program, rather than a
test program, is recommended if construction is to occur within or adjacent to the site.
Components of such a monitoring program would include, but not be limited to the
following:
Prior to Preconstruction (Precon) MeetingPrior to Preconstruction (Precon) MeetingPrior to Preconstruction (Precon) MeetingPrior to Preconstruction (Precon) Meeting
1. Planning Department Plan Check
a. Prior to the first Precon Meeting, the Environmental Compliance
Officer/Planner (ECO/P) of the Planning Department shall verify that the
requirements for Archaeological Monitoring and Native American
monitoring, if applicable, have been noted on the appropriate construction
documents.
2. Submit Letter of Qualification to the Planning Department
a. Prior to the first Precon Meeting, the applicant shall provide a letter of
verification to the ECO/P stating that a qualified Archaeologist has been
retained to implement the monitoring program.
3. Records Search Prior to Precon Meeting
a. At least thirty days prior to the Precon Meeting the qualified Archaeologist
shall verify that a records search has been completed and updated as
necessary and be prepared to introduce any pertinent information
concerning expectations and probabilities of discovery during trenching
and/or grading activities. Verification includes, but is not limited to, a
copy of a confirmation letter from South Coast Information Center or, if
the search was in-house, a letter of verification from the Archaeologist
stating that the search was completed.
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-15
Precon MeetingPrecon MeetingPrecon MeetingPrecon Meeting
1. Monitor Shall Attend Precon Meetings
a. Prior to beginning any work that requires monitoring, the Applicant shall
arrange a Precon Meeting that shall include the Archaeologist,
Construction Manager and/or Grading Contractor. The qualified
Archaeologist shall attend any grading related Precon Meetings to make
comments and/or suggestions concerning the Archaeological Monitoring
program with the Construction Manager and/or Grading Contractor.
2. Identify Areas to be Monitored
a. At the Precon Meeting, the Archaeologist shall submit to ECO/P a copy of
the site/grading plan (reduced to 11x17) that identifies areas to be
monitored as well as areas that may require delineation of grading limits.
During ConstructionDuring ConstructionDuring ConstructionDuring Construction
1. Monitor Shall be Present During Grading/Excavation
The qualified Archaeologist shall be present full-time during grading/excavation
of native soils and shall document activity via the Consultant Monitor Record.
This record shall be sent to the ECO/P, as appropriate, each month.
a. Monitoring
Trenches Will Include Mainline, Laterals, and all Appurtenances.
Monitoring of trenches is required for the mainline, laterals, services and
all other appurtenances that impact native soils one foot deeper than
existing as detailed on the plans or in the contract documents identified by
drawing number or plan file number. It is the Construction Manager's
responsibility to keep the monitors up-to-date with current plans.
b. Discoveries
Discovery Process
In the event of a discovery, and when requested by the Archaeologist, or
the Principal Investigator (PI) if the Monitor is not qualified as a PI, the
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-16
Construction Manager (CM), as appropriate, shall be contacted and shall
divert, direct or temporarily halt ground disturbing activities in the area of
discovery to allow for preliminary evaluation of potentially significant
archaeological resources. The PI shall also immediately notify ECO/P of
such findings at the time of discovery.
b. Determination of Significance
The significance of the discovered resources shall be determined by the PI.
For significant archaeological resources, a Research Design and Data
Recovery Program shall be prepared, approved by the agency and carried
out to mitigate impacts before ground-disturbing activities in the area of
discovery will be allowed to resume.
c. Minor Discovery Process for Pipeline Projects
For all projects: The following is a summary of the criteria and procedures
related to the evaluation of small cultural resource deposits during
excavation for pipelines.
2. Coordination and Notification
a. Archaeological Monitor shall notify PI, CM and ECO/P, as appropriate.
3. Criteria used to Determine if it is a Small Cultural Resource Deposit
a. The deposit is limited in size both in length and depth; and,
b. The information value is limited and is not associated with any other
resources; and,
There are no unique features/artifacts associated with the deposit.
c. A preliminary description and photographs, if available, shall be
transmitted to ECO/P.
d. The information will be forwarded to the Planning Department for
consultation and verification that it is a small historic deposit.
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-17
4. Procedures for documentation, curation and reporting
The following constitutes adequate mitigation of a small historic deposit to
reduce impacts due to excavation activities to below a level of significance.
a. 100 percent of the artifacts within the trench alignment and width shall be
documented in-situ, to include photographic records, plan view of the
trench and profiles of sidewalls, recovered, photographed after cleaning
and analyzed and curated.
b. The remainder of the deposit within the limits of excavation (trench walls)
shall be left intact.
c. The Final Results Report shall include a requirement for monitoring of any
future work in the vicinity.
5. Human Remains
If human remains are discovered, work shall halt in that area and procedures set
forth in the California Public Resources Code (Sec. 5097.98) and State Health
and Safety Code (Sec. 7050.5) as follows:
a. Notification
1) Archaeological Monitor shall notify the PI, CM and ECO/P.
2) The PI shall notify the County Coroner after consultation.
b. Stop work and isolate discovery site
1) CM/ECO/P, as appropriate, shall stop work immediately in the
location of the discovery and any nearby area reasonably suspected
to overlay adjacent human remains until a determination can be
made by the County Coroner in consultation with the PI concerning
the origin of the remains and the cause of death.
2) The County Coroner, in consultation with the PI, shall determine
the need for a field investigation to examine the remains and
establish a cause of death.
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-18
3) If a field investigation is not warranted, the PI, in consultation with
the County Coroner, shall determine if the remains are of Native
American origin.
c. If Human Remains are Native American
1) The Coroner shall notify the Native American Historic Commission
(NAHC). (By law, ONLY the Coroner can make this call.)
2) NAHC will identify the person or persons it believes to be the Most
Likely Descendent (MLD).
3) The MLD may make recommendations to the landowner or PI
responsible for the excavation work to determine the treatment,
with appropriate dignity, of the human remains and any associated
grave goods (PRC 5097.98).
d. If Human Remains are not Native American
1) The PI shall contact the NAHC and notify them of the historical
context of the burial.
2) NAHC will identify the person or persons it believes to be the MLD.
3) The MLD may make recommendations to the landowner or PI
responsible for the excavation work to determine the treatment of
the human remains (PRC 5097.98).
4) If the remains are of historic origin, they shall be appropriately
removed and conveyed to the Museum of Man for analysis. The
decision for reinterment of the human remains shall be made in
consultation with ECO/P, the landowner, the NAHC and the
Museum of Man.
e. Disposition of Human Remains
The landowner, or his authorized representative, shall reinter the Native
American human remains and any associated grave goods, with
appropriate dignity, on the property in a location not subject to further
subsurface disturbance, IF:
1) The NAHC is unable to identify the MLD, OR the MLD failed to
make a recommendation within 24 hours after being notified by the
Commission; OR;
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-19
2) The landowner or authorized representative rejects the
recommendation of the MLD and mediation in accordance with
PRC 5097.94 (k) by the NAHC fails to provide measures acceptable
to the landowner…
5. Notification of Completion
The Archaeologist shall notify the ECO/P, in writing of the end date of
monitoring.
Post ConstructionPost ConstructionPost ConstructionPost Construction
1. Handling and Curation of Artifacts and Letter of Acceptance
a. The Archaeologist shall be responsible for ensuring that all cultural
remains collected are cleaned, catalogued, and permanently curated with
an appropriate institution; that a letter of acceptance from the curation
institution has been submitted to the Planning Development; that all
artifacts are analyzed to identify function and chronology as they relate to
the history of the area; that faunal material is identified as to species; and
that specialty studies are completed, as appropriate.
b. Curation of artifacts associated with the survey, testing and/or data
recovery for this project shall be completed in consultation with ECO/P
and the Native American representative, as applicable.
3. Final Results Reports (Monitoring and Research Design and Data Recovery
Program)
a. Within three months following the completion of monitoring, two copies
of the Final Results Report (even if negative) and/or evaluation report, if
applicable, which describes the results, analysis, and conclusions of the
Archaeological Monitoring Program (with appropriate graphics) shall be
submitted to ECO/P for approval.
b. For significant archaeological resources encountered during monitoring,
the Research Design and Data Recovery Program shall be included as part
of the Final Results Report.
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-20
4. Recording Sites with State of California Department of Park and Recreation
The Archaeologist shall be responsible for recording (on the appropriate State of
California Department of Park and Recreation forms-DPR 523 A/B) any
significant or potentially significant resources encountered during the
Archaeological Monitoring Program in accordance with the City's Historical
Resources Guidelines, and submittal of such forms to the South Coastal
Information Center with the Final Results Report.
Paleontological ResourcesPaleontological ResourcesPaleontological ResourcesPaleontological Resources
1. Projects that may impact paleontologically sensitive areas (i.e., formations that
have been assigned high or moderate paleontological resource sensitivity), will
require paleontological monitoring onsite during all phases of initial and
subsequent cutting of undisturbed formational sediments in order to make
salvage collections of any invertebrate, vertebrate or paleobotanical fossils that
are encountered or unearthed.
2. Collected fossils shall be cleaned and/or prepared to a point of identification, and
then curated to museum standards (cataloging of locality and specimen data,
numbering, identification, labeling) before being deposited in an appropriate
public facility (or facilities) that can provide permanent archival storage (so that
specimens are available for future scientific study). A report detailing the
mitigation shall be prepared, even if negative, which will include necessary maps,
graphics, and fossil lists to document the paleontological monitoring program.
3. Paleontological monitoring will be required for all exposures of the Santiago
Formation and of Pleistocene marine terrace and estuarine deposits. A museum
collections and records search will precede any field work, in order to more
precisely define any areas that might need particular attention during monitoring
of construction related activities. Monitoring is not necessary in areas mapped as
granitic (tonalite, gabbro) or metavolcanic rock.
4. These general guidelines shall be followed when planning for a project
component which requires paleontological monitoring:
a. The paleontologist or paleontological monitor shall attend any
preconstruction/pregrading meetings to consult with City/District staff
and the excavation contractor.
4.4 Cultural Resources
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.4-21
b. The paleontologist or paleontological monitor shall be onsite full-time
during excavation into previously undisturbed formations. The
monitoring time may be decreased at the discretion of the paleontologist
in consultation with the City/District.
c. If significant fossils are encountered, the paleontologist shall have the
authority to divert or temporarily halt construction activities in the area of
discovery to allow recovery of fossil remains, and shall immediately
contact the City/District. The determination of significance shall be at the
discretion of the paleontologist.
d. Construction activities in the area of discovery shall resume upon
notification by the paleontologist that fossil remains have been recovered.
The paleontologist shall be responsible for preparation of fossils to a point
of identification and submittal of a letter of acceptance from a local
qualified curation facility. The paleontologist shall record any discovered
fossil sites at the San Diego Natural History Museum.
e. Within three months following termination of the paleontological
monitoring program, the contractor shall provide a monitoring letter
report (with appropriate graphics) to the City/District summarizing the
results (even if negative), analyses and conclusions of the above program.
4.4.54.4.54.4.54.4.5 Residual Impacts after MitigationResidual Impacts after MitigationResidual Impacts after MitigationResidual Impacts after Mitigation
Cultural Resources. With the implementation of the mitigation measures identified
in Section 4.4.4, impacts would be reduced to less than significant.
Paleontological Resources. With the implementation of the mitigation measures
identified in Section 4.4.4, impacts would be reduced to less than significant.
4.5 Geology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and Soils
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.5-1
4.54.54.54.5 GEOLOGY AND SOILSGEOLOGY AND SOILSGEOLOGY AND SOILSGEOLOGY AND SOILS
The purpose of this section is to assess general geologic conditions and identify potential
geologic impacts, geotechnical hazards, and effects to mineral resources in the project
areas. The information used in this analysis is general in nature and is derived from the
most readily available information found in applicable resource and planning
documents. Site-specific geotechnical analyses were not performed for the project
areas.
General geologic and soil resource conditions were researched through the use of
reports and data produced by the California Department of Conservation (DOC), the
California Geological Survey (CGS, formerly the Division of Mines and Geology), San
Diego State University Geology Department, the City General Plan (1994) and
associated General Plan Master EIR (1994), the City and County of San Diego online
geographical database (www.SanGIS.org), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS, formerly the Soil Conservation Service).
A complete listing of these references is included in Chapter 9.0.
4.5.14.5.14.5.14.5.1 Existing ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting Conditions
SoilsSoilsSoilsSoils
The study area contains seven general soil associations as indicated by the San Diego
County Soil Survey (1996). Soils associations are useful for developing a general idea of
the soils in an area and for determining the value of an area for certain uses. The
following discussion outlines these soil classifications.
1. Marina-Chesterton Association: This association consists of somewhat
excessively drained to moderately well drained loamy coarse sands and fine
sandy loams that have a subsoil of sandy clay over a hardpan. This soil type is
located between sea level and 400 feet above mean sea level and occurs on grades
of 2 to 15 percent (NRCS 1973).
2. Salinas-Corralitos Association: This consists of moderately well-drained to
somewhat excessively drained clays, clay loams, and loamy sands on alluvial fans,
on 0 to 9 percent slopes.
3. Cieneba-Fallbrook Association (Very Rocky): These soils are excessively
drained to well-drained coarse sandy loams and sandy loams that have a sandy
4.5 Geology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and Soils
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.5-2
clay loam subsoil over decomposed granodiorite. These soils occur between 200
and 3,000 feet above mean sea level and occur on 9 to 75 percent slopes.
4. Exchequer-San Miguel Association: Rocky, well drained silt loams over
metavolcanic rock, typically on 0 to 30 percent slopes.
5. Diablo-Altamont Association: Well drained clays are the major characteristic
of this association, normally found on 5 to 15 percent slopes.
6. Diablo-Las Flores Association: This association consists of well drained
clays and moderately well drained loamy fine sands that have a subsoil of sandy
clay. These soils occur between 100 and 600 feet above mean sea level and occur
on 9 to 30 percent slopes (NRCS 1973).
7. Las Flores-Huerhuero Association: This association consists of moderately
well-drained loamy fine sands to loams that have a subsoil of sandy clay or clay; 9
to 30 percent slopes.
FauFauFauFaults and Seismic Hazardslts and Seismic Hazardslts and Seismic Hazardslts and Seismic Hazards
The study area for the Master Plans is located within seismically active southern
California. Although this region in known to be akin to seismic events, there are no
known faults within the area, and no Alquist- Priolo Special Study Zones have been
identified (City of Carlsbad 1994). The primary off-shore faults include the Coronado
Bank, San Diego Trough and San Clemente systems. The main fault system in western
San Diego County is the Rose Canyon Fault which originates in Mission Bay, drops off
into the Pacific Ocean at La Jolla Shores and then runs north along the coast to
Oceanside. Several smaller faults exist on the San Diego Mesa, largely within the City of
San Diego. These faults include the Texas Street Fault, the Fortieth Street Fault, the La
Nacion Fault and the Florida Canyon Fault. Regional fault systems, including the San
Jacinto, San Andreas and Elsinore Faults are located to the east and north of the study
area (Kern 1989).
Liquefaction and dynamic settlement of soils can be caused by strong vibratory motion
resulting from seismic activity. Research and historical data indicate that loose,
granular soils are susceptible to these effects, while the stability of most silty clay and
clay soils is not adversely affect by vibratory motion. Among granular soils, finer
textured varieties are most susceptible to liquefaction than coarse-grained types, and
soils of uniform grain size are more likely to liquefy than well-graded materials. There
4.5 Geology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and Soils
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.5-3
are limited areas in the City which are considered potentially subject to liquefaction,
including areas west of El Camino Real, the areas in and around lagoons, and along the
beaches (City of Carlsbad 1994).
Mineral ResourcesMineral ResourcesMineral ResourcesMineral Resources
The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 requires the State Board of Mining and
Geology and the State Geologist to prepare mineral resource reports that designate
mineral deposits of statewide or of regional significance. The process involves
classification and designation. Classification inventories select mineral commodities
within a defined study area. These are areas where adequate information indicates that
significant mineral deposits are present or where it is judged that a high likelihood for
their presence exists. Designation identifies deposits of regional or statewide
significance which are available from a land use perspective. The CGS characterizes
mineral potential according to their Mineral Resource Zone (MRZ) categories. Areas
classified as MRZ-1 are considered to have little likelihood of containing significant
deposits suitable for production as high-quality aggregate. Areas classified as MRZ-2
have a high likelihood that significant deposits of PCC grade aggregate exist. Areas
classified as MRZ-3 are areas containing aggregate deposits, the significance of which
cannot be evaluated from existing data or available information. And finally, MRZ-4
denotes areas where not enough information is known to determine if mineral deposits
are present or if they are significant. These areas do not fit into any other MRZ zone
(CGS 1996).
The majority of the project study area is located in a MRZ-3 zone (CGS 1996). Also, a
portion of the study area immediately south of SR78/College Boulevard intersection
that extends toward Lake Calavera, is designated as MRZ-2. This zone consists of the
South Coast Materials Company Carlsbad Quarry. This MRZ-2 zone indicates the
presence of significant mineral deposits or the high likelihood that they exist.
Mineral resources within the City of Carlsbad are no longer being extracted and utilized
as exploitable natural resources. There are several abandoned gravel pit operations
within City limits, and two abandoned salt evaporation ponds; one is near the south
shore of the Buena Vista Lagoon and the other one is north of La Costa Avenue near the
eastern perimeter of the Batiquitos Lagoon (City of Carlsbad 1994). 4.5.24.5.24.5.24.5.2 SignificanceSignificanceSignificanceSignificance CriteriaCriteriaCriteriaCriteria
The project components would have a significant effect related to geology and soils if it
4.5 Geology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and Soils
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.5-4
would:
! Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the
risk of loss, injury or death involving:
(i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist
for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault (based
on the Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42);
(ii) Strong seismic ground shaking;
(iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction; or
(iv) Landslides;
! Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil;
! 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;
! Be located on expansive soils, as defined in Table 18 - 1-B of the Uniform Building
Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property;
! 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;
! Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of
future value to the region and the residents of the State; or
! Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery
site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan.
4.5 Geology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and Soils
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.5-5
4.5.34.5.34.5.34.5.3 Impact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact Analysis
At this program level of analysis, the actual level of impact cannot be determined. That
is, project components would require site-specific geotechnical studies for engineering
and design, which would determine the actual level of environmental impact. These
future geotechnical investigations will describe site-specific conditions and suggest
mitigation measures for the issues outlined in this Program EIR section. As such,
impacts would be presumably reduced to less than significant at the project level once
detailed project data can be assessed and mitigation measures are implemented. No
unmitigable significant effects are anticipated. More detailed analysis follows.
SoilsSoilsSoilsSoils
Potentially significant construction-related impacts associated with the Master Plans
include encountering unstable soil and rock conditions and exposure of oversize rock
material during grading. The design of each project component would be accompanied
by a geotechnical evaluation that would indicate if such hazards were present. If the
geotechnical study so indicated, the proposed facility site would be relocated to a
nonhazardous area.
The specific soil types each project component will impact at this time are unknown.
Assuming a site-specific geotechnical study is completed, additional information
regarding content, expansiveness, stability, potential for subsidence and compactibility
will be determined during project planning and design. Appropriate mitigation
measures would be incorporated into the design to reduce the potential for significant
effects. Also, septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal methods are not proposed
as part of the Master Plans. For this program level of analysis, impacts would be less
than significant.
During the construction of proposed Master Plan components, erosion could be
accelerated which could undermine slopes, create siltation of surface waters, and expose
and damage underground facilities. All construction must be performed in accordance
with the requirements of the Carlsbad Grading Ordinance, which requires the control of
erosion during construction and the stabilization of all disturbed surfaces upon
completion of construction. It is not anticipated that the project would result in
substantial soil erosion or significant losses of topsoil.
4.5 Geology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and Soils
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.5-6
Faults and Seismic HazardsFaults and Seismic HazardsFaults and Seismic HazardsFaults and Seismic Hazards
The study area is located within seismically active southern California. Master Plan
components are not anticipated to traverse known faults associated with the Rose
Canyon Fault System. Additionally, due to the project design feature in Table 2-5 which
requires that all project components be constructed in accordance with Uniform
Building Code requirements related to protection against seismic instability, subsidence
and liquefaction hazards and stability impacts would be less than significant.
The proposed project components may be locally subject to seismically induced
secondary effects related to liquefaction, lateral spreading, local subsidence of soil, and
vibrational damage. Pipelines are replaced or rehabilitated typically by trenching and
backfill, underground. The pipe is supported on bedding material, and at least six to
eight inches of clearance is left between the pipe and trench walls. Suitable granular
pipe zone material is placed around and on top of the pipe. Backfill must consist of
suitable material, free of organic material, debris, and large rocks. This construction
method absorbs energy during seismic events and relieves susceptibility to ground
motion that would cause rupture of the pipe. Because of the construction specifications
described above, impacts associated with seismic hazard are not considered significant.
The two Master Plans include a number of sizable new facilities, pump stations,
pressure reducing stations, and reservoirs. City engineering requirements implemented
during the planning and design of such facilities require a thorough geotechnical
evaluation before final plans are approved. Recommendations for remedial action, if
needed, that are identified in the geotechnical report must be implemented by the
construction contractor. This process is designed to avoid the potential for significant
seismic and geological hazards associated with such facilities.
Reservoirs may pose a potential threat to surrounding areas in a seismic event.
However, for seismic events of the most common intensities, aboveground reservoirs
usually do not rupture but, if ground movement is sufficient, move about as a unit on
the building pad. Damage to offsite areas from ruptured reservoirs has been a rare
event in southern California in recent decades. Construction of these reservoirs is
preceded by a geotechnical study intended to identify the maximum intensity of ground
acceleration most likely to occur at a given locality (the “maximum credible event”), and
the reservoir is designed to resist damage in such an event. Steel reservoirs are designed
to meet the seismic safety standards of the American Water Works Association, and
concrete reservoirs are designed to meet the seismic safety standards of the Structural
Engineering Association of California.
4.5 Geology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and Soils
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.5-7
Mineral ResourcesMineral ResourcesMineral ResourcesMineral Resources
No project components are located within designated MRZ-1 or MRZ-2 zones. The
South Coast Materials Company Carlsbad Quarry and associated MRZ-2 zone are
located east of and away from project components. There would not be impacts to the
known aggregate resources associated with the quarry.
The remaining components of the Master Plans are all located within MRZ-3 zones.
Due to the necessity of performing a site-specific geotechnical investigation, additional
information regarding the unknown content of MRZ-3 zones will be explored at the time
of project-specific detailed planning and engineering studies. Due to the general nature
of information available at this program level of analysis, impacts are anticipated to be
less than significant. 4.5.44.5.44.5.44.5.4 Mitigation MeasuresMitigation MeasuresMitigation MeasuresMitigation Measures
No significant geology and soils impacts have been identified; mitigation measures are
not required.
4.5.54.5.54.5.54.5.5 Residual Impact After MitigationResidual Impact After MitigationResidual Impact After MitigationResidual Impact After Mitigation
Impacts would be less than significant.
4.5 Geology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and Soils
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.5-8
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
4.6 Hazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous Materials
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.6-1
4.64.64.64.6 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALSHAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALSHAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALSHAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 4.6.14.6.14.6.14.6.1 Existing ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting Conditions
The purpose of this hazards and hazardous materials section is to identify potential
hazards associated with development of project components, and to identify project
design features and mitigation measures that will reduce potential impacts to a less than
significant level. No Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I or II) were conducted for
this Program EIR, principally due to the large number and scale of project components.
The project has the potential to cause different types of hazards and hazardous materials
impacts. These potential hazards include natural hazards such as those associated with
development of a project component in high fire hazard areas. Other potential hazards
are related to human activities. These hazards include the potential for leaks or spills of
raw sewage from pipelines or sewage conveyance facilities, potential for leaks or spills of
petroleum fuels during construction and operation of the project, and the potential for
disturbance of a site containing hazardous materials. The project also has the potential
to cause hazards due to its proximity to the McClellan-Palomar Airport in the City of
Carlsbad.
Hazardous Materials and HazardousHazardous Materials and HazardousHazardous Materials and HazardousHazardous Materials and Hazardous Material Sites Material Sites Material Sites Material Sites
According the City’s General Plan Master EIR (1994), approximately 75 percent of
registered hazardous substances in the City are located at gas stations and auto-related
businesses. All gas station are located on land which is commercially designated on the
General Plan. Smaller scale auto service uses such as body shops and repair shops are
generally located along State Street. Other small scale uses such as dry cleaners,
medical/dental offices and veterinary clinics use and produce extremely small quantities
of hazardous materials and waste annually and are also distinguished largely through
the City’s commercially designated land use areas.
The large-scale use of hazardous materials is well defined in the community, and is
restricted primarily to industrially allocated land in business parks surrounding the
airport and west of I-5 along Avenida Encinas. The majority of these uses are either
related to semi-conductor production or the biotech industry. Additionally, small-scale
aviation-related businesses (which may store aviation fuel) are located near McClellan-
Palomar Airport. The only industrial business operating on land without an industrial
General Plan designation is the South Coast Asphalt Company on Haymar Road. This
business uses quarrying and road surface materials.
4.6 Hazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous Materials
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.6-2
Utilities, such as San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE) and the Encina WPCF, use some
hazardous materials in their operations but they do not directly manufacture or dispose
of hazardous materials as their primary purpose. These sites are designated Public
Utility on the General Plan and Zoning Maps.
There are two former waste disposal facilities located in the City. The first site is
adjacent to the south side of McClellan-Palomar Airport. This site was used for disposal
of household waste between 1962 and 1975. No hazardous materials have been
identified at the site, and it was closed and capped by the County of San Diego in
accordance with Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. The second site is
located in the far northeastern corner of the City, and was also used for the burning of
municipal waste. The site has not been operational since 1961 and has since been
redeveloped (City of Carlsbad 1994). There are no known illegal dumps with hazardous
materials within the City.
The construction phase of the proposed project would involve the transport of gasoline
and other fuels to project sites for the sole purpose of equipment fueling.
Transportation of hazardous materials is overseen by the County of San Diego
Department of Health Services.
Airport Safety HazardAirport Safety HazardAirport Safety HazardAirport Safety Hazard
McClellan-Palomar Airport is located approximately four miles southeast of the
Carlsbad Village Area and is a general aviation, publicly owned airport facility.
SANDAG acts as the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) for the San Diego region
under 1970 state legislation and is charged with developing airport Comprehensive Land
Use Plans (CLUP). In cooperation with the County of San Diego, SANDAG has prepared
a CLUP for the McClellan-Palomar Airport in order to “identify areas likely to be
impacted by noise and flight activity created by aircraft operations at the airport,” and
“preclude incompatible development from intruding into areas of significant risk
resulting from aircraft takeoffs and landing patterns,” (1994 CLUP p. 5).
The CLUP identifies Airport Influence Areas. These are areas adjacent to airports which
are likely to be affected by noise from aircraft operations at the airport. Within the
larger Airport Influence Area, other operational areas, such as the Flight Activity Zone
(FAZ), are also identified which reflect specific aircraft operational overflight patterns as
outlined in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The Airport Influence
Area represents the outer boundary of the ALUC’s planning and review authority and is
4.6 Hazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous Materials
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.6-3
primarily concerned with development compatibility issues associated with noise
impacts and aircraft impacts in the airport vicinity.
The FAZ for the McClellan-Palomar Airport was determined based upon noise, flight
hazards, and obstruction criteria in accordance with the CalTrans Division of
Aeronautics 1983 Airport Land Use Planning Handbook. This handbook includes
several examples of airport safety zone shapes based on accident potential. The
McClellan-Palomar Airport’s FAZ is identified as containing potential operational flight
activity hazards and “areas which should be held free from intensive development”
(1994 CLUP p.12). In turn the CLUP defines “intensive development” as residential of
more than 10 dwelling units per acre, “including high rise development and all uses
which involve the assembly of large groups of people (more than 100)” (1994 CLUP p.
12-13). Several project components are located within the McClellan-Palomar Airport’s
FAZ as delineated by the CLUP, and several project components are within two miles of
the airport.
Wildfire HazardsWildfire HazardsWildfire HazardsWildfire Hazards
The project components would primarily be located within developed areas and
roadways; however, portions of the proposed project are located within and adjacent to
open space areas with potentially flammable materials such as brush, grass or trees. 4.6.24.6.24.6.24.6.2 Significance CriteriaSignificance CriteriaSignificance CriteriaSignificance Criteria
The project components would have a significant effect related to hazards and
hazardous materials if it would:
! Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine
transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials;
! Create a significant hazard to the public or environment through reasonably
foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous
materials into the environment;
! Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,
substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school;
! 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
4.6 Hazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous Materials
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.6-4
it create a significant hazard to the public or environment;
! For a project within an airport land use plan, or where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the
project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area;
! 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;
! Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan; or
! 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.
4.6.34.6.34.6.34.6.3 Impact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact Analysis
Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Material SitesHazardous Materials and Hazardous Material SitesHazardous Materials and Hazardous Material SitesHazardous Materials and Hazardous Material Sites
Impacts due to release of hazardous materials during the construction and operation of
project components would be less than significant with incorporation of the project
design features described in Table 2-5. More detail on types of hazards impacts is given
below.
During the operational stage of the proposed project, pipe rupture or lift station failure
could result in spillage of raw sewage, and exposure of the public and the environment
to health hazards. However, the pipelines would be constructed with polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) pipe, which is highly resistant to rupture. In addition, pump stations included as
part of the project are designed with safety features, including an emergency generator
in case of electrical failure, and sufficient sewage detainment capacity in the event of
generator and/or pump mechanism failure. This would allow time for repair and/or
emergency conveyance of the sewage. Should emergency leaks or spills occur, the Sewer
Prevention and Response Plan for the CSD will be implemented.
The storage of chemicals and use of petroleum fuel will be required for stationary
engines present at some of the pump stations during operation of the proposed project.
The use, storage, transportation, and disposal of these substances is regulated by the
County Department of Hazardous Waste Management, and will be conducted according
to all applicable state, federal and local regulations. The adherence to statutory
4.6 Hazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous Materials
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.6-5
standards and practices of the proposed project components will reduce the risk of an
explosion or release of hazardous substances to the environment due to an accident or
upset conditions. Also, no use of extremely hazardous materials such as gaseous
chlorine or other chemicals is proposed; therefore, impacts would not be significant.
Although the City has relatively few known hazardous materials sites, there is the
possibility that unknown sites exist. Also, while some water and sewer master plan
facilities would be located within a quarter mile of existing schools, no hazardous
emissions would occur (more information on emissions is described in Section 4.2, Air
Quality). However, additional project-level analysis is required to determine the
significance of potential hazard effects for all project components. Since hazardous
materials sites are subject to changing conditions; e.g., closure of known sites, discovery
of new hazardous materials sites, site leakages, and/or remediation of existing sites, it is
not appropriate to make a project-level significance determination at this program level
of analysis. Details on the known hazardous materials locations would need to be
investigated at the project level of analysis for individual project components to
determine the specifics on location, type, and status of hazardous materials sites that
may be affected. The analysis would include a discussion of whether any project
component would be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials
sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5. Accordingly, a project
design feature to prepare site-specific hazardous materials analyses has been
incorporated in Table 2-5 to ensure impacts remain at a less than significant level.
Airport Safety HazardAirport Safety HazardAirport Safety HazardAirport Safety Hazard
As discussed above under Existing Conditions, several project components would be
located within the Palomar-McClellan Airport Influence Area and FAZ. The project
does not involve any construction or long-term operational features that would result in
an airport safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. Activities at
Palomar-McClellan Airport would be unaffected by the proposed project. Impacts
would be less than significant.
Emergency Response PlansEmergency Response PlansEmergency Response PlansEmergency Response Plans
As noted above, the use, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials is
regulated by the County Department of Hazardous Waste Management, and will be
conducted according to all applicable state, federal and local regulations. The adherence
to statutory standards and practices of the proposed project components will reduce the
risk of an explosion or release of hazardous substances to the environment due to an
4.6 Hazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous MaterialsHazards and Hazardous Materials
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.6-6
accident or upset conditions. In order to reduce the potential for construction traffic
conflicts which may include emergency evacuation plans, a traffic control plan would
need to be developed as part of the project, as described in Table 2-5 (also see Section
4.10, Transportation/Circulation). With the prescribed traffic control plan and
adherence to applicable regulations, the project would not significantly impair
implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan.
Wildfire HazardsWildfire HazardsWildfire HazardsWildfire Hazards
Due to the undeveloped nature of land and potentially flammable materials such as
brush, grass or trees surrounding several project components, construction would pose
a slight risk of wildland fires. There is a project design feature listed in Table 2-5 to
prepare a brush management plan and to disseminate fire safety information to
construction crews would help to ensure impacts would not be significant. As such, the
project would not 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.
4.6.44.6.44.6.44.6.4 Mitigation MeasuresMitigation MeasuresMitigation MeasuresMitigation Measures
No significant impacts have been identified; mitigation measures are not necessary.
4.6.54.6.54.6.54.6.5 Residual Impacts after MitigationResidual Impacts after MitigationResidual Impacts after MitigationResidual Impacts after Mitigation
Impacts would be less than significant.
4.7 Hydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.7-1
4.74.74.74.7 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITYHYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITYHYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITYHYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
The purpose of this section is to assess general surface water hydrology and water
quality conditions and identify potential hydrology and water quality impacts in the
project areas. The information used in this analysis is general in nature and is derived
from the most readily available information found in applicable resource and planning
documents. Site-specific hydrology reports or drainage studies were not performed for
the project areas.
The general surface water hydrology and water quality conditions of the project area
were based on review of the Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (State
of California 1994), City of Carlsbad General Plan (1994) and General Plan Master EIR
(1994), and the City and County of San Diego online geographical database
(www.SanGIS.org) for floodplains. Aerial photography provided by Aerial Access 2002 ,
and vegetation cover created for the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (SANDAG
1995) were also reviewed to determine existing land cover and vegetative cover,
respectively. A complete listing of these references is included in Chapter 9.0.
4.7.14.7.14.7.14.7.1 Existing ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting Conditions
HydrologyHydrologyHydrologyHydrology
The project components are located within the San Diego Hydrologic Region, which
drains west into the Pacific Ocean. The San Diego Hydrologic Region encompasses
approximately 3,900 square miles and is further subdivided into 11 major watersheds.
The project components occur primarily in the Carlsbad Watershed. The Carlsbad
Watershed occupies approximately 210 square miles, extending from Lake Wohlford on
the east to the Pacific Ocean on the west and from Vista on the north to Cardiff-by-the-
Sea on the south. This watershed includes the cities of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas,
Vista, and Escondido. The watershed is drained by Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda, San
Marcos, and Escondido creeks and contains four coastal lagoons, including Buena Vista,
Agua Hedionda, Batiquitos, and San Elijo lagoons (Figure 4.7-1). The Carlsbad
Watershed is comprised of the following six drainage basins: Loma Alta, Buena Vista
Creek, Agua Hedionda, Encinas, San Marcos, and Escondido Creek. The project
components occur within the Buena Vista Creek, Agua Hedionda and Encinas drainage
basins. A few of the project components are located near Buena Vista Creek, Agua
Hedionda Creek, and San Marcos Creek and some of the major project components are
located near the Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda, and Batiquitos lagoons.
4.7 Hydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.7-2
One of the project components (component 32) is located within the San Luis Rey
Watershed, located immediately north of the Carlsbad Watershed (Figure 4.7-1). This
watershed is drained by the San Luis Rey River. Component 32 is located within the
Lower San Luis drainage basin.
FloodplainsFloodplainsFloodplainsFloodplains
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has mapped special flood hazard
areas which include land subject to the 100-year flood. A 100-year flood is defined as an
area of land that would be inundated by a flood having a 1 percent chance of occurring
in any given year (http://www.fema.gov, accessed April 2003). The 100-year flood is
the standard used by most federal and state agencies and by the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) for floodplain management and for flood insurance
purposes. Several project components would cross areas located within the 100-year
floodplains of Buena Vista Creek and Agua Hedionda Creek (Figure 4.7-1).
Water QualityWater QualityWater QualityWater Quality
The goal of the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) is to preserve and
enhance the quality of water resources in the San Diego Region for the benefit of present
and future generations (RWQCB 1994). In accordance with the federal Clean Water Act,
the RWQCB adopted a Water Quality Control Plan (1994) which recognized the
regional differences in existing water quality, the beneficial uses of the region’s ground
and surface waters, and local water quality conditions and problems.
As identified in the Water Quality Control Plan, the designated beneficial uses for
Buena Vista Creek, Agua Hedionda Creek, San Marcos Creek, and San Luis Rey River
may include the following:
! Municipal and domestic supply
! Agricultural supply
! Industrial service supply
! Contact water recreation
! Non-contact recreation
! Warm freshwater habitat
! Wildlife habitat
! Rare, threatened and endangered species
4.7 Hydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.7-3
Figure 4.7-1
11 x 17 color
4.7 Hydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.7-4
Figure 4.7-1
11x17 color backup
4.7 Hydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.7-5
Beneficial uses for Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda, and Batiquitos Lagoons may include
the following:
! Navigation
! Contact water recreation
! Non-contact recreation
! Commercial and sport fishing
! Estuarine habitat
! Wildlife habitat
! Rare, threatened and endangered species
! Marine habitat
! Aquaculture
! Migration of aquatic organisms
! Shellfish harvesting
! Warm freshwater habitat
Regulatory ConsiderationsRegulatory ConsiderationsRegulatory ConsiderationsRegulatory Considerations
The principle federal law regulating surface water quality is the 1972 Clean Water Act.
The Clean Water Act sets up a system of water quality standards, discharge limitations,
and permits. Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the USACOE regulates
discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the U.S. Activities that may result in
the dredge or fill of waters of the U.S. require issuance of a Section 404 permit from the
USACOE. Under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, a state water quality certification
must be obtained whenever an application for a federal permit for discharge of
pollutants into waters of the U.S., such as a Section 404 permit, is submitted. The
Section 401 certification requires any activity affecting waters of the U.S. be in
compliance with all applicable water quality standards, limitations and restrictions.
Division 7 of the California Water Code, commonly referred to as the state Porter-
Cologne Water Quality Act, is the principal state law enacted to establish requirements
for adequate planning, implementation, management, and enforcement for the control
of water quality. This act established a regulatory program to protect water quality and
beneficial uses of all state waters. The act also established the State Water Resources
Control Board (SWRCB) and RWQCB as state agencies responsible for water quality
control. For the San Diego Hydrologic Region, water quality is regulated by the
RWQCB, Region 9 of the SWRCB.
4.7 Hydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.7-6
Conformance with the Clean Water Act and Porter-Cologne Water Quality Act is
required for any discharges, including erosion, into waters of the U.S. through
compliance with the SWRCB’s NPDES General Construction Permit. Issuance of a
NPDES Permit requires preparation of a Notice of Intent with the SWRCB and
development of a SWPPP and monitoring program that incorporates applicable BMPs.
Construction activity would also be subject to the erosion control requirements set forth
in the City’s Grading Ordinance.
Other applicable regulations include Sections 1601-1603 of the California Fish and
Game Code. The CDFG regulates wetland areas as defined by the Fish and Game Code.
A Section 1601/1603 Streambed Alteration Agreement is required from CDFG whenever
CDFG jurisdictional wetlands are altered or fish or wildlife resources are adversely
affected. Additional information related to wetlands is found in Section 4.3, Biological
Resources.
4.7.24.7.24.7.24.7.2 Significance CriteriaSignificance CriteriaSignificance CriteriaSignificance Criteria
The project components would have a significant effect related to hydrology and water
quality if it would:
! Violate any water quality standards or waster discharge requirements;
! Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with ground
water recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a
lowering of the local ground water table level (i.e., the production rate of pre-
existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land
uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted);
! 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;
! Result in impacts to groundwater quality;
! 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;
4.7 Hydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.7-7
! Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including
through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase
the flow rate or amount (volume) of surface runoff in a manner, which would
result in flooding on- or off-site;
! Create or contribute runoff water, which would exceed the capacity of existing or
planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources
of polluted runoff;
! Otherwise substantially degrade water quality;
! Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a Federal Flood
Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood delineation map;
! Place within 100-year flood hazard area structures, which would impede or
redirect flood flows;
! 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;
! Result in inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow;
! Result in increased erosion (sediment) into receiving surface waters;
! Result in increased pollutant discharges (e.g., heavy metals, pathogens,
petroleum derivatives, synthetic organics, nutrients, oxygen-demanding
substances and trash) into receiving surface waters or other alteration of
receiving surface water quality (e.g., temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity);
! Result in changes to receiving water quality (marine, fresh or wetland waters)
during or following construction;
! Result in increases in any pollutant to an already impaired water body as listed
on the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list; or
! Result in the exceedance of applicable surface or groundwater receiving water
quality objectives or degradation of beneficial uses.
4.7 Hydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.7-8
4.7.34.7.34.7.34.7.3 Impact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact Analysis
This section presents the evaluation of potential impacts to hydrology, floodplains, and
water quality as a result of implementation of the Water and Sewer Master Plans. A
number of project design features that would help minimize the effects of the project on
water quality and hydrology are included in Table 2-5.
Potential impacts to hydrology, floodplains and water quality were evaluated by
overlaying the project components with the San Diego Hydrologic Basin Planning Area
Map (RWQCB 1994), aerial photography, MHCP vegetation cover and the SANDAG
digital coverage for floodplains. For this program level of analysis, a qualitative
assessment of the potential impacts to water resources was conducted. As future
project-specific information comes forth for individual project components, subsequent
analyses pursuant to CEQA will be conducted that may incorporate a quantitative
evaluation of impacts.
Water Quality and DrainageWater Quality and DrainageWater Quality and DrainageWater Quality and Drainage
For project components that occur in developed areas, such as roadways, no new
additional runoff into local drainages is anticipated upon completion of project
construction. During construction, runoff and sedimentation into nearby drainages
would be minimized and avoided through incorporation of project design features
described in Table 2-5, such as the use of gravel bags as erosion control measures. For
project components that would cross wetland areas, impacts to water quality could
occur as a result of runoff and sediment transport during construction activities.
Incorporation of project design features described below would minimize impacts to
water quality to less than significant.
Construction and operation of a number of project components may require dewatering
in pipeline trenches in order to place infrastructures underground. Dewatering of
groundwater may result in potential impacts to surface water quality due to the
unknown chemical makeup of groundwater. Dewatering and discharge activities are
subject to water quality guidelines outlined by the NPDES administered by the San
Diego RWQCB. In addition to dewatering, stockpiling of soil removed during
construction of trenches may result in sediment-laden runoff from construction sites.
The increase in total dissolved solids, minerals and other inorganic materials may enter
local drainages and exceed water quality standards.
4.7 Hydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.7-9
Because violation of water quality standards may occur during dewatering, discharge,
and trenching associated with construction of project components, impacts to water
quality are considered potentially significant.
As stated in Section 4.7.1, there are a number of project components located adjacent to
the Agua Hedionda Creek and Lagoon, and the Buena Vista Lagoon. These water bodies
are identified on the SWRCB’s 2002 Section 303(d) List of Water Quality Limited
Segments. Under Section 303(d) of the 1972 Clean Water Act, states, territories and
authorized tribes are required to develop a list of water quality limited segments. These
waters on the list do not meet water quality standards, even after point sources of
pollution have installed the minimum required levels of pollution control technology.
The project components under both master plans that have the potential to affect the
303(d) water bodies are identified in Tables S-1 and S-2 and would result in potentially
significant impacts to water quality.
Hydrology and GroundwaterHydrology and GroundwaterHydrology and GroundwaterHydrology and Groundwater
The proposed project involves both minor improvements such as manhole replacements
and major improvements such as replacement of a sewer main. The construction and
operation of the proposed project would not use groundwater and would not directly
affect groundwater levels. Dewatering, a method which pumps groundwater into either
a surface water body or directly into a stormwater drainage system, may be required to
prepare sites for placement of proposed pipelines and other underground facilities;
however, the potential impact to groundwater would be temporary and would not
substantially deplete groundwater supplies. Also, the amount of groundwater that
would be directed to stormwater drainage systems would not exceed capacity for those
systems. Impacts to hydrology and groundwater supplies would be less than significant.
FloodplainsFloodplainsFloodplainsFloodplains
Several project components are located in the 100-year floodplain, as defined by FEMA,
and would continue to cross the 100-year floodplain with implementation of
improvements to project components. The proposed project involves replacement of
manholes, sewer mains and modifications to pump stations and pipelines. No housing
is proposed as part of the project, therefore no impacts to housing as a result of flooding
would occur with implementation of the proposed project. It is unlikely that the project
components occurring within the 100-year floodplain would impede or redirect flow
because the majority of the project components would be placed underground. All areas
4.7 Hydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.7-10
within the floodplain would return to pre-construction contours. The flood capacity
would not be altered as a result of the proposed project. Floodplains impacts would be
less than significant.
Based on this program level of analysis, impacts would potentially occur to all project
components located within the 100-year floodplain, as defined by FEMA. The
potentially significant impacts would be associated with the loss of any project
components as result of the scouring action by a flood. Implementation of the
mitigation measure described in Section 4.7.4 would reduce potential impacts to below a
level of significance.
Dredge and fill activities that occur within a floodplain would require the appropriate
permits from the ACOE, CDFG and RWQCB. Additional mitigation measures may be
required as part of those permits and these site-specific measures would be developed
once project level information is assembled for a project component.
Other ImpactOther ImpactOther ImpactOther Impactssss
The project would not result in an increased potential for inundation by seiche, tsunami,
or mudflow. Implementation of the master plans would not affect the potential for
these events to occur; impacts would be less than significant.
4.7.44.7.44.7.44.7.4 MitigatioMitigatioMitigatioMitigation Measuresn Measuresn Measuresn Measures
Implementation of the following mitigation measure will reduce the likelihood of a loss
of a structure within a floodplain during a flood event.
! For projects proposed with the 100-year floodplain, a scour analysis of the
floodplains associated with Buena Vista and Agua Hedionda creeks shall be
completed during final project design to determine the likelihood for washout of
a pipeline or project facility during a flood event. Design and construction
specification of the pipeline will incorporate recommendations from the report to
ensure that potential impacts from scouring do not comprise the integrity of the
pipeline. The list of projects located within the 100-year floodplain is found in
Tables S-1 and S-2.
In addition to incorporation of project design features shown in Table 2-5, mitigation
measures described below shall be implemented in order to reduce impacts to water
4.7 Hydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.7-11
quality to less than significant.
! Dewatering activities will be conducted in accordance with standard regulations
of the RWQCB. A dewatering permit will be obtained.
! Discharge of groundwater will require a NPDES General Storm Water Permit
that will include provisions for implementation of BMPs to reduce potential
water quality impacts.
! 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.
! Potential water quality impacts to 303(d) listed water bodies (Agua Hedionda
Creek and Lagoon, Buena Vista Lagoon) will be assessed as part of project-level
water quality analyses for each individual project component with a potential to
affect these water bodies. The list of project components that would potentially
affect the 303(d) water bodies is found in Tables S-1 and S-2.
4.7.54.7.54.7.54.7.5 Residual Impacts After MitigationResidual Impacts After MitigationResidual Impacts After MitigationResidual Impacts After Mitigation
All impacts are mitigable to a level below significance by implementation of the
measures listed in Table 2-5 and in Section 4.7.4; the residual impact is less than
significant.
4.7 Hydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water QualityHydrology and Water Quality
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.7-12
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
4.8 Land UseLand UseLand UseLand Use and Planning and Planning and Planning and Planning
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.8-1
4.84.84.84.8 LAND USE AND PLANNINGLAND USE AND PLANNINGLAND USE AND PLANNINGLAND USE AND PLANNING
This chapter evaluates the physical and policy-level impacts of the proposed project on
existing, planned, and proposed land uses. The land use analysis of existing land uses
was based on a review of land use maps, aerial photographs, and limited site visits.
Planned land use information was obtained from applicable planning documents of the
affected jurisdictions. A review of the City of Carlsbad’s files pertaining to planned or
recently proposed projects within the project study area was also conducted, and City
planning staff were consulted.
Aside from impacts to the existing and planned land uses analyzed by this section, a
number of additional land use related topics are addressed elsewhere in this Program
EIR. Aesthetics is discussed in Section 4.1; Air Quality issues are described in Section
4.2; Noise is discussed in Section 4.9, and Traffic issues are discussed in Section 4.10.
4.8.14.8.14.8.14.8.1 Existing ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting Conditions
Land use planning and development approval is guided by federal, state, and local
governmental agencies and their adopted policies and ordinances. Each jurisdiction is
responsible for maintaining a quality environment for its citizens and users through
adoption of long-range planning documents. These documents contain goals, policies,
implementation procedures, and regulatory controls to guide and enforce conformance.
The most common guide used by local jurisdictions to define land use patterns is the
general plan. Land use elements of general plan documents typically contain those
policies and maps governing land use compatibility within the jurisdiction. All zoning
within a jurisdiction must be consistent with the plans, programs, and policies of the
general plan. The proposed project includes multiple components that are
geographically dispersed, predominantly located within the City of Carlsbad. For
illustrative purposes, Figure 2-2 shows the general location of project components in
relation to the affected jurisdictional entities. The applicable jurisdictions and their
adopted planning documents are discussed below, with an emphasis on the policies
contained in the respective community facility and land use elements.
Existing Land UseExisting Land UseExisting Land UseExisting Land Use
The City of Carlsbad is a coastal jurisdiction bordered generally on the north by the
cities of Oceanside and Vista, on the east by Vista and San Marcos, and on the south by
Encinitas. Approximately 68 percent of the City is undeveloped, with the remainder
being developed with a variety of land uses. Of the developed areas, 55 percent is
4.8 Land UseLand UseLand UseLand Use and Planning and Planning and Planning and Planning
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.8-2
residential uses, 17 percent is commercial and/or industrial use, and another 17 percent
is comprised of open space uses. The remaining 10 percent of the developed areas
consists of public uses and utility right-of-ways. The majority of existing commercial
development within the City is located along El Camino Real, immediately south of
Highway 78, and south of Cannon Road along I-5. In addition, existing commercial uses
predominate the City’s downtown along with numerous hotels and service stations along
the I-5. Industrial land uses are primarily concentrated within the City’s centralized
industrial corridor which surrounds Palomar Airport and extends in a broad band
generally to the eastern and western City limits. The majority of developed areas
located immediately north of Palomar Airport in the Carlsbad Research Center and at
the I-5 and Poinsettia Lane interchange consist of mixed industrial/commercial uses.
The majority of open space land is composed of three major lagoons located within the
City, including Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda and Batiquitos and their associated
tributaries. Other major open space areas include Calavera Lake and the Veteran’s
Memorial Park site. Dispersed Civic activities such as schools, parks, city buildings and
storage yards are located throughout the City.
Regulations and Planning PoliciesRegulations and Planning PoliciesRegulations and Planning PoliciesRegulations and Planning Policies
The Growth Management and Public Facilities Section of the City’s General Plan Land
Use Element contains goals and objectives, which outline the City’s desire to ensure the
timely provision of public facilities, and maintenance of its existing facilities, which will
adequately serve the projected population and preserve the quality of life of residents.
For example, policies within this Element of the General Plan require the City to ensure
pipeline capacity will meet demand, as determined by the CMWD and CSD,
concurrently with development, and cooperate with other jurisdictions to ensure the
timely provision of water distribution and sewage disposal capacity. The Public Utility
and Storm Drainage Facilities Section of the City’s Circulation Element also contains
relevant policies for the provision and maintenance of water and sewer infrastructure.
These policies include maintaining master plans for the expansion of local water and
sewer facilities, coordinating the planning and construction of public utilities with
existing public utilities in adjoining neighborhoods, and ensuring continued
coordination between the City and special utility districts and public utility companies
operating in Carlsbad.
San Diego County Multiple Habitat Conservation ProgramSan Diego County Multiple Habitat Conservation ProgramSan Diego County Multiple Habitat Conservation ProgramSan Diego County Multiple Habitat Conservation Program
As described in Section 4.3, the MHCP is a regional effort conducted in conjunction with
Section 10a of the Federal Endangered Species Act and the California Natural
4.8 Land UseLand UseLand UseLand Use and Planning and Planning and Planning and Planning
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.8-3
Communities Conservation Planning Act and is the framework for development of a
regional habitat preserve for many increasingly rare plant and wildlife species in
northwestern San Diego County. The MHCP is a multi-jurisdictional planning effort
which has included the cities of Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, Encinitas,
Carlsbad, and Solana Beach. Each city is tasked with developing a sub-area plan in
order to set about policies and regulatory mechanisms to carry out the goals outlined in
the regional MHCP.
Other Applicable Regional PlansOther Applicable Regional PlansOther Applicable Regional PlansOther Applicable Regional Plans
The project’s consistency with other applicable regional plans are analyzed in the
respective section of this Program EIR. These include the SANDAG Congestion
Management Plan and Regional Transportation Plan, which are addressed in Section
4.10; the Regional Air Quality Strategy (refer to Section 4.2); and the RWQCB Basin
Plan for the San Diego Basin (as identified in Section 4.7).
4.8.24.8.24.8.24.8.2 Significance Criteria Significance Criteria Significance Criteria Significance Criteria
The proposed project would have a significant effect on land use if it would:
! Physically divide an established community;
! Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with
jurisdiction over the project (including but not limited to the general plan,
specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose
of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect; or
! Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community
conservation plan.
4.8.34.8.34.8.34.8.3 Impact AImpact AImpact AImpact Analysisnalysisnalysisnalysis
The Master Plans include both major and minor project components, including facilities
for water storage, water distribution and sewer collection that interact with local land
uses in a number of ways. Most of the projects included in the Master Plans fall into two
major categories. The first category includes below-ground facilities such as pipelines
which are installed in easements or rights-of-way and do not have local land use effects
of significance after installation or rehabilitation, except when maintenance is required.
The second category includes more visible improvements such as water storage
4.8 Land UseLand UseLand UseLand Use and Planning and Planning and Planning and Planning
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.8-4
reservoirs, pump stations, and lift stations, which can be built partially or completely
aboveground.
Pipelines, and to a lesser extent other water and sewer infrastructure, are installed in
public rights-of-way in existing or planned roads as much as possible. During
construction and if maintenance is necessary, there are potential indirect impacts
associated with traffic and possible conflicts with other utilities. Impacts may also occur
in areas where pipelines are installed in public street rights-of-way or to natural
resources where pipelines leave public street rights-of-way to connect, for instance, to
reservoirs or pump stations.
As shown in Figure 2-2, a majority of proposed facility improvements will be
rehabilitated or constructed either on public property already developed with similar
facilities, or, in the case of pipelines, within existing public roadways and utility rights-
of-way. In some cases, pipelines may be routed in private or easement roads that
provide access to private property and residences. Construction for either installation of
new facilities or rehabilitation of existing components can affect access and the grade or
surfacing of the road. Therefore, as part of the project design features, the Districts will
be required to conduct the work in such a way that reasonable access is maintained
throughout and to restore road surfaces, in both public and private rights-of-way, to
their pre-existing condition or better (refer to Table 2-5).
Development and rehabilitation of the master planned facilities may occur in areas
where sensitive natural or cultural resources are present. It is the policy of the Districts
that wherever such impacts from projects within the scope of the Program EIR may
occur, they will be mitigated to a level below significance. General mitigation guidelines
are established in this Program EIR and are to be followed on a project-specific basis as
discussed in the Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, and Geology and Soils
sections of the document. These mitigation measures are designed to reduce the
potential impacts to below a level of significance.
The water components located near the Maerkle Reservoir (components 28 and 29) are
proposed to be constructed on undeveloped land, designated Open Space in the
Carlsbad General Plan. The Open Space designation does not preclude these necessary
utility/infrastructure facilities. Also, these facilities would be similar to the existing
Maerkle PS and reservoir, and would be consistent with the existing land use and would
not conflict with the Open Space designation. Component 28, the proposed reservoir,
would not be visually intrusive since it is proposed to be buried adjacent to the existing
reservoir. Enlarging the existing Maerkle PS (water component 29) would not alter the
existing land use of the site. Land use impacts would be less than significant.
4.8 Land UseLand UseLand UseLand Use and Planning and Planning and Planning and Planning
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.8-5
Water component 1, a proposed new watermain and PRS, would be located within
future Marron Road. Although the existing easterly section of the road is not built, the
watermain would be co-located within the future road, and land use impacts would be
less than significant. Also, a number of large water lines are proposed within future
roads that are being developed as part of other development projects in the City (as
shown in Figure 2-3 and described in Section 2.4). These include components 6, 9, 10,
12, 13, 14, 15, and 23. Since these facilities would be installed within future roads as part
of those projects, they would be compatible from a land use perspective and impacts
would not be significant. Further analysis is provided as part of the individual CEQA
reviews as identified in Table 2-2.
The proposed site for water component 20, the proposed pump station at the southeast
corner of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real, is designated Governmental
Facility in the City General Plan. The project would be consistent with this designation
and impacts would be less than significant.
The new water reservoir proposed adjacent to the existing D-3 reservoir (component 27)
would be located in a residential area, and due to its proposed siting adjacent to similar
infrastructure uses, land use impacts would be less than significant.
The proposed sewer lift station abandonments and improvement projects would not
result in any long-term land use conflicts. Lift station improvement projects would not
result in an alteration of the existing or planned land use. Similarly, removal of a lift
station would result in land being cleared of the aboveground facility and would not
result in land use effects.
For water component 32, located within the city of Oceanside, the abandonment of nine
water wells near Foussat Road is currently being reviewed in a separate CEQA
document (City of Carlsbad 2003). Within the City of San Marcos just east of Carlsbad,
water component 26 is located within the Palomar Airport Road right-of-way and due to
its proposed location, is unlikely to conflict with any land use plans of the City of San
Marcos.
Potential conflicts with utilities, including natural gas lines or electrical conduits, are
identified in the engineering and design stage of all projects. The Districts’ policy is to
coordinate all construction, repair, and maintenance activities with any other utility
owner whose facilities may be affected in the planning stage. Potential impacts are
mitigated to the greatest extent feasible and to a level below significance by this policy.
4.8 Land UseLand UseLand UseLand Use and Planning and Planning and Planning and Planning
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.8-6
Land Use CompatibilityLand Use CompatibilityLand Use CompatibilityLand Use Compatibility
The City retains authority for existing infrastructure and planned capacity
improvements to support all designated land uses in the City of Carlsbad General Plan.
The CMWD and CSD facilities are necessary infrastructure elements for all types of
development. The Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates were developed after a careful
survey of existing development, planned development, General Plan designations, and
other land use planning features and documents. As a result, the projected phasing and
intensity of future improvements are based on the most up-to-date land use information
available.
The Master Plans were designed to provide the City with orderly plans for the
development of water utilities to meet the present and future needs of the City as
reflected in the General Plan. The plans are therefore consistent with and provide a
blueprint for implementing the policies related to water and sewer infrastructure
expressed in the General Plan Land Use and Circulation Elements. As described in
Section 4.8.1, these policies mandate the orderly development of adequate water utility
facilities to meet existing needs and future growth requirements.
The Master Plan Updates are intended by the CMWD and CSD to implement the policies
of the General Plan Land Use Element in an integrated fashion, and have been designed
to be consistent with the General Plan. From a standpoint of local land use designations
and zoning, all project components in the Master Plan Updates are either compatible
with local land use regulations or would be compatible, subject to use permit
limitations. The projects would not physically divide an established community; once
construction is complete, the linear pipeline projects would not be noticeable. Land use
impacts would be less than significant.
Additionally, as discussed in the Transportation/Traffic section, potential impacts for
traffic will also be mitigated to the greatest extent feasible by coordination with the
affected planning departments, as well as all other agencies with jurisdiction over the
project. Where work is done in public street rights-of-way, project design plans will be
required to conform with the most current edition of the Caltrans Traffic Control
Manual. Further, all traffic control plans shall be designed in accordance with Caltrans’
Manual of Traffic Controls for Construction and Maintenance Work Zones. Adherence
with these project design features will ensure that traffic-related land use impacts do not
breach a level of significance (refer to Table 2.1).
4.8 Land UseLand UseLand UseLand Use and Planning and Planning and Planning and Planning
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.8-7
The coastal zone for the City of Carlsbad is located west of El Camino Real. As portions
of the proposed project are located in this area, they have the potential to affect the
Coastal Zone, and some activities will be subject to a Coastal Development Permit
(CDP). Since Carlsbad has an approved Local Coastal Program (LCP) as of 1996, the City
acts as the local permitting authority for the issuance of CDPs for projects located within
its Coastal Zone, with a few exceptions. There are “exclusionary areas” where the state
retains permitting authority. For example, Agua Hedionda Lagoon lies outside of
Carlsbad’s permitting authority, and projects in its vicinity would require a CDP from
the State California Coastal Commission. All projects in the Carlsbad coastal zone will
require review for consistency with the LCP and California Coastal Act prior to issuance
of a CDP. The future required review and issuance of CDPs would ensure that
infrastructure projects, particularly those located outside of public rights-of-way or
property or in sensitive areas, will be consistent with the LCP; individual components
would require this review on a project-by-project basis to ensure that impacts would be
less than significant.
For other development approvals by local jurisdictions outside the City of Carlsbad but
within the Districts’ service areas, project design engineers are required to coordinate
the design with the City. These projects might also require discretionary permits.
Future potential land use impacts that might result from a need for necessary
infrastructure improvements would be evaluated at the time of project design and
review.
The projects proposed in the Master Plan Updates would not conflict with any existing
general plan, coastal plan or any other land use plan or policy. Consequently, no
adverse impact to land use planning would result from implementation of the Master
Plans.
4.8.4 4.8.4 4.8.4 4.8.4 Mitigation MeasuresMitigation MeasuresMitigation MeasuresMitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required beyond those identified in the Biological
Resources, Cultural Resources, and Geology and Soils sections of this document.
4.8.5 4.8.5 4.8.5 4.8.5 Residual Impact After MitigationResidual Impact After MitigationResidual Impact After MitigationResidual Impact After Mitigation
Land use impacts would be less than significant.
4.8 Land UseLand UseLand UseLand Use and Planning and Planning and Planning and Planning
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.8-8
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
4.9 Noise
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.9-1
4.94.94.94.9 NOISENOISENOISENOISE
This section will provide existing noise guidelines information and analyze the proposed
project’s consistency with these guidelines. Noise is defined as unwanted or undesired
sound. Sound levels can be measured fairly easily, however, the variability is subjective
and physical response to sound complicates the identification of noise impacts. The
basic terminology and concepts of noise are described below.
Noise is generally defined as unwanted sound. The noise environment in the City of
Carlsbad is characterized by various levels of natural, man-made, and mechanical noise
generated from airborne, mobile, and stationary sources. Sound (noise) levels are
measured in decibels (dB). Table 4.9-1 depicts common sound levels for various noise
sources. Community noise levels are measured in terms of the A-weighted sound level.
The A-weighted scale adjusts the measured sound levels to generally correspond with
the way the human ear responds to sound. All sound levels discussed in this section are
A-weighted.
TABLE 4.9-1
TYPICAL SOUND LEVELS MEASURED IN
THE ENVIRONMENT AND INDUSTRY
NOISE SOURCE A-WEIGHTED SOUND LEVEL IN DECIBELS NOISE ENVIRONMENT SUBJECTIVE IMPRESSION
130
120 Threshold of Pain Civil Defense Siren (100 ft.)
110 Rock Music Concert
Pile Driver (50 ft.) 100 Very Loud
Power Lawn Mower (3 ft.)
Motorcycle (25 ft.) 90 Boiler Room
Diesel Truck (50 ft.) Printing Press Plant
Garbage Disposal (3 ft.) 80
Vacuum Cleaner (3 ft.) 70 Moderately Loud
60 Normal Conversation (3 ft.) Department Store
Light Traffic (100 ft.) 50 Private Business Office
Bird Calls (distant) 40 Quiet
30 Quiet Bedroom
20 Recording Studio
10 Threshold of Hearing Soft Whisper
0
* Table contents compiled through various sources. See references Section 9.0.
Additional units of measurement have been developed to evaluate the long-term
4.9 Noise
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.9-2
characteristics of sound. The equivalent sound level or Leq, also referred to as the
average sound level, is a single-number representing the fluctuating sound level in dB
over a specified period of time. It is a sound-energy average of the fluctuating level and
is equal to a constant unchanging sound of that dB level.
People are generally more sensitive and annoyed by noise during the evening and
nighttime. Therefore, another noise descriptor used in community noise assessments,
termed the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) was introduced. The CNEL
scale represents a time-weighted 24-hour sensitivity during the evening (7:00 p.m. to
10:00 p.m.) and nighttime hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) by adding five and ten decibels,
respectively, to the average sound levels occurring during these hours.
4.9.14.9.14.9.14.9.1 Existing ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting Conditions
According to the General Plan (1994), the primary noise-sensitive land use in the City of
Carlsbad is residential land use. Libraries, churches and some passive parks and
recreation areas also represent noise sensitive land uses. Traffic represents the most
significant noise source in Carlsbad. Interstate 5 has the greatest existing and projected
roadway noise emissions. In addition, I-5 impacts the greatest number of existing
dwellings. Additional noise sources located within the city include: Palomar Airport,
located west of El Camino Real, just north of Palomar Airport Road; the AT&SF
Railroad, which runs parallel to the coastline through its 6.5 mile length in Carlsbad;
and motor boats which utilize the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Noise generation is minimal
or limited in the exclusively residential portions of the City, and in rural or undeveloped
areas.
City of Carlsbad General PlanCity of Carlsbad General PlanCity of Carlsbad General PlanCity of Carlsbad General Plan
The primary goal of the Noise Element of the Carlsbad General Plan is to achieve and
maintain an environment which is free from objectionable, excessive or harmful noise
(City of Carlsbad 1994). It establishes goals, objectives, and policies to help mitigate
existing and future environmental noise levels from sources within and adjacent to the
City, and provides policies and action programs to implement the goals and objectives.
Noise Control Ordinance Noise Control Ordinance Noise Control Ordinance Noise Control Ordinance
The City of Carlsbad does not have a comprehensive noise ordinance. However, Chapter
8.48 limits hours of construction to normal weekday working hours. Specifically,
construction noise is not allowed after sunset any day; before 7:00 a.m. weekdays;
4.9 Noise
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.9-3
before 8:00 a.m. Saturday, Sunday, and on seven holidays. The City enforces the
California Penal Code Section 415 when annoying noise occurs. Also, the City has a
Noise Guidelines Manual (September 1995) with which projects must be consistent.
4.9.24.9.24.9.24.9.2 Significance Criteria Significance Criteria Significance Criteria Significance Criteria
The following criteria are used to determine the significance of an impact:
! 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;
! Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels;
! A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity
above levels existing without the project;
! A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the
project vicinity above levels existing without the project;
! For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has
not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport, would
the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive
noise levels; or
! For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose
people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels.
4.9.34.9.34.9.34.9.3 Impact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact Analysis
Potential noise impacts are commonly divided into two groups; temporary and long-
term. Temporary impacts are usually associated with noise generated by construction
activities. Long-term impacts are associated with impacts on surrounding land uses
generated from operation and maintenance of the project related facilities. The
construction noise specifics of the various phases of the project warrant additional
analysis by technical noise studies prepared in accordance with the applicable CEQA
guidelines.
4.9 Noise
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.9-4
Short-term acoustic impacts are those associated with construction activities necessary
to implement the proposed facilities. Associated noise levels will be higher than the
existing ambient noise levels, but would subside once construction is completed. Two
types of noise impacts should be considered during the construction phase. First, the
transport of workers and equipment to the construction areas will incrementally
increase noise levels along the roadways leading to and from the project areas. Second,
the noise generated by the actual on-site construction activities will be audible to
adjacent sensitive receptors.
The highest noise levels associated with construction typically occur with earth moving
equipment which includes excavating machinery (backhoes, bulldozers, excavators,
trenchers, front loaders, etc.) and road building equipment (compactors, scrapers,
graders, etc.). Noise levels at 50 feet from earth moving equipment typically range from
73 to 96 dBA (Bolt, Beranek, and Newman 1971). Construction equipment noise
typically has a drop-off rate of 6 dBA per doubling of distance (i.e., at 100 feet, noise
levels associated with the earth moving equipment would be approximately 67 to 90
dBA).
Construction and rehabilitation efforts for the project components would result in noise
impacts to various types of sensitive receptors including, residences, businesses,
schools, and libraries. The associated construction activities would increase the ambient
noise levels above existing conditions, which could be perceived as annoying to sensitive
receptors in the area. However, this impact is temporary and would disappear once
construction is completed. Provided that all construction activities do not conflict with
the Carlsbad Noise Control Ordinance, no significant impacts would result from
construction. Construction activities are not anticipated to exceed the noise standards
of affected jurisdictions. To help minimize the impacts of construction the City shall
provide public noticing for their proposed construction activities, and will appoint a
public liaison who will respond to concerns of neighboring residents about noise and
other construction disturbance (refer to Table 2-5).
The projects within the two Master Plan Updates were evaluated for the potential to
generate significant noise that would affect nearby sensitive receptors. Some of the
projects (e.g., the new PS proposed with water component 20), while potentially
resulting in increases in ambient noise levels, are not located in areas adjacent to
sensitive receptors. One project, sewer component 12, involves reducing noise and
incorporating odor control measures. Of the projects in the two Master Plan Updates,
the following have the potential for significant noise impacts on nearby receptors:
4.9 Noise
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.9-5
! New water reservoir next to existing D-3 Reservoir (water component 27)
! New water reservoir adjacent to the existing Maerkle Reservoir (water
component 28)
! Maerkle Pump Station Capacity Improvements (water component 29)
! Calavera PS Upgrades (water component 36)
! Lift station upgrades at the Terramar, Villas, and Gateshead Lift Stations (sewer
component 7)
! Home Plant Lift Station Improvements (sewer component 9)
! Agua Hedionda Lift Station Improvements (sewer component 32)
! South Agua Hedionda/Kelly Ranch Lift Station (sewer component 34)
New pump or lift stations and expansion or improvement of existing pump or lift
stations beyond present plant boundaries should be evaluated in the design stage to
assure that sensitive receptors are not significantly affected (that is, above 60 dBA
CNEL) and applicable engineering mitigation is required if necessary.
Noise impacts from construction activities would be minimal within industrial and
manufacturing districts, as these areas do not contain sensitive receptors and their
associated ambient noise levels are generally high. Similarly, project related
construction noise would have no impact within Open Space areas, as these areas are
located in remote locations and devoid of sensitive receptors. However, the associated
noise could potentially affect wildlife species which utilize the affected Open Space areas
for habitat or migration. Construction-related noise impacts to wildlife are discussed in
Section 4.3, Biological Resources. No significant noise related impacts would occur
within industrial, manufacturing or open space areas as a result of short-term
construction activities.
Operation of the project facilities would not create a significant impact on any sensitive
receptors with regard to noise. Once constructed, the pipeline segments would not
result in any noise impacts as the fluid flow of water or sewage within an underground
pipeline would not be audible. Noise levels are not anticipated to exceed the limits
expressed in the City’s Noise Guidelines Manual. Occasional maintenance and
4.9 Noise
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.9-6
emergency repair activities will generate some additional noise; however, these activities
are sporadic in nature and do not occur at the same location for long periods of time.
Typically, pump stations and lift stations of the types proposed in the Master Plan
Updates do not produce high levels of operational noise. PS facilities are most likely to
produce perceptible noise off the facility site, with the source of noise being the motors
used to power the pumps. In normal operation, the pumps are powered by electric
motors, and pumping stations are typically housed in masonry enclosures, which are
effective in attenuating noise. The Districts also attempt to assure that an adequate area
around their pumping stations and other facilities buffers the facilities from nearby
sensitive receptors, such as residences to ensure that noise does not exceed the Noise
Guidelines limits. In some cases, the City provides additional noise mitigation in those
facilities. Also, pressure-reducing stations do not typically produce any noticeable noise
outside of the structure. Therefore, no long-term operational noise impacts are
anticipated to occur as a result of the project.
The project’s potential to result in excessive groundborne vibration to sensitive
receptors would need to be assessed at the individual project-level review. Groundborne
vibration can occur in areas adjacent to pump stations. In addition, some facilities may
require blasting activities during construction, which may also result in vibration effects.
Although a number of the proposed project components would be located within the
McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Plan, the project would not expose people residing
or working in the project 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. Additional information regarding the Airport Land Use Plan is described in
Section 4.6.
4.9.44.9.44.9.44.9.4 Mitigation MeasuresMitigation MeasuresMitigation MeasuresMitigation Measures
The projects designated for a noise study in Tables S-1 and S-2 shall be evaluated in the
design and environmental Initial Study phases to determine if potential noise impacts in
excess of City Noise Control Ordinance limits or the City’s Noise Guidelines Manual
would result. If such a potential exists, a noise study shall be conducted including
recommendations for mitigation. Mitigation shall be designed to assure that noise
produced by operation of the facility shall not cause the limits in the Noise Control
Ordinance or Noise Guidelines Manual to be exceeded, and any such mitigation shall be
required as part of the project.
4.9 Noise
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.9-7
Also, a site-specific acoustical analysis will be required for any project located within
500 feet of any residential dwellings, which will ensure compliance with the City’s
construction noise and outdoor noise standards. It is assumed that potentially
significant impacts will be mitigated by future mitigation measures developed at the
project level of analysis.
4.9.54.9.54.9.54.9.5 Residual Impact After MitigationResidual Impact After MitigationResidual Impact After MitigationResidual Impact After Mitigation
Impacts would be less than significant.
4.9 Noise
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.9-8
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
4.10 Transportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/Traffic
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.10-1
4.104.104.104.10 TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFICTRANSPORTATION/TRAFFICTRANSPORTATION/TRAFFICTRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC
The study area for this analysis includes roadways directly affected by the proposed
project and is based on existing and planned roadway classifications obtained from the
City of Carlsbad. The following analysis provides information on the existing area
roadways, and identifies current lane configurations, average daily traffic (ADT) volume,
roadway capacity, and level of service (LOS). Roadway capacity has been defined as the
maximum number of vehicles that can pass over a roadway during a given period of
time under prevailing roadway and traffic conditions. The maximum capacity is
determined from roadway factors (such as right-of-way widths, lateral clearance,
shoulders, surface conditions, alignment and grades) as well as traffic factors (such as
vehicle composition, distribution by lane, peaking characteristics and traffic control
devices, intersections, etc.). Capacity is usually given as the hourly service volume at the
upper limit of LOS, which indicates the maximum number of vehicles that could be
expected to travel a section of roadway in a day.
4.10.14.10.14.10.14.10.1 Existing ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting ConditionsExisting Conditions
The City of Carlsbad’s transportation system is generally meandering, due to the
presence of natural topographic constraints (e.g., steep hills, lagoons). Portions of the I-
5 freeway and SR-78 bring regional traffic into and through the City. Several of the
City’s existing major arterials also carry through traffic as well as local traffic. The City
of Carlsbad contains three major arterial roads including El Camino Real which runs
north and south through the center of the City, Palomar Airport Road which runs
east/west through the center of the City, and Rancho Santa Fe Road which runs along
the southern and easterly boundary of the City.
Most City streets are paved with curbs and gutters, and water and sewer pipelines are
usually located in public street rights-of-way for easy access and maintenance. Private
roadways and easements are also sometimes used to provide access to the various water
and sewer facilities. Where construction occurs in public right-of-way, the City has
standardized procedures for regulating traffic during construction projects. The
procedures are based on the accepted engineering principles and practiced cited in the
Caltrans Traffic Control Manual for traffic safety and control in construction work
zones. These procedures include traffic schedules, signage, lighting, lane configurations,
and lane markers.
4.10 Transportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/Traffic
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.10-2
4.10.24.10.24.10.24.10.2 SignificanceSignificanceSignificanceSignificance Criteria Criteria Criteria Criteria
A project is considered to have a significant impact on the operation of a roadway
segment or intersection when one of the following occurs:
! Cause an increase in traffic, which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic
load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in
either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or
congestion at intersections);
! Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established
by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways;
! 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;
! Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or
dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment);
! Result in inadequate emergency access;
! Result in insufficient parking capacity;
! Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative
transportation (e.g., bus turn-outs, bicycle racks).
4.10.34.10.34.10.34.10.3 Impact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact AnalysisImpact Analysis
Traffic GenerationTraffic GenerationTraffic GenerationTraffic Generation
Most of the proposed facilities, once installed, would require infrequent site visits by
maintenance staff. The project would predominantly result in short-term traffic effects
during construction of the various project components. The short-term effects would
require additional review once detailed project construction plans become available.
Impacts were generally evaluated for portions of the proposed project that would
require construction within existing streets. The operational phase of the proposed
project would generate minimal traffic required for routine maintenance and emergency
repair. Some increase in traffic would result from maintenance activities in the form of
4.10 Transportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/Traffic
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.10-3
employee trips and the delivery of supplies, but these would be overall minor activities
when compared to the existing circulation system. The proposed project would not
result in long-term impacts to traffic.
Traffic will be generated during project construction. The primary sources of
construction traffic would be workers, delivery of materials and removal of excess
material. Typically for pipeline projects, approximately 8 to 12 construction workers are
expected on a daily basis for each segment of pipe being constructed and/or
rehabilitated, and an average of 4 trucks per day to and from the site is anticipated for
delivery and removal of materials. Project construction within study area roadways
would consist of excavation, pipeline construction, backfilling and repaving. A typical
pipeline construction area is approximately 30 feet wide and would progress at a rate of
approximately 200 feet per day. Multiple project components may be constructed
simultaneously.
Construction of all project components, creation of staging and storage areas, and
installation of facilities such as PRS components will take place, in part, in existing
public street rights-of-way, along with the use of construction equipment. Potential
impacts include disruption of traffic from lane closures, detours, increased truck and
other construction-related traffic, and disruption of access to local businesses and
residences in some cases. These types of impacts may affect local circulation during the
short-term course of construction activities.
Short-term construction traffic would require implementation of a traffic control plan
(TCP). The project TCPs would need to be developed in accordance with City of
Carlsbad and Caltrans traffic control guidelines and would need to specifically address
construction traffic, traffic safety measures, and use of signage and flag personnel where
necessary (refer to Section 4.10.4). The construction traffic-related specifics of the
various phases of the project warrant additional analysis by technical traffic
survey/studies prepared in accordance with the applicable CEQA guidelines.
Overall, short-term traffic impacts are considered potentially significant. This
conclusion would be more fully explored by the project-specific technical traffic studies
prepared at later design phases for each project, as necessary. Refer to Section 4.10.4
below for a description of traffic mitigation measures.
Air Traffic PatternsAir Traffic PatternsAir Traffic PatternsAir Traffic Patterns
The project does not involve any changes in air traffic patterns, and does not involve
4.10 Transportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/Traffic
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.10-4
construction of facilities that would have the potential to impact air traffic patterns.
Please refer to Section 4.6, Hazards and Hazardous Materials for additional
information on air traffic safety. Impacts would be less than significant.
HazardsHazardsHazardsHazards
Construction activities would require lane closures which could result in short-term
impacts to traffic patterns and result in temporary traffic congestion and potential
traffic hazards. Construction of the various components would also cause temporary
disruption of access to residences and businesses along the construction route.
Consequently, portions of the affected roadway links may require detours or flagger
assistance to maintain acceptable operation of the roadways, and access to all
properties. Closing or altering access to individual properties, lane closures, and
subjecting any portion of existing roadways to notable increases in construction traffic
are considered potentially significant, and mitigation is required.
Construction of sewer component 30 (the Buena Vista Lift Station forcemain) would
involve encroachment within the right-of-way of I-5. Altering access or interfering with
a public facility such as Caltrans’ interstate freeway system is considered a potentially
significant impact; therefore, mitigation is required.
Emergency AccessEmergency AccessEmergency AccessEmergency Access
The project’s effects on emergency access and emergency response plans is analyzed in
Section 4.6.3; the project would not result in inadequate emergency access, and impacts
would be less than significant.
Parking EffectsParking EffectsParking EffectsParking Effects
Construction of the individual projects would result in some short-term parking needs
by workers at the sites. No portion of the projects would result in long-term parking
needs by maintenance crews or others. Because relatively few vehicles are necessary,
and because most parking needs would be short-term during construction only, impacts
to existing parking capacity are not anticipated to be significant.
Consistency with Other PlaConsistency with Other PlaConsistency with Other PlaConsistency with Other Plans and Policies Supporting Alternative ns and Policies Supporting Alternative ns and Policies Supporting Alternative ns and Policies Supporting Alternative TransportationTransportationTransportationTransportation
SANDAG’s Congestion Management Plan (CMP) was adopted on November 11, 1991,
4.10 Transportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/Traffic
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.10-5
and is intended to directly link land use, transportation and air quality concerns through
level of service performance. Local agencies are required by statute to conform to the
CMP. The CMP requires an enhanced CEQA review for all large projects that are
expected to generate more than 2,400 ADT or more than 200 weekday peak hour trips.
Since the project is calculated to generate less than these amounts, this level of review is
not required of the proposed project and the project is consistent with the goals of the
CMP, and impacts would be less than significant.
Similarly, SANDAG has produced a 2020 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) in April
2000 that identifies those projects needed to improve transportation significantly over
the next 20 years. The RTP sets four key objectives; specifically, average time to get to
work (24 minutes or less), number of miles of deficient segments in the freeway system
(29 miles or less), number of transit riders (minimum 400,000 trips per day), and
increase in transportation revenues (65 percent increase). The RTP contains plans and
policies to improve mobility in the region by recommending new facilities and the
expansion of transit services, programs to manage travel demand, and changes to local
land use policies. The proposed project, although temporarily disrupting traffic flow on
regional roadways during construction, would not conflict with overall goals of the RTP,
and impacts would be less than significant.
4.10.4 4.10.4 4.10.4 4.10.4 Mitigation MeasuresMitigation MeasuresMitigation MeasuresMitigation Measures
Tables S-1 and S-2 identify the project components that would require the following
mitigation measures.
1. The Districts will obtain an encroachment permit from respective local and state
authorities, as required prior to the commencement of the construction phase
within the affected right-of-ways. This process will include submittal of project
plans, review of plans by the respective authorities, possible revisions of the plans
relative to concerns brought forth by the issuing agency and issuance of the
respective permit. Potential permitting agencies include Caltrans, North County
Transit District (NCTD), Cities, and the County of San Diego. All roadway
features (signs, pavement, delineation, roadway surface) and structures with the
State right-of-way shall be protected, maintained in a temporary condition, or
restored.
2. A TCP shall be prepared prior to construction and implemented for all affected
roadways. The TCP shall be prepared in accordance with Caltrans Manual of
Traffic Controls for Construction and Maintenance Work Zones [1996 (Revision
4.10 Transportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/Traffic
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.10-6
2) edition], and with the City of Carlsbad’s traffic control guidelines. It will be
prepared to ensure that access will be maintained to individual properties and
businesses, and that emergency access will not be restricted. Additionally, the
TCP will ensure that congestion and delay of traffic resulting from project
construction are not substantially increased and will be of a short-term nature.
The TCP will show all signage, striping, delineate detours, flagging operations,
and any other procedures which will be used during construction to guide
motorists safely through the construction zone and allow for a minimum of one
lane of travel. The TCP will also include provisions for coordinating with local
emergency service providers regarding construction times and locations of lane
closures as well as specifications for bicycle lane safety.
The limits of construction work area(s) and suggested alternate traffic routes for
through traffic will be published in a local newspaper periodically throughout the
construction period. In addition, the construction contractor or the Districts
shall provide not less than a two-week written notice prior to the start of
construction by mailing to owners/occupants along streets to be impacted during
construction.
During construction, the Districts shall ensure that continuous, unobstructed,
safe and adequate pedestrian and vehicular access to and from public facilities
such as public utility stations and community centers will be provided, and to
commercial/ industrial establishments. If normal access to these facilities is
blocked by construction alternative access shall be provided. Should this occur,
the Districts shall coordinate with the businesses or each facility’s administrators
in preparing a plan for alternative access.
During construction, the Districts shall maintain continuous vehicular and
pedestrian access to residential driveways from the public street to the private
property line, except where necessary construction precludes such continuous
access for reasonable periods of time. For example, when a given pipeline
segment is initially being excavated, access to individual driveways may be closed
during the course of a workday. Access shall be reestablished at the end of the
workday. If a driveway needs to be closed or interfered with as described above,
the construction contractor shall notify the owner or occupant of the closure of
the driveway at least five working days prior to the closure.
Methods to maintain safe vehicular and pedestrian access include the installation
4.10 Transportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/Traffic
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.10-7
of temporary bridge or steel plates to cross over unfilled excavations. Whenever
sidewalks or roadways are removed for construction, the contractor shall place
temporary sidewalks or roadways promptly after backfilling until the final
restoration has been made.
The TCP shall include provisions to ensure that the construction contractor’s
work in any public street does not interfere unnecessarily with the work of other
agencies vehicles, such as emergency service providers, mail delivery, school
buses, waste services, or transit vehicles.
3. During project design, the Districts shall coordinate with each jurisdiction, as
well as its own transit division which may be affected by the project to determine
the exact limits of project construction. All work proposed within the State right-
of-way shall be dimensioned in metric units. The coordination effort shall be
followed by specific measures to avoid conflicts resulting from other construction
projects occurring within the direct vicinity of the project and within the same
time period.
Coordination with the following entities shall occur in conjunction with the
proposed project:
! NCTD
! Caltrans
! Carlsbad Traffic Engineering
! Oceanside Traffic Engineering
! San Marcos Traffic Engineering
4.10.54.10.54.10.54.10.5 Residual Impact after MitigationResidual Impact after MitigationResidual Impact after MitigationResidual Impact after Mitigation
With implementation of the identified mitigation measures in Section 4.10.4, short-term
construction impacts would be reduced to less than significant. A list of projects
requiring preparation of a TCP is included in Tables S-1 and S-2.
4.10 Transportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/Traffic
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 4.10-8
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
CHAPTER 5.0
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 5-1
5.15.15.15.1 INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
As required by Section 15130 of the CEQA Guidelines, the EIR analyzes the cumulative
impacts of the proposed project. Section 15355 of the CEQA Guidelines defines
cumulative impacts as “...two or more individual environmental effects which, when
considered together, are considerable or which compound or increase other
environmental impacts.” Cumulative impacts may result from individual effects of a
single project or the effects of several projects that are developed within a particular
window of time.
The discussion of cumulative impacts is guided by the standards of practicality and
reasonableness. Two methods may be used to evaluate cumulative impacts: a) a list of
past, present and probable future projects (Cal. Code Regs., Title 14 §15130(b)(1)(A); or
b) a summary of projections from a planning document which describes or evaluates
regional conditions ((Cal. Code Regs., Title 14 §15130(b)(2)(B)).
For this analysis, the projection method is used. Projections are based on SANDAG year
2020 population projections and the City of Carlsbad General Plan Land Use Element
density projections. The implementation of the CIP projects of the Water and Sewer
Master Plans would primarily involve expansion and rehabilitation of existing facilities
as well as construction of new facilities. This Program EIR evaluates the potential
effects of these projects and recommends mitigation measures to be implemented after
subsequent, project-level environmental review, where necessary, at the time of
approval of each project. The Master Plan Updates propose a program of phased
improvements keyed to the City’s growth and include recommended upgrades and new
facilities to meet the projected needs of the City.
Cumulative effects of the Program EIR can be considered in relation to the
environmental effects of all development throughout the City. In the discussion in
Section 5.2 below, cumulative effects are considered for the issues discussed in Chapter
4 of this PEIR.
5.25.25.25.2 ANALYSIS OF CUMULATIVE IMPACTSANALYSIS OF CUMULATIVE IMPACTSANALYSIS OF CUMULATIVE IMPACTSANALYSIS OF CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
AestheticsAestheticsAestheticsAesthetics
The City of Carlsbad is a predominantly residential community with a coastal and mixed
5.05.05.05.0 Cumulative ImpactsCumulative ImpactsCumulative ImpactsCumulative Impacts
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 5-2
development atmosphere. This visual landscape consists of a mixture of urban uses,
infrastructure, and hillsides. As Carlsbad continues to develop, the appearance of the
City will continue to change to a more urbanized landscape. Cumulative impacts related
to aesthetics for the CIP projects are not considered significant, since they are expected
features in the developed landscape, are mostly underground, are modifications to
existing facilities, and would receive design review for conformance with community
aesthetic standards in future environmental documentation and/or project design
review.
Air QualityAir QualityAir QualityAir Quality
Except in cases of point-source pollution and rare traffic-related air pollution “hot
spots”, air quality must be considered on a cumulative, air basin-wide basis. Strategies
for the control of both point-source and mobile pollution generation are the
responsibility of the APCD. APCD rules and regulations apply uniformly throughout the
District and the rest of the air basin and to all potential sources of pollutant emissions.
Thus, air pollution control is applied on a cumulative basis. As noted in Section 4.2, Air
Quality, the proposed Master Plans are consistent with the growth assumptions of the
regional air quality plan and incorporate all feasible and available air quality control
measures through regulation by APCD. Also, the RAQS is based on development as
planned under the applicable general plans. The Master Plans are consistent with the
planned development as identified in the City of Carlsbad General Plan; therefore, the
project is consistent with the RAQS. Cumulative effects would be less than significant.
Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources
The project components in the Master Plans are intended to serve growth in the City of
Carlsbad, and are required as infrastructure in support of existing and planned future
growth in the City. Water and sewer facilities have an initial impact on biological
resources where they are located in undeveloped areas, but are usually low-activity
facilities after construction. They may, therefore, be compatible with surrounding
biological conservation in many situations. The Master Plan facilities are, however,
intended to serve development in the City and should be considered together with the
effects of development on biological resources in the assessment of cumulative effects.
The City’s environmental review process for all development projects, including water
and sewer facilities, requires an assessment of impacts and appropriate mitigation
where there is a potential for an effect on biological resources. The process includes the
identification of such potential effects in an environmental Initial Study and subsequent
5.05.05.05.0 Cumulative ImpactsCumulative ImpactsCumulative ImpactsCumulative Impacts
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 5-3
surveys and biological resources technical reports if necessary. Mitigation is
accomplished in standardized ways, and for some impacts, such as effects on
endangered species and wetlands, follows the procedures required by resource agencies
such as the USFWS and CDFG. Effects on resources such as wetlands and state and
federally listed species also require permits from the resource agencies.
As described in Section 4.3, the City is participating in the MHCP, which is intended to
mitigate for the biological impacts of planned growth through the creation of a new
process for the issuance of federal and state permits and other authorizations under
federal and state law. The City of Carlsbad is developing its own Subarea Plan (the
Habitat Management Plan) within the MHCP framework. The end result of the MHCP
planning process is to provide a regional conservation plan to mitigate the cumulative
effects of growth in the region.
Cumulative impacts of Water and Sewer Master Plan projects occurring in the MHCP
focused planning areas would be cumulatively significant considered together with other
development projects in the City and region, due to temporary losses in habitat value.
Mitigation would be accomplished through the assessment and mitigation of project-
specific impacts as individual components of the Master Plans are implemented and,
when the MHCP is implemented, through a regional conservation plan in cooperation
with CDFG, USFWS, and other cities in the area. The City of Carlsbad HMP will address
cumulative biological effects as part of the MHCP process; however, until that document
is implemented, cumulative impacts would be significant and would remain
unmitigated.
Cultural ResourcesCultural ResourcesCultural ResourcesCultural Resources
Many areas within the City are known to be rich in cultural resources. The City requires
an evaluation of cultural resources as a part of environmental review for land
development projects needing discretionary approval from the City. As part of that
review, all cultural resources sites would be evaluated for importance and, if found to be
significant, either preserved or mitigated by the recovery of all relevant scientific
information represented by the site. The same procedures are followed by other
agencies whose projects may affect cultural resources in the City, such as Caltrans and
SDGE. Section 4.4, Cultural Resources, established similar mitigation requirements for
all Master Plan components that may impact cultural resources. Because this uniform
policy is designed in each case to reduce impacts on cultural resources to below a level of
significance on site-specific basis, cumulative impacts would be less than significant.
5.05.05.05.0 Cumulative ImpactsCumulative ImpactsCumulative ImpactsCumulative Impacts
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 5-4
Geology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and SoilsGeology and Soils
Geologic/soils hazards associated with cumulative development within the City would
be evaluated on a site-specific basis. Geologic and soils impacts and required mitigation
would be evaluated on the respective properties and projects on a project-by-project
basis through the use of geotechnical reports and Phase I Site Assessments. Therefore,
with implementation of recommended mitigation measures on a project-by-project
basis, no significant cumulative geologic/soils impacts are anticipated.
Hazards andHazards andHazards andHazards and Hazardous Materials Hazardous Materials Hazardous Materials Hazardous Materials
Cumulative hazards and hazardous materials impacts and any potential mitigation
would be evaluated on a project-by-project basis as minimal information is available at
this program level of analysis. With implementation of recommended mitigation
measures in Section 4.6, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, and project-specific
mitigation measures identified on a case-by-case basis, no significant cumulative
hazards and hazardous materials impacts are anticipated.
Hydrology and Water QualHydrology and Water QualHydrology and Water QualHydrology and Water Qualityityityity
Runoff from project construction areas would contribute an incremental increase in
flows within the Buena Vista and Agua Hedionda Creek basins and would combine with
increases attributable to adjacent developments. Total runoff in the creek basins would
be short-term and would be cumulatively considerable. Project-by-project BMPs,
including completing scour analyses for projects within 100-year floodplains and
obtaining dewatering permits from RWQCB, would reduce sediment loads and
downstream erosion to less than significant. In addition, compliance of all future
projects with applicable federal, state and local regulations for stormwater and
construction discharges would reduce cumulative impacts to water quality to a level
below significance.
The Master Plan Update projects would not substantially increase the amount of
impervious surfaces and would not result in cumulative hydrologic impacts as a result of
increasing cumulative runoff volumes.
5.05.05.05.0 Cumulative ImpactsCumulative ImpactsCumulative ImpactsCumulative Impacts
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 5-5
Land Use and PlanningLand Use and PlanningLand Use and PlanningLand Use and Planning
Facilities and improvements proposed in the Master Plan Updates are based on growth
and population projections derived from SANDAG population estimates and
projections. In the course of preparing the Master Plan Updates, existing, proposed and
designated land uses were used to generate the capacity data for the modeling of the
systems that revealed deficiencies and indicated the need for improvements or new
facilities. The location, capacity, and phasing of projects in the Master Plan Updates
conform to existing and planned uses overall. The Master Plan Updates projects do not
affect land use in the affected jurisdiction, but are designed to match the necessary
infrastructure for wastewater in support of the land uses.
Adoption of the Master Plan Updates, when considered together with the general plans
and other planning for the affected jurisdictions, would not result in significant land use
impacts, but would support the jurisdictions’ existing land uses, and development in
conformance with applicable general plans. No significant cumulative land use impacts
would occur with the proposed Master Plan Updates.
NoiseNoiseNoiseNoise
As development increases in the City, some increase in ambient noise levels is inevitable,
with localized effects. This increase would be due primarily to traffic noise, as roads are
constructed to serve new development, and to point sources of noise, such as
manufacturing operations, auto repair shops, power tool use at residences and
businesses, and a host of other activities associated with urban and suburban life. Some
wastewater projects would contribute incrementally to this general pattern, especially
during short-term construction activities. The City’s Noise Ordinance and Noise
Guidelines Manual are designed to control the exposure of residents to excessive levels
of noise. All CIP projects with a potential for long-term noise production would be
evaluated for excessive noise generation and mitigation would be applied on a project-
specific basis. Combined with regulation and attenuation of other sources consistent
with the Noise Ordinance and Noise Guidelines Manual, the proposed Master Plan
Updates’ contribution to cumulative noise impacts would be less than significant.
5.05.05.05.0 Cumulative ImpactsCumulative ImpactsCumulative ImpactsCumulative Impacts
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 5-6
Transportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/TrafficTransportation/Traffic
As discussed in Section 4.10, Transportation/Traffic, the proposed project components
in the Master Plan Update would contribute to short-term impacts to traffic circulation
on local roadways. Potentially significant cumulative traffic circulation impacts could
result over the short-term if multiple projects were under construction simultaneously
and in the same general location. Short-term traffic impacts caused by construction of
the projects proposed within the study area would result from street closures, increased
truck traffic, and disruption of local traffic to residences and businesses. As the CIP
projects would be phased over a 20-year period and would not proceed simultaneously,
it is anticipated that cumulative short-term impacts to project component roadways
could be mitigated to a level of less than significant through coordination and
implementation of traffic control plans at the time of construction with the City
Engineering Department (for impacts to City roads) and with the planning entities for
the Cities of Oceanside and San Marcos (for impacts to roads within their respective
jurisdictions). Encroachment permits are required for all construction affecting public
rights-of-way. This permitting process is the control point for the maximum possible
reduction of cumulative traffic impacts, and is designed to reduce direct and cumulative
impacts to below a level of significance.
Utilities and Service SystemsUtilities and Service SystemsUtilities and Service SystemsUtilities and Service Systems
The proposed project components in the Master Plan Updates would not result in
additional demands on utilities and services. Service providers have adopted plans to
respond to future demands with system improvements. These plans are periodically
updated based on both individual provider’s projections and SANDAG population
forecasts. Therefore, this project in combination with other projects in the area would
not have a significant cumulative impact on utilities and service systems.
CHAPTER 6.0
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS REQUIRED BY CEQA
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 6-1
6.16.16.16.1 SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED IF THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS IMPLEMENTEDAVOIDED IF THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS IMPLEMENTEDAVOIDED IF THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS IMPLEMENTEDAVOIDED IF THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS IMPLEMENTED
The Program EIR evaluated the proposed project with respect to Aesthetics; Air Quality;
Biological Resources; Cultural Resources; Geology and Soils; Hazards and Hazardous
Materials; Hydrology and Water Quality; Land Use and Planning; Noise;
Transportation/ Traffic; and Utilities and Service Systems. As described in Chapter 4.0,
potentially significant impacts would occur for the issue areas of Biological Resources;
Cultural Resources; Geology and Soils; Hazards and Hazardous Materials; Hydrology
and Water Quality; Noise; and Transportation/Traffic.
As discussed in Chapter 4.0, mitigation measures would reduce impacts for all of these
CEQA issue areas. With mitigation, the residual impact is less than significant for all
issue areas.
6.26.26.26.2 SIGNIFICANT IRREVERSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGESSIGNIFICANT IRREVERSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGESSIGNIFICANT IRREVERSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGESSIGNIFICANT IRREVERSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES WHICH WOULD BE CAUSED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT WHICH WOULD BE CAUSED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT WHICH WOULD BE CAUSED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT WHICH WOULD BE CAUSED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT SHOULD IT BE IMPLEMENTEDSHOULD IT BE IMPLEMENTEDSHOULD IT BE IMPLEMENTEDSHOULD IT BE IMPLEMENTED
Water and sewer infrastructure components, once constructed, may be considered
permanent. Occasionally facilities are abandoned/removed or upgraded once operation
has resulted in the deterioration of their working condition. The systems for which
water and sewer facilities are a part are integrally dependent on all their working
components. Should components become deteriorated, malfunction or obsolete,
replacement must occur. Because the implementation of many projects within the
Master Plans would be implemented far into the future and because implementation
and timing may affect land use decisions, adoption of the Master Plan Updates would
leave the commitment of resources open in the future.
The project components would support existing and planned growth within the City and
Districts’ service areas. Where impacts are significant as defined by CEQA and the City,
this Program EIR includes a process to identify and mitigate such impacts. Having said
this, impacts such as changes in the visual appearance of a setting or hillside due to a
pump station installation would be considered an irreversible change. Implementation
of pipeline facilities within sensitive biological areas also may result in irreversible
change to the hydrologic and biological environments of these sensitive areas.
6.06.06.06.0 Other Considerations Required by CEQAOther Considerations Required by CEQAOther Considerations Required by CEQAOther Considerations Required by CEQA
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 6-2
Construction of all project components would be carried out according to all applicable
engineering standards to reduce, as much as possible, accidents related to offsite runoff
during or post-construction. It should be noted that accidents from both human and
naturally caused situations can compromise the integrity of best management practice
mitigation measures. For example, a severe storm of unprecedented level could impact
the area; precautions included in the project to prevent damage from occurring as a
result of this type of severe event may be compromised. Depending on the type of
disaster and the resources impacted, significant irreversible environmental
commitments of resources may occur. However, there will likely be mitigation
programs which can partially mitigate for large, unforeseen disasters. Following
engineering standards set out in the Master Plan Updates is the best defense against an
unforeseen event and therefore an unforeseen commitment of resources.
Construction of water and sewer facilities involves the relatively permanent
consumption of building materials such as pipeline components, wood for stability
structures and energy for digging and earthmoving tasks. These resources, although at
some extent in the long-term may be recycled, are considered to be permanently
consumed. This type of commitment of resources is neither unusual nor unexpected
given the nature of the facilities and is generally understood to be the tradeoff for
benefits the system provides to the community.
6.36.36.36.3 GROWTH INDUCING IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECTGROWTH INDUCING IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECTGROWTH INDUCING IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECTGROWTH INDUCING IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT
Induced growth is that which exceeds the planned growth and results from new
developments that would not have taken place in absence of the project. Growth
inducement impacts can result in accelerated economic or population growth, or the
construction of new housing, that either directly or indirectly resulted from building a
project.
Section 15126.2(d) of the CEQA Guidelines requires that EIRs discuss whether a
proposed project could:
“...foster economic or population growth, or the construction of additional
housing, either directly or indirectly, in the surrounding environment.
Included in this are projects which would remove obstacles to population
growth (a major expansion of a waste water treatment plant might, for
example, allow for more construction in service areas). Increases in the
population may tax existing community service facilities, requiring
construction of new facilities that could cause significant environmental
6.06.06.06.0 Other Considerations Required by CEQAOther Considerations Required by CEQAOther Considerations Required by CEQAOther Considerations Required by CEQA
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 6-3
effects. Also (the environmental analysis must) discuss the characteristics
of some projects which may encourage and facilitate other activities that
could significantly affect the environment, either individually or
cumulatively. It must not be assumed that growth in any area is
necessarily beneficial, detrimental, or of little significance to the
environment.”
The proposed project is the City of Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates,
which is a multi-year master plan for facility improvements within the CMWD and CSD.
The Master Plan Updates include a review of existing and projected flows, design
criteria, capacity analyses, existing conditions assessment, and CIP. The improvement
projects detailed in the CIP range from minor projects such as manhole replacements, to
major infrastructure improvements such as replacement of a sewer main and
installation of a new water reservoir. The CIP includes 84 improvement projects to be
built by 2020.
Generally, growth-inducing projects possess such characteristics as being located in
isolated, undeveloped or underdeveloped areas, necessitating the extension of major
infrastructure (e.g., sewer and water facilities, roadways, etc.), or those that could
encourage “premature” or unplanned growth (i.e., “leap-frog” development). While
infrastructure improvements, like those planned in the Water and Sewer Master Plans’
CIPs, raises the issue of growth inducement, the proposed project is not considered to
be growth inducing because the proposed project would not provide additional long-
term employment opportunities, no residences are planned as part of the proposed
project, and no extension of services beyond that currently planned for in respective
planning documents (e.g., City of Carlsbad General Plan) is associated with the
proposed project.
In calculating flow projections for the project, the Master Plan Updates relied on recent
regional population projections published by SANDAG. The ultimate flow projections
were based on existing unit flow generation rates which were then applied to SANDAG
2020 population projections. Therefore, the CIP projects would not generate additional
population or cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projections. In
addition, because no unplanned growth would be served by the project, the project
would not remove an obstacle to growth.
The facilities in the proposed Master Plan Updates are community service facilities,
serving an urban infrastructure necessary to support economic and population growth.
Their size and capacities are predicated on the projected growth that relates to the type
6.06.06.06.0 Other Considerations Required by CEQAOther Considerations Required by CEQAOther Considerations Required by CEQAOther Considerations Required by CEQA
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 6-4
of land use and the SANDAG population estimates and projections (SANDAG 2020
Cities/County Forecast). For that reason, the facilities in the Master Plan Updates
would not induce growth guided by the City’s planning documents. 6.46.46.46.4 EFFECTS NOT FOUND TO BE SIGNIFICANTEFFECTS NOT FOUND TO BE SIGNIFICANTEFFECTS NOT FOUND TO BE SIGNIFICANTEFFECTS NOT FOUND TO BE SIGNIFICANT
The CEQA Guidelines (§ 15128) require that the environmental document include a brief
discussion of various environmental issues that were determined not to be significant.
This Program EIR addressed all probable or foreseeable possible effects of the proposed
project. Based on the discussions presented in Chapter 4.0, effects were not found to be
significant for the following issue areas: Aesthetics; Air Quality; and Land Use and
Planning.
Based on the public scoping process for this project (refer to Section 1.3.1), the following
issue areas were not considered to be areas of controversy, and were not addressed in
Chapter 4.0 of the EIR. Hence, an evaluation of Agricultural Resources, Energy
Resources, Population and Housing, Public Services, Recreation, and Utilities and
Service Systems, those issues not addressed in Chapter 4.0 of this Program EIR, follows.
Agricultural ResourcesAgricultural ResourcesAgricultural ResourcesAgricultural Resources
Agriculture is an important resource in Carlsbad. The City has several agricultural
policies in place that 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 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. 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. In many cases, the agricultural
use of property is an interim or transitional use due to economic factors and the
ultimate development potential of a parcel.
There are only a limited number of areas within the City that are considered to possess
important farmlands as defined by the California Department of Conservation. The City
consists mainly of Urban and Built-Up Land along the western, southern, and
northwestern portions of the City, with large areas of Other Land interspersed
6.06.06.06.0 Other Considerations Required by CEQAOther Considerations Required by CEQAOther Considerations Required by CEQAOther Considerations Required by CEQA
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 6-5
throughout the eastern and central portions. Implementation of the two Master Plan
Updates will not result in significant impacts to agricultural resources. The project,
located mostly within existing or future streets and disturbed areas, would not result in
the conversion of important farmlands to non-agricultural uses, and will not conflict
with any Williamson Act contracts in the City.
Energy ResourcesEnergy ResourcesEnergy ResourcesEnergy Resources
The projects proposed in the two Master Plan Updates would not significantly affect
local or regional energy supplies, nor would the projects conflict with adopted energy
conservation plans. The proposed power-consuming facilities (i.e., pump stations and
lift stations) would incorporate new energy-efficient technologies, which utilize non-
renewable resources in an efficient manner. Energy consumption from construction-
related activities necessary for development of the proposed facilities would be relatively
minor and impacts would not be significant to existing energy resources.
For some project components, use of SDGE's rights-of-way may be required. In these
instances, coordination would be made with SDGE to ensure that the utility provider
would be able to adequately access their facilities. It is not anticipated that relocation of
any SDGE facilities is required for implementation of the various water and sewer
project components. Nonetheless, access and potential relocation issues, as well as
grading or encroachment into SDGE rights-of-way, would be determined at the project
level of analysis for each project component. Impacts would not be significant at this
program level of analysis.
Population and HousingPopulation and HousingPopulation and HousingPopulation and Housing
The proposed Master Plan Updates would extend and improve existing water supply
and sewer infrastructure within the City in accordance with regional population
projections and as needed by the demand that the forecasted additional population
would place upon these services. The proposed projects would be phased so that the
infrastructure would be developed concurrently with the increased housing demand and
population. The Master Plan Updates would not result in significant impacts to the
City’s projected population and housing needs.
Public ServicesPublic ServicesPublic ServicesPublic Services
The implementation of the Master Plan Updates would not require new services for the
following: fire protection, police protection, schools, parks, or other public facilities; no
6.06.06.06.0 Other Considerations Required by CEQAOther Considerations Required by CEQAOther Considerations Required by CEQAOther Considerations Required by CEQA
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 6-6
impact would occur. Emergency access would not be significantly affected, as described
in Sections 4.10.3 and 4.10.4.
The project would not affect existing primary and secondary schools within the area.
Implementation of the project in the manner or location planned would not result in
impacts to proposed schools. Additional demands on existing public parks would not
occur. New or improved park facilities would not be necessary as a result of
implementing the project.
The proposed project would not exceed official regional or local population projections.
The size, capacity, and location of all facilities would be based on the population and
land use analysis contained in the Master Plan Updates which, in turn, is based on
forecast growth identified in the City of Carlsbad General Plan, and systems would be
sized appropriately to serve projected service populations.
RecreationRecreationRecreationRecreation
Implementation of the Master Plan Updates may cause potential conflicts with existing
parks or recreational uses where facilities are proposed adjacent to these facilities.
Potential conflicts with these types of facilities will be identified in the engineering and
design stage of all phases of the project. The Districts are both obligated to coordinate
all construction, repair, and maintenance activities with all park and recreation agencies
whose facilities may be affected in the planning stage. Consequently, the required
coordination with the affected agencies would reduce the potential conflicts to a less
than significant level. The project would not result in increased demand for recreational
uses, or prevent access to parks or recreational facilities.
Utilities and Service SystemsUtilities and Service SystemsUtilities and Service SystemsUtilities and Service Systems
The proposed projects to be developed with implementation of the two Master Plan
Updates would not significantly affect utilities and service systems. The proposed
facilities would not place substantial demands upon the City’s utilities such as power
and natural gas. The project facilities’ impacts on the area’s communications systems
would occur as necessary safety and operating measures. Overall, these would be short-
term minor impacts.
CHAPTER 7.0
ALTERNATIVES
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 7-1
CEQA Guidelines Section 15126(d)(2) states that the range of potential alternatives to
the proposed project shall include those that could feasibly accomplish most of the basic
purposes of the project and could avoid or substantially lessen one or more of the
significant effects. CEQA specifically requires the discussion of a “no project”
alternative. In addition, CEQA requires that a reasonable range of alternatives to the
project be discussed, including alternative locations. The reasonable range is to include
alternatives that focus on the mitigation or avoidance of significant effects associated
with the proposed project, that permit a reasoned choice for the decision maker, and
that are feasible. Section 15126(d)(5) states that among the factors which may be taken
into account when addressing the feasibility of alternatives are site availability,
economic viability, availability of infrastructure, general plan consistency, other plans or
regulatory limitations, jurisdictional boundaries, and whether the proponent can
reasonably acquire, control, or otherwise have access to the alternative site.
The following discussion includes a “no project” alternative. The objectives of the
project are understood to be those described in the Project Description (Chapter 2) of
this Program EIR. The objectives are to provide for the modifications and additions
needed for the existing water and sewage distribution, collection, treatment,
incorporating current population projections, planning criteria, and new information
from specific development plans.
The CMWD and CSD are the exclusive central agencies for the provision of water and
sewer services, respectively, within their service areas. For the Master Plan Updates
that are the subject of this Program EIR, alternative locations are not possible.
However, the Master Plan Updates are comprised of individual improvement projects
and there are or may be possible variation in the size, phasing, location, and
implementation of many of the individual projects, especially in the plans’ later phases.
For these reasons, no alternative location for the project is herein considered, but a
discussion of the variability of individual project alternatives, in the context of the
existing and planned systems, is included.
The Master Plan Updates are guidance documents for the adequacy, continued
operation, and expansion of systems that are, for the most part, already in place. The
project components are designed to correct deficiencies in the existing system and to
provide the new facilities that will be needed to accommodate growth and land use
changes in the city at the appropriate time. Because this is the case, it is not reasonable
to propose alternatives that would construct entirely new systems, and clearly no
7.07.07.07.0 AlternativesAlternativesAlternativesAlternatives
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 7-2
alternative location for the system is feasible. Therefore, the discussions in this section
are restricted to the No Project alternative required by CEQA, and to the possible
changes to individual projects in the Master Plan Updates that could occur in response
to changing conditions in the City’s growth. The environmentally superior alternative is
also discussed as required by CEQA.
7.17.17.17.1 NO PROJECT ALTERNATIVENO PROJECT ALTERNATIVENO PROJECT ALTERNATIVENO PROJECT ALTERNATIVE
Under the No Project alternative, the proposed Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates
would not be adopted by the City of Carlsbad. This does not mean, however, that the
facilities in the Master Plan Updates or other facilities based on development and need
in the city, would not be constructed. All projects in the Master Plan Updates could be
constructed or implemented on an individual project basis whether or not the Master
Plan Updates are adopted. Potential environmental impacts identified in this Program
EIR would still be likely to occur. This alternative would, however, deprive the City of
Carlsbad of a valuable planning tool, and one that is informative for those interested in
the City’s future plans and facilities.
Many of the projects in the Master Plan Updates are intended to remedy deficiencies
that were identified in the modeling of the City’s water and sewer systems or to correct
problems or potential problems in the operation of that system. If the Master Plan
Updates were not adopted, the deficiencies and potential problems would remain and
would still require remedy through, in most cases, the improvement projects that make
up the integrated programs in the Master Plan Updates. Likewise, the new projects in
the plans are predicated on the improvements needed to make the system adequate to
serve the City’s planned future growth. Under the No Project alternative, the same
improvements would likely be brought forward for approval as individual projects, but
in piecemeal fashion and not as an integrated program that had been evaluated as a
single environmental project. In addition, the No Project alternative would deprive the
City of the opportunity to streamline environmental review of future projects through
the use of the Program EIR and subsequent updates. For these reasons, the No Project
alternative offers no environmental advantages in either procedures, impacts, or public
information over the proposed Master Plan Updates.
7.27.27.27.2 PLANNING AND LAND USE ALTERNATIVESPLANNING AND LAND USE ALTERNATIVESPLANNING AND LAND USE ALTERNATIVESPLANNING AND LAND USE ALTERNATIVES
The Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates were developed using the best available
information on population growth; proposed, planned, and forecast growth and
development; means of effluent disposal; requirements and recommendations for peak
7.07.07.07.0 AlternativesAlternativesAlternativesAlternatives
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 7-3
flows, volumes, and facility capacities; and other factors affecting future City water and
sewer utilities planning. The planning period for the Master Plan Updates is long-term,
extending to 2020, and almost all the factors in such long-range planning are to some
degree uncertain. Most land use planning, until projects are implemented as buildout of
the City proceeds, is subject to change for a variety of reasons. Thus, the Districts’ staff
will continue to monitor factors likely to affect land use in the City and identify changes
that could affect the forecasts and assumptions used to develop the improvement
programs in the Master Plan Updates.
Most of the projects in the Master Plan Updates are upgrading and modification of
existing facilities. In such cases, the location of the project is usually fixed. Nonetheless,
adjustments are possible because the Master Plan Updates are guiding documents
rather than rigid templates.
Flexibility in the implementation of the Master Plan Updates will occur at a specific
project implementation level. Partly as a result of the mitigation program in this
Program EIR, evaluation of the individual projects in the Master Plan Updates can occur
at the stage of project approval or implementation. Given the speculative and to some
degree uncertain nature of future conditions, this process is the only practical way to
assure that feasible alternatives to each project, if desirable or necessary, are developed.
As an example, if development plans approved for a given area change the street pattern
in that area, the location of pipelines projected in the Master Plan Updates may change.
If density or type of development in a given area changes, the storage capacity needed to
serve that area, and thus the size of water reservoirs may change, and the capacity of
sewer collection facilities may also change. Individual project review in the planning
stage is the only time an informed decision on such matters can occur.
7.37.37.37.3 ENVIRONMENTALLY SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVEENVIRONMENTALLY SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVEENVIRONMENTALLY SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVEENVIRONMENTALLY SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVE
As analyzed in Section 7.1, the No Project alternative would not result in reduced
environmental effects when compared to the proposed project. The proposed project
would result in the same or less impacts when compared to the No Project alternative
because of its comprehensive program to identify, avoid, and minimize impacts to
environmental resources in the overall study area. As such, the proposed project is
considered to be the environmentally superior alternative.
7.07.07.07.0 AlternativesAlternativesAlternativesAlternatives
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 7-4
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
CHAPTER 8.0
LIST OF PREPARERS
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 8-1
City of CarlsbadCity of CarlsbadCity of CarlsbadCity of Carlsbad
Elaine Blackburn, Senior Planner
Steve Jantz, Associate Engineer
Dudek & Associates, Inc.Dudek & Associates, Inc.Dudek & Associates, Inc.Dudek & Associates, Inc.
Joe Monaco, Senior Project Manager
Shawn Shamlou, Project Manager
Dan Park, Environmental Planner/Analyst
Vipul Joshi, Biologist
Mark McGinnis, GIS Analyst
Rick Quinlan, GIS Analyst
Terri Parsons, Word Processing
Gallegos & AssociatesGallegos & AssociatesGallegos & AssociatesGallegos & Associates
Dennis Gallegos, Senior Archaeologist
8.08.08.08.0 List of PreparersList of PreparersList of PreparersList of Preparers
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 8-2
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
CHAPTER 9.0
REFERENCES AND PERSONS CONTACTED
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 9-1
9.1 9.1 9.1 9.1 REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHYREFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHYREFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHYREFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
Beauchamp, R. M. 1986. A flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater Press,
National City, California. 241 pp.
Bolt, Beranek, and Newman. 1971. Noise from Construction Equipment and
Operations, Building Equipment, and Home Appliances. Prepared for the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Report No. PB-206-717. December 31.
Brown, J.W., H.A. Wier, and D. Belk. 1993. New records of fairy shrimp (Crustacea:
Anostraca) from Baja California, Mexico. Southwest. Nat. 38.
California, State of. Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology. 1996.
Miller, Russell V. Generalized Mineral Land Classification Map of Western San
Diego County, California; Aggregate Resources Only.
California, State of. Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology. 1996.
Tan, S.S., and Kennedy, M.P. Geologic Maps of the Northwestern part of San
Diego County, California. DMG Open-File Report 96-02, pls. 1-2 (map sheets,
1:24,000).
Caltrans, State Scenic Highway Program, accessed via http://www.dot.ca.gov/
hq/LandArch/scenic/schwy1.html, April 9, 2003.
Carlsbad, City of. January 1992. City of Carlsbad Master Plan of Sewerage. Wilson
Engineering Consulting Engineers.
Carlsbad, City of. March 1994. Final Master Environmental Impact Report for the City
of Carlsbad General Plan Update. City of Carlsbad Planning Department.
Carlsbad, City of. September 6, 1994. City of Carlsbad General Plan. City of Carlsbad
Planning Department.
Carlsbad, City of. September 1995. Noise Guidelines Manual. Prepared by Nolte and
Associates.
9.09.09.09.0 References and Persons ContactedReferences and Persons ContactedReferences and Persons ContactedReferences and Persons Contacted
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 9-2
Carlsbad, City of. October 1997. Carlsbad Municipal Water District Sewer Master Plan
Update. Carollo Engineers.
Carlsbad, City of. December 1999. Public Review Draft of the Habitat Management
Plan.
Carlsbad, City of. December 1999. Draft Habitat Management Plan for Natural
Communities in the City of Carlsbad.
Carlsbad, City of. 2001. Calavera Hills Master Plan Phase 2, Bridge and Thoroughfare
District No. 4, and Detention Basins Final EIR. EIR No. 98-02. Prepared by
RECON. November.
Carlsbad, City of. 2002. Carlsbad Oaks Specific Plan Final EIR. Prepared by Cotton
Bridges Associates. August.
Carlsbad, City of. 2001. Villages of La Costa Final Program EIR. July 16.
Carlsbad, City of. 2001. Bressi Ranch Draft EIR. Prepared by Cotton Bridges Associates.
December.
Carlsbad, City of. 1999. Final Supplemental EIR for the Kelly Ranch General Plan
Amendment and Core Area Subdivision. January 15.
Carlsbad, City of. 2001. Carlsbad Raceway Business Park (Palomar Forum) MND.
May 3.
Carlsbad, City of. 2002. Cantarini-Holly Springs EIR. June 19.
CNPS. 2001. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (sixth
edition). Rare Plant Scientific Advisory Committee, David Pl Tibor, Covening
Editor. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, CA + 388pp.
Deméré, T. A., and Walsh, S. L. 1993. Paleontological Resources, County of San Diego.
Unpublished report prepared for the San Diego County Department of Public
Works, San Diego, California. 68 pp., figs. 1-3, 8 map sheets.
Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of
California. Nongame-Heritage Program, California Department of Fish and
9.09.09.09.0 References and Persons ContactedReferences and Persons ContactedReferences and Persons ContactedReferences and Persons Contacted
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 9-3
Game.
Kern, Philip. 1989. Earthquakes and Faults in San Diego County. San Diego: The Pickle
Press.
Oceanside, City of. July 1999. Final Master Environmental Impact Report for the
Oceanside Water Master Plan and Wastewater Master Plan. City of Oceanside
Water Utilities Department and RECON.
San Diego Air Pollution Control District. California and National Ambient Air Quality
Standards. Accessed via www.sdapcd.co.san-diego.ca.us.
San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). April 1994. Comprehensive Land
Use Plan, McClellan-Palomar Airport Carlsbad.
San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). November 2000. Public Review
Draft of the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, 2002, California 303(d) List of
Impaired Water Bodies, accessed via http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/tmdl/docs/
303dtmdl_98reg9.pdf May 12, 2003.
South Coast Air Quality Management District, April 1993. CEQA Air Quality Handbook.
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. December 1973.
Soil Survey, San Diego California.
9.2 9.2 9.2 9.2 PERSONS CONTACTEDPERSONS CONTACTEDPERSONS CONTACTEDPERSONS CONTACTED
Elaine Blackburn, City of Carlsbad Planning Department
Steve Jantz, City of Carlsbad Public Works Department
9.09.09.09.0 References and Persons ContactedReferences and Persons ContactedReferences and Persons ContactedReferences and Persons Contacted
July 2003 3194-04
Carlsbad Water and Sewer Master Plan Updates • Program EIR 9-4
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK