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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-02-09; City Council; 6897; ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 80-09 - MACARIO CANYON PARK0 LU ~ 0.. ~ .. z 0 t; <C ..J 0 z ::, 0 0 Cl\ . JF CARLSBAD -AGEN~ ... .JILL AB# LP~o/ 7 MTG. 2/9/82 DEPT. PL TITLE: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 80-9 MACARIO CANYON PARK DEPT.HD.~ CITYATTY~. CITY MGR.2~~ RECOMMENDED ACTION: Both the Planning Staff and Planning Commission recommend that the City Council CERTIFY EIR 80-9 by Minute Motion. ITEM EXPLANATION Environmental Impact Report 80-9 pertains to approximately 502 acres of park study area located adjacent and southeasterly of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Submission of this EIR was required when the city decided to have a park development plan prepared for Macario Canyon. In order to approve the park development plan, the City Council will need to make a statement of overriding consideration with respect to potential impacts related to the loss of estuarian and coastal sage habitats. The justification for the statement of overriding consideration is based upon certain recommended miti- gation measures, as well as upon the beneficial aspects of project implementation. The justification is outlined in the Biological Resource section of the attached staff report to the Planning Commission. All other impacts associated with the proposed park plan will be reduced to a level of insignificance when the mitigation measures recommended in EIR 80-9 have been made a condition of the park plan approval. Certification of the EIR indicates that the Council has deter- mined that the environmental impacts have been adequately iden- tified and discussed, and that the EIR was prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). It should be noted that City Council will consider several future discretionary actions with respect to Macario Canyon Park and that EIR 80-9 will satisfy the CEQA requirements for those actions. FISCAL IMPACT The city being the project applicant is responsible for payment of the EIR contract. It should be noted that the EIR contract with Larry Seeman Associates called for the preparation of two EIRs -Macario Canyon Park and the revised Parks and Recreation Element.' The combined contract was for $25,977. The city has already paid $15,586.20. The balance of the contract, $10,390.80, will be paid upon certification of the last EIR (i.e., revised Parks and recreation Element EIR) which is ex- pected to occur in May, 1982. EXHIBITS 1. Planning Commission Staff Report 2. EIR 80-9 (previously distributed) I I DATE: TO: FROM: STAFF REPORT January 13, 1982 Planning Commission Planning Department SUBJECT: EIR 80-9, MACARIO CANYON PARK PLAN I. BACKGROUND Envir6nmental Impact Report 80-9 identifies and discusses the potential impacts associated with the implementation of the Macario Canyon Park Plan. The Park Plan pertains to a 502 acre study area located south and east of Agua Hedionda Lagoon as shown on the attached ~ap. The proposed project plans for the phased development of a multi-use recreational complex that in- cludes playfields, an athletic center with a gym, pool, and ten- nis facilities, restaurants, and a conference center plus other facilities. The plan pertains to a "study area" which includes property owned by the city (Macario Canyon), leased by the city (Hub Park area), owned by SDG&E and owned by Kelly. The uses proposed for those portions of the planning area which are not owned by the city are for study purposes only, and implementation would be subject to the city's purchase, or the owners agreement for the proposed uses. II. MAJOR IMPACTS The following summarizes the most significant impacts associated with the park plan. A more complete discussion of all the impacts is contained in the summary and text of the draft EIR. It should be noted that the park plan was developed in coor- dination with the environmental consultants that prepared the draft EIR so as to minimize the environmental impacts of the plan. 1 ) Earth Resources -Throughout most of the site there is a high potential for soil erosion. In addition, most of the soils found on the site exhibit a considerable shrink/swell tendency which could significantly constrain development. Finally, the discovery of several minor inactive faults will necessitate future seismic studies. The EIR recommends sev- eral measures to mitigate these impacts. Severe soil erod- ibility and shrink/swell problems will be reduced by adher- 2) 3 • ( ence to the city's grading ordinance, and by incorporation of recommendations made through site specific geotechnical studies. In addition, all development will occur where slopes are at a gradient of less than or equal to 20%. Finally, a seismic study is recommended for the assumed inactive fault located near the proposed conference center site. Results of the seismic study are recommended to be incorporated into the final design of the center. All identified impacts relative to earth resources are miti- gated by measures recommended in the EIR to a level of insignificance. Hydrology and Water Quality -Development of the park will slightly increase storm runoff due to increased impervious surfaces. In addition, development could potentially in- crease the level of sedimentation, and thus adversely impact the on-site and downstream wetland habitats, including Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Development could also increase the po- tential for water pollutants, especially petroleum and heavy metals associated with pavement and automobiles, and fer- tilizers associated with landscaping. The EIR recommends the following mitigation measures to reduce the above impacts: A) Construction of a flood control system including desil- tation basins will both reduce erosion caused by excess runoff, and reduce the amount of sediment deposited downstream of the park (including sediment reaching the lagoon). B) Implementation of an erosion control programj including the paving of park roads as soon as possible after grad- ing will not only reduce erosion, it will reduce the amount of sediment reaching stream courses and the la- goon. C) Implementation of an irrigation program will regulate and reduce such pollutants as organophosphates, nitrates and hydrocarbons associated with fertilizers and pes- ticides. All identified impacts relative to hydrology and water qual- ity are mitigated by measures recommended in the EIR to a level of insignificance. Furthermore, implementation of the flood control system and the erosion control plan will re- duce the amount of downstream and lagoon sedimentation to below existing natural levels. Biology -Implementation of the proposed park plan will re- sult in a minor net decrease in estuarine habitat, as well as the loss of much of the coastal sage habitat within -2- 3 4) Macario Canyon. The net loss of estuarine habitat would result from the construction of a boardwalk on the wetlands, as well as indirect impacts associated with wildlife harrassment re~ated to construction and human activity adjacent to the wetlands. The net decrease in estuarine habitat can be considered significant on a regional basis since development, flood control, · and urban encroachment have greatly reduced the amount of viable wetlands habitat in the state. The loss of coastal sage habitat is considered significant, only on a local basis since this habitat is a declining resource in north San Diego County. A finding of ·overriding consideration will be necessary in the resolution approving the project to allow the boardwalk and development adjacent to the sensitive estuarine habitat, as well as to allow the loss of the coastal sage habitat. The justification for such a finding includes: A. The development plan for the study area proposes the preservation of all wetland areas. B. Wildlife harrassment would only be temporary until the species become accustomed to the noise patterns associated with human activity. C. The boardwalk (a mitigation incorporated in the plan) is the least environmental damaging alternative which per- mits lagoon access. D. The significant stands of coastal sage which contain several rare and endangered species will be preserved. E. Most of the chaparral· including the chaparral areas adjacent to the lagoon which serve as a buffer for the sensitive estuarian habitat will be preserved. F. The riparian habitat will be enhanced and expanded. G. The areas being preserved and enhanced all have a higher habitat value than the coastal sage habitat. H. The park will be landscaped with a mix of native and exotic species which will increase the local habitat diversities. Aesthetics -Implementation of the plan would detract from the isolated character 0£ Macario Canyon. However, it should be noted that the canyon is not wild. It has a history of use which predates the historical record and continues today. It was probably first used as a campsite for early natives (evidenced by a number of archaeological sites). Later it was used for agriculture -primarily for -3- 5) grazing and dry farming. In the early 1960s, Stanley Kelly built a trailer park adjacent to Macario Spring near the head of the ca~yon. The trailer park was operated until 1971. Currently the canyon receives only limited use. If the "no project" alternative were implemented, the canyon would retain it's limited isolated character, however, all of the beneficial effects associated with the project (e.g., reduced sedimentation and erosion, increased habitat diver- sity, habitat preservation and enhancement, etc.) would not be realized. Furthermore, the "no project" alternative would not permit the city to provide this special resource recreational opportunity that has a level_ of service which is city-wide. It should be noted that most of the park when fully developed will not be visible from surrounding development, and that the landscaping associated with the park should actually enhance the aesthetics of the canyon. Archaeological Resources -The park plan was developed with an attempt to minimize impacts to archaeological sites lo- cated within the park study area. However, four of the nine known sites will be slightly impacted by the project. In most cases the plan has been adjusted to impact only the periphery of a site. In order to mitigate project impacts on archaeological resources, the EIR recommends .the follow- ing measures: A} A qualified archaeologist be involved in pregrading and grading operations in order to recover any potential unknown archaeological materials. B) Test-level investigations and resource recovery programs will be implemented for all portions of archaeological sites to be adversely impacted by development. C) The proposed interpretive center will be used to display site artifacts. The proposed measures would mitigate impacts to archaeoloical resources to a level of insignificance. III. SUMMARY In order to approve the park plan the City Council will need to make a statement of overriding consideration with respect to impacts related to the loss of estuarian and coastal sage habitats. The justification for the statement of over- riding consideration is based upon project implementation condition by the recommended mitigation measures contained in EIR 80-9. That justification has been outlined above in the Biological Resource section. All other impacts associated with the proposed park plan will be reduced to a level of insignificance when the mitigation measures rec- -4- ommended in EIR 80-9 have been made a condition of park plan approval. Staff has managed the preparation of the EIR and staff feels that EIR 80-9 has been prepared in compliance with both the city's Environmental Protection Ordinance and the California Environmental Quality Act, as amended. In addition, staff feels that EIR 80-9 adequately identifies and proposes measures which would mitigate the potential project impacts on the environment. IV. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Planning Commissi:on APPROVE Reso- lution No. 1913, recommending to the City Council that they CERTIFY EIR 80-9. ATTACHMENTS 1. Planning Commission Resolution No. 1913 2. Location Map 3. Draft EIR 80~9 (previously transmitted) 4. Comments and Responses on the draft EIR. 5. Copies of public notices GW:ar 1/8/82 -5- 1 2 3 4 5 6 • PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1913 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING CERTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR 80-9) FOR A PROJECT GENERALLY INCLUDING: 1) A PARK PLAN; 2) A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT; 3) A ZONE CHANGE; 4) ANNEX- ATION; AND 5) A SPECIFIC PLAN. APPLICANT: CITY OF CARLSBAD CASE NO: EIR 80-9 WHEREAS, on January 13, 1982, the Planning Commission, of the 7 city of Carlsbad, held a public hearing on EIR 80-9 pursuant to the 8 provisions of Title 19 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code; and 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has considered the comments and documents of all those persons testifying at the public hearing; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has received EIR 80-9 according to the requirements of Title 19 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the city of Carlsbad as follows: 1 • 2. 3. 4. That the foregoing recitations are true and correct. That the Environmental Impact Report EIR 80-9 will be amended to include the comments and documents of those testifying at the public hearing and responses thereto hereby found to be in good faith and reason by incorporating a copy of the minutes of said public hearings into the report. That the Planning Commission finds and determines that the Environmental Impact Report EIR 80-9 has been completed in conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the state guidelines implementing said Act, and the provisions of Title 19 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code and that the Planning Commission has reviewed, considered and evaluated the information contained in the report. That the Environmental Impact Report EIR 80-9 as so amended and evaluated, is recommended for acceptance and certification as the final Environmental Impact Report and that the final Environmental Impact Report as recommended is adequate and provides reasonable information on the project and all reasonable and feasible alternatives thereto, including no project. " . ... • • ]. 5. 2 That each and every significant environmental impact identified in the Environmental Impact Report would be overruled or counterbalanced by changes or alteration in the project which would mitigate against said adverse impacts or, in certain cir- cumstances, that mitigation of such adverse impacts would not b feasible under the circumstances and under the economic and so- cial needs objectives and concerns in providing the improvement all as identified in the Environmental Impact Report and which, if the project were to be approved, would be included as con- ditions of approval of the project. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 2 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the city of Carlsbad, California, held on th 13th day of January, 1982, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: PC RESO #1913 Chairman Farrow, Commissioners Marcus, Rombotis, Schlehuber, Jose, Friestedt and L'Heureux. None. None. None. /\/ ~ ~ / ~ t:¾V-W \' vER¢NJ; ·. FARROW,JR.i Chairman CARLSBAD PLANNING COMMISSION -2- 7