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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP 2022-0003; FPC RESIDENTIAL - SB 330; PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES INVENTORY; 2022-10-01VERSION (FINAL) Paleontological Resources Inventory FPC Residential OCTOBER 2022 Prepared for: Ryley Webb H.G. Fenton Company Prepared by: 605 Third Street Encinitas, California 92024 Contact: Mike Williams Printed on 30% post-consumer recycled material. October 12, 2022 14183 Ryley Webb Land Planning and Entitlements Manager H.G. Fenton Company 7577 Mission Valley Road San Diego, CA 92108 Subject: Paleontological Resources Inventory Report for the FPC Residential Project, City of Carlsbad, California Dear Mr. Webb: This letter documents the results of the paleontological resources inventory conducted by Dudek for FPC Residential Project (project), located in the City of Carlsbad (City), San Diego County, California (Figure 1, Project Location Map) (Figures provided at the end of this memorandum). The project consists of the construction of 86 residential units and associated improvements including vehicle circulation, parking, and landscape areas. The City is the Lead Agency for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Dudek performed a Paleontological Resources Inventory for the entire area of potential effect (APE). The Project APE consists of a 4.68-acre area covering three parcels on Ponto Road (APNs 214-160-28-00; 214-160-25-00; and 214-171-11-00) (Figures 1 and 2). Dudek performed a paleontological resources inventory for the project to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP 2010) and County of San Diego (2009) mitigation guidelines. The inventory consisted of a San Diego Natural History Museum (SDNHM) records search (Confidential Appendix A), review of geological mapping, review of geological and paleontological literature, and an intensive pedestrian survey of the project site to determine if paleontological resources are exposed on the surface and confirm published geological mapping. Project Description The project proposes to redevelop a 4.64-acre site with 86 residential units consisting of a combination of rowhomes, townhomes, and triplexes, for a project density of 18.4 du/acre. The rowhomes and townhomes will be 3-story and the triplexes will be 2-story. The mix of units consists of eight 2-bedroom units, 40 3-bedroom units, and 38 4-bedroom units. The project will include 15% of the units (13) as affordable to low-income and will utilize a density bonus, which would allow for up to 19.125 dwelling unit per acre. The project site is located at 7290 Ponto Drive in Carlsbad, California. The existing project site consists of three parcels (APN’s: 214-160-25, 214-160-28, and 214-171-11) and is currently occupied by a self-storage facility and junkyard. The General Plan Designation for the site is R-15/VC Q for two of the parcels and R-15 for the third and the zoning of the site is RD-M-Q/C-T- and RD-M-Q respectively. The proposed project is consistent with both the General Plan Land Use and Zoning for the property. The project will include 191 parking spaces with 2 internal per unit and 19 guest parking spaces. Site improvements consist of an internal primary arterial street, dog park, and additional open space. Existing dry utilities will be undergrounded, and new water and stormwater connections will be made to existing facilities in Ponto Drive. A private lift station will serve a new sewer connection east of the railroad tracks. Off-site improvements consist of curb and gutter along Ponto Road and Ponto Drive. An additional right-of-way dedication may be considered for the extension of Ponto Drive east along the southern property line if it is determined to be necessary. Paleontological Resources Paleontological resources are the remains or traces of plants and animals that are preserved in earth’s crust, and per the SVP (2010) guidelines, are older than written history or older than approximately 5,500 years. They are limited, nonrenewable resources of scientific and educational value and are afforded protection under state laws and regulations. This study satisfies requirements in accordance with state guidelines (13 PRC, 21000 et seq.) and Public Resources Code Section 5097.5 (Stats 1965, c 1136, p. 2792). This analysis also complies with guidelines and significance criteria specified by SVP (2010) and the County of San Diego (2009). Table 1 provides definitions for high, moderate, low, marginal, and no paleontological resource potential, or sensitivity, as set forth in and in agreement with the County of San Diego’s (2009) Guidelines for Determining Significance: Paleontological Resources. Table 1. Paleontological Resource Sensitivity Criteria Resource Sensitivity / Potential Definition High High resource potential and high sensitivity are assigned to geologic formations known to contain paleontological localities with rare, well preserved, critical fossil materials for stratigraphic or paleoenvironmental interpretation, and fossils providing important information about the paleoclimatic, paleobiological and/or evolutionary history (phylogeny) of animal and plant groups. In general, formations with high resource potential are considered to have the highest potential to produce unique invertebrate fossil assemblages or unique vertebrate fossil remains and are, therefore, highly sensitive. Moderate Moderate resource potential and moderate sensitivity are assigned to geologic formations known to contain paleontological localities. These geologic formations are judged to have a strong, but often unproven, potential for producing unique fossil remains (Deméré and Walsh 1993). Low Low resource potential and low sensitivity are assigned to geologic formations that, based on their relatively young age and/or high-energy depositional history, are judged unlikely to produce unique fossil remains. Low resource potential formations rarely produce fossil remains of scientific significance and are considered to have low sensitivity. However, when fossils are found in these formations, they are often very significant additions to our geologic understanding of the area. Table 1. Paleontological Resource Sensitivity Criteria Resource Sensitivity / Potential Definition Marginal Marginal resource potential and marginal sensitivity are assigned to geologic formations that are composed either of volcaniclastic (derived from volcanic sources) or metasedimentary rocks, but that nevertheless have a limited probability for producing fossils from certain formations at localized outcrops. Volcaniclastic rock can contain organisms that were fossilized by being covered by ash, dust, mud, or other debris from volcanoes. Sedimentary rocks that have been metamorphosed by heat and/or pressure caused by volcanoes or plutons are called metasedimentary. If the sedimentary rocks had paleontological resources within them, those resources may have survived the metamorphism and still be identifiable within the metasedimentary rock, but since the probability of this occurring is so limited, these formations are considered marginally sensitive. No Potential No resource potential is assigned to geologic formations that are composed entirely of volcanic or plutonic igneous rock, such as basalt or granite, and therefore do not have any potential for producing fossil remains. These formations have no paleontological resource potential, i.e., they are not sensitive. Source: County of San Diego 2009. Regulatory Framework California Environmental Quality Act The CEQA Guidelines require that all private and public activities not specifically exempted be evaluated against the potential for environmental damage, including effects to paleontological resources. Paleontological resources, which are limited, nonrenewable resources of scientific, cultural, and educational value, are recognized as part of the environment under these state guidelines. This study satisfies project requirements in accordance with CEQA (13 PRC, 21000 et seq.) and Public Resources Code Section 5097.5 (Stats 1965, c 1136, p. 2792). This analysis also complies with guidelines and significance criteria specified by SVP (2010) and the County of San Diego (2009). Paleontological resources are explicitly afforded protection by CEQA, specifically in Section VII(f) of CEQA Guidelines Appendix G, the “Environmental Checklist Form,” which addresses the potential for adverse impacts to “unique paleontological resource[s] or site[s] or … unique geological feature[s].” This provision covers fossils of signal importance – remains of species or genera new to science, for example, or fossils exhibiting features not previously recognized for a given animal group – as well as localities that yield fossils significant in their abundance, diversity, preservation, and so forth. Further, CEQA provides that generally, a resource shall be considered “historically significant” if it has yielded or may be likely to yield information important in prehistory (PRC 15064.5 [a][3][D]). Paleontological resources would fall within this category. PRC Section 5097.5 The PRC, Chapter 1.7, sections 5097.5 and 30244 regulates removal of paleontological resources from state lands, defines unauthorized removal of fossil resources as a misdemeanor, and requires mitigation of disturbed sites. City of Carlsbad General Plan The City of Carlsbad General Plan (2015) specifies policies to reduce impacts to paleontological resources. The Proposed Arts, History, Culture and Education Element of the General Plan Update (2015) statement regarding paleontological (and archaeological) resources is paraphrased as follows from Archaeological and Paleontological Resources section: ▪ 7-p.7 - Implement the City of Carlsbad Cultural Resources Guidelines to avoid or substantially reduce impacts to archaeological and paleontological resources. ▪ 7-P.8 - During construction of specific development projects, require monitoring of grading, ground- disturbing, and other major earthmoving activities in previously undisturbed areas or in areas with known archaeological or paleontological resources by a qualified professional, as well as a tribal monitor during activities in areas with cultural resources of interest to local Native American tribes. Both the qualified professional and tribal monitor shall observe grading, ground-disturbing, and other earth-moving activities. Methods Geological Map and Literature Review Published geological maps (Kennedy et al. 2007) and published and unpublished reports were reviewed to identify geological units on the site and determine their paleontological sensitivity. Paleontological Records Search A records search request was sent to the SDNHM on September 13, 2022 and received on September 28, 2022 (Confidential Appendix A). The purpose of the museum records search was to determine whether there are any known fossil localities in or near the project site, identify the sensitivity of geological units present within the project site, and aide in determining whether a paleontological mitigation program is warranted to avoid or minimize potential adverse effects of construction on paleontological resources. Field Survey Dudek paleontological field technician, Michael Mendiola, conducted a pedestrian survey of the project site on September 29, 2022. The survey was conducted to determine if any surficial paleontological resources are present within the project site and confirm geological mapping. The survey utilized standard paleontological survey procedures and consisted of systematic surface inspection of exposed geological units with moderate to high paleontological sensitivity. The ground surface was examined for the presence of exposed surficial fossils. Ground disturbances such as, burrows and eroded areas were also visually inspected for exposed fossils and sediments. Results Geological Map Review, Literature Review, Pedestrian Survey, and Paleontological Records Search The project site lies within the Peninsular Ranges Geomorphic Province (California Geological Survey 2002). This province extends from the tip of the Baja California Peninsula to the Transverse Ranges (the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains) and includes the Los Angeles Basin, offshore islands (Santa Catalina, Santa Barbara, San Nicholas, and San Clemente), and continental shelf. The eastern boundary is the Colorado Desert Geomorphic Province (California Geological Survey 2002; Morton and Miller 2006). The ancestral Peninsular Ranges were formed by uplift of plutonic igneous rock resulting from the subduction of the Farallon Plate underneath the North American Plate during the latter portion of the Mesozoic Era (approximately 90 to 125 million years ago [mya]) (Abbott 1999). According to the published geological mapping at a scale of 1:100,000 by Kennedy et al. (2007) and the SDNHM records search (Confidential Appendix A) the project site is entirely underlain on the surface and at unknown depth by old paralic deposits, Units 6-7. These units are broadly equivalent to the nearshore marine deposits of the late Pleistocene age (approximately 80,000 – 180,000 years old) Bay Point Formation of Kennedy (1975). The Eocene (approximately 40 to 49 mya) Santiago Formation (map unit Tsa) underlies the old paralic deposits at an unknown depth. Old paralic deposit provide a record of marine transgressions and regressions (sea level rising and falling through time) and generally form terraces in San Diego County. Old paralic deposits units 6-7 have been assigned a high paleontological sensitivity for the diverse and well-preserved fossils of marine invertebrates, marine vertebrates, and occasional terrestrial vertebrates that have been recovered from these deposits elsewhere in western San Diego County (County of San Diego 2009). As described below, no fossils have been detected within a one-mile radius buffer zone from the old paralic deposit. The Santiago Formation, formerly the Tejon Formation (English and Prutzman 1926), was first described and named by Woodring and Popenoe (1945) based on the type section located in the Santa Ana Mountains of Orange County. The formation is mapped throughout the project site and consists of sparsely fossiliferous marine siltstones and sandstones; however, the upper Santiago Formation is likely non-marine due to the presence of petrified wood (Schoellhamer et al. 1981). As discussed in Mihlbachler and Deméré (2009, 2010), the Santiago Formation was divided into three distinct units: basal, middle, and upper. The basal unit (Member A) consists of coarse-grained arkosic sandstone that is generally not bedded; the middle unit (Member B) consists of medium-grained arkosic sandstone; and the upper unit (Member C) consists of coarse-grained arkosic sandstone and grit (Kennedy et al. 2007; Mihlbacher and Deméré 2009, 2010). The type section and exposures in northern San Diego County include marine siltstone and sandstone beds, and these members are differentiated by their depositional environment and fossil content. The lower member (Member A) and middle member (Member B) are marine deposits, whereas the upper member (Member C) is non-marine in origin (Mihlbachler and Deméré 2010). Fossils recovered from Member B are early Uintan age and those from Member C are late Uintan and Duchesnean age (Walsh 1996). Member A has not produced age-diagnostic fossils to date (Mihlbachler and Deméré 2010). Since the Santiago Formation has produced significant fossils in northern San Diego Counties, it is considered to have high paleontological resources sensitivity. The records search results letter from the SDNHM were received on September 28, 2022. The results of the records search were negative for paleontological resources within the project site. One fossil locality is located within a one- mile radius buffer zone of the project site from the Santiago Formation, the formation which underlies the project site at an unknown depth (Confidential Appendix A). This locality is located south of the Ponto Drive project site, along Interstate 5, and included fossil internal molds of specimens of marine snails and clams. Given the record of the Santiago Formation and old paralic deposits to produce scientifically significant fossils and resultant high paleontological resource potential of the older paralic deposits and the Santiago Formation, the SDNHM recommended the implementation of a full paleontological monitoring program. Paleontological Survey The 4.64-acre project site is bound by Ponto Drive to the south, Rey Carlsbad Beach Hotel Parking lot to the north, Ponto Road to the west, and Burlington, Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad tracks to the east. A pedestrian survey of the site was conducted. (Figures 3 through 6). No paleontological resources were observed during the pedestrian survey. Summary and Management Recommendations No paleontological resources were identified within the project site as a result of the institutional records search, desktop geological review, and paleontological survey. The paleontological records search conducted by the SDNHM revealed a single locality within a one-mile radius of the project site from the Santiago Formation, which underlies the project site at depth. A Geotechnical Report (AGS, May 2022) was prepared for the project site. As part of the preparation of the Geotechnical Report, the report prepared conducting test pits and borings. The Santiago Formation was not encountered in any of the test pits or borings drilled onsite. The maximum depths explored onsite extended to around 21.5 feet. The report prepared also reviewed the geotechnical reports for the adjacent hotel property, completed by Geotechnics Incorporated (2009). Their investigation included the drilling of 2 borings within the footprint of the adjacent parking structure north of the project site. Those boring logs indicated that materials associated with the Santiago Formation were encountered at depths of around 17.5 to 18 feet, corresponding to an elevation of around 30 to 30.5 feet above msl. Based on their analysis it is not anticipated that the Santiago Formation will be encountered during the construction of the development and its improvements. Nonetheless, the old paralic deposits units 6-7 and underlying Santiago Formation are present throughout the project site and have high paleontological sensitivity. Based on the records search results, survey results, and map and literature review, the project site has high potential to produce paleontological resources during planned construction activities. In the event that intact paleontological resources are discovered on the project site, ground- disturbing activities associated with construction of the project, such as grading and auguring during site preparation and trenching for utilities, have the potential to destroy a unique paleontological resource or site. Without monitoring the potential damage to paleontological resources during construction would be a potentially significant impact. In accordance with the City of Carlsbad General Plan (2015) Archaeological and Paleontological Resources sections 7-p.7 and 7-p.8 and the SDNHM paleontological records search results, impacts would need a monitoring program to reduce the impacts to below a level of significance. Impacts of the project would be considered less than significant with the following project design feature (PDF) implemented during construction. PDF-GEO-1 Prior to the issuance of grading permits, the project proponent shall provide written confirmation to the City that a qualified paleontologist has been retained to draft and implement paleontological monitoring program . A qualified paleontologist is defined as an individual with a master’s degree (MS) or a doctorate (PhD) in paleontology or geology who is familiar with paleontological procedures and techniques and has expertise in local geology, stratigraphy, and biostratigraphy. The paleontological resources monitoring program shall be consistent with the 2010 SVP guidelines and contain the following components at a minimum: ▪ Introduction to the project, including project location, description of grading activities with the potential to impact paleontological resources, and underlying geologic units ▪ Requirements for the qualified paleontologist to attend the pre-construction meeting and provide worker environmental awareness training at the jobsite the day grading is to be initiated or via a pre-recorded worker awareness training program ▪ Identification of where paleontological monitoring is required within the project site for excavations impacting the old paralic deposits and/or the Santiago Formation based on construction plans and/or geotechnical reports ▪ Procedures for paleontological monitoring (including necessary monitoring equipment), methods for treating fossil discoveries, fossil recovery procedures, and sediment sampling for microvertebrate fossils, including the following requirements: - A paleontological monitor shall be on site at all times during the original cutting of previously undisturbed sediments of moderately to highly sensitive geologic units to inspect cuts for contained fossils (a paleontological monitor is defined as an individual who has experience in the collection and salvage of fossil materials). The paleontological monitor shall work under the direction of the qualified paleontologist. - Paleontological monitoring is not required in areas underlain by artificial fill if present, unless grading activities are anticipated to extend beneath the veneer of fill and impact underlying geological units with moderate to high paleontological sensitivity. - If fossils are discovered, the qualified paleontologist and/or paleontological monitor shall recover them. The qualified paleontologist (or paleontological monitor) shall be allowed to temporarily direct, divert, or halt grading within 50 feet of the resource to allow recovery of fossil remains and pertinent data. Because of the potential for the recovery of small fossil remains, it may be necessary in certain instances, and at the discretion of the qualified paleontologist, to set up a screen-washing operation on the project site. Alternatively, sediment samples can be collected and processed off site. ▪ Paleontological reporting, and collections management: - Prepared fossils along with copies of all pertinent field notes, photos, maps, and the final paleontological monitoring report discussed below shall be deposited in a scientific institution with paleontological collections such as the San Diego Museum of Natural History within 90 days of completion of monitoring unless the City and the qualified paleontologist determine the extent of fossils recovered will require more preparation, stabilization, and/or curatorial time. Any laboratory and/or curation costs shall be paid for by the project proponent. - Following construction for the project, a final paleontological monitoring report shall be completed. This report shall include discussions of the methods used, stratigraphy exposed, fossils collected, and significance of recovered fossils, and shall be submitted to the designated scientific institution within 90 days of the completion of monitoring unless the City and the qualified paleontologist determine the extent of fossils recovered will require more preparation, stabilization, and/or curatorial time. Should you have any questions relating to this report and its findings please contact Michael Williams (mwilliams@dudek.com). Respectfully Submitted, ___________________ Michael Williams, Ph.D. Paleontologist Mobile: 225.892.7622 Email: mwilliams@dudek.com Att.: Figure 1, Project Location Map Figure 2, Regional Location Map Figure 3, 4, 5, & 6, Survey Photos Confidential Appendix A, SDNHM Paleontological Records Search Results cc: Sarah Siren, Dudek Jason Collins, Dudek Sean Kilkenny, Dudek References Abbott, P.L., 1999. The Rise and Fall of San Diego: 150 Million Years of History Recorded in Sedimentary Rocks. San Diego, California: Sunbelt Publications. California Geological Survey. 2002. California Geomorphic Provinces: Note 36. 4 pp. City of Carlsbad. 2015. General Plan. “Arts, Cultural, History & Education.” City of Carlsbad. Accessed September 29, 2022. https://www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/community-development/planning/general-plan. County of San Diego. 2009. Guidelines for Determining Significance: Paleontological Resources. San Diego, California: County of San Diego Land Use and Environment Group, Department of Planning and Land Use, Department of Public Works. Approved March 19, 2007, Modified January 15, 2009. English, W.A., and P.W. Prutzman. 1926. Geology and Oil Resources of the Puente Hills Region, Southern California, with a Section on the Chemical Character of the Oil. U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 768. https://doi.org/10.3133/b768. Kennedy, M.P. 1975. Geology of the San Diego metropolitan area, California. Section A Western San Diego metropolitan area. California Division of Mines and Geology, Bull. 200: 9–39. Kennedy, M.P., S.S. Tan, K.R. Bovard, R.M. Alvarez, M.J. Watson, and C.I. Gutierrez. 2007. Geologic map of the Oceanside 30x60-minute quadrangle, California: California Geological Survey, Regional Geologic Map No. 2, scale 1:100,000. Mihlbachler, M.C., and T. Deméré. 2009. A New Species of Brontothere (Brontotheriidae: Perissodactyla: Mammalia) from the Santiago Formation, San Diego County, California. Bulletin of the San Diego Natural History Museum 41:1–36. Mihlbachler, M.C., and T.A. Deméré. 2010. Phylogenetic Status of Metarhinus pater (Brontotheriidae: Perissodactyla) from Southern California and Species Variation in Metarhinus from the Middle Eocene of North America. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 30(4): 1229–1244. Morton, D.M., and F.K. Miller. 2006. Geologic Map of the San Bernardino and Santa Ana 30-minute x 60-minute quadrangles, California, Geology and Description of Map Units, Version 1.0: U.S. Geological Survey, Open- File Report OF-2006-1217. 194 pp. Schoellhamer, J.E., J.G. Vetter, R.F. Yerkes, and D.M. Kinney. 1981. Geology of the Northern Santa Ana Mountains, California. U.S. Geological Survey Paper 420-D. 109p. SVP (Society of Vertebrate Paleontology). 2010. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontological Resources. https://vertpaleo.org/Membership/Member- Resources/SVP_Impact_Mitigation_Guidelines.aspx. Walsh, S.L. 1996. Middle Eocene Mammal Faunas of San Diego County, California. In The Terrestrial Eocene– Oligocene Transition in North America, edited by D.R. Prothero and R.J. Emry, 75–119. England: Cambridge University Press. Wilson, K.L. 1972. Eocene and related geology of a portion of the San Luis Rey and Encinitas quadrangles, San Diego County, California. Unpublished Master’s. Thesis, University of California, Riverside. Woodring, W.P. and W.P. Popenoe. 1945. Paleocene and Eocene Stratigraphy of Northwestern Santa Ana Mountains, Orange County, California. U.S. Geological Survey Oil and Gas Investigations, Preliminary Chart 12. Figure 1 Regional Location Map Figure 2 Project Location Map Figures 3 through 6 Survey Photos View northwest along Ponto Drive in older paralic deposits. View north along Ponto Drive in older paralic deposits. View northeast along Ponto Drive in older paralic deposits. View north along Ponto Drive of weathered older paralic deposits. Confidential Appendix A SDNHM Records Search Results (Confidential)