The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2015-10-13 - AGENDA REPORTS - MC 09-108 (2)EXHIBIT A FINDINGS REQUIRED BY CEQA 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 PURPOSE Public Resources Code section 21081 and State CEQA Guidelines section 15091 require that the lead agency, in this case the City of Santa Clarita (City), prepare written findings for identified significant impacts, accompanied by a brief explanation of the rationale for each finding. Specifically, State CEQA Guidelines section 15091 states, in part, that: a. No public agency shall approve or carry out a project for which an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been certified which identifies one or more significant environmental effects of the project unless the public agency makes one or more written findings for each of those significant effects accompanied by a brief explanation of the rationale for each finding. The possible findings are: 1 . Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effects as identified in the final FIR. 2. Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. 3. Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the final FIR. In accordance with Public Resource Code section 21081 and State CEQA Guidelines section 15093, whenever significant impacts cannot be mitigated to below a level of significance, the decision-making agency is required to balance, as applicable, the benefits of the project against its unavoidable environmental risks when determining whether to approve the project. If the benefits of a project outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects, the adverse effects may be considered "acceptable." The Final FIR for the Via Princessa East Extension project (project) identified potentially significant effects that could result from project implementation. The City finds that the inclusion of certain mitigation measures as part of the project approval will reduce most, but not all, of those effects to less -than- significant levels. Those impacts that are not reduced to less -than - significant levels are identified and overridden due to specific project benefits. As required by California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA,) the City, in adopting these findings, also adopts a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for the project. The City finds that the MMRP, which is incorporated by reference and made a part of these findings, meets the requirements of Public Resources Code section 21081.6 by providing for the implementation and monitoring of measures intended to mitigate potentially significant effects of the project. In accordance with CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines, the City adopts these findings as part of its certification of the Final FIR for the project. Pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21082. 1, subdivision (c)(3), the City also finds that the Final FIR reflects the City's independent judgment as the lead agency for the project. 1.2 ORGANIZATION/FORMAT OF FINDINGS Section 1.0 contains a summary description of the project and background facts relative to the environmental review process. Section 2.0 identifies the significant impacts of the project that cannot be mitigated to a less -than -significant level (even though all feasible mitigation measures have been identified and incorporated into the project), while Section 3.0 identifies the potentially significant effects of the project that will be mitigated to a less -than -significant level with implementation of the identified mitigation measures. Section 4.0 identifies the project's potential environmental effects that were determined not to be significant. Section 5.0 discusses the feasibility of the project alternatives. 1.3 SUMMARY OF PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project involves the construction of a new roadway segment between Golden Valley Road and the existing roadway terminus near Sheldon Avenue. The Via Princessa East Extension would be one of the primary east -west arterials through the City of Santa Clarita. The proposed roadway would be approximately 1.2 miles in length and is designated as a Major Arterial Highway per the City's Master Plan of Arterial Highways. The proposed roadway would consist of a six -lane facility with a 14 -foot raised landscaped median, a 10 -foot sidewalk/parkway on each side, and a 12 -foot two-lane bike path along the south side. The vehicle lanes adjacent to the median would be 12 feet wide, the middle lanes would be 11 feet wide, and the right lanes would be 12 feet wide. The typical right-of-way width would be 116 feet. The portion of Via Princessa between Sheldon Avenue and Rainbow Glen Drive that is currently constructed as a half section would be completed by constructing the south side of the roadway. In this section, the roadway would be constructed to a typical right-of-way width of 104 feet, consistent with the original design for this section. The total project area including remedial grading acreage is 25.2 acres. For a detailed discussion of the project description and setting, please see Section 3.0, Project Description, of the FIR. 1.4 PROJECT OBJECTIVES The project objectives include the following: 1. Implement the goals of the Circulation Element of the City's General Plan, including connectivity between Golden Valley Road and Rainbow Glen Parkway. 2. Improve local access to residential and commercial areas within the City of Santa Clarita. 3. Improve roadway level of service and the circulation network. 2 4. Promote opportunities for new development by extending needed infrastructure systems. 5. Help close a gap segment in the City's planned roadway system. 6. Reduce vehicle miles traveled by creating a more direct route for motorists, eliminating circuitous driving patterns. The City has considered the statement of the objectives sought by the project as found in Section 3.0, Project Description, of the EIR. The City adopts these objectives as part of the project. 1.5 INITIAL STUDY AND NOTICE OF PREPARATION Preliminary environmental review of the Via Princessa East Extension project (project) was conducted by the City's Community Development Department. hi the initial Notice of Preparation (NOP), the City determined that the proposed Via Princessa East Extension project may have potentially significant effects on several environmental impact categories, including: (a) hazards (geotechnical, flood, and noise); (b) resources (water quality, air quality, biological, cultural resources, and visual resources/aesthetics); (c) services (transportation/circulation); and (d) other categories (land use). The NOP was circulated for a 30 -day review period from September 21, 2009 to October 21, 2009. The NOP were circulated pursuant to the requirements of the State CEQA Guidelines in order to solicit input from responsible and interested public agencies and the community regarding the content of the EIR. In addition, to facilitate local participation, the City held a Scoping Meeting on the project and solicited suggestions from the public and other agencies on the scope and content of this Draft EIR. The meeting took place at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, on October 29, 2009. In response to the NOPs and Scoping Meeting, comment letters and other input were received from interested agencies, organizations, and others, copies of which are presented in Appendix 1.0 to the Draft EIR. Based on the results of the City's NOP and scoping efforts, the following topics were evaluated in the EIR: 1. Air Quality 2. Biological Resources 3. Cultural Resources 4. Geology and Soils 5. Greenhouse Gas Emissions 6. Human -Made Hazards 7. Hydrology 8. Land Use 9. Noise 10. Transportation and Circulation 11. Visual Resources 2.1 AIR QUALITY 2.1.1 Unavoidable Significant Impacts A localized air quality impact would occur since project construction would result in PM10 and PM2.5 emissions that exceed the localized significance thresholds at nearby sensitive receptors. Recommended mitigation measures would reduce construction -related emissions to some extent. Moreover, it is not expected that feasible mitigation exists that would reduce these emissions to a sufficient degree that the construction -related emissions would be below the South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) emission -based thresholds of significance. For these same reasons, implementation of these mitigation measures would not be likely to reduce the impacts to less than significant levels. Therefore, construction -related emissions for the proposed project would be considered significant and unavoidable. 2.1.2 Mitigation Measures MM 4.1-1: Prior to grading permit issuance, the project applicant and/or contractor shall develop a Construction Emission Management Plan to minimize construction -related emissions. At a minimum, the plan shall require the following: 0 Suspend the use of all construction equipment during first -stage smog alerts. • Suspend all excavating and grading operations when wind speeds (as instantaneous gusts) exceed 25 mph. • Post -January 1, 2015: All off-road diesel -powered construction equipment greater than 50 horsepower shall meet Tier 4 off-road emissions standards. In addition, all construction equipment shall be outfitted with the Best Available Control Technology (BACT) devices certified by California Air Resources Board (CARB.) Any emissions control device used by the contractor shall achieve emissions reductions that are no less than what could be achieved by a Level 3 diesel emissions control strategy for a similarly sized engine as defined by CARB regulations. A copy of each unit's certified tier specification, BACT determination, and CARB or SCAQMD operating permit shall be provided at the time of mobilization of each applicable unit of equipment. • Use electric welders to avoid emissions from gas or diesel welders, to the extent feasible. Equipment that is commercially available shall be considered to be feasible. Equipment that is in the development, testing, or demonstration stage shall be considered not feasible. • Use electricity or alternate fuels for on-site mobile equipment instead of diesel equipment, to the extent feasible. Equipment that is commercially available shall be considered to be feasible. Equipment that is in the development, testing, or demonstration stage shall be considered not feasible. • Use on-site electricity or alternative fuels rather than diesel equipment that is commercially available shall be considered to be feasible. Equipment that is in the development, testing, or demonstration stage shall be considered not feasible. • Maintain construction equipment by conducting regular tune ups according to the manufacturers' recommendations. • Minimize idling time either by shutting off equipment when not in use or reducing the time of idling to 5 minutes as a maximum. Minimize the hours of operation of heavy-duty equipment and/or the amount of equipment in use at any one time. • Apply water three times daily, or non-toxic soil stabilizers according to manufacturers' specifications, to all unpaved parking or staging areas, unpaved road surfaces, and active construction areas. • Apply non-toxic soil stabilizers according to manufacturers' specifications to all inactive construction areas (previously graded areas inactive for four days or more). • Install wheel washers or shaker plates to minimize dirt track out and dust generation where vehicles enter and exit the construction site onto paved roads or wash off trucks and any equipment leaving the site each trip. • Traffic speeds on all unpaved roads to be reduced to 15 mph or less. • All trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials are to be covered. • Sweep streets at the end of the day if visible soil is carried onto adjacent public paved roads (recommend water sweepers with reclaimed water). 2.1.3 Findings Although the above -enumerated mitigation measures would reduce the magnitude of impacts, the City finds there are no feasible mitigation measures that will reduce the identified significant impacts to a level below significant. Therefore, these impacts must be considered unavoidably significant even after implementation of all feasible air quality mitigation measures. Pursuant to Public Resources Code section 2108 1, subdivision (a)(3), the City has determined that specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations make infeasible the alternatives identified in the FIR and the identified air quality impacts are thereby acceptable because of specific overriding considerations. 2.2 BiOLOGICAL RESOURCES 2.2.1 Unavoidable Significant Impacts Significant unavoidable impacts would occur due to the loss of vernal pool habitat and vernal pool -dependent species. The project would also contribute to a significant unavoidable cumulative impact related to the ongoing loss of biological resources in the project region. Even with the implementation of mitigation, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable. 2.2.2 Mitigation Measures MM 4.2-1: Vegetation types temporarily impacted by the proposed project, including those within California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Game) (CDFG) and United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) jurisdictional areas, shall be revegetated with the same vegetation type except for the California annual grassland. To facilitate restoration, mulch, or native topsoil (the top 6 to 12 inch deep layer containing organic material), may be salvaged from the work area prior to construction. Following construction, salvaged topsoil shall be returned to the work area and placed in the restoration site. Within one year, the project biologist will evaluate the progress of restoration activities in the temporary impact areas to determine if natural recruitment has been sufficient for the site to reach performance goals. In the event that native plant recruitment is determined by the project biologist to be inadequate for successful habitat establishment, the site shall be revegetated through seeding or container plants, and a temporary irrigation system may be recommended. hi conjunction with the development of mitigation plans for CDFG 1602 and USACE 404 permits, the above-described revegetation plan shall be developed so as to be consistent with CDFG and USACE requirements. 6 MM 4.2-2: The revegetation site will be considered "complete" upon meeting all of the following success criteria: 1. Regardless of the date of initial planting, any restoration site must have been without active manipulation by irrigation, planting, or seeding for a minimum of three years prior to agency consideration of successful completion. 2. The percent cover and species richness of native vegetation type shall be evaluated based on local reference sites established by CDFG and the USACE for the plant communities in the impacted areas. 3. Native shrubs and trees shall have at least 80 percent survivorship after two years beyond the beginning of the success evaluation start date. This may include natural recruitment. 4. Non-native species cover will be no more than 5 percent absolute cover through the term of the restoration. 5. Giant reed (Arundo donax), tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima), perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) and any other species listed on the California State Agricultural list, or Cal -IPC list of noxious weeds will not be present on the revegetation site as of the date of completion approval. MM 4.2-3: An annual mitigation status report shall be submitted to the USACE and CDFG by April 1 of each year until satisfaction of success criteria identified in MM 4.2-2. This report shall include any required plans for plant spacing, locations of candidate restoration and weed control sites or proposed "in -lieu fees," restoration methods, and vegetation type restoration performance standards. For active vegetation type creation sites, the report shall include the survival, percent cover, and height of planted species; the number by species of plants replaced; an overview of the revegetation type effort and its success in meeting performance criteria; the method used to assess these parameters; and photographs. For active exotics control sites, the report shall include an assessment of weed control; a description of the relative cover of native vegetation type, bare areas, and exotic vegetation type; an accounting of colonization by native plants; and photographs. MM 4.2-4 Replacement vegetation types shall be designed to replace the functions and values of the vegetation types being removed. The replacement vegetation types shall have similar dominant trees and understory shrubs and herbs (excluding exotic species) to those of the affected vegetation types (see Table 4.2-6, Potential Plant Species for use in Site Restoration for example of recommended plant species). In addition, the replacement vegetation types shall be designed to replicate the density and structure of the affected vegetation types once the replacement vegetation types have met the mitigation success criteria. MM 4.2-5: Temporary irrigation shall be installed as necessary for plant establishment. Irrigation shall continue as needed until the restoration site becomes self-sustaining regarding survivorship and growth. Irrigation shall be terminated in the fall to provide the least stress to plants. 7 MM 4.2-6: All native riparian trees with a 3 inch dbh or greater in temporary construction areas shall be replaced using 1 or 5 gallon container plants, containered trees, or pole cuttings in the temporary construction areas in the winter following the construction disturbance. The growth and survival of the replacement trees shall meet the performance standards specified in MM 4.2-1. In addition, the growth and survival of the planted trees shall be monitored until they meet the self-sustaining success criteria in accordance with the methods and reporting procedures specified in MM 4.2-1. MM 4.2-7: In order to reduce impacts to biological resources from grading and construction activities, all related activities will be conducted to facilitate the escape of animals to natural areas. Construction and grading activities will begin in disturbed areas in order to avoid stranding animals in isolated patches of vegetation type. Trenches will be covered at night to prevent animals from falling into and being trapped in trenches. MM 4.2-8: Efforts shall be made to avoid initiating construction or other site preparation during the active nesting season (typically March 1 through August 30). If such timing is not feasible, within 30 days of ground -disturbing activities associated with construction or grading that would occur during the nesting/breeding season of native bird species potentially nesting on the site the applicant shall have weekly surveys conducted by a qualified biologist to determine if active nests of bird species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or the California Fish and Game Code are present in the disturbance zone or within 300 feet (500 feet for raptors) of the disturbance zone. The surveys shall continue on a weekly basis, with the last survey being conducted no more than three days prior to initiation of disturbance work. If ground -disturbing activities are delayed, then additional pre -disturbance surveys shall be conducted so that no more than three days will have elapsed between the survey and ground -disturbing activities. If active nests are found, clearing and construction within 300 feet of the nest (500 feet for raptors) shall be postponed or halted, at the discretion of the biologist in consultation with CDFG, until the nest is vacated and juveniles have fledged, as determined by the biologist, and there is no evidence of a second attempt at nesting. Limits of construction to avoid an active nest shall be established in the field with flagging, fencing, or other appropriate barriers, and construction personnel shall be instructed on the sensitivity of nest areas. The biologist shall serve as a construction monitor during those periods when construction activities will occur near active nest areas to ensure that no inadvertent impacts to these nests occur. CDFG may change the buffer radii at their discretion. MM 4.2-9: To fully determine whether or not California gnatcatcher is present on site, focused surveys following United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) protocol methodology shall be conducted within one year of proposed project implementation or other related site preparation activities. If no California gnatcatchers are observed or detected, no further actions would be required. However, if this species is recorded on site, project impacts could be significant. As such consultation with USFWS would be required. This may be necessary through Section 7 or as an incidental take permit in association with a Habitat Conservation Plan. MM 4.2-10: Within one year of permitted site preparation activities or other actions that may disturb the ground or existing vegetation, a qualified biologist(s), approved by CDFG, shall conduct focused surveys for special -status plant species throughout the proposed project site. Surveys shall be timed such that the blooming period for each of the target species are covered. For each special -status plant species identified during the focused survey effort, a detailed Rare Plant Mitigation and Monitoring plan shall be submitted to CDFG for review and approval prior to ground disturbance to occupied habitat. Upon approval, each plan will be implemented by the applicant or its designee under the direction of a qualified biologist. Each plan will demonstrate the feasibility of enhancing or restoring habitat appropriate for that species in selected areas to be managed as natural open space without conflicting with other resource management objectives. Habitat enhancement or replacement will be at a 1: 1 ratio (acres enhanced or restored: acres impacted). If multiple special status plant species are found and occur in similar habitat, the same mitigation areas may be utilized for multiple species. Each plan will specify methods to collect seeds, bulbs or propagules, as appropriate, and introduce each species into the approved mitigation site(s). Introductions will use source material (seeds, bulbs or propagules) from each species that would otherwise be lost. The applicant or its designee will have a qualified biologist monitor the reintroduction sites for no fewer than five years from the time of planting to estimate each species' survivorship or seedling establishment(for seeded sites). Annual monitoring reports will be prepared and submitted to CDFG and will be made available to the public to guide future mitigation planning for each species relocated. Monitoring reports will describe all enhancement, maintenance, or restoration measures taken in the preceding year; describe success and completion of those efforts and other pertinent site conditions (erosion, trespass, animal damage) in qualitative terms; and describe plant survival or establishment in quantitative terms for each species included in the mitigation effort. The plan shall also include success criteria satisfactory to CDFG and contingency actions should the success criteria not be met. MM4.2-11: Prior to issuance of a grading permit, an oak tree report shall be prepared and approved by the City of Santa Clarita (City). All oaks that will not be removed that are regulated under the City's Oak Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines with driplines within 50 feet of land clearing (including brush clearing) or areas to be graded shall be enclosed in a temporary fenced zone for the duration of the clearing or grading activities. Fencing shall extend to the root protection zone (i.e., the area at least 15 feet from the trunk or 5 feet beyond the drip line, whichever distance is greater). No parking or storage of equipment, solvents, or chemicals that could adversely affect the trees shall be allowed within 25 feet of the trunk at any time. Removal of the fence shall occur only after the project arborist or qualified biologist confirms the health of preserved trees. MM4.2-12: Prior to the issuance of a grading permit for ground disturbance, construction, or site preparation activities, the applicant shall retain the services of a qualified biologist to conduct pre -construction surveys for western spadefoot and vernal pool fairy shrimp within the vernal pool and all other portions of the project site containing suitable breeding habitat. Surveys shall be conducted during a time of year when the species can be detected (i. e., when the vernal pool is inundated). 9 1. A Habitat Creation and Monitoring Plan shall be prepared that outlines the specific design and implementation procedures to create a vernal pool and surrounding upland habitat suitable for western spadefoot breeding and other special -status resources associated with the vernal pool on site. Under the direct supervision of the qualified biologist, vernal pool habitat shall be created within suitable natural site(s) on the project site outside of the proposed development envelope. The amount of occupied breeding habitat to be impacted by the project shall be replaced at a 1: 1 ratio. The actual relocation site design and location shall be approved by CDFG and USFWS. The location shall be in a suitable habitat as far away as feasible from the impacted area. The relocation pond(s) shall be designed so that they only support standing water for several weeks following seasonal rains, in order to mimic the existing conditions of the vernal pool and such that aquatic predators (e.g., fish, bullfrogs, and crayfish) cannot become established. Additionally, soils and plant materials from the existing vernal pool will be utilized in the substrate of the relocation pond. Utilization of the vernal pool substrate in the mitigation pond is done in an effort to include cysts from the exiting fairy shrimp population and seed base for the sensitive spreading navarretia. 2. Surveys will include evaluation of all previously documented occupied areas and a reconnaissance -level survey of the remaining natural areas of the site. All western spadefoot adults, tadpoles, and egg masses encountered shall be collected and released in identified or created relocation ponds described above. 3. The qualified biologist shall monitor the created vernal pool site for five years, involving annual monitoring during and immediately following peak breeding season so that surveys can be conducted for adults as well as for egg masses and larval and post -larval toads. Further, survey data will be provided to CDFG by the monitoring biologist following each monitoring period and a written report summarizing the monitoring results will be provided to CDFG at the end of the monitoring effort. Success criteria for the monitoring program shall include verifiable evidence of toad reproduction at the relocation site. MM4.2-13: Prior to project construction, the applicant shall develop a relocation plan for coast homed lizard, silvery legless lizard, coastal whiptail, rosy boa, San Bernardino ringneck snake, and coast patch -nosed snake. The plan shall include but not be limited to the timing and location of the surveys that would be conducted for each species; identify the locations where more intensive efforts should be conducted; identify the habitat and conditions in the proposed relocation site(s); the methods that would be utilized for trapping and relocating the individual species; and provide for the documentation /recordation of the species and number of the animals relocated. The plan shall be submitted to CDFG for approval 60 days prior to any ground disturbing activities within potentially occupied habitat. The plan shall include the specific survey and relocation efforts that would occur for construction activities that occur both during the activity period of the special -status species (generally March to November) and for periods when the species may be present in the work area but difficult to detect due to weather conditions (generally December through February). Thirty days prior to construction activities in coastal scrub, chaparral, riparian habitats, or other areas supporting these species, qualified 10 biologists shall conduct surveys to capture and relocate individual coast homed lizard, silvery legless lizard, coastal whiptail, rosy boa, San Bernardino ringneck snake, and coast patch -nosed snake in order to avoid or minimize take of these special -status species. The plan shall require a minimum of three surveys conducted during the time of year/day when each species is most likely to be observed. Individuals shall be relocated to nearby undisturbed areas with suitable habitat. If construction is scheduled to occur during the low activity period (generally December through February) the surveys shall be conducted prior to this period if possible and exclusion fencing shall be placed to limit the potential for re -colonization of the site prior to construction. The qualified biologist will be present during ground -disturbing activities immediately adjacent to or within habitat that supports populations of these species. Clearance surveys for special - status reptiles shall be conducted by a qualified biologist prior to the initiation of construction each day. MM4.2-14: Thirty days prior to construction activities, a qualified biologist shall conduct CDFG protocol surveys to determine whether burrowing owl is present at the site. The surveys shall consist of three site visits and shall be conducted in areas dominated by disturbed habitat and grasslands, or if such habitats occur within 500 feet of a construction zone. If located, occupied burrows shall not be disturbed during the nesting season (February 1 through August 3 1) unless a qualified biologist approved by CDFG verifies through non invasive methods that either the birds have not begun egg -laying and incubation or that juveniles from the occupied burrows are foraging independently and are capable of independent survival. If burrowing owls are detected but nesting is not occurring, construction work can proceed after any owls have been evacuated from the site using CDFG-approved burrow closure procedures and after alternative nest sites have been provided in accordance with the CDFG Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (10 17-95). Unless otherwise authorized by CDFG, a 500 -foot buffer, within which no activity will be permissible, will be maintained between project activities and nesting burrowing owls during the nesting season. This protected area will remain in effect until August 31 or at CDFG's discretion and based upon monitoring evidence, until the young owls are foraging independently. MM4.2-15: No earlier than 30 days prior to the commencement of construction activities, a pre -construction survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist to determine if active roosts of special -status bats are present on or within 300 feet of the project disturbance boundaries. Should an active matemity roost be identified (in California, the breeding season of native bat species is generally from April 1 through August 3 1), the roost shall not be disturbed and construction within 300 feet shall be postponed or halted, until the roost is vacated and juveniles have fledged. Surveys shall include rocky outcrops, caves, structures, and large trees (particularly trees 12 inches in diameter or greater at 4.5 feet above grade with loose bark or other cavities). Trees and rocky outcrops shall be surveyed by a qualified bat biologist (i.e., a biologist holding a CDFG collection permit and a Memorandum of Understanding with CDFG allowing the biologist to handle bats). If active matemity roosts or hibemacula are found, the rock outcrop or tree occupied by the roost shall be avoided (i. e., not removed) by the project. If avoidance of the matemity roost must occur, the bat biologist shall survey (through the use of radio telemetry or other CDFG approved methods) for nearby alternative matemity colony sites. If the bat biologist determines in consultation with and with the approval of CDFG that there are alternative roost sites used by the matemity colony and young are not present then no further action is required. 11 If a matemity roost will be impacted by the project, and no alternative matemity roosts are in use near the site, substitute roosting habitat for the matemity colony shall be provided on, or in close proximity to, the project site no less than three months prior to the eviction of the colony. Large concrete walls (e.g., on bridges) on south or southwestern slopes that are retrofitted with slots and cavities are an example of structures that may provide alternative potential roosting habitat appropriate for matemity colonies. Alternative roost sites must be of comparable size and proximal in location to the impacted colony. CDFG shall also be notified of any hibernacula or active nurseries within the construction zone. If non -breeding bat hibernacula are found in trees scheduled to be removed or in crevices in rock outcrops within the grading footprint, the individuals shall be safely evicted, under the direction of a qualified bat biologist, by opening the roosting area to allow airflow through the cavity or other means determined appropriate by the bat biologist (e.g., installation of one-way doors). In situations requiring one-way doors, a minimum of one week shall pass after doors are installed and temperatures should be sufficiently warm for bats to exit the roost because bats do not typically leave their roost daily during winter months in southern coastal California. This action should allow all bats to leave during the course of one week. Roosts that need to be removed in situations where the use of one-way doors is not necessary in the judgment of the qualified bat biologist in consultation with CDFG shall first be disturbed by various means at the direction of the bat biologist at dusk to allow bats to escape during the darker hours, and the roost tree shall be removed or the grading shall occur the next day (i. e., there shall be no less or more than one night between initial disturbance and the grading or tree removal). These actions should allow bats to leave during nighttime hours, thus increasing their chance of finding new roosts with a minimum of potential predation during daylight. If an active matemity roost is located on the project site, and alternative roosting habitat is available, the demolition of the roost site must commence before matemity colonies form (i.e., prior to March 1) or after young are flying (i.e., after July 3 1) using the exclusion techniques described above. MM 4.2-16: Any special -status species bat day roost sites found by a qualified biologist during pre -construction surveys conducted per MM 4.2-15, to be directly (within project disturbance footprint) or indirectly (within 300 feet of project disturbance footprint) impacted are to be mitigated with creation of artificial roost sites. MM4.2-17: Thirty days prior to construction activities in grassland, scrub, chaparral, oak woodland, riverbank, and agriculture habitats, or other suitable habitat a qualified biologist shall conduct a survey within the proposed construction disturbance zone and within 200 feet of the disturbance zone for San Diego black -tailed jackrabbit and San Diego desert woodrat. If San Diego black -tailed jackrabbits are present, non -breeding rabbits shall be flushed from areas to be disturbed. Dens, depressions, nests, or burrows occupied by pups shall be flagged and ground -disturbing activities avoided within a minimum of 200 feet during the pup -rearing season (February 15 through July 1). This buffer may be reduced based on the location of the den upon consultation with CDFG. Occupied matemity dens, depressions, nests, 12 or burrows shall be flagged for avoidance, and a biological monitor shall be present during construction. If unattended young are discovered, they shall be relocated to suitable habitat by a qualified biologist. The applicant shall document all San Diego black -tailed jackrabbit identified, avoided, or moved and provide a written report to CDFG within 72 hours. Collection and relocation of animals shall only occur with the proper scientific collection and handling permits. If active San Diego desert woodrat nests (stick houses) are identified within the disturbance zone or within 100 feet of the disturbance zone, a fence shall be erected around the nest site adequate to provide the woodrat sufficient foraging habitat at the discretion of the qualified biologist in consultation with CDFG. Clearing and construction within the fenced area will be postponed or halted until young have left the nest. The biologist shall serve as a construction monitor during those periods when disturbance activities will occur near active nest areas to ensure that no inadvertent impacts to these nests will occur. If avoidance is not possible, the applicant will take the following sequential steps: (1) All understory vegetation type will be cleared in the area immediately surrounding active nests followed by a period of one night without further disturbance to allow woodrats to vacate the nest, (2) Each occupied nest will then be disturbed by a qualified wildlife biologist until all woodrats leave the nest and seek refuge off site, and (3) The nest sticks shall be removed from the project site and piled at the base of a nearby hardwood tree (preferably a coast live oak or California walnut). Relocated nests shall not be spaced closer than 100 feet apart, unless a qualified wildlife biologist has determined that a specific habitat can support a higher density of nests. The applicant shall document all woodrat nests moved and provide a written report to CDFG. All woodrat relocation shall be conducted by a qualified biologist in possession of a scientific collecting permit. MM4.2-18: Thirty days prior to construction activities in suitable habitat, a qualified biologist shall conduct a survey within the proposed construction disturbance zone and within 200 feet of the disturbance zone for American badger. If American badgers are present, occupied habitat shall be flagged and ground -disturbing activities avoided within 50 feet of the occupied den. Maternity dens shall be avoided during the pup -rearing season (February 15 through July 1) and a minimum 200 foot buffer established. This buffer may be reduced based on the location of the den upon consultation with CDFG. Maternity dens shall be flagged for avoidance, identified on construction maps, and a qualified biologist shall be present during construction. If avoidance of a non-matemity den is not feasible, badgers shall be relocated either by trapping or by slowly excavating the burrow (either by hand or mechanized equipment under the direct supervision of the biologist, removing no more than 4 inches at a time) before or after the rearing season (February 15 through July 1). Any relocation of badgers shall occur only after consultation with CDFG. A written report documenting the badger removal shall be provided to CDFG within 30 days of relocation. Collection and relocation of animals shall only occur with the proper scientific collection and handling permits. MM 4.2-19: All lighting along the perimeter of natural areas shall be downcast luminaries with light patterns directed away from natural areas. 13 MM 4.2-20: Plant palettes proposed for use on landscaped slopes, street medians, park sites, and other public landscaped and Fuel Modification Zone areas within 100 feet of native vegetation types shall be reviewed by a qualified restoration specialist to ensure that the proposed landscape plants will not naturalize and require maintenance or cause vegetation type degradation in the open space areas (River Corridor SMA, High Country SMA, Salt Creek area, and natural portions of the Open Area). Container plants to be installed within public areas within 100 feet of the open space areas shall be inspected by a qualified restoration specialist for the presence of disease, weeds, and pests, including Argentine ants. Plants with pests, weeds, or diseases shall be rejected. hi addition, landscape plants within 100 feet of native vegetation types shall not be on the Cal -IPC California Invasive Plant Inventory (most recent version) or on the list of Invasive Ornamental Plants listed in Appendix B of the SCP. The current Cal -IPC list can be obtained from the Cal- IPC web site (http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/inventory/index.php). Landscape plans will include a plant palette composed of native or non-native, non-invasive species that do not require high irrigation rates. Except as required for fuel modification, irrigation of perimeter landscaping shall be limited to temporary irrigation (i.e., until plants become established). 2.2.3 Findings Although the above -enumerated mitigation measures would reduce the magnitude of impacts, the City finds there are no feasible mitigation measures that will reduce the identified significant impacts to a level below significant. Therefore, these impacts must be considered unavoidably significant even after implementation of all feasible air quality mitigation measures. Pursuant to Public Resources Code section 2108 1, subdivision (a)(3), the City has determined that specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations make infeasible the alternatives identified in the FIR and the identified biological resources impacts are thereby acceptable because of specific overriding considerations. 2.3 NoiSE 2.3.1 Unavoidable Significant Impacts Construction of the project would require grading and the construction of roadways and infrastructure. Each of these construction activities typically involves the use of heavy-duty equipment, all of which could expose off-site residents and other noise sensitive receptors to temporary, but significant and unavoidable noise impacts due to the exceedance of noise standards set forth in the Noise Element of the City's General Plan. 2.3.2 Mitigation Measures MM 4.9-1: The construction contractor shall construct a 10 -foot -tall temporary noise barrier on the northeastern perimeter of the proposed project site, separating the existing single-family residential units from the existing western terminus of Via Princessa. The installation of the noise barrier shall occur prior to commencement of Phase 1 construction and left in place through the end of Phase 4 to reduce the noise levels at the effected residential homes. The noise barrier shall be constructed in a manner such that the line -of -sight is blocked between construction activities on the proposed project site and the adjacent single-family residential units to the northeast of the project site. The noise barrier shall be made out of any outdoor weather -resistant solid material that meets a minimum sound transmission loss including: 14 16 -gauge steel, 1 -inch thick plywood, and any reasonable thickness of concrete. The use of the noise barrier between construction equipment and the sensitive uses to northeast of the proposed project site would attenuate construction equipment noise levels as much as 11.8 dB(A) CNEL during each construction phase. MM 4.9-2: The following specifications shall be included in the project plans approved by the City building permits: • Best Management Practices (BMPs) shall be implemented by the contractor and sub -contractors to reduce construction noise as much as practicable. • Two weeks prior to the commencement of construction, notification shall be provided to the residential land uses and institutional land uses near the project site disclosing an approximate construction schedule and describing the various activities that would be occurring during the construction period until completion. • Such notification may be made by delivering the construction notice to each residential unit, or by posting it in a conspicuous place at the comer of Via Princessa and Sheldon Avenue and at the driveway entrance to Golden Valley High School. During the entire construction period, the contractor and sub -contractors shall comply with the following: • Ensure that construction equipment using gasoline or diesel engines shall be properly muffled according to industry standards and in good working condition. • Locate noise -generating construction equipment and staging areas away from sensitive uses when and where feasible. • Use electric air compressors and similar power tools rather than gasoline or diesel powered equipment when and where feasible. • Construction -related gasoline or diesel -powered equipment, including heavy-duty equipment, motor vehicles, and portable equipment shall be turned off when not in use for more than 30 minutes. • Construction hours, allowable workdays, and the phone number of the project superintendent shall be clearly posted at all construction entrances to allow surrounding property owners and residents to contact the project superintendent. If the project superintendent receives a complaint from a surrounding owner or resident, the superintendent shall investigate the complaint, and if required or practical take appropriate corrective action, and report the action to the reporting party. 2.3.3 Findings Although the above -enumerated mitigation measures would reduce the magnitude of construction -related impacts, the City finds there are no feasible mitigation measures that will reduce the identified significant noise impacts to a level below significant. Therefore, these impacts must be considered unavoidably significant even after implementation of all feasible noise mitigation measures. Pursuant to Public Resources Code section 2108 1, subdivision (a)(3), the City has determined that specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations make infeasible the alternatives identified in the EIR and the identified noise impacts are thereby acceptable because of specific overriding considerations. 15 2.4 VISUAL RESOURCES 2.4.1 Unavoidable Significant Impacts Project development would introduce sources of outdoor illumination that do not presently exist. Outdoor lighting, such as streetlights and traffic signals, are essential safety features in roadway projects, and such lighting cannot be eliminated if the proposed project is implemented. Despite the recommended mitigation measures, which would reduce the impacts to a certain extent, the identified significant visual impacts would still result from the change in the visual character of the site from open space to urban. There is no feasible mitigation beyond that already identified for the proposed project to reduce the identified impacts to a level below significant. Consequently, such significant visual impacts would remain significant and unavoidable. Cumulative development would significantly alter the overall change in visual character in the vicinity of the project site and within the Santa Clarita Valley. These cumulative impacts are considered to be significant and unavoidable. 2.4.2 Mitigation Measures MM4.11-1: The City, or designee, shall require that the use of nighttime lighting during project construction be limited to only those features on the construction site requiring illumination. MM 4.11-2: The City, or designee, shall require that all security lights be properly shielded and projected downwards during construction, such that light is directed only onto the work site. MM4.11-3: The City, or designee, shall require that all lighting along the project site boundary consist of low -intensity downlights, or be equipped with louvers, shields, hoods, or other screening devices, in accordance with the City's Municipal Code. 2.4.3 Findings Although the above -enumerated mitigation measures would reduce the magnitude of visual resources -related impacts, the City finds there are no feasible mitigation measures that will reduce the identified impacts to a level below significant. Therefore, these impacts must be considered unavoidably significant even after implementation of all feasible mitigation measures. Pursuant to Public Resources Code section 2108 1, subdivision (a)(3), the City has determined that specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations make infeasible the alternatives identified in the EIR and the identified visual resources impacts are thereby acceptable because of specific overriding considerations. 3.0 FINDINGS ON SIGNIFICANT BUT MITIGATED IMPACTS This section identifies significant adverse impacts of the project that require findings to be made under Public Resources Code section 21081 and State CEQA Guidelines section 1509 1. Based on substantial record evidence, the City finds that adoption of the mitigation measures set forth below will reduce the identified significant impacts to less -than -significant levels. 16 3.1 CULTURAL RESOURCES 3.1.1 Potential Significant Impacts The proposed project is located in an area where the majority of the project site is undeveloped land consisting of hilly terrain. An archaeological field survey of the project area was conducted, which determined that there are no new archaeological, historical, or other cultural resource sites were identified. However, because the majority of the project site is undisturbed, there is a potential for uncovering an archaeological, historical, or other cultural resource. 3.1.2 Mitigation Measures MM 4.3-1: In the event that cultural resources are found during construction, activity shall stop and a qualified archaeologist shall be contacted to evaluate the resources. If the find is determined to be a historical or unique archaeological resource, contingency funding and a time allotment sufficient to allow for implementation of avoidance measures or appropriate mitigation will be made available. Construction on other parts of the project site may proceed in accordance with Public Resources Code section 21083.2(i). MM 4.3-2: If human remains are encountered during a public or private construction activity, other than at a cemetery, State Health and Safety Code 7050.5 states that no further disturbance shall occur until the Los Angeles County Coroner has made a determination of origin and disposition pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. The Los Angeles County Coroner must be notified within 24 hours. 1. If the coroner determines that the burial is not historic, but prehistoric, the Native American Heritage Commission or other represented ethnic groups, must be contacted to determine the most likely descendent for this area. The most likely descendent may become involved with the disposition of the burial following scientific analysis. MM 4.3-3: During grading activities, in the unlikely event that paleontological resources are found, a paleontologist will be notified to stabilize, recover, include laboratory preparation, analysis, cataloging, curation, and final acceptance to a legal repository will be required. Those findings shall be included in a Report of Findings, which documents the results of monitoring service activities, to the Department of Community Development Planning Division. If isolated artifacts, archaeological sites (prehistoric and/or historic), or features are located; laboratory preparation, analysis, cataloging, curation, and final acceptance to a legal repository will be required, and those findings shall be included in the aforementioned Report of Findings, in order to fulfill the federal and state regulations and requirements. MM 4.3-4: Prior to grading activities, a paleontologist shall be retained to monitor construction activities. 3.1.3 Findings The City finds that the above mitigation measures are feasible, are adopted, and will reduce the potential impacts to cultural resources to less -than -significant levels. Accordingly, the City finds that, pursuant to Public Resources Code section 2108 1, subdivision (a)(1), and State CEQA Guidelines section 15091, subdivision (a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid potentially significant cultural resources -related impacts of the project identified in the Final FIR. 17 3.2 GEOLOGY AND SOILS 3.2.1 Potential Significant Impacts Soils on the project site are subject to landslides, erosion, hydro -compression, and expansion. The project site also may be subject to ground shaking due to its location within a seismically active region; however, the project site is not underlain by any faults and therefore, not subject to fault rupture. Based on the results of the geotechnical investigation of the project site, significant impacts could occur as a result of strong seismic ground shaking, landslides, soil expansion, and soil collapse. The proposed project would involve over 100,000 cubic yards of grading, which could also be a significant impact. However, with implementation of certain grading and construction techniques outlined in the geotechnical report prepared for the proposed project, and included within this section as mitigation measures, impacts would be reduced to a less than significant level. Cumulative impacts related to geotechnical hazards would also be less than significant. 3.2.2 Mitigation Measures MM 4.4-1: The potential for seismic settlement (dynamic densification) during future seismic events shall be evaluated during the planning and design stages in the alluvial, slopewash, and landslides area of the project site. MM 4.4-2: All mapped landslides shall be confirmed by subsurface exploration during the planning and design stages. All confirmed landslides shall be evaluated with respect to the proposed road alignment and specific mitigation measures shall be provided where necessary. Possible mitigation would include complete or partial removal, adding shear keyways, buttressing, or avoidance. Restricted Use Areas shall be established around any unmitigated landslide in open space areas. MM 4.4-3: During the planning and design stages, additional geologic and geotechnical investigations shall be performed to refine the three dimensional geometry and geotechnical characteristics of the various landslides within the landslide complex. MM 4.4-4: See MM 4.4-2. MM 4.4-5: Prior to issuance of a grading permit, additional hydro -compression or consolidation testing shall be conducted to aid in evaluation of settlement within identified geologic units during future geotechnical investigations for grading plans. Possible mitigation of settlement of project soils would include removal and recompaction of loose or soft material. MM 4.4-6: Expansive materials at the site shall be evaluated by the project geotechnical engineer during the grading plan stage of development. Expansion potential of site soils can be mitigated by controlling the water content and density of fill soils, by specifying embedment and reinforcement of structures, and by removing the expansive materials and replacing them with compacted material with low expansion potential. 18 MM 4.4-7: The expansion index of the site materials shall be verified with laboratory testing at the grading plan stage. If expansive materials are encountered, options to mitigate potential adverse effects include special foundation designs and reinforcement, removal and replacement with soil with low to non -expansive characteristics, or treatment with additives to lower the expansion potential. 3.2.3 Findings The City finds that the above mitigation measures are feasible, are adopted, and will reduce the potential impacts to geology and soils to less -than -significant levels. Accordingly, the City finds that, pursuant to Public Resources Code section 2108 1, subdivision (a)(1), and State CEQA Guidelines section 15091, subdivision (a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid potentially significant geology and soils -related impacts of the project identified in the Final FIR. 3.3 GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE 3.3.1 Potential Significant Impacts Although the project would increase the existing on-site emission levels, the project would not result in a significant impact to global climate change because it would be consistent with AB 32, the State of California's only codified greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction mandate. Additionally, the project generally is consistent with various plans, policies, and regulations that result in GHG emission reductions, such as Title 24 and SB 375, and GHG emission reduction strategies recommended by the California Attorney General and Climate Action Team. On this basis, the project also would not result in a cumulatively considerable impact to climate change. 3.3.2 Mitigation Measures MM 4.5-1: The proposed project shall use energy-efficient lighting, such as light -emitting diodes, on all streetlights and traffic signals. MM 4.5-2: The proposed project shall replace trees removed during construction. Replacement trees shall be native and drought -tolerant. MM 4.5-3: The proposed project shall prohibit idling of diesel -fueled vehicles during construction in accordance with CARB's Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Limit Diesel -Fueled Commercial Motor Vehicle Idling. MM 4.5-4: The proposed project shall divert construction debris to the maximum extent. 3.3.3 Findings The City finds that the above mitigation measures are feasible, are adopted, and will reduce the potential impacts to global climate change to less -than -significant levels. Accordingly, the City finds that, pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21081, subdivision (a)(1), and State CEQA Guidelines section 15091, subdivision (a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid potentially significant global climate change - related impacts of the project identified in the Final FIR. 19 3.4 HUMAN -MADE HAZARDS 3.4.1 Potential Significant Impacts The proposed Via Princessa East Extension project (project) would not involve the transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was prepared for the proposed project to determine if there are any environmental conditions at the project site that would include the presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products into structures on the property or into the ground, groundwater, or surface water. No conditions were observed during site reconnaissance that would be expected to affect the project site and database searches did not identify any conditions that would affect the proposed project. The project in itself would not involve the use of hazardous materials, and would not increase the frequency or quantity of hazardous material transport along local roadways. However, there is the possible existence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) within the construction footprint of the roadway based upon the historical activities of the National Technical Systems (NTS) property. The proposed project would not result in any new or increased impacts related to this issue. Consequently, there may be a significant impact with regard to unfound ordnance on the project site. 3.4.2 Mitigation Measures MM -4.6-1: Absent staff locating information which dispositively establishes that UXO does not exist within the construction footprint, prior to commencing construction, the City will retain an expert who will 1) conduct a survey/search for UXO on the NTS property within the construction footprint, 2) eliminate any identified UXO, and 3) recommend safety protocols to be followed during construction of the roadway. 3.4.3 Findings The City finds that the above mitigation measure is feasible, is adopted, and will reduce the potential impacts to human -made hazards to less -than -significant levels. Accordingly, the City finds that, pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21081, subdivision (a)(1), and State CEQA Guidelines section 15091, subdivision (a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid potentially significant human -made hazards -related impacts of the project identified in the Final FIR. 3.5 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY 3.5.1 Potential Significant Impacts The proposed stormwater drainage system for the proposed Via Princessa East Extension project (project) would consist of curb and gutters, catch basins, and storm drain culverts crossing the proposed project. Implementation of the proposed drainage system and compliance with state and local regulations would effectively regulate flow, velocity, and quality of stormwater runoff from the site. As a result, impacts related to drainage patterns, watercourses, erosion, and water quality would be less than significant. 3.5.2 Mitigation Measures MM 4.7-1: Final design plans for the inlet structures shall be submitted to, and reviewed and approved by, the City of Santa Clarita Public Works Department. 20 3.5.3 Findings The City finds that the above mitigation measure is feasible, is adopted, and will reduce the potential impacts to hydrology and water quality to less -than -significant levels. Accordingly, the City finds that, pursuant to Public Resources Code section 2108 1, subdivision (a)(1), and State CEQA Guidelines section 15091, subdivision (a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid potentially significant hydrology and water quality -related impacts of the project identified in the Final FIR. 3.6 TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION 3.6.1 Potential Significant Impacts Upon completion of the proposed project, safety and hazardous impacts would be less than significant. All traffic related impacts to intersections and roadways within the project study area would be mitigated to less than significant impacts with implementation of the proposed project. Potential cumulative transportation and circulation impacts, including potential impacts to roadway segments and project area intersections, would result in less than significant impacts with implementation of the proposed project. 3.6.2 Mitigation Measures MM4.10-1: The City shall develop and implement a construction traffic control plan (CTCP) prior to the start of construction. The CTCP shall be completed by the City Engineer. Specific measures described in the CTCP shall conform to the Caltrans Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) manual. Specific measures described in the MUTCD that are typically used in the CTCP are summarized below: • All traffic control measures, construction signs, delineators, etc., and their use during the construction phase of this project shall conform to the provisions set forth in the State of California, Department of Transportation, Manual of Traffic Controls, January 1992. • Prior to approval of final site design plans, the applicant shall coordinate with Metro to obtain input of a final CTCP. • In areas where traffic control necessitates, the contractor shall provide, post, and maintain "No Parking" and "No Stopping" signs, as directed by the Director of Public Works. • The location of all signs shall be determined in the field by the City Engineer in conjunction with the contractor. • No travel lane shall be less than 10 feet wide. • Delineators shall be spaced at 50 feet maximum, or as noted on the final CTCP. • Construction personnel shall have a designated place for parking, as identified in the final CTCP. • All traffic signal facilities shall be protected during construction or relocation. • "Construction Ahead" and appurtenant signs are to be placed 1,000 feet in advance of all approaches to the project area, for the duration of construction. • Private driveway closures shall be limited to the times of the day that construction is in progress. • Cross street closures shall be limited to the times of the day that construction is in process. 21 MM 4.10-2: The City of Santa Clarita (City) shall improve segments of Golden Valley Road (between Soledad Canyon Road and Sierra Highway) and Via Princessa (between Whites Canyon Road and Sierra Highway) to their planned ultimate six -lane configuration within the Interim Year horizon period, as funding becomes available. MM4.10-3: Prior to the completion of construction of the proposed project, the City shall install a traffic signal at the Rainbow Glen Drive/Via Princessa intersection. MM4.10-4: Prior to the completion of construction of the proposed project, the City shall install a traffic signal at the Via Princessa and Golden Valley Road intersection. MM4.10-5: One year after completion of the Via Princessa roadway extension, the City's traffic engineer shall evaluate future traffic patterns around Rainbow Glen Drive and Isabella Parkway through standard City practices, including but not limited to plan checks and the collection of future traffic data to determine if traffic calming measures would be needed. 3.6.3 Findings The City finds that the above mitigation measures are feasible, are adopted, and will reduce the potential impacts to transportation and circulation to less -than -significant levels. Accordingly, the City finds that, pursuant to Public Resources Code section 2108 1, subdivision (a)(1), and State CEQA Guidelines section 15091, subdivision (a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid potentially significant transportation and circulation -related impacts of the project identified in the Final FIR. 4.0 FINDINGS ON LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS 4.1 LAND USE 4.1.1 Less Than Significant Impacts The proposed Via Princessa East Extension (project) is designated as a Major Arterial Highway in the City's Master Plan of Arterial Highways. Implementation of the proposed project would not conflict with the goals, policies, or objectives of the City's General Plan. The proposed project also would not conflict with the City's Unified Development Code, the Southern California Association of Governments Regional Transportation Plan Goals, or any habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan 4.1.2 Mitigation Measures Consistent with State CEQA Guidelines section 15126.4(a)(3), mitigation measures are not required for effects which are not found to be significant. 4.1.3 Findings The City finds that the project will have a less -than -significant impact on land use; therefore, no mitigation is required. 22 5.0 FEASIBILITY OF PROJECT ALTERNATIVES 5.1 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES The alternatives section of the Final FIR contains an analysis of alternatives to the project, including the "No Project" alternative. (For a detailed discussion of these alternatives, please see Section 6.0, Alternatives, of the EIR.) Based on the analysis, the City finds as follows: (a) Alternative 1, The No Project Alternative Description: This alternative is required by the State CEQA Guidelines and compares the impacts that might occur if the site is left in its present condition with those that would be generated by the proposed project. Under this alternative, the eastward extension of Via Princessa, between Golden Valley Road and Sheldon Avenue, would not occur and the proposed project would not be constructed. Environmental Effects: This alternative is environmentally superior to the project since most of the environmental effects of the project would not occur. Relation to Project Objectives: This alternative would not attain the basic objectives of the project, as defined in Section 1.4, above. The No Project alternative would not close a gap segment in the City's planned roadway system, thus not implementing a goal of the City General Plan Circulation Element. Furthermore, this alternative would not provide improved local access to residential and commercial areas within the City. ,Feasibility: This alternative is infeasible because it would not attain the basic project objectives, and would not provide any of the project benefits. (b) Alternative 2, Robert C. Lee Parkway Alternative Description: This alternative would connect the east extension of Via Princessa at the cul-de-sac of Robert C. Lee Parkway. Robert C. Lee Parkway would extend north, paralleling the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power transmission lines to connect at the existing Via Princessa terminus near Sheldon Avenue. The length of the Robert C. Lee Parkway alternative would be approximately 0.5 mile. The proposed roadway would consist of a six -lane facility with a 14 -foot raised landscaped median, a 1 0 -foot sidewalk/parkway on each side, and a 12 -foot two-lane bike path along the south side. The vehicle lanes adjacent to the median would be 12 feet wide, the middle lanes would be 11 feet wide, and the right lanes would be 12 feet wide. The typical right-of- way width would be 116 feet (similar features to the proposed project). The portion of Via Princessa between Sheldon Avenue and Rainbow Glen Drive would be completed by constructing the south side of the roadway (similar to the proposed project). Environmental Effects: This alternative would result in less impacts than the project in 4 categories, greater impacts in 2 categories, and similar impacts in 5 categories. In general, this alternative is considered the "environmentally superior" alternative for purposes of CEQA. 23 Relation to Project Objectives: This alternative would not fully meet or impede the following project objective, which is defined in Section 1.4, above: Implement the goals of the Circulation Element of the Santa Clarita General Plan, including connectivity between Golden Valley Road and Rainbow Glen Drive. Feasibility: This alternative is infeasible because it would not fully satisfy project objectives, and would not provide all of the project benefits. 24 EXHIBIT B MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM VIA PRINCESSA EAST EXTENSION PROJECT Draft Environmental Impact Report Volume I Prepared for. City of Santa Clarita 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 302 Santa Clarita, California 91355 Contact: James Chow (661) 255-4330 Prepared by: Impact Sciences, Inc. 803 Camarillo Springs Road, Suite A Camarillo, California 93012 August 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume I Inpact Sciences, Inc. 1 ViaPriucessaEast Extension Project Druf? ETR 0112.028 August 2012 Introduction............................................................................................................................................... 1-1 1.0 Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................... 1.0-1 2.0 Environmental Setting ........................................................................................................................... 2.0-1 3.0 Project Description ................................................................................................................................. 3.0-1 4.0 Environmental Impact Analysis ........................................................................................................... 4.0-1 4.1 Air Quality ................................................................................................................................ 4.1-1 4.2 Biological Resources ................................................................................................................ 4.2-1 4.3 Cultural Resources ................................................................................................................... 4.3-1 4.4 Geology and Soils ..................................................................................................................... 4.4-1 4.5 Global Climate Change ........................................................................................................... 4.5-1 4.6 Human -Made Hazards ............................................................................................................ 4.6-1 4.7 Hydrology and Water Quality ............................................................................................... 4.7-1 4.8 Land Use .................................................................................................................................... 4.8-1 4.9 Noise .......................................................................................................................................... 4.9-1 4.10 Transportation and Circulation ............................................................................................ 4.10-1 4.11 Visual Resources .................................................................................................................... 4.11-1 5.0 Cumulative Impact Analysis Methodology ........................................................................................ 5.0-1 6.0 Alternatives ............................................................................................................................................. 6.0-1 7.0 Effects Not Found Significant ............................................................................................................... 7.0-1 8.0 Growth Inducement ............................................................................................................................... 8.0-1 9.0 Significant Irreversible Environmental Changes ............................................................................... 9.0-1 10.0 Unavoidable Significant Impacts ....................................................................................................... 10.0-1 11.0 References .............................................................................................................................................. 11.0-1 12.0 List of Preparers and Persons Consulted .......................................................................................... 12.0-1 Inpact Sciences, Inc. 1 ViaPriucessaEast Extension Project Druf? ETR 0112.028 August 2012 Appendices Volume 11 1.0 Notice of Preparation and Comments on the NOR Notice of Preparation (NOR) Comments on the NOR 4.1 Air Quality Calculations Emissions Calculations CO Hotspots Santa Clarita Subregional Analysis, SCAQMD, November 2004 4.2 Biota Reports Santa Clara River Watershed Study, Dudek 2008 Plant species observed on the Via Princessa Road Extension site, survey dates April 6 and 20, May 18, and June 11, 2010 Animal species observed on the Via Princessa Road Extension site, survey dates April— November 2010 jurisdictional Delineation of Waters and Streambeds, Impact Sciences, August 2010 90 -Day Protocol Survey Report For U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service Listed Vernal Pool Branchiopods, Thomas Juhasz, May 2010 Coastal California Gnatcatcher, Cooper Environmental Monitoring, July—November 2010 Volume III 4.3 Phase I Archaeological Survey, W & S Consultants, July 2010 4.4 Geotechnical Reports Geologic/Geotechncial Report, "EIR-Level Review of Road Alignment for Via Princessa East from Golden Valley Road to 250 feet west of Sheldon Avenue," prepared by Allen E. Seward Engineering Geology, Inc., August 13,2010 Geologic/Geotechnical Report, "Via Princessa Road Alignment and Adjacent Parcels Feasibility Study," prepared by Allen E. Seward Engineering Geology, Inc., September 13, 2010 4.5 Greenhouse Gas Emissions 4.6 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, ART, 2010 4.7 Drainage Concept, Sikand, July 2010 4.8 General Plan Consistency Analysis 4.9 Noise Modeling Data 4.10 Traffic Study, Austin -Foust Associates, Inc. April 2011 Inpact Sciences, Inc. 11 VzaPriucessaEast Extension Project Druf? ETR 0112.028 August 2012 LIST OF FIGURES 3.0-1 Regional Location ................................................................................................................................... 3.0-5 3.0-2 Project Site ............................................................................................................................................... 3.0-6 4.1-1 South Coast Air Basin .......................................................................................................................... 4.1-13 4.1-2 Wind Rose for Source Receptor Area 13 ........................................................................................... 4.1-14 4.2-1 Vegetation Map ...................................................................................................................................... 4.2-5 4.2-2 Jurisdictional Impact Assessment ...................................................................................................... 4.2-30 4.4-1 Geologic Map of the Project Site ........................................................................................................... 4.4-9 4.4-2 Seismic Hazard Zones Map ................................................................................................................ 4.4-14 4.7-1 Existing Flood Hazard Area ................................................................................................................. 4.7-3 4.7-2 Existing Site Drainage Conditions ....................................................................................................... 4.7-6 4.7-3 Proposed Site Drainage Conditions ................................................................................................... 4.7-17 4.8-1 Existing Land Use Designations ........................................................................................................... 4.8-5 4.9-1 Common Noise Levels ........................................................................................................................... 4.9-5 4.9-2 Noise Attenuation by Barriers .............................................................................................................. 4.9-8 4.9-3 Typical Levels of Ground -Borne Vibration ......................................................................................... 4.9-9 4.9-4 State Land Use Compatibility Guidelines for Noise ........................................................................ 4.9-16 4.9-5 City Land Use Compatibility Guidelines for Noise ......................................................................... 4.9-19 4.9-6 Noise Monitoring Locations ............................................................................................................... 4.9-24 4.9-7 Noise Levels of Typical Construction Equipment ........................................................................... 4.9-37 4.10-1 Project Study Area ................................................................................................................................ 4.10-3 4.10-2 Existing Intersection Lanes and Peak Hour Volumes ..................................................................... 4.10-8 4.10-3 Existing ADT Volumes (000s) ............................................................................................................. 4.10-9 4.10-4 Intersection Location Map ................................................................................................................. 4.10-12 4.10-5 Existing and Future Roadway Improvements ............................................................................... 4.10-17 4.10-6 Interim Year ADT Volumes (000s) -Without Project .................................................................... 4.10-26 4.10-7 Interim Year Intersection Lanes and Peak Hour Volumes -Without Project ............................. 4.10-27 4.10-8 Interim Year ADT Volumes (000s) - With Project ......................................................................... 4.10-30 4.10-9 Interim Year Peak Hour Volumes - With Project .......................................................................... 4.10-31 4.10-10 Long Range Buildout ADT Volumes (000s) - With Project .......................................................... 4.10-46 4.10-11 Long Range Buildout Peak Hour Volumes -With Project .......................................................... 4.10-47 4.11-1 Viewpoint Locations ............................................................................................................................ 4.11-7 4.11-2 Viewpoint 1: Looking west from the corner of Via Princessa & Sheldon Avenue ...................... 4.11-8 4.11-3 Viewpoint 2: Looking west from the corner of Via Princessa & Rainbow Glen Drive ............... 4.11-9 4.11-4 Viewpoint 3: Looking north from Sierra Highway & Piazz ch Sapro ......................................... 4.11-10 4.11-5 Viewpoint 4: Looking east from Golden Valley Road & Via Princessa extension .................... 4.11-11 4.11-6 Viewpoint 5: Looking south from Golden Valley Road & Centre Pointe Parkway .................. 4.11-14 4.11-7 Viewpoint 6: Looking south from Newhall Ranch Road & Pipeline overpass .......................... 4.11-15 6.0-1 Conceptual Alignment of Robert C. Lee Parkway Alternative ........................................................ 6.0-3 Inpact Sciences, Inc. ViaPriucessaEast Extension Project Druf? ETR 0112.028 August 2012 LIST OF TABLES 1.0-1 Summary of Project Impacts and Recommended Mitigation Measures ......................................... 1.0-7 4.1-1 National Ambient Air Quality Standard Designations - South Coast Air Basin (Los AngelesCounty) ..................................................................................................................................... 4.1-4 4.1-2 California Ambient Air Quality Standard Designations - South Coast Air Basin (Los AngelesCounty) ..................................................................................................................................... 4.1-6 4.1-3 Ambient Air Quality Standards and Health Effects ........................................................................ 4.1-16 4.1-4 Summary of Ambient Air Pollutant Concentrations in Source Receptor Area 13 ...................... 4.1-22 4.1-5 SCAQMD Daily Construction Emission Thresholds ....................................................................... 4.1-26 4.1-6 SCAQMD Daily Operation Emission Thresholds ............................................................................ 4.1-27 4.1-7 Localized Significance Thresholds for a 1 -Acre Site located in SEA 13 ........................................ 4.1-29 4.1-8 Estimated Construction Emissions .................................................................................................... 4.1-33 4.1-9 Localized Significance Thresholds Analysis ..................................................................................... 4.1-35 4.1-10 Maximum Carbon Monoxide Concentrations .................................................................................. 4.1-37 4.2-1 Biological Surveys Conducted on the Via Princessa Road Alignment Site .................................... 4.2-3 4.2-2 Special -Status Plant Species Documented in the Project Area but not Observed on the ProjectSite ............................................................................................................................................. 4.2-13 4.2-3 Special -Status Wildlife Species Observed or Potentially Occurring on the Project Site ............. 4.2-20 4.2-4 Potential jurisdictional Areas on the Via Princessa Site ................................................................. 4.2-28 4.2-5 Vegetation Impact Summary .............................................................................................................. 4.2-32 4.2-6 Potential Plant Species for use in Site Restoration ........................................................................... 4.2-51 4.2-7 City of Santa Clarita Cumulative Projects ......................................................................................... 4.2-63 4.2-8 Los Angeles County Cumulative Projects ........................................................................................ 4.2-67 4.2-9 Summary of Total City/County Cumulative Projects ..................................................................... 4.2-76 4.5-1 AB 32 Scoping Plan Measures .............................................................................................................. 4.5-8 4.5-2 Top Five GFIG Producer Countries and the European Union ....................................................... 4.5-15 4.5-3 GFIG Emissions in California ............................................................................................................. 4.5-17 4.5-4 Comparison of Global Pre -Industrial and Current GFIG Concentrations .................................... 4.5-18 4.5-5 Estimated Construction GFIG Emissions ......................................................................................... 4.5-25 4.5-6 Estimated Operational GFIG Emissions ............................................................................................ 4.5-26 4.7-1 Existing Discharge Conditions ............................................................................................................. 4.7-5 4.7-2 Existing plus Proposed Discharge Conditions ................................................................................. 4.7-16 4.8-1 SCAG Regional Transportation Plan Goals and Compass Growth Visioning Principles ............ 4.8-7 4.9-1 Outside to Inside Noise Attenuation (dB(A)) ..................................................................................... 4.9-4 4.9-2 Typical Noise Levels of Construction Equipment ........................................................................... 4.9-10 4.9-3 Construction Vibration Damage Criteria .......................................................................................... 4.9-11 4.9-4 Construction Phasing and Equipment .............................................................................................. 4.9-12 4.9-5 City Ordinance Noise Limits .............................................................................................................. 4.9-18 4.9-6 Short -Term Monitored Noise Levels ................................................................................................. 4.9-22 4.9-7 Existing Roadway Noise Levels ......................................................................................................... 4.9-25 4.9-8 Off -Site Roadway Noise Levels .......................................................................................................... 4.9-30 4.9-9 On -Site Roadway Noise Levels with Project Development ........................................................... 4.9-31 4.9-10 Project Generated Noise Levels at Off -Site Sensitive Receptors .................................................... 4.9-32 Inpact Sciences, Inc. iv ViaPriucessaEast Extension Project Druf? ETR 0112.028 August 2012 LIST OF TABLES (continued) 4.9-11 Construction Vibration Levels ............................................................................................................ 4.9-34 4.9-12 Estimated Construction Noise Levels during Construction Phases .............................................. 4.9-38 4.9-13 Construction Noise Levels with Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.9-1 .................. 4.9-41 4.9-14 Cumulative Roadway Noise ............................................................................................................... 4.9-44 4.10-1 Level of Service of Arterial Roads ...................................................................................................... 4.10-5 4.10-2 Average Daily Traffic V/C and LOS - Existing 2010 Conditions ................................................. 4.10-10 4.10-3 ICU and LOS Summary - Existing 2010 Conditions ..................................................................... 4.10-11 4.10-4 Intersection Delay and LOS Summary - Existing 2010 Conditions ............................................ 4.10-11 4.10-5 Arterial Roadway Performance Criteria ......................................................................................... 4.10-21 4.10-6 Arterial Intersection Performance Criteria - ICU Method ........................................................... 4.10-21 4.10-7 Arterial/Local Intersection Performance Criteria - HCM Method .............................................. 4.10-22 4.10-8 Average Daily Traffic V/C and LOS - Interim Year without Project .......................................... 4.10-25 4.10-9 Intersection ICU and LOS Summary - Interim No Project Conditions ...................................... 4.10-28 4.10-10 Interim No Project Conditions - Intersection Delay and LOS Summary ................................... 4.10-29 4.10-11 Average Daily Traffic V/C and LOS - Interim Year With Project ................................................ 4.10-32 4.10-12 Intersection ICU and LOS Summary - Interim Year Without Project Conditions .................... 4.10-34 4.10-13 Intersection Delay and LOS Summary - Interim Year With Project Conditions ....................... 4.10-34 4.10-14 Intersection Delay and LOS Summary - Interim Year Modified Access Scenario .................... 4.10-36 4.10-15 Average Daily Trips Volume to Capacity and LOS - Interim Year with Future Roadway Configuration...................................................................................................................................... 4.10-39 4.10-16 Average Daily Traffic V/C and LOS - Long�Range Buildout Conditions .................................. 4.10-45 4.10-17 Long Range Buildout Conditions - ICU and LOS Summary ....................................................... 4.10-48 4.10-18 Intersection Delay and LOS Summary - Long Range Buildout Conditions .............................. 4.10-48 4.10-19 Intersection Delay and LOS Summary - Long Range Buildout Modified AccessScenario ................................................................................................................................... 4.10-50 5.0-1 City of Santa Clarita Land Use Designations and Areas ................................................................... 5.0-2 6.0-1 Comparison of Alternatives to the Proposed Project ...................................................................... 6.0-12 Inpact Sciences, Inc. v VzaPriucessaEast Extension Project Druf? ETR 0112.028 August 2012 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION This section provides the reader with important information regarding (1) the project background, (2) the purpose of this Environmental Impact Report (EIR), (3) standards for assessing EIR adequacy, (4) the format and content of this EIR, (5) processing requirements for this EIR, and (6) other EIRs and documents incorporated by reference in this document. An EIR is an informational document used to inform agencies and the public of potentially significant environmental effects of a proposed project, identify possible ways to minimize or mitigate the significant effects, and describe reasonable alternatives to a proposed project. The public agency that is principally responsible for carrying out or approving a project is designated as the "lead agency." Because the Via Princessa East Extension project would be located within the jurisdiction of the City, the City will act as the lead agency. This project requires that the EIR be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15000 et seq. (State CEQA Guidelines). PROJECT SUMMARY The proposed project involves the construction of a new roadway segment between Golden Valley Road and the existing roadway terminus near Sheldon Avenue. The Via Princessa East Extension would be one of the primary east -west arterials through the City of Santa Clarita. The proposed roadway would be approximately 1.2 miles in length and is designated as a Major Arterial Highway per the City of Santa Clarita's Master Plan of Arterial Highways. The proposed roadway would consist of a six -lane facility with a 14 -foot raised landscaped median, a 10 -foot sidewalk/parkway on each side, and a 12 -foot two- lane bike path along the south side. The vehicle lanes adjacent to the median would be 12 feet wide, the middle lanes would be 11 feet wide, and the right lanes would be 12 feet wide. The typical right-of-way width would be 116 feet. The portion of Via Princessa between Sheldon Avenue and Rainbow Glen Drive that is currently constructed as a half section would be completed by constructing the south side of the roadway. In this section, the roadway would be constructed to a typical right-of-way width of 104 feet, consistent with the original design for this section. The total project area, including remedial grading acreage is 25.2 acres. Irptrct Sciewes, Inc. Via Primessa E�t Extertsion Project Drtft EIR 0112.028 Agst 2012 Introduction PROJECT ENTITLEMENTS In order to allow for the proposed development to occur, MC# 09-108 would require an Oak Tree Permit and a Hillside Review Permit. The oak tree permit would be required to determine the oak tree impacts at the time of project development. The Hillside Review Permit would permit the grading necessary to construct the roadway. These entitlements will be obtained at such time as roadway funding is available or concurrent with a development project. Because it is not known at this time when the project would be funded or built and permits expire after two years, it was determined to be more cost effective to wait until such time as construction of the roadway is imminent to secure permits for the project. In the case of oak trees, those oaks on the project site that are not currently of ordinance size may be large enough to qualify at a later date. Preliminary environmental review of the proposed project was conducted by the City of Santa Clarita, Community Development Department. An initial study was prepared as part of this review and City staff determined that preparation of an EIR is required. The initial study determined that the following issues should be addressed in this EIR: air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, global climate change, human made hazards, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, noise, transportation and circulation, and visual resources. On September 21, 2009, a Notice of Preparation (NOR) was circulated for a 30 -day review period, pursuant to the requirements of the State CEQA Guidelines, in order to solicit input from interested public agencies regarding the content of the EIR. A scoping hearing to provide an overview of the project and the environmental process was conducted on October 29, 2009. The scoping hearing provided the general public an opportunity to provide comment as to what issues should be addressed in the EIR. PURPOSE OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT Subsequent to the passage of CEQA in 1970, a process was established that would (1) inform governmental decision makers and the public about the potential, significant ways environmental effects of proposed activities; (2) identify ways that environmental damage can be avoided or significantly reduced; (3) prevent significant, avoidable damage to the environment by requiring changes in projects through the use of alternatives or mitigation measures when the governmental agency finds the changes to be feasible; and (4) disclose to the public the reasons why a governmental agency approved the project in the manner the agency chose if significant environmental effects are involved.' This information is the basis of any EIR. 1 State of California, CEQA Guidelines, Section 15002(a) of the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3. Irptrct Sciewes, Inc. 1-2 Via Primessa E�t Extertsion Project Drtft EIR 0112.028 Agst 2012 Introduction EIR ADEQUACY The principal use of an EIR is to provide input and information for comprehensive planning analysis. The staff reports prepared by City staff synthesize the pertinent environmental and planning information associated with the project for presentation to the City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission and City Council. Given the important role of the EIR in this planning and decision-making process, it is imperative that the information presented in the EIR be factual, adequate, and complete. The standards for adequacy of an EIR, defined in Section 15151 of the State CEQA Guidelines, are as follows: An EIR should be prepared with a sufficient degree of analysis to provide decision makers with injbrmation which enables them to make a decision which intelligently takes account of environmental consequences. An evaluation of the environmental efftcts of a proposed project need not be exhaustive, but the sufficiency of an EIR is to be reviewed in light of what is reasonably feasible. Disagreement among experts does not make an EIR inadequate, but the EIR should summarize the main points of disagreement among the experts. The courts have looked not for perftction but for adequacy, completeness, and a goodfaith effort atfull disclosure. This EIR has been prepared by the City of Santa Clarita in accordance with the State CEQA Guidelines and City guidelines for the implementation of CEQA. TYPE OF EIR AND LEVEL OF ANALYSIS CEQA provides a lead agency with the flexibility to prepare different types of EIRs, and to employ different procedural means to focus environmental analysis on the issues appropriate for decision at each level of environmental review.2 CEQA provides that the "degree of specificity required in an EIR will correspond to the degree of specificity involved in the underlying activity which is described in the EIR." (State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15146). Per State CEQA Guidelines Section 15161, a "Project EIR" is: The most common type of EIR examines the environmental impacts of a specific development project. This type of EIR should focus primarily on the changes in the environment that would result from the development project. The EIR shall examine all phases of the project including planning, construction and operation. This EIR can be classified as a project EIR. Site-specific studies regarding air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology, hazards, hydrology, noise, and traffic have been conducted for the proposed project. Therefore, there is enough information contained in this EIR to support adequate environmental documentation. 2 California Pub. Resources Code, Section 21093(a). Irptrct Sciewes, Inc. 1-3 Via Primessa E�t Extertsion Project Drtft EIR 0112.028 Agst 2012 Introduction DRAFT EIR FORMAT AND CONTENT Preliminary environmental review of the Via Princessa East Extension project was conducted by the City's Community Development Department. In the Notice of Preparation (NOR), the City determined that the proposed project may have potentially significant effects on several environmental factors, including: land use and planning; geological problems; water/hydrology; stormwater management and recycling, air quality; transportation/circulation; biological resources; noise; hazards; visual resources; and cultural resources. The NOR was circulated for a 30 -day review period from September 21, 2009, to October 21, 2009, pursuant to the requirements of the State CEQA Guidelines, in order to solicit input from responsible and interested public agencies and the community regarding the content of the EIR. In addition, to facilitate local participation, the City held a scoping meeting on the project and solicited suggestions from the public and other agencies on the scope and content of this Draft EIR. The meeting took place at the Century Room at the Santa Clarita City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California, on October 29, 2009. In response to the NOPs and scoping meeting, comment letters and other input were received from interested agencies, organizations and others, copies of which are presented in Appendix 1.0 to this EIR. Based on the results of the City's NOPs and scoping efforts, the following topics are evaluated in this EIR: 1. Air Quality 2. Biological Resources 3. Cultural Resources 4. Geology and Soils 5. Greenhouse Gas Emissions 6. Human -Made Hazards 7. Hydrology 8. Land Use 9. Noise 10. Transportation and Circulation 11. Visual Resources This Draft EIR is organized into the following sections: 1. Introduction. This section provides an introduction and overview describing the purpose and scope of topics addressed in this EIR and the environmental review process. 2. Section 1.0, Executive Summary. This section summarizes environmental consequences that would result from the proposed project, provides a surnmary table that denotes anticipated significant environmental impacts, describes identified mitigation measures, and indicates the level of significance of impacts before and after mitigation. Irptrct Sciewes, Inc. 1-4 Via Primessa E�t Extertsion Project Drtft EIR 0112.028 Augst 2012 Introduction 3. Section 2.0, Environmental Setting. This section discusses the existing environmental setting of the proposed project. 4. Section 3.0, Project Description. Contains a detailed description of the proposed project. 5. Section 4.0, Environmental Impact Analysis. This section addresses the environmental setting in which the project is proposed. This section also analyzes and identifies the existing conditions, project and cumulative impacts, mitigation measures, and unavoidable significant impacts of the proposed project for the environmental impact categories identified above. 6. Section 5.0, Cumulative Analysis Methodology. This section describes the cumulative analysis methodology. 7. Section 6.0, Alternatives. This section describes, identifies, and analyzes project alternatives. 8. Section 7.0, Effects Not Found Significant. This section provides a brief description of the environmental effects that were found not to be significant. 9. Section 8.0, Growth Inducement. This section identifies the project's growth -inducing impacts. 10. Section 9.0, Significant Irreversible Environmental Changes. Describes the significant irreversible environmental changes associated with the proposed project and, therefore, not evaluated in further detail. 11. Section 10.0, Unavoidable Significant Impacts. This section provides a discussion of the project's significant and unavoidable impacts. 12. Section 11.0, References. This section contains a list of the documents cited in this EIR. 13. Section 12.0, List of Preparers and Persons Consulted. This section provides a list of EIR preparers, and a list of the organizations and persons consulted in preparing this EIR. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS FOR THE DRAFT EIR The review process for the Draft EIR will include the procedural steps described below: Public Notice/Public Review. The City of Santa Clarita Department of Community Development directed and supervised preparation of this Draft EIR, which will be circulated for a 45 -day public review period as mandated by CEQA. Irptrct Sciewes, Inc. 1-5 Via Primessa E�t Extertsion Project Drtft EIR 0112.028 Augst 2012 Introduction A copy of the Draft EIR and all adopted City ordinances and documents is on file at the City of Santa Clarita Department of Community Development. All comments concerning the adequacy of the Draft EIR must be addressed to: City of Santa Clarita 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 302 Santa Clarita, California 91355 Attention: Harry Corder, Engineering Department and James Chow, Community Development Department (Via Princessa East Extension EIR) Public hearing(s) will be held before the City of Santa Clarita City Council regarding the proposed project and the adequacy of the Draft EIR, at which time public comments will also be heard. Responses to Comments/Final EIR. Following the 45 -day public comment period and public hearing(s) on the Draft EIR, the Final EIR for the proposed project will be prepared in order to respond to the comments received on the Draft EIR. As required by CEQA, the Public Works Department/Community Development Department will distribute responses to comments submitted by public agencies to those agencies for review 10 days prior to consideration of the Final EIR. Certification of the EIR/Project Consideration. At the conclusion of the EIR public hearing process, the City Council will vote on certification of the EIR and will decide on what action to take with respect to the project. Irptrct Sciewes, Inc. 1-6 Via Primessa E�t Extertsion Project Drtft EIR 0112.028 Agst 2012 10.0 UNAVOIDABLE SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS PURPOSE Section 15126(b) of the Califtnia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines requires an EIR to describe any significant impacts that cannot be mitigated if the project is implemented. The discussion is also to include the identification of any significant impacts that can be mitigated, but not to less than significant levels. AIR QUALITY A localized air quality impact would occur since project construction would result in PM10 and PM2.5 emissions that exceed the localized significance thresholds at nearby sensitive receptors. Recommended mitigation measures would reduce construction -related emissions to some extent. Moreover, it is not expected that feasible mitigation exists that would reduce these emissions to a sufficient degree that the construction -related emissions would be below the SCAQMD's emission -based thresholds of significance. For these same reasons, implementation of these mitigation measures would not be likely to reduce the impacts to less than significant levels. Therefore, construction -related emissions for the proposed project would be considered significant and unavoidable. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Significant unavoidable impacts would occur due to the loss of vernal pool habitat and vernal pool - dependent species. The project would also contribute to a significant unavoidable cumulative impact related to the ongoing loss of biological resources in the project region. Even with the implementation of mitigation, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable. NOISE Demolition, grading, and construction activities on the project site would generate noise at sensitive receptor locations in excess of normally acceptable noise levels of the City Land Use Compatibility Guidelines. Section 11.44.080 of the City's Noise Ordinance restricts construction work requiring a building permit to between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM Monday through Friday, and to between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM on Saturday. The Noise Ordinance also precludes construction activities on Sundays and major holidays. However, these restrictions do not mitigate the impact of construction noise and no other feasible mitigation measures exist that would reduce the impact to less than significant. Therefore, the temporary project -construction noise impact would be significant and unavoidable. Inpact sciences, Inc. 10.0-1 ViaPrincessaEtzst Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 10.0 Unacoidable Significant Impacts VISUAL RESOURCES The project would change the site from vacant to an urban roadway use. While the proposed project is located between existing residential and commercial developments and is not removing or replacing prominent visual features, the image of the roadway, landscaping, and other human activity would be a significant change from the existing site characteristics, which could be viewed as a substantial adverse visual impact. Despite the recommended mitigation measures, which would reduce the impacts to a certain extent, the identified significant visual impacts would still result from the change in the visual character of the site from open space to urban. There is no feasible mitigation beyond that already identified for the proposed project to reduce the identified impacts to a level below significant. Consequently, such significant visual impacts would remain significant and unavoidable. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 10.0-1 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 11.0 REFERENCES Allen, LR et al. 2009. Los Angeles County's Sensitive Bird Species. Western Tanager 75(3). January/February 2009. Austin -Foust Associates, Via Princessa Extension, Traffic Analysis, (2011). California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, CEQA & Climate Change: Evaluating and Addressing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Projects Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act, (2008) 65. California Air Resources Board, "2008 Estimated Annual Average Emissions — South Coast Air Basin," http://www.arb.ca.gov/ei/maps/basins/abscmap.htm. 2009. California Air Resources Board, "Air Pollution — Particulate Matter Brochure," http://www.arb.ca.gov/html/ brochure/pmlO.htm. 2010. California Air Resources Board, "Area Designations (Activities and Maps)," http://www.arb.ca.gov/desig/ desig.htm. 2010. California Air Resources Board, "California Greenhouse Gas 1990 2004 Inventory by IPCC Category - Summary," http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/inventory/archive/archive.htm. 2010. California Air Resources Board, "California Greenhouse Gas 2000 2008 Inventory by Scoping Plan Category Summary," http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/inventory/data/data.htm. 2010. California Air Resources Board, Climate Change Scoping Plan, (2008). California Air Resources Board, "Glossary of Air Pollution Terms," http://www.arb.ca.gov/html/gloss.htm. 2010. California Air Resources Board, Initial Statement of Reasons for Rulemaking, Proposed Regulation for Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Pursuant to the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Assembly Bill 32), (2007). California Air Resources Board, "Particulate Matter Pollutant Monitoring," http://www.arb.ca.gov/ aaqm/partic.htm. 2010. California Air Resources Board, Proposed 2010 Amendments to the State Area Designations, Criteria, and Maps, 2010 23. California Air Resources Board, Report to the Air Resources Board on the Proposed Identification of Diesel Exhaust as a Toxic Air Contaminant, Part A Exposure Assessment, 1998. California Air Resources Board, Staff Report: Proposed Regional Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Targets For Automobiles And Light Trucks Pursuant To Senate Bill 375, (2010). California Climate Action Registry, General Reporting Protocol: Reporting Entity -Wide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Version 3.1, (2009) 96, 98, 100. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 11.0-1 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 11.0 References California Department of Finance, "Financial & Economic Data: Gross Domestic Product, California," http://Www.dof.ca.gov/HTML/FS DATA/LatestEconData/FS Misc.htm. 2010. Amounts are based on current dollars as of the date of the report (June 2, 2009). California Department of Transportation, Division of Environmental Analysis, Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol, (2006). California Department of Transportation, Technical Noise Supplement; A Technical Supplement to the Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol, (October 1998), N51—N54. California Department of Transportation, Transportation Related Earthborne Vibrations (Caltrans Experiences), Technical Advisory, Vibration TAV-02-01-R9601, (2002) 10. California Department of Water Resources, Groundwater Bulletin 118, Hydrologic Region South Coast, 2006. California Energy Commission, Diesel Use in California, Remarks by Commissioner James D. Boyd, (2002). California Energy Commission, Inventory of California Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks 1990 to 2004, (2006). California Environmental Quality Act, Section 21083.2(g). California Environmental Protection Agency, Climate Action Team, Climate Action Team Report to Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature, 2006. California Environmental Protection Agency, Climate Action Team, Climate Action Team Report to Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature, (2010). Reports may be downloaded from the following website: http://www.climatechange.ca.gov/publications/cat/. California Geological Survey, "Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones," available at http://www.conservation.ca.gov/ CGS/rghm/ap/Pages/Index.aspx (2008). California Geological Survey, "Fault -Rupture Hazard Zones in California" Sacramento: 2007, p. 3. California Geological Survey, "Special Publication 117, Guidelines for Evaluating and Mitigating Seismic Hazards in California," 1997. California Government Code, Section 65040.2(g). California Health and Safety Code, Sections 7050.5 and 5097.98 California Natural Resources Agency, Climate Action Team, 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy: A Report to the Governor of the State of California in Response to Executive Order S-13- 2008, (2009). California Office of the Attorney General, The California Environmental Quality Act: Addressing Global Warming Impacts at the Local Agency Level, (2008) Inpact Sciences, Inc. 11.0-2 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 11.0 References California Public Resources, California Register of Historical Resources Section 4850 et seq. California Public Resources, California Register of Historical Resources, Sections 5020.1(k) and 5024.1(g). California Public Resources, California Register of Historical Resources, Section 4852. California Public Resources Code, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, Section 15064.5. California Senate Bill 18, Chapter 905, Statutes of 2004. California State Parks, Office of Historic Preservation, http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page—id=21238. CDFG, "Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program, List of California Vegetation Alliances." City of Santa Clarita, "City of Santa Clarita Open Space FAQs," http://www.santaclaritaopenspace.com/faq.asp. City of Santa Clarita, "Significant Ridgelines Map," 2006; City of Santa Clarita, Draft General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element (October 2008), Exhibit CO -1, "Hillsides and Ridgelines." City of Santa Clarita, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, Trails and Parks Map, posted July 2010. City of Santa Clarita. Unified Development Code. Title 17 Zoning Section 17.15.020. "Property Development Standards." City of Santa Clarita, Unified Development Code, Section 10.04.070, "Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control.' City of Santa Clarita. Section 17.15.020. "Property Development Standards." Section 17.03.145. "Historic Preservation Review." Climate Change 1995: The Science of Climate Change — Contribution of Working Group I to the Second Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge (UK): Cambridge University Press, (1996). Climate Change Impact on Air Quality in California: Report to the California Air Resources Board, 2010. 95. Consortium of California Herbaria. 2010. Accession Results for Navarretia fossalis. Available at ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium CNPS, The CNPS Ranking System. Available at http://www.cnps.org/cnps/rareplants/ranking.php Department of Transportation, United States of America, Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, FTA -VA -90-1003-061 May 2006, Chapter 12 Noises and Vibration During Construction, p. 12-6 and 12-7. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 11.0-3 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 11.0 References Dr. Alice H. Suter, "Administrative Conference of the United States: Noise and Its Effects, (November 1991)," http://www.nonoise.org/library/suter/suter.htm. 2004. Energy Information Administration, "Other Gases: Hydrofluorocarbons, Perfluorocarbons, and Sulfur Hexafluoride," http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/ggOOrpt/other—gases.html. n.d. Federal Transit Administration, Traffic Noise and Vibration Assessment, Chapter 12, Noise and Vibration During Construction, 12-13, May 2006. Geologic/Geotechnical Report, EIR-Level Review of Road Alignment for Via Princessa East from Golden Valley Road to 250 feet west of Sheldon Avenue, prepared by Allen E. Seward Engineering Geology, Inc., August 13, 2010 Geologic/Geotechnical Report, Via Princessa Road Alignment and Adjacent Parcels Feasibility Study," prepared by Allen E. Seward Engineering Geology, Inc., September 13, 2010 Governor's Office of Planning and Research, CEQA and Climate Change: Addressing Climate Change Through California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Review, (2008). Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 2.7, Section 18950 to 18961, State Historical Building Code. Highway Capacity Manual 2000, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, "Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis, Summary for Policymakers," http://ipcc-wgl.ucar.edu/wgl/docs/WGlAR4_SPM —PlenaryApproved.pdf. 2007. IPCC, "Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis, Summary for Policymakers." King, CA. and T. Blackburn, Tataviam, In Handbook of North American Indians, (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1976) Volume 8. Kleeman, M. J., Chen, S., and Harley, R.A., Climate Change Impact on Air Quality in California: Report to the California Air Resources Board, 2010. Kroeber, A.L., Handbook of the Indians of California, (Washington, D.C.: Bureau of American Ethnology, 1925), Bulletin 78; Johnson, J. and D. Earle, Tataviarn Geography and Ethnohistory, Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology, Volume 12 (1990) 191-214. Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Water Resources Division, Hydrology Manual, (2006) 21. Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Sedimentation Manual, Second Edition, 2006. Natural Resources Agency, Final Statement of Reasons for Regulatory Action: Amendments to the State CEQA Guidelines Addressing Analysis and Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Pursuant to SB97,(2009) 15. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 11.0-4 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 11.0 References NEA, and King, Chester. Ethnographic Overview of the Angeles National Forest: Tataviarn and San Gabriel Mountain Serrano Ethnolustory. 2004. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Air Toxics Hot Spots Program Guidance Manual for Preparation of Health Risk Assessments, 2003. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Memorandum - Health Impacts of Low -Sulfur Diesel Production and Use, (2004) 2. Rudolf W. Hendriks, California Vehicle Noise Emission Levels, (Sacramento, California: California Department of Transportation, January 1987), NTIS, FHWA/CA/TL-87/03. Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, Roadway Construction Emissions Model Version 6.3.2, 2009. The model may be downloaded from the following website: http://www.airquality.org/ceqa/index.shtml. South Coast Air Quality Management District, "Air Quality Analysis Guidance Handbook," http://www.aqmd.gov/CEQA/hdbk.html. 2010. South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, 1993. South Coast Air Quality Management District, Air Quality Significance Thresholds, 2006. South Coast Air Quality Management District, "EMFAC 2007 (v2.3) Emission Factors (On -Road)," http://www.aqmd.gov/CEQA/handbook/onroad/onroad.html. 2010. South Coast Air Quality Management District, "Facility Information Detail (FIND)," http://www.aqmd.gov/webappl/fim/prog/novnc.aspx?fac id -124838.2010. South Coast Air Quality Management District, Final Localized Significance Threshold Methodology, 2008. South Coast Air Quality Management District, "Frequently Asked CEQA Questions," http://www.aqmd.gov/ceqa/faq.html. 2010. South Coast Air Quality Management District, Multiple Air Toxics Exposure Study in the South Coast Air Basin (MATES 111) - Draft Report, 2008. ES -2. Southern California Association of Governments, "Regional Transportation Improvement Program," http://www.scag.ca.gov/RTIP/rtip2OO6/adopted.htm. 2006. Southern California Association of Governments, "Regional Transportation Plan," http://www.scag.ca.gov/ rtp2004/2004/FmaIPIan.htm. 2004. South Coast Air Quality Management District, 2007 Air Quality Management Plan, 2007. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 11.0-5 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 11.0 References South Coast Air Quality Management District, "Rule 403 — Fugitive Dust," http://www.aqmd.gov/ruies/ reg/reg04/r4O3.pdf. 2010. South Coast Air Quality Management District, "Rule 1186 — PM10 Emissions from Paved and Unpaved Road, and Livestock Operations," http://www.aqmd.gov/rules/reg/regll/rll86.pdf. 2010. US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual, 1987. US Census Bureau, "Data Finders," http://www.census.gov/. 2009; California Department of Finance, "E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State, 2001-2008, with 2000 Benchmark," http://Www.dof.ca.gov/research/demographic/reports/estimates/e-5/2009/. 2010. US Code, Title 16, Part 470 et seq., Public Law 890665, National Historic Preservation Act. US Code, Title 36, Chapter 1, Part 60, National Register of Historic Places, revised July 1, 2004. US Code, Section 60.4. US Department of Energy, State Energy Program: Case Studies, n.d. Report can be downloaded from the following website: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy04osti/35551.pdf. US Department of Energy," Solid -State Lighting GATEWAY Demonstration Results," http://wwwl.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ssl/gatewaydemos—results.html. 2011. Refer to the case study: LED Roadway Lighting: Palo Alto, California. US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Community Planning and Development, The Noise Guidebook, 21 23. US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Highway Noise Fundamentals, (September 1980), 81. US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Highway Noise Mitigation, (Springfield, Virginia: US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, September 1980), p. 18. US Environmental Protection Agency, "EPA and NHTSA Propose Historic National Program to Reduce Greenhouse Gases and Improve Fuel Economy for Cars and Trucks," http://epa.gov/otaq/climate /regulations/420fO9O47a.htm. 2009. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 11.0-6 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 11.0 References US Environmental Protection Agency, "Glossary of Climate Change Terms," http://www.epa.gov /climatechange/glossary.html#Climate—change. 2008. US Environmental Protection Agency, "High GWP Gases and Climate Change," http://www.epa.gov /highgwp/scientific.html#sf6. n.d. United States Environmental Protection Agency, "Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks 1990-2006," http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/usinventoryreport.html. 2008. US Environmental Protection Agency, "Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil," http://www.epa.gov/lead/ pubs/leadinfo.htm. 2010. United States Environmental Protection Agency, "Methane: Sources and Emissions," http://www.epa.gov/ methane/sources.html. n.d. US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Typical Passenger Vehicle (EPA420-F-05-004), (2005) 4. W & S Consultants, Phase I Archaeological Survey of the West Ridge Study Area, Los Angeles County, California, 1994. Western Regional Climate Center, "Newhall, California (Station 046165)," http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi- bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca6l65. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 11.0-7 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 12.0 LIST OF PREPARERS AND PERSONS CONSULTED Impact Sciences, Inc., has prepared this environmental document while under contract to the City of Santa Clarita. Persons directly involved in the preparation and review of this report are listed below: CITY OF SANTA CLARITA — LEAD AGENCY Community Development Department Jeff Hogan, Senior Planner James Chow, Associate Planner Public Works Department Harry Corder, Senior Engineer Mike Hennawy, Senior Engineer Ian Pari, Senior Traffic Engineer IMPACT SCIENCES, INC. — EIR PREPARATION Susan Tebo, Principal Jennifer Millman, Project Planner Alan Sako, Air Quality Project Manager Ian Hillway, Publications Manager ALLAN E. SEWARD ENGINEERING GEOLOGY Eric J. Seward, Principal Engineering Geologist, Vice President Stuart K. Mayes, Senior Associate Geologist Victor C. Goethals, Associate Geologist Kevin P. Callahan, Professional Engineer APPLIED ENVIORNMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES INC. Harry C. Finney, REA, Vice President/Senior Project Manager AUSTIN-FOUST ASSOCIATES Joe Foust, P.E. Daryl Zerfus, P.E. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 12.0-1 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 12.0 List of F`repan� and Pe�o� Co�ulted COOPER ECOLOGICAL MONITORING, INC. Daniel Cooper, President HUNSAKER & ASSOCIATES Jason H. Fukumitsu, President/Principal — Engineering SIKAND ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES W. Craig Young, R.C.E., Vice President/Project Director VISIONSCAPE IMAGERY Eddie Font, Principal W & S CONSULTANTS Joe Simon, President Inpact Sciences, Inc. 12.0-2 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PURPOSE The purpose of the Executive Summary is to provide the reader with a clear and simple description of the proposed project and potential environmental impacts. Section 15123 of the Califtnia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines requires that the surnmary identify each significant effect, and recommencled mitigation measures and alternatives that would reduce or avoid potential significant impacts. The summary must also identify areas of controversy known to the lead agency, including issues raised by agencies and the public, and issues to be resolved including the choice among alternatives and whether or how to mitigate significant effects. This section focuses on the major areas of importance to decision makers and utilizes non-technical language to promote understanding. PROJECT SITE LOCATION The project site encompasses 16 parcels in the City of Santa Clarita approximately 2 miles north of State Route 14 (SR -14). The project site consists of portions of Via Princessa between Golden Valley Road in the west and Sheldon Avenue in the east. The project site is currently undeveloped rural land consisting of hilly terrain with extensive native vegetation. Currently, there are two City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power right-of-way crossings on the site, an aqueduct on the west side of the property, and an overhead power line corridor along the eastern side of the property. The project site is located on the northeast flank of the San Gabriel Mountains within the central Transverse Ranges physiographic province of Southern California. The site elevation ranges from approximately 1,390 feet above mean sea level (msl) in the southwest portion of the site to approximately 1,830 feet above msl in the northeast portion of the site. The nearest surface water drainage is the Santa Clara River which is approximately 1 mile to the northeast. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project involves the construction of a new roadway segment between Golden Valley Road and the existing roadway terminus near Sheldon Avenue. The Via Princessa East Extension would be one of the primary east -west arterials through the City of Santa Clarita. The proposed roadway would be approximately 1.2 miles in length and is designated as a Major Arterial Highway per the City of Santa Clarita's Master Plan of Arterial Highways. The proposed roadway would consist of a six -lane facility with a 14 -foot raised landscaped median, a 10 -foot sidewalk/parkway on each side, and a 12 -foot two-lane bike path along the south side. The vehicle lanes adjacent to the median would be 12 feet wide, Inpact Sciences, Inc. 1.0-1 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 1.0 Executive Sunnuary the middle lanes would be 11 feet wide, and the right lanes would be 12 feet wide. The typical right -of -way width would be 116 feet. The portion of Via Princessa between Sheldon Avenue and Rainbow Glen Drive that is currently constructed as a half section would be completed by constructing the south side of the roadway. In this section, the roadway would be constructed to a typical right -of -way width of 104 feet, consistent with the original design for this section. The total project area, including remedial grading acreage is 25.2 acres. TOPICS OF KNOWN CONCERN To determine which environmental topics should be addressed in this EIR, the City of Santa Clarita prepared an initial study and circulated it along with the NOR from September 21, 2009, to October 21, 2009, in order to receive input from interested public agencies and private parties. As concluded in the initial study, the following topics are addressed in this document: 0 Aesthetics 0 Noise • Air Quality • Biological Resources • Geology and Soils • Hydrology and Water Quality 0 Land Use and Planning 0 Transportation/Circulation 0 Cultural Resources 0 Hazards/Hazardous Materials 0 Climate Change As concluded in the initial study, the following topics have not been included in this document because there is no potential for environmental impacts to: • Agricultural Resources 0 Schools • Mineral Resources 0 Public Utilities (Wastewater, Water, Solid Waste) 0 Parks 0 Recreation Inpact Sciences, Inc. 0112.028 0 Libraries 0 Population and Housing 1.0-2 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR A.g.t 2012 1.0 Executive Suminary IMPACTS, MITIGATION MEASURES, AND UNAVOIDABLE SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS This EIR has been prepared to assess potentially significant impacts to the environment that could result from implementation of the proposed project. For a detailed discussion regarding potential impacts, refer to Section 4.0, Environmental Impact Analysis, of this EIR. In accordance with CEQA, a surnmary of project impacts is provided in the surnmary table (Table 1.0-1). Also provided in the summary table is a list of the proposed mitigation measures that are recommended in response to project impacts identified in this EIR, as well as a determination of the level of significance of the impact after implementation of the recommencled mitigation measures. ALTERNATIVES This EIR discusses two alternatives to the proposed project, which are analyzed in Section 6.0, Alternatives, of this EIR. These alternatives include the No Project Alternative and the Robert C Lee Parkway Alternative. Each is described below along with a summary of the comparative impact analysis contained in Section 6.0. No Project Alternative The No Project Alternative - the eastward extension of Via Princessa between Golden Valley Road and the existing roadway terminus near Sheldon Avenue would not occur. Under the No Project Alternative, the proposed project would not be constructed The significant and unavoidable impacts identified in Section 4.0 of this EIR would not occur with the implementation of the No Project Alternative. The impact to visual resources would not occur because no grading would occur. Air quality and noise impacts would not occur because estimated air pollutant emissions and noise levels associated with construction machinery would not be generated. Impacts to biological resources would not occur because vernal pools would not be removed from the site. Implementation of the No Project Alternative would not achieve any of the objectives established for the project components. Generally, the No Project Alternative would result in fewer impacts than those evaluated for the proposed project, except for transportation and circulation impacts. While the No Project Alternative is generally considered environmentally superior to the proposed project, it does not meet any of the project objectives including: Implement the goals of the Circulation Element of the Santa Clarita General Plan, including connectivity between Golden Valley Road and Rainbow Glen Drive; Inpact Sciences, Inc. 1.0-3 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 1.0 Executive Sunnuary There would be no roadway connection between Golden Valley Road and Rainbow Glen Drive. As such, the No Project Alternative would not implement goals of the Circulation Element of the General Plan. 0 Improve local access to residential and commercial areas within the City of Santa Clarita There would be no additional roadway construction with implementation of the No Project Alternative. Therefore, access to residential and commercial areas would not be improved within the City. 0 Improve roadway level of service and the circulation network Reduce vehicle miles traveled by creating a more direct route for motorists and eliminating circuitous driving patterns The No Project Alternative would not improve the local circulation network in the near future. Unacceptable levels of service along Golden Valley Road and Sierra Highway would occur with the No Project Alternative. 0 Promote opportunities for new development by extending needed infrastructure systems The No Project Alternative would not develop or extend needed infrastructure systems. 0 Help close a gap segment in the City's planned roadway system The No Project Alternative would not develop additional roadway improvements called out in the City's General Plan. As such, it would not close a gap segment in the City's planned roadway system. Overall, the No Project Alternative would be environmentally superior, as it would avoid all identified significant impacts. However, the No Project Alternative would not achieve any of the project objectives. Robert C. Lee Parkway Alternative Under the Robert C. Lee Parkway Alternative, the east extension of Via Princessa would connect at the cul-de-sac of Robert C. Lee Parkway. Robert C. Lee Parkway would extend north, paralleling the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) transmission lines to connect at the existing Via Princessa terminus near Sheldon Avenue, as shown on Figure 6.0-1. The length of the Robert C. Lee Parkway Alternative would be approximately 0.5 mile. The Robert C. Lee Parkway Alternative would result in fewer impacts to cultural resources, geology and soils global climate change, and biota as the conceptual design would avoid the significant and unavoidable impacts to vernal pools and vernal -pool related dependent species. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 1.0-4 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 1.0 Executive Sunnuary While the Robert C. Lee Parkway Alternative is generally considered environmentally superior to the proposed project, it does not meet all of the project objectives including: Implement the goals of the Circulation Element of the Santa Clarita General Plan, including connectivity between Golden Valley Road and Rainbow Glen Drive The Robert C. Lee Parkway Alternative would change the alignment designated in the City's Circulation Element. As a result, the alternative would require a General Plan Amendment. Environmentally Superior Alternative State CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e)(2) requires an EIR to identify an environmentally superior alternative among those evaluated in an EIR. Of the alternatives considered in this section, the No Project Alternative is environmentally superior to the other alternatives, because this alternative would avoid the significant impacts identified for the proposed project. According to the State CEQA Guidelines if the No Project Alternative is identified as the environmentally superior alternative, the EIR shall also identify an environmentally superior alternative among the other alternatives. The Robert C. Lee Parkway Alternative would result in similar or incrementally fewer impacts for most issues when compared to the proposed project. In particular, the Robert C. Lee Parkway Alternative would have fewer impacts with respect to cultural resources, geology and soils, global climate change and biota including the avoidance of a significant and unavoidable impact to vernal pools and vernal -pool related species. However, the potential for traffic hazards travelling through the project area adjacent to Golden Valley High School would be greater than that of the proposed project. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY During the circulation of the Notice of Preparation and Initial Study to public agencies, several issues were raised which are addressed in the EIR. 0 During Construction: Dust and Debris 0 After construction: Ingress and egress from tract 0 Traffic PROJECT APPROVALS AND ENTITLEMENTS The proposed project would be part of the City's Capital Improvement Program. The City Council is the City's decision-making body and is responsible for approving projects to be built within City limits. Prior to approving the proposed project, the City Council must certify that (1) this EIR has been reviewed and considered; (2) the EIR has adequately analyzed the potential impacts of the proposed project; (3) it has Inpact Sciences, Inc. 1.0-5 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 1.0 Executive Sunnuary been completed in compliance with CEQA, the State CEQA Guidelines, and the City's Environmental Guidelines; and (4) it reflects the independent judgment of the City Council. The project would also require the approval of an Oak Tree Permit and Hillside Review Permit at such time that development occurs or when funding of roadway construction becomes available. In order to allow for the proposed development to occur, MC# 09-108 would require an Oak Tree Permit and a Hillside Review Permit. The Oak Tree Permit would be required to determine the oak tree impacts at the time of project development. The Hillside Review Permit would permit the grading necessary to construct the roadway. These entitlements will be obtained at such time that roadway funding is available or concurrent with a development project. Because it is not known at this time when the project would be funded or built and permits expire after 2 years, it was determined to be more cost effective to wait until such time that construction of the roadway is eminent to secure permits for the project. In the case of oak trees, those oaks on the project site that are not currently of ordinance size may be large enough to qualify at a later date. RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES Under CEQA, a public agency, other than a lead agency, that has discretionary approval power over the proposed project is considered a "responsible agency" (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15381). No public agency, other than the City of Santa Clarita, has discretionary approval power over the proposed project; however, if the City approves this project, subsequent implementation of various project components could require discretionary approval authority from responsible agencies including, among others: 0 California Department of Fish and Game 0 Metropolitan Water District of Southern California 0 US Army Corps of Engineers Inpact sciences, Inc. 1.0-6 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING INTRODUCTION The following discussion addresses the physical attributes of the project site, and the local and regional areas in the project vicinity. The information provided in this section enables the decision makers and the public to formulate an understanding of the project site and the surrounding area, and provides perspective on potential project impacts. The scope of this section is in accordance with Cali/brnia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines section 15125, which provides in part: (a) An EIR must include a description of the physical environmental conditions in the vicinity of the project, as they exist at the time the notice of preparation is published, or if no notice of preparation is published, at the time environmental analysis is commenced, ftom both a local and regional perspective. This environmental setting will normally constitute the baseline physical conditions by which a Lead Agency determines whether an impact is significant. The description of the environmental setting shall be no longer than is necessary to [gain] an understanding of the significant efftcts of the proposed project and its alternatives. (c) Knowledge of the regional setting is critical to the assessment Of environmental impacts. Special emphasis should be placed on environmental resources that are rare or unique to that region and would be afftcted by the project. The EIR must demonstrate that the significant environmental impacts of the proposed project were adequately investigated and discussed and it must permit the significant efftcts of the project to be considered in the full environmental context. The Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the Via Princessa East Extension project was published and distributed on September 21, 2009; environmental conditions, as they existed on that date, establish the baseline for purposes of this environmental analysis. In surnmary, this section generally describes the physical environment in which the proposed project would be located; additional information, tailored to the existing regulatory setting and the analyses of individual environmental impact categories, is provided in later sections. REGIONAL SETTING The location of the Via Princessa East Extension project site relative to the regional and local setting is illustrated in Figures 3.0-1 and 3.0-2, respectively (see Section 3.0, Project Description). As shown, the project site is located in the City of Santa Clarita approximately 2 miles north of State Route 14 (SR -14) on undeveloped rural land surrounded by residential and commercial land use designations. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 2.0-1 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 2.0 Environmental Setting Vehicular access to the Santa Clarita Valley is primarily from 1-5, which is the major north -south freeway corridor in the area, and SR -14, which runs along the eastern side of the Santa Clarita Valley and then northeasterly to the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale in the Antelope Valley. SR -126 provides a westerly connection to the Santa Clarita Valley. The closest airport to the project site is Whiteman which is located approximately 10.5 miles to the south. The closest major airport is the Burbank -Glendale -Pasadena Airport, located approximately 16 miles southeast of the project site. A variety of topographic features contribute to the regional setting of the project site. The Santa Clarita Valley (Valley) is generally flat with some gently rolling hills that range in elevation from approximately 1,200 to 1,600 feet. The Valley is bordered on the south by the Santa Susana Mountains, to the east by the San Gabriel Mountains, and to the north and west by the Angeles National Forest. The mountain ranges that surround the Valley can be viewed from great distances and from the other more dominant visual features in the area. For example, Whitaker Peak to the north of the project site has an elevation of 4,148 feet, Oat Mountain to the south is 3,747 feet high, and Mt. Gleason to the east has an elevation of 6,502 feet. Several watercourses, the largest of which is the Santa Clara River, cross the Valley floor. However, the watercourses in the project area usually are dry, maintaining surface water flow only during storms in the winter months. Other prominent topographic features of the Valley are the north -south trending canyons. The Santa Clarita Valley has a Mediterranean -type climate characterized by warm, dry surnmers, and mild winters. Most rainfall occurs between November and March, and typically totals approximately 15 to 18 inches annually. Santa Ana winds often sweep through the area in the fall and winter months, bringing periods of warm, dry weather. The Southern California area has been divided into a number of geographical air basins. The Santa Clarita Valley is located within the South Coast Air Basin, which includes all of Orange County and the non -desert portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. Due to the topography and climate within the basin, the South Coast Air Basin consistently generates the highest levels of smog in the United States and, therefore, is considered to have the worst air quality in the nation. The Santa Clarita Valley is divided into two jurisdictional regions: (1) the City of Santa Clarita; and (2) the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The City of Santa Clarita generally is located in the more central portions of the Santa Clarita Valley, with unincorporated County areas surrounding the City. The project site is located entirely within the limits of the City of Santa Clarita. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 2.0-2 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 2.0 Environmental Setting LOCAL SETTING Existing Roadways Golden Valley Road is a four -lane secondary arterial highway that extends from Newhall Ranch Road in the north to Via Princessa to the south of SR -14. The eastern portion of Via Princessa is a four -lane roadway between Whites Canyon Road and Rainbow Glen Drive. West of Rainbow Glen Drive, Via Princessa is currently configured as a two-lane roadway and ends just west of Sheldon Avenue. East of Whites Canyon, Via Princessa is configured as a four to six -lane highway. Surrounding Land Uses The project site, which is undeveloped and is approximately 1.2 miles in length, is surrounded by developed land uses, which are primarily residential. Residential development is located to the northeast of the project site. Vacant land is located to the north of the project site and storage and testing facilities for National Technical Systems and Golden Valley Road is located to the west of the project site. Golden Valley High School is also located to the south of the project site. General Plan Land Use Designations The City's General Plan Land Use Map, designates the project site as BP (Business Park) and UR5 (Urban Residential 5), which allows for a- minimum 19 dwelling units per acre, maximum 30 dwelling units per acre. Site Characteristics The project site encompasses 16 parcels in the City of Santa Clarita. The project site is currently undeveloped rural land consisting of hilly terrain with extensive native vegetation. There are currently two City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power right-of-way crossings on the site. An aqueduct is located on the west side of the project site and an overhead power line corridor is located on the east side. Several areas near the southwestern portion of the project site contain stored equipment and materials for National Technical Systems (NTS). Two water tanks are located on the east side of the project site near the terminus of Via Princessa. No pits, ponds, underground or above ground tanks (with the exception of the two water tanks) are known to be located on the project site. No toxics or hazardous air emissions facilities are located within 0.25 mile of the project site. Please see Section 4.6, Hurnan- Made Hazards, for a complete discussion of potential impacts from hazards and hazardous materials at the project site. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 2.0-3 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 2.0 Environmental Setting The project site elevation ranges from approximately 1,390 feet above mean sea level (msl) in the southwest portion of the site to approximately 1,830 feet above msl in the northeast portion of the site. The nearest surface water drainage is the Santa Clara River, which is located approximately 1 mile to the northeast. Please see Section 4.7, Hydrology and Water Quality, for a complete discussion of potential hydrologic impacts at the project site. The project area is located within an undeveloped area largely characterized by chaparral/scrub habitat. The proposed project is located within a very high fire hazard zone as designated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). As described in the Open Space and Conservation Element, the Saugus area is not generally subject to wetland constraints because it has no wetland habitat. Please see Section 4.2, Biological Resources, for a complete discussion of potential impacts to biological resources at the project site. With respect to air quality, the project site is located within the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB), which includes all of the non -desert portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, and Riverside Counties. It is also located in the transitional microclimatic zone of the basin between two climatic types (termed valley marginal and high desert), and in Source Receptor Area (SRA) 13, which encompasses the Santa Clarita Valley. The station that monitors the air quality of this SEA, located at 12th Street and Placenta Canyon Road, with registered values above state and federal standards for ozone (03) and PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter), and values above the state standard for PM10 (particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter). Concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfates have not been exceeded within the Santa Clarita Valley, and concentrations of two other criteria pollutants —sulfur dioxide and lead—have not been exceeded anywhere within the basin for several years. Please refer to Section 4.1, Air Quality, for additional information on ambient air quality on, and in the vicinity of, the project site. As the proposed project would include earthmoving activities there is the potential for uncovering archeological and paleontological resources. Please see Section 4.3, Cultural Resources, for a complete discussion of potential cultural impacts at the project site. Geologically, the project site lies within the eastern portion of the Ventura Basin within the western Transverse Ranges. The Ventura Basin and Transverse Ranges are characterized by ongoing tectonic activity. In the Ventura Basin, tertiary and quaternary sediments have been folded and faulted along predominant east/west structural trends. The Transverse Ranges are characterized by roughly east/west trending mountains. Please see Section 4.4, Geology and Soils, for a complete discussion of potential geological impacts at the project site. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 2.0-4 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 2.0 Environmental Setting Noise is currently generated by vehicle traffic along Golden Valley Road on the west side of the project site and along Via Princessa on the east side. Noise impacts are addressed in detail in Section 4.9, Noise. The 1-5 Freeway is located approximately 4 miles west of the project site and SR -14 is located approximately 2 miles to the south. Site access is currently provided via Golden Valley Road and Via Princessa. Traffic and circulation impacts are addressed in detail in Section 4.10, Transportation and Circulation. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 2.0-5 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION PURPOSE The purpose of this section is to describe the proposed Via Princessa East Extension (project) in a manner that will be meaningful to the public, reviewing agencies and decision makers. For purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a complete project description must contain the following information: (a) the precise location and boundaries of the proposed project, shown on a detailed map, along with a regional map of the project's location; (b) a statement of the objectives sought by the proposed project, which should include the underlying purpose of the project; (c) a general description of the project's technical, economic, and environmental characteristics; and (d) a statement briefly describing the intended uses of the ElF, including a list of the agencies that are expected to use the EIR in their decision making, a list of permits and other approvals required to implement the project, and a list of related environmental review and consultation requirements imposed by federal, state, or local laws, regulations or policies (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15124). An adequate project description need not be exhaustive, but should supply the information necessary for the evaluation and review of the project's significant effects on the environment. This section describes the proposed project, as well as its location and characteristics, and it includes statements describing the project's objectives and the intended uses of this ElF. LEAD AGENCY Under CEQA, the public agency that has the principal responsibility for carrying out or approving a proposed project is referred to as the "lead agency" (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15367). Because the project will be located within the jurisdiction of the City of Santa Clarita (City), the City will act as the lead agency. Contact information for the City is as follows: City of Santa Clarita 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 302 Santa Clarita, California 91355 Contact: James Chow (661) 255-4330 Inpact Sciences, Inc. 3.0-1 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 3.0 PwjectDescHption RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES Under CEQA, a public agency, other than a lead agency, that has discretionary approval power over the proposed project is considered a "responsible agency" (State CEQA Cuidelines Section 15381). If the City approves this project, subsequent implementation of various project components could require discretionary approval authority from responsible agencies including, among others: • California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG); • California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC); • California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB); • South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD); • US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); and 0 US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) This section is not intended to provide a complete and final listing of all subsequent discretionary actions or approvals that are needed, or may be needed, to implement the proposed project. This section is intended only to identify the responsible agencies that may have subsequent discretionary approval authority over implementation of various project components in the future. PROJECT SUMMARY The proposed project involves the construction of a new roadway segment between Golden Valley Road and the existing roadway terminus near Sheldon Avenue. The Via Princessa East Extension would be one of the primary east -west arterials through the City of Santa Clarita. The proposed roadway would be approximately 1.2 miles in length and is designated as a Major Arterial Highway per the City of Santa Clarita's Master Plan of Arterial Highways. The proposed roadway would consist of a six -lane facility with a 14 -foot raised landscaped median, a 10 -foot sidewalk/parkway on each side, and a 12 -foot two-lane bike path along the south side. The vehicle lanes adjacent to the median would be 12 feet wide, the middle lanes would be 11 feet wide, and the right lanes would be 12 feet wide. The typical right-of- way width would be 116 feet. The portion of Via Princessa between Sheldon Avenue and Rainbow Glen Drive that is currently constructed as a half section would be completed by constructing the south side of the roadway. In this section, the roadway would be constructed to a typical right -of -way width of 104 feet, consistent with the original design for this section. The total project area including remedial grading acreage is 25.2 acres. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 3.0-2 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 3.0 PwjectDescHption PROJECT APPLICANT City of Santa Clarita 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 300 Santa Clarita, California 91350 PROJECT LOCATION Figure 3.0-1, Regional Location, illustrates the location of the Via Princessa East Extension project site within a regional context. Figure 3.0-2, Project Site, shows that the project site encompasses 16 parcels in the City of Santa Clarita approximately 2 miles north of State Route 14 (SR -14). The project site consists of portions of Via Princessa between Golden Valley Road in the west and Sheldon Avenue in the east. The project site is currently undeveloped rural land consisting of hilly terrain with extensive native vegetation. Currently, there are two City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power right-of-way crossing on the site, an aqueduct on the west side of the property, and an overhead power line corridor along the eastern side of the property. The project site is located on the northeast flank of the San Gabriel Mountains within the central Transverse Ranges physiographic province of Southern California. The site elevation ranges from approximately 1,390 feet above mean sea level (msl) in the southwest portion of the site to approximately 1,830 feet above msl in the northeast portion of the site. The nearest surface water drainage is the Santa Clara River which is approximately 1 mile to the northeast. Land uses immediately adjacent to the project site include undeveloped rural land consisting of hilly terrain. Other land uses surrounding the proposed project site include: • Golden Valley High School, south of the project site • Single-family residential development north of the existing portions of Via Princessa, northeast of the project site • Vacant land located north of the project site • Storage and testing facilities for National Technical Systems, Inc., and Golden Valley Road to the west of the project site Inpact Sciences, Inc. 3.0-3 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 3.0 PwjectDescHption PROJECT BACKGROUND The Santa Clarita General Plan designates Via Princessa as a major highway from Wiley Canyon Road to Lost Canyon Road. Two sections of this roadway have been built including a western portion, from Wiley Canyon Road to Clairbourne Lane, and an eastern portion from Sheldon Avenue to Marsha McLean Parkway. The General Plan also identifies a gap closure segment between the two existing sections of Via Princessa. The Via Princessa East Extension would complete a portion of this gap closure. The eastern portion of Via Princessa is currently a four -lane roadway that extends from Whites Canyon Road in the southeast to Rainbow Glen Drive in the northwest. West of Rainbow Glen Drive, Via Princessa is currently configured as a two-lane roadway that ends just west of Sheldon Avenue. East of White's Canyon, Via Princessa is configured as a four to six -lane highway. The effects of the Via Princessa extension were previously evaluated as part of the Magic Mountain Parkway Extension Project EIR, which was certified by the Santa Clarita City Council on January 26, 1999. In the 12 -year lapse between that previously prepared environmental document and the present, most of the environmental documentation has become outdated due to the length of time that has passed and changes in environmental regulations. Since 1999, the City's Hillside Ordinance has been revised, biological studies previously conducted are outdated, and standards for reporting for some species have been revised. Air quality standards have been revised and changed and hot spot analysis for PM2.5 and PM10 are now required. Noise modeling previously conducted would be outdated because the traffic numbers and patterns have changed since 1999. Changes to traffic patterns have also taken place as other of f -site roadway improvements have been constructed. Consequently new environmental documentation is required. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS AND ZONING The City's General Plan new Land Use Map, designates the project site as BP (Business Park) and UR5 (Urban Residential 5). The City's Zoning Map, shows that the project site is zoned Business Park Business Park (Planned Development) and Residential Low uses. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 3.0-4 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 3.0 PwjectDescHptiou PROJECT APPROVALS AND ENTITLEMENTS The proposed project would be part of the City's Capital Improvement Program. The City Council is the City's decision-making body and is responsible for approving projects to be built within City limits. Prior to approving the proposed project, the City Council must certify that (1) this EIR has been reviewed and considered; (2) the EIR has adequately analyzed the potential impacts of the proposed project; (3) it has been completed in compliance with CEQA, the State CEQA Guidelines, and the City's Environmental Guidelines; and (4) it reflects the independent judgment of the City Council. The project would also require the approval of an Oak Tree Permit and Hillside Review Permit at such time as development occurs or when funding of roadway construction becomes available. In order to allow for the proposed development to occur, MC# 09-108 would require an Oak Tree Permit and a Hillside Review Permit. The oak tree permit would be required to determine the oak tree impacts at the time of project development. The Hillside Review Permit would permit the grading necessary to construct the roadway. These entitlements will be obtained at such time as roadway funding is available or concurrent with a development project. Because it is not known at this time when the project would be funded or built and permits expire after two years, it was determined to be more cost effective to wait until such time as construction of the roadway is imminent to secure permits for the project. In the case of oak trees, those trees on the project site that are not currently of ordinance size may be large enough to qualify at a later date. Additional ministerial actions, such as grading permits, would be required by the City prior to actual grading and construction of the proposed roadway extension. PROJECT OBJECTIVES Key objectives of the proposed project are to: • implement the goals of the Circulation Element of the Santa Clarita General Plan, including connectivity between Golden Valley Road and Rainbow Glen Parkway; • improve local access to residential and commercial areas within the City of Santa Clarita; • improve roadway level of service and the circulation network; • promote opportunities for new development by extending needed infrastructure systems; • help close a gap segment in the City's planned roadway system; and • reduce vehicle miles traveled by creating a more direct route for motorists, eliminating circuitous driving patterns. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 3.0-7 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 3.0 PwjectDescHption PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS The Via Princessa East Extension would be one of the primary east -west arterials through the City of Santa Clarita. The proposed roadway would be approximately 1.2 miles in length and would be designated as a Major Arterial Highway per the City of Santa Clarita's Master Plan of Arterial Highways. The project involves the construction of a new roadway segment between Golden Valley Road and the existing roadway terminus near Sheldon Avenue. The proposed roadway construction between Golden Valley Road and the existing terminus of Via Princessa near Sheldon Avenue would be a six -lane facility with a 14 -foot raised landscaped median, a 10 -foot parkway including 5 -foot sidewalk on each side, and a 12 -foot bike path along the south side. The vehicle lanes adjacent to the median would be 12 feet wide, the middle lanes would be 11 feet wide, and the right lanes would be 12 feet wide. The typical right -of -way width would be 116 feet. CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY Grading The proposed project would involve approximately 551,590 cubic yards (cy) of cut and 210,530 cy of fill. There would be no export of excess cut material because it would be stored on the project site. Schedule Construction activities are expected to commence in at such time as funding becomes available or development occurs. Should development occur in the near future, clearing and grubbing of the area is expected to begin in May 2013 and last through August 2013. Site grading and excavation would require cut and fill of 762,120 cubic yards on site, as estimated by the project applicant. Grading and excavation is expected to begin in September 2013 and last through January 2015. Trenching for drainage and utilities is expected to begin in February 2015 and last through December 2015. Asphalt paving would follow in January 2016 and last through June 2016. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 3.0-8 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS INTRODUCTION This section provides information on the project site's existing conditions, project and cumulative impact potential, and cumulative mitigation measures (refer to Environmental Impact Report [EIR] Sections 4.1, Air Quality, through 4.11, Visual Resources). As proposed, Via Princessa would be developed as funding becomes available. Mitigation measures are designed to reduce the project's impact potential. This section also describes the significant impacts that would occur after mitigation measures have been applied. Technical topics addressed in the EIR were defined by the Lead Agency through the Initial Study and Notice of Preparation process. Irptrct Sciewes, Inc. 4.0-1 Via Primessa E�t Extertsion Project Drtft EIR 0112.028 Agst 2012 4.10 TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION PURPOSE The section discusses the potential impacts to traffic and circulation as a result of the implementation of the proposed Via Princessa East Extension, which includes regional traffic growth pursuant to the City's buildout for the Santa Clarita Valley. Upon completion of the proposed project, safety and hazardous impacts would be less than significant. All traffic related impacts to intersections and roadways within the project study area would be mitigated to less than significant impacts with implementation of the proposed project. Potential cumulative transportation and circulation impacts, including potential impacts to roadway segments and project area intersections, would result in less than significant impacts with implementation of the proposed project. This section of the EIR summarizes the findings of the Via Princessa Extension Traffic Analysis prepared by Austin -Foust Associates, Inc., in April 2011. The traffic analysis is provided in Appendix 4.10 of this EIR. INTRODUCTION The traffic impacts analysis presented in this section is based upon the traffic technical report prepared for the proposed Via Princessa project by Austin -Foust Associates, Inc., (AFA), entitled Via Princessa Extension Traffic Analysis (April 2011) (TA). A copy of the TA is included in its entirety in Appendix 4.10 of this EIR. The following provides an overview of the methodology utilized to conduct the impacts analysis presented in this section. Definitions The following definitions are provided for certain terms used throughout this section to clarify their intended meaning: ADT Average Daily Traffic. Generally used to measure the total two -directional traffic volumes passing a given point on a roadway. CMP Congestion Management Program. A state -mandated program administered by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) that provides a mechanism for coordinating land use and development decisions. ICU Intersection Capacity Utilization. A measure of the volume to capacity ratio for an intersection. Typically used to determine the peak hour level of service for a given set of intersection volumes. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-1 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation LOS Level of Service. A scale used to evaluate circulation system performance based on intersection ICU values or volume/capacity ratios of arterial and freeway segments. Peak Hour This refers to the hour during the AM peak period (typically 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) or the PM peak period (typically 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM) in which the greatest number of vehicle trips are generated by a given land use or are traveling on a given roadway. Tripend A trip generation measure which represents the total trips entering and leaving a location; each trip has two tripends. V/c Volume to Capacity Ratio. This is typically used to describe the percentage of capacity utilized by existing or projected traffic on a segment of an arterial or intersection. VPH Vehicles Per Hour. Used for roadway volumes (counts or forecasts) and trip generation estimates. Measures the number of vehicles in a 1 -hour period, typically the AM or PM peak hour. Project Study Area The project study area, illustrated in Figure 4.10-1, Project Study Area, includes the roadways and intersections near the project site and those locations where project -distributed traffic could be reasonably expected to cause a significant impact. Methodology The traffic forecasts used in this analysis have been prepared using data from the Santa Clarita Valley Consolidated Traffic Model (SCVCTM). The SCVCTM was developed jointly by the City of Santa Clarita Department of Public Works and the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and is the primary tool used for forecasting traffic volumes for the Santa Clarita Valley. The SCVCTM has the ability to provide traffic volume forecasts for a long�range setting, which represents buildout conditions (generally considered as year 2035 or later), as well as an interim year (approximately 10 to 15 years from the present). For this analysis, the SCVCTM Interim Year setting is used to provide a comparison of conditions with and without the project. As noted above, the SCVCTM Long�Range Buildout forecasts based on the proposed OVOV plan are also provided to illustrate the ultimate traffic conditions in the area. The Via Princessa East Extension will be one of the primary east -west arterials through the City of Santa Clarita. The project addressed in this analysis consists of the portion of Via Princessa between Golden Valley Road and Rainbow Glen Drive to the east. A future project would construct the final gap closure segment between Golden Valley Road and Claiborne Lane to the west. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-2 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension TrafficAnalysis - May 2011 FIGURE4.10-1 NProject Study Area 112-028-06/11 DECDRO 0, IRIANGLY C SANDY so, PR", JAKES PROJECF A, 4p VIA LOCATION NCE�A VJA PIANCEII, Legend: NOT TO SCALE mmmmm Proposed Project Roadway Extension SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension TrafficAnalysis - May 2011 FIGURE4.10-1 NProject Study Area 112-028-06/11 4.10 Transportation and Circulation The project is about 1.2 miles in length and the proposed roadway is designated as a Major Arterial Highway per the City of Santa Clarita's Master Highway Plan. The project includes the construction of a new roadway segment between Golden Valley Road and the existing roadway terminus near Sheldon Avenue, the completion of the existing section of Via Princessa between Sheldon Avenue and Rainbow Glen Drive (currently constructed as a half section) by constructing the south side of the roadway, and the re -striping of the existing section of Via Princessa between Sheldon Avenue and Rainbow Glen Drive to add additional vehicle lanes. The new roadway construction between Golden Valley Road and the existing roadway terminus near Sheldon Avenue would be a six -lane facility with a raised landscaped median, a parkway/sidewalk on each side and a two-way bike path along the south side. The vehicle lanes adjacent to the median would be 12 feet wide, the middle lanes 11 feet wide, and the lanes adjacent to the curb would be 12 feet wide. The typical right-of-way width for this section would be 116 feet. The portion of Via Princessa between Sheldon Avenue and Rainbow Glen Drive that is currently constructed as a half section would be completed by constructing the south side of the roadway. In this section, the roadway would be constructed to a typical right -of -way width of 104 feet, consistent with the original design for this section. Impacts Analysis Scenario The traffic impacts of the proposed project were evaluated based on the Interim Year scenario, approximately 10 to 15 years from 2010, consistent with the established guidelines of the City of Santa Clarita. The Interim Year scenario evaluates project area conditions with and without the proposed project. For this analysis, Interim Year With Project traffic forecasts are based on the proposed extension of Via Princessa east of Golden Valley Road. The Interim Year Without Project forecasts are based on the existing configuration of Via Princessa (no extension). Interim Year traffic forecasts represent a comprehensive cumulative setting that includes the proposed and approved future development projects within the Santa Clarita area. Cumulative Conditions The cumulative traffic impacts of the proposed project were evaluated based on the Long Range Buildout scenario. The Long Range Buildout scenario for the proposed project represents part of a long-range improvement that ultimately proposes the gap closure of Via Princessa through the center of the Santa Clarita Valley. Long -Range Buildout conditions are included in this analysis to illustrate the ultimate Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-4 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation EXISTING CONDITIONS Roadway System The existing roadway network in the project study area is shown on Figure 4.10-1. Regional access to the site in the north/south direction is provided via SR -14 and Sierra Highway, located south of the project Site. Regional access to the site also is provided via Soleclad Canyon Road, which is located to the north of the project site and runs in an east/west direction. Other primary roads in the area include Golden Valley Road, which is perpendicular to the westerly boundary of the project, Rainbow Glen Drive, which passes east of the site, and Whites Canyon Road, which connects to Via Princessa east of the project site. Via Princessa The existing segment of Via Princessa from approximately 400 feet west of Rainbow Glen Drive to Canyon Terrace Way (just west of the intersection with Whites Canyon Road) is constructed with a typical right-of-way width of 80 feet, which allows for a total of four vehicles lanes, two lanes in each direction, and a painted median. Immediately west of this, a short segment of Via Princessa (approximately 270 feet) is constructed as a half -street section based on an ultimate right-of-way width of 104 feet, which would allow for a total of six vehicles lanes and a raised median at ultimate buildout. From the end of that segment to the current roadway terminus (approximately 525 feet), the roadway is constructed based on a typical right-of-way width of 100 feet, which would allow for a total of six vehicles lanes and a raised median. 1 Existing Traffic Volumes and Levels of Service Existing conditions (2010) average daily traffic (ADT) volume counts have been provided by the City of Santa Clarita from multiple permanent counts stations located within the project study area. Those counts have been augmented by additional 24-hour machine counts collected specifically for the TA in July 2010. Detailed intersection turning movement counts were also collected in November 2010 during the critical AM and I'M peak periods for intersections along the Via Princessa corridor, as identified on Figure 4.10-2, Existing Intersection Lanes and Peak Hour Volumes. Right -of -Way source is the Road Alignment for Via Princessa East street plan by Sikand Engineering, October 2009. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-6 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation Figure 4.10-3, Existing ADT Volumes (000s), identifies the existing (2010) ADT volumes in the vicinity of the project. Approximately 8,000 ADTs currently utilize Via Princessa between Whites Canyon Road and Rainbow Glen Drive. ADT volume to capacity (v/c) ratios have been calculated for existing (2010) conditions, as shown in Table 4.10-2, Average Daily Traffic V/C and LOS - Existing 2010 Conditions, which summarizes the v/c and LOS for each roadway within the study area. Roadways adjacent to the project location generally operate at LOS A and LOS B (e.g., Via Princessa, Rainbow Glen Drive, Isabella Parkway, and Golden Valley Road). Other heavily traveled arterials are operating at LOS E (e.g., Bouquet Canyon Road and Railroad Avenue); however, none are currently shown at LOS F. Existing intersection ICU values for signalized intersections near the project are summarized in Table 4.10-3, ICU and LOS Summary — Existing 2010 Conditions. Table 4.10-4, Intersection Delay and LOS Summary — Existing 2010 Conditions, summarizes the average vehicle delay and the corresponding LOS for existing intersections along Via Princessa in the vicinity of the project. Figure 4.10-4, Intersection Location Map, identifies the intersections near the project site. The delay analysis shows that each intersection along the Via Princessa corridor currently operates at LOS C or better. Transit System Santa Clarita Transit provides fixed route transit bus service throughout the City and in adjacent unincorporated areas. The system encompasses eight local -serving routes as well as four "Station Link" routes that serve the Santa Clarita Metrolink station. Commuter express bus service to Los Angeles employment destinations is also provided. Routes 1, 2, 5, and 6 operate in the vicinity of the project site. Currently, no bus stops exist within 0.25 mile of the project site. The closest existing stop (Route 5/6) is at the Aquatics Center near the intersection of Golden Valley Road and Centre Pointe Parkway. Routes 1, 2, and 5 stop at the Sierra Highway/Soleclad Canyon Road intersection. Bicycle/Pedestrian System The City of Santa Clarita is an active promoter of non -motorized transportation modes, as is evidenced by its adoption in June 2008 of a Non -Motorized Transportation Plan. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities are part of the existing transportation environment and continue to play a key role in future development. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-7 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 Ax I Es SA VIA PRINCES Ali, _�I' _f96 WHITES 7:- CANYON A 0 A LANES U LNOT TO SCALE SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -May 2011 112-028-06/11 Legend: Free Right Tum FIGURE4.10-2 Existing I ntersecti on Lanes and Peak Hour Vol ui d 0 EE < < VIA PRINCES SA 286 �A �89 192 �72 291 231 �_2n 14 �23 390 �489 �78() �1018 7� 6—+ 6 300 545 1 WHITES 19� ]2� 4 �j 9 220 43 �jr �63 P CANYON 4 To < < < xr AM PEAK HOUR 0 LNOT TO SCALE SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -May 2011 112-028-06/11 Legend: Free Right Tum FIGURE4.10-2 Existing I ntersecti on Lanes and Peak Hour Vol ui 0 EE < I VIA PRINCES SA 242 �102 �111 �130 �459 �151 �33 �2() �46 �383 �125 .584 �785 2 6—+ 6 427— 5D1 =��J� 20, 821 3871 38� 37 484 38 CAN Ti 4 To < < < xr PM PEAK HOUR A LNOT TO SCALE SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -May 2011 112-028-06/11 Legend: Free Right Tum FIGURE4.10-2 Existing I ntersecti on Lanes and Peak Hour Vol ui so, . PP�011 `3, )7e DECORO T, 37 IRIAN c 'T p 43 30 SANDY s, PRf', JAKES ViA �INCESEA �24 Arr V)A PRrNCESSA Legend: NOT TO SCALE XX Avemge Daily T)rafric Counts SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -May 2011 FIGURE4.10-3 NExisting ADT Volumes (000s) 112-028-06/11 SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -May 2011 FIGURE4.10-4 NIntersection Location Map 112-028-06/11 Qq 0 11�q 0 Qz_ 167 L'U' 171 FP P� PRIN 300 163 51� Legend: 0 Intersection Location XXX Signal (Ddst and Future) NOT TO SCALE mmm Project Location SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -May 2011 FIGURE4.10-4 NIntersection Location Map 112-028-06/11 4.10 Transportation and Circulation The following describes the different classifications of bicycle facilities: Class I Bike Path — an exclusive, two-way path for bicycles that is completely separated from a street or highway. Class 11 Bicycle Lane — signed and striped one-way lanes on streets or highways, typically at the edge of the pavement. Bike lanes provide a demarcated space for bicyclists within the roadway right -of -way. Class III Bike Route — bicycles share the right-of-way with vehicles; the routes may be signed, but they are not exclusively striped for use by cyclists. The Santa Clara River Trail Class I bike path begins at Lost Canyon Road, south of Soleclad Canyon Road, and parallels the Santa Clara River westerly to Whites Canyon Road and beyond. Class I paths are also provided along segments of Soleclad Canyon Road, Golden Valley Road, and Sand Canyon Road. Class 11 bicycle lanes are present on Soleclad Canyon Road west of Sand Canyon Road. Santa Clarita's existing pedestrian network is comprised of sidewalks, paseos, and multi -use trails. Within the immediate project vicinity, pedestrian facilities are limited to sidewalks on portions of streets and crosswalks at intersections. REGULATORY SETTING city 2006 Transportation Development Plan The City of Santa Clarita Transit's 2006 Transportation Development Plan HDP) outlines a 58 percent expansion of transit services in the Santa Clarita Valley over the next several years. The TDP identifies major employers and other activity centers that are served by transit, including Six Flags Magic Mountain, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, the Valencia Industrial Center, the Valencia Commerce Center, and the Valencia Town Center. The plan also identifies employers and destinations that are not yet served. According to the plan, transit service is desirable at locations where very large employers or clusters of employment operate, or at locations that attract large numbers of visitors, students, children, the elderly, or the disabled. Under the proposed expansion of services, planned transit improvements include automated vehicle location equipment, passenger information systems, and automated ridership count equipment. Signage would be posted throughout the community to highlight bus arrival and departure times, which would also be accessible through personal computers and hand held computer devices. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-13 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation A significant need identified in the TIDP is improving the accessibility, convenience, and safety for bus stops. Some existing stops have no paved waiting areas for transit riders to stand while waiting for the bus, causing them to stand on unpaved shoulders of busy streets, or in landscaped areas where sprinklers spray intermittently. The TIDP recommends retrofitting bus waiting areas to provide pavement and connections to walkways, and ensuring that new development provides or contributes to adequate transit stop facilities as a condition of approval, where appropriate. Additionally, the TIDP identifies a need for development of a major (500+ spaces) park-and-ride lot at the intersection of Newhall Avenue and Sierra Highway. In addition to improving service at that location, a larger lot would increase parking capacity at the Newhall and Santa Clarita Metrolink Stations by diverting some bus riders from parking at the Metrolink stations. A second park-and-ride lot was approved in October 2011 near the McBean Transfer Station, in accordance with the plan. Funding sources for these improvements are being evaluated. The TIDP also recommends the development of a permanent Metrolink station with transfer facilities to accommodate bus service, and increased park-and- ride spaces, and identifies a need for a future fourth station on the east side of the Santa Clarita Valley. 2008 Non -Motorized Transportation Plan The City of Santa Clarita initiated preparation of a Non -Motorized Transportation Plan in 2006, with the general goal of reducing the number and length of vehicle trips through promotion of walking and biking as alternate modes of transportation. In undertaking a plan to increase non -motorized transportation, the City identified quality of life benefits such as reduced noise from traffic, better air quality, reduced fuel costs, and less time spent in traffic congestion. The City found that generally people are willing to walk to destinations within 0.25 mile, and bike to destinations within 0.5 mile. Other studies have found that people routinely walk 0.5 mile to access rail transit and surveys of bicycle commuters indicate that average bicycle commute distance can vary from approximately 4.5 miles to 7.5 miles. The City's Non -Motorized Transportation Plan was adopted in June 2008. The Plan developed connected, safe, and convenient routes for cyclists and pedestrians. Policies and programs in the plan were designed to identify and prioritize bikeway needs; provide a plan for needed facilities and services; contribute to the quality of life through trail development; improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians; identify land use patterns that promote walking and cycling, improve access to transit; maximize funding opportunities for trails; and provide educational and incentive programs. The Non -Motorized Transportation Plan identified a need to accommodate on -street bicyclists through designation of bike lanes on arterials, wide curb lanes, loop detectors at signals, direct commuter routes, and protected intersection crossing locations. In addition, connections between residential areas and bikeways are needed to facilitate increased bicycle use for both recreational and commuting purposes. The Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-14 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation Non -Motorized Transportation Plan identified the various needs for pedestrians, including sufficient crossing time at signalized intersection, visibility at crossings, continuity of walkways, adequate walkway width, removing obstructions in the walkway, and providing buffer or separation from travel lanes. The Plan also included a Safe Routes to Schools Program for three elementary schools. County Congestion Management Program The CMP was enacted by the California Legislature in 1989 to improve traffic congestion in urban areas. The program became effective with the passage of Proposition 111 in 1990, which also increased the State gas tax. Funds generated by Proposition 111 are available to cities and counties for regional road improvements, provided these agencies are in compliance with CMP requirements. The intent of the legislation was to link transportation, land use, and air quality decisions by addressing the impact of local growth on the regional transportation system. State statute requires that a congestion management program be developed, adopted, and updated biennially for every county that includes an urbanized area, which shall include every city and county government within that county. Therefore, the City of Santa Clarita and County of Los Angeles must comply with CMP requirements in developing a circulation plan for the Santa Clarita Valley. Under this legislation, regional agencies are designated within each county to prepare and administer the CMP for agencies within that county. Each local planning agency included in the CMP has the following responsibilities: • Assisting in monitoring the roadways designated within the CMP system • Adopting and implementing a trip reduction and travel demand ordinance • Analyzing the impacts of local land use decisions on the regional transportation system • Preparing annual deficiency plans for portions of the CMP system where LOS standards are not maintained Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is the CMP agency for Los Angeles County. Metro has the responsibility to review compliance with the CMP by agencies under its jurisdiction. For any agency out of compliance, after receiving notice and after a correction period, a portion of state gas tax funds may be withheld if compliance is not achieved. In addition, compliance with the CMP is necessary to preserve eligibility for state and federal funding of transportation projects. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-15 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation Metro adopted the County's first CMP in 1992, and completed its most recent update in 2004. The statute requires that all state highways and principal arterials be included within the CMP roadway system. Within the Santa Clarita Valley, the following roadways are designated as CMP roadways: 0 1-5 Freeway 0 SR -14 Freeway 0 Sierra Highway from Newhall Avenue (formerly San Fernando Road) to SR -14 at Red Rover Mine Road 0 Magic Mountain Parkway from 1-5 to Railroad Avenue (formerly San Fernando Road) 0 Railroad Avenue/Newhall Avenue (formerly San Fernando Road) from Magic Mountain Parkway to SR -14 0 SR -126 west of the 1-5 freeway The 2004 CMP noted that both the 1-5 and SR -14 freeways within the Santa Clarita Valley demonstrate traditional commute patterns, with congestion flowing into Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley in the morning and a reverse flow in the afternoon. Various strategies are available to local jurisdictions to mitigate CMP traffic impacts, including constructing new roadway improvements, managing traffic flow through signal improvements and trip reduction measures, and land use strategies such as locating higher density uses in proximity to public transit. Metro Bicycle Transportation Strategic Plan The Metro Board adopted the Metro Bicycle Transportation Strategic Plan in 2006 to promote bicycle use throughout Los Angeles County. The Plan's vision is to make cycling a viable travel choice by promoting links between bicycle facilities and the transit network. The plan identifies four "bike -transit" hubs within the Santa Clarita Valley: the three Metrolink commuter rail stations, and the McBean Transfer Station. The Metro Bicycle Transportation Strategic Plan evaluated gaps in the inter -jurisdictional bikeway network connecting cities and unincorporated areas to destinations and transit stops. Within the Santa Clarita Valley, four gaps in the inter -jurisdictional bikeway network were identified with the Old Road, SR -126, Castaic/San Francisquito Creek, and Sierra Highway corridors. Proposed Project Improvements As shown in Figure 4.10-5, Existing and Future Roadway Improvements, the proposed extension would expand Via Princessa to six lanes with a raised median except in the vicinity of Rainbow Glen Drive, where the existing right-of-way limits the roadway to four lanes with a painted median. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-16 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -May 2011 FIGURE4.10-5 NExisting and Future Roadway Improvements 112-028-06/11 Fr b 2 6 6 6 C "A/ ro SANDY 0 2 A '11A PP/N JAKES 6 6 TTYTT�4 VfA 'T, '�AINCESSA 1,F 6 EXISTING 6 'RiAN LE SOL AD 3: ro (0 0) -l"t 6 6 6 co C /NV SANDY (6) S JAKES r6) te) x VIA A VLNCESSA An� b (6) 6 FUTURE WITH PROJECT (b Legend: X Laines (Twol - Interim Year (y) TAtimate Lanes (Two-way) - General Plan — — — Proposed Project Roadway Extension NOT TO SCALE ---- Future GP Roadway SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -May 2011 FIGURE4.10-5 NExisting and Future Roadway Improvements 112-028-06/11 4.10 transportation and Circulation The project is about 1.2 miles in length and the proposed roadway is designated as a Major Arterial Highway per the City of Santa Clarita's Master Highway Plan. The new roadway construction between Golden Valley Road and the existing roadway terminus near Sheldon Avenue would be a six -lane facility with a raised landscaped median, a parkway/sidewalk on each side and a two-way bike path (Class 1) along the south side. The vehicle lanes adjacent to the median would be 12 feet in width, the middle lanes 11 feet in width, and the lanes adjacent to the curb would be 12 feet in width. The typical right-of-way width for this section is 116 feet. A portion of the existing segment of Via Princessa between Sheldon Avenue and Rainbow Glenn Drive that is currently constructed as a half section would be completed by constructing the south side of the roadway. In this section, the roadway would be constructed to a typical right-of-way width of 104 feet, consistent with the original design for this roadway section. PROJECT IMPACTS Significance Threshold Criteria In order to assist in determining whether a project will have a significant effect on the environment, the State CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G, identifies criteria for conditions that may be deemed to constitute a significant or potentially significant impact relative to transportation/traffic. The City's Environmental Guidelines as essentially the same criteria as Appendix G, however; where different, City text is noted in [brackets]. According to Appendix G, potentially significant impacts on transportation and circulation would occur if the proposed project would: conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation, including mass transit and non -motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including, but not limited to, intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit; conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to, level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the County congestion management agency for designated roads or highways; result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks; substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment); 0 result in inadequate emergency access; Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-18 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 transportation and Circulation result in inadequate parking capacity (generate a parking demand that exceeds municipal code— required parking capacity); or conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities (cause a hazard or barrier for pedestrians or bicyclists). Recent revisions to the State CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G, have removed from the above criteria the inquiry as to whether a project would result in inadequate parking capacity. Notwithstanding, the analysis presented herein considers the proposed projects impacts relative to construction parking capacity. Additionally, based on policies contained in the City of Santa Clarita Local CEQA Guidelines (2005), the following thresholds should be used for determining the significance of impacts related to traffic and access: Roadway System2 Impacts to the roadway system are considered significant if the proposed project would: a. Worsen an intersection maintained by the City of Santa Clarita from LOS D or better to LOS E or F. b. Cause the following increase in delay at an intersection maintained by the City of Santa Clarita that operates (with the project) at LOS D or worse: 0 LOS D with the project: more than 4 -second increase in delay is significant. 0 LOS E or F with the project: more than 2 -second increase in delay is significant. c. Cause the following increase in volume -to -capacity (v/c) ratio under cumulative conditions on a roadway in the City of Santa Clarita: 0 LOS D with the project: more than 0.02 increase in v/c ratio is significant. 0 LOS E or F with the project: more than 0.01 increase in v/c ratio is significant. d. Cause a facility maintained by Caltrans to worsen from LOSE or better to LOS F. e. Exacerbate LOS F operations on a facility maintained by Caltrans, causing the traffic demand to increase by 2 percent of capacity or more.3 2 Delay thresholds for impacts under LOS D or worse conditions calculated by converting the City's v/c ratio threshold into a corresponding delay threshold based on HCM delay range for given LOS category. 3 Based on the Congestion Management Program threshold of increased traffic demand by two percent of capacity. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-19 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation I. Cause an intersection or two-lane roadway maintained by Los Angeles County to be significantly impacted in accordance with analysis procedures and thresholds set forth by the County. Transit System Impacts to the transit system are considered significant if the proposed project would: a. Interfere with existing or planned transit system service or facilities. b. Cause an inconsistency with a policy related to transit in the City's Transportation Development Plan (adopted in 2006). BicyclelPedestrian System Impacts to the bicycle and pedestrian system are considered significant if the proposed project would: a. Eliminate or adversely affect an existing bikeway or pedestrian facility in a way that would discourage its use. b. Cause an inconsistency with a relevant policy in the City's Non -Motorized Transportation Plan (adopted in 2008). Congestion Management Program Impacts to CMP facilities are considered significant if the proposed project would increase the traffic demand by 2 percent of capacity at a CMP intersection or freeway facility, thereby resulting in or exacerbating LOS F conditions. Impact Methodology Level of service (LOS) analysis was carried out for intersections using the intersection capacity utilization (ICU) procedure in accordance with the City of Santa Clarita traffic study guidelines. An intersection operational analysis was also conducted for the Via Princessa corridor using the delay -based methodology of the Highway Capacity Manual and the Synchro micro -simulation analysis model. In addition, roadway link analysis is provided based on volume to capacity (v/c) ratios consistent with the OVOV traffic analysis. The performance criteria used for evaluating volumes and capacities in the study area is based on average daily traffic (ADT) and peak hour intersection volumes. ADT is a useful measure to show general levels of traffic on a facility. In addition, using peak hour intersection turn movement volumes and the intersection lane geometry, ICU values are calculated for each of the AM and PM peak hours for Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-20 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation Impact Analysis Impact Threshold 4.10-1 Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation, including mass transit and non -motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including, but not limited to, intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit constrwction Traffic conditions in the project area during construction activities would be disrupted on a short-term basis, primarily due to the hauling of equipment and materials on and off site. It is estimated that the construction period for the extension of Via Princessa would be three years. Heavy construction equipment such as bulldozers and large loaders would be moved on site prior to ground -moving activities and remain on site or nearby the site until after completion. The movement of construction vehicles and equipment onto and off of the site would need to be scheduled in order to avoid the peak hour traffic periods on the adjacent street network. In addition, construction employees would be traveling to and from the site on a daily basis during the construction period. Potential conflicts could arise between construction equipment and workers to the project site. In order to minimize potential conflicts between construction activity and through traffic, implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.10-1 would require development of a construction traffic control plan for use during construction activity. The plan would identify all traffic control measures, signs, and delineators to be implemented by the construction contractor during the duration of demolition and construction activity and shall comply with the provisions in accordance with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.4 With the implementation of a construction traffic control plan, potential construction impacts would be reduced to less than significant. 4 California Department of Transportation, California Manual on Unifom Traffic Control Devices, 2006. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-23 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation Operation The following impact analysis is discussed under the two scenarios identified below: Interim Year Without Project conditions, which would occur 10 to 15 years from the year 2010, when compared to Existing Conditions 0 Interim Year With Project conditions when compared to Interim Year Without Project conditions Each scenario analyzed is divided into three performance standards: a. ADT V/c and LOS b. ICU and LOS c. Intersection Delay and LOS Interim Year without Project As shown on Figure 4.10-6, Interim Year ADT Volumes (000s) — Without Project, ADT volumes would remain unchanged or would increase from 21000 to 31,000 ADTs above existing conditions. Figure 4.10-7, Interim Year Intersection Lanes & Peak Hour Volumes — Without Project, shows the corresponding peak hour volumes for the Interim Year. Average Daily Traffic VIC and LOS Analysis As identified in Table 4.10-8, Average Daily Traffic V/C and LOS - Interim Year without Project, three roadway segments would exceed acceptable performance standards of LOS E under Interim Year conditions. As described above in the Existing Conditions discussion, no roadway segments analyzed currently exceeds the acceptable performance standard of LOS E. Therefore, future traffic volumes of three roadway segments would continue to operate at an unacceptable LOS at interim year conditions. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-24 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -Vay 2011 FIGUIRE4.10-6 NInterim Year AIDT Volumes (000s) —Without Project 112-028-06/11 26 ale, 1-oP SK`,Y�NE RANCH 46 60 a4 FANc, 57 58 51 LA �iAN LF 0 53 53 0 C SANDY 10 A 1, f, N� FARES C ,IS/ VA NCESSA 3� 46 ViA PR'NCESSA Yb Legend: NOT TO SCALE XX Average Daily Traffic SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -Vay 2011 FIGUIRE4.10-6 NInterim Year AIDT Volumes (000s) —Without Project 112-028-06/11 44 LANES a, 10 �375 �20 �89 92 �14 23 7 � 19. 2 "a 3 AM PEAK HOUR PM PEAK HOUR LNOT TO SCALE SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension TrafficAnalysis - May 2011 112-028-06/11 VIA PRINCESSA WHITES CANYON < VIA PRINCESSA, ::381 489 746 43 �240 �870 �1030 13D WHITES '1� CANYON 1< VIA PRINCESSA a, �170 125 �745 1 He 403 100. �20 46 2 CANYON 6 20 52� All 0 4 � AD PM PEAK HOUR LNOT TO SCALE SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension TrafficAnalysis - May 2011 112-028-06/11 VIA PRINCESSA WHITES CANYON < VIA PRINCESSA, ::381 489 746 43 �240 �870 �1030 13D WHITES '1� CANYON 1< VIA PRINCESSA =620 �170 125 �745 �860 594. 100. MTITE5 37� 515 CANYON AD Legend: Free Right Tant FIGUIRE4.10-7 Interim Year I ntersecti on Lanes and Peak Hour Vol umes— Without Proj SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -May 2011 FIGURE4.10-8 NInterim Year ADTVolumes(000s)— With Project 112-028-06/11 26 C� SKfLINE RANCH ,H,00 46 60 6 5 f'71RANCcF_� 58 59 LC IN 0 C 52 54 20 C SANDY 7C of Via �pa, 2 S JADES x� /NCESSA 47 o' 7 0 A, 6 14 H Cb Legend: XX Average Daily Traffic NOT TO SCALE �K Differerim from No Build SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -May 2011 FIGURE4.10-8 NInterim Year ADTVolumes(000s)— With Project 112-028-06/11 112-028-06/11 SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -May 2011 FIGUIRE4.10-9 NInterim Year Peak Hour Volumes —With Project C 0 < VIA PRINCESSA 4 'ir 44 It= :f�= :f�= _1� _1� < 4VCANYON < WHITES LANES U 0 < VIA PRINCESSA as ac T, a, 11 3H4 /�489 �230 �16 �750 �421 �735 661 420 �lqc A 546 �52 �15 .76 �115() �970 v 4 129 20 � 128 � 32� 171 6 � 551 � 4 2 1 50— 580 WHITES 12� I I CANYON co co I A TT<� I I T, < LJ AM PEAK HOUR ix > 0 < LJ M < n no VIA PRINCESSA Car, �100 �29 Y'a, �90 332 191 ��32 Y"' �121 IECI �21F �90 A �169 �173 �535 �124 �73() �850 v 15 AT 12 � 698— 41 770— 38 21 A 550 -TIES 8 402 346. 27� 662. I xx < A U CANYON PM PEAK HOUR Legend: NOT TO SCALE * —4, Free Right Tam 112-028-06/11 SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -May 2011 FIGUIRE4.10-9 NInterim Year Peak Hour Volumes —With Project SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -May 2011 FIGUIRE4.10-9 NInterim Year Peak Hour Volumes —With Project 4.10 Transportation and Circulation During the AM peak hour, traffic volumes on Rainbow Glen Drive (north of Via Princessa) would increase by approximately 20 vehicles per hour (vph). Traffic volumes on Via Princessa (east of Rainbow Glen Drive) would increase by approximately 240 vph. During the PM peak hour, traffic volumes on Rainbow Glen Drive would decrease by a total of 16 vph. Traffic volumes on Via Princessa would increase by approximately 183 vph. The extension of Via Princessa would reduce the southbound left -turn volume while increasing the southbound right -turn volume at the Via Princessa/Isabella Parkway intersection. In addition, the number of westbound right -turns would decrease, while the eastbound left -turns would increase. The estimated net change to peak hour traffic volumes on Isabella Parkway would increase approximately 12 vph during the AM peak hour, with an estimated increase of 3 vph during the PM peak hour. As with Rainbow Glen Drive, the change to traffic volumes that are forecast during peak hour conditions would not translate to a discernible net change to ADT volumes.5 ICU and LOS Analysis The peak hour intersection levels of service were calculated for both the Interim Year No Project and With Project scenarios for the key intersections along Via Princessa (shown in Figure 4.10-4). The ICU values are shown in Table 4.10-12, Intersection ICU and LOS Summary — Interim Year With Project Conditions. As can be seen, each of the intersections affected by the proposed project would operate at acceptable levels of service. In addition, the intersection of Rainbow Glen Drive and Via Princessa and at the future intersection of Via Princessa and Golden Valley Road would meet the criteria for a signal warrant. Therefore, Mitigation Measures MM 4.10-3 and MM 4.10-4 shall be implemented, which would require the installation of traffic signals at the Via Princessa/Rainbow Glen Drive and Via Princessa/Golden Valley Road intersections. Intersection Delay and LOSAnalysis Level of service is based on average vehicle delay (sec/veh) values calculated using the delay based methodology outlined in the Highway Capacity Manual. Table 4.10-13, Intersection Delay and LOS Summary — Interim Year With Project Conditions, summarizes the average vehicle delay and the corresponding LOS for existing intersections along Via Princessa in the vicinity of the project. As shown, each intersection would forecast to operate at LOS C or better for conditions with the project, with the exception of Gregory Lane. Gregory Lane street delay would increase from LOS D conditions without the project to LOS E conditions with the project. The 5 Rounded to the nearest 1,000 by standard practice. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-33 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation Additional through traffic on Via Princessa, as a result of the proposed project, would forecast to increase side street delay for Gregory Lane from LOS D conditions to LOS E conditions during the AM peak hour. While the City does not have an established threshold of significance related to side street delay, LOS E levels of delay would generally be considered a significant impact. The traffic study (found in Appendix 4.10) analyzed intersection delay for Gregory Lane, which indicated a LOS E for side street delay as a result of vehicles attempting a left -turn from Gregory Lane to eastbound Via Princessa. When left -turning vehicles execute a right -turn movement onto Via Princessa, followed by a U-turn to eastbound Via Princessa, would be facilitated by the traffic signal at the Rainbow Glen/Via Princessa intersection, side street delay at Gregory Way decreases to LOS B conditions. The combined delay of the right -turn movement and the subsequent U-turn movement would be 32.8 seconds (12.3 seconds plus 20.5 seconds), which would be equivalent to a LOS C (based on signal control). As such, the implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.10-3 would require the installation of a traffic signal at the Rainbow Glen/Via Princessa intersection thus mitigating the potential side street delay impact for Gregory Lane. Furthermore, another option to the Gregory Lane left -turn movement would be to utilize Gilbert Drive to access Rainbow Glen Drive to Via Princessa.6 As noted in Mitigation Measure MM 4.10-3, a traffic signal would be installed at the Rainbow Glen/Via Princessa intersection based on the peak hour volumes for project conditions. The installation of a traffic signal at this location would also have the secondary effect of mitigating the project's impact at Gregory Lane. Modified Side Street Access The Via Princessa intersections with Sheldon Avenue and Isabella Parkway are being considered for access modification to prohibit side -street vehicles from making left -turns onto Via Princessa. To compensate for the elimination of the left -turn movement, mid -block U-turn locations would be placed just west of each of these intersections. As such, the standard left -turn movement from the side street would instead be accomplished by a right -turn from the side street, followed by a mid -block U-turn at a median break just west of the intersection. As identified below under Cumulative Impacts; the two intersections are forecast to experience significant levels of delay for side -street vehicles when left -turns are allowed. Table 4.10-14, Intersection Delay and LOS Summary — Interim Year Modified Access Scenario, compares side street vehicle delay between scenarios based on full -access and limited access for Interim Year conditions. As shown in Table 4.10-14, modified access under the Interim Year scenario reduces delay for the side street, but does 6 This option would be convenient for residents located in the northerly Portion of the neighborhood. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-35 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation Mifigafion Measures The following mitigation measures shall be implemented: Construction MM 4.10-1 The City shall develop and implement a construction traffic control plan (CTCP) prior to the start of construction. The CTCP shall be completed by the City Engineer. Specific measures described in the CTCP shall conform to the Caltrans Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) manual. Specific measures described in the MUTCD that are typically used in the CTCP are summarized below: All traffic control measures, construction signs, delineators, etc., and their use during the construction phase of this project shall conform to the provisions set forth in the State of California, Department of Transportation, Manual of Traffic Controls, January 1992. Prior to approval of final site design plans, the applicant shall coordinate with Metro to obtain input of a final CTCP. In areas where traffic control necessitates, the contractor shall provide, post, and maintain "No Parking" and "No Stopping" signs, as directed by the Director of Public Works. The location of all signs shall be determined in the field by the City Engineer in conjunction with the contractor. 0 No travel lane shall be less than 10 feet wide. 0 Delineators shall be spaced at 50 feet maximum, or as noted on the final CTCP. Construction personnel shall have a designated place for parking, as identified in the final CTCP. 0 All traffic signal facilities shall be protected during construction or relocation • "Construction Ahead" and appurtenant signs are to be placed 1,000 feet in advance of all approaches to the project area, for the duration of construction. • Private driveway closures shall be limited to the times of the day that construction is in progress. • Cross street closures shall be limited to the times of the day that construction is in process. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-37 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation Operation MM 4.10-2 The City of Santa Clarita shall improve segments of Golden Valley Road (between Soleclad Canyon Road and Sierra Highway) and Via Princessa (between Whites Canyon Road and Sierra Highway) to their planned ultimate six -lane configuration within the Interim Year horizon period, as funding becomes available. MM 4.10-3 Prior to the completion of construction of the proposed project, the City of Santa Clarita shall install a traffic signal at the Rainbow Glen Drive/Via Princessa intersection. MM 4.10-4 Prior to the completion of construction of the proposed project, the City of Santa Clarita shall install a traffic signal at the Via Princessa and Golden Valley Road intersection. MM 4.10-5 One year after completion of the Via Princessa Roadway extension, the City's traffic engineer shall evaluate future traffic patterns around Rainbow Glen Drive and Isabella Parkway through standard City practices, including but not limited to plan checks and the collection of future traffic data to determine if traffic calming measures would be needed. Residual Impacts Construction These controls are expected to adequately reduce any potentially significant impacts resulting from disruptions of traffic and access during the construction period to a level below significant. Operation With the planned improvement of Golden Valley Road and Via Princessa, the proposed project would operate at acceptable levels of service and would therefore have less than significant impacts. Impact Threshold 4.10-2 Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the County Congestion Management Agency for designated roads or highways The proposed project is located within the City of Santa Clarita and would therefore be under the jurisdiction of Metro. Metro is the Los Angeles County regulatory agency that implements the CMP. The nearest CMP roadway segment to the project site is Sierra Highway north/south of Golden Valley Road. The CMP methodology states that a significant impact would occur at CMP intersections where the proposed project would add 50 or more trips during either the AM or PM weekday peak hours and when Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-38 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation As shown in the Table 4.10-15, above, upgrading each roadway segment to its planned six -lane configuration, as identified in the City's General Plan Circulation Element, would mitigate potential impacts to Golden Valley Road and Sierra Highway as a result of the proposed project. Mitigation Measures No mitigation measures are required. Residual Impacts Potential impacts to CMP roadways would be less than significant. Impact Threshold 4.10-3 Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks The nearest public or private airport to the project site would be Whiteman Airport located approximately 10.5 miles to the south. Therefore, the project site is not located in the vicinity of an airport and would not have any effect on air traffic patterns. Mitigation Measures No mitigation is required. Residual Impacts No impact would occur. Impact Threshold 4.10-4 Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., I arm equipment) No measurable change in ADT volumes, as a result of the proposed project, would occur along Via Princessa east of Rainbow Glen Drive, and along Rainbow Glen Drive and Isabella Parkway north of Via Princessa. The peak hour volumes shown in Figures 4.10-7 and 4.10-9 indicate a change in traffic patterns which result in minor net changes in traffic volumes to the previously mentioned roadway segments. The extension of Via Princessa would reduce the southbound left -turn volume while increasing the southbound right -turn volume at the Via Princessa/Rainbow Glen Drive intersection. Likewise, a decrease would occur for the westbound right -turn volume while an increase would occur to the westbound through volume. In general, the amount of new traffic added to these Via Princessa, Rainbow Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-40 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation Glen Drive, and Isabella Parkway would be offset by a similar reduction in traffic as a result of the proposed project. The traffic analysis determined that changes in traffic patterns due to the proposed project would result in minor net changes in traffic volumes to these three existing roadway segments. Increases to one direction of travel, or to one intersection turning movement, are largely offset by decreases in the opposing direction. The effect of the Via Princessa extension on the roadways noted above was determined using the City's traffic demand model, which due to the level of detail provided by the zone structure and network coding, has certain limitations that affect the level of change that can be discerned on the roadway network. As such, a quantification of the change in traffic volumes at the local street level is beyond the capabilities of the model. What the results of the traffic analysis do indicate, is that the potential impact of the project on the three existing roadway segments discussed above is not anticipated to be significant enough to cause the need for traffic calming measures for those streets and would not increase design features or hazards. However, with the roadway extension in place and after the resulting new traffic patterns have been established, these three existing roadway segments should be reevaluated and traffic calming measures investigated, as discussed below under Cumulative Impacts. Mitigation Measures No mitigation measures are required. Residual Impacts Impacts would be less than significant. Impact Threshold 4.10-5 Result in inadequate emergency access The proposed project is considered an infrastructure improvement project. It would extend Via Princessa from Sheldon Avenue to Golden Valley Road. The proposed project would provide an additional roadway access for the residential neighborhoods near Rainbow Glen Drive and Via Princessa, which would improve emergency roadway access. Regional access to the project area is provided by SR -14 and Sierra Highway to the south of the site. As a result, the proposed project would redistribute traffic volumes throughout the project study area and would provide for additional east -west emergency evacuation route for the local community. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-41 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation Mitigation Measures No mitigation measures are required. Residual Impacts Impacts would be less than significant. Impact Threshold 4.10-6 Result in inadequate parking capacity Discussion As described in Section 2.0, Project Description, the proposed project would extend Via Princessa from Sheldon Avenue to Golden Valley Road upon completion and operation of the six -lane roadway. Construction of the proposed project would generate temporary demand for parking for construction employees. As identified in the construction traffic control plan in mitigation measure MM 4.10-1, temporary construction personnel parking would be designated upon final approval by the City Engineer, to minimize parking impacts on the surrounding commercial and residential land uses. The operation of the proposed project would not generate new demand for parking as it is a roadway improvement project. Mitigation Measures Mitigation Measure MM 4.10-1 shall be implemented. Residual Impacts Impacts would be less than significant. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-42 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation Impact Threshold 4.10-7 Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such I acilifies? Public Transit The proposed project would extend Via Princessa west from Sheldon Avenue to Golden Valley Road. As identified under the Existing Conditions discussion, the nearest bus stop is located over 0.25 mile to the north at the Aquatics Center. The proposed project would not impact any bus transit operations or bus stops. The extension of Via Princessa would provide an opportunity for additional east/west bus transit routes within the City. As a result, impacts would be beneficial to future public transit routes. Bicycles The project area is depicted in the City of Santa Clarita Non -Motorized Transportation Plan to include a Class I bike path along the south side of the proposed project roadway. The Class I bike path would provide a link to the existing Class I bike path along the west side of Golden Valley Road. The Class I bike path would also link to the planned future Class I bike path along the future extension of Via Princessa west of Golden Valley Road. The project's Class I bike path would improve access to the City's existing and planned bicycle network for the residents in the project vicinity and provides a new travel option for east -west bicycle trips. Pedes trians The proposed project would provide sidewalks along both the north and south sides of the roadway and would connect to the existing sidewalks at the current terminus Via Princessa. The proposed project also closes an existing gap of sidewalk on the south side of Via Princessa between Sheldon Avenue and Rainbow Glen Drive, which results in a continuous section of sidewalk between Rainbow Glenn Drive and Golden Valley Road. At the point where the project intersects with Golden Valley Road, there currently are not sidewalks on the east or west side of Golden Valley Road and, as such, pedestrian connectivity to the north and south would initially be limited. However, sidewalks are planned as part of a future widening of Golden Valley Road as well as the future extension of Via Princessa west of Golden Valley Road, resulting in complete pedestrian connectivity in all four directions. Mitigation Measures No mitigation measures are required. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-43 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation Residual Impacts Impacts would be beneficial because of the provision of sidewalks and bike lanes and the opportunity of transit to access the project area. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS The General Plan buildout scenario, which included cumulative development within the City through the horizon year of 2030, was used to analyze cumulative impacts. The section of Via Princessa between Golden Valley Road and May Way has been evaluated as a six -lane major highway. Figure 4.10-10, Long Range Buildout ADT Volumes (000s) — With Project, shows the Long�Range Buildout ADT volumes, and Figure 4.10-11, Long Range Buildout Peak Hour Volumes — With Project, shows the corresponding peak hour volumes. Figure 4.10-10 shows that the extension of Via Princessa is anticipated to carry approximately 27,000 ADT for buildout conditions. Table 4.10-16, Average Daily Traffic V/C and LOS — Long Range Buildout Conditions, summarizes the v/c and LOS for each roadway within the study area that is measurably affected by the extension. The summary shows that the proposed project is forecast to operate at LOS A for Long -Range Buildout conditions based on the roadway's General Plan designation as a six -lane major highway. In the event that Via Princessa is operated as a four -lane roadway the level of service would be LOS C. The future segment of Via Princessa west of Golden Valley Road is shown to exceed the capacity of a six lane major highway due to forecast volumes of 66,000 ADT, as identified in the General Plan, and is not due to the proposed project. This would result in an unacceptable level of service and a potentially significant cumulative impact. However, as this is a future roadway, the deficiency could be eliminated by constructing Via Princessa west of Golden Valley Road with additional capacity, such as with additional through lanes or augmented capacity. The peak hour intersection levels of service were calculated for Long�Range Buildout conditions for the key intersections along Via Princessa (shown on Figure 4.10-4). The ICU values calculated are shown in Table 4.10-17, ICU and LOS Summary — Long Range Buildout Conditions. As can be seen, each of the signalized intersections affected by the roadway extension shows acceptable LOS. ICU ratios for the Via Princessa intersections at Rainbow Glen and at May Way have been calculated based on intersection lanes that are consistent with a four -lane configuration of Via Princessa, demonstrating that Via Princessa can remain as a four -lane roadway at those locations while still providing LOS C. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-44 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -Vay 2011 FIGURE4.10-10 NLong Range BuildoutADTVolumes(000s)— With Project 112-028-06/11 0 u 6 J A SKYUNE RANCH DECORO 54 46 Ne A�� RANCH 4 50 43 TRw%N TE S, 38 44 46 C" C, 'ER SANDY 01 My PRIAH", 9 8 FAKES RfFNCESSA 51 VIA PRINCE A VA 0 to C Is Legend: NOT TO SCALE XX Awrage Daily Traffic Caunts SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -Vay 2011 FIGURE4.10-10 NLong Range BuildoutADTVolumes(000s)— With Project 112-028-06/11 A C ic < A VIA PRINCESSA 11,7 44 :!i :!i 7: WHITES CANYON LANES so VIA PRINCESSA /�1330 �200 �20 �80 `cE; __70 �1400 o' �6 Al� : :134100 A A .1650 .163 �30 � + .14070 490 �1790 �1360 500 V '10� 30, 2(1 530, 10,,� 5001 PC, 00, 590� 220 820 40 REDD WHITES 5� 410 590 or co so 20� o"' n T, < CANYON < AM PEAK HOUR Y LJ A w 0 < VIA PRINCESS Cu., Is' o' 8�.8 �100 550 �30 �1�90S �280 590 �120 �510 ��I+ �50 S'0 � � �65 ��!+ 4�50 �890 J/�950 120 1070 �1160 32A Vl,lO� 2fil � 220 W 20 18101 1780— 50� 40 11D— MITES 1190� 1 130 12P 0 90. 1690. 1480. 1790. 50� or 0 CANYON < PM PEAK HOUR n A A Legend: � Existirl Interim Year Lanes � Long -Range Buildout Lanes (per General Plan) NOT TO SCALE *�, Free RightTurn SOURCE Austin -Foust Associates Inc Via Pnncessa Extension Traffic Analysis -May 2011 FINGURIE4.10-11 NLong Range Buildout Peak Hour Volumes — With Project 112-028-06/11 4.10 Transportation and Circulation As discussed above under Project Impacts, the intersection delay for Gregory Lane is significant for vehicles attempting a left -turn from Gregory Lane to eastbound Via Princessa. This delay would be avoided by substituting a right -turn onto Via Princessa, followed by a U-turn at the traffic signal recommended to be installed at the Rainbow Glen/Via Princessa intersection. The cumulative delay of the right -turn movement and the subsequent U-turn movement would be 26.2 seconds (10.8 seconds plus 15.4 seconds), which would be equivalent to a LOS C (based on signal control). As such, the implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.10-3 would require the installation of a traffic signal at the Rainbow Glen/Via Princessa intersection thus mitigating the potential side street delay impact for Gregory Lane. Furthermore, another option to the Gregory Lane left -turn movement would be to utilize Gilbert Drive to access Rainbow Glen Drive to Via Princessa.8 As shown above in Table 4.10-18, with full access, left -turns from the side streets would experience delay that would result in LOS F conditions (i.e., 476.4 seconds for Isabella Street) on average. Therefore, the analysis of the two intersections is based on prohibiting left -turns from the side street to eastbound Via Princessa. In conjunction with the left -turn prohibition, mid -block U-turn pockets would be provided just west of the intersections to allow access to eastbound Via Princessa. By providing the modified access, right turns would be delayed by a maximum of 19.6 seconds on average, and the combination of right turns/U turns would be delayed by a maximum of 28.4 seconds, on average. Thus, the intersections for Isabella Parkway/Via Princessa and Sheldon Avenue/Via Princessa would result in an acceptable LOS for both AM and PM Peak Hours. Modified Side Street Access Table 4.10-19, Intersection Delay and LOS Summary — Long Range Buildout Modified Access Scenario, compares side street vehicle delay between scenarios based on full -access and limited access for Long -Range Buildout conditions. However, each of the intersections west of Rainbow Glen Drive (i.e., Sheldon Avenue and Isabella Parkway), as well as the Gregory Lane intersection east of Rainbow Glen Drive, are shown to experience significant side street delay due to the increase in through traffic on Via Princessa. Side street delays for those two intersections are shown to range from an average of 47.4 sec/veh (LOS E) to a high of 476.4 sec/veh (LOS F). While the City does not have an established threshold of significance related to side street delay, LOS E or F levels of delay would generally be considered a significant impact. The indicated delay for the Sheldon/Via Princessa and the Isabella/Via Princessa intersections are based on full access to the side street. As a result, potential cumulative impacts at these intersections are 8 This option would be convenient for residents located in the northerly portion of the neighborhood. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-49 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.10 Transportation and Circulation Cumulative Mitigation Implementation of the modified access scenario presented above would result in less than significant cumulative impacts. UNAVOIDABLE SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS No unavoidable significant transportation and circulation impacts would result with implementation of the proposed project along all other roadway segments and at project area intersections. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.10-51 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 VISUAL RESOURCES INTRODUCTION This section describes the existing visual character of the Via Princessa project site and surroundings, and evaluates the potential changes in the visual character as a result of implementation of the proposed project. The project site presently is predominantly vacant, and is surrounded by mostly residential uses to the northeast, vacant land to the north, Golden Valley Road to the west, and Golden Valley High School to the south. The proposed project would not significantly alter the visual characteristics of the scenic vistas visible from various vantage points surrounding the project site. While the proposed project is located between existing residential and commercial developments and is not removing or replacing prominent visual features, the image of the roadway, landscaping, and other human activity would be a significant change from the existing site characteristics, which could be viewed as a substantial adverse visual impact Drought -tolerant, native, and non-native landscaping would be incorporated throughout the project site. Project development would also introduce sources of outdoor illumination that do not presently exist. Outdoor lighting, such as streetlights and traffic signals, are essential safety features in roadway projects, and such lighting cannot be eliminated if the proposed project is implemented. Despite the recommended mitigation measures, which would reduce the impacts to a certain extent, the identified significant visual impacts would still result from the change in the visual character of the site from open space to urban. There is no feasible mitigation beyond that already identified for the proposed project to reduce the identified impacts to a level below significant. Consequently, such significant visual impacts would remain significant and unavoidable. The proposed project and other development in the City of Santa Clarita would transform the character of the area by adding urban uses in currently undeveloped areas, including hillside areas. Consequently, the project's contributions to cumulative visual character and quality and to light and glare impacts are considered to be significant and unavoidable. Aesthetics Aesthetic impact analysis generally involves the study of contrast, or the degree to which elements of the physical environment differ visually. The environment of a given project site can range in character from urban center to rural and wildland. Adverse visual project impacts may include the loss of natural features or open space, the removal of urban features with aesthetic value, or the introduction of contrasting urban features to existing natural areas or urban settings. Natural features may include open Impact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-1 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources space, native or ornamental vegetation and landscaping, topographic or geologic landforms, and natural water bodies. Urban features may include buildings or structures of architectural or historical importance, streetscapes and associated amenities, open space (such as plazas or parks), landscaping, or other design elements (such as height, setbacks, massing, lighting, and signage). The loss of such features or the introduction of contrasting features may have a local impact or contribute to a cumulative change in visual character. This section characterizes and illustrates the existing visual character of the project site and surrounding area, and evaluates the project's potential to alter the existing visual character through the introduction of contrasts in development of a roadway, the removal or introduction of open space and vegetation, and other changes. Obstruction of Views The term "views" generally refers to visual access to, or the visibility of, a particular sight from a given vantage point or corridor. Focal views are those targeting a particular object, scene, setting, or feature of visual interest. Panoramic views or vistas, on the other hand, provide visual access to an expansive geographic area, for which the field of view is often wide and extends into the distance. Examples of focal views include distinct natural landforms, public art, landmarks, and individual buildings. Examples of panoramic views might include an urban skyline, valley, mountain range, the ocean, and other bodies of water. The City of Santa Clarita recognizes three primary types of viewsheds • Significant Regional Viewshed—A viewshed where a significant number of prominent visual features, unique to the Santa Clarita Valley, can be identified. • Significant Local Viewshed—A viewshed where a significant number of prominent visual features, unique to the Santa Clarita Valley or the City of Santa Clarita, can be identified, but are secondary in quantity or nature to a Significant Regional Viewshed. • Dark Sky Viewshed—A location away from artificial or urban light sources, which preserves the nighttime view of stars, planets, constellations, and other celestial bodies. Viewsheds can be adversely affected by the urbanization of natural areas, including prominent slopes or woodlands. Viewsheds are also sensitive to adverse changes in air quality since smog obscures long�range visibility. Potentially significant view impacts associated with the proposed project were evaluated based on visual simulations prepared by Impact Sciences, Inc. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-2 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources Nighttime Illumination and Daytime Glare For purposes of this analysis, "light" refers to light emissions, or the degree of brightness, generated by a given source. Artificial lighting may be generated from point sources (i.e., focused points of origin representing unshielded light sources) or from indirectly illuminated sources of reflected light. Light may be directed downward to illuminate an area or surface, cast upward into the sky and refracted by atmospheric conditions (skyglow), or cast sideways and outwards onto off-site properties (overspill). Skyglow and light overspill are considered forms of light pollution. The effects of nighttime lighting are contextual and depend upon the light source's intensity, its proximity to light-sensitive land uses (i.e., sensitive receptors such as residential units), and the existing lighting environment in the vicinity of a project site. The primary sources of nighttime illumination include street lighting, security and other types of outdoor lighting on commercial and residential properties, surface -parking illumination, and illuminated commercial signage. Adverse lighting impacts may occur when project -related lighting is visually prominent and decreases available views, alters the nature of community or neighborhood character, or illuminates a sensitive land use. Nighttime illumination of sensitive receptors also may adversely affect certain land use functions, such as those of a residential or institutional nature, since such uses are typically occupied during evening hours and can be disturbed by bright lights. "Glare," or "unwanted source luminance," is defined as focused, intense light directly emanated by a source or indirectly reflected by a surface from a source. Daytime glare typically is caused by the reflection of sunlight from highly reflective surfaces at or above eye level. Reflective surfaces generally are associated with buildings clad with broad expanses of highly polished surfaces or with broad, light- colored areas of paving. Daytime glare generally is most pronounced during early morning and late afternoon hours when the sun is at a low angle and the potential exists for intense reflected light to interfere with vision and driving conditions. Daytime glare also may hinder outdoor activities conducted in surrounding land uses, such as sports. Nighttime light impacts associated with the project were evaluated by characterizing the existing nighttime light levels on the project site and in the surrounding area, and evaluating the potential for project features to change those conditions. Daytime glare impacts were evaluated by assessing the glare potential of the project's roadway and parkway materials. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-3 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources EXISTING CONDITIONS Regional Setting The project site is located in the City of Santa Clarita in Los Angeles County, California. The Santa Clarita Valley is characterized by flat areas and gently rolling hills that range in elevation from approximately 1,200 to 1,600 feet. The Valley is bounded on the south by the Santa Susana and San Gabriel Mountains and on the north by the Sierra Pelona Mountains. Whitaker Peak to the north of the project site has an elevation of 4,148 feet, Oat Mountain to the south is 3,747 feet high, and Mt. Gleason to the east has an elevation of 6,502 feet. The Santa Clara River crosses the Valley floor from east to west. Other prominent topographic features of the Valley include the various canyons descending from the foothills; one such canyon, Placenta Canyon, is located south of the project site. Local Setting The proposed roadway would be approximately 1.2 miles in length and the project site encompasses 16 parcels in the City of Santa Clarita approximately 2 miles north of State Route 14 (SR -14). The project site consists of portions of Via Princessa between Golden Valley Road in the west and Sheldon Avenue in the east. As depicted in Figure 3.0-2, Project Site, the project site is currently undeveloped rural land consisting of hilly terrain with extensive native vegetation (including a minimum of 12 oak trees as described in Section 4.2 Biological Resources). Currently, there are two City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power right-of-way crossing on the site, an aqueduct on the west side of the property, and an overhead power line corridor along the eastern side of the property. The Santa Clara River is located approximately 1 mile to the northeast. Land uses surrounding the proposed project site include: • Golden Valley High School, south of the project site • Single-family residential development north of the existing portion of Via Princessa, northeast of the project site • Vacant land located north of the project site • Storage and testing facilities for National Technical Systems, Inc., and Golden Valley Road to the west of the project site Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-4 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources Existing Views Scenic vistas are available along the Valley's major highways, particularly SR -14, Interstate 5 (1-5), and State Route 126 (SR -126). These highways provide mobile views of a wide variety of landforms, undisturbed mountains, ridgelines and national forests (Angeles National Forest and Los Padres National Forest), and extensive, uninterrupted views of wide expanses of land, in addition to views of the developed Valley areas. Vistas from these highways are often the only aesthetic experience for visitors or passersby of the Valley. Both 1-5 and SR -14, which run through the pass between the Los Angeles Basin and the Valley, also serve as natural gateways to the Valley, providing the first views of the Valley, its topography, and vegetation. Due to intervening topography, the project site is not visible from either the 1-5 or SR -14 which passes to the south of the project site. In addition to the major highways, scenic views and vistas can be found along roads through various canyons, including Soleclad Canyon Road, Bouquet Canyon Road, Sand Canyon Road, Placenta Canyon Road, Sierra Highway, and Golden Valley Road. Many of these scenic drives traverse oak- and sycamore -studded canyons along winding intermittent streambeds. The project site is visible from the segment of Soleclad Canyon Road that passes to the north of the project site. Due to distance and intervening topography, the project site is not visible from any canyon roads, except for the developed portion of Golden Valley Road that is adjacent and to the west. Scenic, panoramic vistas of the Valley floor are also available from the various mountains surrounding the Valley, including the Santa Susana, San Gabriel, and Sierra Pelona Mountains. Like most of the area, the project site is likely visible within one or more of the long�range vistas offered from these mountains. However, due to the distance from these vista points and intervening topography throughout the Valley floor, the project site does not represent a distinctive or otherwise appreciable component of any such field of view. Although the project site is visible from many locations, the most significant views occur in close proximity to the site. The nearest identified Ridgeline is located south of the project site. Six viewing locations, which are identified in Figure 4.11-1, Viewpoint Locations, were selected to represent views of the project site from areas with a sizable existing or future viewing audience, such as residents of adjacent neighborhoods and users of recreational trails. These existing views are characterized below. Viewpoint 1 Viewpoint 1, illustrated on Figure 4.11-2, is on the intersection of Via Princessa and Sheldon Avenue in the Rainbow Glen residential community, adjacent to the project site. The view shown is oriented to the southwest, and represents views available to several residences in the Rainbow Glen residential Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-5 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources community and from the future Class I bike route.1 The foreground view consists of Via Princessa, which directs traffic northbound onto Sheldon Avenue. The middleground view consists of Via Princessa, vegetation, and a masonry wall which separates single-family residences from the roadway. The background view consists of a previously graded hillside, the terminus of Via Princessa, and power lines. Viewpoint 2 Viewpoint 2, illustrated on Figure 4.11-3, is on the intersection of Via Princessa and Rainbow Glen Drive in the Rainbow Glen residential community, east of the project site and Viewpoint 1. The view shown is oriented to the southwest, and represents views available to several residences in the Rainbow Glen community. The foreground view consists of Via Princessa, Rainbow Glen Drive, sidewalks, and streetscape vegetation. The middleground view consists of a residence, Via Princessa, streetlights, streetscape vegetation, and sidewalks. The background view consists of a hillside, Via Princessa, and streetscape vegetation. Viewpoint 3 Viewpoint 3, illustrated on Figure 4.11-4, is adjacent to the private cul-de-sac of Piazz ch Sapro on Sierra Highway and represents views available from pedestrians walking along Sierra Highway, residents of the Valle Di Oro townhomes and from the future Class III bike route. The foreground view consists of Piazz ch Sapro, curbs, and ornamental vegetation. The middleground view includes townhomes, ornamental vegetation, a water tank and open space. The background view includes several multi -family residences adjacent to the east of Golden Valley High School south of the project site and, in the distance, undeveloped hills and mountains. The project is not visible from this location. Viewpoint 4 Viewpoint 4, illustrated on Figure 4.11-5, is west of Golden Valley Road, at the western terminus of the project site. The view shown is oriented to the east, and represents views of pedestrians and the mobile public viewing audiences traveling along the Class I bike route and Golden Valley Road, respectively. Vacant land scattered with vegetation and Golden Valley Road occupy the foreground view. The middleground view consists of power lines and a transmission towers, several hills and the expanse of undeveloped land on the project site. The background view includes a view of the Sierra Pelona Mountains in the distance. City of Santa Clarita, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, Trails and Parks Map, posted July 2010. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-6 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources Viewpoint 5 Viewpoint 5, illustrated on Figure 4.11-6, is on the intersection of Golden Valley Road and Centre Point Parkway. This view represents the views from the existing Class 11 bike route, pedestrians and mobile viewing audiences north of, and lower in elevation then, the project site. The view is oriented slightly to the southeast. The foreground view consists of Golden Valley Road, Centre Point Parkway, and the signalized intersection. The middleground view includes portions of the City of Santa Clarita Aquatics Center, transmission towers power lines, trees, commercial building, and sparse vacant land. The background view consists of open space and a ridgeline. Viewpoint 6 Viewpoint 6, illustrated on Figure 4.11-7, is located south of Newhall Ranch Road, east of the River Village residential development. The view represents the view from pedestrians and the existing Class I bike route, the future Multi -Purpose Use trail2 and the future mobile audiences traveling along Newhall Ranch Road. The view shown is oriented to the southeast. The foreground view includes a vegetated embankment and the Los Angeles Aqueduct. The middleground view includes the Santa Clara River and adjacent undeveloped land. The background view includes commercial buildings in the Centre Pointe Business Park, hills that have been partially developed, the project site, and the San Gabriel Mountains. Existing Light and Glare As is typical in urbanized environments with nighttime activity, the developed portion of the Santa Clarita Valley, such as the SR -14 corridor, is generally brightly illuminated at night, with the greatest concentration of light sources (e.g., commercial land uses and street lighting) found along major roadways and at intersections. Nighttime light levels are lower in the hillsides, which are generally less densely developed and contain fewer roadways. The project site currently contains no source of daytime or nighttime light, except the single-family residential homes located on the intersection of Via Princessa and Sheldon Avenue. However, a variety of urban and rural land uses that generate light occur in the vicinity of the project site. Additionally, the project site and the vicinity do not contain any highly reflective or light-colored surfaces that generate substantial glare. 2 City of Santa Clarita, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, Trails and Parks Map, posted July 2010. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-12 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources REGULATORY SETTING City of Santa Clarita General Plan The Conservation and Open Space Element of the General Plan, establishes a framework for the designation and long-term preservation of open space with the planning area, and addresses the wide range of community benefits derived from open space, In addition to providing for park and recreational facilities, open spaces provide the benefits of wildlife habitat preservation, scenic views, water recharge and watershed protection, protection of cultural and historical resources, moderation of microclimates, and enhanced property values. In addition, preservation of scenic and accessible open spaces around the urbanized portions of the Valley, and between neighborhoods and districts, contributes to community character and the distinctive sense of place enjoyed by Santa Clarita Valley residents. Hillside Development Ordinance The provisions of the City's Hillside Development Ordinance (Chapter 17.80 of the Municipal Code) are intended to regulate the development and alteration of hillside areas, to minimize the adverse effects of hillside development and to provide for the safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Santa Clarita while allowing for the reasonable development of hillside areas through the following methods: Provide hillside development standards to maximize the positive impacts of site design, grading, landscape architecture and building architecture, and provide development consistent with the goals and policies of the City of Santa Clarita's General Plan. Maintain the essential natural characteristics of the area such as major landforms, vegetation and wildlife communities, hydrologic features, scenic qualities and open space that contribute to a sense of place. Retain the integrity of predominant of f -site and on-site views in hillside areas in order to maintain the identity, image, and environmental quality of the City. The provisions of the Hillside Development Ordinance apply to parcels of land with average slopes of 10 percent or more. The provisions apply to all projects requiring grading permits, building permits, parcel maps, tentative tract maps, conditional use permits, and plans for development review. Such projects may be subject to specific development standards related to grading design, density, setbacks, building height, architectural treatments, landscaping, and retaining walls. The proposed project traverses areas with average slopes of 10 percent or more and, as a result, subject to the Hillside Development Ordinance. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-13 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources Open Space and Acilitisition Plan The City of Santa Clarita's Open Space Acquisition Plan (OSAP) was adopted in 2002 to create a systematic and objective mechanism for evaluating and acquiring open space. This plan was intended to assist in the creation of a "greenbelt" surrounding the City of Santa Clarita to improve and expand wildlife habitat and corridors, and to provide a framework for the City to evaluate, acquire, and maintain the most beneficial parcels within and surrounding the City for preservation as open space. The OSAP also identified a goal of acquiring open space to augment the Rim of the Valley open space and trail system. Since its incorporation in 1987, the City of Santa Clarita has acquired more than 3,000 acres of land for the purpose of preservation of natural habitat and open space. The City Council has focused on preserving a greenbelt of open space around the City's incorporated boundaries, and about 50 percent of that greenbelt was completed as of 2007.3 Beaittification Master Plan In 2001, the City adopted the Santa Clarita Beautification Master Plan, which contains Citywide design guidelines as well as specific guidelines tailored to maintain community character within Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, and Valencia. According to the document, "the Beautification Master Plan addresses concepts for streetscape design, landscape enhancement, gateways, and monumentation and signage, on both a regional and a community scale. The Master Plan strives to maintain the identity of individual communities while unifying the entire City through design." In its Beautification Plan, the City has identified a goal of providing landscaped medians within major arterial roadways in order to provide aesthetic appeal, control vehicle circulation, calm traffic, and provide area for directional and traffic signs. Specifically, the following arterials are identified for landscape median enhancement: • Via Princessa • Santa Clarita Parkway • Soleclad Canyon Road • Railroad Avenue • Newhall Ranch Road • Lyons Avenue 3 City of Santa Clarita, "City of Santa Clarita Open Space FAQs," http://�.smtaclaritaopenspace.com/faq.asp. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-16 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources 0 Sierra Highway Standardized, drought -tolerant plant palettes along with decorative concrete are desired in the medians, which will help to enhance and unify the community. Another area in which the City and County can coordinate beautification efforts is the provision of unified signs, especially for regional trails, trailheads, open space, and preserve areas. In addition, consistent street furniture such as bus shelters, benches, and trashcans can be used to unify streetscapes throughout the Valley.4 PROJECT IMPACTS Significance Threshold Criteria The following thresholds for determining the significance of impacts related to visual resources are contained in the City of Santa Clarita Environmental Guidelines and the environmental checklist form contained in Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines. Impacts related to visual resources are considered significant if the proposed project would: 0 have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista; • substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, identified ridgelines, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway; • substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings; • create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area; or, 0 result in changes to the topography of any identified Ridgeline.5 No identified ridgelines are located on the project site.6 The project site does contain five small hills and elevations across the project site range from approximately 1,390 feet to 1,830 feet above mean sea level, an elevation differential of 440 feet. Since there will be no identified Ridgelines affected by grading of the proposed project, no further discussion is required. 4 Draft Land Use Element (July 2008). 5 Subsequent to the adoption of Resolution 05-38, the City modified its hillside guidelines to consider any change to primary ridgelines as significant. 6 City of Santa Clarita, "Significant Ridgelines Map," 2006, City of Santa Clarita, Draft General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element (October 2008), Exhibit CO -1. "Hillsides and Ridgelines." Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-17 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources Impact Analysis Impact Threshold 4.11-1 Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? The proposed project would be visible from many locations, including Newhall Ranch Road, Golden Valley Road, commercial uses, and adjacent residential uses. While the proposed project would likely be visible within several distant scenic vistas offered from the mountains, the project itself would not represent a distinct or otherwise appreciable component of any such field of view, given the extent of surrounding development and intervening topography on the Valley floor. However, short-range views of the project site would be affected. In order to evaluate the impact to existing views, visual simulations of the project were prepared from the six viewpoints previously described under Existing Conditions. Graded hillsides are shown as hydroseed, colored green, within each figure. Viewpoint 1 (Looking westfrom the corner of Via Princessa and Sheldon Avenue) As shown in Figure 4.11-2 views from Viewpoint 1, which is within the Rainbow Glen community east of the project site, would be substantially altered. Foreground views of Via Princessa and Sheldon Avenue would remain. Middleground views would be substantially altered, as the proposed project would grade the existing graded hillside, further to the south. The roadway would be expanded to include six lanes, a pathway, and landscaped median with the proposed project improvements. Background views of the mountains would remain. The removal of a portion of the hillside within the project site constitutes a physical, adverse change in this viewpoint. Viewpoint2 (Looking westfrom the corner of Via Princessa and Rainbow Glen Drive) As shown in Figure 4.11-3, views from Viewpoint 2 would not be substantially altered. The foreground and middleground views would be retained with the addition of streetscape landscape and lighting along the southern side of Via Princessa. Background views would be changed to include the widening of the southern side of Via Princessa, the extension of the southern sidewalk further to the west, and a landscaped median. The background views of the hillside would be unaltered. Viewpoint 3 (Looking northfrom Sierra Highway and Piazz di Sapro) As shown in Figure 4.11-4, the project site is not visible from this location. All views looking towards the project site would remain unaltered with implementation of the proposed project. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-18 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources Viewpoint 4 (Looking eastfrom Golden Valley Road and Via Princessa extension) As shown in Figure 4.11-5, views from Viewpoint 4 would be substantially altered. Foreground views would include intersection improvements such as signalized lights and crosswalks. Middleground views would illustrate the ultimate buildout of the six -lane roadway with a landscaped median, sidewalk, bikeway, and streetscape landscaping along both sides of Via Princessa. Changes in the middleground view would include the grading and elimination of a hillside. Middleground views of the transmission power lines would remain. Background views of the Sierra Pelona Mountains would remain. The removal of the local hillside would constitute a physical, adverse change in this viewpoint. Viewpoint5 (Looking southfirom Golden ValleyRoad and Centre Pointe Parkway) Viewpoint 5, as shown on Figure 4.11-6, would be slightly altered. Foreground and middleground views would remain unchanged. Background views would be altered. Hillsides would be landform graded for the alignment of the proposed project. The graded areas are shown as hydroseed (green on the figure). Views of landscaping along the proposed project would be barely visible. Viewpoint 6 (Looking southftom Newhall Ranch R oad and Pipeline overpass) As shown in Figure 4.11-7, portions of the graded hillsides within the project site are barely perceptible from this viewpoint. The hillsides would contain native vegetation at buildout. The landform -graded hillsides are shown as hydroseed along the alignment of the extension of Via Princessa. The Via Princessa roadway, landscaping, and lighting will also be visible. The San Gabriel Mountains in the background would remain unchanged. Middleground views of Centre Pointe Business Park would remain unchanged and views of the Santa Clara River and Los Angeles Aqueduct would remain unchanged. Summary The proposed project would contain six travel lanes and is designated in the City's Circulation Element of the General Plan as a Major Arterial Highway. The proposed project would not obstruct long-range public views of scenic resources within, and surrounding the Santa Clarita Valley. Those resources would include the San Gabriel Mountains to the south of the site, Sierra Pelona Mountains, the Santa Clara River, and the Los Angeles Aqueduct to the north. As described above, no primary Ridgelines would be altered as a result of the proposed project. As shown in the above simulations, the alignment of the proposed project would result in landform grading of the existing hillsides which would result in altered short-range views. In particular, Viewpoints 1 and 4 would substantially alter the existing contours of the hillsides along the proposed Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-19 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources alignment west of Sheldon Avenue. The proposed extension would be designed in a fashion consistent with applicable development codes and developed consistent with landform contour grading to the extent feasible. The alteration of the hillsides would be considered an adverse physical change to views of the project site west of Sheldon Avenue and east of Golden Valley Road. Mitigation Measures The alteration of the local hillsides would be minimized by the use of landform grading. Natural topographic features will be preserved to the extent feasible to blend manufactured slopes with natural topography. Residual Impacts Long-range scenic vistas would be unaffected with implementation of the proposed project and would result in less than significant impacts. Short-range views would be altered, adversely impacting the local hillsides. Therefore, the proposed project would result in significant viewshed impacts. Impact Threshold 4.11-2 Would the project substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, identified ridgelines, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? There are no designated state scenic highways in the Santa Clarita Valley. SR -126 is designated as an eligible state scenic highway, but has not officially received scenic highway status. Furthermore, Los Angeles County designates SR -126 as a "First Priority Scenic Route" that is proposed for further study, but has no regulatory restrictions placed on it; however, the project site is not visible from SR -126. The project site is not visible from SR -14, which is not a designated scenic highway. Impacts to views from other roadways are discussed under Impact Threshold 4.11-1, above. Impacts to scenic resources on the project site are discussed in Impact Threshold 4.11-3, below. Since the proposed project would not damage any scenic resources within a designated scenic highway, no impacts would result. Mitigation Measures No mitigation measures are necessary. Residual Impacts There would be no impacts to scenic resources within a state scenic highway. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-20 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources Impact Threshold 4.11-3 Would the project substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? Construction During the construction of the proposed project, the proposed alignment would be cleared and landform graded west of Sheldon Avenue to Golden Valley Road. The proposed project would balance approximately 551,590 cubic yards (cy) of cut and 210,530 cy of fill on site. The southern side of Via Princessa (eastbound) would be widened from Sheldon Avenue east of Isabella Parkway to include the proposed three travel lanes the proposed Class I bike path. Via Princessa would then be paved and landscaped. Such construction activity would change the existing visual character of the project site and its surroundings. However, construction activity would be temporary, and the permanent visual character of the project site would not be realized until completion of construction. For this reason, impacts during construction would be temporary and less than significant. Operation The existing project area contains residential uses adjacent and to the northeast, a significant Ridgeline to the south, Golden Valley High School to the south, and commercial uses to the northwest of the project site. The area along Via Princessa between Rainbow Glen Drive and Sheldon Avenue is a four -lane roadway with streetscape landscaping and residential uses along the northern portion of the roadway. The project site west of Sheldon Avenue is currently vacant open space. Maintenance access roads for the transmission towers and aqueduct occur throughout this area. As described in Section 4.2, Biological Resources, a minimum of 12 protected oak trees are located on the lower portions of north facing slopes and within drainages in the central -western portion of the project site. The proposed project would introduce a paved roadway and landscaped surfaces and would connect Via Princessa at Sheldon Avenue west to Golden Valley Road. The right-of-way of the extension would be 116 feet consisting of a 14 -foot raised landscaped median, a 10 -foot parkway including 5 -foot sidewalk on each side, and a 10 -foot bike path with a 2 -foot parkway along the south side and 35 feet of paved travel lanes. The remaining right-of-way would be vegetated with native vegetation types. Improvements along the south side of Via Princessa from Rainbow Glen Drive to Sheldon Avenue would include widening of the south side of the roadway, a 10 -foot bike path with a 2 -foot parkway along the south side and streetscape landscaping. Buildout of the proposed project would change the visual character of the approximately 92.8 -acre site, which currently is predominantly vacant. The project site is surrounded by existing development, including the Rainbow Glen residential community to the east, Golden Valley High School to the south, Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-21 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources and Golden Valley Road to the west. The proposed extension is designated in the City's Circulation Element of the General Plan as a Major Arterial Highway providing alternate east/west travel through the City. The project would be consistent with the surrounding area. Future travelers along the Via Princessa extension would be able to view the Sierra Pelona Mountains to the north as they are not currently available. Development of the proposed project would result in the loss of open area. The open area contains habitat for various biological species including, but not limited to, California annual grasslands, California sagebrush scrub, chemise chaparral, and riparian areas all of which contribute to the existing views of the project site. As described in Section 4.2, Biological Resources, the habitat is suitable for various special status plant and wildlife species. Special status plant species would include Peirson's morning glory, Moran's nosegay and protected oak trees. Special status wildlife species would include Vernal pool fairy shrimp, Rosy boa, and Coast horned lizard. Oak trees contribute to the visual qualities of travelers along roadways. (It should be noted that none of the oak trees were visible in the viewpoints chosen for visual simulations.) Any replacement oak trees, as a result of the project, would be planted in the number necessary to comply with the requirements stipulated in the Oak Tree Permit issued by the City. Compliance with the permit conditions and implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-10 (oaks not removed shall be enclosed during construction) would reduce impacts to oak trees to below a level of significance. Therefore, visual impacts pertaining to oak trees would be mitigated to less than significant impacts. In areas where riparian habitat must be disturbed, the project would require such areas to be mitigated through restoration and enhancement activities (MM 4.2-1 through MM 4.2-6). The character and vegetation composition of the restored/enhanced vegetation communities is intended to be consistent with the character and vegetation composition of the existing riparian scrub. Therefore, visual impacts pertaining to riparian habitat would be mitigated to less than significant impacts. The project site's primary scenic resource, the southern ridgeline, would be retained and enhanced with native vegetation. The proposed extension would be designed in a fashion consistent with applicable development codes and developed consistent with landform contour grading to the extent feasible. Additionally, natural topographic features will be preserved to the extent feasible to blend manufactured slopes with natural topography. Additionally, the proposed landscaping and improvements to the surrounding hillside would enhance, as opposed to degrade, the existing visual quality of the project site. However, the proposed project Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-22 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources would still grade the on-site hillsides, thus creating adverse visual impacts from Golden Valley Road and Via Princessa. For these reasons, the proposed project's visual impacts are considered to be significant. Mitigation Measures The roadway could be redesigned and/or reduced in footprint to avoid some of the visual impacts; however, a reduced or redesigned footprint is not feasible as it would not meet project objectives as outlined in Section 3.0, Project Description. Therefore, no mitigation measures are feasible. Residual Impacts Landform grading and revegetation would limit visual impacts to the project site. However, it would not lessen the adverse impacts identified above on views from Viewpoints 1 and 4. As a result, impacts would be significant and unavoidable. Impact Threshold 4.11-4 Would the project create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Construction During construction of the proposed project, nighttime lighting would be maintained on the project site for security purposes. Such lighting on or near the site boundary could generate light spillover onto adjacent residential properties, which are considered light sensitive. The Rainbow Glen Community to the east of Sheldon Avenue is the nearest light-sensitive uses to the project site. Therefore, the residences near or along Via Princessa east of Sheldon Avenue are susceptible to light spillover from the project site during construction. Implementation of Mitigation Measures MM 4.11-1 and MM 4.11-2 would limit the use of construction security lighting to those planning areas requiring illumination, and require all security lights to be properly shielded and projected downwards. Furthermore, construction lighting would be temporary and removed upon completion of construction activities. Construction activities are not anticipated to create sources of glare that could affect visibility in the area since construction is not expected to involve bright light sources that would be visible from off site or other materials that could directly or indirectly generate glare. Accordingly, with implementation of mitigation, impacts due to light and glare generation during construction is considered less than significant. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-23 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources Operation The construction of the Via Princessa extension would generate additional paved surfaces. Vehicles traveling along the proposed roadway would temporarily generate light and glare. Light and glare impacts of the proposed project are expected to be similar to other road projects. Roadway and sign lighting for night visibility are necessary features in design of the proposed project. The development of a road through the western portion of the project site would increase the number of light and glare sources on the site over current levels, which are currently low to nonexistent. The presence of intervening landscaping would inhibit new sources of potential daytime glare from affecting on-site uses or activities. Furthermore, the creation of nighttime glare would be minimized with implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.11-3. Therefore, project -related glare impacts would be less than significant. The City Municipal Code provides guidance and regulation for street lighting and illuminated signs as to size, extent, and direction of lighting. Type and placement of directional signs for the travelers should be sensitive to the direction of natural light and the sun's glare particularly at critical hours in order to provide readable information. Light-sensitive receptors near the project would include the residences located adjacent to the northeast corner of the project site. Street lighting occurs along Via Princessa from Rainbow Glen Drive west to Sheldon Avenue. Street lighting would follow the City's standards. Proposed lighting would be used to create a safe, adequately illuminated nighttime environment on the project site by illuminating the street and trail. Lighting along Via Princessa is expected to generate the highest light levels on the project site. As described in Section 4.2, implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-18, in conjunction with Mitigation Measures MM 4.11-1 through MM 4.11-3 and the City's Municipal Code for street lighting (Section 16.21.130), would reduce potential nighttime lighting impacts to less than significant. Mitigation Measures MM 4.11-1 The City, or designee, shall require that the use of nighttime lighting during project construction be limited to only those features on the construction site requiring illumination. MM 4.11-2 The City, or designee, shall require that all security lights be properly shielded and projected downwards during construction, such that light is directed only onto the work site. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-24 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources MM 4.11-3 The City, or designee, shall require that all lighting along the project site boundary consist of low -intensity clownlights, or be equipped with louvers, shields, hoods, or other screening devices, in accordance with the City's Municipal Code. Residual Impacts Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS Many of the aesthetic impacts created by individual development projects have been avoided or minimized due to the project's site design, avoidance of significant visual features, and appropriate building, lighting, and landscape standards. The proposed project is located in an area largely surrounded by existing and planned development in the City of Santa Clarita. The proposed project is an implementation of the City of Santa Clarita OVOV General Plan policies and circulation plan. The circulation system represents the cumulative projects that, when combined with the effects of the proposed project, would cumulatively impact visual resources. Major impacts would include the change of character to a suburban landscape from undeveloped open space; disturbance to ridgelines and landforms by the grading necessary for the planned communities, businesses, and public facilities; and the introduction of lighting and glare into natural areas changing their character. The encroachment of development into hillside areas and the placement of high-density development in close proximity to visually prominent areas would contribute to the change in the character of the Valley. Similarly, development in close proximity to roadways that currently provide views for motorists of undeveloped land and hillsides could interrupt the natural, sweeping views provided, particularly if such development is high-density or involves tall structures that obscure long�range views. Development throughout the Valley would continue to introduce additional sources of nighttime light leading to increases in skyglow and light overspill. Therefore, continued development in the Valley would result in significant cumulative impacts. Furthermore, the project would not obstruct views of the San Gabriel Mountains, Sierra Pelona Mountains, and the Angeles National Forest from Sierra Highway, Golden Valley Road and Newhall Ranch Road, which roadways offer the most prominent views of those features. Nevertheless, due to the overall change in visual character associated with the proposed project together with the related existing and proposed development in the vicinity of the project site, the project's contributions to cumulative visual character and quality and to light and glare impacts are considered to be significant and unavoidable. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-25 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.11 Visual Resources CUMULATIVE MITIGATION MEASURES No mitigation measures are feasible because the cumulative projects are reviewed on a case-by-case basis for visual resources impacts. UNAVOIDABLE SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS Project development would significantly alter the visual characteristics of the project site through the introduction of a roadway on land that is primarily undeveloped. These impacts are considered significant and unavoidable. Cumulative development would significantly alter the overall change in visual character in the vicinity of the project site and within the Santa Clarita Valley. These cumulative impacts are considered to be significant and unavoidable. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.11-26 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 AIR QUALITY SUMMARY This air quality assessment for the proposed Via Princessa East Extension project ("project" or "proposed project"), located in the City of Santa Clarita, California, was prepared in accordance with the South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Air Quality Handbookl and other guidance provided by the SCAQMD. The proposed project consists of the extension of the Via Princessa roadway to make it one of the primary east -west arterials through the City of Santa Clarita. The project is about 1.2 miles in length and will be a six -lane facility with sidewalks on each side of the roadway and would include a two-lane bike path along the south side of the project. The impacts associated with construction of the proposed project were compared to the thresholds of significance established by the SCAQMD. Thresholds of significance are used to assess the impacts from projected mass daily emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SOA, respirable particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10), and fine particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5) during project construction. The proposed project would not result in direct operational emissions other than periodic maintenance of the roadway; therefore, operational emissions would be qualitatively analyzed. In addition, the SCAQMD has promulgated localized significance thresholds (LSTs) in the SCAQMD Final Localized Significance Threshold Methoclology2 (LST Methodology) that identify local ambient air impacts during project construction for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), CO, PM10, and PM2.5. In addition, the SCAQMD requires an evaluation of the project's impact on local CO concentrations near impacted intersections and roadways as well as an evaluation of impacts from odors and toxic air contaminants at sensitive receptors. Based on the results of the air quality assessment, construction and operational emissions of the proposed project would not exceed the SCAQMD thresholds of significance. The proposed project's emissions during project construction would temporarily exceed the localized ambient concentration thresholds for PM10 and PM2.5 at nearby sensitive receptors. The proposed project would not lead to the formation of CO hotspots due to project -related vehicular traffic. Furthermore, the proposed project would not result in an odor nuisance and would not emit substantial toxic air contaminants that would exceed health - based standards. Mitigation measures described later in this section would reduce the construction 1 South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, 1993. 2 South Coast Air Quality Management District, Final Localized Significance Threshold Methodology, 2008. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-1 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.1 Air Quality emissions of the proposed project, but localized construction emissions would be significant and unavoidable. INTRODUCTION This section describes the ambient air quality of the local and regional area and provides a comparison of existing air quality to applicable federal, state, and local air pollutant standards. In addition, sources of air emissions near the proposed project site are identified and discussed. This section also identifies the plans and policies developed in efforts to improve air quality. Finally, this section evaluates potential air quality impacts associated with the project and identifies mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts. Sources utilized in this discussion include the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook (CEQA Handbook), Air Quality Analysis Guidance Handbook (Guidance Handbook), and air quality data from the SCAQMD, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Emission calculations were obtained from the Roadway Construction Emissions Model, Version 6.3.2, which was developed by the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD).3 The Roadway Construction Emissions Model is used to assess the emissions from linear construction projects, such as roadways. The model incorporated factors from California Air Resource Board's (CARB's) EMFAC2007 on -road vehicle emissions model and CARB's OFFROAD2007 off-road vehicle emissions model. Both EMFAC2007 and OFFROAD2007 contain the most up-to-date emission factors for on -road and off-road vehicles. The Roadway Construction Emissions Model is approved for use by the SCAQMD for estimating air pollutant emissions for environmental analyses pursuant to CEQA.4 The URBEMIS2007 Environmental Management Software was also used to estimate fugitive dust emissions from grading/excavation activities as well as operational of maintenance trucks and street sweepers. Emission calculations and air quality modeling conducted for the project are provided in Appendix 4.1. 3 Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, Roadway Constmction Emissions Model Version 6.3.2, 2009. The model may be downloaded from the following website: http://�.airquality.org/ceqa/index.shtml. 4 Spoken communication with Daniel Garcia, air quality specialist at SCAQMD. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management's Roadway Construction Emissions Model can be used as long as emission factors are current and accurate. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-2 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.1 Air Quality REGULATORY SETTING Federal The US EPA is responsible for enforcing the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), adopted in 1970 with major amendments occurring in 1977 and 1990,5 and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The US EPA regulates emission sources that are under the exclusive authority of the federal government, such as aircraft, ships, and certain locomotives. The US EPA also maintains jurisdiction over emissions sources outside state waters (outer continental shelf), and establishes various emissions standards for vehicles sold in states other than California. The NAAQS identify acceptable air quality levels for seven criteria pollutants: ozone (03), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), CO, S02, respirable particulate matter (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and lead. The NAAQS are considered to be the maximum concentrations of ambient (background) air pollutants determined to be safe to protect the public health and welfare with an adequate margin of safety. As part of its enforcement responsibilities, the US EPA requires each state with areas that do not meet the federal standards to prepare and submit a State Implementation Plan (SIP) that demonstrates the means to attain the federal standards. The SIP must integrate federal, state, and local planning components and regulations to identify specific measures to reduce pollution within the time frame identified in the SIP, using a combination of performance standards and market-based programs. The SCAQMD 2007 Air Quality Management Plan is the regulatory mechanism for bringing the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB) into conformity with the NAAQS. The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments6 were enacted to better protect the public's health and create more efficient methods for lowering pollutant emissions. The major areas of improvement addressed in the amendments involved air basin designations with respect to the NAAQS, automobile/heavy-duty engine emissions, and hazardous air pollutants. The US EPA designates air basins as being in attainment or nonattainment for each of the seven criteria pollutants. Nonattainment air basins for ozone are further ranked (marginal, moderate, serious, severe, or extreme) according to the degree of nonattainment. CARB is required to describe in its SIP how the state will achieve the federal standards by specified dates for each air basin that has failed to attain a NAAQS for any criteria pollutant. The status of the Los Angeles County portion of the SoCAB with respect to attainment of the NAAQS is summarized in Table 4.1-1, National Ambient Air Quality Standard Designations — South Coast Air Basin (Los Angeles County) below. 5 42 U.S.C. Sections 7401 et seq. 6 42 U.S.C. Sections 7401 et seq. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-3 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality project (the build scenario) to the air quality concentrations without the project (the No -Build scenario). A builckno-build analysis is necessary for each analysis year(s) chosen. It is always necessary to complete emissions and air quality modeling on the build scenario and compare these results to the relevant particulate matter NAAQS. Interim Guidance on Air Toxic Analysis in NEPA Documents With the passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, whereby Congress mandated that the USEPA regulate 188 air toxics — also known as hazardous pollutants, controlling air toxic emissions became a national priority. The US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) adopted the Interim Guidance on Air Toxic Analysis in NEPA Documents to establish methodology on how to analyze mobile source air toxics (MSAT) in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for highways. The FHWA developed a tiered approach for analyzing MSAT in NEPA documents, depending on specific project circumstances. Under this tiered approach, projects with no potential for meaningful MSAT effects would not need to undergo qualitative or quantitative analysis, projects with low potential MSAT effects would need to undergo a qualitative analysis, and projects with higher potential MSAT effects would need to undergo qualitative analysis and identify alternatives. State CARB oversees air quality planning and control throughout California. It is primarily responsible for ensuring the implementation of the California Clean Air Act'7 responding to the federal CAA planning requirements applicable to the state, and regulating emissions from motor vehicles and consumer products within the state. In addition, CARB also sets health based air quality standards and control measures for toxic air contaminants (TACs). Much of CARB's research focuses on automobile emissions, as they are the primary contributors to air pollution in California. Under the federal Clean Air Act, CARB has the authority to establish more stringent standards for vehicles sold in California and for various types of equipment available commercially. It also sets fuel specifications to further reduce vehicular emissions. The California Clean Air Act mandates that air basins achieve the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) by the earliest practical date. These standards apply to the same seven criteria pollutants as the federal Clean Air Act but also include sulfates, visibility -reducing particles, hydrogen sulfide, and vinyl chloride. The state standards are more stringent than the federal standards, and in the case of PM10, far more stringent. The most relevant health effects of each of these pollutants are described later in this section. 7 Chapter 1568 of the Statutes of 1988. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-5 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality Local South Coast Air Quality Management District The management of air quality in the SoCAB is the responsibility of the SCAQMD. This responsibility was given to SCAQMD by the state legislature's adoption of the 1977 Lewis -Presley Air Quality Management Act, which merged four county air pollution control bodies into one regional district. Under the Lewis -Presley Air Quality Act, the SCAQMD is responsible for bringing air quality in the areas under its jurisdiction into conformity with federal and state air quality standards. Specifically, the SCAQMD is responsible for monitoring ambient air pollutant levels throughout the basin and for developing and implementing attainment strategies to ensure that future emissions will be within federal and state standards. The SCAQMD primarily regulates emissions from stationary sources such as manufacturing and power generation. Mobile sources such as buses, automotive vehicles, trains, and airplanes are largely out of the SCAQMD's jurisdiction and within the regulatory jurisdiction of CARB and the US EPA. In order to achieve air quality standards, the SCAQMD adopts an Air Quality Management Plan that serves as a guideline for bringing pollutant concentrations into attainment with federal and state standards. The SCAQMD determines if certain rules and control measures are appropriate for its specific region according to technical feasibility, cost effectiveness, and the severity of nonattainment. Once the SCAQMD has adopted the proper rules, control measures, and permit programs, it is responsible for implementing and enforcing compliance with those rules, control measures, and programs. SCAQMD Air Quality Analysis Guidance Handbook In 1993, the SCAQMD prepared its CEQA Handbook to assist local government agencies and consultants in preparing environmental documents for projects subject to CEQA.9 The SCAQMD is in the process of developing its Guidance Handbook to replace the CEQA Handbook. The CEQA Handbook and the Guidance Handbook describe the criteria that SCAQMD uses when reviewing and commenting on the adequacy of environmental documents. The Guidance Handbook provides the most up-to-date recommended thresholds of significance in order to determine if a project will have a significant adverse environmental impact. Other important subjects covered in the CEQA Handbook and the Guidance Handbook include methodologies for estimating project emissions and mitigation measures that can be implemented to avoid or reduce air quality impacts. Although the Governing Board of the SCAQMD has 9 South Coast Air Quality Management District, "Air Quality Analysis Guidance Handbook," http://�.aqmd.gov/CEQA/hdbk.html. 2010. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-7 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality adopted the CEQA Handbook, and is in the process of developing the Guidance Handbook, the SCAQMD does not, nor it intend to, supersede a local jurisdiction's CEQA procedures.10 While the Guidance Handbook is being developed, supplemental information has been adopted by the SCAQMD. These include revisions to the air quality significance thresholds and a relatively new procedure referred to as "localized significance thresholds," which has been added as a significance threshold under the Final Localized Significance Threshold Methodology (LST Methodology).11 In addition, the SCAQMD has recommended that lead agencies not use the screening tables in the CEQA Handbook's Chapter 6 because the tables were derived using an obsolete version of CARB's mobile source emission factor inventory and are also based on outdated trip generation rates from a prior edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineer's Trip Generation handbook.12 The SCAQMD has also recommended that lead agencies not use the on -road mobile source emission factors in Table A9 -5-H through A9 -5-L as they are obsolete, and instead recommends using on -road mobile source emission factors approved by CARB.13 Consequently, the outdated and obsolete information were not used in this analysis. The applicable portions of the CEQA Handbook, the Guidance Handbook, and other revised methodologies were used in preparing the air quality analysis in this section, as discussed and referenced later in this section. SCAQMD Air Quality Management Plan The SCAQMD is required to produce Air Quality Management Plans (AQMPs) directing how the SoCAB's air quality will be brought into attainment with federal and state standards. The California Clean Air Act requires that these plans be updated triennially in order to incorporate the most recent available technical information. In addition, the US EPA requires that transportation conformity budgets be established based on the most recent planning assumptions (i.e., within the last five years). Plan updates are necessary to ensure continued progress toward attainment of the NAAQS and to avoid a transportation conformity lapse and associated federal funding losses. Amulti-level partnership of governmental agencies at the federal, state, regional, and local levels implement the programs contained in these plans. Agencies involved include the US EPA, CARB, local governments, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), and the SCAQMD. 10 South Coast Air Quality Management District, "Frequently Asked CEQA Questions," http://�.aqmd.gov/ceqa/faq.html. 2010. 11 South Coast Air Quality Management District, Final Localized Significance Threshold Methodology, (2008). 12 South Coast Air Quality Management District, "CEQA Air Quality Handbook," http://�.aqmd.gov/ ceqa/oldhdbk.html. 2010. 13 South Coast Air Quality Management District, "EMFAC 2007 (v2.3) Emission Factors (On-Roadt" http://�.aqmd.gov/CEQA/hmdbook/onroad/onroad.html. 2010. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-8 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.1 Air Quality Since 1979, the SCAQMD has prepared a number of AQMPs. The SCAQMD adopted the currently applicable 2007 AQMP on June 1, 2007. CARB approved the 2007 AQMP as the comprehensive SIP component for the SoCAB on September 27, 2007. The 2007 AQMP for the SoCAB (and those portions of the Salton Sea Air Basin under the SCAQMD's jurisdiction) sets forth a comprehensive program that will lead these areas into compliance with federal and state air quality planning requirements for ozone, PM10, and PM2.5. In addition, as part of the 2007 AQMP, the SCAQMD requested US EPA's approval of a "bump -up" to the "extreme" nonattainment classification of ozone for the SoCAB. The US EPA approved the extreme nonattainment request on April 15, 2010. The extreme nonattainment classification extends the ozone attainment date from 2021 to 2024 and allows for the attainment demonstration to rely on emission reductions from measures that anticipate the development of new technologies or improvement of existing control technologies. The 2007 AQMP focuses on attainment strategies for the ozone and PM2.5 standards through stricter control of sulfur oxides and directly emitted PM2.5, NOx, and VOCs. Although PM2.5 plans for nonattainment areas were due in April 2008, the SCAQMD has integrated PM2.5 and ozone reduction control measures and strategies in the 2007 AQMP. The need to commence PM2.5 control strategies before April 2008 was due to the attainment date for PM2.5 (2015) being much earlier than that for ozone (2024 for the extreme designation). Control measures and strategies for PM2.5 will also help control ozone generation in the region because PM2.5 and ozone share similar precursors (e.g., NOx). In addition, the 2007 AQMP focuses on reducing VOC emissions, which have not been reduced at the same rate as NOx emissions in the past. Hence, the SoCAB has not achieved the reductions in ozone as were expected in previous plans. SCAQMD Rules and Regulations The SCAQMD is responsible for limiting the amount of emissions that can be generated throughout the SoCAB by various stationary, area, and mobile sources. Specific rules and regulations have been adopted by the SCAQMD Governing Board, which limit the emissions that can be generated by various uses/activities and that identify specific pollution reduction measures that must be implemented in association with various uses and activities. These rules not only regulate the emissions of the federal and state criteria pollutants, but also toxic air contaminants and acutely hazardous materials. The rules are also subject to ongoing refinement by SCAQMD. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-9 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality Among the SCAQMD rules applicable to the proposed project are Rule 403 (Fugitive Dust) and Rule 1186 (PM10 Emissions from Paved and Unpaved Roads, and Livestock Operations). Rule 403 requires the use of stringent best available control measures to minimize PM10 emissions during grading and construction activities. Rule 1186 required the cleanup of materials to minimize PM10 emissions during construction activities. Additional details regarding these rules are presented below. Rule 403 (Fugifive Dust) - This rule requires fugitive dust sources to implement Best Available Control Measures for all sources, and all forms of visible particulate matter are prohibited from crossing any property line. SCAQMD Rule 403 is intended to reduce PM10 emissions from any transportation, handling, construction, or storage activity that has the potential to generate fugitive dust (see also Rule 1186).14 Rule 1186 (PM10 Emissions from Paved and Unpaved Roads, and Livestock Operations) - This rule applies to owners and operators of paved and unpaved roads and livestock operations. The rule is intended to reduce PM10 emissions by requiring the cleanup of material deposited onto paved roads, use of certified street sweeping equipment, and treatment of high -use unpaved roads (see also Rule 403).15 Sonthern California Association of Governments SCAG is a council of governments for the Counties of Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura. As a regional planning agency, SCAG serves as a forum for regional issues relating to transportation, the economy, community development, and the environment. SCAG also serves as the regional clearinghouse for projects requiring environmental documentation under federal and state law. In this role, SCAG reviews projects to analyze their impacts on SCAG's regional planning efforts. Although SCAG is not an air quality management agency, it is responsible for several air quality planning issues. Specifically, as the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Southern California region, it is responsible, pursuant to Section 176(c) of the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act, for providing current population, employment, travel, and congestion projections for regional air quality planning efforts. With respect to air quality, SCAG prepared the 2004 Regional Transportation Plan16 (2004 RTP) and the 2006 Regional Transportation Improvement Program17 (2006 RTIP) for the SCAG 14 South Coast Air Quality Management District, "Rule 403 - Fugitive Dust," http://�.aqmd.gov/rules/ reg/reg04/r403Pdf. 2010. 15 South Coast Air Quality Management District, "Rule 1186 — PMIO Emissions from Paved and Unpaved Road, and Livestock Operations," http://�.aqmd.gov/rules/reg/regll/rII86.pdf. 2010. 16 Southern California Association of Governments, "Regional Transportation Plan," http://�.scag.ca.gov/ rtp2004/2004/FmaIPIan.htm. 2004. 17 Southern California Association of Governments, "Regional Transportation Improvement Program," http://�.scag.ca.gov/RTIP/rtip2OO6/adopted.htm. 2006. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-10 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality region, which formed the basis for the transportation components of SCAQMUs 2007 AQMP and were utilized in the preparation of air quality forecasts and the consistency analysis that are included in the 2007 AQMP. While SCAG's 2008 RTP has been prepared, it has not yet been used for an adopted AQMP. Future AQMPs developed by the SCAQMD would take into account updated growth projections from more recent RTPs and RTIPs. Local Governments Local governments, such as the City of Santa Clarita, share the responsibility to implement or facilitate some of the control measures of the AQMP. These governments have the authority to reduce air pollution through local policies and land use decision-making authority. Specifically, local governments are responsible for the mitigation of emissions resulting from land use decisions and for the implementation of transportation control measures as outlined in the AQMP.18 The AQMP assigns local governments certain responsibilities to assist the SoCAB in meeting air quality goals and policies. In general, the first step towards fulfilling a local government's assigned responsibility is the identification of air quality goals, policies, and implementation measures in the local government's general plan. The City of Santa Clarita has adopted air quality goals, policies, and implementation measures in its General Plan. Through capital improvement programs, local governments can fund infrastructure that contributes to improved air quality by requiring such improvements as bus turnouts, energy-efficient streetlights and synchronized traffic signals.19 In accordance with the CEQA requirements and the CEQA review process, local governments assess air quality impacts, require mitigation of potential air quality impacts by conditioning discretionary permits, and monitor and enforce implementation of such mitigation.20 EXISTING CONDITIONS Regional Climate The project is located in the northwestern portion of the SoCAB, which is shown in Figure 4.1-1, South Coast Air Basin. SoCAB consists of Orange County, Los Angeles County (excluding the Antelope Valley), and the western, non -desert portions of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. 18 South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, 1993.2-2. 19 South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, 1993.2-2. 20 South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, 1993. 2-2. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-11 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality Air quality is affected by both the rate and location of pollutant emissions. Meteorological conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, solar radiation, atmospheric stability, along with local topography, heavily influence air quality by affecting the movement and dispersal of pollutants. Predominant meteorological conditions in the SoCAB include light winds and shallow vertical mixing due to low -altitude temperature inversion. These conditions, when coupled with the surrounding mountain ranges, hinder the regional dispersion of air pollutants. The strength and location of a semi-permanent, high-pressure cell over the northern Pacific Ocean is the primary climatological influence on the SoCAB, as is the ocean, which moderates the local climate by acting like a large heat reservoir. As a result of these influences, warm summers, mild winters, infrequent rainfall, and moderate humidity typify climatic conditions through most of the basin. These meteorological conditions, in combination with regional topography, are conducive to the formation and retention of ozone (03) and urban smog. Annual average temperatures throughout the SoCAB vary from the low to middle 60s degrees Fahrenheit ff). However, due to decreased marine influence, the eastern portion of the basin shows greater variability in average annual minimum and maximum temperatures. January is the coldest month throughout the SoCAB, and annual average minimum temperatures are 56' F in downtown Los Angeles, 49' F in San Bernardino, and 55' F in Long Beach. July and August are the warmest months in the SoCAB, and annual average maximum temperatures are 83' F in downtown Los Angeles, 95' F in San Bernardino, and 85' F in Long Beach. All portions of the SoCAB have recorded maximum temperatures above 100' F. Although the climate of the SoCAB can be characterized as semi -arid, the air near the land surface is quite moist on most days because of the presence of a marine layer. The SCAQMD operates stations in SoCAB that monitor meteorological conditions and pollutant concentrations. Wind speeds and directions for the area are taken from the monitoring station located nearest to the project site, which is located at 22224 Placenta Canyon Road in the City of Santa Clarita (Station No. 090), approximately 1.8 miles southwest of the project site, and are shown in Figure 4.1-2, Wind Rose for Source Receptor Area 13. As shown, predominant winds are from the south and southeast up to 25 miles per hour (11 meters per second). The average maximum temperature in the City of Santa Clarita area is 92' F and the average minimum is 40' F.21 The average annual rainfall is 18.2 inches.22 21 Western Regional Climate Center, "Newhall, California (Station 046165)," http://�.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi- bm/cliMAIN.pPca6I65. 22 Western Regional Climate Center, http://�.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca6l65. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-12 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality Regional Air Quality Air pollutants of concern in SoCAB are primarily generated by two categories of sources: stationary and mobile. Stationary sources include "point sources," which have one or more emission sources at a single facility, and "area sources," which are widely distributed emissions. Point sources are usually associated with manufacturing and industrial uses and include sources such as refineries, boilers, and combustion equipment that produce electricity or process heat. Examples of area sources include residential water heaters, painting operations, lawn mowers, agricultural fields, landfills, and consumer products, such as lighter fluid or hair spray. Mobile sources refer to operational and evaporative emissions from motor vehicles. Mobile sources account for approximately 59 percent of the VOC emissions, 90 percent of the NOx emissions, 95 percent of the CO emissions, 55 percent of the SOx emissions, 15 percent of the PM10 emissions, and 34 percent of the PM2.5 emissions found within the SoCAB.23 Point, area, and stationary sources emit both criteria pollutants and TACs. Criteria Pollutants The US EPA is the federal agency responsible for setting the NAAQS. A region's air quality is considered to be in attainment of the NAAQS if the measured ambient air pollutant levels meet the criteria shown in Table 4.1-3, Ambient Air Quality Standards and Health Effects. The NAAQS for 03, NO2, S02, PM10, and PM2.5 are based on statistical calculations over one- to three-year periods, depending on the pollutant. CARB is the state agency responsible for setting the CAAQS. Regional air quality is considered to be in attainment of the CAAQS if the measured ambient air pollutant levels for 03, CO, NO2, S02, PM10, PM2.5, and lead are not exceeded, and all other standards are not equaled or exceeded at any time in any consecutive three-year period. The NAAQS and CAAQS for each of the monitored pollutants and their effects on health are summarized in Table 4.1-3. The Los Angeles County portion of the SoCAB is designated as nonattainment for the federal 03, PM10, and PM2.5 standards and nonattainment for the state 03, NO2, PM10, PM2.5, and lead standards. 23 California Air Resources Board, "2008 Estimated Annual Average Emissions — South Coast Air Basin," http://�.arb.ca.gov/ei/maps/basins/abs=ap.htm. 2009. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-15 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality are also referred to as reactive organic compounds (ROCs) or reactive organic gases (ROGs). VOCs themselves are not "criteria" pollutants; however, they contribute to formation of 03.25 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). NO2 is a reddish -brown, highly reactive gas that is formed in the ambient air through the oxidation of nitric oxide (NO). NO2 is also a byproduct of fuel combustion. The principle form of NO2 produced by combustion is NO, but NO reacts quickly to form NO2, creating the mixture of NO and NO2 referred to as NOx. NO2 acts as an acute irritant and, in equal concentrations, is more injurious than NO. At atmospheric concentrations, however, NOX is only potentially irritating. NO2 absorbs blue light, the result of which is a brownish -red cast to the atmosphere and reduced visibility.26 Carbon Monoxide (CO). CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels. CO concentrations tend to be the highest during the winter morning, with little to no wind, when surface -based inversions trap the pollutant at ground levels. Because CO is emitted directly from internal combustion engines, unlike ozone, and motor vehicles operating at slow speeds are the primary source of CO in the basin, the highest ambient CO concentrations are generally found near congested transportation corridors and intersections.27 Sulfur dioxide (S02). S02 is a colorless, extremely irritating gas or liquid. It enters the atmosphere as a pollutant mainly as a result of burning high -sulfur -content fuel oils and coal and from chemical processes occurring at chemical plants and refineries. When sulfur dioxide oxidizes in the atmosphere, it forms sulfates (SO4). In June 2006, the sulfur content of vehicle diesel fuel sold or used in California was reduced from 500 parts per million (ppm) to 15 ppm (by weight).28 According to the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, "[t]he removal of additional sulfur to produce low -sulfur diesel will result in a decrease in sulfur -containing combustion products. These include oxides of sulfur, sulfuric acid, sulfate, and sulfite."29 Respirable Particulate Matter (PM10). PM10 consists of extremely small, suspended particles or droplets 10 microns or smaller in diameter. Some sources of PM10, like pollen and windstorms, are naturally occurring. However, in populated areas, most atmospheric PM10 is caused by road dust, diesel soot, combustion products, abrasion of tires and brakes, and construction activities.30 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5). PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or smaller in size. The sources of PM2.5 include fuel combustion from automobiles, power plants, wood burning, industrial processes, and diesel -powered vehicles such as buses and trucks. These fine 25 California Air Resources Board, "Glossary of Air Pollution Terms," http://�.arb.ca.gov/html/gloss.htm. 2010. 26 California Air Resources Board, "Glossary of Air Pollution Terms," http://�.arb.ca.gov/html/gloss.htm. 2010. 27 California Air Resources Board, "Glossary of Air Pollution Terms," http://�.arb.ca.gov/html/gloss.htm. 2010. 28 Amendments to 13 C.C.R. § 2281. 29 Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Mentoranctum — Health InTacts of Low -Sulfur Diesel Production and Use, (2004) 2. 30 California Air Resources Board, "Air Pollution — Particulate Matter Brochure," http://�.arb.ca.gov/html/ brochure/pmlO.htm. 2010. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-18 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.1 Air Quality particles are also formed in the atmosphere when gases such as sulfur dioxide, NOX, and VOCs are transformed in the air by chemical reactions.31 Lead (Pb). Ph occurs in the atmosphere as particulate matter. The combustion of leaded gasoline was the primary source of airborne lead in the SoCAB. Because it was emitted from vehicles when leaded gasoline was used, Ph is present in many soils (especially urban soils) and can become re-suspencled in the air. The use of leaded gasoline is no longer permitted for on -road motor vehicles, so combustion emissions are associated with off -road vehicles such as racecars that may still use leaded gasoline. Other sources of Ph include the manufacturing and recycling of batteries, paint, ink, ceramics, amrnunition, and secondary lead smelters.32 The state standards for sulfates, visibility reducing particles, hydrogen sulfide, and vinyl chloride do not have corresponding federal standards. Generally, sources of hydrogen sulfide emissions include decomposition of human and animal wastes and industrial activities, such as food processing, coke ovens, kraft paper mills, tanneries, and petroleum refineries. There are no such uses or sources associated with the proposed project. Similarly, the sources for vinyl chloride emissions include manufacturing of plastic products, hazardous waste sites, and landfills, which are also not associated with the proposed project. As a result, there is no need for any further evaluation of hydrogen sulfide or vinyl chloride emissions with respect to the proposed project. According to the SCAQMD's 2007 AQMR33 the sulfate and visibility -reducing particle standards have not been exceeded anywhere in the SoCAB. In addition, as the proposed project would not located sources of substantial sulfate emissions to the region and as sulfate is a byproduct of sulfur emissions, there is no need for any further evaluation of the sulfate emissions with respect to the proposed project (sulfur emissions are included in the analysis as SOx). Furthermore, while the proposed project would result in particulate emissions, the emissions would not be of sufficient magnitude to result in a violation of the visibility -reducing particle standard and no further evaluation is required. CARB has determined that the CAAQS for lead was exceeded in Central Los Angeles County (Source Receptor Area [SRA] 1) based on monitoring data for 2006 through 2008.34 The exceeclance was primarily the result of lead emissions from an industrial lead -acid battery recycling facility in the City of Commerce. The SCAQMD currently maintains a network of three source -oriented lead monitors around the facility. Based on violations of the lead standard, the SCAQMD issued violation notices to the facility 31 California Air Resources Board, "Particulate Matter Pollutant Monitoring," http://�.arb.ca.gov/ aaqm/partic.htm. 2010. 32 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil," http://�.epa.gov/lead/ pubs/leadinfo.htm. 2010. 33 South Coast Air Quality Management District, 2007Air Quality Managentent Plan, 2007. 34 California Air Resources Board, Proposed 2010 Antenchnents to the State Area Designations, Criteria, and Maps, 2010 23. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-19 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.1 Air Quality for exceeding the limit of 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter over a 30 -day averaging period during five consecutive months (December 2007 through April 2008).35 Concentrations during this period also exceeded the federal lead standard. Since this time, the SCAQMD monitors show concentrations that are much lower, although they still exceed the revised federal lead standard of 0.15 pg/m3 calculated as a rolling three-month average. No other monitors in the SoCAB indicate lead exceeclances.36 The proposed project is not located in the vicinity of the lead exceeclance in the City of Commerce. The project does not include any uses that would emit lead. Motor vehicles and paints used to be a source of lead; however, unleaded fuel and unleaded paints have virtually eliminated lead emissions from residential and commercial land use projects. As a result, there is no need for any further evaluation of lead emissions with respect to the proposed project. Toxic Air Contaminants In addition to criteria pollutants, the SCAQMD periodically assesses levels of TACs in the SoCAB. A toxic air contaminant HAC) is defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 39655: 'Toxic air contaminant" means an air pollutant which may cause or contribute to an increase in mortality or in serious illness, or which may pose a present or potential hazard to human health. A substance that is listed as a hazardous air pollutant pursuant to subsection (b) of Section 112 of thefederal act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 7412(b)) is a toxic air contaminant. Between April 2004 and March 2006, the SCAQMD conducted the Multiple Air Toxics Exposure Study III (MATES 111), which is a follow-up to previous MATES I and 11 air toxics studies conducted in the SoCAB. The MATES III Final Report was issued in September 2008. The MATES III study, based on actual monitored data throughout the SoCAB, consisted of several elements. These included a monitoring program, an updated emissions inventory of TACs, and a modeling effort to characterize carcinogenic risk across the SoCAB from exposure to TACs. The MATES III study applied a 2 -kilometer (1.24 -mile) grid over the SoCAB and reported carcinogenic risk within each grid space (covering an area of 4 square kilometers or 1.54 square miles). The study concluded that the average of the modeled air toxics concentrations measured at each of the monitoring stations in the SoCAB equates to a background cancer risk of approximately 1,200 in 1,000,000 primarily due to diesel exhaust. The MATES III study also found lower ambient concentrations of most of the measured air toxics compared to the levels measured in the previous MATES 11 study conducted during 1998 and 1999. Specifically, benzene and 1,3 -butadiene, 35 South Coast Air Quality Management District, "Facility Information Detail (FINDi- http://�.aqmd.gov/webappl/fim/prog/novnc.aspx?fac id -124838. 2010. 36 California Air Resources Board, Proposed 2010 Amendments to the State Area Designations, Criteria, and Maps, 2010. 23. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-20 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.1 Air Quality pollutants generated mainly from vehicles, were down 50 percent and 73 percent, respectively.37 The reductions were attributed to air quality control regulations and improved emission control technologies. Local Air Quality Ambient Pollutant Concentrations As mentioned above, the SCAQMD has divided the SoCAB into Source Receptor Areas in which air quality monitoring stations are operated. The project site is located in the Santa Clarita Valley (SRA 13). The monitoring station for this area is located at 22224 Placenta Canyon Road in the City of Santa Clarita (Station No. 090), approximately 1.8 miles southwest of the project site. This station monitors emission levels of 03, NO2, CO, and RM10. The nearest station that monitors PM2.5 emission levels is located in the West San Fernando Valley (SRA 6), at 18330 Gault Street in Reseda, California (Station No. 074), approximately 15 miles south of the project site. The nearest station that monitors S02 emission levels is located in the East San Fernando Valley (SRA 7), at 228 W Palm Avenue in the City of Burbank (Station No. 069), approximately 20 miles southeast of the project site. Table 4.1-4, Summary of Ambient Air Pollutant Concentrations in Source Receptor Area 13, lists the ambient pollutant concentrations registered and the exceeclances of state and federal standards that have occurred at the abovementioned monitoring station from 2007 through 2009, the most recent years in which data is available from the SCAQMD. As shown, the monitoring station has registered values above state and federal standards for 03, the state standard for RM10, and the federal standard for PM2.5. As previously discussed, values for lead and sulfate are not presented in the table below since ambient concentrations are well below the state standards in the area. Hydrogen sulfide, vinyl chloride, and visibility reducing particles were not monitored by CARB or the SCAQMD in Los Angeles County during the period of 2006 to 2008. 37 South Coast Air Quality Management District, Multiple Air Toxics Exposure Study in the South Coast Air B�in (MATES 111) —Draft Report, 2008. ES -2. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-21 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.1 Air Quality Santa Clarita Sithregional Analysis In November 2004, the SCAQMD prepared a subregional analysis for the Santa Clarita Valley, which includes areas within the City of Santa Clarita and areas within unincorporated Los Angeles County. A copy of the subregional analysis is provided in Appendix 4.1. The purpose of a subregional analysis is to identify disproportionate air quality impacts in a specific geographic area, and if found, to address and mitigate these impacts. With regard to future development in the Santa Clarita Valley, the analysis concluded that: • When simultaneous 25 -year buildout of all recorded, pending and approved land parcels in the City and County portions of the valley is assumed, the simulated annual PM10 impact is projected to increase up to 5 micrograms per cubic meter (pg/m3). • The maximum regional annual average PM10 impact is projected to occur near Newhall Ranch. • Future development would not cause violations of the federal annual average PM10 standard, but could cause possible violations of the state standard. • The Santa Clarita Valley's air quality is more greatly influenced by pollutant emissions transported into the valley from areas to the south than by pollutant emissions generated in the valley itself. The overwhelming contribution of pollution transport to the Santa Clarita Valley comes from the San Fernando Valley and metropolitan Los Angeles. The major daytime wind vectors are from the south and upwind emission source areas. Additionally, field studies have confirmed the prevalent transport route through the Newhall Pass by tracing the northward movement of inert tracer gases released in the Metropolitan Los Angeles areas. As an example, the City of Santa Clarita is a relatively small contributor to the total emissions of the key pollutants in both Los Angeles County and the SoCAB as a whole. The report indicates that across the board, the emissions are typically less than 3 percent of the County total and 2 percent of the SoCAB total. The study recommended mitigation measures to reduce fugitive dust and diesel exhaust beyond those measures already required by the SCAQMD's Rule 403: 0 Potential Mitigation Measures for PM10 Fugitive Dust: Installation of monitoring devices around perimeter of site to collect samples during the construction and operation of the project to ensure that the PM10 levels do not exceed 50 pg/m3 pursuant to requirements under Rule 403. Signs posted with a phone number for the public to report dust problems. Apply water three times daily, or non-toxic soil stabilizers according to manufacturers' specifications, to all unpaved parking or staging areas or unpaved road surfaces (compared to watering twice daily as the minimum required by Rule 403). Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-23 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality Pave construction roads that have a traffic volume of more than 50 daily trips by construction equipment, 150 total daily trips for all vehicles (compared to watering twice daily as the minimum required by Rule 403). Pave all construction access roads at least 100 feet onto the site from the main road (for sites 5 acres or 100 cubic yards daily import/export of bulk material). Pave construction roads that have a daily traffic volume of more than 50 vehicular trips (compared to watering twice daily as the minimum required by Rule 403). 0 Potential Mitigation from Diesel Mobile Sources: Use of after treatment control technologies such as diesel oxidation catalysts. Use of alternative diesel fuels such as emulsified diesel fuel. Provide a minimum buffer zone of 300 meters between truck traffic and/or and sensitive receptors. Re-route truck traffic by adding direct off -ramps for the truck traffic or by restricting truck traffic on certain sensitive routes. Improve traffic flow by signal synchronization. Enforce truck parking restrictions. Develop park-and-ride programs. Restrict truck engine idling. Restrict operation to "clean" trucks. Provide electrical hook-ups for trucks that need to cool their load. Electrify auxiliary power units. Provide on-site services to minimize truck traffic in or near residential areas, including, but not limited to, the following services: meal or cafeteria service, automated teller machines, etc. Require or provide incentives to use low -sulfur diesel fuel with particulate traps. Conduct air quality monitoring at sensitive receptors. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-24 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality PROJECT IMPACTS Significance Threshold Criteria New and modified projects will often affect regional air quality, both directly and indirectly. When determining the extent of a project's environmental impact and the significance of such impact, the project should be compared with established thresholds of significance. The following discusses the thresholds set forth by the SCAQMD for both construction and operational emissions that would be generated by the project. In accordance with Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines, the project would have a significant impact on air quality if it would: 0 conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan; violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation; result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non -attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors); 0 expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations; or 0 create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people. The State CEQA Guidelines (Section 15064.7) provide that, when available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management district or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make determinations of significance. The potential air quality impacts of the proposed project are, therefore, evaluated according to thresholds developed by the SCAQMD in their CEQA Air Quality Handbook, Air Quality Analysis Guidance Handbook, and subsequent guidance, which are listed below. While the SCAQMD has established significance thresholds for lead, construction and operation of the proposed project will not exceed the established thresholds as previously discussed above. Therefore, lead emissions from the project will not cause an air quality violation and will not be analyzed further. Construction Emissions Thresholds Impacts related to construction emissions associated with the proposed project would be considered significant when the project exceeds the limits specified in Table 4.1-5, SCAQMD Daily Construction Emission Thresholds. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-25 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality Because the thresholds are converted from a Clean Air Act threshold, the SCAQMD has determined that these thresholds are based on scientific and factual data.40 Therefore, the SCAQMD recommends that the following thresholds be used by lead agencies in making a determination of operation -related project significance. Secondary Thresholds Project impacts would be considered significant if operation of the project meets any of the SCAQMD secondary thresholds listed below. • The project could interfere with the attainment of the federal or state ambient air quality standards by either violating or contributing to an existing or projected air quality violation. • The project could result in population increases within an area, which would be in excess of that projected by SCAG in the AQMP, or increase the population in an area where SCAG has not projected that growth for the project's buildout year. • The project could generate vehicle trips that cause a CO hotspot or project could be occupied by sensitive receptors that are exposed to a CO hotspot. • The project will have the potential to create, or be subjected to, an objectionable odor that could impact sensitive receptors. • The project will have hazardous materials on site and could result in an accidental release of toxic air emissions or acutely hazardous materials posing a threat to public health and safety. • The project could emit a toxic air contaminant regulated by SCAQMD rules or that is on a federal or state air toxic list. • The project could be occupied by sensitive receptors and be located within 0.25 mile of an existing facility that emits air toxics identified in SCAQMD Rule 1401. • The project could emit carcinogenic or toxic air contaminants that individually or cumulatively exceed the maximum individual cancer risk of 10 in 1 million. Localized Significance Thresholds In addition to the above listed emission -based thresholds, the SCAQMD also recommends the evaluation of localized air quality impacts to sensitive receptors in the immediate vicinity of the project site as a result of construction activities. This evaluation requires that anticipated ambient air concentrations, determined using a computer-based air quality dispersion model, be compared to localized significance 40 South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, 1993. 6-1. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-28 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality Otmitlative Thresholds In large part, the SCAQMD 2007 AQMP was prepared to accommodate growth, to meet state and federal air quality standards, and to minimize the fiscal impact that pollution control measures have on the local economy. According to the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook, projects that are within the emission thresholds identified above should be considered less than significant on a cumulative basis unless there is other pertinent information to the contrary.43 If a project is not within the emission thresholds above, the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook identifies three possible methods to determine the cumulative significance of land use projects.44 The SCAQMUs methods are based on performance standards and emission reduction targets necessary to attain the federal and state air quality standards identified in the 2007 AQMR However, one method is no longer recommended and supported by the SCAQMD, and another method is not applicable as the SCAQMD repealed the underlying regulation (Regulation XV) after the CEQA Air Quality Handbook was published.45 Therefore, the only viable SCAQMD method for determining cumulative impacts is based on whether the rate of growth in average daily trips exceeds the rate of growth in population and whether the project is consistent with the AQMR The proposed project is a roadway extension project and would not increase average daily trips or population within the City; therefore, cumulative impacts would be identified based on whether the project's emissions are within the SCAQMD thresholds identified above. Methodology Air quality impacts resulting from the implementation of the proposed project would result in short-term impacts due to construction activities. Construction activities would affect air quality due to fugitive dust emissions and exhaust emissions associated with construction activities. The proposed project would not result in operational activities other than periodic maintenance of the roadway; therefore, operational impacts are qualitatively analyzed. 43 South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, (1993) 9-12. 44 South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, 1993. 9-12., Personal communication with Dr. Steve Smith, South Coast Air Quality Management District, November 20, 2003. 45 The two methods that are no longer recommended and supported by the SCAQMD are: (1) demonstrating a I percent per year reduction in project emissions of VOC, NOx, CO, SOx, and PMIO and (2) demonstrating a 1.5 average vehicle ridership, or average vehicle occupancy for a transportation project. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-30 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality The Roadway Construction Emissions Model, Version 6.3.2 established by the SMAQMD was used to quantify construction emissions that would result from the development of the proposed project.46 The Roadway Construction Emissions Model is used to assess the emissions of linear construction projects. It uses CARB's EMFAC2007 model for on -road vehicle emissions and CARB's OFFROAD2007 model for off-road vehicle emissions. The model is approved for use by the SCAQMD for estimating air pollutant emissions for environmental analyses pursuant to CEQA.47 The URBEMIS2007 Environmental Management Software was also used to estimate fugitive dust emissions from grading/excavation activities as well as operational of maintenance trucks and street sweepers. Design Measures Already Incorporated Into the Project DM 4.1-1 The proposed project consists of the extension of the Via Princessa roadway to make it one of the primary east -west arterials through the City of Santa Clarita, which would improve traffic flow within the City. DM 4.1-2 The proposed project includes a two-lane bike path along the south side of the project. DM 4.1-3 The proposed project includes sidewalks for pedestrians on each side of the roadway. Impact Analysis Impact Threshold 4.1-1 The proposed project would conflict with or obstruct the implementation of the applicable air quality plan. The 2007 AQMR discussed previously, was prepared to accommodate growth, to reduce the high levels of pollutants within the area under the jurisdiction of SCAQMD, to return clean air to the region, and to minimize the impact on the economy. Projects that are considered consistent with the AQMP would not interfere with attainment because this growth is included in the projections utilized in the formulation of the AQMP. Therefore, projects, uses, and activities that are consistent with the applicable assumptions used in the development of the AQMP would not jeopardize attainment of the air quality levels identified in the AQMR even if they exceed the SCAQMD's recommended daily emissions thresholds. The proposed project would develop a roadway extension to improve traffic flow within the City of Santa Clarita. It would not develop land uses that would result in population growth within the area. 46 Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, Roadway Constmction Emissions Model Version 6.3.2, 2009. 47 Spoken communication with Daniel Garcia, air quality specialist at SCAQMD. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management's Roadway Construction Emissions Model can be used as long as emission factors are current and accurate. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-31 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.1 Air Quality Moreover, as discussed in Section 8.0, Growth Inducement, the proposed project would not result in growth inducement within the City. Therefore, the proposed project would be consistent with SCAQMD's 2007 AQMP and would have a less than significant impact with respect to this criterion. Impact Threshold 4.1-2 The proposed project would violate air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation as a result of construction and operational activity. Constrnction Emissions Development of the proposed project would involve clearing, grading, excavation, trenching, and asphalt paving. Construction would require cut and fill of debris and soil associated with grading and excavation. During periods of construction activity, on-site stationary sources, heavy-duty construction vehicles, construction worker vehicles, and energy use would generate emissions. In addition, fugitive dust would be generated by grading, excavation, and other construction activities. However, construction impacts would be short-term in nature and limited only to the period when construction activity is taking place on the project site. The project site is 25.2 acres in size and consists of natural land area. A maximum of approximately 1 acre would be disturbed daily during the development of the proposed project. Clearing and Grubbing of the area is expected to begin in May 2013 and last through August 2013. Site grading and excavation would require on-site cut and fill of 762,120 cubic yards, as estimated by the project Applicant. Grading and excavation is expected to begin in September 2013 and last through January 2015. Trenching for drainage and utilities is expected to begin in February 2015 and last through December 2015. Asphalt paving would follow in January 2016 and last through June 2016. The emission calculations assume the use of standard construction practices, such as compliance with SCAQMD Rule 403 (Fugitive Dust), to minimize the generation of fugitive dust. Compliance with Rule 403 is mandatory for all construction projects. In the Road Construction Emissions Model, Version 6.3.2, the emission calculations take into account compliance with Rule 403 by incorporating watering of the site during construction. In the URBEMIS2007 model, the emission calculations take into account compliance with Rule 403 by incorporating the following measures: watering of exposed surfaces and unpaved roads three times daily, which is estimated to reduce fugitive dust emissions from this source (PM10 and PM2.5) by 61 percent, per guidance from the SCAQMD; use of soil stabilization measures during equipment loading and unloading, which is estimated to reduce fugitive dust emissions from this source (PM10 and PM2.5) by 69 percent, per guidance from the SCAQMD; and managing haul road dust Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-32 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality The US EPA requires PM hot -spot analyses for projects of local air quality concern, which include certain highway and transit projects that involve significant levels of diesel vehicle traffic or any other project identified in the PM2.5 or PM10 SIP as localized air quality concern. The conformity rule requires that the emissions from the proposed project, when considered with background concentrations, will not produce a new violation of the NAAQS, increase the frequency or severity of existing violations, or delay timely attainment of the NAAQS or any required interim reductions or milestones. PM hot -spot analyses include only directly emitted PM2.5 and PM10 emissions, and emissions from construction -related activities are not required to be included in PM hot -spot analyses if such emissions are considered temporary as defined in 40 CFR 93.123(c)(5) (i.e., emissions that occur only during the construction phase and last five years or less at any individual site). Operation -related activities are not required to be included in PM hot -spot analysis if the project would improve traffic flow and vehicle speeds and would not involve any increases in idling. Thus, the project would be expected to have a neutral or positive influence on PM emissions. The proposed project would be constructed in 38 months and operation of the project would result in improvement of traffic flow to nearby roadways in the region. Therefore, the proposed project would have a positive influence on PM emissions and would not require a PM hot -spot analysis. The proposed project would have a less than significant impact with respect to this criterion. Mitigation Measures No mitigation is required Residual Impacts No impact would occur. Impact Threshold 4.1-3 The proposed project would expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. Constrnction Emissions The SCAQMD recommends the evaluation of localized NOx, CO, PM10, and PM2.5 impacts as a result of on-site construction activities to sensitive receptors in the imrnechate vicinity of the project site. This analysis determines the ambient air quality impacts due to construction activities on the day with the highest estimated daily mass emission rates as presented in Table 4.1-8. The project -specific localized significance thresholds for SEA 13 (Santa Clarita Valley) are shown in Table 4.1-9, Localized Significance Thresholds Analysis, and are compared with the maximum daily on-site construction emissions. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-34 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality transportation projects. Certain projects are exempt from all emissions analyses according to the CO Protocol, including those projects that enhance transportation activities. Since the proposed project would result in the improvement of traffic flow, which is considered a transportation enhancement activity, it would be exempt from all emissions analyses under the CO Protocol. Nevertheless, the project was evaluated to determine if it would cause a CO hotspot utilizing a simplified CALINE4 screening model developed by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). The simplified model is intended as a screening analysis that identifies a potential CO hotspot. If a hotspot is identified, the complete CALINE4 model is then utilized to determine precisely the CO concentrations predicted at the intersections in question. This methodology assumes worst-case conditions (i.e., wind direction is parallel to the primary roadway and 90 degrees to the secondary road, wind speed of less than 1 meter per second and extreme atmospheric stability) and provides a screening of maximum, worst-case, CO concentrations. The simplified approach is acceptable to the SCAQMD as long as it is used consistently with the BAAQMD guidelines. This model is utilized to predict existing and future CO concentrations 0 feet from the intersections in the study area based on projected traffic volumes from these intersections contained in the project traffic study. Interim year no -project, interim year with -project, and long-range with -project conditions CO concentrations were calculated for peak hour traffic volumes for those intersections that are anticipated to operate at LOS D or worse, based on the traffic analysis for the project.48 Background (existing) ambient CO concentrations were included in the analysis. The results of these CO concentration calculations are presented in Table 4.1-10, Maximum Carbon Monoxide Concentrations, for representative receptors located 0 feet from the intersection. As shown, the CALINE4 screening procedure predicts that, under worst-case conditions, future CO concentrations at each intersection would not exceed the state 1 -hour and 8 -hour standards with or without the development of the project. No significant CO hotspot impacts would occur to sensitive receptors in the vicinity of these intersections. As a result, no significant project -related impacts would occur relative to future carbon monoxide concentrations. Therefore, the proposed project would have a less than significant impact with respect to this criterion. 48 Austin -Foust Associates, Via Princessa Extension, Traffic Analysis, (2011). Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-36 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.1 Air Quality as defined by CARB regulations. A copy of each unit's certified tier specification, BACT determination, and CARB or SCAQMD operating permit shall be provided at the time of mobilization of each applicable unit of equipment. Use electric welders to avoid emissions from gas or diesel welders, to the extent feasible. Equipment that is commercially available shall be considered to be feasible. Equipment that is in the development, testing, or demonstration stage shall be considered not feasible. Use electricity or alternate fuels for on-site mobile equipment instead of diesel equipment, to the extent feasible. Equipment that is commercially available shall be considered to be feasible. Equipment that is in the development, testing, or demonstration stage shall be considered not feasible. Use on-site electricity or alternative fuels rather than diesel -powered or gasoline -powered generators, to the extent feasible. Equipment that is commercially available shall be considered to be feasible. Equipment that is in the development, testing, or demonstration stage shall be considered not feasible. Maintain construction equipment by conducting regular tune-ups according to the manufacturers' recommendations. Minimize idling time either by shutting equipment when not in use or reducing the time of idling to 5 minutes as a maximum. Minimize the hours of operation of heavy-duty equipment and/or the amount of equipment in use at any one time. Apply water three times daily, or non-toxic soil stabilizers according to manufacturers' specifications, to all unpaved parking or staging areas, unpaved road surfaces, and active construction areas. Apply non-toxic soil stabilizers according to manufacturers' specifications to all inactive construction areas (previously graded areas inactive for four days or more). Install wheel washers or shaker plates to minimize dirt track out and dust generation where vehicles enter and exit the construction site onto paved roads or wash off trucks and any equipment leaving the site each trip. 0 Traffic speeds on all unpaved roads to be reduced to 15 mph or less. 0 All trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials are to be covered. Sweep streets at the end of the day if visible soil is carried onto adjacent public paved roads (recommend water sweepers with reclaimed water). Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-38 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality Residual Impacts Mitigation Measure MM 4.1-1 would reduce the on-site project construction emissions; however, on-site construction emissions of PM10 and PM2.5 would continue to have a significant impact with respect to this criterion. Impact Threshold 4.1-4 The proposed project would create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people. Constrnction Emissions The proposed project could have the potential to create objectionable odors that could impact sensitive receptors. During construction, certain pieces of construction equipment could emit odors associated with exhaust. However, odors emitted from certain pieces of construction equipment would dissipate quickly and be short term in duration. Compliance with SCAQMD rules and permit requirements would ensure that no objectionable odors are created during construction. Therefore, construction activities would have a less than significant impact with respect to this criterion. Operational Emissions The SCAQMD lists land uses primarily associated with odor complaints as waste transfer and recycling stations, wastewater treatment plants, landfills, composting operations, petroleum operations, food and byproduct processes, factories, and agricultural activities, such as livestock operations. The proposed project does not consist of these types of land uses and operation of the project would not be expected to create objectionable odors. In addition, any unforeseen odors generated by the project will be controlled in accordance with SCAQMD Rule 402 (Nuisance). Rule 402 prohibits the discharge of air contaminants that cause "injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or to the public, or which endanger the comfort, repose, health or safety of any such persons or the public, or which cause or have a natural tendency to cause injury or damage to business or property." Failure to comply with Rule 402 could subject the offending facility to possible fines and/or operational limitations in an approved odor control or odor abatement plan. Adherence to Rule 402 would mitigate unforeseen odors to a less than significant impact. Mitigation Measures No mitigation is required. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-39 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality Residual Impacts No impact would occur. Impact Threshold 4.1-5 The proposed project would result in the release of toxic air emissions or acutely hazardous materials posing a threat to public health and saf ety. Constrnction Emissions On August 27, 1998, the CARB designated diesel particulate matter (DPM) emissions from diesel -fueled engines as a toxic air contaminant. A toxic air contaminant is defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 39655: 'Toxic air contaminant" means an air pollutant which may cause or contribute to an increase in mortality or in serious illness, or which may pose a present or potential hazard to human health. A substance that is listed as a hazardous air pollutant pursuant to subsection (b) of Section 112 of the federal act (42 U.S. C. Sec. 7412(b)) is a toxic air contaminant. OEHHA and CARB have developed methodologies to evaluate the potential health impacts from toxic air contaminants. OEHHA establishes cancer potency factors for toxic air contaminants that are found through scientific research to have carcinogenic properties. Cancer potency factors vary depending on the exposure pathway — typically through contact, ingestion, or inhalation. The cancer potency factor for DPM considers exposure via the inhalation pathway only. The potential exposure through other pathways (e.g., ingestion) requires substance and site-specific data, and the specific parameters for diesel exhaust are not known for these other pathways.49 Cancer risk is assessed for long-term emissions and assumes a 70 -year exposure. The OEHHA Guidance recommends that shorter -term exposures (i.e., less than a maximum theoretical exposure duration of 70 years) be adjusted by no less than 9 years:50 [Als the exposure duration decreases the uncertainties introduced by applying cancer potency factors derived ftom very long-term studies increases. Short-term high exposures are not necessarily equivalent to longer-term lower exposures even when the total dose is the same. OEHHA there/bre does not support the use of current cancer potencyfactor to evaluate cancer risk for exposures of less than 9 years. If such risk must be evaluated, we recommend assuming that average daily dose for short-term exposure is assumed to last for a minimum of 9 years. 49 California Air Resources Board, Report to the Air Resources Board on the Proposed identification of Diesel Exhaust as a Toxic Air Contaminant, Part A Exposure Assessment, 1998. California Air Resources Board, Report to the Air Resources Board on the Proposed identification of Diesel Exhaust as a Toxic Air Contaminant, Part A Exposure Assessment, 1998. 8-4. Inpact sciences, Inc. 4.1-40 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.1 Air Quality In addition to the potential cancer risk, DPM has chronic (i.e., long-term) non -cancer health impacts.51 The OEHHA Guidance has recommended an ambient concentration of 5 micrograms per cubic meter (pg/m3) as the chronic inhalation Reference Exposure Level for DPM. The Reference Exposure Level is the concentration at or below which no adverse non -cancer health effects are anticipated. Chronic non -cancer health impacts are evaluated for target organs or target systems (i.e., toxicological endpoint), such as the respiratory system and the central/peripheral nervous system. The ratio of the annual concentration of the toxic air contaminant to the Reference Exposure Level is called the Hazard Quotient. The Hazard Index is the sum of the Hazard Quotients for substances that affect the same toxicological endpoint. OEHHA has not established an inhalation Reference Exposure Level for acute (i.e., short-term) effects for DPM. Construction of the proposed project would result in emissions of DPM from heavy-duty construction equipment and haul trucks. Based on the emissions estimated from URBEMIS2007 and the Road Construction Emissions Model, on-site construction equipment would emit 3.1 pounds per day of DPM during clearing, 3.99 pounds per day of DPM during grading and excavation, 1.1 pounds per day of DPM during trenching for drainage and utilities, and 1.0 pounds per day of DPM during asphalt paving. The proposed project would result in short-term and temporary emissions of DPM. Construction is scheduled to last 38 months, which is much less than the minimum exposure period of nine years for assessing health impacts as recommended by OEHHA. Because of the short-term nature of the proposed project and the minor level of DPM emissions, the project would not result in a lifetime probability of contracting cancer that is greater than 10 in 1 million at nearby sensitive receptors. Furthermore, the minor level of diesel particulate matter emissions would not result in a Health Hazard Index of 1 or greater when evaluating for chronic non -carcinogenic impacts. Therefore, the proposed project would have a less than significant impact with respect to this criterion. Operational Emissions The CARB Air Quality and Land Use Handbook recommends that lead agencies, where possible, avoid sitting new sensitive land uses within 500 feet of a freeway, urban roadways with 100,000 vehicles per day, or rural roads with 50,000 vehicles per day. Air pollution studies indicate that living close to high traffic and the associated emissions may lead to adverse health effects beyond those associated with regional air pollution in urban areas. Although the proposed project does not consist of the development of sensitive land uses, such as residential units, next to high traffic roadways, the proposed project includes the roadway extension of Via Princessa, which will be one of the primary east -west arterials 0EHHA has not identified an acute (i.e., short-term) non -cancer inhalation Reference Exposure Level for diesel particulate matter. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-41 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality through the City of Santa Clarita, and would locate a new roadway adjacent to existing residential areas. The traffic analysis for the proposed project did not identify any urban roads with 100,000 vehicles or more per day. Via Princessa, under long�range buildout conditions, is expected to have between 27,000 and 52,000 vehicles per day. Therefore, the proposed project would not expose sensitive land uses to higher than normal health impacts concerning this criterion. In 2006, the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration adopted the Interim Guidance on Air Toxic Analysis in NEPA Documents to establish methodology on how to analyze V[SAT in the NEPA process for highways, which was updated in 2009. The FHWA developed a tiered approach for analyzing V[SAT in NEPA documents, depending on specific project circumstances. Under this tiered approach, projects with no potential for meaningful V[SAT effects would not need to undergo qualitative or quantitative analysis, projects with low potential V[SAT effects would need to undergo a qualitative analysis, and projects with higher potential V[SAT effects would need to undergo qualitative analysis and identify alternatives. The proposed project would have low potential V[SAT effects. The type of projects that are considered to have low potential V[SAT effects include those projects that serve to improve operations of highway, transit or freight without adding substantial new capacity or without creating a facility that is likely to meaningfully increase V[SAT emissions. In addition, projects that result in increased travel speeds will reduce V[SAT emissions per vehicle miles traveled basis. The proposed project would have an overall decreasing effect on traffic by 6,000 daily vehicles traveling nearby residential land uses in the vicinity of the proposed project. Furthermore, the proposed project would improve the level of service of nearby roadway intersections, resulting in less idling time and increased travel speeds, which would reduce V[SAT emissions. Therefore, the proposed project would not expose sensitive land uses to higher than normal health impacts concerning this criterion. The proposed project would have a less than significant impact with respect to this criterion. Mitigation Measures No mitigation is required. Residual Impacts No impact would occur. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-42 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality Impact Threshold 4.1-6 The proposed project would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emission, which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors). According to the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook, projects that are within the mass -based emission thresholds identified above should be considered less than significant on a cumulative basis unless there is other pertinent information to the contrary.52 As shown in Table 4.1-8, construction emissions of the proposed project would not exceed the SCAQMD thresholds of significance. As discussed above, operational emissions would not exceed the SCAQMD thresholds of significance. Therefore, it is anticipated that the proposed project would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to air quality in the SoCAB. The proposed project would have a less than significant impact with respect to this criterion. While the proposed project would result in on-site construction emissions that would exceed the SCAQMD LSTs for PM10 and PM2.5, these impacts are localized to the areas immediately adjacent to the project site. According to the SCAQMD, LSTs are applicable to a project -level analysis and are generally not applicable for assessing cumulative impacts. An exceeclance of the LSTs does not necessarily indicate that a project would have a cumulatively considerable contribution to air quality impacts in the SoCAB. With respect to the proposed project, construction would result in localized significance impacts for PM10 and PM2.5, but because the project would not exceed the mass -based emission thresholds, it would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to regional air quality impacts in the SoCAB. Mitigation Measures No mitigation is required Residual Impacts No impact would occur. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS As discussed above, according to the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook, projects that are within the project -level emission thresholds identified above should be considered less than significant on a 52 South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook. 9 12. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-43 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.1 Air Quality cumulative basis unless there is other pertinent information to the contrary.53 As shown in Table 4.1-8 the project's construction emissions would not exceed the SCAQMD project -level thresholds for VOC, NOx, CO, SOx, PM10, and PM2.5. Therefore, construction of the project would not contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation with respect to ozone, NO2, CO, SOx, PM10, and PM2.5 (NOx is an ozone precursor emission and also converts to NO2 in the atmosphere). The project's construction mass criteria pollutant emissions would not be cumulatively considerable and would result in a less than significant cumulative impact. As discussed above, the project's operational emissions would not exceed the SCAQMD project -level thresholds for VOC, NOx, CO, SOx, PM10, and PM2.5. Therefore, operation of the project would not contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation with respect to ozone, NO2, CO, SOx, PM10, and PM2.5. The project's operational mass criteria pollutant emissions would not be cumulatively considerable and would result in a less than significant cumulative impact. UNAVOIDABLE SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS The proposed project would have an unavoidable significant localized impact due to on-site construction emissions of PM10 and PM2.5. 53 South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, 1992. 9-12. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.1-44 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES INTRODUCTION The proposed project would result in the permanent conversion of, or temporary disturbance to, 13.Oacres of California annual grasslands, 0.7 acre of foothill needlegrass grassland, 10.4 acres of California sagebrush scrub, 10.2 acres of California buckwheat scrub, 33.1 acres of chemise chaparral, 23.9 acres of hoaryleaf ceanothus chaparral, 1.9 acres of riparian communities, 0.19 acre of vernal pool habitat, 0.05 acre of hillside seep habitat, and 7.3 acres of disturbed areas. Significant impacts would result with respect to the loss of foothill needlegrass grassland, riparian communities, vernal pool habitat, and hillside seep habitat; the loss of habitat for common and special - status wildlife species, including riparian -dependent and vernal -pool dependent species; potential construction -related loss of nests of common and special -status bird species; the loss of California Native Plant Society (CNPS) List 113, and federally Threatened special status plant species; the loss of protected oak trees; the potential loss of federally Threatened and Endangered fairy shrimp species, and additional non -listed special -status animal species; the loss of 0.51 acre of California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and 0.85 acre of US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) jurisdictional areas; and indirect impacts including increased lighting and glare, increased landscaping irrigation and stormwater runoff, an increase in non-native plant and wildlife species, increased human activity and domestic animal presence, and increased erosion and dust resulting from construction and grading activities. Implementation of mitigation measures required by this EIR would mitigate some, but not all, of the identified project -specific impacts to less than significant levels. Significant unavoidable impacts would occur due to the loss of vernal pool habitat and vernal pool -dependent species. The project would also contribute to a significant unavoidable cumulative impact related to the ongoing loss of biological resources in the project region. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project involves the construction of a new roadway segment between Golden Valley Road and the existing western roadway terminus near Sheldon Avenue. The Via Princessa East Extension would be one of the primary east -west arterials through the City of Santa Clarita. The proposed roadway would be approximately 1.2 miles in length and would be designated as a Major Arterial Highway per the City of Santa Clarita's Master Plan of Arterial Highways. The proposed roadway would consist of a six -lane facility with a 14 -foot raised landscaped median, a 10 -foot sidewalk on each side, and a 16 -foot two-lane bike path along the south side. The vehicle lanes adjacent to the median would be 12 feet wide, Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-1 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources the middle lanes would be 11 feet wide, and the right lanes would be 12 feet wide. The typical right -of -way width would be 116 feet. The portion of Via Princessa between Sheldon Avenue and Rainbow Glen Drive that is currently constructed as a half section would be completed by constructing the south side of the roadway. In this section, the roadway would be constructed to a typical right -of -way width of 104 feet, consistent with the original design for this section. The total project area, including remedial grading acreage is 25.2 acres GENERAL PROJECT SITE CHARACTERISTICS The Via Princessa Road Extension (project) site is situated on the Mint Canyon 7.5 -minute US Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle map, and is located in the City of Santa Clarita in northwestern Los Angeles County, approximately 28 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles (Figures 3.0-1 and 3.0-2). The project site is largely undeveloped except for unpaved access roads and a Southern California Edison (SCE) power line easement. Slopes range from relatively level on mesa tops to very steep along canyon sides and drainages. The site drains generally northwest towards the Santa Clara River, which lies approximately 1.5 miles to the north. The central portion of the site is dominated by a mesa that supports a vernal pool. Elevations on the site range from approximately 1,430 feet above sea level in the northwest, where drainages exit the site, to 1,690 feet in the northeast. 105 1 IN 0 1 to] Mi Literature/Database Review To evaluate the natural resources found or potentially occurring on the project site, the current versions of the California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) and the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants were reviewed for the USGS 7.5 -minute quadrangle on which the project site is located (Mint Canyon) and the eight surrounding quadrangles (Green Valley, Sleepy Valley, Newhall, Oat Mountain, Warm Springs Mountain, Agua Dulce, San Fernando, and Sunland). A list of potentially occurring special -status species was generated (Tables 4.2-2 and 4.2-3) for use in field surveys and impact assessment. Field Surveys All field surveys were conducted by biologists qualified or permitted to conduct such surveys. All surveys were conducted in accordance with established resource agency survey protocols, as applicable, or consistent with accepted survey methodologies for particular species if published protocols did not exist. A summary of surveys dates, surveyors, and methodologies is provided in Table 4.2-1, Biological Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-2 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources are in this document mapped collectively as "annual grassland" in Figure 4.2-1. Annual grasslands occur on open, relatively level to slightly sloping and accessible locations throughout the site, such as on ridges and plateaus. Annual grassland communities are principally dominated by non-native annual species including oat and brome grasses (Avena and Bromus species), tocolote (Centaurea melitensis), summer mustard (Hirschftldia incana), and red -stem filaree (Erodium cicutarium), with localized high -densities of ruderal native annuals such as fascicled tarplant (Deinandrafasciculata) and rancher's fireweed (Amsinckia menziesii var. intermedia). Stands of perennial grasses are largely confined to openings within communities more properly mapped as coastal scrub or chaparral formations. However, in a few instances, these stands are large enough to be mapped as distinct vegetation types. These stands occur on open slopes, usually with a northern aspect, and are dominated by native perennial grasses, including needlegrasses (Nassella species), one-sided bluegrass (Poa secunda ssp. secunda), and Coast Range melic (Melica imperftcta). These stands are mapped as foothill needlegrass grassland (41.110.00) in Figure 4.2-1. Within both annual and perennial grasslands, subdominant and emergent herbaceous species may include common lomatium (Lomatium utriculatum), annual bur -sage (Ambrosia acanthicarpa), California thistle (Cirsium occidentale var. calijbrnicum), California aster (Corethrogyne filaginitblia), coast goldfields (Lasthenia calijbrnica), California cottonrose (Lo&fla filaginoides), Douglas's silverpuffs (Microseris douglasii ssp. douglasii), common sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), everlasting nest -straw (Stylocline gnaphaloides), silverpuffs (Uropappus lindleyi), slender combseed (Pectocarya linearis ssp. ferocula), valley popcorn -flower (Plagiobothrys canescens), Peirson's morning�glory (Calystegia peirsonii), turkey mullein (Croton setigerus), coastal bird's -foot trefoil (Lotus salsuginosus), deerweed (Lotus scoparius var. scoparius), miniature lupine (Lupinus bicolor), burclover (Medicago polymorpha), yellow sweet -clover (Melilotus indicus), winecup clarkia (Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera), purple owl's -clover (Castilleja exserta ssp. exserta), wavy -leaf soap plant (Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. pomeridianum), blue -eyed -grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), slender mariposa lily (Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis), splendid mariposa lily (C. splendens), butterfly mariposa lily (C. venustus), common goldenstar (Bloomeria crocea), and bluedicks (Dichelostemma capitatum). Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-4 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Scrubformations Scrub communities are found primarily on drier, south -facing slopes and ridgetops. These are mostly dominated by California sagebrush (Artemisia calijbmica), or California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), depending on underlying soil type, water availability, and disturbance history. These formations may be relatively open, allowing for a diverse complement of emergent, and understory species, such as blue elderberry, scapellote (Acourtia microcephala), annual bur -sage, big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata), California thistle, California aster, pine -leaf goldenbush (Ericameria pinjtblia), golden yarrow (Eriophyllum conftrtiflorum var. conftrtiflorum), slender sunflower (Helianthus gracilentus), spineless horsebrush (Tetradymia canescens), thick -leaved yerba santa (Eriodictyon crassijblium), beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris var. basilaris), deerweed, bishop's lotus (Lotus strigosus), chia sage (Salvia columbariae var. columbariae), purple sage (Salvia leucophylla), black sage (Salvia melliftra), California wishbone bush (Mirabilis laevis var. crassijblia), California suncups (Camissonia calijbmica), Turkish rugging (Chorizanthe staticoides), wavy -leaf soap plant, Whipple's yucca (Yucca whipplei), giant wildrye (Leymus condensatus), Coast Range melic, foothill needlegrass (Nassella lepida), purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra), one-sided bluegrass, common goldenstar, and bluedicks. Scrub communities on site are mapped on Figure 4.2-1 as California sagebrush scrub (32.010.00) and California buckwheat scrub (32.040.00) Chaparral formations Chaparral communities are the typical shrubland formations on north facing slopes, and are dominated primarily by hoaryleaf ceanothus (Ceanothus crassijblius), buckbrush (C. cuneatus), and chemise (Adenostomafasciculatum). Additional species in the shrub canopy of chaparral communities include blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea), chaparral currant (Ribes malvaceum), pink -flowered bushmallow (Malacothamnus marrubioides), redberry (Rhamnus crocea), mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides var. betuloides), toyon (Heteromeles arbutijblia), and hollyleaf cherry (Prunus ilicitblia ssp. ilicijblia). Chaparrals on site are mapped on Figure 4.2-1 as chemise chaparral (37.101.00) and hoaryleaf ceanothus chaparral (37.208.00). Riparian communities Along drainages and swales, where higher soil moisture allows the growth of plant species not commonly seen elsewhere on site, distinct vegetation types have been delineated. These are not extensive and are not supported by relatively permanent sources of surface water. Nevertheless, they represent vegetation types that are characteristic of headwater channels and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia var. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-6 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources agrijblia), Fremont cottonwood (Populus ftemontii ssp. ftemontii), and arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) may achieve localized dominance along these features, especially in lower portions of the site. Elsewhere, vegetation type within drainages and swales areas is differentiated from that of upland areas by a greater cover of an assortment of species requiring higher moisture availability, including blue elderberry, skunk bush (Rhus aromatica), poison -oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), mulefat (Baccharis salicijblia), golden currant (Ribes aureum), and giant wildrye (Leymus condensatus). Because of the diversity and patchy distribution of dominant species within these comrnunities, they have not been assigned an alliance name corresponding to the List of California Vegetation Alliances, but are instead mapped as "riparian" on Figure 4.2-1. Vernal pool A southern vernal pool (44.300.00) is present on site within a landslide depression surrounded by undulating terrain. Vegetation within the pool and along its banks is markedly distinct from the surrounding vegetation type and includes clustered tarplant, western marsh cudweed (Gnaphalium palustre), dwarf wooly -heads (Psilocarphus brevissimus var. brevissimus), vernal pool boiscluvalia (Epilobium pygmaeum), Moran's nosegay (Navarretia fossalis), longstem spikerush (Eleocharis macrostachya), western toad rush (funcus bujbnius var. occidentalis), and annual hairgrass (Deschampsia danthonioides). Hillside seep A small area (approximately 0.05 acre) in the southwestern portion of the site supports hydrophytic vegetation surrounding a seep (45.000.00). Vegetation here is dominated by Mexican wire rush Yuncus mexicanus). Disturbed areas Disturbed areas are primarily associated with dirt roads and trails. These support native and non-native annual and short-lived perennial species, including annual bur -sage, tocolote, California aster, telegraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora), summer mustard, eastern rocket (Sisymbrium orientale), rattlesnake weed (Chamaesyce albomarginata), castor -bean (Ricinus communis), Santa Barbara milkvetch (Astragalus trichopodus), deerweed, bishop's lotus, stinging lupine (Lupinus hirsutissimus), blunt -leaved lupine (L. truncatus), burclover, yellow sweet -clover, red -stem filaree, chia sage, California buckwheat, tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), slender oat (Avena barbata), ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), soft chess (B. hordeaceus), red brome (B. madritensis ssp. rubens), Arabian splitgrass (Schismus arabicus), and mouse - tail fescue (Vulpia myuros). Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-7 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Ronson's morning�glory, Moran's nosegay, and slender mariposa lily are special -status plant species; these and other potentially occurring special -status plant species are discussed in greater detail in Sensitive Biological Resources, below. Wildlife This section discusses common wildlife species observed or potentially occurring on the Via Princessa Road Alignment project site. Special -status wildlife species observed or potentially occurring on the project site are discussed in greater detail in Sensitive Biological Resources, below. Amphibians On-site drainages and the vernal pool provide habitat for amphibians. Pacific chorus frog (Pseudacris regilla) was heard in drainages, and tadpoles and metamorphs of western spadefoot (Spea hammondii) were observed in association with the vernal pool. Reptiles Reptile species observed on the project site include San Diego alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata webbii), Great Basin fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis longipes), California side -blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana elegans), coastal whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri), San Diego gopher snake (Pituophis cateniftr annectens), and southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus helleri). Common reptile species are expected to be abundant throughout the project site. Birds Species observed during most of the nine gnatcatcher survey visits and that may be presumed to utilize the site and adjacent off-site areas as resident, breeding, or over -wintering species include California quail (Callipepla calijbmica), Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna), Costa's hummingbird (Calypte costae), black phoebe (Sayornis nigricans), Say's phoebe (Sayornis saya), Cassin's kingbird (Tyrannus vociftrans), western scrub -jay (Aphelocoma califtnica), common raven (Corvus corax), Bewick's wren (Thryomanes bewickii), wrentit (Chamaea fasciata), California thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum), California towhee (Pipilo crissalis), house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), and lesser goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria). Although observed only twice during surveys, greater roadrunner (Geococcyx califtnianus) is also presumed to be resident on the site, as it is a non -migratory species. Additional species observed a small number of times and presumed to utilize the site rarely or during migration include turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), sharp -shinned hawk Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-8 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources (Accipiter striatus), merlin (Falco columbarius), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), rock pigeon (Columba livia), Vaux's swift (Chaetura vauxi), Allen's hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin), Nuttall's woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii), northern flicker (Colaptes auratus), ash -throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens), western kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis), loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota), bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus), house wren (Troglodytes aeclon), ruby -crowned kinglet (Regulus calendula), blue -gray gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea), western bluebird (Sialia mexicana), American robin (Turdus migratorms), northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), European starling (Stumus vulgaris), American pipit (Anthus rubescens), yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata), spotted towhee (Pipilo maculatus), chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina), vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus), savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca), Lincoln's sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii), white -crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), golden -crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla), dark -eyed junco Yunco hyemalis), black -headed grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus), western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), Lawrence's goldfinch (Carcluelis lawrencei), and American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis). Of the bird species observed on site, Cooper's hawk, Vaux's swift, and loggerhead shrike are included on the CDFG List of Special Animals. An additional three species have recently been identified as Los Angeles County Bird Species of Special Concern2 due to declining and vulnerable populations in the County: greater roadrunner, vesper sparrow, and western meadowlark. These are discussed in greater detail in Sensitive Biological Resources, below. Mammals Mammal species observed on the project site, either directly or through sign such as scat, tracks, or burrows include mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), coyote (Canis latrans), bobcat (Lynx rufus), desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), Botta's pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae), dusky -footed woodrat (Neotoma Juscipes), and California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi). Several common burrowing rodent species are also expected based on the presence of suitable habitat and burrows. These include California pocket mouse (Chaetodipus calijbrnicus), agile kangaroo rat (Dipodomys agilis), California vole (Microtus calijbrnicus), California mouse (Peromyscus calijbrnicus), and cleermouse (Peromyscus maniculatus). 2 Allen, LR et al. 2009. Los Angeles County's Sensitive Bird Species. Westeno Tanago, 75(3). January/February 2009. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-9 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Wildlife Habitat Linkages Wildlife corridors are described as pathways or habitat linkages that connect discrete areas of natural open space that are otherwise separated or fragmented by topography, changes in vegetation type, and other natural or human induced factors such as urbanization. The fragmentation of natural habitat creates isolated "islands" of vegetation type that may not provide sufficient area or resources to accommodate sustainable populations for a number of species. These corridors • allow animals to move between remaining habitats to replenish depleted populations and increase the available gene pool; • provide escape routes from fire, predators and human disturbances, thus reducing the risk that catastrophic events (such as fire or disease) will result in population or species extinction; and • serve as travel paths for individual animals moving throughout their home range in search of food, water, mates, and other needs, or for dispersing juveniles in search of new home ranges. South Coast Missing Linkages is an inter -agency effort to identify and conserve the highest priority linkages in the South Coast Ecoregion. Partners in the effort include South Coast Wildlands, National Park Service, US Forest Service, California State Parks, The Wildlands Conservancy, The Resources Agency, California State Parks Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Resources Legacy Foundation, Conservation Biology Institute, San Diego State University Field Stations Program, Environment Now, Mountain Lion Foundation, and the Zoological Society of San Diego's Conservation and Research for Endangered Species, among others. The South Coast Missing Linkages project has developed a comprehensive plan for a regional network that would maintain and restore critical habitat linkages between existing open space reserves. The project site does not lie within any of the regionally designated linkages identified by South Coast Missing Linkages, the nearest of which is the San Gabriel — Castaic Connection, which lies approximately 5 miles to the east of the project site. Although not identified within the San Gabriel — Castaic Linkage, a local corridor is present adjacent to the project site, connecting Placenta Canyon to the Santa Clara River through relatively undeveloped, albeit disturbed, habitat areas west of Golden Valley Road. Disturbances within the corridor are the results of previous oil extraction and aerospace research activities within Quigley Canyon and the Whitaker-Bermite property, respectively. This "Quigley-Whitaker-Bermite corridor" provides habitat for most of the common animal species to be found within the Santa Clarita Valley. Medium to large -bodied animal species, such as mule deer, coyote, and bobcat are likely to cross Golden Valley Road in order move into and out of the project site from areas within the Quigley-Whitaker-Bermite corridor from time to time. However, because of its "cul-de-sac" configuration with respect to the Quigley-Whitaker-Bermite Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-10 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources corridor, the project site itself does not provide through -movement opportunity, and is not expected to comprise an important part of any regional movement corridor. SENSITIVE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES The following discussion focuses on those species and plant communities considered by state or federal resource agencies, and by recognized conservation organizations, to be of special -status, that are known to occur, or could potentially occur on the project site. A list of all plant and wildlife species, both common and special -status, observed on the project site is found in Appendix 4.2. Special -Status Plants Special -status plants include those species that are state or federally listed as Rare, Threatened, or Endangered; federal Candidates for listing; proposed for state or federal listing; or included on Lists 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (CNPS Inventory). Plants included on the CNPS Inventory are classified as follows: • List LA: plants presumed extinct in California • List 113: plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California and elsewhere • List 2: plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California, but more common elsewhere • List 3: plants about which more information is needed —a review list • List 4: plants of limited distribution—a watch list. Based on a review of the CNDDB and CNPS databases and the results of surveys conducted on the Via Princessa Road Alignment project site, a total of 23 special -status plant species were identified as occurring in the region3. Special -status plant species that were observed on the project site during focused surveys include Peirson's morning�glory (Calystegia peirsonii), Moran's nosegay (Navarretia fossalis), and slender mariposa lily (Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis). 3 For the purposes of this analysis, the project region is considred to be the nine -quad region containing the project site—USGS quads Mint Canyon, Green Valley, Sleepy Valley, Newhall, Oat Mountain, Warm Springs Mountain, Agua Dulce, San Fernando, and Sunland. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-11 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Peirson's morning-glory is a CNPS List 4.2 plant, typically found in chaparral, coastal scrub, chenopod scrub, cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous forest, and grasslands. It is relatively common in annual grasslands on site; however, due to the low sensitivity status of the species, observations were not mapped. Moran's nosegay is a federally listed Threatened and CNPS List 113.1 species, reported from chenopod scrub, freshwater marshes and swamps, playas, and vernal pools. This species is relatively common within the on-site vernal pool, and occurs nowhere else on the project site. Within Los Angeles County, the only other extant populations of this species are known from the Cruzan Mesa vernal pool complex, approximately 4 miles northeast of the project site.4 Slender mariposa lily is a CNPS List 113.2 plant, typically found in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grasslands, often on clay or rocky soils. A population of this species is present within the foothill needlegrass grassland mapped on north -facing slopes, north of the vernal pool. In 2010, the on-site population comprised approximately 30 flowering individuals. The special -status plant species identified in Table 4.2-2, Special -Status Plant Species Documented in the Project Area but not Observed on the Project Site, are known to occur in the project region and were target species of the focused plant surveys conducted on, and in the vicinity of, the Via Princessa project site. None of these species were observed on the project site. Although not detected during surveys conducted in spring 2010, the potential of some of these species to occur on the site in future seasons cannot be entirely ruled out. 4 Consortium of California Herbaria. 2010. Accession Results for Navaffetia fossalis. Available at uoeps.berkeley.edu/consortium Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-12 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Oaks Pursuant to the City of Santa Clarita's Oak Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines (adopted September 11, 1990): removal, pruning, cutting, or encroachment into the "protected zone" of any tree of the oak genus (Quercus) that is 6 inches in circumference (1.91 inches in diameter), as measured 4.5 feet above the mean natural grade (i.e., diameter at breast height [dbh]), is unlawful without first obtaining an oak tree permit. A Heritage oak tree is any oak tree with a dbh of 34 inches or more, or in the case of multiple trunk oak trees, two trunks with a combined dbh of 22 inches or greater. The protected zone is "a specifically defined area totally encompassing an oak tree within which work activities are strictly controlled. Using the dripline as a point of reference, the protected zone shall commence at a point 5 feet outside of the dripline and extend inwards to the trunk of the tree. In no case shall the protected zone be less than 15 feet from the trunk of an oak tree." Damage is defined as, "any action undertaken which causes or tends to cause injury, death, or disfigurement to a tree. This includes, but is not limited to, cutting, poisoning, burning, overwatering, relocating, or transplanting a protected tree, changing or compacting the natural grade within he protected zone of an oak tree, changing groundwater levels or drainage patterns, or trenching, excavating or paving within the protected zone of an oak tree." Oak trees on site are present on lower portions of north facing slopes and within drainages in the central -western portion of the project site. Based upon a site survey and review of aerial photographs, it has been determined that a minimum of 12 oak trees are present within the project area, ranging in size to 2 feet in diameter. These are all located within areas mapped as "riparian" on Figure 4.2-1. Sensitive Plant Communities The CDFG Biogeographic Data Branch, Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program, has developed a List of California Vegetation Alliances, which was used as the classification system for this document. The most recent version of this list, dated December 2009 provides the currently accepted list of vegetation type Alliances. It is based on the classification put forth in the second edition of "A Manual of California Vegetation,"5 which is the California expression of the National Vegetation Classification.6 One of the primary purposes of the classification is to assist in the location and determinations of significance and rarity of vegetation types for tracking purposes in the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). Thus, ranking of types by their rarity and threat is an important facet of the 5 (Sawyer et al. 2009) 6 (Grossman et al. 1998) Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-17 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources classification. This list assigns "Global" and "State" rankings, 1 through 5, using NatureServe's standard heritage program methodology.7 Alliances given a G1 through a G3 code are considered sensitive. Alliances given a G4 or G5 code are generally considered common enough to not be of concern. However, it does not mean that certain associations contained within them are not rare, particularly within the state. For some, inadequate data are available to determine rarity, and these are marked with a "?" One of the nine plant communities on the Via Princessa Road Alignment project site, foothill needlegrass grassland (G3? S3?8), is denoted as GL G2, or G3 by CDFG9 and is therefore considered sensitive. In addition, riparian communities and the vernal pool are considered sensitive due to their regulatory status and the habitat they provide for Rare and Endangered species. Please see Vegetation, above, for a more detailed discussion of these plant communities and their distributions on the project site. Special -Status Wildlife Special -status wildlife species include those that are state or federally listed as Threatened or Endangered, proposed for listing as Threatened or Endangered, designated as state or federal candidates for listing, considered state Species of Special Concern, or considered a state Fully Protected Animal. Based on a review of the CNDDB, the Los Angeles Audubon list of Los Angeles County's Sensitive Bird Species, and the biological documentation prepared for the project site and the greater Via Princessa project area, a total of 51 special -status wildlife species were identified that are known to occur in the project region or that may potentially utilize the project site during a sensitive phase of their life histories. Of these 51 species, 20 are not expected due to reasons of habitat unsuitability or geographic range. The remaining 31 species that may potentially occur on site or that were directly observed during the course of surveys are vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi), San Diego fairy shrimp (13. sandiegonensis), Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni), western spadefoot (Spea hammondii), silvery legless lizard (Anniella pulchra pulchra), coastal whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri), rosy boa (Charina trivirgata), San Diego banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus abbottii), San Bernardino ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus modestus), coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii), coast patch -nosed snake (Salvadora hexalepis virgultea), Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperi), Southern California rufous -crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens), grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), Bell's sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli belli), burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), oak titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus), Costa's hummingbird (Calypte costae), Lawrence's goldfinch (Carduelis lawrencei), California horned lark (Eremophila alpestris 7 http://�.natureserve.org/�plorer/ranking.htm#interpret 8 Alliances marked with a "?" in the List of California Vegetation Alliances are those for which limited data are available regarding rarity. 9 CDFG, "Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program, List of California Vegetation Alliances" (2007D). Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-18 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources actia), greater roadrunner (Geococcyx calijbmianus), loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), Allen's hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin), pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), spotted bat (Euderma maculatum), western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis calijbmicus), hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), San Diego black -tailed jackrabbit (Lepus calijbrnicus bennettii), San Diego desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida intertnedia), southern grasshopper mouse (Onychomys torridus ramona), and American badger (Taxidea taxus). Table 4.2-3, Special -Status Wildlife Species Observed or Potentially Occurring on the Project Site, identifies these species and provides the species' listing status, habitat requirements, and potential for occurrence. JURISDICTIONAL WETLANDS AND DRAINAGES USACE jurisdiction Wetlands, creeks, streams, and permanent and intermittent drainages are generally subject to the jurisdiction of the USACE under Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act. The USACE has jurisdiction up to the "ordinary high water mark" of rivers, creeks, and streams that are considered "waters of the US" as defined by the Clean Water Act. If adjacent wetlands are also present, the limits of jurisdiction extend beyond the ordinary high water mark to the outer edge of such wetlands. Wetlands are defined by USACE as "those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency or duration to support, and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions."10 The presence and extent of wetland areas are normally determined by examination of the vegetation, soils, and hydrology of a site. The USACE definition of wetlands requires that all three wetland identification criteria be met. CDFG jurisdiction Streambeds within the project site are subject to regulation by the CDFG under Section 1602 of the California Fish and Game Code. A stream is defined under these regulations as a body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel having banks, and that supports fish or other aquatic life. In many cases, CDFG's jurisdiction overlaps substantially with the USACE jurisdiction. 10 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual, 1987. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-19 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources • Annual mitigation status reporting requirements • Guidelines for replacement vegetation species palettes • Guidelines for the design and duration of use of temporary irrigation systems • Replacement ratios for native riparian trees PROJECT IMPACTS Significance Threshold Criteria Significant impacts of proposed development on the project site were determined from criteria included in the Cali/brnia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. As stated in Appendix G of the 2007 State CEQA Guidelines, a project could have a significant impact on the environment if it would result in any of the following: Substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special -status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the CDFG or USFWS. Substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the CDFG or USFWS. Substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means. Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan. Section 15065(a) of the State CEQA Guidelines also states that a project may have a significant effect on the environment when the project has the potential for the following: • Substantially degrade the quality of the environment • Substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species • Cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-29 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources 0 Threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community 0 Substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of an Endangered, Rare, or Threatened species These significance criteria are applied to the proposed project Impact Analysis Direct impacts represent the physical alteration (typically habitat degradation or loss) of biological resources that occur on site as a result of project implementation. Indirect impacts are those reasonably foreseeable effects caused by project implementation on remaining or adjacent biological resources. The significance of this alteration, with respect to CEQA, is determined by evaluating the impact in terms of each of the significance threshold criteria defined above. For example, if habitat alteration results in a direct or indirect loss or causes an otherwise substantial adverse effect on a species identified as a ,candidate, sensitive, or special -status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or by the CDFG or USFWS," impacts would be considered significant, assuming appropriate compensatory or other mitigation is not available or feasible. Similarly, if the alteration of habitat results in a substantial adverse effect on a natural community identified as sensitive "in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the CDFG or USFWS," then this alteration would be considered a significant impact. An evaluation of whether an impact on biological resources would be "substantial," and, therefore, a significant impact, must consider both the resource itself and the significance threshold criteria being evaluated. For example, because most plant and animal species are dependent on native habitats to satisfy various life cycle requirements, a habitat -based approach that addresses the overall biological value of a particular vegetation type or habitat area is appropriate when determining whether or not alteration of that habitat will "substantially" affect special -status species, sensitive habitats, wetlands, or movement corridors. The relative biological value of a particular habitat area—its functions and values— can be determined by such factors as disturbance history, biological diversity, its importance to particular plant and wildlife species, its uniqueness or sensitivity status, the surrounding environment, and the presence or absence of special -status resources. However, direct impacts to project and wildlife resources (e.g., active nests and individual plants and animals) are also evaluated and discussed when impacts to these resources, in and of themselves, could be considered significant or conflict with local, state, and federal statutes or regulations. The significance of direct impacts on individuals or populations of plant and animal species takes into consideration the number of individual plants or animals potentially affected, how common or uncommon the species is both on the project site and from a regional perspective and the species' sensitivity status according to resource agencies. These factors are evaluated based on the results of on-site biological surveys and Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-31 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Common Plant Communities and Land Covers California annual grassland — The project site contains 13.0 acres of California annual grassland, all of which could potentially be disturbed by the proposed project. Given the altered condition of this vegetation type and that this habitat type is not considered a sensitive natural community by resource agencies, the loss of California annual grassland would be a less than significant impact. California sagebrush scrub — The project site contains 10.4 acres of California sagebrush scrub, all of which could potentially be disturbed by the proposed project. Given that this habitat type is not considered a sensitive natural community by resource agencies, the loss of California sagebrush scrub would be a less than significant impact California buckwheat scrub — The project site contains 10.2 acres of California buckwheat scrub, all of which could potentially be disturbed by the proposed project. Given that this habitat type is not considered a sensitive natural community by resource agencies, the loss of California buckwheat scrub would be a less than significant impact. Chamise chaparral — The project site contains 33.1 acres of chemise chaparral, all of which could potentially be disturbed by the proposed project. Given that this habitat type is not considered a sensitive natural community by resource agencies, the loss of chemise chaparral would be a less than significant impact. Hoaryleaf ceanothus chaparral — The project site contains 23.9 acres of hoaryleaf ceanothus chaparral, all of which could potentially be disturbed by the proposed project. Given that this habitat type is not considered a sensitive natural community by resource agencies, the loss of hoaryleaf ceanothus chaparral would be a less than significant impact Disturbed areas — The project site contains 7.3 acres of disturbed areas, all of which could potentially be disturbed by the proposed project. Given the altered condition of this vegetation type and that this habitat type is not considered a sensitive natural community by resource agencies, the loss of disturbed areas would be a less than significant impact. Wildlife Habitat Loss The entire project site provides habitat for wildlife. The proposed project could potentially result in the permanent or temporary conversion of up to 102.0 acres of wildlife habitat, including disturbed and undisturbed upland and riparian types. Up to 13.0 acres of California annual grasslands, 0.7 acre of foothill needlegrass grassland, 10.4 acres of California sagebrush scrub, 10.2 acres of California Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-33 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources buckwheat scrub, 33.1 acres of chemise chaparral, 23.9 acres of hoaryleaf ceanothus chaparral, 1.9 acres of riparian communities, and 0.19 acre of vernal pool habitat could be temporarily or permanently removed for the construction of the proposed project. As summarized in Common Wildlife, above, and Table 4.2-5, the Via Princessa East Extension project site provides habitat for a variety of common and special -status wildlife species. Given the acreage of habitats to be developed or temporarily disturbed, the loss of habitat for common and special -status wildlife species would be a significant impact absent mitigation. Implementation of Mitigation Measures MM 4.2-1 through MM 4.2-6 would replace vegetation values temporarily or permanently removed, and would reduce the project impacts to riparian -dependent and non -vernal pool upland -dependent species to below a level of significance. Impacts to vernal -pool dependent species are not mitigable and would remain significant subsequent to project construction. Impacts to Common Wildlife In addition to the impacts to vegetation types and wildlife habitat, construction and grading activities associated with the proposed project would directly disturb individuals of common wildlife species on the project site. In particular, species of low mobility (particularly small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles) would be eliminated during site preparation and construction. During the construction period, some individuals may emigrate from the project site and become vulnerable to mortality by predation, auto collisions, and unsuccessful competition for food and territory. Project implementation is not expected to reduce regional populations of common wildlife species to below self-sustaining levels. Consequently, impacts to common marnmal and reptile species would be less than significant. Nonetheless, implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-7 would provide less mobile wildlife species the opportunity to move from the disturbance area into adjacent undisturbed habitat. Construction activities also could result in the direct loss or abandonment of active nests by adult birds of common bird species. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the California Fish and Game Code protect active nests of native bird species.12 Therefore, any construction -related loss of active nests of common bird species would conflict with these federal and state laws and would be considered a significant impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-8 would ensure compliance with state and federal laws protecting active bird nests and would eliminate this potential impact. 12 (See 16 USC §§703-712; see also California Fish and Game Code Sections 3503, 3513.) Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-34 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Special -status Plant Species As shown in Table 4.2-2, above, the following special -status plant species were eliminated from further consideration because they were determined not to be potentially present on the project site: Braunton's milk -vetch, Nevin's barberry, white-bracted spineflower, Santa Susana tarplant, slender -horned spineflower, San Gabriel bedstraw, Newhall sunflower, Los Angeles sunflower, Ross's pitcher sage, Davidson's bushmallow, short joint beavertail, and Mt. Pinos onion. Special -status plant species that were observed on the project site during the focused special -status plant surveys include Peirson's morning�glory, Moran's nosegay, and slender mariposa lily. The following special -status plant species are considered to have a low potential to be present on the site despite not having been detected during surveys in spring 2101: round -leaved filaree, southern tarplant, San Fernando Valley spineflower, Parry's spineflower, Palmer's grapplinghook, Prute Mountains Navarretia, chaparral ragwort, Greata's aster, Plummer's mariposa lily, and California Orcutt grass. Impacts to these species are discussed below. Peirson's morning-glory is a CNPS List 4.2 plant. This species is typically found in chaparral, coastal scrub, chenopod scrub, cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous forest, and grasslands. The proposed project would result in the loss of Peirson's morning-glory from the project site. While never abundant, Peirson's morning-glory occurs throughout the Via Princessa project area within grasslands. Given the low sensitivity status of the species, observations were not mapped. CNPS List 4 plants are not considered Rare from a statewide perspective, are not defined as Rare, Threatened, or Endangered pursuant to the California Endangered Species Act, are not eligible for state listing as Threatened or Endangered, and the vulnerability or susceptibility to threats on a statewide basis are considered low at this time,13 the loss of Peirson's morning�glory would therefore not be considered a substantial adverse effect on a special -status species. Nor would it be expected to reduce regional populations of the species to below self-sustaining numbers. Thus, impacts to Peirson's morning�glory would be less than significant. Slender mariposa lily is a CNPS List 113 plant. The proposed project would result in the loss or disturbance of 0.7 acre of foothill needlegrass grassland occupied by slender mariposa lily (see "Foothill needlegrass grassland," Figure 4.2-1). Given the sensitivity of this species, impacts to this species are considered significant. Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-9 would reduce impacts to this species to below a level of significance. 13 CNPS, The CNPS Ranking System. Available at http://�.mps.org/mps/rareplmts/ranking.php Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-35 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Moran's nosegay is a federally listed Threatened and CNPS List LBT species, reported from chenopod scrub, freshwater marshes and swamps, playas, and vernal pools. This species is relatively common within the on-site vernal pool, and occurs nowhere else on the project site. Within Los Angeles County, the only other extant populations of this species are known from the Cruzan Mesa vernal pool complex, approximately 4 miles northeast of the project site. The proposed project would result in the loss of 0.19 acre of Moran's nosegay habitat. Cruzan Mesa is an active filmmaking site and is regularly disturbed by filmmaking activities, and is therefore not suitable as a mitigation site for this species. Given the rarity of Moran's nosegay and that no viable habitat is available in Los Angeles County for preservation; the project -related loss of this species is an unavoidable significant impact. Protected Oak Trees As previously discussed (Oaks, above), the City of Santa Clarita protects individuals of any species in the genus Quercus that are at least 6 inches in circumference (1.91 inches in diameter), as measured 4.5 feet above the mean natural grade. A Heritage oak tree is any oak tree with a dbh of 34 inches or more, or in the case of multiple trunk oak trees, two trunks with a combined dbh of 22 inches or greater. The City of Santa Clarita requires that all potential impacts to oak trees be preceded by an application to the City that includes a detailed oak tree report and that loss of or damage to protected oaks be mitigated at a minimum 2:1 ratio. Based upon general biological surveys of the project site, it has been determined that, a minimum of 12 oak trees may be removed for project construction. The removal of or encroachment to oak trees as a result of project construction would be considered a significant impact under both the City of Santa Clarita and CEQA. Replacement oak trees would be planted in the number necessary to comply with the requirements stipulated in the Oak Tree Permit issued by the City. Compliance with the permit conditions and implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-10 would reduce impacts to oak trees to below a level of significance. Special -Status Wildlife Species Certain special -status wildlife species that are known to occur in the project region were eliminated from further consideration in this analysis because the project site lacks suitable habitat to support the species as a resident or nesting species or because surveys have established that the species is not expected to utilize the project site. As shown in Table 4.2-3, these species include the following: monarch butterfly, Santa Ana sucker, unarmored threespine stickleback, arroyo chub, Santa Ana speckled clace, arroyo toad, Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-36 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources California red -legged frog, Sierra Madre yellow -legged frog, western pond turtle, two -striped garter snake, western yellow -billed cuckoo, white-tailed kite, southwestern willow flycatcher, prairie falcon, coastal California gnatcatcher, and lodgepole chipmunk. The following special -status wildlife species were observed during the course of various field surveys conducted on the project site: vernal pool fairy shrimp, San Diego fairy shrimp, Riverside fairy shrimp, western spadefoot, coastal whiptail, and loggerhead shrike. Based on the presence of suitable habitat on the project site, it is reasonable to conclude that certain special -status species could potentially occur on site prior to grading or construction activities associated with project implementation. Although not observed during surveys, the following species could occur on the project site: silvery legless lizard, rosy boa, San Diego banded gecko, San Bernardino ringneck snake, coast horned lizard, coast patch -nosed snake, Cooper's hawk, Southern California rufous -crowned sparrow, grasshopper sparrow, Bell's sage sparrow, burrowing owl, oak titmouse, Costa's hummingbird, Lawrence's goldfinch, California horned lark, Allen's hummingbird, pallid bat, spotted bat, western mastiff bat, hoary bat, San Diego black -tailed jackrabbit, San Diego desert woodrat, southern grasshopper mouse, and American badger. For the purposes of the following analysis, these species are presumed to occur on the project site. Vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi); San Diego fairy shrimp (B. sandiegonensis); Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni). Preliminary fairy shrimp survey results indicate that at least one fairy shrimp species is present on the project site; however, because individuals of this species were encysted at the time of their discovery, a conclusive determination has not been made.14 Provisionally, and for the purposes of this analysis, all three potentially occurring species are presumed to be present. Suitable habitat is present for each of these three fairy shrimp species within the on-site vernal pool. Within Los Angeles County, the only other extant populations of these species are known from the Cruzan Mesa vernal pool complex, approximately 4 miles northeast of the project site. The proposed project would result in the loss of 0.19 acre of vernal pool habitat. Cruzan Mesa is an active filmmaking site and is regularly disturbed by filmmaking activities, and is therefore not suitable as a mitigation site for these species. Given the rarity of these species and that no viable habitat is available in Los Angeles County for preservation; the project -related loss of these species is an unavoidable significant impact. Prior to any ground disturbing activities, the project proponent will need to comply with the provisions of the Federal Endangered Species Act, including Section 7 consultation in conjunction with USACE 404 permit processing, for the take of a federally listed species. 14 Juhasz, T. Email communication to Joe Decruyenaere, dated July 15, 2010. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-37 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Western spadefoot (Spea hammondii). The western spadefoot is a Bureau of Land Management Sensitive Species and a California Species of Special Concern. The species prefers open areas with sandy or gravelly soils in a variety of habitats, including mixed woodlands, grasslands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, sandy washes, river floodplains, alluvial fans, playas, and alkali flats. Western spadefoots were observed on site in spring 2010 within the vernal pool, and the species has not otherwise been detected on site, although suitable conditions for this species exist in depressions elsewhere on the site. Depending on the number and extent of western spadefoot on the site that would be disturbed or removed, the loss of this species would be a potentially significant impact. Implementation of Mitigation measure MM 4.2-11 would reduce impacts to western spadefoot to a less than significant level. Silvery legless lizard (Anniella pulchra pulchra). The silvery legless lizard is a USDA Forest Service Sensitive Species and is designated by CDFG as a California Species of Special Concern. This species may be found in sparsely vegetated areas in a variety of habitats, including beach dunes, chaparral, California sagebrush scrub, oak woodlands, pine forests, pine -oak woodland, sandy washes, and stream terraces with sycamores, cottonwoods, or oaks. Suitable habitat is present beneath oak trees and within sandy soils associated with drainage features on site, and construction -related activities could result in impacts to individual lizards. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-12 would reduce this impact to a level that is adverse but not significant. Coastal whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris stehnegeri). The coastal whiptail is designated by CDFG as a California Special Animal. The coastal whiptail is found in a variety of habitats, primarily in areas where plants are sparse and there are open areas for running. The species is also found in woodland and strearnside growth and avoids dense grassland and thick shrub growth. Coastal whiptails were observed during the course of various surveys conducted in 2009 and 2010 surveys, and the subspecies is considered to occur throughout the site. Construction -related activities could result in impacts to individual whiptails. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-12 would reduce this impact to a level that is adverse but not significant. Rosy boa (Charina trivirgata). The rosy boa is designated by CDFG as a California Special Animal. The rosy boa inhabits rocky shrubland and desert habitats and is attracted to oases and streams but does not require permanent water. Rosy boas were not observed during surveys conducted on the project site in 2010; however, suitable habitat is present on site. Construction -related activities could result in the direct impacts to individual animals. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-12 would reduce this impact to a level that is adverse but not significant. San Diego banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus abbottii) —San Diego banded gecko is a CDFG Special Animal which inhabits granite or rocky outcrops in coastal scrub and chaparral habitats. Suitable habitat Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-38 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources is present within rocky areas and steep slopes on site. Construction -related activities could result in the direct impacts to individual animals. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-12 would reduce this impact to a level that is adverse but not significant San Bernardino ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus modestus). The San Bernardino ringneck snake is designated by CDFG as a California Special Animal. The ringneck snake is found in moist habitats, including woodlands, hardwood and conifer forest, grassland, sage scrub, chaparral, croplands, hedgerows, and gardens. San Bernardino ringneck snakes were not observed during surveys conducted on portions of the project area in 2010. Suitable habitat occurs at the project site in association with drainages and other mesic habitats such as north -facing slopes and the vernal pool. Construction -related activities could result in direct impacts to individual animals. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-12 would reduce the impacts to the San Bernardino ringneck to a level that is adverse but not significant. Coast homed lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillei). The coast horned lizard is listed as a California Species of Special Concern. The species is found in a wide variety of vegetation types with the requisite loose sandy soils including California sagebrush scrub, annual grassland, chaparral, oak woodland, riparian woodland, and coniferous forest. Coast horned lizard was not observed on site during the 2010 surveys, but suitable habitat is present in many areas of the site. Construction -related activities could result in impacts to individual horned lizards. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-12 would reduce this impact to a level that is less than significant. Coast patch -nosed snake (Salvadora hexalepis virgultea). The coast patch -nosed snake is listed as a California Species of Special Concern. It occupies desert scrub, coastal chaparral, washes, sandy flats, and rocky areas. Coast patch -nosed snakes were not observed during surveys conducted on the site in 2010. Suitable habitat occurs in association with scrub habitat on site, and coast patch -nosed snake is presumed to occur in areas supporting this habitat type. Construction -related activities could result in direct impacts to individual animals. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-12 would reduce this impact to the coast patch -nosed snake to a level that is adverse but not significant. Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii). The Cooper's hawk is on CDFG Watch List. Cooper's hawks are found in areas with dense stands of live oak, riparian, or other forest communities near water. The Cooper's hawk frequents landscapes where wooded areas occur in patches and groves and often uses patchy woodlands and edges with snags for perching. Cooper's hawk was not observed on site during 2010 survey; however, suitable habitat is present and construction -related activities could result in the loss or abandonment of active nests on site. Depending on the number and extent of this species' nests on the site that may be disturbed or removed, the loss of active nests could be a potentially significant Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-39 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-8 would reduce impacts to nesting Cooper's hawks to a level that is adverse but not significant Southern California rufous -crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens). The Southern California rufous -crowned sparrow is on CDFG Watch List. The rufous -crowned sparrow occupies moderate to steep hillsides that are rocky, grassy, or covered by coastal sage scrub or chaparral. Southern California rufous -crowned sparrow was not observed on site during 2010 survey; however, suitable habitat is present and construction -related activities could result in the loss or abandonment of active nests on site. Depending on the number and extent of this species' nests on the site that may be disturbed or removed, the loss of active nests could be a potentially significant impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-8 would reduce impacts to nesting Southern California rufous -crowned sparrow to a level that is adverse but not significant. Grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum). The grasshopper sparrow has been designated by CDFG as a California Species of Special Concern. The species frequents dense, dry, or well -drained grassland, especially native grassland with a mix of grasses and forbs for foraging and nesting. Grasshopper sparrows require fairly continuous native grassland areas with occasional taller grasses, forbs, or shrubs for song perches. No observations of the grasshopper sparrow have been made within the project area, but potential habitat exists on site. Depending on the number and extent of this species' nests that may be disturbed or removed, the loss of active nests would be a potentially significant impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-8 would reduce this impact to a level that is adverse but not significant. Bell's sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli belli). The scrub habitats on site provide suitable nesting habitat for this species. Should this species occur on the site, construction -related activities could result in the loss or abandonment of active nests during that year's nesting season. Depending on the number and extent of this species' nests that may be disturbed or removed, the loss of active nests would be a potentially significant impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-8 would reduce this impact to a level that is adverse but not significant. Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). The burrowing owl is a Bird of Conservation Concern and designated by CDFG as a California Species of Special Concern. In California, burrowing owls are yearlong residents of flat, open, dry grassland and desert habitats at lower elevations. They can inhabit annual and perennial grasslands and scrublands characterized by low -growing vegetation. Burrowing owl was not observed on site during 2010 survey; however, suitable habitat is present and construction - related activities could result in the loss or abandonment of active nests on site. Depending on the number and extent of this species' nests on the site that may be disturbed or removed, the loss of active Impact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-40 Via PrincessaEast Extension Project Draft ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources nests could be a potentially significant impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measures MM 4.2-8 and MM 4.2-13 would reduce impacts to nesting and wintering burrowing owls to a level that is adverse but not significant Oak titinouse (Baeolophus inornatus). The oak titmouse is designated by CDFG as a California Special Animal. Oak titmouses inhabit a variety of habitat types, but are primarily associated with oaks, especially those in warm, dry habitats. Oak titmouse was not observed on site during 2010 survey; however, suitable habitat is present and construction -related activities could result in the loss or abandonment of active nests on site. Depending on the number and extent of this species' nests on the site that may be disturbed or removed, the loss of active nests could be a potentially significant impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-8 would reduce impacts to this species to a level that is adverse but not significant. Costa's hununingbird (Calypte costae). Costa's hummingbird is designated by CDFG as a California Special Animal. Primary habitats are desert wash, edges of desert riparian and valley foothill riparian areas, coastal scrub, desert scrub, desert succulent scrub, lower -elevation chaparral, and palm oasis. Costa's hummingbird was not observed on site during 2010 survey; however, suitable habitat is present and construction -related activities could result in the loss or abandonment of active nests on site. Depending on the number and extent of this species' nests on the site that may be disturbed or removed, the loss of active nests could be a potentially significant impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-8 would reduce impacts to this species to a level that is adverse but not significant. Lawrence's goldfinch (Carduelis lawrencei). The Lawrence's goldfinch is designated by CDFG as a California Special Animal. Lawrence's goldfinches are found in cropland and hedgerows, shrubland and chaparral, conifer, hardwood and mixed woodlands. Lawrence's goldfinch was not observed on site during 2010 survey; however, suitable habitat is present and construction -related activities could result in the loss or abandonment of active nests on site. Depending on the number and extent of this species' nests on the site that may be disturbed or removed, the loss of active nests could be a potentially significant impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-8 would reduce impacts to this species to a level that is adverse but not significant. California homed lark (Fremophila alpestris). The California horned lark is on CDFG Watch List. California horned larks are common and abundant residents in a variety of open habitats, usually where trees and shrubs are absent. California horned lark was not observed on site during 2010 surveys; however, suitable habitat is present and construction -related activities could result in the loss or abandonment of active nests on site. Depending on the number and extent of this species' nests on the site that may be disturbed or removed, the loss of active nests could be a potentially significant impact. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-41 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-8 would reduce impacts to this species to a level that is adverse but not significant Greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus). The greater roadrunner is considered sensitive within Los Angeles County by Los Angeles Audubon because of habitat loss and resultant population declines within the County. It is a year-round resident of steep foothill canyons, desert woodland, and coastal sage scrub. Greater roadrunner was observed on site during the course of California gnatcatcher surveys and is presumed to breed on site. Construction -related activities could result in the loss or abandonment of active nests on site. Depending on the number and extent of this species' nests on the site that may be disturbed or removed, the loss of active nests could be a potentially significant impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-8 would reduce impacts to this species to a level that is adverse but not significant. Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). The loggerhead shrike is a Bird of Conservation Concern and has been designated by CDFG as a California Species of Special Concern. The species occurs most frequently in riparian areas along the woodland edge, grasslands with sufficient perching and butchering sites scrublands, and open -canopied woodlands, although they can be quite common in agricultural and grazing areas and can sometimes be found in mowed roadsides, cemeteries, and golf courses. Loggerhead shrike was observed on site during coastal California gnatcatcher surveys, and suitable habitat is present associated with open scrub and grassland margins on site; however, no mapped locations were recorded. Should this species nest on or immediately adjacent to the site, construction -related activities could result in the loss or abandonment of active nests. Depending on the number and extent of active nests on the site that may be disturbed or removed, the loss of active nests could be a significant impact. In order to avoid this impact to the loggerhead shrike, the project applicant would implement mitigation measures to reduce the impacts to loggerhead shrike before and during construction. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-8 would result in the avoidance of impacts and, therefore, a significant impact would not occur. Allen's hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin). Allen's hummingbird most commonly occurs within coastal scrub, valley foothill hardwood, and valley foothill riparian habitats, but also may be common in closed -cone pine -cypress, urban, and redwood habitats. Nesting habitat for this species is present in all scrub and chaparral communities on site. If nesting occurs on site, construction -related activities could result in the loss or abandonment of active nests during that year's nesting season. Depending on the number and extent of this species' nests on the site that may be disturbed or removed, the loss of active nests could be a significant impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-8 would reduce impacts to rufous hummingbirds to a level that is adverse but not significant. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-42 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus); spotted bat (Euderina maculatum); westem mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus); hoary bat (Lasiums cinereus). Bat surveys were not conducted on site; however, suitable roosting habitat for these species is present within trees on site. Should active bat roosts be present, construction -related activities could result in the direct loss or abandonment of active roost sites. Depending on the number and extent of roosts that may be disturbed or removed, impacts to special -status bat species could be significant. Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-14 requires that no earlier than 30 days prior to the commencement of construction activities, a pre -construction survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist to determine whether active roosts of special -status bats are present on or within 300 feet of the project disturbance boundaries. Should an active maternity roost be identified (the breeding season of native bat species in California generally occurs from April 1 through August 31), the roost shall not be disturbed and construction within 300 feet shall be postponed or halted, at the discretion of the biological monitor, until the roost is vacated and juveniles have fledged, as determined by the biologist. Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-15 requires the project applicant to prepare and implement a bat roost site creation plan that would establish alternative roost sites within suitable preserved open space located at an adequate distance from sources of human disturbance. Implementation of these mitigation measures would reduce this impact to a level that is not significant. San Diego black -tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus). The San Diego black -tailed jackrabbit is listed as a California Species of Special Concern. The black -tailed jackrabbit occupies many diverse habitats, but is primarily found in and regions supporting shortgrass habitats. San Diego black -tailed jackrabbit was not observed on site during 2010 surveys; however, the species may occur in suitable habitat throughout the site. Construction -related activities could result in impacts to individual black -tailed jackrabbit. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-16 would reduce this impact to a level that is adverse but not significant. San Diego desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida intertnedia). The San Diego desert woodrat is listed as a California Species of Special Concern. Desert woodrats are found in a variety of shrub and desert habitats and are primarily associated with rock outcroppings, boulders, cacti, or areas of dense undergrowth. Although not directly observed on site during 2010 surveys, this species is presumed to be present within appropriate habitat areas. Construction -related activities would result in the direct loss of individual woodrats or active woodrat nests (stick houses). Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-16 would reduce the magnitude of impacts to the San Diego desert woodrat to less than significant. Southern grasshopper mouse (Onychomys torridus). The southern grasshopper mouse is designated by CDFG as a California Species of Special Concern. The southern grasshopper mouse is found rangewide in low and scrub and semi -scrub vegetation type, and the subspecies 0. t. ramona (which is the subspecies designated as a California Species of Special Concern) occurs in grasslands and sparse coastal scrub Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-43 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources habitats. This species has the potential to occur on site in scrub and grassland habitat. Should this species occur on site, construction -related activities could result in direct impacts to southern grasshopper mouse individuals. In order to reduce impacts to this species, the project applicant would conduct biological monitoring during ground -disturbing activities, in an effort to salvage animals that may be discovered during construction activities. These measures will reduce impacts to southern grasshopper mouse individuals to the extent feasible and practicable, reducing impacts to a level that is less than significant. American badger (Taxidea taxus). The American badger is listed as a California Species of Special Concern (CSC). Badgers are generally associated with dry, open, treeless regions, prairies and grasslands, low -intensity agriculture (e.g., pasture and dryland crops), drier open shrublands and forest, parklands, and cold desert areas. Badgers have not been observed on site; however, suitable habitat is present, and construction -related activities could result in impacts to individual American badgers. Potentially significant impacts to American badgers could occur without mitigation, depending on the number and extent of the species on site that may be disturbed or removed. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-17 would reduce impacts to the American badger to a less than significant level. Sensitive Plant Communities One of the nine plant communities on the Via Princessa East Extension project site, foothill needlegrass grassland (G3? S3?), is denoted as GL G2, or G3 by CDFG15 and is therefore considered sensitive. In addition, riparian communities and the vernal pool are considered sensitive due to their regulatory status and the habitat they provide for Rare and Endangered species. Impacts to these sensitive plant communities are discussed below. Foothill needlegrass grassland (G3? S3?). The project site contains 0.7 acre of foothill needle grass grassland, all of which could potentially be developed. Given the sensitivity of this vegetation type, the loss of foothill needle grass grassland would be a significant impact. Implementation of project Mitigation Measures MM 4.2-1—MM 4.2-6 would reduce impacts to this vegetation type to below a level of significance. Riparian communities. The project site contains 1.9 acres of riparian communities. The proposed project could potentially result in the conversion of all on-site acres of this vegetation type. Riparian communities in the project area constitute CDFG and USACE jurisdiction, and impacts to this vegetation type would be considered significant. Implementation of project Mitigation Measures MM 4.2-1—MM 4.2-6 would reduce impacts to this vegetation type to below a level of significance. 15 CDFG, "Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program, List of California Vegetation Alliances" (2007D). Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-44 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Vernal pool. The project site contains one 0.19 -acre vernal pool, which would potentially be entirely displaced by proposed project development. Because vernal pools are Rare within the state and Los Angeles County, and because they provide habitat for highly endemic Rare and Endangered species, this impact is considered significant. Impacts to this vegetation type cannot be mitigated. Jurisdictional Resources Table 4.2-4, and Figure 4.2-2 indicate a maximum of 0.51 acre of CDFG and 0.85 acre of USACE jurisdiction presently exist on site and may be permanently impacted within the boundaries of the proposed Via Princessa Road Extension project with project implementation, including impacts to the vernal pool wetland. Most impacts to areas delineated as "waters of the United States," if determined to be jurisdictional by the USACE, require approval under the authority of the Clean Water Act and its implementing regulations. Section 404 Permits The deposition of fill to an area delineated as "waters of the United States," including wetlands, and determined to be under the USACE jurisdiction, requires a permit or other approval by USACE Regulatory Branch. Fill is broadly defined to include most materials (e.g., rock, soil, pilings, concrete, wood, some incidental fallback of soil from earth -moving equipment, and in some cases additional water) that can be discharged into a water or wetland. Most Section 404 permits require mitigation for reducing overall impacts to overall wetlands, including 'waters of the United States" and their functions. Streambed Alteration Agreements Any project that impacts CDFG jurisdictional areas, including fills, vegetation removal, or bridging, requires a Section 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreement from CDFG. Much of the same information (i.e., project description, potential impacts, mitigation measures, etc.) necessary to apply for USACE Section 404 permits is required for the Streambed Alteration Agreement application. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-45 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Section 401 Certification Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act authorizes the State of California to certify that federal permits and licenses do not violate the state's water quality standards. The state's implementing regulations to conduct certifications are codified under the California Code of Regulations Title 23 Waters, Sections 3830-3869. Projects qualifying for an USACE Section 404 permit must submit materials for review to the appropriate Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and request a Section 401 certification. Much of the same information (project description, potential impacts, mitigation measures) necessary to apply for USACE Section 404 and CDFG Section 1602 permits is required for the Section 401 Certification. The Section 401 Certification requires that certain federal permits, including USACE Section 404 permits, must be certified as meeting the state's water quality standards. An application must be submitted to the RWQCB for approval. Much of the same information (project description, potential impacts, and mitigation measures) necessary to apply for USACE Section 404 and CDFG Section 1602 permits is required for the Section 401 Certification. In response to certain federal court decisions that limited USACE jurisdiction, the state issued several directives to the regional boards regarding the regulation of isolated waters no longer regulated by the USACE. At present, the State Board and the RWQCBs are to: 1. continue issuing Section 401 certifications for federal permits; 2. issue Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) for dredge or fill discharges to waters deemed by the USACE as not subject to federal jurisdiction referencing the same regulatory considerations that are used to issue general WDRs. A Section 401 certification and a WDR applications may be made on the same form, but the State Board has issued a model letter to be submitted with the WDR application to clarify that the WDRs are intended to cover "waters of the State" not covered by the Section 401 certification, and not subject to the USACE regulations. This planning level discussion is a conservative estimate of what jurisdictional resources may exist and be impacted on site presently; a formal delineation consistent with USACE protocol and an impact analysis shall be conducted prior to project implementation, during the permit process. The fill, removal, or disturbance of these jurisdictional resources would be a significant impact. Implementation of project Mifigafion Measures MM 4.2-1—MM 4.2-6, and MM 4.2-18 would reduce impacts to jurisdictional resources to below a level of significance. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-46 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Indirect Impacts Indirect impacts to biological resources would occur in those habitat areas surrounding the development envelope, as well as in remaining habitat areas within the proposed development area, both during and after the completion of the proposed project. Indirect impacts on biological resources as a result of project development on the site can include the following: 1. Increased lighting and glare effects on wildlife species in remaining and adjacent open space areas 2. A potential increase in pesticides, herbicides and pollutants into adjacent drainages, creeks, rivers and wetlands, as a result of landscaping irrigation and stormwater runoff 3. An increase in non-native plant and wildlife species that are adapted to more urban environments and can out compete native species for available resources, thus reducing the distribution and population of native species 4. Increased human activity and domestic animal presence that can disturb natural habitat areas and displace wildlife populations 5. Erosion and dust resulting from construction and grading activities Indirect impacts associated with the proposed project are not quantifiable, but are reasonably foreseeable. As such, the following discussion identifies expected types of secondary impacts and their relative magnitude, so that decision makers and the general public are aware of the indirect impact potential associated with implementation of the proposed project. This type of analysis is consistent with the requirements of CEQA. Increased Light and Glare The development of a road through the project site would increase the number of nighttime light and glare sources on the site over current levels, which are currently low to non-existent. Nighttime lighting can disturb resting and foraging behavior and can potentially alter breeding cycles and nesting behavior. If uncontrolled, such lighting could adversely impact the composition and behavior of the animal species that occur in the area. Because of the potential disruption to breeding, movement, and foraging behavior of wildlife species, without mitigation, increased nighttime lighting and glare associated with the proposed project is a significant impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-18 would reduce potential impacts resulting from increased light and glare to below a level of significance. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-47 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Landscaping Irrigation and Storinwater Runoff Over irrigation of landscaped areas, especially when combined with the use of chemicals, could lead to runoff that contains pesticides, herbicides, nitrates, and other contaminants. Any runoff that flows into natural drainages or water bodies containing high levels of nutrients, particularly fertilizers and waste products such as nitrogen and phosphorous, could result in eutrophication (excessive nutrient buildup). This, in turn, could result in a depletion of available oxygen due to increased biological oxygen demand (BOD) and reduce available dissolved oxygen for aquatic organisms. Other chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides could also adversely affect aquatic systems. In addition, paved surfaces would contribute increased runoff during storm events. Depending on the magnitude and frequency of storm events and the overall level of water quality, this runoff could cause increased eutrophication, depleted oxygen levels, long-term buildup of toxic compounds and heavy metals, and other adverse effects to biological resources associated with aquatic systems downstream of the project site. Project Design Features (PDFs) incorporated into the project to address water quality and hydrologic impacts include site design, source control, treatment control, hydromodification control, and Best Management Practices (BMPs). Stormwater runoff from paved surfaces will be routed to bioretention areas, media filtration, or dry extended detention basin treatment control PDFs. Collectively, the water quality treatment control PDFs will treat the pollutants of concern in runoff from the project site Increase in Populations of Non -Native Plant Species After project completion, a number of non-native plant species that are more adapted to urban environments could increase in population and potentially displace native species within remaining undeveloped portions of the project site and surrounding area because of the ability of non -natives to compete more effectively for resources. It is unknown to what degree non-native plant species will displace native species in adjacent habitat areas. However, because non-native and exotic plants are commonly included in landscaping and are known to proliferate along roadsides and other areas of disturbance, it can be reasonably concluded that project development could result in identifiable increases in non-native or exotic plant populations. In particular, these plant species are often more adapted to a wider variety of growing conditions and can out -compete native plant populations for available nutrients, prime growing locations and other resources. Because these plants reproduce so quickly and in such large numbers, these species can quickly replace many native plant populations, resulting in lower species diversity, loss of suitable breeding or nesting habitat for common and special -status wildlife species, changes to the riparian ecosystem and overall reductions in habitat values. Therefore, the impact on native biological resources Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-48 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources as a result of increased non-native plant species is considered potentially significant. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.2-19 would reduce the magnitude of impacts resulting from increased non-native plant populations to below a level of significance. Construction and Grading Activities Construction and grading activities associated with project implementation could adversely affect sensitive vegetation type and wildlife within portions of the ecosystem not directly affected. These activities can result in the following impacts: 1. Siltation and erosion into creek and river drainages that could adversely affect fish spawning and movement 2. Excessive dust accumulation on vegetation type that could result in the degradation or loss of some plant species 3. Soil compaction around remaining trees These impacts will be minimized through implementation of construction BMPs that will meet or exceed measures required by the General Construction Permit. A Stormwater Pollution and Prevention Plan (SWPPP) will be developed as required by, and in compliance with, the General Construction Permit Conditions. The General Permit requires the SWPPP to include a menu of BMPs to be selected, implemented and maintained based on the phase of construction and weather conditions to effectively control erosion and sediment to the Best Available Technology Economically Achievable and Best Conventional Pollutant Control Technology (BAT/BCT).16 BMPs to be included in this menu include, among others: slope stabilization using rock or vegetation type, re -vegetation type, hydro -seeding or using tackifiers on exposed areas, installation of energy dissipaters, drop structures, catch basin inlet 16 BAT/BCT are Clean Water Act technology-based standards that are applicable to construction site stormwater discharges. Federal law specifies factors relating to the assessment of BAT including: age of the equipment and facilities involved; the process employed; the engineering aspects of the application of various types of control techniques, process changes, the cost of achieving effluent reduction; non -water quality environmental impacts (including energy requirements); and other factors as the administrator of the U.S. EPA deems appropriate. Clean Water Act §304(b)(2)(B). Factors relating to the assessment of BCT include reasonableness of the relationship between the costs of attaining a reduction in effluent and the effluent reduction benefits derived; comparison of the cost and level of reduction of such pollutants from the discharge from publicly owned treatment works to the cost and level of reduction of such pollutants from a class or category of industrial sources; the age of the equipment and facilities involved; the process employed; the engineering aspects of the application of various types of control techniques, process changes; non -water quality environmental impact (including energy requirements); and other factors as the administrator deems appropriate. Clean Water Act §304(b)(4)(B). The administrator of the U.S. EPA has not issued regulations specifying BAT or BCT for construction site discharges. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-49 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources protection, construction materials management, and cover and containment of construction materials and wastes. On this basis, the construction -related impacts of the project are considered less than significant. PROJECT MITIGATION MEASURES MM 4.2-1 Vegetation types temporarily impacted by the proposed project, including those within CDFG and USACE jurisdictional areas, shall be revegetated with the same vegetation type except for the California annual grassland. To facilitate restoration, mulch, or native topsoil (the top 6 to 12 inch deep layer containing organic material), may be salvaged from the work area prior to construction. Following construction, salvaged topsoil shall be returned to the work area and placed in the restoration site. Within one year, the project biologist will evaluate the progress of restoration activities in the temporary impact areas to determine if natural recruitment has been sufficient for the site to reach performance goals. In the event that native plant recruitment is determined by the project biologist to be inadequate for successful habitat establishment, the site shall be revegetated through seeding or container plants, and a temporary irrigation system may be recommended. In conjunction with the development of mitigation plans for CDFG 1602 and USACE 404 permits, the above-described revegetation plan shall be developed so as to be consistent with CDFG and USACE requirements. MM 4.2-2 The revegetation site will be considered "complete" upon meeting all of the following success criteria: 1. Regardless of the date of initial planting, any restoration site must have been without active manipulation by irrigation, planting, or seeding for a minimum of three years prior to Agency consideration of successful completion. 2. The percent cover and species richness of native vegetation type shall be evaluated based on local reference sites established by CDFG and the USACE for the plant communities in the impacted areas. 3. Native shrubs and trees shall have at least 80 percent survivorship after two years beyond the beginning of the success evaluation start date. This may include natural recruitment. 4. Non-native species cover will be no more than 5 percent absolute cover through the term of the restoration. 5. Giant reed (Arundo donax), tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima), perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latijbHum), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), pampas grass (Cortaderia Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-50 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources by a qualified biologist to determine if active nests of bird species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or the California Fish and Game Code are present in the disturbance zone or within 300 feet (500 feet for raptors) of the disturbance zone. The surveys shall continue on a weekly basis, with the last survey being conducted no more than three days prior to initiation of disturbance work. If ground -disturbing activities are delayed, then additional pre -disturbance surveys shall be conducted so that no more than three days will have elapsed between the survey and ground -disturbing activities. If active nests are found, clearing and construction within 300 feet of the nest (500 feet for raptors) shall be postponed or halted, at the discretion of the biologist in consultation with CDFG, until the nest is vacated and juveniles have fledged, as determined by the biologist, and there is no evidence of a second attempt at nesting. Limits of construction to avoid an active nest shall be established in the field with flagging, fencing, or other appropriate barriers, and construction personnel shall be instructed on the sensitivity of nest areas. The biologist shall serve as a construction monitor during those periods when construction activities will occur near active nest areas to ensure that no inadvertent impacts to these nests occur. MM 4.2-9 A Slender Mariposa Lily Mitigation and Monitoring Plan shall be submitted to CDFG for review and approval prior to ground disturbance to occupied habitat. Upon approval, the plan will be implemented by the applicant or its designee. The plan will demonstrate the feasibility of enhancing or restoring slender mariposa lily habitat in selected areas to be managed as natural open space without conflicting with other resource management objectives. Habitat enhancement or replacement will be at a 1:1 ratio (acres enhanced or restored: acres impacted). The plan will specify methods to collect propagules and introduce slender mariposa lily into these mitigation sites. Introductions will use source material (seeds or bulbs) from slender mariposa lily occurrences to be lost. The applicant or its designee will monitor the reintroduction sites for no fewer than five additional years to estimate slender mariposa lily survivorship (for bulbs) or seedling establishment (for seeded sites). Annual monitoring reports will be prepared and submitted to CDFG and will be made available to the public to guide future mitigation planning for slender mariposa lily. Monitoring reports will describe all enhancement or restoration measures taken in the preceding year; describe success and completion of those efforts and other pertinent site Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-54 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources conditions (erosion, trespass, animal damage) in qualitative terms; and describe mariposa lily survival or establishment in quantitative terms. MM 4.2-10 Prior to issuance of a grading permit, an Oak tree report shall be prepared and approved. All oaks that will not be removed that are regulated under the City of Santa Clarita's Oak Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines with driplines within 50 feet of land clearing (including brush clearing) or areas to be graded shall be enclosed in a temporary fenced zone for the duration of the clearing or grading activities. Fencing shall extend to the root protection zone (i.e., the area at least 15 feet from the trunk or 5 feet beyond the drip line, whichever distance is greater). No parking or storage of equipment, solvents, or chemicals that could adversely affect the trees shall be allowed within 25 feet of the trunk at any time. Removal of the fence shall occur only after the project arborist or qualified biologist confirms the health of preserved trees. MM 4.2-11 Prior to the issuance of a grading permit for ground disturbance, construction, or site preparation activities, the applicant shall retain the services of a qualified biologist to conduct pre -construction surveys for western spadefoot within the vernal pool and all other portions of the project site containing suitable breeding habitat. Surveys shall be conducted during a time of year when the species can be detected (i.e., when the vernal pool is inundated). 1. Under the direct supervision of the qualified biologist, western spadefoot habitat shall be created within suitable natural sites on the project site outside of the proposed development envelope. The amount of occupied breeding habitat to be impacted by the project shall be replaced at a 1:1 ratio. The actual relocation site design and location shall be approved by CDFG. The location shall be in a suitable habitat as far away as feasible from the impacted area. The relocation ponds shall be designed so that they only support standing water for several weeks following seasonal rains, in order that aquatic predators (e.g., fish, bullfrogs, and crayfish) cannot become established. Terrestrial habitat surrounding the proposed relocation site shall be as similar in type, aspect, and density to the location of the existing ponds as feasible. No site preparation or construction activities shall be permitted in the vicinity of the currently occupied ponds until the design and construction of the pool habitat in preserved areas of the site has been completed and all western spadefoot adult, tadpoles, and egg masses detected are moved to the created pool habitat. 2. Based on appropriate rainfall and temperatures, generally between the months of February and April, the biologist shall conduct pre -construction surveys in all appropriate vegetation types within the development envelope. Surveys will include evaluation of all previously documented occupied areas and a reconnaissance -level survey of the remaining natural areas of the site. All western spadefoot adults, Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-55 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources tadpoles, and egg masses encountered shall be collected and released in identified or created relocation ponds described above. 3. The qualified biologist shall monitor the relocation site for five years, involving annual monitoring during and immediately following peak breeding season so that surveys can be conducted for adults as well as for egg masses and larval and post -larval toads. Further, survey data will be provided to CDFG by the monitoring biologist following each monitoring period and a written report surnmarizing the monitoring results will be provided to CDFG at the end of the monitoring effort. Success criteria for the monitoring program shall include verifiable evidence of toad reproduction at the relocation site. MM 4.2-12 Prior to project construction, the applicant shall develop a relocation plan for coast horned lizard, silvery legless lizard, coastal whiptail, rosy boa, San Bernardino ringneck snake, and coast patch -nosed snake. The plan shall include but not be limited to the timing and location of the surveys that would be conducted for each species; identification of the locations where more intensive efforts should be conducted; identification of the habitat and conditions in the proposed relocation site(s); the methods that would be utilized for trapping and relocating the individual species; and shall provide for the documentation/recordation of the species and number of the animals relocated. The Plan shall be submitted to CDFG for approval 60 days prior to any ground disturbing activities within potentially occupied habitat. The plan shall include the specific survey and relocation efforts that would occur for construction activities that occur both during the activity period of the special -status species (generally March to November) and for periods when the species may be present in the work area but difficult to detect due to weather conditions (generally December through February). Thirty days prior to construction activities in coastal scrub, chaparral, riparian habitats, or other areas supporting these species, qualified biologists shall conduct surveys to capture and relocate individual coast horned lizard, silvery legless lizard, coastal whiptail, rosy boa, San Bernardino ringneck snake, and coast patch -nosed snake in order to avoid or minimize take of these special -status species. The plan shall require a minimum of three surveys conducted during the time of year/day when each species is most likely to be observed. Individuals shall be relocated to nearby undisturbed areas with suitable habitat. If construction is scheduled to occur during the low -activity period (generally December through February) the surveys shall be conducted prior to this period if possible, and exclusion fencing shall be placed to limit the potential for re -colonization of the site prior to construction. The qualified biologist will be present during ground -disturbing activities immediately adjacent to or within Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-56 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources habitat that supports populations of these species. Clearance surveys for special -status reptiles shall be conducted by a qualified biologist prior to the initiation of construction each day. MM 4.2-13 Thirty days prior to construction activities, a qualified biologist shall conduct CDFG protocol surveys to determine whether burrowing owl is present at the site. The surveys shall consist of three site visits and shall be conducted in areas dominated by disturbed habitat and grasslands, or if such habitats occur within 500 feet of a construction zone. If located, occupied burrows shall not be disturbed during the nesting season (February 1 through August 31) unless a qualified biologist approved by CDFG verifies through non-invasive methods that either the birds have not begun egg -laying and incubation or that juveniles from the occupied burrows are foraging independently and are capable of independent survival. If burrowing owls are detected but nesting is not occurring, construction work can proceed after any owls have been evacuated from the site using CDFG-approved burrow closure procedures and after alternative nest sites have been provided in accordance with the CDFG Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (10-17-95). Unless otherwise authorized by CDFG, a 500 -foot buffer, within which no activity will be permissible, will be maintained between project activities and nesting burrowing owls during the nesting season. This protected area will remain in effect until August 31 or at CDFG's discretion and based upon monitoring evidence, until the young owls are foraging independently. MM 4.2-14 No earlier than 30 days prior to the commencement of construction activities, a pre -construction survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist to determine if active roosts of special -status bats are present on or within 300 feet of the project disturbance boundaries. Should an active maternity roost be identified (in California, the breeding season of native bat species is generally from April 1 through August 31), the roost shall not be disturbed and construction within 300 feet shall be postponed or halted, until the roost is vacated and juveniles have fledged. Surveys shall include rocky outcrops, caves, structures, and large trees (particularly trees 12 inches in diameter or greater at 4.5 feet above grade with loose bark or other cavities). Trees and rocky outcrops shall be surveyed by a qualified bat biologist (i.e., a biologist holding a CDFG collection permit and a Memorandum of Understanding with CDFG allowing the biologist to handle bats). If active maternity roosts or hibernacula are found, the rock outcrop or tree occupied by the roost shall be avoided (i.e., not removed) by the project. If avoidance of the maternity Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-57 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources roost must occur, the bat biologist shall survey (through the use of radio telemetry or other CDFG approved methods) for nearby alternative maternity colony sites. If the bat biologist determines in consultation with and with the approval of CDFG that there are alternative roost sites used by the maternity colony and young are not present then no further action is required. If a maternity roost will be impacted by the project, and no alternative maternity roosts are in use near the site, substitute roosting habitat for the maternity colony shall be provided on, or in close proximity to, the project site no less than three months prior to the eviction of the colony. Large concrete walls (e.g., on bridges) on south or southwestern slopes that are retrofitted with slots and cavities are an example of structures that may provide alternative potential roosting habitat appropriate for maternity colonies. Alternative roost sites must be of comparable size and proximal in location to the impacted colony. CDFG shall also be notified of any hibernacula or active nurseries within the construction zone. If non -breeding bat hibernacula are found in trees scheduled to be removed or in crevices in rock outcrops within the grading footprint, the individuals shall be safely evicted, under the direction of a qualified bat biologist, by opening the roosting area to allow airflow through the cavity or other means determined appropriate by the bat biologist (e.g., installation of one-way doors). In situations requiring one-way doors, a minimum of one week shall pass after doors are installed and temperatures should be sufficiently warm for bats to exit the roost because bats do not typically leave their roost daily during winter months in southern coastal California. This action should allow all bats to leave during the course of one week. Roosts that need to be removed in situations where the use of one-way doors is not necessary in the judgment of the qualified bat biologist in consultation with CDFG shall first be disturbed by various means at the direction of the bat biologist at dusk to allow bats to escape during the darker hours, and the roost tree shall be removed or the grading shall occur the next day (i.e., there shall be no less or more than one night between initial disturbance and the grading or tree removal). These actions should allow bats to leave during nighttime hours, thus increasing their chance of finding new roosts with a minimum of potential predation during daylight. If an active maternity roost is located on the project site, and alternative roosting habitat is available, the demolition of the roost site must commence before maternity colonies form (i.e., prior to March 1) or after young are flying (i.e., after July 31) using the exclusion techniques described above. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-58 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources MM 4.2-15 Any special -status species bat day roost sites found by a qualified biologist during pre -construction surveys conducted per MM 4.2-19 to be directly (within project disturbance footprint) or indirectly (within 300 feet of project disturbance footprint) impacted are to be mitigated with creation of artificial roost sites. The project applicant shall establish (an) alternative roost site(s) within suitable preserved open space located at an adequate distance from sources of human disturbance. MM 4.2-16 Thirty days prior to construction activities in grassland, scrub, chaparral, oak woodland, riverbank, and agriculture habitats, or other suitable habitat a qualified biologist shall conduct a survey within the proposed construction disturbance zone and within 200 feet of the disturbance zone for San Diego black -tailed jackrabbit and San Diego desert woodrat. If San Diego black -tailed jackrabbits are present, non -breeding rabbits shall be flushed from areas to be disturbed. Dens, depressions, nests, or burrows occupied by pups shall be flagged and ground -disturbing activities avoided within a minimum of 200 feet during the pup -rearing season (February 15 through July 1). This buffer may be reduced based on the location of the den upon consultation with CDFG. Occupied maternity dens, depressions, nests, or burrows shall be flagged for avoidance, and a biological monitor shall be present during construction. If unattended young are discovered, they shall be relocated to suitable habitat by a qualified biologist. The applicant shall document all San Diego black -tailed jackrabbit identified, avoided, or moved and provide a written report to CDFG within 72 hours. Collection and relocation of animals shall only occur with the proper scientific collection and handling permits. If active San Diego desert woodrat nests (stick houses) are identified within the disturbance zone or within 100 feet of the disturbance zone, a fence shall be erected around the nest site adequate to provide the woodrat sufficient foraging habitat at the discretion of the qualified biologist in consultation with CDFG. Clearing and construction within the fenced area will be postponed or halted until young have left the nest. The biologist shall serve as a construction monitor during those periods when disturbance activities will occur near active nest areas to ensure that no inadvertent impacts to these nests will occur. If avoidance is not possible, the applicant will take the following sequential steps: (1) All understory vegetation type will be cleared in the area immediately surrounding active nests followed by a period of one night without further disturbance to allow woodrats to vacate the nest, (2) Each occupied nest will then be disturbed by a qualified wildlife biologist until all woodrats leave the nest and seek Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-59 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources refuge off site, and (3) The nest sticks shall be removed from the project site and piled at the base of a nearby hardwood tree (preferably a coast live oak or California walnut). Relocated nests shall not be spaced closer than 100 feet apart, unless a qualified wildlife biologist has determined that a specific habitat can support a higher density of nests. The applicant shall document all woodrat nests moved and provide a written report to CDFG. All woodrat relocation shall be conducted by a qualified biologist in possession of a scientific collecting permit. MM 4.2-17 Thirty days prior to construction activities in suitable habitat, a qualified biologist shall conduct a survey within the proposed construction disturbance zone and within 200 feet of the disturbance zone for American badger. If American badgers are present, occupied habitat shall be flagged and ground -disturbing activities avoided within 50 feet of the occupied den. Maternity dens shall be avoided during the pup -rearing season (February 15 through July 1) and a minimum 200 foot buffer established. This buffer may be reduced based on the location of the den upon consultation with CDFG. Maternity dens shall be flagged for avoidance, identified on construction maps, and a qualified biologist shall be present during construction. If avoidance of a non -maternity den is not feasible, badgers shall be relocated either by trapping or by slowly excavating the burrow (either by hand or mechanized equipment under the direct supervision of the biologist, removing no more than 4 inches at a time) before or after the rearing season (February 15 through July 1). Any relocation of badgers shall occur only after consultation with CDFG. A written report documenting the badger removal shall be provided to CDFG within 30 days of relocation. Collection and relocation of animals shall only occur with the proper scientific collection and handling permits. MM 4.2-18 All lighting along the perimeter of natural areas shall be downcast luminaries with light patterns directed away from natural areas. MM 4.2-19 Plant palettes proposed for use on landscaped slopes, street medians, park sites, and other public landscaped and Fuel Modification Zone areas within 100 feet of native vegetation types shall be reviewed by a qualified restoration specialist to ensure that the proposed landscape plants will not naturalize and require maintenance or cause Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-60 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources vegetation type degradation in the open space areas (River Corridor SMA, High Country SMA, Salt Creek area, and natural portions of the Open Area). Container plants to be installed within public areas within 100 feet of the open space areas shall be inspected by a qualified restoration specialist for the presence of disease, weeds, and pests, including Argentine ants. Plants with pests, weeds, or diseases shall be rejected. In addition, landscape plants within 100 feet of native vegetation types shall not be on the Cal -IPC California Invasive Plant Inventory (most recent version) or on the list of Invasive Ornamental Plants listed in Appendix B of the SCR The current Cal -IPC list can be obtained from the Cal -IPC web site (http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/inventory/index.php). Landscape plans will include a plant palette composed of native or non-native, non-invasive species that do not require high irrigation rates. Except as required for fuel modification, irrigation of perimeter landscaping shall be limited to temporary irrigation (i.e., until plants become established). CUMULATIVE IMPACTS Buildout of the Via Princessa Extension project would permanently convert acreage from a mostly undeveloped property to that of an urban infrastructure environment. Cumulative impacts related to development of the project site would include reducing total vegetation and wildlife habitat area and open area in the Santa Clarita Valley region. Construction and operation of uses developed on site would directly impact wildlife on and near the Via Princessa Extension project site. Within the planned construction areas, species of low mobility would be lost during site preparation. Conversion of existing undeveloped land to developed infrastructure uses and landscaping would eliminate some natural vegetation communities on the project site and result in a reduction in native wildlife species diversity. Project implementation within the project site would limit the local movement of wildlife species that currently make use of this area. Other related "cumulative" projects besides the Via Princessa Extension project are described below. The impacts likely to be associated with these projects are identified. The potential for these impacts to combine with similar impacts due to the proposed project is also evaluated. This list of projects is not intended to include all projects that exist in the project region. Instead, the analysis focuses on those projects that support or would potentially affect similar vegetation communities, jurisdictional resources, and special -status plant and animal species that occur on the Via Princessa Extension project site. The analysis also focuses on those related projects that would likely be constructed during the same time frame as Via Princessa Extension. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-61 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Cumulative Impact Analysis Study Area Under the State CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, Section 15130, subd. (b)(3)), the lead agency should provide a reasonable explanation of the geographic limitation used in the cumulative impacts analysis. In addition, the "discussion of cumulative impacts must reflect the severity of the impacts and their likelihood of occurrence, but, the discussion need not provide as great detail as is provided for the effects attributable to the project alone." (Cal. Code Reg. tit. 14, Section 15130, subd. (b).) As permitted under section 15130, subdivisions (b)(1)(A) and (13), there are two methods for adequately discussing significant cumulative impacts of a project in combination with other cumulative projects. The two methods are: "(A) A list of past, present, and probable future projects producing related or cumulative impacts, including, if necessary, those projects outside the control of the agency, or (13) A surnmary of projections contained in an adopted general plan or related planning document... which described or evaluated regional or area wide conditions contributing to the cumulative impact." (Cal. Code Reg. tit. 14, Section 15130, subds. (b)(1)(A) and (13).) This EIR has used a combination of both the "list" and the "plan" methods of discussing significant cumulative impacts associated with the proposed project. The list method has focused on related cumulative projects within both the City of Santa Clarita and the unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles. This area is considered reasonable for a project the size of the Via Princessa Extension because it encompasses a geographic area that includes both incorporated and unincorporated areas within 12 miles of the project. This area is considered reasonably broad to encompass cumulative development within the overall project vicinity. In addition, because the list approach provides project -specific location, size, and acreage data, but does not necessarily specify the cumulative project impacts to sensitive biological resources, this EIR has relied on a watershed plan that has assessed the cumulative impacts of development on biological resources, as well as ecological functions and processes, within the Santa Clara River Watershed (SCRW or watershed). Specifically, this EIR's cumulative impacts assessment has utilized the Santa Clara River Watershed Study (Watershed Study), as copy of which is provided in Appendix 4.2 of this Draft EIR. The Watershed Study utilized more extensive lists of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable cumulative projects within the SCRW than is shown on the lists of City/County projects cited in this EIR. As a result, the Watershed Study is necessarily a broader cumulative impacts assessment on biological resources in both the project vicinity and the region. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-62 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources • Vegetation: California Gap Analysis Project (GAP) (UCSB Biogeography Lab 1999) • Soils: National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database (2007) • Elevation and slope: US Geological Survey (USGS) National Elevation Data (2007). For special -status biological resources, California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) element occurrences within the SCRW for vegetation communities and state- and/or federally listed Threatened and Endangered species were included. For the analysis of regional wildlife corridors and habitat linkages, two main documents were used: the South Coast Missing Linkages Project: A Linkage Design for the San Gabriel — Castaic Connection (SCMLP) (Penrod of al. 2006) and the Missing Linkages: Restoring Connectivity to the Califtnia Landscape (Penrod 2000). Existing Conditions The SCRW drains approximately 1,036,571 acres (or 1,620 square miles) of natural and urban areas that lie north and east of Los Angeles in the counties of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Kern. The watershed is divided into 14 sub -basins that range in size from 7,433 to 291,730 acres. Most of the sub -basins are comparatively small, with only three sub -basins having more than 100,000 acres. Of the 1,036,571 total acres, approximately 733,526 acres (70.8 percent)19 are comprised of open space and 303,045 acres (29.2 percent) are classified as "developed."20 The Watershed Study identified a total of 40 vegetation and land cover types, which are organized into nine general communities: big sagebrush scrub; coastal scrub; chaparral; non-native grassland; riparian/wetlanck woodland and forest; other non -vegetated natural land cover; agricultural land; and, developed and disturbed land. Chaparral, coastal scrub, and woodland and forest comprise 85 percent of the watershed, at 53, 17, and 15 percent, respectively. The watershed is classified as having 19 different geologic types and 27 primary soil types. Data from the USACE and CDFG gathered in connection with the Watershed Study show that, from about 1988 to 2006, there has been a substantial cumulative net gain in mitigated acreage of jurisdictional waters and wetlands relative to impacts. In other words, more jurisdictional waters and wetlands exist today than there were in 1988. 19 635,172 acres of existing public lands account for approximately 87percent of the 733,526 acres of classified open space. National Forest land accounts for approximately 95 percent of the 635,172 -acre total. 20 Lands classified as "developed" may in fact be vacant; however, the intent is to identify the total acreage of land use designations that permit future development. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-77 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources Cumulative Impacts The Watershed Study evaluated the impacts of planned and approved projects located within five of the 14 sub -basins in the watershed, all of which are located in Los Angeles County and/or the City of Santa Clarita and total 479,096 acres.21 Within these five sub -basins, planned and approved projects comprise approximately 9 percent (or 45,106 acres) of the watershed. Of the 45,106 -acre area that is impacted by planned and approved projects, 6,686 acres are located within the City of Santa Clarita, 37,971 acres are located with the County of Los Angeles, and 449 acres are located in both jurisdictions. These projects would impact 16 of the 40 distinct vegetation and land cover types identified in the watershed, 14 of the 149 geologic types, and seven of the 27 primary soil types. Based on evaluation of this data, as more thoroughly explored in the Watershed Study, the Watershed Study concluded that: 1. The watershed is relatively undeveloped and has substantial existing and designated open space, substantial portions of which will be protected in perpetuity. 2. Biological and physical features of the watershed related to watershed functionality would be retained under current land use classifications because of the extent of open space preservation. 3. Cumulative net increases in and enhancement of jurisdictional wetlands and water are expected in the future. 4. Planned and approved projects in the City of Santa Clarita and County of Los Angeles would increase the amount of development in the watershed by about four percent. Relying on the information and analysis presented in the Watershed Study, this EIR concludes that build out of the Via Princessa Extension would temporarily and permanently convert acreage from a mostly undeveloped and undisturbed environment to that of an urban environment. Cumulative impacts related to development of the project site would include reducing total vegetation and wildlife habitat area and open area in the Santa Clarita Valley region. Construction and operation of uses developed on site would directly impact wildlife on and near the Via Princessa Extension site. Within the planned development areas, species of low mobility would be lost during site preparation. The Via Princessa Extension site mitigates the some of the project's identified impacts to sensitive biological resources to a less than significant level; and, therefore, would not result in cumulatively considerable impacts to these resources within the region based on the watershed analysis presented in 21 The five sub -basins evaluated include: Actorc Eastern; Mint Canyon, Santa Felicia, and, Sierra Pelona. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-78 VzaPrincessaEtzst Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.2 Biological Resources the Watershed Study. Specifically, the Via Princessa Extension site constitutes a very small proportion of the overall watershed and planned development on site would not significantly contribute to the overall development in the watershed, or to the amount of development allowed under current land use classifications. However' because mitigation is not feasible for impacts to vernal pool habitat and vernal pool -dependent sensitive species, these impacts would remain significant, and considering their regional rarity, impacts to the resources would be cumulatively considerable. CUMULATIVE MITIGATION MEASURES The proposed project would result in cumulatively considerable impacts to vernal pool habitat and vernal pool -dependent sensitive species within the project vicinity or watershed. However, since feasible mitigation measures for impacts to these resources have not been identified and since this impact has been determined to be significant on a project -level basis, no additional cumulative mitigation measures are proposed or feasible beyond those already identified in Mifigafion Measures, above. LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION Implementation of the proposed mitigation measures would reduce the majority of direct and indirect project and cumulative impacts to less than significant. Because the project would result in cumulatively considerable impacts to vernal pool habitat and vernal pool -dependent sensitive species in the watershed, and because no feasible mitigation measures have been identified to offset these impacts, cumulative impacts to vernal pool habitat and vernal pool -dependent sensitive species, in addition to project -level impacts, would be significant and unmitigable following project implementation. Mitigation measures mitigating project direct and indirect impacts to sensitive biological resources other than vernal pool and vernal pool dependent species would reduce contributions to project and cumulative impacts to less than significant levels, and no significant project or cumulative impacts to these biological resources are expected with implementation of the proposed project except for the vernal pool habitat and related species. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-79 VzaPrincessaEtzst Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 CULTURAL RESOURCES INTRODUCTION W & S Consultants, (W&S) conducted an archaeological survey of the project site that included an archival record search conducted at the local California Historic Resource Information System (CHRIS) repository at the South Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC) located on the campus of California State University, Fullerton. In July 2010, a field survey of the 1.2 -mile proposed project site was conducted. The archaeological survey report can be found in Appendix 4.3. Mitigation measures are recommended which would reduce potential impacts to unknown archeological resources within the project site, potential impacts to paleontological resources, and the discovery of human remains during construction to less than significant. PROJECT BACKGROUND Ethnographic Setting Tataviam The upper Santa Clara Valley region, including the study area, was inhabited during the ethnographic past by an ethmolinguistic group known as the Tataviam.1 Their language represents a member of the Takic branch of the Uto-Aztecan linguistic family.2 In this sense, it was related to other Takic languages in the Los Angeles County region, such as Gabrielino/Fernanclefio Hongva) of the Los Angeles Basin proper, and Kitanemuk of the Antelope Valley. The Tataviarn are thought to have inhabited the upper Santa Clara River drainage from about Rim eastwards to just beyond the Vasquez Rocks/Agua Dulce area; southwards as far as Newhall and the crests of the San Gabriel and Santa Susana Mountains; and northwards to include the middle reaches of Rim Creek, the Liebre Mountains, and the southwesternmost fringe of Antelope Valley.3 Their northern boundary most likely ran along the northern foothills of the Liebre Mountains (i.e., the edge of Antelope Valley), and then crossed to the southern slopes of the Sawmill Mountains and Sierra Pelona, extending 1 NEA, and King, Chester. Ethnographic Overview of the Angeles National Forest: Tataviam and San Gabriel Mountain Serrano E thnohistory. 2004. 2 King, C.d. and T. Blackburn, TataviaM In Handbook of North Anterican Indians, (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1976) Volume 8. 3 Kroeber, A.L., Handbook of the Indians of California, (Washington, D.C.: Bureau of American Ethnology, 1925), Bulletin 78, Johnson, J. and D. Earle, Tataviam Geography and Ethnohistory, Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology, Volume 12 (1990) 191-214. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-1 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources as far east as Soleclad Pass. Ethnographically, at least, the Tataviarn do not appear to have controlled the Leona Valley or areas to the north, with the Elizabeth Lake area proper a zone of uncertainty Known Tataviarn villages during the historic period include: pi?irukung and ?akavaya, both near modern Rim, tsavayu(?u)ng, San Francisquito; etseng, kutrung and huyung, on Rim Creek above Rim; tochonanga, near Newhall; kwarung, Elizabeth Lake; and tsawayung, near Castaic junction. At kamulus, near modern Rancho Camulos, a mixed Chumash-Tataviarn population lived.4 Because the name kamulus is unquestionably Chumash and not Tataviam, however, the toponym has been viewed as problematic; that is, as not reflecting the original (Tataviam) name for this village. Regardless of original name, however, the Spanish missionary Sefian, writing in 1804, indicated that the Chumash inhabitants of the village of s6cpey had migrated to kamulos, accounting for this admixture. Secpey is now known as Sespe, near the modern town of Fillmore. Culturally speaking, the Tataviarn were in most respects similar to their Fernandefic, and Chumash neighbors, to the south and west, respectively. In this sense, they were hunters -gatherers, with subsistence emphasizing yucca, acorns, juniper berries, sage seeds, and islay. Game was also hunted, with small animals, such as rabbits/hares and rodents, probably representing the more significant contributions of meat protein than larger game, such as deer. Little is known of Tataviarn social and political organization. Based on analogies to surrounding groups, however, it can be suggested that they were organized in a series of tribelets, similar to the naciones of the Antelope Valley, and found to be characteristic of much of California aboriginal socio-political organization. The tribelet represented an autonomous land -holding unit, minimally controlled by a head -chief or big�man. They usually included one large, capital village, sometimes occupied year-round, and a series of smaller, seasonally inhabited hamlets. Whether the Tataviarn had exogamous clans and moieties, like the Calmilla and Serrano to the east, is unknown. However, it is estimated that the Tataviarn population was less than 1,000 people at the time of Euro -American contact, and that only two or three of the largest villages throughout their territory were inhabited at any given time. It is also likely that Tataviarn religion followed the patterns of surrounding neighbors. In this case, shamanism would have functioned as the central element, and ceremonies and rites were infrequent in occasion and limited in type. This religion posits a direct and personal relationship between each individual and the supernatural world, with this relationship enacted by entering a trance or hallucinatory state (usually based on the ingestion of psychoto-mimetic plants, such as jimsonweed or native tobacco). Shamans, per se, who were considered individuals with an unusual degree of 4 King, C.d. and T. Blackburn, Tataviata, In Handbook of North Antefican Indians, (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1976) Volume 8: 535-536. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-2 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources supernatural power, served as ritual specialists: Perhaps most importantly, shamans served as healers or curers, with the etiology of disease as well as its cure held to lie in the supernatural world. Shamans are also known to have produced the rock art of this region, which depicted the hallucinations and spirits they observed in their vision quests. Although the Tataviarn were one of the earliest groups contacted by Spanish missionaries, with a number of their villages described by members of the Portolei expedition of 1769, a general lack of information on this group exists because, by 1810, all Tataviarn had been baptized at Mission San Fernando and were quickly absorbed by other groups through intermarriage. Their descendants, however, continue to reside in the region. Archeological Background Archaeologically speaking, more information is available on the Santa Clarita Valley area, although here, too, less is known than for many of the surrounding Southern California regions. In general terms, the prehistory of this inland area appears to parallel that of the Santa Barbara Channel/Southern California coastal zone. The earliest evidence for human occupation of this region corresponds to the Early Millingstone Period (or, alternatively, the Early Horizon), dated from about 7,000 to 4,000 years before present (BP). This represents a period during which subsistence and adaptation are said to have emphasized the collecting and processing of hard seeds, with inland artifact assemblages, dominated by mullers and milling stones, known as manes and metates. Evidence for an Early Millingstone occupation of the upper Santa Clara Valley region is very limited, and has been found at only two sites. Both of these sites are located near Vasquez Rocks, with temporal attribution based on the presence of a small number of Olivella barrel beads. Further, recent excavations at one of these putative early locales, the Escondido Canyon Site, failed to uncover evidence for occupation prior to about 2,700 years BR The second temporal unit is the Intermediate Period (or Middle Horizon), dated from 3,500 to 1,500 years BR It is marked by a shift to the mortar and pestle, with an increased emphasis on hunting and hunting tools in artifact assemblages. Evidence for Intermediate Period occupation of the upper Santa Clara Valley region is substantial; a number of sites have been found based on radiocarbon, obsidian hydration, and typological dating. The Agua Dulce village complex, for example, includes occupation extending back to the Intermediate Period, at which time population of the village may have been 50 or more people. Assuming that the upper Santa Clara Valley region was first significantly occupied during the Intermediate Period, as existing evidence now suggests, a parallel can be drawn with the inland Ventura County region, where a similar pattern has been identified, as well as possibly the Antelope Valley and Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-3 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources western Mojave Desert. In all of these areas a major expansion in settlement, the establishment of large site complexes, and an increase in the range of environments exploited appear to have occurred sometime roughly around 3,000 years ago. There is continuity in the inland regions between the Intermediate Period and subsequent times, labeled the Late Prehistoric Period, lasting from 1,500 years BP to historic contact at about 200 years BR Site complexes first occupied in the Intermediate Period continued to be inhabited, although they increased in size, with more specialized and diversified sites added to the kinds of sites present. In fact, the principal distinction between Intermediate Period and Late Prehistoric Period sites in the inland regions is a change in certain diagnostic artifact types (notably, projectile points, with a shift from spear points to bow and arrow points). This change may not signify consequential changes in culture, adaptation, or subsistence, although the trends begun in the Intermediate Period accelerate over time during the Late Prehistoric Period. For example, a large number of Late Prehistoric Period sites are known from the upper Santa Clara Valley/Agua Dulce region, with the Agua Dulce village complex estimated to have grown to a population of 200 to 300 people around AD 1500-1600. Sometime during this period the Tataviarn can be hypothesized to have occupied this region, although it is likely that they may have appeared somewhat earlier. During the Historic Period, the aboriginal population appears to have dropped considerably. This, without doubt, can be attributed to the effects of missionization and its attendant relocation of the aboriginal population to centralized locales, along with the depredations of introduced Old World diseases. The upper Santa Clara Valley region appears to be one of those inland zones, like the Antelope Valley to the north, which quickly and completely lost its aboriginal population. In particular, the aboriginal population from the upper Santa Clara Valley was moved into Mission San Fernando in the San Fernando Valley, and the area was effectively depopulated. Historic Context The first Euro -American identification of the Santa Clarita region occurred in the chronicles of the Portolei expedition of 1769. This expedition passed through the San Fernando Valley to Newhall, then to the Castaic junction area, and then down the Santa Clara River to Ventura on its way to Monterey. Although the region was traversed by a number of Spanish explorers in subsequent years, it initially remained isolated due to rugged topography, even though it had been suggested as a locale for a mission. With the establishment of Missions San Buenaventura in 1782, and San Fernando in 1797, late 18th -century historical events largely occurred in areas to the west and south of the upper Santa Clarita Valley proper. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-4 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources As the missions increased in size and their herds grew, it became necessary for many of them to establish mission ranchos, or estancias, to allow their cattle to graze some distance from the mission vineyards and fields. With this geographical expansion of mission influence and activities, the upper Santa Clarita Valley region became important, if not pivotal, in a number of events central to the development of Southern California. Rancho San Francisco, comprising the upper reaches of the Santa Clarita Valley down to Rim, served as the estancia for Mission San Fernando, and was established a few years after the founding of the mission itself. Rancho San Francisco and the upper reaches of the Santa Clarita Valley figured in three important episodes in Southern California, two of which are landmarks in the economic history of the state. The first was the discovery of gold in Placenta Canyon in 1842 by Francisco Lopez, Manuel Cota, and Domingo Bermudez. The upper Santa Clarita Valley also was the first location of true oil drilling. Petroleum exploration began about 1865, when oil seeps were discovered in Pico Canyon. This led to discoveries of oil on Rancho San Francisco and, ultimately, throughout the Valley. Lack of a local market and cost of shipping prevented major development of this natural resource until 1876, when the Southern Pacific Railroad crossed the region. This initiated an oil boom in the area, with the development of the Newhall oil field and establishment of the Pioneer Oil Refinery (ultimately, the predecessor to Chevron Oil) in 1876. The third local event of historical importance in Southern California was the collapse of the St. Francis Dam and the resulting flood of the Santa Clara Valley on March 12 and 13, 1928. With the failure of the dam near midnight on March 12, water raged down San Francisquito Canyon to Castaic junction, which it effectively leveled, and then on to Fillmore, Santa Paula and ultimately to the Pacific Ocean. The flood caused at least 336 deaths, and destroyed 990 homes and many acres of orchards. In summary, the study area falls outside the areas of major historical development and use in the region. It is undeveloped today, making it unlikely that earlier remains are present within the property. EXISTING CONDITIONS Geologic Conditions The subject road alignment is situated in the western Transverse Ranges geomorphic province in the extreme western portion of the Soleclad Basin. The San Gabriel fault zone is mapped at the proposed intersection of Golden Valley Road and Via Princessa. A thick accumulation of Cenozoic period (from 65 million years ago to present day) sedimentary rocks has accumulated in this structural/depositional basin and has subsequently been faulted and folded by repeated tectonic deformation. Quaternary (from 1.8 million years ago to present day) alluvium covers the valley floors. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-5 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources The property is situated south of the terminus of Via Princessa, to the east of Golden Valley Road, to the north of adjacent Golden Valley High School. The project site is at an elevation of approximately 1,600 feet above sea level. The vicinity surrounding the road alignment has been affected by slope movements that range in size from small debris flows and surficial (surface) failures to large, deep-seated landslide failures. Numerous landslides including a large deep seated landslide complex have been mapped along the subject road alignment. As a result, the general surface geology of the project site is best described as landslide deposits. The Saugus Formation is exposed at the surface of nearly the entire site but a large portion of it has been disturbed by landslicling. Intact Saugus Formation bedrock is located on the southwest portion of the site. Minor amounts of recent river -channel deposits are present in the lower elevations of the property, largely underlying the immediate modern drainage and major tributaries of the Santa Clara River. Archeological Conditions The review of archaeological knowledge pertinent to the prehistory of the study area raises two areas of research concern. These stem partly from recent research in surrounding areas to the north and west which has identified a series of demographic and settlement shifts that appear to be widespread within the inland zone, but did not occur on the coast.5 Because the emphasis in Southern California archaeological research has been so heavily coastal, these seemingly major changes have been overlooked in cultural historical and processual reconstructions, yet they have significant implications for the prehistory of the region in general. The first of the research problems is the post-Alti thermal radiation of sites and peoples into a wide range of new ecological zones, off of the coast where Early Millingstone Period sites and population had been concentrated. This interpretation of the inland Southern California archaeological record suggests that: (1) little or no visible occupation or use of the inland zones occurred before approximately 3,500 to 4,000 years BP (during the Intermediate Period); and (2) that, at about this time, large numbers of sites appear in the inland zone. Moreover, this Intermediate Period population expansion is particularly notable in mid -elevation zones. (It is possible that this radiation into the inland zone was at least in part a reflection of the movement of Takic speaking peoples, including ancestral Gabrielino, into the inland coastal zone from their heartland in east -central California.) Evidence on the age and nature of the initial occupation of prehistoric sites in the study region would clearly be valuable with respect to determining 5 W & S Consultants, Plevie I Archaeological Survey of the West Ridge Study Area, Los Angeles County, California, 1994. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-6 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources both how widespread this pattern actually was, and whether or not it may be linked to the Takic ethnolinguistic spread. A second aspect of inland Southern California prehistory which warrants investigation is a parallel problem which pertains to essentially the same village and hamlet sites first occupied about 3,500 to 4,000 years BR This is their apparent abandonment at about AD 1,000-1,200.6 That is, recent evidence from the Santa Clara Valley and the Simi Corridor, to the north, suggests that this post -4,000 years BP radiation represented an increase in settlement numbers which terminated immediately before the beginning of the Late Prehistoric or Canalific, Period, as marked by the abandonment of large numbers of village sites. Whether this reflects a reduction in total population or instead a change in population distribution (towards aggregation into fewer but larger sites, closer to or on the coast) is as yet unknown. To be sure, the above suggested research problems are not ones that can be fully resolved within the scope of the current survey project. On the other hand, the basic kinds of empirical data collected during a survey of this nature, including the numbers, distributions, functional types and ages of sites, contribute important evidence towards our understanding of these large issues in regional prehistory. Historic Conditions The Class III Inventory/Phase I Study identified the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) transmission line as eligible for designation on the National Register of Historic Places. Class III Inventory/Phase I Study Records Search An archival records search of the Via Princessa study area, which is approximately 102 acres in size, was completed by staff at the California State University, Fullerton, Archaeological Information Center (AIC) to determine whether the study area contains any known prehistoric or historical sites, and/or whether all or portions of the area had been systematically surveyed by archaeologists. The records search revealed that eight previous archaeological studies have covered small portions of the study area and that five of the studies covered the project site. One historical site (19-002132) has been identified within a 0.125 -mile radius of the project site. This site is located within the western portion of the study area and is summarized as follows: 6 W & S Consultants, 1994. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-7 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources 19-002132: This historic site consists of a Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) transmission line that extends from Power Plant 1 in San Francisquito Canyon to the Olive Switching Station in the San Fernando Valley. Originally constructed in 1917, this transmission line is part of the first electrical power generation and transmission system for the City of Los Angeles. Power Plant 1 in San Francisquito Canyon and a transmission line from Power Plant 1 to the Olive Switching Station were developed after completion of the aqueduct, which was built between 1908 and 1911 to provide water to the City of Los Angeles. Site 19-002132 was determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places on November 11, 2004. The 1900 and 1940 San Fernando 15 -foot topographic quadrangles also were examined to determine if there is evidence of early use of the property. The study area was essentially undeveloped at least until 1940, with only the LADWP transmission line (19-002132) in the area. In summary, the records search indicates that the study area is known to contain only one historic property. Field Sitrztey Resitits The intensive Class III inventory/Phase I archaeological survey was conducted in July 2010. Field procedures involved walking the property in transects spaced at approximately 10 to 15 meter intervals. The ground surface was examined during these transects to identify evidence of prehistoric and historical sites. For prehistoric sites, evidence might include surface artifacts, dark organically rich midden soils, fire -cracked rock resulting from earth ovens and roasting pits, and shell and bone that might represent remnants of dietary remains. Alternatively, historical remains in the form of metal, glass, and ceramic were also considered possible finds within the study area. During the survey special attention was paid to geornorphological conditions that affect the preservation of archaeological remains. Road or bank -cuts that expose subsurface stratigraphy, for example, along with stable geomorphic and depositional environments, were carefully examined for evidence of cultural remains. Furthermore, rodent backdirt piles were carefully examined inasmuch as they can reveal the presence of buried archaeological deposits. Field conditions and ground surface visibility for the survey of the study area were good. A moderate to light density of groundcover was observed over much of the undisturbed portions of the study area. Disturbed areas on the study area were found to be primarily associated with dirt roads and trails. The disturbed areas, which were clear of vegetation, were inspected carefully for surface cultural remains. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-8 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources Only one historic site (19-002132) was found to occur within the study area, which confirms the results from the previous surveys that covered the current project site. REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulations National Historic Preservation Act Enacted in 1966, the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) has become the foundation and framework for historic preservation in the United States.7 Briefly, the NHPA authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to expand and maintain an NRHP; it establishes an Advisory Council on Historic Preservation as an independent federal entity, requires federal agencies to take into account the effects of their undertakings on historic properties, and affords the Advisory Council a reasonable opportunity to comment on any undertaking that may affect historic properties listed, or eligible for listing, in the NRHP; and makes the heads of all federal agencies responsible for the preservation of historic properties owned or controlled by their agencies. In addition, the NHPA authorizes funding for state programs with provisions for pass-through funding and participation by local governments. In summary, the NHPA provides the legal framework for most state and local preservation laws. National Park Service The National Park Service has issued regulations governing the NRHP.8 Among the topics covered in detail in these regulations are the effects of listing under federal law, definition of key terms (e.g., building, site, structure, and district), nomination procedures, nomination appeals, and removing properties from the NRHP. Importantly, the regulations present the following criteria by which historic properties are evaluated for the NRHP:9 The quality of significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture is present in districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, and (a) That are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns Of our history, or (b) That are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or 7 US Code, Title 16, Part 470 et seq., Public Law 890665, National Historic Preservation Act. 8 US Code, Title 36, Chapter 1. Part 60, National Register of Historic Places, revised July 1. 2004. 9 US Code, Section 60.4. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-9 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources (c) That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction, or (d) That have yielded, or may be likely to yield, intbrmation important in prehistory or history (36 CFR 60.4). A historic property does not have to be nominated for, or listed in, the NRHP to be afforded protection under the NHPA. Most of the properties managed under this and other federal historic -preservation authorities have never been nominated for the NRHP. The significance of a historic district, site, building, structure, or object—and thus its required consideration under the law—is determined by the property's eligibility for the NRHP with respect to the criteria set forth in 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 60.4. NHPA Section 106 Review The NHPA established the Section 106 review procedure to protect historic and archaeological resources (that are listed in or eligible for listing in the NRHP) from impacts of projects by a federal agency, projects funded or permitted by a federal agency, or projects located on federally owned land or Native American -owned land.10 The responsible federal agency first determines whether it has an undertaking that is a type of activity that could affect historic properties. Historic properties are properties that are included in the NRHP or that meet the criteria for listing in the NRHP. If so, it must identify the appropriate State Historic Preservation Officer/Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO/THPO) to consult during the process. Native American Consultation In 2008, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) issued a handbook to guide and assist lead agencies and other entities, with the federal Native American consultation process within the regulatory framework of Section 106 of the NHPA. State Regulations California Environmental Quality Act Cultural resources management work conducted as part of the project must comply with the CEQA statutes and the State CEQA Guidelines, and any potential historic and prehistoric resources that might exist within the proposed project area would have to be evaluated under these guidelines.11 Enacted in 10 US Code, National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106. 11 California Public Resources Code, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, Section 15064.5. Inpact sciences, Inc. 4.3-10 VzaPrincessaEtzst Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources 1971, CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines direct lead agencies to determine whether an archaeological site is a "historically significant" cultural resource. For purposes of this section, the term "historical resources" shall include the following: 1. A resource listed in, or determined to be eligible by the State Historical Resources Commission, for listing in the CRHR.12 2. A resource included in a local register of historical resources, as defined the Public Resources Code, shall be presumed to be historically or culturally significant. Public agencies must treat any such resource as significant unless the preponderance of evidence demonstrates that it is not historically or culturally significant.13 3. Any object, building, structure, site, area, place, record, or manuscript which a lead agency determines to be historically significant or significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic, agricultural, educational, social, political, military, or cultural annals of California may be considered to be a historical resource, provided the lead agency's determination is supported by substantial evidence in light of the whole record. Generally, a resource shall be considered by the lead agency to be "historically significant" if the resource meets the criteria for listing on the CRHR including the following:14 A. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California's history and cultural heritage; B. Is associated with the lives of persons important in our past; C. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values; or D. Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. 4. The fact that a resource is not listed in, or determined to be eligible for listing in the CRHR, not included in a local register of historical resources does not preclude a lead agency from determining that the resource may be a historical resource as defined in Public Resources Cocle.15 12 California Public Resources, California Register of Historical Resources Section 4850 et seq. 13 California Public Resources, California Register of Historical Resources, Sections 5020.1(k) and 5024.1(g). 14 California Public Resources, California Register of Historical Resources, Section 4852. 15 California Public Resources, California Register of Historical Resources, Sections 5020.1 and 5024.1; State CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-11 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources The term "unique archaeological resource" has the following meaning under CEQA:16 An archaeological artifact, object, or site about which it can be clearly demonstrated that, without merely adding to the current body of knowledge, there is a high probability that it meets any of the following criteria: (1) Contains infitrmation needed to answer important scientific research questions and that there is a demonstrable public interest in that information. (2) Has a special and particular quality such as being the oldest of its type or the best available example of its type. (3) Is directly associated with a scientifically recognized important prehistoric or historical event or person. A project with an effect that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource or a unique archaeological resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment. Effects on cultural properties that qualify as historical resources or unique archaeological resources can be considered adverse if they involve physical demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of the resource or its immediate surroundings such that the significance of a historical resource would be materially impaired. The cited statutes and guidelines specify how cultural resources are to be managed in the context of projects. Briefly, archival and field surveys must be conducted, and identified cultural resources must be inventoried and evaluated in prescribed ways. Prehistoric and historical resources deemed historically significant would be considered in the context of the proposed project's planning and development. Any proposed undertaking that may affect historically significant cultural resources must be submitted to the SHPO for review and comment prior to project approval by the responsible agency (in this case the County) and prior to construction. Subsequent sections of the State CEQA Guidelines detail methods by which significant effects may be mitigated, and discuss procedures for treatment of human remains discovered in the course of project development. Office of Historic Preservation The mission of the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) and the State Historical Resources Commission (SHRC), in partnership with the people of California and governmental agencies, is to preserve and enhance California's irreplaceable historic heritage as a matter of public interest so that its vital legacy of cultural, educational, recreational, aesthetic, economic, social, and environmental benefits will be maintained and enriched for present and future generations. 16 California Environmental Quality Act, Section 21083.2(g). Inpact sciences, Inc. 4.3-12 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources The CHP is responsible for administering federally and state -mandated historic preservation programs to further the identification, evaluation, registration, and protection of California's irreplaceable archaeological and historical resources under the direction of the SHPO and the SHRC. OHP's responsibilities include • identifying, evaluating, and registering historic properties; • ensuring compliance with federal and state regulatory obligations; • encouraging the adoption of economic incentives programs designed to benefit property owners; and • encouraging economic revitalization by promoting a historic preservation ethic through preservation education and public awareness and, most significantly, by demonstrating leadership and stewardship for historic preservation in California. CHP reviews and comments on several thousand federally sponsored projects and state programs and projects annually pursuant to Section 106 of NHPA. California Register of His to ric Places The California Register of Historical Resources (California Register) is an authoritative guide to California's significant historical and archaeological resources to be used by state and local agencies, private groups, and citizens in identifying the existing historical resources of the state, and to indicate which resources deserve to be protected, to the extent prudent and feasible, from substantial adverse change. The State of California CHP administers the California Register of Historic Places program.17 As a recipient of federal funding, the CHP meets the requirements of the NHPA, as it has a SHPO who enforces a designation and protection process, has a qualified historic preservation review commission, maintains a system for surveys and inventories, and provides for adequate public participation in its activities. As the recipient of federal funds that require pass-through funding to local governments, the CHP administers the Certified Local Government program for the State of California. The CHP also administers the California Register of Historical Landmarks and California Points of Local Historical Interest programs. The NRHP and CRHR criteria mirror each other in terms of determination of site significance and listing eligibility. As previously stated, an NRHP eligible historic property qualifies for CRHR eligibility; however, CEQA addresses local resources of historical significance, provided the local resource meets the criteria set forth in Title 14, California Code of Regulations Section 15064.5(a)(3). 17 California State Parks, Office of Historic Preservation, http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page-id-21238. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-13 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources Health and Safety Code It should also be noted that sites that may contain human remains important to Native Americans must be identified and treated in a sensitive manner, consistent with the California Health and Safety Code and Public Resources Code as reviewed below:18 In the event that human remains are encountered during project development and in accordance with the Health and Saftly Code Section 7050.5, the County Coroner must be notified if potentially human bone is discovered. The Coroner will then determine within two working days of being notified if the remains are subject to his or her authority. If the Coroner recognizes the remains to be Native American, he or she shall contact the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHQ by phone within 24 hours, in accordance with Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. The NAHC will then designate a Most Likely Descendant (MLD) with respect to the human remains. The MLD then has the opportunity to recommend to the property owner or the person responsible for the excavation work means for treating or disposing, with appropriate dignity, the human remains and associated grave goods. Public Resonrces Code Sections Public Resources Code Section 21083.2(a) pertains to archaeological resources, specifically, those determined significant per CEQA. (a) As part of the determination made pursuant to Section 21080.1, the lead agency shall determine whether the project may have a significant efftct on archaeological resources. If the lead agency determines that the project may have a significant effect on unique archaeological resources, the environmental impact shall address the issue of the resources. An environmental impact report, if necessary, shall not address the issue of non unique resources. A negative declaration shall be issued with respect to a project if but for the issue Of nonunique archaeological resources, the negative declaration would be otherwise issued. A "significant effect" upon an historic resource, is considered a "substantial adverse change" per CEQA 15064.5(b)(1,2); "physical demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of the resource or its immediate surroundings such that the significance of an historic resource would be materially impaired," possibly resulting in a determination of ineligibility for the CRHR. Public Resources Code 21084.1 also addresses CEQA compliance and archaeological resources: A project that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an historical resource is a project that may have a significant efftct on the environment. For purposes of this section, an historical resource is a resource listed in or determined to be eligible for listing in, the CRHR. Historical resources included in a local register of historical resources, as defined in subdivision (k) of Section 5020.1, or deemed significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (g) 18 California Health and Safety Code, Sections 7050.5 and 5097.98 Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-14 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources Section 5024.1, are presumed to be historically or culturally significant for purposes of this section, unless the preponderance of evidence demonstrates that the resource is not historically or culturally significant. The fact that a resource is not listed in, or determined to be eligible for listing in, the CRHR, not included in a local resister of historical resources, or not deemed significant pursuant to criteria set for in subdivision (g) of Section 5024.1 shall not preclude a lead agency ftom determining whether the resource may be an historical resource for purposes of this section. California State Historical Building Code, CCR Title 24, Part 8 The intent of the California State Historic Building Code (SHBC) is the appropriate treatment of historical buildings while simultaneously providing for the health and safety of potential occupants, and energy conservation.19 It is the purpose of the State Historical Building Code to provide regulations and standards for the rehabilitation, preservation, restoration (including related reconstruction) or relocation as applicable to all historical buildings, structures and properties deemed of importance to the history, architecture, or culture Of an area by an appropriate local or state governmental jurisdiction. Such standards and regulations are intended to facilitate the restoration or change of occupancy so as to preserve their original or restored elements and features, to encourage energy conservation and a cost effective approach to preservation, and to provide for reasonable saftly ftom fire, seismic forces or other hazards for occupants and users of such "buildings, structures and properties" and to provide reasonable availability and usability by the physically disabled. Tribal Consultation (Senate Bill 18) Cities and counties are required, pursuant to Senate Bill (SB) 18, to notify and consult with California Native American Tribes about proposed local land use planning decisions for protecting Traditional Tribal Cultural Places.20 Cities and counties must obtain a list of the California Native American tribes from the NAHC whose traditional lands within the agency's jurisdiction may be affected by a proposed adoption or amendment of a General Plan or Specific Plan. Prior to the adoption or any amendment of a General Plan or Specific Plan, a local government must notify the appropriate tribes of the opportunity to conduct consultations on the proposed action. Prior to the adoption or substantial amendment of the General Plan or Specific Plan, a local government must refer the proposed action to those tribes on the Native American contact list that have traditional lands within the agency's jurisdiction. To help local officials meet these new obligations, SB 18 requires the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (ORR) to amend its General Plan Guidelines to include advice to local government on how to consult with California Native American tribes. 19 Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 2.7, Section 18950 to 18961, State Historical Building Code. 20 California Senate Bill 18, Chapter 905, Statutes of 2004. Inpact sciences, Inc. 4.3-15 ViaPrincessaEtzst Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources Developed in consultation with the NAHC, the ORR guidelines include advice for consulting with California Native American Tribes for • the preservation of, or the mitigation of impacts to, cultural places; • procedures for identifying through the NAHC the appropriate California Native American tribes; • procedures for continuing to protect the confidentiality of information concerning the specific identity, location, character, and use of cultural places; and • procedures to facilitate voluntary landowner participation to preserve and protect the specific identity, location character, and use of cultural places.21 Local Regulations City of Santa Clarita General Plan The Open Space and Conservation Element of the General Plan identified goals, objectives, and policies pertaining to historical resources and archeological resources but did not identify specific goals, objectives, and policies related to paleontological resources. These goals, objectives, and policies are identified below. Goal CO 5: Protection of historical and culturally significant resources that contribute to community identity and a sense of history. Objective CO 5.1: Protect sites identified as having local, state, or national significance as a cultural or historical resource. Policy CO 5.1.1: For sites identified on the Cultural and Historical Resources Map, review appropriate documentation prior to issuance of any permits for grading, demolition, alteration, and/or new development, to avoid significant adverse impacts. Such documentation may include cultural resource reports, environmental impact reports, or other information as determined to be adequate by the reviewing authority. Policy CO 5.1.2: Review any proposed alterations to cultural and historic sites identified in Table CO -1 or other sites which are so designated, based on the guidelines contained in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Properties (Title 36, 21 California Government Code, Section 65040.2(g). Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-16 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1, Part 68, also known as 36 CFR 68), or other adopted City guidelines. Policy CO 5.1.3: As new information about other potentially significant historic and cultural sites becomes available, update the Cultural and Historical Resources Inventory and apply appropriate measures to all identified sites to protect their historical and cultural integrity. Objective CO 5.3: Encourage conservation and preservation of Native American cultural places, including prehistoric, archaeological, cultural, spiritual, and ceremonial sites on both public and private lands, throughout all stages of the planning and development process. Policy CO 5.3.1: For any proposed general plan amendment, specific plan, or specific plan amendment, notify and consult with any California Native American tribes on the contact list maintained by the California Native American Heritage Commission that have traditional lands located within the City's jurisdiction, regarding any potential impacts to Native American resources from the proposed action, pursuant to State guidelines. Policy CO 5.3.2: For any proposed development project that may have a potential impact on Native American cultural resources, provide notification to Native American tribes on the contact list maintained by the California Native American Heritage Commission that have traditional lands located within the City's jurisdiction, and consider the input received prior to a discretionary decision. Policy CO 5.3.3: Review and consider a cultural resources study for any new grading or development in areas identified as having a high potential for Native American resources, and incorporate recommenclations into the project approval as appropriate to mitigate impacts to cultural resources. Goal CO 10: Preservation of open space to meet the community's multiple objectives for resource preservation. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-17 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources Objective CO 10.1: Identify areas throughout the Santa Clarita Valley which should be preserved as open space in order to conserve significant resources for longAerm community benefit. Policy CO 10.1.4: Maintain and acquire, where appropriate, open space to preserve cultural and historical resources. Goal LU 2: A mix of land uses to accommodate growth, supported by adequate resources and maintaining community assets. Objective LU 2.2: Protect significant community resources from encroachment by incompatible uses, where feasible and appropriate. Policy LU 2.2.2: Identify sites and areas with historical or cultural value to the community, and ensure that uses in or adjacent to these areas will not impact their historical integrity. Goal LU 6: A scenic and beautiful urban environment that builds on the community's history and natural setting. Objective LU 6.4: Protect the Santa Clarita Valley's significant historical and cultural resources in a scenic setting through appropriate land use designations. Policy LU 6.4.3: Maintain cultural resources from pre -historical Native American habitation and historical settlement in the areas around Vasquez Rocks, Elsmere Canyon, and along the Santa Clara River, through designation of these areas as Open Space on the Land Use Map. Policy LU 6.4.6: Through the environmental review and development review processes, evaluate impacts on historic and cultural sites from proposed development and require appropriate mitigation. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-18 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources City of Santa Clarita Unified Development Code The Property Development Standards22 of the City of Santa Clarita includes the requirement that all historical points of interest, as identified in the Open Space and Conservation Element of the Santa Clarita General Plan, shall be shown on the site plan. Any development that would detrimentally affect the historical point of interest shall comply with the requirements of City, state, and federal law. The purpose of the Historic Preservation Review is to promote the economic and general welfare of the City of Santa Clarita by preserving and protecting public and private historic, cultural, and natural resources which are of special historic or aesthetic character or interest, or relocating such resources where necessary for their preservation and for their use, education, and view by the general public. Through historic preservation review, the Director of Community Development shall ensure that the project complies with all of the provisions of the Unified Development Code, the General Plan, specific plans and other legislative planning documents.23 PROJECT IMPACTS Thresholds of Significance In order to assist in determining whether a project will have a significant effect on the environment, the State CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G identify criteria for conditions that may be deemed to constitute a substantial or potentially substantial adverse change in physical conditions. Specifically, Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines (Environmental Checklist Form) lists the following items to be considered when determining whether a project may be deemed to have a significant impact on cultural resources if it would: cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource, as defined in Section 15064.5 of the State CEQA Guidelines; cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource, as defined in Section 15064.5 of the State CEQA Guidelines; 0 disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries; or 0 directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource of site or unique geologic feature. 22 City of Santa Clarita. Unified Development Code. Title 17 Zoning Section 17.15.020. "Property Development Standards." 23 City of Santa Clarita. Section 17.15.020. "Property Development Standards." Section 17.03.145. "Historic Preservation Review." Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-19 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources Impact Analysis Impact Threshold 4.3-1 Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource, as defined in Section 15064.5 of the State CFQA Guidelines The proposed project is located in the City of Santa Clarita approximately 1.5 miles west of the State Route 14/Golden Valley Road interchange. The project site consists of portions of Via Princessa between Golden Valley Road in the west and Sheldon Avenue in the east. The majority of the project site is currently undeveloped rural land consisting of hilly terrain with extensive native vegetation. However, there has already been construction activity within the western terminus of the Via Princessa Road alignment due to the construction of Golden Valley Road in conjunction with the construction of Golden Valley High School. This recently constructed area is located near the southeast portion of the intersection of Via Princessa and Golden Valley Roads. As a result, several hundred feet of the western end of the alignment has already been graded within the vicinity of the historical site (19-002132), also known as the LADWP transmission line. The records search revealed that eight previous archaeological studies have covered small portions of the study area and that five of the studies covered the project site. One historical site (19-002132) has been identified within a 0.125 -mile radius of the project site. This property was determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. None of the LADWP transmission towers are located within the Via Princessa road alignment. Based on the proposed construction plan of the proposed project, the existing LADWP transmission line towers (19-002132) will be avoided. Therefore, the development of the proposed project does not have the potential to result in adverse effects to the LADWP transmission line and towers. Accordingly, no additional archaeological work is recommended for this property. However, as described in the Class III Inventory/Phase I report, the remainder of the project site is undisturbed and therefore there is the potential for uncovering unknown historic properties. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-20 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources Mitigation Measures The following mitigation measures shall be implemented: MM 4.3-1 In the event that cultural resources are found during construction, activity shall stop and a qualified archaeologist shall be contacted to evaluate the resources. If the find is determined to be a historical or unique archaeological resource, contingency funding and a time allotment sufficient to allow for implementation of avoidance measures or appropriate mitigation will be made available. Construction on other parts of the project site may proceed in accordance with Public Resources Code section 21083.2(i). Residual Impacts Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. Impact Threshold 4.3-2 Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource, as defined in Section 15064.5 of the State CEQA Guidelines As described above in Existing Conditions, the Santa Clarita Valley region was the traditional homeland of the Tataviam, and possibly the Gabrieleno/Tongva and Chumash Native American culture groups. As described above in Class III Inventory/Phase 1, a field survey was conducted to determine the presence of prehistoric sites. In terms of cultural resources, no new sites and/or isolates of prehistoric or historic archaeological type were identified within the project site. The archival research and literature reviewed in support of the proposed project did not indicate a prehistoric site or isolate within 0.125 -miles, however, the LAIDWP transmission line was identified within the project site. As described above under Impact Threshold 4.3-1, the proposed alignment of Via Princessa would avoid the LAIDWP transmission line. As a result, no additional archeological work is required for the project site. As described in the Section 4.4, Geology and Soils, the soils underneath the project site contain landslide material, quaternary alluvium, and Saugus Formation. The southwestern portion adjacent to the project site was graded for the development Golden Valley Road. As a result, the likelihood for discovery of archaeological resources would be low due to previous earth disturbance of the site. However, as the proposed project would involve earth moving operations there is the potential for accidental discovery of archeological resources. Mitigation Measures Mitigation Measure MM 4.3-1 shall be implemented. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-21 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources Residual Impacts Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. Impact Threshold 4.3-3 Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries The archaeological survey conducted for the proposed project (see Appendix 4.3) concluded that there were no known formal cemeteries on the project site. As described above in Ethnographic Setting, the project area was used, specifically along the local waterways, by the Tataviarn and neighboring cultural groups. However, this investigation does not provide conclusive evidence for the absence of potential human remains to exist on the project site. Therefore, there is the potential for discovery of human remains during grading activities. Mitigation Measures The following mitigation measure shall be implemented. MM 4.3-2 If human remains are encountered during a public or private construction activity, other than at a cemetery, State Health and Safety Code 7050.5 states that no further disturbance shall occur until the Los Angeles County Coroner has made a determination of origin and disposition pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. The Los Angeles County Coroner must be notified within 24 hours. a. If the coroner determines that the burial is not historic, but prehistoric, the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) or other represented ethnic groups, must be contacted to determine the most likely descendent (MLD) for this area. The MLD may become involved with the disposition of the burial following scientific analysis. Residual Impacts Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. Impact Threshold 4.3-4 Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource of site or unique geologic feature The project site is geologically situated on a surficial deposit of landslide and alluvium consisting of younger Quaternary gravels and sands, the Sunshine Ranch Member (Upper Facies) of the Saugus Formation, and compacted fill, as described in Section 4.4 Geology and Soils. Alluvial deposits are known to be fossiliferous and may contain paleontologic remains, although fossil bearing soil in this location is within the deeper Saugus Formation. Therefore, the likelihood to discover paleontologic resources is low during earth moving activities. However, because the proposed project will involve Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-22 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources earthmoving activities, there is the potential to accidentally discover paleontological resources, which could result in significant impacts. Mitigation Measures The following mitigation measures shall be implemented. MM 4.3-3 During grading activities, in the unlikely event that paleontological resources are found, a paleontologist will be notified to stabilize, recover, include laboratory preparation, analysis, cataloging, curation, and final acceptance to a legal repository will be required. Those findings shall be included in a Report of Findings, which documents the results of monitoring service activities, to the Department of Community Development Planning Division. If isolated artifacts, archaeological sites (prehistoric and/or historic), or features are located; laboratory preparation, analysis, cataloging, curation, and final acceptance to a legal repository will be required, and those findings shall be included in the aforementioned Report of Findings, in order to fulfill the federal and state regulations and requirements. MM 4.3-4 Prior to grading activities, a paleontologist shall be retained to monitor construction activities. Residual Impacts Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS Impacts upon cultural and paleontological resources tend to be site specific and are assessed on a site -by -site basis. Where resources exist, implementation of cumulative development in the region would represent an incremental adverse impact to cultural resources. However, provided that proper mitigation, as defined by State CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.4(b) and as defined in mitigation measures MM 4.3-1 to MM 4.3-4, is implemented in conjunction with development of related projects in the City of Santa Clarita, no significant cumulative impacts are anticipated. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-23 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.3 Cultural Resources CUMULATIVE MITIGATION MEASURES No mitigation measures other than that required for the project -level impacts are required. UNAVOIDABLE SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS No unavoidable significant cultural resource impacts would result with implementation of the proposed project. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.3-24 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 GEOLOGY AND SOILS 1MV1 RVA 1XV0 This section describes the existing geologic and soils conditions on the project site, and the potential for geotechnical hazards to affect the Via Princessa East Extension project. Soils on the project site are subject to landslides, erosion, hydro -compression, and expansion. The project site also may be subject to ground shaking due to its location within a seismically active region; however, the project site is not underlain by any faults and, therefore, not subject to fault rupture. Based on the results of the geotechnical investigation of the project site, significant impacts could occur as a result of strong seismic ground shaking, landslides, soil expansion, and soil collapse. The proposed project would involve over 100,000 cubic yards of grading, which could also be a significant impact. However, with implementation of certain grading and construction techniques outlined in the geotechnical report prepared for the proposed project, and included within this section as mitigation measures, impacts would be reduced to a less than significant level. Cumulative impacts related to geotechnical hazards would also be less than significant. INTRODUCTION Information in this section was derived from the geotechnical analyses prepared specifically for the project site: • Geologic/Geotechncial Report, "EIR-Level Review of Road Alignment for Via Princessa East from Golden Valley Road to 250 feet west of Sheldon Avenue," prepared by Allen E. Seward Engineering Geology, Inc., August 13, 2010 • Geologic/Geotechnical Report, "Via Princessa Road Alignment and Adjacent Parcels Feasibility Study," prepared by Allen E. Seward Engineering Geology, Inc., September 13, 2010 These documents are included in Appendix 4.4 of this EIR. The geotechnical report characterizes surface and subsurface geologic conditions, identifies geologic hazards and liquefaction potential, and develops recommenclations for mitigation of geologic hazards. Information in the report is based on the results of subsurface exploration on the project site that included drilling, sampling, and geologic logging of exploratory borings, and a review of data available from the California Geological Survey, California Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, and United States Geological Survey. Geologic/Geotechnical Report, "Via Princessa Road Alignment and Adjacent Parcels Feasibility Study, prepared by Allen E. Seward Engineering Geology, Inc., September 13, 2010 was necessary to describe the general landslide geometry, and the stability of the landslide, and preliminary recommendations for Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-1 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils mitigation. This report was necessary to determine the extent of the landslicle(s) present on the project site. Nearby property owners may use information in part, or in whole, for site-specific development in the future for respective development proposals. However, each property owner would be required to conduct site-specific geotechnical investigation prior to City review. The Geologic/Geotechnical Report, "Via Princessa Road Alignment and Adjacent Parcels Feasibility Study," prepared by Allen E. Seward Engineering Geology, Inc., September 13, 2010 will not be adequate nor solely appropriate for geotechnical review for adjacent property development. EXISTING CONDITIONS Regional Geology The project site is located in the extreme western portion of the Soleclad Basin in the western Transverse Ranges geomorphic province of California. The Soleclad Basin is a narrow sedimentary trough that generally coincides with the Santa Clara River Valley. The Soleclad Basin includes a thick section of fluvial and lacustrine beds overlain by marine strata. The oldest beds correlate with the Oligocene Vasquez Formation, which rests unconformably on Precambrian gabbro-anorthosite rock. The youngest beds correlate with the Plio-Pleistocene Saugus Formation. The Soleclad Basin extends between the San Gabriel fault in the Newhall -Saugus area and the San Andreas Fault near Palmdale. The vicinity surrounding the proposed road alignment has been affected by slope movements that range in size from small debris flows and surf icial failures to large, deep-seated landslide failures. Geornorphology The site topography is dominated by northwesterly trending ridges, with drainages that descend to the northwest towards the Santa Clara River, which is located approximately 1.3 to 1.5 miles north of the site. Slope gradients in the hillside areas of the site are moderate with an average gradient of about 2:1. Ground surface elevations range from approximately 1,390 feet above mean sea level (msl) in the southwest portion of the site to approximately 1,830 feet above msl in the northeast portion of the site. Geologic Units Soil and bedrock materials encountered on site consist of the Sunshine Ranch Member of the Saugus Formation, Saugus Formation, alluvium, slopewash, residual soil, artificial fill and debris, and certified engineered fill. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-2 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils Saugus Formation This formation is exposed at the surface of nearly the entire site, but a large portion of it has been disturbed by landslicling. Intact Saugus Formation bedrock is located on the southwest portion of the site. The observed bedrock is dominated by moderately hard, light gray to yellowish -gray sandstone and conglomerate with local interbeds of greenish -gray siltstone and sandy siltstone, and uncommon reddish - brown mudstone in this area. Siltstone and mudstone units of the Saugus Formation are potentially expansive. Thin, low -strength clay seams occur in the mudstone. Sunshine Ranch Member of the Saugus Formation The Sunshine Ranch member at the project site is exposed at the ground surface in the northeast corner of the site. It consists primarily of massive silty sandstone, with interbeds of siltstone and clayey mudstones that dip gently to the northwest. This unit contains very weak, clay rich interbeds that act as the failure surface at the base of many of the mapped landslides in this area. The interpreted boundary/contact between the Sunshine Ranch Member of the Saugus Formation and the overlying portion of the Saugus Formation consists of a relatively continuous horizon informally known as the Friendly Valley Horizon that contains very weak clay deposits. Alluvium Minor amounts of recent river -channel deposits are present in the lower elevations of the project site, largely underlying the immediate modern drainage and major tributaries of the Santa Clara River. The alluvial deposits consist of interbeds of sandy, silty, and clayey soils with gravels and pebbles. Slopewash Swales and side -canyons in the vicinity of the proposed alignment commonly contain loose debris consisting of poorly sorted sand, silt, and bedrock fragments. This material has accumulated via daily surface wash and periodic debris flows and is present above levels where they are incorporated and reworked by modern stream flow. They are generally poorly consolidated. Residual Soil Ungraded areas of the site are mantled by surface soils consisting of moderate- to yellowish -brown and yellowish -gray silty sand with scattered pebbles. Soil developed in the alluvial flats and in the relatively flat mesa areas has been disturbed by past agricultural and grading activities. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-3 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils Artificial Fill Non -compacted artificial fill may be present along the proposed road alignment. These deposits would include minor spill fills generated during past grading of minor access roads. Certified Engineered Fill Certified engineered fill has been placed at the western portion of the proposed alignment during the construction of Golden Valley Road and Golden Valley High School. Groundwater Groundwater beneath the proposed project site is either contained in the recent alluvium or perched above low -permeability layers in the Saugus Formation and landslide deposits. The thickness of the alluvium is estimated to be approximately 25 feet or less beneath the project site. The closest water well is located adjacent to the Santa Clara River approximately 1.3 to 1.5 miles north of the project site. An alluvial aquifer is not present beneath the project site. Perched groundwater was encountered in the Saugus Formation bedrock and mapped landslide deposits during preliminary limited subsurface exploration of the site. Seismicity Fault Rupture The CGS defines a fault as a fracture or zone of closely associated fractures along which rocks on one side have been displaced with respect to those on the other side.' A fault is distinguished from those fractures caused by landslides or other gravity -induced ground failures. The CGS defines a fault zone as a zone of related faults that commonly are braided and subparallel to each other, but may be branching and divergent.2 A fault zone has significant width with respect to the fault, ranging from a few feet to several miles. Surface rupture occurs when movement on a fault deep within the earth breaks through to the surface. Not all earthquakes result in surface rupture. Fault rupture almost always follows preexisting faults, which are zones of weakness. Rupture may occur suddenly during an earthquake or slowly in the form of 1 California Geological Survey, "Fault -Rupture Hazard Zones in California" Sacrarnento: 2007, p.3. 2 California Geological Survey, "Fault -Rupture Hazard Zones in California" 2007, p.3. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-4 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils fault creep. Sudden displacements are more damaging to structures because they are accompanied by shaking.3 Faults in Southern California are classified as active, potentially active, or inactive based on their most recent activity. A fault can be considered active if it has demonstrated movement within the Holocene epoch, or approximately the last 11,000 years. Faults that have demonstrated Quaternary movement (last 1.6 million years), but lack strong evidence of Holocene movement, are classified as potentially active. Faults that have not moved since the beginning of the Quaternary period are deemed inactive. The site is not located in a State of California Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone. The closest active fault zone is the San Gabriel Fault Zone, which terminates approximately 3,200 feet northwest of the project site. The San Gabriel Fault extends 87 miles from the community of Frazier Park (west of Gorman) to Mount Baldy in San Bernardino County. Within the Santa Clarita Valley, the San Gabriel Fault Zone underlies the northerly portion of the community from Castaic and Saugus, extending east through Canyon Country to Sunland. Holocene activity along the fault zone has occurred in the segment between Saugus and Castaic. The length of this fault and its relationship with the San Andreas Fault system contribute to its potential for future activity. The interval between major ruptures is unknown, although the western half is thought to be more active than the eastern portion. The fault is a right -lateral strike - slip fault, with an estimated earthquake magnitude of 7.2. Gronud Shaking Ground shaking is the most significant earthquake action in terms of potential structural damage and loss of life. Ground shaking is the movement of the earth's surface in response to a seismic event. The intensity of the ground shaking and the resultant damages are determined by the magnitude of the earthquake, distance from the epicenter, and characteristics of surface geology. This hazard is the primary cause of the collapse of buildings and other structures. The significance of an earthquake's ground shaking action is directly related to the density and type of buildings and the number of people exposed to its effect. Seismic shaking (earthquakes) in Southern California primarily occur as a result of movement between the Pacific and North American plates. The San Andreas Fault system generally marks the boundary between the plates. Given its location within a seismically active region, the project site is subject to ground shaking. The strongest, most proximate, most recent seismic event was the January 1994 Northridge Earthquake 3 California Geological Survey, "Alquist-Priolo Earthquake http://�.conservation.ca.gov/ CGS/rghm/ap/Pages/Index.aspx (2008). Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-5 0112.028 Fault Zones," available at ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR A.g.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils (Richter magnitude 6.7). The epicenter of this event was located approximately 13 miles southwest of the City of Santa Clarita in the Northridge community of Los Angeles City. Ground Failure Ground failure is a general term that refers to secondary, permanent ground deformation caused by strong earthquake shaking, including liquefaction of saturated granular deposits or fine-grained soils with low plasticity, lateral spreading, ground lurching, seismic settlement (dynamic clensification) of loose, poorly consolidated materials, differential materials response, slope failure, sympathetic movement on weak bedding planes or non -causative faults, and shattered ridge effects. For liquefaction to occur, three conditions are required: the presence of soils that are susceptible to liquefaction, ground shaking of sufficient magnitude and duration, and a groundwater level at or above the level of the susceptible soils during the ground shaking. Susceptible soils are cohesionless and characterized by loose to medium density. Even if some soil layers do liquefy, the effects of the liquefaction may not be observed on the ground surface if non -liquefiable soils of sufficient thickness overlie the liquefiable soils. Most of the project site is underlain by bedrock and/or landslide deposits that are not susceptible to liquefaction. The alluvium present in the narrow canyon areas of the site is not designated as potentially liquefiable on the State of California Seismic Hazard Zones Map. Relatively loose granular alluvial soils located within the tributary canyon traversing the road alignment may be prone to dynamic clensification as a result of future earthquake shaking. Potential for seismic settlement (dynamic clensification) is negligible in the bedrock portions of the site. Earthquake -induced slope failures include activation and reactivation of landslides, rock falls, debris flows, and surficial failures. Numerous large, deep-seated landslides have been mapped at the proposed road alignment. The potential for earthquake -induced slope failures is moderate to high on the landslide - affected portions of the site and on the steep canyon slopes. Most of the hillside areas directly adjacent to the proposed road alignment are designated on the State of California Seismic Hazard Zones Maps to have potential for earthquake -induced slope instability. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-6 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils Landslides Landslides and rock falls occur most often on steep or compromised slopes. Factors controlling the stability of slopes include slope height and steepness, characteristics of the earth materials comprising the slope, and intensity of ground shaking. A large landslide complex and smaller landslides have been mapped along the subject road alignment as shown on Figure 4.4-1, Geologic Map of the Project Site. Based on preliminary investigation of the large landslide complex and review of previous geologic and geotechnical studies performed at the site and vicinity, it is determined that the large landslide consists of a relatively continuous geologic horizon that contains very weak clay deposits informally called the Friendly Valley Horizon. Based on preliminary geologic exploration, this landslide complex is estimated to be up to approximately 140 feet thick at the location of the proposed road alignment. Debris Flows Debris flows, consisting of a moving mass of heterogeneous debris lubricated by water, are generated by shallow soil slips in response to heavy rainfall. Conditions that create the potential for debris flow include presence of a mantle or wedge of colluvial soil or colluvial ravine soil; a slope angle ranging from 27 to 56 degrees; and soil moisture equal to or greater than the colluvial soil's liquid limit. Debris flows are not considered a significant hazard on the project site due to the absence of tall slopes in the immediate vicinity. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK Federal Regulations No specific federal regulations were identified that impact the geology and soils considerations. State and local regulations (e.g., building codes) reflect national and international building codes and are discussed below. State Regulations The California Geological Survey (CGS)4 is responsible for enforcing the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act and enforcing the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act. Both are described below. 4 The official name for the CGS is the Division of Mines and Geology. The modern pseudonym for the agency was established in January 2002. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-7 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault ZoningAct The purpose of Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act (formerly called the Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zones Act)5 is to prohibit the location of most structures for human occupancy across the traces of active surface faults, which are faults that have ruptured the ground surface in the past 11,000 years, and to mitigate the hazard of fault rupture. The act addresses only the hazard of surface fault rupture and is not directed toward other earthquake hazards. Under the act, the State Geologist (Chief of the CGS), is required to delineate "earthquake fault zones" (EFZs) along known active faults in California. The boundary of an EFZ is generally approximately 500 feet from major active faults, and 200 to 300 feet from well-defined minor faults. Cities and counties affected by the EFZs must withhold development permits for certain construction projects proposed within the zones until geologic investigations demonstrate that the sites are not significantly threatened by surface displacement from future faulting. If an active fault is found, a structure for human occupancy cannot be placed over the trace of the fault and must be set back from the fault (generally 50 feet). Seismic Hazards Mapping Act Under the CGS's Seismic Hazards Mapping Act,6 which was passed in 1990, seismic hazard zones are to be identified and mapped to assist local governments for planning and development purposes. The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act differs from the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act in that it addresses non -surface fault rupture earthquake hazards, including strong ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides, or other types of ground failure, and other hazards caused by earthquakes. The CGS provides guidance on the evaluation and mitigation of earthquake -related hazards for projects within designated zones of required investigations. 7 California Building Code The State of California provides a minimum standard for building design through the California Building Code (CBC), which is included in Title 24 of the California Administrative Code. The 2007 edition of the CBC is based on the 2006 International Building Code (IBC), which is published by the International Code Council, and other amendments provided in municipal and other local codes. 5 See Pub. Resources Code, Section 2621 et seq. (The Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zones Act was signed into law in 1972. In 1994, it was renamed the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act. The Act has been amended ten times.) 6 See Pub. Resources Code, Section 2690 et seq. 7 California Geological Survey, "Special Publication 117, Guidelines for Evaluating and Mitigating Seismic Hazards in California," 1997. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-8 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils The CBC is adopted on a juriscliction-by-juriscliction basis, and is subject to further modification based on local conditions. The CBC is a compilation of the following three types of building standards Those adopted by state agencies without modification from building standards contained in national model codes (e.g., the IBC) • Those adopted and adapted from the national model code standards to meet California conditions (e.g., most of California falls within Seismic Design Categories D and E) • Those that constitute extensive additions not covered by the model codes that have been adopted to address California concerns Standard residential, commercial, and light industrial construction is governed by the CBC, to which cities and counties add amendments. In addition, the CBC regulates excavation, foundations, and retaining walls; contains specific requirements pertaining to site demolition, exaction, and construction to protect people and property from hazards such as excavation cave-ins and falling debris; and regulates grading activities, including drainage and erosion control. Local Regulations City of Santa Clarita Unified Development Code All grading and excavation must comply with Chapters 17.20 to 17.30 (Division 3) of the City of Santa Clarita Unified Development Code (UDC). Rules and regulations contained within these chapters provide for the control of excavation, grading, and earthwork construction, including fills or embankment activities. During the grading permit application process, the City Engineer may require engineering geological and soil reports, as well as seismic hazard zone studies be prepared for proposed developments. The engineering geological report would require an adequate description of the geology of the site, along with conclusions and recommendations regarding the effect of geologic condition of any proposed development. Soil reports would be required to characterize the existing soil resources on a site, and provide recommendations for grading and design criteria. Development in seismic hazard zone will require studies that evaluate the potential for seismically induced liquefaction, soil instability, and earthquake induced landslides to occur on a site. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-10 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils PROJECT IMPACTS Significance Threshold Criteria According to Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines, the project would normally have a significant effect on the environment if it would expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault (refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42); — strong seismic ground shaking; seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction; or landslides; 0 result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil; be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off -site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse; be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property; or have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater. The proposed project is a public improvement project that will not utilize wastewater facilities or septic tanks. Consequently, no further analysis is required for this threshold. The City of Santa Clarita Local CEQA Guidelines (Resolution 05-38) adopted on April 26, 2005, also serve as the basis for identifying thresholds to determine the significance of the environmental effects of a project on this resource area. This threshold is also included for analysis. There will be a significant impact if the project were to include movement or grading of earth exceeding 100,000 cubic yards. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-11 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 Impact Analysis Impact Threshold 4.4-1 Ground Rupture 4.4 Geology and Soils Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault (refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42); strong seismic ground shaking; seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction; or landslides Rupture is primarily of concern where a project site overlies or is immediately adjacent to a known fault. No known faults are located within the project area with the nearest known fault approximately 3,200 feet from the project site. Therefore, the impacts related to the rupture of a known earthquake fault would be less than significant. Ground Shaking The proposed project is located in Southern California, a geologically and tectonically active region, where large magnitude, potentially destructive earthquakes are common. Therefore, ground motions from moderate or large magnitude earthquakes could affect the project site during the design life of the project. The nearest fault is the San Gabriel Fault located approximately 3,200 feet northwest of the project area. Other faults in the vicinity include the Holser, Northridge, Santa Susana, and Sierra Madre -San Fernando. The most likely significant event in the area could occur along the San Andreas Fault, located 18 miles northeast of the City. The current standards for construction provided in the CBC are designed to safeguard against major failures and loss of life, but are not intended to prevent damage, maintain function, or provide for easy repair. Conformance to code standards does not constitute any kind of guarantee or assurance that significant structural damage will not occur in the event of a maximum level of earthquake ground motion. However, it is reasonable to expect that a well-planned and constructed structure would not collapse in a major earthquake and that protection of life would be reasonably provided, but not with complete assurance. Therefore, potential impacts would be less than significant as the project is an infrastructure project and contains no habitable structures and would be constructed to the most current CBC standards. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-12 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils Ground Failure Ground failure is a general term for seismically induced, secondary, permanent ground deformation caused by strong ground motion. This includes liquefaction, lateral spreading, ground lurching, seismic settlement of poorly consolidated materials (dynamic densification), differential materials response, sympathetic movement on weak bedding planes or non -causative faults, slope failures, and shattered ridge effects. Most of the site is underlain by bedrock and/or landslide deposits that are not susceptible to liquefaction. The alluvium present in the narrow canyon areas of the site is not designated as potentially liquefiable on the State of California Seismic Hazard Zones Map as shown on Figure 4.4-2, Seismic Hazard Zones Map. Therefore, potential impacts from seismically induced liquefaction would be less than significant. Potential for dynamic clensification is negligible in the bedrock portions of the site, although relatively loose granular alluvial soils located within the minor tributary canyon traversing the project site could be prone to dynamic clensification as a result of future earthquake shaking. Typically, the potential for dynamic clensification of these materials can be mitigated by removing the materials and replacing them with compacted fill. The potential for earthquake -induced slope failures is moderate to high on the landslide -affected portions of the site and on the steep canyon slopes. Most of the hillside areas directly adjacent to the proposed road alignment are designated to have potential for earthquake -induced slope instability as shown on Figure 4.4-2. Numerous large, deep-seated landslides have been mapped on the project site. The proposed cut and fill grading for the proposed project would eliminate some of these areas. Cut and fill slopes constructed per the Uniform Building Code typically are not subject to earthquake -induced failures. Nevertheless, potential impacts related to earthquake -induced landsliclesmaybe significant. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-13 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils Mitigation Measures MM 4.4-1 The potential for seismic settlement (dynamic clensification) during future seismic events shall be evaluated during the planning and design stages in the alluvial, slopewash, and landslides area of the project site. MM 4.4-2 All mapped landslides shall be confirmed by subsurface exploration during the planning and design stages. All confirmed landslides shall be evaluated with respect to the proposed road alignment and specific mitigation measures shall be provided where necessary. Possible mitigation would include complete or partial removal, adding shear keyways, buttressing, or avoidance. Restricted Use Areas shall be established around any unmitigated landslide in open space areas. Residual Impacts Subject to implementation of mitigation measures, impacts would be less than significant. Impact Threshold 4.4-2 Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil Evidence of erosion was observed during the preliminary site investigation in soil and landslide deposits that mantle slopes at the project site. Bedrock at the site is less susceptible to erosion than the overlying soil and landslide material. However, fill, bedrock, landslide deposits, and soil material at the site would be susceptible to erosion if drainage features to control sheet flow over the ground surface are not provided. During construction of the proposed project, the soils on the site would become exposed, and thus subject to erosion. However, the project is required to comply with existing regulations that reduce erosion potential. The proposed project would comply with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 403, which would reduce the potential for wind erosion. Similarly, water erosion during construction would be substantially reduced by complying with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. As further detailed in Section 4.7, Hydrology and Water Quality, NPDES requires the construction of the project to incorporate Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce erosion and prevent eroded soils from washing off site. According to the Geologic/Geotechnical Report prepared by Allan E. Seward Engineering Geology, Inc., the project site consists of Saugus Formation, alluvium, slopewash, residual soil, artificial fill, and certified engineered fill. Potential operational impacts due to erosion would be less than significant as the proposed improvements would cover the area with asphalt or concrete. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-15 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils Mitigation Measures No mitigation measures are required. Residual Impacts Impacts would be less than significant. Impact Threshold 4.4-3 Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse A large landslide complex and smaller landslides have been mapped beneath the project site as previously discussed and as shown on Figure 4.4-1, Geologic Map of Project Site. Based on preliminary investigation of the large landslide complex and review of previous geologic and geotechnical studies performed at the site and vicinity, the landslide contains very weak clay deposits informally called the Friendly Valley Horizon. This horizon is located at the boundary between the Sunshine Ranch member of the Saugus Formation and the overlying coarser -grained portion of the Saugus Formation. Based on preliminary geologic exploration, this landslide complex is estimated to be up to approximately 140 feet thick at the location of the proposed road alignment. Preliminary stability analyses indicate that the gross stability of the landslide complex does not satisfy standard of practice requirements. Therefore, potential impacts related to landslides may be significant. All mapped landslides would have to be investigated and evaluated and would require geologic and geotechnical analyses to determine stability and compressibility of the landslide material that would be exposed in the proposed graded areas. Sediments such as slopewash, alluvium, and landslide debris commonly contain extensive voids and, as a result, are subject to hydro -compression (collapse) settlement when inundated. Hydro -compression occurs when water enters sediments and reorients the sediment particles into a more compact arrangement with fewer and smaller voids. Structures constructed over deposits prone to hydro - compression may experience settlement -induced distress and damage. Only one small canyon of the proposed road alignment contains alluvium. The risk of collapse in this area of the project site would be a potentially significant impact. Other alluvial soils on the project site are relatively shallow and would be removed during grading of the proposed road alignment. The phenomenon of hydro -compression does not apply to the bedrock deposits that underlie most of the project site. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-16 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils Mitigation Measures The following mitigation measures shall be implemented. MM 4.4-3 During the planning and design stages, additional geologic and geotechnical investigations shall be performed to refine the three dimensional geometry and geotechnical characteristics of the various landslides within the landslide complex. MM 4.4-4 See MM 4.4-2. MM 4.4-5 Prior to issuance of a grading permit, additional hydro -compression or consolidation testing shall be conducted to aid in evaluation of settlement within identified geologic units during future geotechnical investigations for grading plans. Possible mitigation of settlement of project soils would include removal and recompaction of loose or soft material. Residual Impacts Subject to implementation of mitigation measures, impacts would be less than significant. Impact Threshold 4.4-4 Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life orproperty Fine-grained units of the Saugus Formation are known to have significant expansion potential when exposed to water. In addition, artificial fill, slopewash, and alluvium deposits present at the site may contain material with significant expansion potential. The alluvial materials on the project site are generally granular and are not typically expansive in nature. Potential removal and recompaction of shallow, loose soils may be required at the site. The native soils are expected to shrink in volume when placed as compacted fill. Therefore, this impact would be potentially significant. Mitigation Measures The following mitigation measures shall be implemented. MM 4.4-6 Expansive materials at the site shall be evaluated by the project Geotechnical Engineer during the grading plan stage of development. Expansion potential of site soils can be mitigated by controlling the water content and density of fill soils, by specifying embedment and reinforcement of structures, and by removing the expansive materials and replacing them with compacted material with low expansion potential. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-17 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils MM 4.4-7 The expansion index of the site materials shall be verified with laboratory testing at the grading plan stage. If expansive materials are encountered, options to mitigate potential adverse effects include special foundation designs and reinforcement, removal and replacement with soil with low to non -expansive characteristics, or treatment with additives to lower the expansion potential. Residual Impacts Subject to implementation of mitigation measures, impacts would be less than significant. Impact Threshold 4.4-5 Include movement or grading of earth exceeding 100,000 cubic yards The proposed project would involve approximately 551,590 cubic yards of cut and 210,530 cubic yards of fill. The excess cut material (341,060 cubic yards) would be balanced on site. While this amount of grading exceeds the threshold of 100,000 cubic yards, it would not result in a significant geotechnical impact as long as the geotechnical considerations/mitigation measures are implemented as identified in the geotechnical analysis in Appendix 4.4. The proposed project would also require coverage under the statewide General Permit for discharge associated with construction activities pursuant to National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements. A storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) shall be prepared along with a grading plan to fulfill the requirements of the State of California General Permit. The grading plan would require approval by the City Engineer prior to issuance of a grading permit. Implementation of the mitigation measures and compliance with applicable regulations would reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant level. Mitigation Measures Additional mitigation measures are not required. Residual Impacts Subject to implementation of mitigation measures, impacts would be less than significant. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-18 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils DESIGN MEASURES ALREADY INCORPORATED INTO THE PROJECT Recommendations provided by the geotechnical engineer identified in Geologic and Ceotechnical Report, EIR Level Review ofRoad Alignmentfor Via Princessa Eastftom Golden Valley Road to 250 Feet West of Sheldon Avenue, prepared by Allan E. Seward Engineering Geology, Inc., and dated August 13, 2010, shall be incorporated as standard conditions of approval for the proposed project. The recommendations are as follows: 0 All slopes shall be evaluated by the project Geotechnical Engineer at the planning and design stages. All mapped landslides shall be confirmed by subsurface exploration relative to their existence at the planning and design stages. All confirmed landslides shall be evaluated with respect to the proposed road alignment and mitigation measures shall be provided where necessary. Mitigation measures shall consist of complete or partial removal, adding shear keyways, buttressing or avoidance. Restricted Use Areas shall be established around any unmitigated landslides in open space areas. Proposed cut slopes anticipated to expose landslide material shall be evaluated. These cut slopes may be stabilized with buttress fills or shear keys designed by the project Geotechnical Engineer. These cut slopes may also be redesigned to avoid landslides. All cut slopes shall require subsurface investigation at the planning and design stages to determine site-specific geologic conditions. Cut slopes with claylighted bedding conditions shall be evaluated by the Geotechnical Engineer. Cut slopes that do not comply with agency's required minimum factors of safety for static and pseudo -static conditions and/or are anticipated to expose landslide material would require corrective measures such as buttresses or stability fills, or would need to be redesigned to a more stable configuration. A study shall be conducted at the planning and design stages for all proposed natural slopes with claylighted bedding conditions. This study shall include subsurface investigation to determine the specific geologic conditions for evaluation by the Geotechnical Engineer. Building/structural setbacks or remedial measures would be required where ascending or descending slopes are not stable as determined by geologic or geotechnical stability analyses. A study should be conducted to evaluate potential debris flow hazards on the subject site. Avoidance of the hazard by selective structural locations, construction of impact or debris walls and/or debris basins, control of run-off or removal of loose surficial materials can be used to mitigate debris flow hazards. Rapidly buried silty sediments such as thick slopewash, alluvium, and/or landslide debris may be subject to hydro -compression. Materials containing significant void space initially observed in the field and if characterized as susceptible to hydro -compression tests in the laboratory shall be removed prior to the placement of fill. A study shall be conducted to evaluate the hydro -compression potential of the thick slopewash deposits and portions of the alluvium and landslide debris. Specific recommenclations shall be provided at the planning and design stages. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-19 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils A study shall be conducted to evaluate the expansive potential of the fine-grained units of the Saugus Formations during the planning and design stages. If these potentially expansive units are encountered in the final pad or street grades during construction, they shall be evaluated by Expansion Index (EI) tests by the project Geotechnical Engineer relative to mitigations by special foundation designs and reinforcement. Alternatively, the expansive material can be removed to a specified depth determined by the project Geotechnical Engineer and replaced with soil with very low to non -expansive characteristics. Alternatively, the expansive soil may be treated with additives to lower the expansion potential. Soils on site may be corrosive to concrete and ferrous metals. Testing during development shall indicate what special measures, such as cement type in concrete and corrosion protection for metallic pipes, may be required for construction. Numerous landslides have been identified at the subject site. If unknown landslides are encountered during development, their potential impact shall be evaluated, including development of mitigation measures such as avoidance (setbacks), construction setbacks, complete or partial removal, construction of buttresses and or shear keyways, etc., where necessary. Restricted Use Areas shall be established around any unmitigated landslides in open space areas that do not affect proposed development or adjacent properties. All of the proposed cut slopes shall be evaluated for gross and surficial stability and remeschated where necessary. Cut slopes that do not comply with the applicable agency's stability requirements shall require corrective measures, such as avoidance (setbacks), cutting back to a shallower slope gradient, or constructing buttresses and/or shear keys with compacted fill. Planting and irrigation of cut slopes and fill slopes shall be included in future design phases in order to improve surficial stability of slopes and to mitigate potential for erosion. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS Geotechnical impacts are site specific in nature and each development site is subject to, at minimum, uniform site development and construction standards relative to seismic and other geologic conditions that are prevalent within the locality and/or region. Because the development of each site would have to be consistent with City of Santa Clarita requirements for projects in the City and the Unified Development Code as they pertain to protection against known geologic hazards, impacts of cumulative development would be less than significant given known geologic considerations. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-20 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.4 Geology and Soils CUMULATIVE MITIGATION MEASURES No significant cumulative geotechnical impacts would occur; therefore, no cumulative mitigation measures are recommended. UNAVOIDABLE SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS With implementation of the above -identified mitigation measures, project -specific impacts associated with geology and soils would be reduced to less than significant. Therefore, no unavoidable significant project -specific impacts are anticipated. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.4-21 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.5 GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMARY This global climate change assessment for the proposed Via Princessa East Extension project ("project" or 'proposed project"), located in the City of Santa Clarita, California, was prepared in accordance with the South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Air Quality Handbook and other guidance and other guidance provided by the SCAQMD, which the City has adopted for purposes of CEQA analysis and thresholds of significance. The proposed project consists of the extension of the Via Princessa roadway to make it one of the primary east -west arterials through the City of Santa Clarita. The project is about 1.2 miles in length and would be a six -lane roadway with sidewalks on each side of the roadway and would include a two-lane bike path along the south side. The criteria for determining the significance of impacts related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are provided in the environmental checklist form in Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines. As of this date, neither the SCAQMD Governing Board nor the County has formally adopted a significance threshold for assessing the impacts from a residential or cornmercial project's GHG emissions. The SCAQMD has formed a Greenhouse Gas CEQA Significance Threshold Stakeholder Working Group in order to provide guidance to local lead agencies on determining significance of GHG emissions in CEQA documents. The Working Group has released draft recommendations that suggest evaluating projects using a screening level of GHG emissions. Projects that do not exceed the screening level would be considered less than significant. Projects that exceed the screening level would be required to implement mitigation measures to reduce the emissions. Although a significance threshold has not been formally adopted, the Working Group draft recommenclations represent the best available information with which to evaluate the project's significance with respect to GHG emissions and climate change. The impacts associated with construction and operation of the proposed project were compared to the draft recommended screening levels. Based on the results of the global climate change assessment, construction and operational emissions of the proposed project would not exceed the SCAQMD Working Group draft recommended screening level 3,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCO2e) per year. Furthermore, the project would not conflict with applicable plans, policies, and regulations adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. The project would result in impacts to GHG emissions and climate change that would be considered less than significant. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.5-1 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.5 Global Climate Change INTRODUCTION This section describes the current state of the regulations and programs that have been implemented to address GHG emissions and global climate change in California. This section also identifies the plans and policies developed by federal, state, and local authorities to reduce GHG emissions. Inventories of GHG emissions associated with implementation of the proposed project are identified and discussed. Potential GHG emissions and climate change impacts associated with the proposed project are evaluated based on the thresholds of significance. Sources utilized in this discussion include the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook (CEQA Handbook), Air Quality Analysis Guidance Handbook (Guidance Handbook), and air quality data from the SCAQMD, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Emission calculations were obtained from the Roadway Construction Emissions Model, Version 6.3.2, which was developed by the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD).' The Roadway Construction Emissions Model is used to assess the emissions from linear construction projects, such as roadways. The model incorporated factors from CARB's EMFAC2007 on -road vehicle emissions model and CARB's OFFROAD2007 off-road vehicle emissions model. Both EMFAC2007 and OFFROAD2007 contain the most up-to-date emission factors for on -road and off-road vehicles. The Roadway Construction Emissions Model is approved for use by the SCAQMD for estimating air pollutant emissions for environmental analyses pursuant to CEQA.2 Electricity GHG emissions related to street lighting and traffic signals were obtained from data from the US Department of Energy and the California Climate Action Registry. GHG emission calculations prepared for the proposed project are provided in Appendix 4.5. I H Weffl WEN Ice] MW a 0 0 1100F Federal In Massachusetts v. EPA, the Supreme Court held that the US EPA has the statutory authority under Section 202 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) to regulate GHGs from new motor vehicles. The Court did not hold that the US EPA was required to regulate greenhouse gas emissions; however, it indicated that the agency must decide whether GHGs from motor vehicles cause or contribute to air pollution that is reasonably anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. Upon the final decision, the President signed Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, Roadway Constmction Emissions Model Version 6.3.2, (2009). The model may be downloaded from the following website: http://�.airquality.org/ceqa/index.shtml. 2 Spoken communication with Daniel Garcia, air quality specialist at SCAQMD. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management's Roadway Construction Emissions Model can be used as long as emission factors are current and accurate. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.5-2 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 4.5 Global Climate Change Executive Order 13432 on May 14, 2007, directing the US EPA, along with the Departments of Transportation, Energy, and Agriculture, to initiate a regulatory process that responds to the Supreme Court's decision. On September 15, 2009, the US EPA and the Department of Transportation's (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a joint proposal to establish a national program consisting of new standards for model year 2012 through 2016 light-duty vehicles that will reduce GHG emissions and improve fuel economy. The proposed standards would be phased in and would require passenger cars and light-duty trucks to comply with a declining emission standard. In 2012, passenger cars and light-duty trucks would have to meet an average emission standard of 295 grams Of CO2 per mile and 30.1 miles per gallon.3 By 2016, the vehicles would have to meet a standard of 250 grams Of CO2 per mile and 35.5 miles per gallon.4 The final standards were adopted by the US EPA and DOT on April 1, 2010. On December 7, 2009, the US EPA Administrator signed two distinct findings regarding GHGs under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act: Endangerment Finding: The Administrator finds that the current and projected concentrations of the six key well -mixed GHGs (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoricle) in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations. Cause or Contribute Finding: The Administrator finds that the combined emissions of these well -mixed greenhouse gases from new motor vehicles and new motor vehicle engines contribute to the greenhouse gas pollution that threatens public health and welfare. While these findings do not impose any requirements on industry or other entities, this action is a prerequisite to finalizing the US EPA's proposed greenhouse gas emission standards for light-duty vehicles, which were jointly proposed by the US EPA and the NHTSA. On April 1, 2010, the US EPA and NHTSA issued final rules requiring that by the 2016 model -year, manufacturers must achieve a combined average vehicle emission level of 250 grams of CO2 per mile, which is equivalent to 35.5 miles per gallon as measured by US EPA standards. These agencies are currently in the process of developing similar regulations for the 2017-2025 model years, which are expected to be drafted by September 2011. 3 US Environmental Protection Agency, "EPA and NHTSA Propose Historic National Program to Reduce Greenhouse Gases and Improve Fuel Economy for Cars and Trucks," http://epa.gov/otaq/climate /regulations/420f09047ahtm. 2009. 4 US EPA, -EPA and NHTSA Propose Historic Nation Program," 2009. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.5-3 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? EIR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.5 Global Climate Change State Assembly Bill 1493 In response to the transportation sector's contribution of more than half of California's CO2 emissions, Assembly Bill 1493 (AB 1493, Pavley) was enacted on July 22, 2002. AB 1493 requires CARB to set GHG emission standards for passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, and other vehicles whose primary use is noncommercial personal transportation. The bill requires CARB to set the GHG emission standards for motor vehicles manufactured in 2009 and all subsequent model years. In setting these standards, CARB is required to consider cost-effectiveness, technological feasibility, economic impacts, and provide maximum flexibility to manufacturers. CARB adopted the statutorily mandated standards in September 2004. When fully phased in, the near-term (2009 2012) standards would result in about a 22 percent reduction in GHG emissions compared to the emissions from the 2002 fleet, while the mid-term (2013-2016) standards would result in a reduction of about 30 percent. Before these regulations go into effect, the US EPA must grant California a waiver under the federal CAA, which ordinarily preempts state regulation of motor vehicle emission standards. On June 30, 2009, the US EPA formally approved California's waiver request. However, in light of the September 15, 2009 announcement by the US EPA and NHTSA regarding the national program to reduce vehicle GHG emissions, California—and states adopting California emissions standards—have agreed to generally defer to the proposed national standard through model year 2016. The 2016 endpoint of the two standards is similar, although the national standard ramps up slightly more slowly than required under the Pavley standards. The Pavley standards require additional reductions in CO2 emissions beyond 2016 (referred to as Phase 11 standards). While the Phase 11 standards have yet to be fully developed, the state currently intends to pursue additional reductions from motor vehicles for model years 2017 through 2025 timeframe. CARB is working with the US EPA and the NHTSA and these agencies are currently in the process of developing regulations for the 2017 2025 model years, which are expected to be drafted in late 2011. Executive Order S-3-05 and the Climate Action Team In June 2005, the Governor established California's GHG emissions reduction targets in Executive Order S-3-05. The Executive Order established the following goals: GHG emissions should be reduced to year 2000 levels by 2010, 1990 levels by 2020, and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) is required to coordinate efforts of various agencies in order to collectively and efficiently reduce GHGs. Some of the agency representatives involved in the GHG reduction plan include the Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.5-4 VzaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drnf? ETR 0112.028 Ag.t 2012 4.5 Global Climate Change Agency, the Secretary of the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Secretary of the Resources Agency, the Chairperson of CARB, the Chairperson of the California Energy Commission (CEC), and the President of the Public Utilities Commission. Representatives from these agencies comprise the Climate Action Team. The Climate Action Team is responsible for implementing global warming emissions reduction programs. The Cal/EPA secretary is required to submit a biannual progress report from the Climate Action Team to the governor and state legislature disclosing the progress made toward GFIG emission reduction targets and the impacts of global warming on California's water supply, public health, agriculture, the coastline, and forestry, and reporting possible mitigation and adaptation plans to combat these impacts. The Climate Action Team has fulfilled both of these report requirements through its March 2006 Climate Action Team Report (CAT Report) to Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature and subsequent reports in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.5 The 2006 CAT Report identified key measures that will help ensure that California will meet the GFIG reduction goals established under the Governor's Executive Order S-3-05 (1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050). These key measures include establishing a market-based carbon trading system, mandatory GFIG reporting for large emitters, production of alternative transportation fuels, energy efficiency and renewable portfolio standards for utilities, emission reporting protocols for local governments, establishing a public goods charge for transportation that funds key strategies to reduce climate change emissions, and leveraging California's universities to train the next generation of workers needed to service new technologies. The 2009 CAT Biennial Report expands on the policies from the 2006 assessment and provides new information and scientific findings. New information and details in the 2009 CAT Biennial Report include (1) development of new climate and sea -level projections using new information and tools that have become available in the last two years; and (2) evaluation of climate change within the context of broader social changes, such as land -use changes and demographic shifts. The 2010 CAT Report provides the updated information on research, mitigation, adaptation, and joint actions from State of California efforts to reduce GFIG emissions and adapt to climate change. Assembly Bill 32 In furtherance of the goals established in Executive Order S-3-05, the State Legislature enacted AB 32 (AB 32, Nufiez and Pavley), the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which Governor California Environmental Protection Agency, Climate Action Team, Climate Action Team Report to Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature, (2010). Reports may be downloaded from the following website: http://�.climatechange.ca.gov/publications/cat/. Inpact Sciences, Inc. 4.5-5 ViaPrincessaEast Extension Project Drno EIR 0112.028 Agret 2012 Land Use Category Community Noise Exposure CNEL, Big 55 t 0 65 75 so Residential - Low Density Single Family, Gamin., INEWEIIIIIIIII Media, He.. ......... Roaddental Multi. Family Transient Lodging ----------------- Metals, Horms .................. SclootLiburn: Church , Host, Is, ...... Nursing Homes Auditoriums, Capped WleM, Halls, Amphitheaters Sports Armed Outdoor 0111MM X/MM/ MIMM M/////� MM/0 fandcarear Sports Playgrounds, Neighborhood Parlys Golf Comence, Riding Stables, Wastor Recreation. Cometeres Office Buildings, Business Commercial and Plainsmen., ........ ........ Industrial, Manufacturing, Utilities, Agriculture IIIIIIIIIN: LEGEND NORMALLY ACCEPTABLE Siderfied land reas is satisfactory based own flues assumption that any badtfings involved are of normal conventional construction diffrodat any special noise insolaean reepireadenis CONDETIONALLY ACCEPTABLE No. cows crown Go succalimovord stand so undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the mice deduction measurements is made and meadmod noise insulation featured recluided in time desig a Conventionalsonabuclon butwilhoesed wincemad arm fresh air supply Systems or air conditioning will normally suffloo NORMALLY UNACCEPTABLE New constructed or development should generally as disnourrigod, If Now nonstrustra, or development does conceded, a detaired analysis of he hose reduction requirements must th, made and needed noise insulation features included in M design Soared walls, .,W. maged. and afte design modifications may be reamed in order to mora. C Is stand aid so CLEARLY UNACCEPTABLE New construction or development should generally not be undertaken CONSIDERATIONS IN DETERMINATION OF NOISE -COMPATIBLE LAND USE A. NOISE EXPOSURE INFORMATION DESIRED whom orifficarl ninw,,A, sooluce, Lod co, vorolie, with paNeaq to s or,i o,, nolm, do CNEI., t'rwfl). s Inns, od,wfios do de,,i,e v,sl, do'es'sed, flas "Pur awn, E'sic, and tio'co evic, cooledr, for firmu,,, madon, amwo oad rimadu am rosirlI in the Noi,, 11�pdsu BE NOISE SOURCE CHARACTERISTICS It's save wo-scove "ar"rowlit, or .. parionds, 'forld do "eal in I'losou to flu, rponfi, ,", of to, for �.,I �dcou �Gl luddee nooll 11 doneaflor drauk 11, of empl, oldell dlli,, ,a. don, Irs, noun hot over, Is, producer, I factor, dift .... I 'o ..... . old's, d" "con, 'cup"im not" � . ......... it, net co"'61"ume, be soot, ims'esi,iossam, lao'con, lotior'n", Au uIrsSoM ( N11 -1m, IkIlioula,is d,,uEco..,taodI) in,of to rusiP r,nan, o,od,ollis Wirsonsolus hoin occipable ",o,vir, ro umsel roi,a In Prow 1. Untold, tho v[ tho Au. on. ofhid, i, to nsomp, land ude, oupenbl, nom in, 63 off CNEI confurrol orwreve IX,011, are in roder do coined, tire chilit, oI arron, to onc,d, onh mr. Au. sonlI net� k,utal in or,, , on ad vor,fi i ... is, Is, 6 wov earn 65 1 NEI rould so ohwnis"'d it cossw�'d hoofed 'Imis normally marc,"nsohl, cose, SOURCE: Cit, of Santa Gloria General Plan Update Noise Element 2009 C. SUITABLE INTERIOR ENVIRONMENTS lb,-ou,cc, oI koach,o,ad,puiol .,,its tku, ... s ko eno s r I, to do,trusio s ionerl, noni r .. Ise or,iromount woo proof, durs, 4GdB CNEI- o . ... . o we ,, wl"'Inue noi, 'a",tics 'nerfor .. .... A fl. ,, of Imer.a dism, soourdonso, 'horld ge'roo 11. pormser .,orble dn't., I,, �, doic, rou", D. ACCEPTABLE OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS Adeslo, ou,s[I , h rh in conumninw, , a embi as paren, i, a" deom too an ac'emo crokoo ov's ,a, ivamadL I par ""'I ",oloo, do", I ... I i, 65 CNIA for mor nird no,"s. por,hr"'Imed on k, ad no 'r,"fien ,a., I pula-favol, rIE'doproor, FIGURE4.9-5 City Land Use Compatibility Guidelines for Noise 112 028-02/11 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Via Princessa Road Extension Santa Clarita, California Prepared for: Impact Sciences 803 Camarillo Springs Road, Suite A Camarillo, California 93012 Ref. No. 0 161-3 8P June 25, 2010 APPLIEDENVIRONMENTALTECHNOLOGIES INC. 4561 MarKet St., Suite B - Ventura, CA 93003 - Phone: (805) 650-1400 Fax: (805) 650-1576 Table of Contents Executive Summary ................................ Introduction ............................... ................. iii Federal and State Database Review ..................................................................................... RecordsReview ................................................................................................................... 3 SiteReconnaissance ............................................................................................................. 7 EnvironmentalLiens ............................................................................................................ 8 Discussionand Conclusions ............................................................................................................ 9 Limitations..................................................................................................................................... 10 References...................................................................................................................................... I I Plate 1. Site Location Map Appendix A. EDR Report Appendix B. Aerial Photographs Appendix C. Representative Photographs Appendix D. Lien Search Report List of Plates Appendices ii Executive Summary A Phase I Environmental Assessment was prepared by Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc., (AET) to evaluate areas of potential concem for the Via Princessa project (Site) in the City of Santa Clarita, California. The project encompasses 16 assessor parcels in the City of Santa Clarita. The Project consists of a road extension for Via Princessa that provides for a cross -valley link that would serve various circulation and transportation needs of the Santa Clarita Valley. The purpose of the assessment was to investigate environmental conditions at the Project site and to evaluate the potential for environmental liability oil the Project site. The investigation was conducted at the request of Impact Sciences. The Subject Site is a proposed road extension, approximately 1.2 miles in length. Tile Site is currently undeveloped rural land consisting of hilly terrain with extensive native vegetation. Currently there are two (2) City ofLos Angeles Department of Water and Power right-of-way crossings. On the west side of the Property, an aqueduct is present. On the eastern side of tile Property, an overhead power line corridor is present. The Site was not identified as a property of potential environmental concern in the government database review. The nearest listing (greater than 1/4mile) is for a residential association (Friendly Village Community Association 93 at 26824 Avenue of the Oaks, Newhall) that disposed asbestos containing waste to a landfill. No violations were found. This finding is not expected to impact the Subject Site. Numerous properties are listed within I mile of the Site. None of the sites listed are known to have impacted the area. Being a registered generator of wastes does not indicate that a release has occurred at the Site. Many of the listed properties are located flank or down gradient from the Site. Based on their regulatory status, distances to up -gradient locations, and/or flank or down gradient locations, the listed properties have a low probability to impact the Site. Based oil the review, the Site was not identified within any oil field. Tile Placerita Field is present to the south of the Site. Numerous oil wells are present within one mile of tile Site. No impact is expected from this field or wells in the vicinity. The property does not have an address; therefore no records from the Santa Clarita Building Department were identified. Aerial photographs from the years 1928, 1947, 1952,1968, 1976, 1989,1994, 2002 and 2005 were reviewed to determine the history of site development. No conditions were observed that would indicate a likely source of impact to the Subject Site. In 1989 or 1990, a release of 800 gallons of jet fuel occurred oil property adjacent to the Project Site (National Technical Systems [NTS]). The spill occurred on a parcel that included the Project Site but did not fall within tile project boundaries. NTS was cited in 1990 and again in 1999 for storage of on-site hazardous waste past applicable accumulation time. NTS was also cited in 1999 for a leaking 55 -gallon drurn in the hazardous waste storage area. NTS is also located near the Former Whittaker-Bermite Facility where there is known groundwater contamination from perchlorate. iii Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc. Numerous assessments and sampling have been conducted at the NTS fiacility in Santa Clarita. The DTSC provided two letters stating that the conditions identified concerning impacted soil and groundwater had been either remediated or deemed not to be a potential risk to human health or the environment. No Further Action "closure" was provided to NTS. The site reconnaissance did not identify any anomalous conditions that could potentially represent an environmental liability. No pits, ponds, underground or above ground tanks (with the exception of two water tanks at the eastern end of the Property), stressed vegetation or other potential environmental concerns were observed. No toxics or hazardous air emission facilities were identified within 1/4mile. No conditions were observed that would be expected to impact the Subject Site. The site was not identified as a known or potential site of contamination based on a federal and state agency database search. The site reconnaissance did not identify any anomalous conditions that could potentially represent an environmental liability. No environmental liens have been identified for the Property. Previous assessments on adjacent land but within the sarne assessor parcel have shown that no significant environmental liability or concerns are present. The State of California Department of Toxic Substances Control has issued "No Further Action" letters to the responsible party (NTS). Based on our review of the available documents, it is our opinion that there is an insignificant potential that hazardous or toxic substances may have been released within the associated structure or to the surface of this property, such that significant costs would be required to restore the site to its previous condition. It is our opinion based on the Phase I assessments; no recognized environmental conditions are present at the Site. 0161-3811 ,,, iv Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc. INTRODUCTION This report provides the results of a Phase I Environmental Assessment conducted by Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc., (AET) to evaluate areas of potential concern forthe Via Princessa project (Site) in the City of Santa Clarita, California. The project encompasses 16 assessor parcels in the City of Santa Clarita (Plate 1). The Project consists of a road extension for Via Princessa that provides for a cross -valley link that would serve various circulation and transportation needs of the Santa Clarita Valley. The purpose of the assessment was to investigate environmental conditions at the Project site and to evaluate the potential for envirorn-nental liability on the Project site. The investigation was conducted at the request of Impact Sciences. This report documents the methods, findings and conclusions of AET's investigation of the above-described property. Objective The objective of the Phase I ESA is to identify recognized environmental conditions at the Site in accordance with the scope of work contained in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Designation E 1527-05 that constitutes All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI). As defined, recognized environmental conditions include "the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products on a property under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products into structures on the property or into the ground, groundwater, or surface water of the property. The term includes hazardous substances or petroleum products even under conditions in compliance with laws. The term is not intended to include de minirnis conditions that generally do not present a threat to human health or the environment and that generally would not be the subject of an enforcement action if brought to the attention of appropriate government agencies. Conditions determined to be de minimis are not recognized environmental conditions." Site Description The proposed road extension is approximately 1.2 miles in length. The proposed extension would be designated as a Major Arterial Highway per the City of Santa Clarita's Master Plan of Arterial Highways. The proposed roadway would include sidewalks on each side and a bike lane on the south side. The Site is currently undeveloped rural space. Currently there are two (2) City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power right-of-way crossings. On the west side of the Property, an aqueduct is present. On the eastern side of the Property, an overhead power line corridor is present. Physiographic Setting The Site is located on the northeast flank of the San Gabriel Mountains within the central Transverse Ranges physiographic province of southern California. The Site elevation ranges from approximately 1,390 feet above mean sea level (msl) in the southwest portion of the Site to approximately 1 .830 feet above msl in the northeast portion of the Site as measured from the United States Geological Survey, Newhall, California 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangle Map, 1952, 0161-3811,,,, 1 Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc. (Photorevised, 1998). The topographic gradient is approximately 300 feet per mile (0.057-1'eet per foot). The nearest surface water drainage is the Santa Clara River approximately I mile to the east northeast. The Santa Clara River flows westerly to the Pacific Ocean. Geology/Hydrogeology The Site is located in the Santa Clara River Hydrologic Unit. The southern portion of the Site is underlain by Recent to Quaternary age river and alluvium deposits consisting of silts, sands and gravels. The alluvium overlies sedimentary rocks of the Pliocene age Saugus formation at depth. The Saugus formation crops out in hills in the northern portion of the Site. According to the Valencia Water Company, there are two groundwater wells (Well Nos. T2 and T4), located along the north bank of the Santa Clara River, each greater than I -mile from the Subject Site. No water wells are found on the Property. The depth to static water level in Well Tzl� measured in October 2002, was 50.2 feet. The regional groundwater gradient is expected to be toward the west along the Santa Clara River valley. 0161�3141 � 2 Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc. EWE' STIGATION METHODOLOGY AND FINDINGS Federal and State Database Review A government database report, prepared by Environmental Data Resources, Inc. (EDR) of Southport, Connecticut, of available federal, state and county agency databases, was reviewed to identify government regulated properties having known or potential recognized environmental conditions within the Site vicinity. The radii of investigation for the Federal and State agency lists were selected in accordance with the ASTM Standards for Environmental Site Assessments (E -I 527- 05). A complete copy of the EDR report, which includes a description of the reviewed government databases, dated April 26, 2010, is presented in Appendix A. Also included in the EDR report is a base map illustrating the location of properties identified in the database review relative to the location ofthe Site. Properties that could not be mapped by EDR but were identified as potentially within the Site vicinity are also included in the EDR report as a separate orphan listing. This list of unmapped sites was reviewed, and none were determined to be proximal to the Site. The pertinent findings of the government database review are summarized below. a The Site was not identified as a property of potential environmental concern in the government database review. e The nearest listing (greater than 'Amile) is for a residential association (Friendly Village Community Association #3 at 26824 Avenue of the Oaks, Newhall) that disposed asbestos containing waste to a landfill. No violations were found. This finding is not expected to impact the Subject Site. Numerous properties are listed within I mile of the Site. None of the sites listed are known to have impacted the area. Being a registered generator of wastes does not indicate that a release has occurred at the Site. Many of the listed properties are located flank or down gradient from the Site. Based on their regulatory status, distance to up -gradient locations, and/or flank or down gradient locations, the listed properties have a low probability to impact the Site. Oil & Gas Maps The Munger Map Book of Califomia-Alaska Oil and Gas Fields, 2003 Edition, was reviewed to assess the presence of known active or abandoned oil and gas wells within the Site vicinity. Based on the review, the Site was not identified within any oil field. The Placerita Field is present to the south of the Site. Numerous oil wells are present within one mile of the Site. No impact is expected from this field or wells in the vicinity. Records Review Santa Clarita Buildiny and Safety Department No records regarding the Site were available because the Site does not have an address. Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc. Santa Clarita Community Development Department No records regarding tile Site were available because the Site does not have an address. Sanborn Fire Insurance Map A search was conducted for available Sanborn Fire Insurance Map coverage of the site. No maps were available. Aerial Photopranh Review Aerial photographs from the years 1928, 1947,1952� 1968, 1976, 1989, 1994,2002 and 2005 were provided by EDR and reviewed to determine the history of site development. Tile aerial photographs are attached as Appendix B. The 1928 (Fairchild, 1 "=500'), 1947 (Tubis, 1"=666'), 1952 (Pacific Air, 1 "=555'), 1968 (Teledyne, I"=480') and the 1976 (Teledyne, I"=666') aerial photographs show the Site to be undeveloped mountainous terrain. From 1947, agricultural development is visible to the northwest. In the 1968 aerial photograph, some development is visible to the west. An apparent water tank- is present at the eastern border of the Site. The 1989 aerial photograph (USGS, I"=666') shows the Site to remain as mountainous terrain. An industrial facility is present to tile west and northwest. Residential development is present to the cast ending at the current end of Via Princessa. The 1994 aerial photograph (USGS, I"=666') shows no change to the Site, but additional residential development is present to the northeast. Commercial structures are visible to the north of theSite. Some minor additions have been added to the industrial facility to the west. The 2002 aerial photograph (USGS, I "=666') shows additional residential development to the north. A large graded area is present to the south of the Site. The 2005 aerial photograph (EDR, 1 "=6047) shows the large graded area to be ahigh school. No other changes are noted. No conditions were observed that would indicate a likely source of impact to the Subject Site. Relevant Environmental Reporting In 1989 or 1990, a release of 800 gallons of jet fuel occurred on property adjacent to tile Project Site (National Technical Systems [NTS]). The spill occurred on a parcel that included the Project Site but did not fall within the project boundaries. NTS was cited in 1990 and again in 1999 for storage of on-site hazardous waste past applicable accumulation time. NTS was also cited in 1999 for a leaking 55 -gallon drum in the hazardous waste storage area. NTS is also located near the Fornier Whittaker-Benuite Facility where there is kriown groundwater contamination from perchlorate. 016 1 �38P sa 4 Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc. "Preliminary Assessment With Limited Sampling Report for National Technical Systems Site 20988 west golden Triangle Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350", June 24, 2003, Prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IX, Prepared by Department of Toxic Substance Control In 2003, a preliminary assessment was conducted at the NTS site. Although none of the sample locations were identified on the Project Site, they were on adjacent land. The findings also indicated that perchlorate was present in the groundwater of tile NTS site. Soil samples had been collected from previous investigations. Heavy hydrocarbons were detected in the soil samples. Additional soil sampling was conducted by DTSC in February 2003. No volatile organic compounds were identified. The results of analyses for metals showed concentrations that correspond very well with the background metal sampling data collected for the Site. No hexavalent chromium was detected in the soil samples. Perchlorate was identified in the soil samples at 5 locations. Petroleum hydrocarbons were not identified in the soil samples. PCBs were not identified in the soil samples. No explosive compounds were identified in the soil samples. Based on the findings and regulations that authorize the EPA to consider emergency response actions at those sites that pose an imminent threat to human health or the environment, DTSC deemed that referral to Region IX' s Emergency Response Office did not appear to be necessary. "Eastern Area Preliminary Endangerment Assessment Sampling Report", April 20, 2007, Prepared for National Technical Systems, Prepared by GeoKinetics of Irvine, CA A preliminary endangerment assessment (PEA) sampling program was conducted for the eastern area of tile NTS facility. The sampling program was conducted as part of a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement. The eastern portion of the NTS facility covers approximately 120 acres and is mostly undeveloped. The area contains a number of relatively small testing laboratories, in use and/or abandoned, and storage facilities for chemicals and explosives. Six potential areas of concern were identified for the PEA sampling program. These 6 areas included a former gun range, a former test pad, a former 60=foot drop tower pad, two former remote testing areas and an existing hazardous materials storage area. The sampling program involved the collection and laboratory analysis of more than 50 soil samples for potential contaminants of concern which included lead, uranium, perchlorate, and explosives residues. Samples from the hazardous materials storage area were also analyzed for volatile organic compounds, semi -volatile organic compounds, and Title 22 metals. Lead and uranium were detected at or below typical background levels in all samples. Perchlorate was not detected in any of the samples. Explosive residues were typically not detected in the samples. The explosive residual tetryl was detected in one sample from the former remote testing areas. Tetryl was used to make explosives, mostly during World Wars I and 11, and is no longer manufactured or used in the United States. The carcinogenicity of tetryl in humans and animals has not been studied. No semi -volatile organic compounds were detected. Lead, cadmium, chromium, copper and nickel were detected at one location within the hazardous materials storage area at concentrations suspected to be in excess of typical background levels. A Waste Extraction Test (WET) was conducted and concentrations were found to exceed the 0161-1811ps'l 5 Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc. regulatory limits for lead, cadmium, copper and nickel. A supplemental soil sampling program was conducted in the Hazardous Materials Storage Area for the purposes of evaluating the extent of inetals-impacted soils. The supplemental sampling program included X -Ray Fluorescence testing for lead at 51 locations combined with additional laboratory analyses of soil samples for cadmium, total and hexavalent chromium, copper, lead and nickel. The extent of the impacted soil was determined to be confined to the surficial soil within a localized (approximately 25 square foot) area. The estimated volume of the impacted soil wasapproximately 1.5 cubic yards. Removal and disposal of the impacted soil was recommended. No further testing activities or remediation was recommended for any of the other areas in which testing was performed. "Results of Soil Removal and Waste Soil Characterization and Disposal Hazardous materials Storage Facility NTS, Santa Clarita, California", October 12,2007, Prepared for Department of Toxic Substances Control, Prepared by GeoKinetics of Irvine, CA Based on the recommendation of the April 20, 2007 PEA, approximately two cubic yards of soil from the Hazardous material Storage Facility at the NTS Facility in Santa Clarita, California Were excavated and disposed off-site as "Non -Hazardous" waste. Confirmatory sampling indicated that all of the impacted soil was removed. This report recommended no further action at this time. Department of Toxic Substances Control letter "Final Prelliminary Endangerment Assessment For Eastern Property of National Technical systems (NTS), dated November 5,2007 to Ms. Cynthia Maher, National Technical Systems This letter states that the Department of Toxics Substances Control (DTSC) has reviewed the PEA report dated April 20, 2007 and Soil Removal and Disposal report dated October 12, 2007. DTSC's conclusion was that based on the information obtained DTSC has determined that the property is suitable for unrestricted land use and No Further Action is required with respect to investigation and remediation of hazardous substances at the Site. As with any real property, if previously unidentified contamination is discovered a the Site, additional assessment, investigation, and/or cleanup may be required. "Report for Fourth Quarter of Groundwater Monitoring National Technical Systems Facility 20970 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, California", August 28, 2009, Prepared for Department of Toxic Substances Control, Prepared by Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. of San Ramon, CA Groundwater monitoring activities were perforined on 4 wells in August 2009. Theresultof the monitoring activities was that there were no concentrations of perchlorate detected in the groundwater. Groundwater flow was to the north. The conclusions of this groundwater sairipling report was that no contamination was identified in the wells and it was recommended that the wells be abandoned and that the DTSC issue a No Further Action letter for the Site. "Supplemental Soil vapor Investigation Report National Technical Systems Facility 20970 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, California", December 22,2009, Prepared for Department of Toxic Substances Control, Prepared by Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. of San Ramon, CA 0161-3811,,. 6 Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc. The purpose of the supplemental soil vapor investigation was to delineate the vertical extent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particularly tetrachloroethene (PCE), in soil vapor around a boring near the Machine Shop at the NTS facility. Previous investigations during 2008 and 2009, PCE was found to exceed its California Human Health screening Level (CHHSL) for both residential and commercial/industrial land uses. The source of the PCE was not identified. Based on the findings of this report it was concluded that the vertical extent of PCE in soil vapor near the Machine Shop was defined. It was also concluded that the localized nature of PCE in soil vapor indicated that there was no potential human health risks associated with on-site worker exposure. In addition, the report concluded that there did not appear to be a potential risk to the groundwater from volatile organics. The report recommended that no further investigation or remedial action be performed and a No Further Action (NFA) or formal case closure letter be issued for the Site. Department of Toxic Substances Control letter "National Technical systems (NTS), dated January 6,2010 to Ms. Cynthia Maher, National Technical Systems This letter states that the Department of Toxics Substances Control (DTSC) has reviewed Supplemental Soil Vapor Investigation Report dated December 22, 2009. DTSC's conclusion was that based on the information obtained, DTSC has determined that no further action is required at this time. As with any real property, if previously unidentified contamination is discovered at the Site, additional assessment, investigation, and/or cleanup may be required. It was further stated that the groundwater monitoring wells could be destroyed in accordance with Los Angeles County Well Destruction Guidelines. Numerous assessments and sampling have been conducted at the NTS facility in Santa Clarita. The DTSC provided two letters stating that the conditions identified concerning impacted soil and groundwater had been either remediated or deemed not to be apotential riskto human health or the environment. No Further Action "closure" was provided to NTS. Site Reconnaissance On April 6, 2010, a representative of AFT conducted a visual reconnaissance of the Site. AET's representative was accompanied by Mr. Willie 0. Seebert, Director of Safety for National Technical Systems, Inc. (NTS) of the western area of the Site. NTS utilizes the western area for storage and testing. In addition, Mr. Seebert inforn-ted AET that a Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) had been conducted on the Property to the east of the NTS facility. The area of the Site consists of predominantly undeveloped hilly terrain that is bisected with dirt roads. The area contains heavy scrub vegetation that makes observation and complete coverage of the Property impractical. Several -areas near the southwestern portion of the Property contain stored equipment and materials for NTS. The Site is bisected on the west by an underground aqueduct and on the east by an above ground power corridor. Near the terminal end of Via Princessa on the east side of the Site are a pair of water tanks. 7 Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc. The Site is bordered on the west by the NTS facility. South of the Property is the Golden Valley High School and residential development. East of the Site is residential development at the current terminal end of Via Princessa. No pits, ponds, underground or above ground tanks (with the exception of two water tanks at the eastern end of the Property), stressed vegetation or other potential environmental concerns were observed. No toxics or hazardous air emission facilities were identified within 1/4mile. No conditions were observed that would be expected to impact the Subject Site. Representative photographs of the Site and surroundings are provided in Appendix C. Environmental Liens No environmental liens have been identified for the Property. The Environmental Lien Search Report is provided in Appendix D. 0161-3RII ,�, 8 Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc. AND CONCLUSIONS The site was not identified as a known or potential site of contamination based on a federal and state agency database search. The site reconnaissance did not identify any anomalous conditions that could potentially represent an environmental liability. Previous assessments on adjacent land but within the same assessor parcel have shown that no significant environmental liability or concerns are present. The State of CalifornialDepartment of Toxic Substances Control has issued "No Further Action" letters to the responsible party (NTS). 0161-31111 ,,� 9 Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The site was not identified as a known or potential site of contamination based on a federal and state agency database search. The site reconnaissance did not identify any anomalous conditions that could potentially represent an environmental liability. Previous assessments on adjacent land but within the same assessor parcel have shown that no significant environmental liability or concerns are present. The State of California Department of Toxic Substances Control has issued "No Further Action" letters to the responsible party (NTS). Based on our review of the available documents, it is our opinion that there is an insignificant potential that hazardous or toxic substances may have been released within the associated structure or to the surface of this property, such that significant costs would be required to restore the site to its previous condition. It is our opinion based on the Phase I assessments; no recognized environmental conditions are present at the Site. 0161-3911 � 9 Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc. LMTATIONS This report has been prepared for Impact Sciences as a preliminary assessment of subsurface conditions at the Via Princessa Road extension in Santa Clarita, California. In performing our professional services, AET has applied present engineering and scientific judgment and used a level of effort consistent with the standard of practice measured on the date ofthis report and in the locale of the project site for similar type studies. Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc., makes no warranty, expressed or implied, in fact or by law, whether of merchantability, fitness for any particular purpose, or otherwise, concerning any of the materials or "services" furnished by Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc., to the client. Inferences with respect to potential subsurface contamination consideration were based on our review of readily available government and historical records. The interpretations in this report have been developed based on the review of existing information pertaining to the project site and a visual reconnaissance of the current condition of the property. It should be recognized that subsurface contamination could vary laterally and with depth below a given site. This report was prepared under the direction and supervision of the following. Should you have any questions regarding this report, please do not hesitate to call. Very truly yours, pplied Environmental hno gies, Inc. C F%, C 1� N FtFAM123 a. Rek M Eal*68: -pl-U-+4 P�.,Finney REA 901128 4 re ident/Senior Project �,Or CALlf 0161-31111 ,, 10 Applied Environmental Teclonologies, Inc. REFERENCES Agencies and documents reviewed relative to the subject parcel. Santa Clarita, Building and Planning Department. County of Los Angeles Assessor EDR Aerial Photographs: EDR Radius Map Report dated April 26, 2010 US Geological Survey (USGS), 7.5 -Minute Topographic Map Series, Mint Canyon Quadrangle, 1981, Munger May Book of California - Alaska Oil and Gas Fields, May 2002. 0161-38P a I I Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc. F.1 a 9 plo M EDR RE' PORT Via Princessa Via Princessa/Sheldon Ave. Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Inquiry Number: 2753008.2s April 26, 2010 (rEDR co Envh(JT)1T1'--W.-d Data ReSOUICr-S Inc FORM PRhf ROM TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE Executive Summary ------------------------------------------------------- ES1 Overview Map ----------------------------------------------------------- 2 DetailMap -------------------------------------------------------------- 3 Map Findings Summary ---------------------------------------------------- 4 MapFindings ------------------------------------------------------------ 8 Orphan Summary --------------------------------------------------------- 70 Government Records Searched/Data Currency Tracking -------------------------- GR -1 GEOCHECK ADDENDUM Physical Setting Source Addendum ------------------------------------------ A-1 Physical Setting Source Summary -------------------------------------------- A-2 Physical Setting SSURGO Soil Map ------------------------------------------ A-5 Physical Setting Source Map ------------------------------------------------ A-1 9 Physical Setting Source Map Findings ---------------------------------------- A-20 Physical Setting Source Records Searched ------------------------------------ A-244 Thank you for your business. Please contact EDR at 1-800-352-0050 with any questions or comments. and Trademark Notice This Report contains certain information obtained from a variety of public and other sources reasonably available to Environmental Data Resources, Inc. It cannot be concluded from this Report that coverage information for the target and surrounding properties does not exist from other sources. NO WARRANTY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IS MADE WHATSOEVER IN CONNECTION WITH THIS REPORT. ENVIRONMENTAL DATA RESOURCES, INC. SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE MAKING OF ANY SUCH WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE. ALL RISK IS ASSUMED BY THE USER. IN NO EVENT SHALL ENVIRONMENTAL DATA RESOURCES, INC. BE LIABLE TO ANYONE, WHETHER ARISING OUT OF ERRORS OR OMISSIONS, NEGLIGENCE, ACCIDENT OR ANY OTHER CAUSE, FOR ANY LOSS OF DAMAGE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES. ANY LIABILITY ON THE PART OF ENVIRONMENTAL DATA RESOURCES, INC. IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO A REFUND OF THE AMOUNT PAID FOR THIS REPORT. Purchaser accepts this Report "AS IS". Any analyses, estimates, ratings, environmental risk levels or risk codes provided in this Report are provided for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to provide, nor should they be interpreted as providing any facts regarding, or prediction or forecast of, any environmental risk for any property. Only a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment performed by an environmental professional can provide information regarding the environmental risk for any property. Additionally, the information provided in this Report is not to be construed as legal advice. Copyright 2010 by Environmental Data Resources, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any media or format, in whole or in part, of any report or map of Environmental Data Resources, Inc., or its affiliates, is prohibited without prior written permission. EDR and its logos (including Sanborn and Sanborn Map) are trademarks of Environmental Data Resources, Inc. or its affiliates. All other TC2753008.2s Page I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A search of available environmental records was conducted by Environmental Data Resources, Inc (EDR). The report was designed to assist parties seeking to meet the search requirements of EPA's Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquiries (40 CFR Part 312), the ASTM Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments (E 1527-05) or custom requirements developed for the evaluation of environmental risk associated with a parcel of real estate. ADDRESS VIA PRI NCESSA/S H ELDON AVE. SANTA CLARITA, CA 91350 COORDINATES Latitude (North): 34.405300 - 34' 24' 19.1 " Longitude (West): 118.495400 - 118* 29'43.4" Universal Tranverse Mercator: Zone 11 UTM X (Meters): 362553.6 UTM Y (Meters): 3807914.2 Elevation: 1662 ft. above sea level USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP ASSOCIATED WITH TARGET PROPERTY Target Property Map: 34118-D4 MINT CANYON, CA Most Recent Revision: 1994 West Map: 3411 B -D5 NEWHALL, CA Most Recent Revision: 1988 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY IN THIS REPORT Photo Year: 2005 Source: USDA TARGET PROPERTY SEARCH RESULTS The target property was not listed in any of the databases searched by EDR. DATABASES WITH NO MAPPED SITES No mapped sites were found in EDR's search of available ("reasonably ascertainable ") government records either on the target property or within the search radius around the target property for the following databases: STANDARD ENVIRONMENTAL RECORDS Federal NPL site list NPL ------------------------- National Priority List TC2753008.2s EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Proposed NPIL --------------- Proposed National Priority List Sites NPIL LIENS ------------------- Federal Superfund Liens Federal Delisted NPL site list Delisted NPL ---------------- National Priority List Deletions Federal CERCLIS list FEDERAL FACILITY ---------- Federal Facility Site Information listing Federal RCRA generators list RCRA-LOG ------------------- RCRA - Large Quantity Generators RCRA-CESQG --------------- RCRA - Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator Federal institutional controls /engineering controls registries US ENG CONTROLS --------- Engineering Controls Sites List US INST CONTROL --------- Sites with Institutional Controls State- and tribal - equivalent NPL RESPONSE ------------------ State Response Sites State- and tribal - equivalent CERCLIS AOCONCERN ---------------- San Gabriel Valley Areas of Concern State and tribal landfill andlor solid waste disposal site lists SWF/LF ---------------------- Solid Waste Information System State and tribal leaking storage tank lists LUST ------------------------- Geotracker's Leaking Underground Fuel Tank Report SLIC ------------------------- Statewide SLIC Cases INDIAN LUST ---------------- Leaking Underground Storage Tanks on Indian Land State and tribal registered storage tank lists AST -------------------------- Aboveground Petroleum Storage Tank Facilities INDIAN UST ------------------ Underground Storage Tanks an Indian Land FEMA UST ------------------- Underground Storage Tank Listing State and tribal voluntary cleanup sites INDIAN VCP ------------------ Voluntary Cleanup Priority Listing ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RECORDS Local Brownfield lists US BROWNFIELDS ---------- A Listing of Brownfields Sites TC275300B.2s EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Local Lists of Landfill I Solid Waste Disposal Sites DEBRIS REGION 9 ----------- Torres Martinez Reservation Illegal Dump Site Locations ODI -------------------------- Open Dump Inventory WMUDSISWAT --------------- Waste Management Unit Database SWRCY ---------------------- Recycler Database HAULERS -------------------- Registered Waste Tire Haulers Listing INDIAN ODI ------------------ Report on the Status of Open Dumps on Indian Lands Local Lists of Hazardous waste / Contaminated Sites US CDL ---------------------- Clandestine Drug Labs HIST Cal -Sites ---------------- Historical Calsites Database SCH -------------------------- School Property Evaluation Program Toxic Pits --------------------- Toxic Pits Cleanup Act Sites AOCONCERN ---------------- San Gabriel Valley Areas of Concern CDL ------------------------- Clandestine Drug Labs US HIST CDL --------------- National Clandestine Laboratory Register Local Land Records LIENS 2 ---------------------- CERCLA Lien Information LUCIS --- -------------------- Land Use Control Information System LIENS ------------------------ Environmental Liens Listing DEED ------------------------ Deed Restriction Listing Records of Emergency Release Reports HMIRS ----------------------- Hazardous Materials Information Reporting System LIDS -------------------------- Land Disposal Sites Listing MCS ------------------------- Military Cleanup Sites Listing Other Ascertainable Records DOT OPS -------------------- Incident and Accident Date DOD ------------------------- Department of Defense Sites FUDS ------- ---------------- Formerly Used Defense Sites CONSENT ------------------- Superfund (CERCLA) Consent Decrees ROD ------------------------- Records Of Decision UMTRA ---------------------- Uranium Mill Tailings Sites MINES ----------------------- Mines Master Index File TRIS ------------------------- Toxic Chemical Release Inventory System TSCA ------------------------ Toxic Substances Control Act FTTS ------------------------- FIFRA/ TSCA Tracking System - FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, & Rodenticide Act)/TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) H I ST FTTS ------------------- FIFRA/TSCA Tracking System Administrative Case Listing SSTS ------------------------- Section 7 Tracking Systems ICIS -------------------------- Integrated Compliance Information System PADS ------------------------ PCB Activity Database System MILTS ------------------------ Material Licensing Tracking System RADINFO -------------------- Radiation Information Database RAATS ----------------------- RCRA Administrative Action Tracking System CA BOND EXP. PLAN -------- Bond Expenditure Plan NPIDES ----------------------- NPIDES Permits Listing TC2753008.2s EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CA WDS --------------------- Waste Discharge System Cortese ----------------- __ " Cortese" Hazardous Waste & Substances Sites List HIST CORTESE -------------- Hazardous Waste & Substance Site List Notify 65 ---------------------- Proposition 65 Records LA Co. Site Mitigation --------- Site Mitigation List INDIAN RESERV ------------- Indian Reservations SCRD DRYCLEANERS ------- State Coalition for Remediation of Drycleaners Listing HWT ------------------------- Registered Hazardous Waste Transporter Database COAL ASH EPA -------------- Coal Combustion Residues Surface Impoundments List COAL ASH DOE -------------- Sleam-Electric Plan Operation Data PROC ------------------------ Certified Processors Database PCB TRANSFORMER -------- PCB Transformer Registration Database FINANCIAL ASSURANCE ---- Financial Assurance Information Listing MWMP ----------------------- Medical Waste Management Program Listing EDR PROPRIETARY RECORDS EDR Proprietary Records Manufactured Gas Plants ----- EDR Proprietary Manufactured Gas Plants EDR Historical Auto Stations_ EDR Proprietary Historic Gas Stations EDR Historical Cleaners ------ EDR Proprietary Historic Dry Cleaners SURROUNDING SITES: SEARCH RESULTS Surrounding sites were identified in the following databases Elevations have been determined from the USGS Digital Elevation Model and should be evaluated on a relative (not an absolute) basis. Relative elevation information between sites of close proximity should be field verified. Sites with an elevation equal to or higher than the target property have been differentiated below from sites with an elevation lower than the target property. Page numbers and map identification numbers refer to the EDR Radius Map report where detailed data on individual sites can be reviewed - Sites listed in bold italics are in multiple databases. Unmappable (orphan) sites are not considered in the foregoing analysis. STANDARD ENVIRONMENTAL RECORDS Federal CERCLIS list CERCLIS: The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Information System contains data on potentially hazardous waste sites that have been reported to the USEPA by states, municipalities, private companies and private persons, pursuant to Section 103 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). CERCLIS contains sites which are either proposed to or on the National Priorities List (NPL) and sites which are in the screening and assessment phase for possible inclusion on the NPL. A review of the CERCLIS list, as provided by EDR, and dated 01/29/2010 has revealed that there is 1 CERCLIS site within approximately 1 mile of the target property. TC2753008.2s EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Lower Elevation Address Direction I Distance Map ID Page HI -SHEAR TECHNOLOGY CORP 26413 N GOLDEN VALLEY R WNW112-1(0.607mi.) 50 41 Federal CERCLIS NFRAP site List CERC-NFRAP: Archived sites are sites that have been removed and archived from the inventory of CERCLIS sites. Archived status indicates that, to the best of EPA's knowledge, assessment at a site has been completed and that EPA has determined no further steps will be taken to list this site on the National Priorities List (NPL), unless information indicates this decision was not appropriate or other considerations require a recommendation for listing at a later time. This decision does not necessarily mean that there is no hazard associated with a given site; it only means that, based upon available information, the location is not judged to be a potential NPL site. A review of the CERC-NFRAP list, as provided by EDR, and dated 06123/2009 has revealed that there is 1 CERC-NFRAP site within approximately 1 mile of the target property. Lower Elevation Address Direction I Distance Map ID Page AMERICAN CYANAMID 21444 GOLDEN TRIANGLE R NW 112 - 1 (0.967 mi.) D54 so Federal RCRA CORRACTS facilities list CORRACTS: CORRACTS is a list of handlers with RCRA Corrective Action Activity. This report shows which nationally -defined corrective action core events have occurred for every handler that has had corrective action activity. A review of the CORRACTS list, as provided by EDR, and dated 12/11/2009 has revealed that there is 1 CORRACTS site within approximately 1.5 miles of the target property. Lower Elevation AMERICAN CYANAMID Address Direction I Distance Map ID Page 21444 GOLDEN TRIANGLE R NW 112 - 1 (0.967 mi.) D54 50 Federal RCRA non-CORRACTS TSD facilities list RCRA-TSDF: RCRAlnfo is EPA's comprehensive information system, providing access to data supporting the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 and the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) of 1984. The database includes selective information on sites which generate, transport, store, treat and/or dispose of hazardous waste as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)_ Transporters are individuals or entities that move hazardous waste from the generator offstte to a facility that can recycle, treat, store, or dispose of the waste. TSDFs treat, store, or dispose of the waste. A review of the RCRA-TSDF list, as provided by EDR, and dated 01/13/2010 has revealed that there is 1 RCRA-TSDF site within approximately 1 mile of the target property. Lower Elevation Address Direction / Distance Map ID Page AMERICAN CYANAMID 21444 GOLDEN TRIANGLE R NW112-1(0.967mL) D54 50 T(32753008.2� EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5 F�EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Federal RCRA generators list RCRA-SQG: RCRAlnfo is EPA's comprehensive information system, providing access to data supporting the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 and the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) of 1984. The database includes selective information on sites which generate, transport, store, treat and/or dispose of hazardous waste as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Small quantity generators (SQGs) generate between 100 kg and 1,000 kg of hazardous waste per month. A review of the RCRA-SQG list, as provided by EDR, and dated 01/13/2010 has revealed that there are 4 RCRA-SQG sites within approximately 0.75 miles of the target property. Lower Elevation BLUE CROSS LABORATORIES INC HASHEAR TECHNOLOGY CORP INLAND PACIFIC MTR ADROS CUSTOM WOOD FINISHING Federal ERNS list Address 26411 N GOLDEN VALLEY R 26413 N GOLDEN VALLEY R 26502 GOLDEN VALLEY RD 26524 GOLDEN VALLEY Direction / Distance NW 114 - 112 (0.449 mL) WNW 112 - 1 (0.607 mL) NNW 112 - 1 (0.696 mL) NNW 112 - 1 (0.696 mi.) Map ID Page A9 16 50 41 C51 43 C53 48 ERNS: The Emergency Response Notification System records and stores information on reported releases of oil and hazardous substances. The source of this database is the U.S. EPA. A review of the ERNS list, as provided by EDR, and dated 12/31/2009 has revealed that there is 1 ERNS site within approximately 0.5 miles of the target property. Lower Elevation 26417 GOLDEN VALLEY RD State- and tribal - equivalent CERCLIS Address Direction / Distance 26417 GOLDEN VALLEY RD NWI/4-1/2(0,450mi.) MaplD Page A10 19 ENVIROSTOR: The Department of Toxic Substances Control's (DTSC's) Site Mitigation and Brownfields Reuse Program's (SMBRP's) EnviroStor database identifes sites that have known contamination or sites for which there may be reasons to investigate further. The database includes the following site types: Federal Superfund sites (National Priorities List (NPL)); State Response, including Military Facilities and State Superfund; Voluntary Cleanup; and School sites. EnviroStor provides Similar information to the information that was available in CalSites, and provides additional site information, including, but not limited to, identification of formerly -contaminated properties that have been released for reuse, properties where environmental deed restrictions have been recorded to prevent inappropriate land uses, and risk characterization information that is used to assess potential impacts to public health and the environment at contaminated sites. A review of the ENVIROSTOR list, as provided by EDR, and dated 02/08/2010 has revealed that there are 5 ENVIROSTOR sites within approximately 1.5 miles of the target property. Lower Elevation MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS, INC. Status: No Further Action AMERICAN CYANAMID, ENGINEERED Status: Active NATIONAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS Status: Active Address Direction I Distance 26407 GOLDEN VALLEY RD NW114-112(0.449mi.) 21444 GOLDEN TRIANGLE R NW 112 - 1 (0.967 mi.) 209BB GOLDEN TRIANGLER NIVWI-2(l.100mi.) MaplD Page A6 12 D55 58 56 62 TC2753008.2s EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6 EXECUT�IVE SUMMARY Lower Elevation Address Direction / Distance Map ID Page WILLIAM S. HART UNION SCHOOL D 21469 REDVIEW DRIVE WNW 1 - 2 (1.212 mi,) 57 67 Status: No Further Action CARRIAGE TRADE CLEANERS 19324 SOLEDAD CANYON RD ENE 1 - 2 (1.448 mi.) 58 68 Status: Refer: 1248 Local Agency State and tribal registered storage tank lists LIST: The Underground Storage Tank database contains registered USTs. USTs are regulated under Subtitle I of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The data come from the State Water Resources Control Board's Hazardous Substance Storage Container Database. A review of the LIST list, as provided by EDR, and dated 03122/2010 has revealed that there is 1 LIST site within approximately 0.75 miles of the target property. Lower Elevation Address Direction / Distance Map ID SAUGUS UNION SO TRANSPORTATION 26501 GOLDEN VALLEY RD WNW1/4-1/2(0.464mi.) B30 Page 29 State and tribal voluntary cleanup sites VCP: Contains low threat level properties with either confirmed or unconfirmed releases and the project proponents have request that DTSC oversee investigation and/or cleanup activities and have agreed to provide coverage for DTSC's costs, A review of the VCP list, as provided by EDR, and dated 02/08/2010 has revealed that there is I VCP site within approximately 1 mile of the target property. Lower Elevation Address Direction I Distance Map ID Page MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS, INC. 26407 GOLDEN VALLEY RD NW 114 - 112 (0.449 mi.) A6 12 ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RECORDS Local Lists of Registered Storage Tanks CA FID UST: The Facility Inventory Database contains active and inactive underground storage tank locations. The source is the State Water Resource Control Board. A review of the CA FID UST list, as provided by EDR, and dated 10131/1994 has revealed that there is 1 CA FID UST site within approximately 0.75 miles of the target property. Lower Elevation Address Direction / Distance Map ID Page MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS 26407 N GOLDEN VALLEY R NW 114 - 112 (0.449 mi.) AS 10 TC2753008.2s EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 7 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY HIST UST: Historical UST Registered Database. A review of the HIST UST list, as provided by EDR, and dated 10115/1990 has revealed that there is 1 HIST LIST site within approximately 0.75 miles of the target property, Lower Elevation Address Direction I Distance SAUGUS FACILITY 26407 GOLDEN VALLEY RD NW 114 - 1/2 (0.449 mi.) MaplD Page A3 a SWEEPS LIST: Statewide Environmental Evaluation and Planning System. This underground storage tank listing was updated and maintained by a company contacted by the SWRCB in the early 1990's. The listing is no longer updated or maintained. The local agency is the contact for more information on a site on the SWEEPS list - A review of the SWEEPS LIST list, as provided by EDR, and dated 06/01/1994 has revealed that there 1, 1 SWEEPS LIST site within approximately 0.75 miles of the target property. Lower Elevation Address Direction / Distance Map ID Page MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS 26407 N GOLDEN VALLEY R NW114-112(0.449mi.) AS 10 Records of Emergency Release Reports CHMIRS: The California Hazardous Material Incident Report System contains information on reported hazardous material incidents, i.e., accidental releases or spills. The source is the California Office of Emergency Services. A review of the CHMIRS list, as provided by EDR, and dated 12/31/2007 has revealed that there is 1 CHMIRS site within approximately 0.5 miles of the target property. Lower Elevation Address Direction / Distance Map ID Page Not reported 26411 GOLDEN VALLEY RD NW 114 - 1/2 (0.449 mi.) A8 14 Date Completed: 25 -MAR -89 Other Ascertainable Records RCRA-NonGen: RCRAInfo is EPA's comprehensive information system, providing access to data supporting the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 and the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) of 1984. The database includes selective information on sites which generate, transport, store, treat and/or dispose of hazardous waste as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Non -Generators do not presently generate hazardous waste. A review of the RCRA-NonGen list, as provided by EDR, and dated 01/13/2010 has revealed that there is I RCRA-NonGen site within approximately 0.75 miles of the target property. Lower Elevation Address Direction / Distance Map ID Page BENS TEK 26536 GOLDEN VALLEY RD NNW 112 - 1 (0.696 mi.) C52 45 TC2753006.2s EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 8