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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-19; Planning Commission; ; CDP 09-08|SUP 09-03|HMP 09-06 - ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENTThe City of CARLSBAD Planning Department A REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION Single Family Coastal Development Permit Item No. P.C. AGENDA OF: August 19, 2009 Application complete date: June 11, 2009 Project Planner: Pam Drew Project Engineer: John Cahill SUBJECT: CDP 09-08/SUP 09-03/HMP 09-06 - ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT- Request for the adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and the approval of a Coastal Development Permit, Special Use Permit, and Habitat Management Plan Permit to replace the existing bridge located on southbound Carlsbad Boulevard approximately 0.6 mile south of Palomar Airport Road and 1-mile north of Poinsettia Lane in the Mello II Segment of the Local Coastal Program and within Local Facilities Management Zone 22. I.RECOMMENDATION That the Planning Commission ADOPT Planning Commission Resolution No. 6624 ADOPTING a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and ADOPT Planning Commission Resolution Nos. 6625, 6626, 6627, APPROVING Coastal Development Permit (CDP 09-08), Special Use Permit (SUP 09-03), and Habitat Management Plan Permit (HMP 09-06) based on the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein. II. INTRODUCTION The City of Carlsbad has identified the need to remove and replace the Encinas Creek Bridge upon the recommendation of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) due to severe deterioration. The existing bridge structure is a culvert-style concrete bridge 69 feet and 4 inches in width. It would be replaced by a narrower (45 feet and 2 inches), prefabricated concrete arch bridge structure. The new bridge would be approximately 2 feet taller than the existing bridge to accommodate 100-year storm flows. The construction is expected to take up to 4 months. The project will not start until after the Carlsbad Marathon, which is scheduled for January 24, 2010, and be completed prior to Memorial Day weekend. No work will occur between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend due to heavy use of the beach area during the summer months. No overnight parking of equipment or storage of materials will be allowed on the beach. A Detour Plan would be implemented and would reroute all southbound traffic on Carlsbad Boulevard at Palomar Airport Road to Avenida Encinas, Poinsettia Lane, and then back to Carlsbad Boulevard. South of Palomar Airport Road, access would be limited to local residential access of Solamar Drive. The North Ponto day parking lot just south of the bridge would remain open via two-way traffic on Southbound Carlsbad Boulevard to just north of Island Way. CDP 09-08/SUP 09-03/HMP 09-06 - ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT August 19,2009 Page 2 The project is subject to a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) since the bridge is in the Coastal Zone. A Special Use Permit (SUP) is also required because the project is within the 100-year flood area. In addition, because the project will have impacts to sensitive habitat due to the removal and replacement of the existing bridge on the east side of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard, a Habitat Management Plan Permit (HMP) will also be required. III. BACKGROUND The City of Carlsbad (City) proposes to replace the existing Encinas Creek Bridge located along southbound Carlsbad Boulevard approximately 0.6 mile south of Palomar Airport Road and 1 mile north of Poinsettia Lane. The City has identified the need to remove and replace the bridge due to severe deterioration and recommendations by Caltrans. Exposed reinforcing bars have become heavily corroded. For several years now, the bridge has been classified as structurally deficient and in need of replacement. Due to the severe deterioration of the structure on the west side, traffic has been shifted to the east side of the bridge where the girders are in much better condition. The Caltrans Local Bridge Inventory includes a list of local bridges that have been evaluated by Caltrans for historical significance, including eligibility for the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) under CEQA. The existing bridge at Encinas Creek is included on the Caltrans Local Bridge Inventory and is listed as Category 5, which means that while the construction date of the bridge suggests that it is has potential for historical significance; the poor condition and lack of integrity of the bridge indicate that it is not eligible for listing in the CRHR. The bridge is not eligible for listing; therefore, is not considered a historic resource by Caltrans. Further, per CEQA §15064.5(a)(4), the City has the discretion to determine what is considered to be a historic resource in Carlsbad if there is not a classification in the National Register of Historical Resources (NRHP). The City has not identified the bridge as a historic feature. Because neither Caltrans nor the City has identified the bridge as a historic feature, it is not considered a historic resource pursuant to CEQA §15064.5. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) reviews the Caltrans Historical Bridge list to verify the listing category. The project is located at Encinas Creek along the southern edge of the historic Agua Hedionda Spanish land grant. Carlsbad Boulevard (southbound) is bounded on the west by the State Beach and Pacific Ocean and on the east by Encinas Creek and the northbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard. The bridge is located just north of the Carlsbad State Beach Campgrounds. The bridge was originally built in 1913, widened in 1924, and widened again on both sides in 1928. At that time, the structure was designed to carry both northbound and southbound traffic. In 1951, northbound traffic was separated from the southbound traffic and the function of the bridge was reduced to carry only the southbound traffic lanes, as is still the case today. As a result, the bridge structure is currently oversized for the provision of only two lanes of southbound traffic. The Encinas Creek Bridge is a culvert-style concrete bridge spanning the outlet for Encinas Creek. The rest of the creek has a natural channel bottom and banks, and is approximately 10 feet above mean sea level (MSL). The creek is primarily freshwater but is subject to tidal influence during extreme high tides. However, the water encroaching under the bridge is a result of wave action during a high tide; hence it is influenced by tides and not subject to tidal action. CDP 09-08/SUP 09-03/HMP 09-06 - ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT August 19,2009 Page3 The sandy beach immediately west of the bridge is subject to surf and tides. The project area is relatively flat with the northbound and southbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard elevated on top of manufactured fill. The fill to the west of the bridge is reinforced with large rock (riprap) for protection against the heavy surf. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Existing and Proposed Bridge Dimensions The City proposes to install a prefabricated arch concrete bridge structure in place of the existing concrete bridge. Similar to the existing bridge, the new bridge would be a culvert style bridge with a concrete base that would be covered with sand and cobble over time. The overall existing bridge width from edge of deck to edge of deck is currently 69 feet and 4 inches, although the structure extends to approximately 90 feet and 3 inches when including the wingwalls. The existing bridge is approximately 23 feet long. The proposed new structure would have a length of 38 feet and 4 inches to accommodate the 100-year storm event. The proposed new structure would have a width from edge of deck to edge of deck of 43 feet and 2 inches, although the structure would extend to approximately 57 feet when including the wingwalls. The proposed structure would reduce the overall width of the bridge by approximately 26 feet and 2 inches (6 feet 11 inches to the west and 19 feet 3 inches to the east). This proposed reduction in width, as compared to the existing structure, is because the bridge is currently oversized. Maintaining the existing bridge deck width is not necessary to provide adequate travel lanes for forecasted traffic volumes. In addition, to minimize the construction impacts on the west side, the wingwalls would be placed parallel to the roadway. The current centerline of the roadway would be maintained and the new bridge footprint would fit primarily within the boundaries of the existing structure. The new roadway profile at the crest of the arch would be approximately 0.5 feet higher than the existing roadway profile and the bridge would be approximately 2 feet taller than the existing bridge to accommodate 100-year storm flows. Proposed Road Profile The new bridge would have a 5-foot-wide pedestrian sidewalk on the west side and a 5-foot- wide shoulder on the east side of the bridge. A 6-foot-wide shoulder/bike lane is also proposed on the west side between the travel lane and the pedestrian sidewalk. Both southbound lanes would be 12 feet wide. Material and Architectural Elements The proposed bridge would be made of precast concrete to reduce construction duration and minimize traffic interruptions. Precast concrete units are constructed off-site and assembled on- site, thereby significantly reducing the amount of time the roadway must remain closed. The proposed bridge has been designed to include architectural bridge railing elements with anodized aluminum tubular railings (the existing baluster railing is no longer an approved railing). In addition, the City is proposing the use of colored concrete (color tan: San Diego Mesa Buff) consistent with the Carlsbad Seawall (south of Tamarack) along the coast within Carlsbad. Riprap Riprap would be installed to protect the road and bridge from wave action during extreme high tides. Existing riprap would be reconfigured and supplemented with an additional 1,307 cubic yards of 2-ton riprap and 697 cubic yards of one-quarter-ton riprap on the west side of the bridge and roadway. Riprap would be added for approximately 118 feet to the north of the bridge and CDP 09-08/SUP 09-03/HMP 09-06 - ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT August 19, 2009 Page 4 approximately 149 feet south of the bridge to stabilize the currently eroding roadway embankment. The new riprap would not extend beyond the footprint of the existing riprap, and would be similar in color and shape to the existing riprap. To minimize impacts to the beach and creek, all riprap will be placed by equipment that will be located on the roadway above. Detour Plan The construction is expected to take up to 4 months. The project will start after the Carlsbad Marathon scheduled for January 24, 2010. No work will occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day due to heavy use of the beach area during the summer months. A Detour Plan would be implemented and would detour all southbound traffic on Carlsbad Boulevard at Palomar Airport Road to Avenida Encinas, Poinsettia Lane, and then back to Carlsbad Boulevard. South of Palomar Airport Road, access would be limited to local residents requiring residential access off of Solamar Drive and to the contractor. As a part of the Detour Plan, directional signs would be used along Palomar Airport Road to direct hotel guests to use that route to access the Hilton Hotel. Bicyclists traveling south on Carlsbad Boulevard would be encouraged to exit at Cannon Road via directional signage, but would not be prohibited from traveling with vehicle traffic on Carlsbad Boulevard, between Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road. Minimal bike traffic can be anticipated to continue on Southbound Carlsbad Boulevard, where cyclists will travel with detoured vehicle traffic to Avenida Encinas via Palomar Airport Road. Palomar Airport Road is narrow at the approach to Avenida Encinas, and along Palomar Airport Road and Avenida Encinas there are no designated bike lanes. Along portions of the bike detour, bicyclists must share the southbound travel lanes with vehicles. To enhance the awareness of bicyclists to motorists, "Share the Road" signs would be posted on Palomar Airport Road and Avenida Encinas. Parking and Beach Access During Construction The roadside parking area north of Solamar Drive will be closed during the construction of the bridge. The loss of approximately 34 parking spaces at the roadside parking area would be mitigated by installing temporary recreational parking signs at the dirt lot near the turn-around circle at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Palomar Airport Road to allow for temporary parking during construction. This lot currently operates as an undesignated parking area for recreational beach users and can accommodate the additional temporary parking during the nonpeak season. The North Ponto day parking lot and access to Carlsbad State Beach campground, just south of the bridge, would remain open during construction. Access would be via two-way traffic on Southbound Carlsbad Boulevard to just north of Island Way. This detour plan would also allow local residents who require residential access off of Breakwater and Island Way to be able to travel north on Carlsbad Boulevard from Poinsettia Avenue. Construction Fencing During construction, sheet piling would be used on both sides of the bridge in order to control wave action and specify construction zones. In addition, safety fencing and/or barricading will be used to help protect the public while the bridge is being constructed. To protect coastal resources, temporary orange fencing would be placed around environmentally sensitive areas and CDP 09-08/SUP 09-03/HMP 09-06 - ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT August 19, 2009 PageS no equipment would be allowed east of the easterly sheet piles and west of the westerly sheet piles, nor store any material or equipment on the beach. Construction would occur Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and sunset and on Saturday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and sunset. No work would occur on Sundays or holidays. Staging Area The closed southbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard, just north of the project site, will be used for all construction staging, including parking for contractors' equipment and vehicles. Excavation and backfill equipment will be stationed on the roadway above the bridge and will remove all concrete structures from above. The sheet piles are driven into the ground by either a drop hammer, or a vibratory hammer using a crane with the appropriate attachments. The contractor is not allowed to have any equipment east of the easterly sheet piles and west of the westerly sheet piles, nor store any material or equipment on the beach. Beach activity will be limited to installation of sheet piling and replacement and supplement of riprap. Jurisdictional Authority Due to the proximity of the project to the Pacific Ocean and Encinas Creek other agency jurisdictions occur within or adjacent to the'project that pertain to waters and wetlands. These include U.S. Army Corps of Engineer (USAGE) Section 404 and Section 10 jurisdiction, Department of Fish and Game (DFG) 1602 jurisdiction, Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) 401 jurisdiction, California Coastal Commission (CCC) retained jurisdiction, in addition to the City of Carlsbad's adopted Mello II Segment Local Coastal Program (LCP) permitting jurisdiction. Section 404 jurisdiction along the coastline extends up the beach to the High Tide Line (HTL) and seaward 3 miles. The HTL is the maximum high tide elevation recorded for the reference tide station. The HTL is located along the western boundary of the temporary impact area. USAGE Section 10 jurisdiction includes all navigable Waters of the U.S. which begins at the Mean High Tide Line (MHTL) and extends seaward 3 miles. The MHTL is the average of the high tides observed over a 19 year period. This line falls west of the temporary impact area and is therefore not impacted by the proposed project. Onsite the DFG and RWQCB jurisdiction is similar to the 404 boundaries in that it extends to the outer banks of the creek and the adjacent wetlands but ends at the ocean interface. Although the City of Carlsbad has a certified LCP, the CCC retains permitting jurisdiction within the Coastal Zone for any development "proposed or undertaken on any tidelands, submerged lands, or on public trust lands, whether filled or unfilled" (Public Resources Code 30519(b)). This generally has been interpreted to refer to lands below the elevation of MHTL. Accordingly, the CCC jurisdiction ends at the MHTL and the City's LCP permitting authority begins east of the MHTL. The City has designed the project and temporary impact area to remain outside (easterly) of the mean high tide line, and thus outside of the Coastal Commission's retained permit jurisdiction. The project does, however, remain within the Coastal Commission appeals jurisdiction. Based on the evidence presented above and in Attachment 1 of this report, City staff has determined that the City has Coastal Development Permit authority for the project and the Coastal Commission has appeal authority. During their review of the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project (Attachment 1), Coastal Commission staff indicated their belief that CDP 09-08/SUP 09-03/HMP 09-06 - ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT August 19,2009 Page 6 . the project is at least partially located within the Coastal Commission's retained permit jurisdiction. City staff and the City's consultants met with Coastal Commission staff on July 30, 2009 to discuss the project and address permit jurisdiction boundaries. City staff provided exhibits and data supporting our determination of local permit authority. After conferring with their San Francisco headquarters, Coastal staff verbally affirmed their position that the riprap revetment is within their retained permit jurisdiction while the bridge is within the City's permit jurisdiction. City staff maintains, however, that the City has CDP authority over the entire project and recommends that the Planning Commission may act on the entire project. IV. ANALYSIS The proposed project is subject to the following regulations: A. General Plan Circulation Element; B. Coastal Development Permit Regulations for the Mello II Local Coastal Program (LCP) Segment, the Coastal Resource Protection Overlay Zone, and the Coastal Shoreline Development Overlay Zone (Chapters 21.201, 21.203, and 21.204 of the Zoning Ordinance); C. Floodplain Management Regulations (Chapter 21.110) and Special Use Permit Procedures (Section 21.110.130); and D. Habitat Management Plan (Chapter 21.210 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code). The recommendation for approval for this project was developed by analyzing the project's consistency with the applicable City regulations and policies. The project's compliance with each of the above regulations is discussed in detail in the sections below. As shown on the Coastal Development Compliance Table below, the proposed development is in compliance with all applicable regulations. A. General Plan Circulation Element The project consists of replacing an existing bridge located on Carlsbad Boulevard (southbound), which is designated by the City of Carlsbad General Plan (City of Carlsbad 1994) as Major Arterial Street. The area to the east and west of the bridge is designated as Open Space. The bridge will include a 6-foot-wide striped bike lane and a 5-foot-wide sidewalk on the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard to allow for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The General Plan contains goals and policies on regional circulation considerations, alternative modes of transportation, streets and traffic control, and improving automobile and pedestrian circulation in Carlsbad. Compliance with some of these standards of the General Plan is outlined in Table A below: CDP 09-08/SUP 09-03/HMP 09-06 - ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT August 19,2009 Page 7 TABLE A: GENERAL PLAN COMPLIANCE ELEMENT STANDARD PROJECT COMPLIANCE? Circulation A City with an adequate circulation infrastructure to serve the projected population (Streets and Traffic Control - Goal A.2) Project would improve the flow on Carlsbad Boulevard by replacing a deteriorating bridge. Carlsbad Boulevard is a main north/south corridor. The road is highly used especially in the summer months. Yes Circulation A City with a circulation system that promotes alternative transportation such as walking, bicycling and public transportation (Streets and Traffic Control - Goal A.8). Project would include a 5'-foot wide sidewalk and include a marked bike lane, both on the west side of the bridge. Yes Circulation To design streets for the safe and efficient movement of people, good and services in the most environmentally sound manner possible (Streets and Traffic Control-Objective B.2). Project would improve traffic flow on Carlsbad Boulevard by replacing a deteriorating bridge. Currently all traffic on the western most southbound lane is being diverted to the east to keep traffic off the most deteriorated section of the bridge. The speed limit has also been reduced in this area to be able to maneuver through a new "S" curve in the previously straight road. In addition, the proposed bridge would be smaller than the existing bridge; therefore, encroaching less into the sensitive habitat and beach areas. Yes B. Coastal Development Permit Regulations for the Mello II Local Coastal Program (LCP) Segment, the Coastal Resource Protection Overlay Zone, and the Coastal Shoreline Development Overlay Zone (Chapters 21.201, 21.203, and 21.204 of the Zoning Ordinance) CDP 09-08/SUP 09-03/HMP 09-06 - ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT August 19,2009 PageS TABLE B: COASTAL DEVELOPMENT COMPLIANCE TABLE LCP Land Use Plan General Plan Zoning Grading Permit Required Hillside Development Permit Required Native Vegetation Impacts STANDARD Front Yard Setback Side/Rear Yard Setback Max Building Height Lot Coverage Major Arterial / Open Space (OS) Major Arterial / Open Space (OS) Major Arterial / Open Space (OS) Yes No Yes REQUIRED/ALLOWED N/A N/A N/A N/A PROPOSED N/A N/A N/A N/A Review of Required Coastal Findings 1. Mello II LCP Segment The project site is located entirely within the Mello II Segment of the Local Coastal Program but is within the California Coastal Commission appeal jurisdiction as stated previously. The site is also located within and subject to the Coastal Resource Protection Overlay Zone (Chapter 21.203), and the Coastal Shoreline Development Overlay Zone (Chapter 21.204) of the Carlsbad Municipal Code. The proposed bridge replacement will not obstruct views of the coastline as seen from public lands or the public right-of-way, nor otherwise damage the visual beauty of the coastal zone. The architectural design of the bridge is similar to the architecture of the existing bridge but the replacement bridge is narrower and has less obtrusive hand rails (the existing baluster railing is no longer an approved railing). In addition, new concrete structure, properly designed and built, will not exhibit any distress; using an arch-type span will present a more pleasant and open view into the creek; reducing the width of the bridge will substantially increase natural light going through the bridge; increasing the opening to 36' not only provides for an efficient flow, but adds an elegance to the overall structural arch system; and colored concrete is being proposed to enhance the visual impact. Therefore, the visual beauty of the coastal zone will not diminish with the proposed bridge replacement. No agricultural uses currently exist on the site or within the area. The proposed project is not located in an area of known geologic instability. The bridge is located above a flood hazard area; however, the bridge is being constructed to be able to accommodate a 100-year flood. Since the site is located adjacent to the coast, the proposed concrete barrier and hand rail on the bridge is proposed to be an open design to allow the public view of the coastline. A bike lane and sidewalk is also proposed to allow access to the shoreline. The proposed riprap would not extend beyond the footprint of the existing riprap. The proposed structure would reduce the overall width of the bridge by approximately 26 feet and 2 inches (6 feet 11 inches to the west and 19 feet 3 inches to the east). The wingwalls on the west side of the bridge would be placed parallel to the roadway. The project will start after the Carlsbad Marathon scheduled for January 24, 2010, and no work will occur between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend due to heavy use of the beach area during the summer months. In addition, the contractor is not allowed to have any equipment east of the easterly sheet piles CDP 09-08/SUP 09-03/HMP 09-06 - ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT August 19,2009 Page 9 and west of the westerly sheet piles, nor store any material or equipment on the beach. With these project design elements and schedule the project would minimize impacts to coastal resources and public access. 2. Coastal Resource Protection Overlay Zone The project is consistent with the provisions of the Coastal Resource Protection Overlay Zone (Chapter 21.203 of the Zoning Ordinance) in that the project will adhere to the City's Master Drainage Plan, Grading Ordinance, Storm Water Ordinance, Standard Urban Storm Water Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) and Jurisdictional Urban Runoff Management Program (JURMP) to avoid increased urban run-off, pollutants and soil .erosion. The zone is intended to protect sensitive resources. It requires preservation of steep slopes with vegetation (dual-criteria slopes) with some exceptions. No development is proposed in areas of steep coastal bluffs. There will be minor grading to remove the existing bridge and place the proposed bridge in the same location. All spoils will be removed from the site. There are no prime agricultural lands near the site. There are disturbed sensitive vegetation communities to the east of the roadway. Impacts to biological resources are primarily limited to direct and indirect temporary construction impacts. However, to reduce these potentially significant impacts to a less than significant level, mitigation measures contained in the project's Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), are required. 3) Coastal Shoreline Development Overlay Zone The project is consistent with the provisions of the Coastal Resource Protection Overlay Zone (Chapter 21.203 of the Zoning Ordinance) in that no development is proposed in areas of steep slopes (coastal bluff). Native vegetation located on the east side of the bridge will be temporarily impacted during construction. However, as stated above all impacts will be mitigated according to the project's MMRP, which is consistent with the City's HMP. The site is not located in an area prone to landslides, or susceptible to accelerated erosion or liquefaction. While the area may be subject to flooding, the proposed bridge is designed to accommodate a 100-year flood. C. Floodplain Management Regulations (Chapter 21.110) and Special Use Permit Procedures (Section 21.110.130) The bridge site is identified as being within Zone A, and the beach area is identified as being within Zone VE with a base flood elevation of 9 feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL). The sites are identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map Number 06073C1027 F, dated June 19, 1997. Zone A is outside the 500-year flood and Zone VE is within a "special flood hazard area (SFHA)," which means an area having special flood or flood-related erosion hazards. Because work will occur on the beach within Zone VE (addition of riprap, and the removal of the existing bridge), processing of a Special Use Permit is required. The permit is required to review the project for protection of public health, safety and welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flooding. The proposed concrete arched bridge is designed to accommodate a 100-year flood; whereas, the existing bridge built in 1913 was not. CDP 09-08/SUP 09-03/HMP 09-06 - ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT August 19, 2009 Page 10 The proposed bridge will improve health and safety hazards that currently exist with the structurally deficient bridge. D. Habitat Management Plan (Chapter 21.210 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code) The study area is bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by the northbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard. The study area extends approximately 250 feet to the north and approximately 300 feet to the south of the existing bridge. The study area is greater than the projected project footprint in an effort to best capture the existing biological conditions in the immediate vicinity of the bridge. Impacts to biological resources are primarily limited to direct and indirect temporary construction impacts. A biological resources report was prepared to assess impacts to biological resources with implementation of the proposed project (Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project Biological Resources and Jurisdictional Delineation Report by EDAW, and dated May 2009). Three vegetation communities would be impacted as a result of the proposed construction grading activities. Temporary impacts include: 0.255 acre of disturbed habitat (0.074 acre of Carpobrotus edulis [hottentot fig] and 0.181 acre of riprap/disturbed), 0.161 acre of developed area, and 0.004 acre of coastal and valley freshwater marsh. In addition, 0.016 acre of disturbed habitat would be permanently impacted by construction. Of the land cover types mentioned above, coastal and valley freshwater marsh are the only ones considered sensitive natural vegetation communities by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DFG, CCC, and the City. Unavoidable, temporary impacts to coastal and valley freshwater marsh are considered a significant impact. However, to reduce these potentially significant impacts to a less than significant level, mitigation measures contained in the project's MMRP, are required. Therefore, the proposed project would comply with the HMP guidelines and requirements and would be consistent with the Carlsbad HMP. V. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Staff conducted an environmental impact assessment to determine if the project could have a potentially significant effect on the environment pursuant to CEQA Guidelines and the Environmental Protection Ordinance (Title 19) of the Carlsbad Municipal Code. The assessment determined the project has potentially significant impacts in the areas of biological resources, cultural resources, geology/soils, hydrology/water quality, public services, transportation/circulation, and mandatory findings of significance. To reduce these potentially significant impacts to a less than significant level, mitigation measures contained in the project's Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), are required. Based on the above, the Planning Director issued a Notice of Intent to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the project on June 26, 2009 and sent it to the newspapers and the State Clearinghouse for a 30-day public review (June 26, 2009 - July 25, 2009). Two comment letters were received during the 30-day public review from Therese Muranaka, Associate State Archaeologist, with the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and Toni Ross, Coastal Planner, with the California Coastal Commission. The California Department of Parks and Recreation and California Coastal Commission's letters, and staffs responses to the CDP 09-08/SUP 09-03/HMP 09-06 - ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT August 19, 2009 Page 11 letters, are included as part of the Planning Commission Resolution for the Mitigated Negative Declaration. Page 4 of the EIA Part II was modified slightly in response to comments received during the public review period, in order to clarify what is meant by the creek being subject to tidal influence during extreme high tides. The minor addition does not require recirculation of the Mitigated Negative Declaration in accordance with CEQA Section 15073.5(c)(4), since the additional information merely clarifies, amplifies, or makes insignificant modifications to the environmental document. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Planning Commission Resolution No. 6624 (MND) 2. Planning Commission Resolution No. 6625 (CDP) 3. Planning Commission Resolution No. 6626 (SUP) 4. Planning Commission Resolution No. 6627 (HMP) 5. Location Map 6. Background Data Sheet 7. Local Facilities Impact Assessment Form 8. Reduced Exhibits 9. Exhibits "A" - "P" dated August 19, 2009 \ \ SITEMAP NOT TO SCALE Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement CDP 09-08 / SUP 09-03 / HMP 09-06 BACKGROUND DATA SHEET CASE NO: CDP 09-08/SUP 09-03/HMP 09-06 CASE NAME: EL CAMINO REAL ROAD WIDENING APPLICANT: City of Carlsbad REQUEST AND LOCATION: Request for the adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation MonitorinR and Reporting Program and the approval of a Coastal Development Permit, Special Use Permit, and Habitat Management Plan Permit to replace the existing bridge located along southbound Carlsbad Boulevard approximately 0.6 mile south of Palomar Airport Road and 1 -mile north of Poinsettia Lane. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Public right-of-awav without a legal description. APN:N/A Acres: 0.553 Proposed No. of Lots/Units: N/A GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING Existing Land Use Designation: Major Arterial & Open Space (OS) Proposed Land Use Designation: No change Density Allowed: N/A Density Proposed: N/A Existing Zone: Major Arterial & Open Space (OS) Proposed Zone: No change Surrounding Zoning, General Plan and Land Use: Zoning General Plan Current Land Use Site Major Arterial & Open Major Arterial & Open Public right-of-way, Space (OS) Space (OS) stream & beach North Major Arterial & Open Major Arterial & Open Public right-of-way, Space (OS) space (OS) stream & beach South Major Arterial & Open Major Arterial & Open Public right-of-way, Space (OS) Space (OS) stream & beach East Open Space (OS) Open Space (OS) Stream and habitat West Open Space (OS) Open Space (OS) Beach & Pacific Ocean LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM Coastal Zone: IXI Yes |~| No Local Coastal Program Segment: Mello II Within Appeal Jurisdiction: [X] Yes I I No Coastal Development Permit: IXI Yes I I No Local Coastal Program Amendment: |~~l Yes [X] No Existing LCP Land Use Designation: Major Arterial & Open Space (OS) Proposed LCP Land Use Designation: No Change Existing LCP Zone: Major Arterial & Open Space (OS) Proposed LCP Zone: No Change Revised 01/06 PUBLIC FACILITIES School District: Carlsbad Water District: Carlsbad Sewer District: Carlsbad Equivalent Dwelling Units (Sewer Capacity): N/A ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT I | Categorical Exemption,, Mitigated Negative Declaration, issued August 19, 2009 Certified Environmental Impact Report, dated Other, Revised 01/06 CITY OF CARLSBAD GROWTH MANAGEMENT PROGRAM LOCAL FACILITIES IMPACTS ASSESSMENT FORM (To be Submitted with Development Application) PROJECT IDENTITY AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT: FILE NAME AND NO: Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement - CDP 09-Q8/SUP 09-03/HMP 09- 06 LOCAL FACILITY MANAGEMENT ZONE: 22 GENERAL PLAN: Major Arterial & Open Space (OS) ZONING: Major Arterial & Open Space (OS) DEVELOPER'S NAME: City of Carlsbad ADDRESS: 1635 Faraday Avenue. Carlsbad. CA 92008 PHONE NO.: 760-602-2726 ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NO.: N/A - Public Right-of-Wav QUANTITY OF LAND USE/DEVELOPMENT (AC., SQ. FT., DU): No Increase ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: May 30. 2010 A. City Administrative Facilities: Demand in Square Footage = N/A B. Library: Demand in Square Footage = N/A C. Wastewater Treatment Capacity (Calculate with J. Sewer) N/A D. Park: Demand in Acreage = N/A E. Drainage: Demand in CFS = N/A Identify Drainage Basin — C (Identify master plan facilities on site plan) F. Circulation: Demand in ADT = N/A (Identify Trip Distribution on site plan) G. Fire: Served by Fire Station No. = 4 H. Open Space: Acreage Provided = N/A I. Schools: N/A (Demands to be determined by staff) J. Sewer: Demands in EDU N/A Identify Sub Basin = 22B (Identify trunk line(s) impacted on site plan) K. Water: Demand in GPD= N/A L. The project does not require or affect the Growth Management Dwelling unit allowance. Q <CD O u. 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IIIsss III 838iUaft*J rlD ^.,-.,**. ». il 1!I h ii ill Ml' Ii ii Ill !» 'I 1 ills V\i 8 133HS 33S 3NH KUYH // iEW 33S JM7 MLVH 8 8 LI JsSiif ill 838iiiSSI X ~ 0; 133HS 33S JM7 KUM> Q_ _1o o F= Q. a: fill 3? I3- &5 5 8sl! i |C 55 » K^ 1! * * as S © © © © © © (ffl ] City of Carlsbad Planning Department August 18, 2009 Therese Muranaka, Ph.D., R.P.A. Associate State Archaeologist California Department of Parks and Recreation 4477 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92110 SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD'S DRAFT MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT - CDP 09-08/SUP 09-03/HMP 09-06 Dear Therese Muranaka: This is a follow-up to my letter to you dated August 3, 2009 in regard to comments on the City's Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the City of Carlsbad's Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement project (SCH No. 2009061110), specifically in regards to the possibility of paleontological resources within the project area. As discussed in the draft MND, the proposed project involves replacement of a bridge in- place, requiring only excavation into previously disturbed (fill) or alluvial soils. The proposed bridge replacement project is located entirely within fill and alluvial deposits from Encinas Creek. As described in the Foundations Report prepared for the proposed project (Geologic Associates 2009), exploratory boring locations were selected on the north and south sides of the proposed bridge structure (on the western side of the roadway) to evaluate the deepest alluvial thickness and to provide representative samples of the subsurface materials. Each unit encountered is described below. Fill soils associated with the existing retaining walls were encountered in Boring B-1 to a depth of 16 feet and to 9 feet in Boring B-2 (as measured from the bridge deck). The fill soils were described as medium dense to dense, fine silty sand with scattered to numerous cobbles, and boulders to 36 inches in diameter (rip rap), with scattered wood fragments. Alluvial soils were encountered below the fill soils (6-15 feet) to a depth of 53 to 56.5 feet below the existing bridge deck ground surface. The alluvium was described as alternating layers (ranging from 3 to 8 feet) of dense, silty sand; very stiff, silty clay; and medium dense, clayey sand. 1635 Faraday Avenue • Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 = (760) 602-4600 « FAX (760) 602-8559 • www.ci.carlsbad.ca.us CDP 09-08/SUP 09-03/HMP 09-06 - ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT August 18, 2009 Page 2 The Santiago Formation was encountered below the alluvium (53 to 56.5 feet). This unit is described as yellowish gray, dense fine silty sandstone. It is anticipated that the proposed bridge replacement project would include excavation to a depth of approximately 25 feet below the existing bridge deck, entirely within fill and alluvium and above the Santiago Formation. The potential for encountering paleontological resources within fill and alluvium is low. Dr. Tom Demere of the San Diego Natural History Museum was consulted on August 17, 2009, regarding potential known paleontological resources in the vicinity of the bridge site. He was also provided a copy of the Foundations Report. Dr. Demere did indicate that resources have been found within the coastal bluffs to the north and south of the site, with the closest site being just north of Palomar Airport Road (approximately 0.8 miles north of the site). However, these sites are located in bedrock deposits (Santiago Formation) which had not been previously exposed. Since the site is entirely within fill and alluvium soil and would not impact the underlying bedrock, and excavation would occur only within soils previously disturbed during original bridge installation and alluvium, impacts are considered less than significant, and no mitigation in the form of surveying, monitoring is required. Thank you again for your comments. Sincerely, RAM DREW Associate Planner C: John Cahill, Municipal Project Manager