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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP 144A; SDG&E Wastwater Facility; Specific Plan (SP) (3)* •Carlsbad Journal Decreed A Legal Newspaper by the Superior Court of San Diego County Mail all correspondence regarding public notice advertising to North Coast Publishers, Inc. corporate offices: P.O. Box 878, Encinitas, CA 92024 (619) 753-6543 t Proof of Publication STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ss COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO, I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the county aforesaid; I am over the age of eighteen years, and not a party to or interested in the above entitled matter. I am principal clerk of the printer of the Carlsbad Journal a newspaper of general circulation, published twice weekly in the City of Carlsbad, County of San Diego, State of California, and which newspaper is published for the dissemination of local news and intelligence of a general character, and which newspaper at all times herein mentioned had and still has a bona fide subscription list of paying subscribers, and which newspaper has been established, printed and published at regular intervals in the said City of Carlsbad, County of San Diego, State of California, for a period exceeding one year next preceding the date of publication of the notice hereinafter referred to; and that the notice of which the annexed is a printed copy, has been published in each regular and entire issue of said newspaper and not in any supplement thereof on the following dates, to-wit:NEGATIVE DECLARATION PROJ:ECT*;ADDRESS/LOCA- TIQNIt 480,0 'Carlsbad Boulevard,Carlsbad, California. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A re-quest for permission to install six wastewater collection -tanks and-•--•"-*- es at the Ehcina not have a significant impact on the environment) is hereby issued for the subject project. Justification for this action is on file in the Plan-ning Department. . „,, B»O mvjtea. fiease sub- mit comments- in writing to thePJ'annino ni^—^ • •'- A copy of the Negative/Declara-tion with supportive documents ison file in the Planning Department, 2075-Las Palmas Drjve;JCarlsbad,California 92009. Comments from > the public are invited. Please sub-17i«C/6?of'Carlsbad has conduct- mit <•"••*•*•-•--'-ed an environmental review of the above; described project pursuant to the Guidelines for Implementa- -_--,.,-.,-». tion of the California Enviroiimen- Case No: Sfrl44(A) tal Quality\Act and the Environ- Applicant: San;Diego Gas & Elec-mentalPro'tection Ordinance »f the trie Co. Jsr. ' City of Carls.bad.'As a result o'f said ,.,^,^,i., nu^ review, a Negative Declaration Planning Director(declaration that the project will CJ 5571: March 17,1989 17 19 89 19. 19 19. 19 #202-2M-12/87 I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed at Carlsbad, County of San Diego, State of California on the 17th day of flare h., Clerk of the Printer 2075 LAS PALMAS DRIVE • Jfltfh • TELEPHONE CARLSBAD, CA 92009-4859 WY^f/J^M (619)438-1161 (EarLstrafc PLANNING DEPARTMENT NEGATIVE DECLARATION PROJECT ADDRESS/LOCATION: 4600 Carlsbad, Boulevard, Carlsbad, California PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A request for permission to install six wastewater collection tanks and associated facilities at the Encina Power Plant. The City of Carlsbad has conducted an environmental review of the above described project pursuant to the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act and the Environmental Protection Ordinance of the City of Carlsbad. As a result of said review, a Negative Declaration (declaration that the project will not have a significant impact on the environment) is hereby issued for the subject project. Justification for this action is on file in the Planning Department. A copy of the Negative Declaration with supportive documents is on file in the Planning Department, 2075 Las Palmas Drive, Carlsbad, California 92009. Comments from the public are invited. Please submit comments in writing to the Planning Department within thirty (30) days of date of issuance. DATED: March 17, 1989 MICHAEL J. CASE NO: SP-144(A) Planning Director APPLICANT: SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC CO. PUBLISH DATE: March 17, 1989 MJH:af 2075 LAS PALMAS DRIVE • ffW k • TELEPHONE CARLSBAD, CA 92009-4859 Wr4?/JirM (619)438-1161 (Ettg of OIarl0ba& PLANNING DEPARTMENT NEGATIVE DECLARATION PROJECT ADDRESS/LOCATION: 4600 Carlsbad, Boulevard, Carlsbad, California PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A request for permission to install six wastewater collection tanks and associated facilities at the Encina Power Plant. The City of Carlsbad has conducted an environmental review of the above described project pursuant to the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act and the Environmental Protection Ordinance of the City of Carlsbad. As a result of said review, a Negative Declaration (declaration that the project will not have a significant impact on the environment) is hereby issued for the subject project. Justification for this action is on file in the Planning Department. A copy of the Negative Declaration with supportive documents is on file in the Planning Department, 2075 Las Palmas Drive, Carlsbad, California 92009. Comments from the public are invited. Please submit comments in writing to the Planning Department within thirty (30) days of date of issuance. DATED: March 17, 1989 MICHAEL J. HOt?MILfc€fl CASE NO: SP-144(A) Planning Director APPLICANT: SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC CO. PUBLISH DATE: March 17, 1989 MJH:af 2075 LAS PALMAS DRIVE • .fW'j • TELEPHONE CARLSBAD, CA 92009-4859 WWjrM (619)438-1161 (Eitg of PLANNING DEPARTMENT NEGATIVE DECLARATION PROJECT ADDRESS/LOCATION: 4600 Carlsbad, Boulevard, Carlsbad, California PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A request for permission to install six wastewater collection tanks and associated facilities at the Encina Power Plant. The City of Carlsbad has conducted an environmental review of the above described project pursuant to the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act and the Environmental Protection Ordinance of the City of Carlsbad. As a result of said review, a Negative Declaration (declaration that the project will not have a significant impact on the environment) is hereby issued for the subject project. Justification for this action is on file in the Planning Department. A copy of the Negative Declaration with supportive documents is on file in the Planning Department, 2075 Las Palmas Drive, Carlsbad, California 92009. Comments from the public are invited. Please submit comments in writing to the Planning Department within thirty (30) days of date of issuance. DATED: March 17, 1989 -' ' \'-t4W MICHAEL J. HOLZMILLE CASE NO: SP-144(A) Planning Director APPLICANT: SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC CO. PUBLISH DATE: March 17, 1989 MJH:af MaH to: State Clearinghouse, 1400 Ter^Street, Rm. 121, Sacramento, CA 95814 -- 91^/445-0613 NOTICE ^^OMPLETION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT FORM 91|/44 i^r See NOTE Below: SCH # 1. Project Title SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC / SP-144 AMENDMENT 2. Lead Agency: CITY OF CARLSBAD 3. Contact Person:MICHAEL HOLZHILLER 3a. Street Address: 2075 Las Palmas Drive 3c. County: San Diego 3b. City: Carlsbad 3d. Zip: 92009 3e. Phone: (619) 438-1161 PROJECT LOCATION 4. County: San Diego 4a. City/Community: City of Carlsbad 4b.(optional) Assessor's Parcel No. 210-01-33 5a. Cross streets: Carlsbad Blvd./Cannon Road 6. Within 2 miles of: a. State Hwy No. 1-5 7. DOCUMENT TYPE 4c. Section: For Rural, 5b. Nearest Coimiunity: Twp.Range b. Airports Palomar Pacific c. Waterways Ocean 8. LOCAL ACTION TYPE CEQA 01 NOP 02 Early Cons 03 x Neg Dec 04 Draft EIR 05 Supplement/ Subsequent EIR (if so, prior SCH # ) NEPA 06 Notice of Intent 07 Envir. Assessment/ FONSI 08 Draft EIS OTHER 09 Information Only 10 Final Document 11 Other: 01 General Plan Update 02 New Element 03 General Plan Amendment 04 Master Plan 05 Annexation 06 x Specific Plan Minor Amendment 07 Redevelopment 08 Rezone 09 Land Division (Subdivision, Parcel Map. Tract Map, etc.) 10 Use Permit 11 Cancel Ag Preserve 12 Other 10. DEVELOPMENT TYPE 01 Residential: Units Acres 02 Office: Sq. Ft. Acres Employees 03 Shopping/Commercial: Sq. Ft. Acres Employees 04 Industrial: Sq. Ft. Acres Employees 05 06 Sewer: MGD Water: MGD 07 Transportation: Type 08 Mineral Extraction: Mineral 09 Power Generation: Wattage Type: 10 Other: 9 TOTAL ACRES:.9 11. PROJECT ISSUES DISCUSSED IN DOCUMENT 01 Aesthetic/Visual 02 Agricultural Land 03 Air Quality 04 Archaeological/Historical/ Pa Ieontological 05 Coastal 06 Fire Hazard _07 Flooding/Drainage 12 FUNDING (approx.) Federal $_ 08 Geologic/Seismic 09 Jobs/Housing Balance 10 Minerals 11 Noise 12 Public Services 13 Schools 14 Septic Systems __ State $ 15 Sewer Capacity 16 Soil Erosion 17 Solid Waste 18 Toxic/Hazardous 22 Water Supply 23 Wetland/Riparian 24 Wildlife 25 Growth Inducing 19 Traffic/Circulation 26 Incompatible Land Use 20 Vegetation 27 Cumulative Effects 21 Water Quality 28 Other Total $ 13 PRESENT LAND USE AND ZONING: Presently paved and used for storage in conjunction with operation of Encina Power Plant. Genera Plan, Coastal Plan and Zoning is Public Utility (P-U). 14 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A minor specific plan amendment to replace six wastewater collection ponds with six enclosed tanks a required by Toxic Pits Act of 1984. Detailed project description attached. 15. SIGNATURE OF LEAD AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE:Date:0 FACT SHEET ENCINA POWER PLANT WATER TREATMENT TANKS San Diego Gas & Electric is requesting permission to install six wastewater collection tanks and associated facilities at the Encina Power Plant. The new tanks will replace the six ponds currently being used for wastewater collection at the plant. Above ground tanks are currently the most environmentally sound technology for wastewater collection and temporary storage. The tanks will allow SDG&E to comply with the Toxic Pits Act of 1984. The ponds will be closed/removed in accordance with a "closure plan" approved by the State Department of Health Services, and the obtaining of all other applicable State and Regional and/or local governmental entitlements. CURRENT PROCESS Wastewater treatment at the plant currently involves the use of six open ponds and a physical/chemical treatment facility. There are two low volume waste ponds with 300,000 and 590,000 gallon capacity, two extended waste ponds with a 750,000 and 330,000 gallon capacity and two treated water ponds with 220,000 and 270,000 gallon capacity. Low volume wastewater contains low levels of dirt and oils that make their way to the basement sumps. Sources include rainwater runoff and other low level waste such as water softener « regenerant flow. This wastewater is similar to that which would -1- result from activities like a homeowner washing a driveway, carwashes or garages. This material is not considered to be hazardous by legislative definition, and concentrations are small and the threat to public health or the environment is considered to be extremely minimal. About 99 percent of the time, low volume wastewater falls within limits considered by the Regional Water Quality Control Board to be clean enough to discharge into the ocean without treatment. The extended wastewater ponds are empty most of the time. They are used to hold wastewater from washing the power plant's four steam boilers. This process is necessary to increase the boilers' efficiency and reliability and is done about every two years on each of the boilers. The materials contained in this wastewater include trace metals such as iron, copper and nickel along with cleaning chemicals. These materials are removed from the water through treatment, solidified and taken to a licensed disposal facility. Although these materials are classified as hazardous, operating personnel are not required to wear protective clothing or breathing apparatus when handling them. The cleaned water is forwarded to the treated water ponds. -2- The treated water ponds are used to temporarily store the water which has been processed through the treatment facility. At this point, samples are taken and analyzed before allowing the water to be discharged into the ocean. LEGISLATION In 1984, the California State Legislature accepted Assemblyman Katz* bill setting more stringent standards on the construction and operation of hazardous waste impoundments. To comply with the new law, SDG&E carefully studied two options: relining the existing ponds or using steel tanks to hold the water. SDG&E chose to use steel tanks. While the tanks are the costlier of the two options, they are the safest and most environmentally sound. The Regional Water Quality Board, which is responsible for ensuring compliance with the law has directed SDG&E to complete the project by August, 1990. SDG&E's plan has been approved by the State Department of Health Services which regulates the design of hazardous waste facilities. (see attached letter) THE NEW TANKS AND OIL AND SOLIDS COALESCER The installation of above ground tanks and an oil/solids coalescer will virtually eliminate the possibility of any potential ground water contamination. Key features of the new system are: -3- -- The extended waste and treated waste tanks will function like the existing ponds in that they will collect and temporarily store wastewater before and after treatment prior to discharge. -- The low volume waste tanks will collect the same waste streams as the ponds currently collect. However, there will be a new step in the treatment process. The low volume wastes will be treated in an oil and solids coalescer. This new system will continue to automatically filter and monitor low volume wastewater to assure that the discharge of these wastewaters complies with the plant's discharge permit'limits. If wastewater does not meet specified limits the system automatically shuts down, making it a 100 percent redundant backup system. -- Because the new system will make the most effective use of the equipment and involve the addition of the oil and solids coalescer, the amount of wastewater on site at any one time will be significantly reduced. The extended waste tanks will contain 357,000 gallons, the treated water tanks will have a capacity of 95,000 gallons and the low volume wastewater tanks will hold 56,000 gallons. -- Each tank will be completely above ground to allow plant operators to visually inspect for leakage. The tanks will be built on a concrete pad that is designed to meet very stringent seismic criteria. The pad will be surrounded by a watertight, concrete containment block wall which will capture any leaks, in the unlikely event that any might occur." -4- -- Tank levels will be monitored continuously and high level alarms will sound in a control room which is manned around-the-clock. Additionally, there are provisions for each tank to overflow into the parallel sister tank should all systems fail. -- The tanks will range from 18 to 30 feet in height and be constructed of steel. They will be painted a color that makes them compatible with the existing landscaping that backdrops the site. In addition, planting along the front perimeter of the site is incorporated into the project for screening purposes. -- The tanks, like the larger ponds currently in place, will not be covered. Covering the tanks would create a danger to plant employees who must go inside them for cleaning and observation of water levels. Additionally, covering the tanks would necessitate the project's redesigning and increase the cost. And, although some of the materials inside the tanks are classified as hazardous, they pose no danger to the environment according to the Regional Water Quality Control Board and other regulatory agencies. -5- ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FORM - PART II (TO BE COMPETED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT) CASE NO. SP-144 - Minor Amendment DATE: March 10. 1989 I. BACKGROUND 1. APPLICANT: San Diego Gas & Electric 2. ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF APPLICANT: 101 Ash Street. San Diego. California 92101 (619) 696-2410 3. DATE CHECK LIST SUBMITTED: II. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS (Explanations of all Affirmative Answers are to be written under Section III - Discussion of Environmental Evaluation) YES MAYBE NO 1. Earth - Will the proposal have significant results in: a. Unstable earth conditions or in changes in geologic substructures? b. Disruptions, displacements, compaction or overcovering of the soil? x_ c. Change in topography or ground surface relief features? x_ d. The destruction, covering of modification of any unique geologic or physical features? x_ e. Any increase in wind or water erosion of soils, either on or off the site? x_ f. Changes in deposition or erosion of beach sands, or changes in siltation, deposition or erosion which may modify the channel or a river or stream or the bed of the ocean or any bay, inlet or lake? x_ YES MAYBE NO 2. Air - Will the proposal have significant results in: a. Air emissions or deterioration of ambient air quality? b. The creation of objectionable odors? c. Alteration of air movement, moisture or temperature, or any change in climate, either locally or regionally? 3. Water - Will the proposal have significant results in: a. Changes in currents, or the course or direction of water movements, in either marine or fresh waters? b. Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface water runoff? x_ c. Alterations to the course or flow of flood waters? x d. Change in the amount of surface water in any water body? e. Discharge into surface waters, or in any alteration of surface water quality, including but not limited to, temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity? f. Alteration of the direction or rate of flow of ground waters? g. Change in the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or withdrawals, or through interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations? x_ h. Reduction in the amount of water otherwise available for public water supplies? j -2- YES MAYBE NO 4. Plant Life - Will the proposal have significant results in: a. Change in the diversity of species, or numbers of any species of plants (including trees, shrubs, grass, crops, microflora and aquatic plants)? x_ b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of plants? x_ c. Introduction of new species of plants into an area, or in a barrier to the normal replenishment of existing species? d. Reduction in acreage of any agricultural crop? 5. Animal Life - Will the proposal have significant results in: a. Changes in the diversity of species, or numbers of any species of animals (birds, land animals including reptiles, fish and shellfish, benthic organisms, insects or microfauna)? b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of animals? 6. Noise - Will the proposal significantly increase existing noise levels? 7. Light and Glare - Will the proposal sig- nificantly produce new light or glare? c. Introduction of new species of animals into an area, or result in a barrier to the migration or movement of animals? x_ d. Deterioration to existing fish or wildlife habitat? Land Use - Will the proposal have significant results in the alteration of the present or planned land use of an area? x_ -3- YES MAYBE NO 9. Natural Resources - Will the proposal have significant results in: a. Increase in the rate of use of any natural resources? b. Depletion of any nonrenewable natural resource? 10. Risk of Upset - Does the proposal involve a significant risk of an explosion or the release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to, oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation) in the event of an accident or upset conditions? 11. Population - Will the proposal signif- icantly alter the location, distribu- tion, density, or growth rate of the human population of an area? 12. Housing - Will the proposal signif- icantly affect existing housing, or create a demand for additional housing? 13. Transportation/Circulation - Will the proposal have significant results in: a. Generation of additional vehicular movement? e. Alterations to waterborne, rail or air traffic? f. Increase in traffic hazards to motor vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians? Effects on existing parking facili- ties, or demand for new parking? x Impact upon existing transportation systems? x_ Alterations to present patterns of circulation or movement of people and/or goods? x -4- YES MAYBE NO 14. Public Services - Will the proposal have a significant effect upon, or have signif- icant results in the need for new or altered governmental services in any of the following areas: a. Fire protection? b. Police protection? c. Schools? d. Parks or other recreational facilities? e. Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? x_ f. Other governmental services? x_ 15. Energy - Will the proposal have significant results in: a. Use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy? 3 b. Demand upon existing sources of energy, or require the development of new sources of energy? x_ 16. Utilities - Will the proposal have significant results in the need for new systems, or alterations to the following utilities: a. Power or natural gas? x_ b. Communications systems? x_ c. Water? x_ d. Sewer or septic tanks? x_ e. Storm water drainage? x_ f. Solid waste and disposal? x_ 17. Human Health - Will the proposal have significant results in the creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard (excluding mental health)? x_ -5- YES MAYBE NO 18. Aesthetics - Will the proposal have significant results in the obstruction of any scenic vista or view open to the public, or will the proposal result in creation of an aesthetically offensive public view? 19. Recreation - Will the proposal have significant results in the impact upon the quality or quantity of existing recreational opportunities? x_ 20. Archeoloqical/Historical/Paleontological - Will the proposal have significant results in the alteration of a significant archeological, paleontological or historical site, structure, object or building? x_ 21. Analyze viable alternatives to the proposed project such as: a) Phased development of the project, b) alternate site designs, c) alternate scale of development, d) alternate uses for the site, e) development at some future time rather than now, f) alter- nate sites for the proposed, and g) no project alternative. The project is being done in order to comply with the Toxic Pits Act of 1984. Phasing or a no project alternative is not possible. To comply with the new law, SDG&E studied two alternatives: relining the existing ponds or using steel tanks to hold the water. SDG&E chose to use the steel tanks. While the tanks are the costlier of the two alternatives, they are the safest and most environmentally-sound. The Regional Water Quality Control Board has directed SDG&E to complete the project by August, 1990. -6- YES MAYBE NO 22. Mandatory findings of significance - a. Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, or curtail the diversity in the environment? Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term, to the dis- advantage of long-term, environmental goals? (A short-term impact on the environment is one which occurs in a relatively brief, definitive period of time while long-term impacts will endure well into the future.) x_ Does the project have impacts which are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (A project may impact on two or more separate resources where the impact on each resource is relatively small, but where the effecty of the total of those impacts on the environment is significant.) d. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? x III. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION Project Description: 18. The wastewater treatment tanks will be 18 to 30 feet in height. The existing ponds are not visible. The tanks will be constructed of steel and will be visible from Carlsbad Boulevard. However, they will be painted a color that makes them compatible with the existing landscaping that backdrops the site. In addition, planting along the front perimeter of the site is incorporated into the project for screening purposes. -7- IV. DETERMINATION (To Be Completed By The Planning Department) On the basis of this initial evaluation: x I find the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project. A Conditional Negative Declaration will be proposed. I find the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. Date /fl/09 / Date ector V.MITIGATING MEASURES (If Applicable) VI. APPLICANT CONCURRENCE WITH MITIGATING MEASURES THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT I HAVE REVIEWED THE ABOVE MITIGATING MEASURES AND CONCUR WITH THE ADDITION OF THESE MEASURES TO THE PROJECT. Date Signature -8- FEE: $175.00 RECEIPT NO: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FORM - Part I (To Be Completed by APPLICANT) CASE NO: __ DATE: __ Applicant: San Diego Gas & Electric Address of Applicant; ' 101 Ash Street, San Diego, CA 92101 Phone Number: (619 ) 696-2410 Name, address and phone number of person to be contacted (if other than Applicant): Dave Siino, P.O. Box 1831, San Diego, CA 92112 GENERAL INFORMATION; Description of Project: See Attached Fact Sheet Project Location/Address; 4600 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, CA 92008 Assessor Parcel Number: 210 - 01 - 33 Zone of Subject Property: PU (Public utilities) Proposed Use Of Site: Power Plant wastewater facilities; replacement of existing surface impoundments with above ground tanks. List all other applicable applications related to this project: Building and grading permits from the City and a coastal development permit from the State Coastal Commission. 2. Describe the activity area, including distiguishing natural and man- made characteristics; also provide precise slope analysis when appropriate. The project site is paved with asphalt and presently used as a temporary lay down storage area. 3. Describe energy conservation measures incorporated into the design and/or operation of the project. 4. If residential, include the number of units, schedule of unit sizes, range of sale prices or rents, and type of household size expected. N/A 5. If commercial, indicate the type, whether neighborhood, city or regionally oriented, square footage of sales area, and loading facilities. N/A 6. If industrial, indicate type, estimated employment per shift, and loading facilities. Project is not a manned facility. 7. If institutional, indicate the major function, estimated employment per shift, estimated occupancy, loading facilities, and community benefits to be derived from the project. \ N/A I. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS Answer the following questions by placing a check in the appropriate space. (Discuss all items checked "yes". Attach additional sheets "as necessary.) 1) Could the project significantly change present land uses in the vicinity of the activity? 2) Could the activity affect the use of a recreational area, or area of important aesthetic value? 3) Could the activity affect the functioning of an established community or neighborhood? 4) Could the activity result in the displacement of community residents? 5) Could the activity increase the number of low and modest cost housing units in the city? 8) Could the activity significantly affect an historical or archaeological site or its settings? 9) Could the activity significantly affect the potential use, extraction, or conservation of a scarce natural resource? 10) Does the activity significantly affect the potential use, extraction, or conservation of a scarce natural resource? 11) Could the activity significantly affect fish, wildlife or plant life? 12) Are there any rare or endangered plant species in the activity area? 13) Could the activity change existing features of any of the city's lagoons, bays, or tidelands? 14) Could the activity change existing features of any of the city's beaches? 15) Could the activity result in the erosion or elimination of agricultural lands? YES NO 6) Could the activity decrease the number of low and modest cost housing units in the city? x 7) Are any of the natural or man-made features in the activity area unique, that is, not found in other parts of the county, state or nation? x 16) Could the activity serve to encourage development of presently undeveloped areas or intensify develop- ment of already developed areas? YES NO 17) Will the activity require a variance from established environmental standards (air, water, noise, etc.)? 18) Will the activity require certification, authoriza- tion or issuance of a permit by any local, state or federal environmental control agency? 19) Will the activity require issuance of a variance or conditional use permit by the City? 20) Will the activity involve the application, use, or disposal of potentially hazardous materials? 21) Will the activity involve construction of facilities in a flood plain? 22) Will the activity involve construction of facilities in the area of an active fault? 23) Will the activity involve construction of facilities on a slope of 25 percent or greater? 24) Could the activity result in the generation of significant amounts of noise? 25) Could the activity result in the generation of significant amounts of dust? 26) Will the activity involve the burning of brush, trees, or other materials? 27) Could the activity result in a significant change in the quality of any portion of the region's air or water resources? (Should note surface, ground water, off-shore.) 28) Will the project substantially increase fuel consumption (electricity, oil, natural gas, etc.)? 29) Will there be a significant change to existing land form? (a) Indicate estimated grading to be done in cubic yards: 5,700 • (b) Percentage of alteration to the present land form: 15 . (c) Maximum height of cut or fill slopes: cut - 8' , fill - 3' § 30) Will the activity result in substantial increases in the use of utilities, sewers, drains or streets? 31) Is the activity carried out as part of a larger project or series of projects? II. STATEMENT OF NON-SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS If you have answered yes to one or more of the questions in Section I but you think the activity will have no significant environmental effects, indicate your reasons below: The construction of steel tanks instead of relining the existing surface impound- ments is an environmentally superior means of processing, treating and storing the power plant waste stream. This methodology eliminates the potential for groundwater contamina- tion that presently exists with surface impoundments. The design and operation of the wastewater tanks and the discharge of the power plant hazardous and non-hazardous wastewater is regulated by State Governmental Agencies to insure the protection of the environment. The agencies are the State Department of Health Services and the State Regional Water Quality Control Board. The State Department of Health Services must authorize that the design and operation of the facilities"is in compliance with Title 22 of the California Administrative Code which regulates industries that generate hazardous waste. Their authorization of the project is attached to the attached fact sheet. _ ™iam-v The State Regional Water Quality Control Board establishes regional water quality standards, issues discharge permits and monitors discharges to_insure compliance with the water aaulity standards. Our present discharge permit is in effect into 1990 It is also empowered to enforce the Environmental Protection Agency's water quality standards (cont. below) III. COMMENTS OR ELABORATIONS TO ANY OF THE QUESTIONS IN SECTION I (If additional space is needed for answering any questions, attach additional sheets as needed.) Signature __ _ ( Per-sbn Completing Report) Date Signed *L/l / / relative to the Federal Clean Water Act and has the responsibility for insuring compliance with the Toxic Pits Act of 1984. FACT SHEET ENCINA POWER PLANT WATER TREATMENT TANKS San Diego Gas & Electric is requesting permission to install six wastewater collection tanks and associated facilities at the Encina Power Plant. The new tanks will replace the six ponds currently being used for wastewater collection at the plant. Above ground tanks are currently the most environmentally sound technology for wastewater collection and temporary storage. The tanks will allow SDG&E to comply with the Toxic Pits Act of 1984. The ponds will be closed/removed in accordance with a "closure plan" approved by the State Department of Health Services, and the obtaining of all other applicable State and Regional and/or local governmental entitlements. CURRENT PROCESS Wastewater treatment at the plant currently involves the use of six open ponds and a physical/chemical treatment facility. There are two low volume waste ponds with 300,000 and 590,000 gallon capacity, two extended waste ponds with a 750,000 and 330,000 gallon capacity and two treated water ponds with 220,000 and 270,000 gallon capacity. Low volume wastewater contains low levels of dirt and oils that make their way to the basement sumps. Sources include rainwater runoff and other low level waste such as water softener regenerant flow. This wastewater is similar to that which would -1- result from activities like a homeowner washing a driveway, carwashes or garages. This material is not considered to be hazardous by legislative definition, and concentrations are small and the threat to public health or the environment is considered to be extremely minimal. About 99 percent of the time, low volume wastewater falls within limits considered by the Regional Water Quality Control Board to be clean enough to discharge into the ocean without treatment. The extended wastewater ponds are empty most of the time. They are used to hold wastewater from washing the power plant's four steam boilers. This process is necessary to increase the boilers' efficiency and reliability and is done about every two years on each of the boilers. The materials contained in this wastewater include trace metals such as iron, copper and nickel along with cleaning chemicals. These materials are removed from the water through treatment, solidified and taken to a licensed disposal facility. Although these materials are classified as hazardous, operating personnel are not required to wear protective clothing or breathing apparatus when handling them. The cleaned water is forwarded to the treated water ponds. -2- The treated water ponds are used to temporarily store the water which has been processed through the treatment facility. At this point, samples are taken and analyzed before allowing the water to be discharged into the ocean. LEGISLATION In 1984, the California State Legislature accepted Assemblyman Katz' bill setting more stringent standards on the construction and operation of hazardous waste impoundments. To comply with the new law, SDG&E carefully studied two options: relining the existing ponds or using steel tanks to hold the water. SDG&E chose to use steel tanks. While the tanks are the costlier of the two options, they are the safest and most environmentally sound. The Regional Water Quality Board, which is responsible for ensuring compliance with the law has directed SDG&E to complete the project by August, 1990. SDG&E's plan has been approved by the State Department of Health Services which regulates the design of hazardous waste facilities. (see attached letter) THE NEW TANKS AND OIL AND SOLIDS COALESCER The installation of above ground tanks and an oil/solids coalescer will virtually eliminate the possibility of any potential ground water contamination. Key features of the new system are: -3- -- The extended waste and treated waste tanks will function like the existing ponds in that they will collect and temporarily store wastewater before and after treatment prior to discharge. -- The low volume waste tanks will collect the same waste streams as the ponds currently collect. However, there will be a new step in the treatment process. The low volume wastes will be treated in an oil and solids coalescer. This new system will continue to automatically filter and monitor low volume wastewater to assure that the discharge of these wastewaters complies with the plant's discharge permit limits. If wastewater does not meet specified limits the system automatically shuts down, making it a 100 percent redundant backup system. -- Because the new system will make the most effective use of the equipment and involve the addition of the oil and solids coalescer, the amount of wastewater on site at any one time will be significantly reduced. The extended waste tanks will contain 357,000 gallons, the treated water tanks will have a capacity of 95,000 gallons and the low volume wastewater tanks will hold 56,000 gallons. -- Each tank will be completely above ground to allow plant operators to visually inspect for leakage. The tanks will be built on a concrete pad that is designed to meet very stringent seismic criteria. The pad will be surrounded by a watertight, concrete containment block wall which will capture any leaks, in the unlikely event that any might occur. -4- -- Tank levels will be monitored continuously and high level alarms will sound in a control room which is manned around-the-clock. Additionally, there are provisions for each tank to overflow into the parallel sister tank should all systems fail. -- The tanks will range from 18 to 30 feet in height and be constructed of steel. They will be painted a color that makes them compatible with the existing landscaping that backdrops the site. In addition, planting along the front perimeter of the site is incorporated into the project for screening purposes. -- The tanks, like the larger ponds currently in place, will not be covered. Covering the tanks would create a danger to plant employees who must go inside them for cleaning and observation of water levels. Additionally, covering the tanks would necessitate the project's redesigning and increase the cost. And, although some of the materials inside the tanks are classified as hazardous, they pose no danger to the environment according to the Regional Water Quality Control Board and other regulatory agencies. -5- STATE Of CAltFOSNIA—HEALTH AND WELFARE AGENCY GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN, Govrmor DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES 107 SOUTH BROADWAY, ROOM 7011 LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 (213} 620-2380 .(A- £,C - August 30, 1988 Mr. G. D. Cotton Senior Vice President Engineering&xOperation San Diego/6as & Electric Company P. 0. BJ*k 1831 San D*ego, CA 92112 Dear Mr. Cotton: PART A MODIFICATIONS: SAN DIEGO GAS AND ELECTRIC, ENCINA POWER PLANT (CAT000618900), AND SOUTH BAY POWER PLANT (CAT000619056) This is in response to the revised Part A you submitted on June 24, 1988. You requested permission to replace surface impoundments with the above-ground tanks at the above facilities as described in Appendix C of the submittals. This request is part of your effort to comply with the Toxic Pit Clean Up Act (TPCA). The Department approves your proposals for both facilities subject to the requirements that new tanks will comply with 40 CFR, Part 265, Subpart J. Should you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact Suwan Sonkprasha of my staff at (213) 620-3050 or Jim Potter at (213) 620-5456. Sincerely, /^Mohinder S. Sandhu, P. E., Chief Facility Permitting Unit Region 4 (Long Beach) Toxic Substances Control Division MSS:SS:kap cc: Caroline Cabias Hazardous Waste Management Section Toxic Substances Control Division 714/744 "P" Street P. 0. Box 942342 Sacramento, CA 94234 Paula Rasmussen Surveillance and Enforcement Unit Region 4 (Long Beach) Toxic Substances Control Division 245 West Broadway Long Beach, CA 90802 Mr. G. D. Cotton August 29, 1988 Page 2 bcc: Jack Kearns Carlsbad Journal Decreed A Legal Newspaper by the Superior Court of San Diego County Mail all correspondence regarding public notice advertising to North Coast Publishers, Inc. corporate offices: P.O. Box 878, Encinitas, CA 92024 (619) 753-6543 Proof of Publication STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ss COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO, I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the county aforesaid; ' , I am over the age of eighteen years, and not a party to or interested in the above entitled matter. I am principal clerk of the printer of the Carlsbad Journal a newspaper of general circulation, published twice weekly in the City of Carlsbad, County of San Diego, State of Ca ifornia, and which newspaper is published for the dissemination of local news and intelligence of a genera character, and which newspaper at all times herein mentioned had and still has a bona fide subscription list of paying subscribers, and which newspaper has been established, printed and published at regular intervals in the said City of Carlsbad, County of San Diego, State of California, for a period exceeding one year next preceding the date of publication of the notice hereinafter referred to; and that the notice of which the annexed is a printed copy, has been published in each regular and entire issue of said newspaper and not in any supplement thereof on the following dates, to-wit: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad will hold a public hearing at the Council Chambers, 120" Elm Avenue, Carlsba* Cali- fornia, at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Hay 3,1989, to consider approval ofa Minor Amendment to a SpecificPlan to replace six uncovered wastewater collection ponds withsix collection tanks at the EncinaPower Plant, 2600 Carlsbad Boule-vard located in the P-U Zone and Local Facilities Management Zone3 on property generally located at and more particularly described is:Portions of Rancho Agua Hedion- da, Map No. 823 and Block "W", Palisades, Unit 2, Map 1803. Those persons wishing to speak on this proposal .are cordially invit- ed to attend the public hearing. If you have any questions, please call the Planning Department at 438- 1161.If you challenge the Minor Amendment in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this no- tice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City'bfCarlsbad at or prior to the public hearing. Case File: SP-144Applicant: San Diego Gas & Elec- , trie Company CITY OF CARLSBAD PLANNING COMMISSION #20! Cil, i( Girttri MINOR AMENDMENT TO S.D.G.& :(3J 8639: April 21,1989 April 21 19 89 19 19. 19. I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed at Carlsbad, County of San Diego, State of California on the 21st day of Clerk of the Printer