HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-28 - AGENDA REPORTS - CONTR INCREASE AND EXTENSION FOR EIR MC 17-10425
Agenda Item:14
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: May 28, 2024
CONTRACT INCREASE AND EXTENSION FOR CONSULTANT TO
SUBJECT:
PREPARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE
PRINCESSA CROSSROADS PROJECT (MASTER CASE 17-104)
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
PRESENTER: Hai Nguyen
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Authorize an expenditure increase for the contract for the preparation of the Princessa
Crossroads Environmental Impact Report (Master Case 17-104) to Psomas from $352,642 to
$400,451, and include a contingency in the amount of $60,068, for a total contract amount
not to exceed $460,519, and extend the contract for four years.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney
approval.
BACKGROUND
The Princessa Crossroads project (Master Case 17-104) is a request by SC LandCo Parent LLC,
(Applicant) to create a Specific Plan to develop approximately 146 acres in the vicinity of the
northeast corner of the future intersection of Golden Valley Road and Via Princessa, just north of
Golden Valley High School, as shown on the attached aerial map.
The project was formally submitted on May 26, 2017. An environmental review is required
under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and was initiated. Based on anticipated
impacts associated with the project, the appropriate CEQA document required for the project is
an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Since the City does not have the in-house expertise or
resources available to complete an EIR, an outside environmental consulting firm is required to
complete this task. In January 2018, staff solicited proposals from qualified firms to prepare the
Princessa Crossroads EIR.
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On April 24, 2018, the City Council awarded the contract to Psomas for a contract amount of
$306,646, with a 15% contingency of $45,996, for a total contract amount not to exceed
$352,642. Since then, there have been two amendments processed to this contract. The first
amendment was processed in 2020 due to project revisions to remove the off-site grading and
roadway development and additional tasks associated with revisions to the Notice of Preparation
(NOP). The second amendment was processed in 2022 to extend the contract through July 1,
2024.
Since 2017, the applicant has modified the site plan and prepared revised technical studies. The
project initially consisted of 680,000 square feet of new commercial space and 925 multifamily
residential units. Currently, the project consists of 1.5 million square feet of business park/commercial
space grading component, 34 acres of adjacent property owned by the City of Santa Clarita (City)
would be graded to create additional park space at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex. The project
includes the following requested entitlements: General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to
create a Specific Plan for the project site; Tentative Tract Map No. 75026 for the subdivision of
land into commercial and residential lots; Conditional Use Permit for grading in excess of
100,000 cubic yards of earth, for development within the Planned Development Overlay Zone,
and potentially for residential gating; Development Review Permit for proposed structures and
Alteration Permit for impacts to identified ridgelines within the project boundary; and an Oak
Tree Permit to identify and mitigate potential encroachments and impacts to the oak trees. The
Princessa Crossroads Specific Plan would create new development standards and residential and
citywide development standards. A project summary, which includes a land use plan, is attached
for reference.
The modified project would require an update to the contract with Psomas (attached). The
of the project, staff has included a 15% contingency in the amount of $60,068, for a total
contract amount not to exceed $460,519. This is an increase of $107,877 from the 2018
contract. This includes the preparation of the Draft EIR, response to comments, public outreach,
a Mitigation Monitoring Plan, and completion of the Final EIR. Psomas anticipates a 14-month
process to prepare the EIR. The contingency will allow for additional analysis for unexpected
issues that may be identified during the EIR process. The applicant is responsible for all costs
associated with the EIR preparation including the additional cost with this proposed amendment.
The applicant will deposit the additional funds into a trust account to be maintained by the City.
Furthermore, the term of the contract, which is set to expire in July 1, 2024, will be extended for a
period of four years.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
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FISCAL IMPACT
All costs associated with the preparation of the Princessa Crossroads project environmental
document will be the responsibility of the applicant and funds will be deposited into trust
account 102-201147 (EIR Princessa Crossroads). There are no fiscal impacts to the City
associated with this item.
ATTACHMENTS
Aerial Map
Project Summary and Land Use Plan
Psomas Proposal and Cost 2024 (available in the City Clerk's Reading File)
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Master Case 17-104
Princessa Crossroads
Aerial Map
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OPSUI
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CROSSROADS AT VIA PRINCESSA
REVISED PROJECT SUMMARY
APRIL 2023
Project Location
The approximately 146-acre project site (area within tract map boundaries) is located
directly east of Golden Valley Road along the proposed extension of Via Princessa. The
extension of Via Princessa at this location was previously approved by the City of Santa
Clarita, and the subject of its own EIR that was certified in 2015. The applicant is preparing
an addendum to this EIR on behalf of the City. This addendum will find that the
impacts associated with a minor realignment of the roadway were either similar as what
was previously concluded in the 2105 EIR or less. As such, the previously approved and
planned improvements that would extend Via Princessa through the Project site are not
part of this Project from an impact perspective.
The project site is zoned and designated by the City’s General Plan as BP (Business Park)
and UR-5 (Urban Residential 5). The project site includes property within the tract map
boundaries as well as various off-site properties including an easterly extension of Via
Princessa and the adjacent approximately 34-acre property to the north owned by the City
of Santa Clarita, which would be graded and ultimately developed with park improvements.
Project Site – Existing Condition
The project site is presently undeveloped but highly disturbed due to utility construction
and ongoing maintenance as well as unauthorized access from surrounding neighborhoods.
The project site is surrounded on the west by Golden Valley Road and existing business
park/industrial uses, the north by the City of Santa Clarita Activities Center, the east by
vacant undeveloped land and residential uses and the south by Golden Valley High School
and residential uses.
Project Entitlements
General Plan Amendment (GPA) – A GPA is required to establish a Specific Plan for
the project site.
Zone Change (ZC) – A ZC is required to establish Specific Plan zoning.
Tentative Tract Map (TTM) – A TTM is required to subdivide the land.
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) – A CUP is required for grading in excess of 100,000
cubic yards.
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Oak Tree Permit (OTP) – A OTP is required to remove oak trees on the project site.
Hillside Development Review (HR) – A HR is required to develop on property with
an average cross slope of over 10%.
Ridgeline Alteration Permit (RP) – A RP is required to allow for development on a
property with a protected ridgeline.
Development Review (DR) – A DR is required for all new development projects.
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Key Items
The project site is bisected by the alignment of the Via Princessa Gap Closure the
City’s No. 1 roadway priority. The City has certified an EIR for the roadway project
and is assembling the necessary funding. Minor modifications to this alignment
have been made to preserve a “vernal pool” which is a significant environmental
feature. An addendum to the EIR is being prepared and will be adopted by the City
in 2023.
Owner and the City have entered into a Via Princessa Design Agreement – NTS is
taking the lead on the final road design and will be reimbursed up to $2.6 million.
Owner and the City will ultimately enter into a construction agreement delegating
responsibilities for grading the road, the project and identifying pro-rata shares for
the costs. This agreement will be approved in conjunction with project entitlements.
In addition to the complex project entitlements, the project will necessitate the
securing of regulatory permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife,
the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Regional Water Quality Control
Board, Los Angeles Region. Easements for the Los Angeles Department of Water
and Power are also required to allow for the development of the road.
Summarized Project Description
The project includes development of the property with a mixed-use community including
three Planning Areas as shown on TTM (Tentative Tract Map) 75062 and summarized
below:
Planning Area 1 (Residential) – up to 300 apartment units and two new potable
water tanks (that would be owned and operated by the Santa Clarita Valley Water
Agency). Planning Area 1 is located directly north of Golden Valley High School and
south of Via Princessa.
Planning Area 2 (Business Park/Commercial) – up to 1.5 million square
feet of industrial/business park uses and required parking. Planning Area 2 is
located along the future extension of Via Princessa both north and south of the
approved roadway.
The project includes up to 1.5 million square feet of business park/commercial uses and up
to 300 residential units. Primary vehicular access to the project site would come from
Golden Valley Road and the approved extension of Via Princessa. Various other public and
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private streets internal to the project would provide access to residential and industrial
development on-site. Grading acreage (both on and off-site) and total cubic yards are shown
on the revised tentative tract map.
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January 30, 2024
Revised February 13, 2024
Mr. Hai Nguyen
Associate Planner
Planning Division
City of Santa Clarita
23920 Valencia Boulevard
Santa Clarita, California 91355
Balancing the Natural and Built Environment
VIA EMAIL
HNguyen@santa-clarita.com
Subject: Updated Scope of Work and Cost Estimate for the Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
Project, Santa Clarita, County of Los Angeles, California
Dear Mr. Nguyen:
Psomas appreciates the opportunity to be submitting this updated Scope of Work (SOW) and Cost
Estimate for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
Project (Project or proposed Project), in the City of Santa Clarita, County of Los Angeles, California. The
City of Santa Clarita (City) is the Lead Agency.
Psomas submitted a proposal for the proposed Project on March 6, 2018 and was selected to prepare the
EIR. After initiating the Project, per the SOW, we prepared and distributed a Notice of Preparation (NOP)
for a 30-day public review from February 27, 2019 to March 29, 2019. However, soon after Psomas
prepared and submitted a budget augment for re -distributing the NOP due to changes to the Project
Description, Psomas received a stop -order notice, and the Project came to a halt.
During this hiatus, the Applicant team revisited the Project, as was proposed at that time, and modified it
to better suit the market conditions. The Project plans were resubmitted for City review and comment, and
upon incorporating the City comments, the Project was deemed appropriate to be processed, pursuant to
State CEQA Guidelines. Based on discussions with you and upon receipt of the Tentative Tract Map
(TTM) and draft Specific Plan (Sections 1, 2, and 4), per your direction, Psomas updated the SOW and
Cost Estimate for your review and approval prior to reinitiating the work on the EIR document.
I, Alia Hokuki, AICP, as the Project Manager for the Project, will operate as the main point of contact to
you and the City staff and coordinate with our subconsultant, Converse Consultants, and the Project team,
as appropriate, during the life of the Project.
Attachments A and B include the updated SOW and Cost Estimate, respectively. We greatly appreciate
the opportunity to support the City and the Applicant with preparing and processing the EIR document
and perform the tasks included herein.
5 Hutton Centre Drive
Suite 300
Santa Ana, CA 92707
Tel 714.751.7373
Fax 714.545.8883
www.Psomas.com
Hai Nguyen
Page 2
January 30, 2024
Revised February 13, 2024
We look forward to working and collaborating with you. Should you have any questions or need
additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 714-481-8065 or by email at
Alia.Hokukl gPsom as.com.
Sincerely,
PSOMAS
.' e�— �' 4x— — - — —:
Alia Hokuki, AICP
Vice President/Project Manager
Attachments: Attachment A — Updated Scope of Work
Attachment B — Updated Cost Estimate
RAProjects\SAN03 Sta. Clarita\3SAN030100\New Project 2024\Updated Scope of Work 2024\FinaPPrincessa Scope of Work_021324.docx
Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
ATTACHMENT A
SCOPE OF WORK
CROSSROADS AT VIA PRINCESSA SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT
January 30, 2024
Revised February 13, 2024
Project Understanding
The 146-acre project site is in proximity to existing residential and business park developments.
The site is undeveloped and disturbed with some portions altered by grading associated with the
development of Golden Valley High School, Golden Valley Road and past activities associated with
the operation of the adjacent National Technical Systems facility.
The site is accessed via Golden Valley Road, which is an existing major highway directly west of the
project site that connects the area north to Bouquet Canyon Road via Plum Canyon Road and south
to State Route 14 (SR-14). The site is also along the approved extension of Via Princessa, a major
highway that extends east to Sierra Highway and SR-14.
The proposed Project is development of a community, consisting of residential and business park
uses, and associated improvements, including streets, private drives, other related infrastructure,
and landscape/open space. The Specific Plan permits development of up to 300 attached or
detached multifamily dwellings units and up to 1,500,000 square feet of business park uses in two
planning areas.
The Project also includes off -site improvements to the adjacent, approximately 13-acre, City -owned
property to the north. The off -site improvements include grading the area for park improvements.
TASK 1: PROJECT INITIATION
The objective of Task 1 is to achieve an understanding of the entirety of the project, the factors that
may affect the schedule and scope of the CEQA process, and to achieve consensus on the Project
Description construction and operational details to be used during peer review of the Applicant
technical reports and analyzed in the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
Subtask 1.1: Kick -Off Meeting and Site Visit
Psomas will attend a project kick-off meeting with the City staff and/or the Project Applicant to
discuss the updated Project, deliverables, and schedule. The preliminary schedule will be discussed
and refined, as appropriate, and submitted to the City for review. Issues of potential controversy
and stakeholder concerns will be discussed, including any discussions or coordination with
responsible agencies.
The objective of the meeting will be to develop a clear understanding of the Project requirements,
roles and responsibilities for all participants, work products, schedule expectations, and
communication protocols. This meeting will allow the team to identify pertinent documents and
data, and to discuss additional information that may be required to initiate the Project. Meeting
Minutes will be prepared to document the action items discussion at the kick-off meeting. A site
visit was conducted with the City Project Manager and the Applicant as part of the previous project.
While the project site is still undeveloped, given the length of time that has passed, a site visit would
be recommended.
A-1 Scope of Work
Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
It should be noted that the hours for this task have been adjusted in the Cost Estimate spreadsheet
to account for the completed kick-off task. The updated hours do not reflect a kick-off meeting for
the updated Project. Should a kick-off meeting be scheduled, a budget augment will be required.
Deliverables:
• A site visit
• Photographically document the site and surrounding areas
• Provide an updated Project schedule with milestones and deliverables
Subtask 1.2: Project Description
The Project Applicant has prepared a Tentative Tract Map (TTM) that reflects the updated Project.
Presumably, all of the technical reports that were prepared for the previous Project are or will be
updated to reflect the updated Project and development assumptions. Therefore, prior to
commencement of work on the EIR (see Task 4), Psomas will prepare a draft Project Description for
use in the EIR that includes details about: project boundaries; project objectives; project
components and land uses for each planning area; off -site improvement; sustainable design
features if any; Project Design Features (PDFs) if any; development phasing assumptions;
construction equipment assumptions; listing of responsible agencies; and discretionary actions.
The draft project description will include numbered exhibits (e.g., plans, figures, or graphics)
provided by the Project Applicant and/or their consultants to illustrate the Project components, or
exhibit placeholders will be provided for those that are not yet completed.
Following receipt of feedback from the City and the Project Applicant on the draft Project
Description, Psomas will revise the document accordingly for use in preparing the Draft EIR.
Importantly, this revised Project Description will be distributed to all applicable Psomas team
members for use in their analyses or when conducting the peer reviews of the Applicant prepared
technical reports (see Task 3). The final Project Description will also be emailed to Psomas'
subconsultant, Converse Consultants. It is critical that all technical reports are based upon the same
development assumptions to ensure consistency and legal defensibility throughout the EIR.
Deliverables:
• Provide one draft project description in Word and PDF (with exhibits) formats, and prepare
a revised project description according to the comments received in a Word file with track -
changes
• Upon approval of the revised Project Description, distribute the file to the Psomas team
members that will prepare the analyses or conduct the peer reviews and Psomas'
subconsultant, Converse Consultants
TASK 2: INITIAL STUDY, NOTICE OF PREPARATION, AND SCOPING MEETING
The objective of Task 2 is to successfully execute the required noticing and scoping process
required by CEQA to ensure legal defensibility, and to solicit feedback from interested parties on
the scope and content of the Draft EIR.
Subtask 2.1: Initial Study (OPTIONAL TASK)
Psomas will prepare an Initial Study (IS) that provides a preliminary analysis of the project's
impacts. It is anticipated that due to the size of the project and the number of topical areas that will
A-2 Scope of Work
Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
be analyzed that few environmental topics could be "focused out" of the EIR through the IS. Based
on our understanding of the project, it is anticipated that the following topical issues could be
focused out through the IS and may not require analysis in the EIR: Agriculture and Forest
Resources and Mineral Resources. The project site is designated as "Other Land" according to the
State's Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program, and the property is not zoned for agricultural
use.
The southern portion of the project site adjacent to the Golden Valley High School appears to be
located within the City's "estimated oil and gas field" boundaries related to the topic of Mineral
Resources. However, it does not appear that any active oil/gas activities are occurring on the
project site, and this topic may also be scoped out through the IS process. Psomas will prepare a
Draft IS and submit the document for review and comment to the City and the Project Applicant.
Once comments have been received, Psomas will revise the document accordingly and prepare the
final IS for review and City approval to circulate. Upon the City's final approval of the IS, Psomas
will initiate reproduction and public distribution of the IS along with a Notice of Preparation (NOP)
of a Draft EIR (see Subtask 2.2).
Deliverables:
• First draft Initial Study in Word and PDF (with exhibits) format
Revised Initial Study in Word and PDF format (with changes shown in track -change), and a
final Initial Study for the City's approval to circulate
Subtask 2.2: Notice of Preparation and Distribution
Psomas will prepare a draft Notice of Preparation (NOP), which will also include information about
the Scoping Meeting for the Project. Psomas will submit the NOP in electronic format to City and the
Project Applicant for review and comment. Once comments have been received, Psomas will revise
the NOP accordingly and prepare the NOP for review and approval to circulate for the 30-day public
review. Psomas will assist the City in preparing of the mailing list for the NOP by identifying
applicable responsible and trustee agencies. Based on the mailing list, electronic copies (USBs) of
the NOP (up to 75 copies) will be sent to the agencies via FedEx. The NOP will be filed at the Los
Angeles County Clerk Registrar office, along with the Notice of Completion (NOC) and filing fee. The
NOR NOC, and the State Clearinghouse (SCH) summary from will be posted on the SCH website. The
final NOP will be emailed to the City in PDF format for posting on City's website.
Additionally, if requested by the City, Psomas will prepare an abbreviated NOP for publication in a
newspaper of local circulation to announce the public review period. Fees associated with posting
the announcement in the newspaper are not included. This task assumes that the Project Applicant
will post the NOP at the Project site.
Furthermore, hard copies of the Notice of Availability (NOA) of the NOP will be mailed to the
surrounding property owners (radius to be determined by the City), based on a mailing list and
mailing labels provided by the Applicant.
Deliverables:
• First draft NOP/NOC in Word and PDF format (with exhibits)
• Revised NOP/NOC in Word and PDF format (with changes shown in track change), and a
NOP/NOC for the City's approval to circulate for the 30-day review
• First draft and final NOA in Word and PDF format (with changes shown in track change)
A-3 Scope of Work
Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
• NOP (up to 75 hardcopies) distributed to mailing list
• Distribution of hard copies of the NOA to surrounding property owners
Subtask 2.3: Scoping Meeting
Psomas will assist the City in preparing for and will facilitate one Scoping Meeting for the updated
Project. We assume that the City will arrange the date, time, and venue for the Scoping Meeting, to
be held at a time that provides wide accessibility to the meetings by agencies and interested
organizations and individuals. This task assumes that the City will prepare and publish any
additional notices required (above and beyond the NOP in Task 2.2) for the scoping meeting and
will send them to appropriate parties/individuals. Psomas will produce up to five visual
aids/boards with easels displaying Project information and graphics provided by the Project
Applicant or their consultants. Psomas will have the visual aids mounted on foam boards for the
Scoping Meeting.
Psomas will prepare a draft PowerPoint (PPT) presentation that outlines the CEQA process,
opportunities for public input, and the project description. The presentation will be submitted to
the City and the Project Applicant for review and comment, and a revised final presentation will be
provided. The Psomas Project Manager will facilitate the meeting and the PPT presentation, and if
desired by the City, facilitate the questions and answer component at the end of the presentation.
Psomas will provide sign -in sheets and comment cards, and up to $50.00 of snacks/water at the
meeting. An additional Psomas staff member will attend to assist with set-up and break -down, and
to take informal meeting notes for discussion purposes only. This task does not include provision of
audio/visual equipment, court reporter, or translation services.
Deliverables:
Scoping Meeting, with draft and revised/final PPT presentation, sign -in sheets and
comment cards, five visual aids/boards and easels Applicant, and up to $50.00 of
snacks/water
• Summary memorandum of environmental issues raised at meeting in Word
TASK 3: PEER REVIEW OF TECHNICAL STUDIE;,
The objective of Task 3 is to complete technical peer reviews of the reports and studies provided by
the Project Applicant, and to provide constructive input on the CEQA adequacy of the studies in
order to prepare a legally defensible Draft EIR. All technical studies will be reviewed to assess
whether they accurately analyzed the construction and operational assumptions set forth in the
Project Description (see Subtask 1.2). It is assumed that the Project Applicant's consultants will
revise their studies/reports as recommended through the peer review process.
Subtask 3.1: Visual Simulations Peer Review
Psomas' GIS Manager and Project Manager will review up to six visual simulations of the proposed
Project prepared by the Applicant's consultant. Psomas will be reviewing the simulations to confirm
that each contains two identical vantage points from a ground -level viewer perspective, one
showing existing site conditions and one showing the site under proposed conditions, and that key
observation points depict views from public viewsheds deemed appropriate by the City. For
example, because the project requires a ridgeline alteration permit, it is expected that the visual
simulations will adequately depict the impacts to protected ridgelines from publicly available
viewpoints. The simulations will be reviewed to confirm that the structures shown match the
A-4 Scope of Work
Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
tentative tract map and landscape design details, and that they depict views that could affect
substantial numbers of public viewers. This task does not include reviewing source AutoCAD files
or other electronic data but will evaluate the simulations for adequacy for the purposes of the Draft
EIR. No new visual simulations are included in this task. Psomas will provide a Memorandum that
documents our peer review findings and suggestions, if applicable.
Deliverables:
• Memorandum summarizing peer review of up to six visual simulations
Subtask 3.2: Air Quality/Greenhouse Gas Emissions Study Peer Review
Psomas' Air Quality/Climate Change Manager and Project Manager will peer review the Project
Applicant's Air Quality/Greenhouse Gas Emissions Study prepared by the Applicant's consultant.
Psomas will review the study to confirm that it discusses the most accurate regulatory and
environmental setting, CEQA significance thresholds, correctly quantifies and calculates
construction and operations phase air quality and greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with
Project Description assumptions. Psomas will confirm that the Project's construction and
operational criteria pollutant emissions are quantified on both a regional and local basis using the
South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD's) recommended California Emissions
Estimator Model (CaIEEMod) and compared with the SCAQMD's CEQA mass emissions thresholds.
Project emissions should be evaluated for the potential to impact adjacent sensitive residential uses
through an air pollutant dispersion model; and Psomas will review the assumptions and modeling
outputs for appropriateness and accuracy. Similarly, Psomas will review the study to verify that
operational project related regional and localized air pollutants are adequately addressed. Psomas'
peer review will determine whether the Study includes an assessment of conflicts with applicable
State, regional, and City plans, policies, or regulations adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG
emissions, including the City's Climate Action Plan -Green Santa Clarita. The project is not
anticipated to result in substantial amounts of toxic air contaminants during the operations phase
of the Project and consequently it is not anticipated that a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) has been
prepared. The supporting CaIEEMod data inputs and outputs that show the Project -generated
emissions, will be reviewed. Proposed mitigation measures will be verified for feasibility, necessity,
and ability to adequately reduce impacts in accordance with CEQA requirements. No new air quality
and greenhouse gas emissions modeling or analyses are included in this task. Psomas will provide a
Memorandum that documents our peer review findings and suggestions, if applicable.
Deliverables:
Memorandum summarizing peer review of the Air Quality/Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Study
Subtask 3.3: Biological Resources Studies Peer Review
Psomas' Senior Biologist and Project Manager will peer review the Project Applicant's Biological
Resources Report and the Oak Tree Report prepared by the Applicant's consultant. Psomas will
review the reports and technical studies to confirm that they discuss the most accurate regulatory
and environmental setting and applicable CEQA significance thresholds. A literature review will be
conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of existing project information, past project
biological resource studies, and proposed project area plans. The review will also determine which
species (if any) have been identified as special status by State, federal, and local resources agencies
and organizations that have a potential to occur within the project site or immediate vicinity.
Additional non -project sources to review include:
A-5 Scope of Work
Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
• Special status species lists from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW); U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and California Native Plant Society (CNPS)
• Database searches of the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) and the Electronic
Inventory of the CNPS
• Th e most recent Federal Register listing package and critical habitat determination for each
federally listed Endangered or Threatened species potentially occurring on the project site
• The CDFW Annual Report on the status of California's listed Threatened and Endangered
plants and wildlife
• Other biological studies conducted in the project site vicinity such as the Via Princessa East
Extension Project
Psomas will confirm the Biological Resources Report includes focused surveys for the federally
Threatened vernal pool fairy shrimp, the federally Threatened coastal California gnatcatcher; and
other special status species potentially occurring onsite such as rare plants, the western spadefoot
toad, and burrowing owl. The Oak Tree Report and Jurisdictional Delineation Report prepared by
the Project Applicant will also be reviewed. The methodology for all focused surveys will be
reviewed and verified against their respective agency -approved protocols (e.g. CFWL, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board). Survey parameters
of the various surveys such as seasonal timing, weather, proper documentation, and biological
qualifications will be confirmed.
The Biological Resources Report will be reviewed to confirm it is prepared pursuant to CEQA
guidelines for its documentation of special status species (such as those mentioned above), special
status vegetation types, and jurisdictional features occurring onsite (such as vernal pools); and that
the impact analysis adequately addresses on -site impacts, off -site impacts, as well as cumulative
impacts. Proposed mitigation measures will be reviewed for feasibility, necessity, and ability to
adequately reduce impacts in accordance with CEQA requirements. No new studies, surveys or
analyses are included in this task. Psomas will provide a Memorandum that documents the review
of our peer review findings and suggestions, if applicable.
Deliverables:
• Memorandum summarizing peer review of the Biological Resources Report (inclusive of
other focused surveys and Jurisdictional Delineation) and Oak Tree Report
Subtask 3.4: Cultural Resources Assessment Peer Review
Psomas' Cultural Resources Manager and Project Manager will peer review the Project Applicant's
Cultural Resources (Archaeology and Paleontology) Study prepared by the Applicant's consultant.
Psomas will review the study to confirm that it discusses the most accurate regulatory and
environmental setting, CEQA significance thresholds, and accurately evaluates potential impacts by
including:
• Cultural resources records search in the California Historical Resources Information System
(CHRIS) database at the South -Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC)
• Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) search of the Sacred Lands File to determine
if cultural resources important to Native Americans have been recorded in the project area
• Cultural resources field survey of the Project's Area of Potential Effect (APE)
• Review of previous research conducted, and resources recorded in the vicinity
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Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
• Assessment of the Project's potential to adversely impact such resources in consideration of
the questions contained in the Cultural Resources and Tribal Cultural Resources sections of
Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines
• Recommendations for feasible mitigation measures to avoid or reduce the potential impacts
Psomas assumes that the City will fulfill the agency -to -agency consultation requirements under
Assembly Bill (AB) 52 and Senate Bill (SB) 18, which includes consultation with California Native
American Tribes, identification of tribal cultural resources, and developing appropriate mitigation
measures, if required. Psomas can provide support to the City related to AB 52 consultation. This
task assumes preparation of up to eight letters on the City letterhead; one round of review by the
City; and up to four hours of telephone consultation in concert with the City, as needed, to consult
with tribes. The tribal representatives have 30 days to request consultation upon receiving the AB
52 notification letter.
In addition to AB 52, the Project must comply with SB 18 requirements for a Specific Plan. Psomas
will provide support to the City to fulfill the agency -to -agency consultation requirements under SB
18. This includes assisting with the California Native American Tribal consultation; preparing 12
notification letters for the City to send to the tribes; one round of review by the City; preparing a
contact log documenting outreach to the Tribes, and up to three hours of telephone consultation in
concert with the City, as needed, to consult with the Tribes. The Tribal representatives have 90 days
to request consultation upon receipt of the SB 18 notification letter.
Psomas can provide further support related to AB 52 and SB 18 consultation, such as additional
meetings, minutes, or additional site visits, subject to a budget augment. Psomas will summarize the
consultation process in the Tribal Cultural Resources section of the EIR. It is assumed that no
historic resources are located on the project site; therefore, no peer review of a historic study is
included in this task. Psomas will provide a Memorandum that documents our peer review of the
Cultural Resources (Archaeology and Paleontology) Study.
Deliverables:
Memorandum summarizing peer review of the Cultural Resources (Archaeology and
Paleontology) Study
Subtask 3.5: Geotechnical Investigation Peer Review
As a subconsultant to Psomas, Converse Consultants will conduct a peer review of the Geotechnical
Investigation provided by the Project Applicant to confirm whether analyses conducted to date for
the project site have been completed in accordance with the CEQA and City requirements. The
review will be based upon available documents and information at the time of the geotechnical
review. Converse Consultants will perform a reconnaissance visit of the project site to become
familiar with the site conditions, topography and exposed earth materials. Data and information
obtained from previous geotechnical studies, geohazard reports, and other design project studies
will be reviewed and evaluated. Converse Consultants will present geotechnical review comments
and recommendations on the project documents and reports, which will assess whether the
following items have been accurately evaluated:
• Site Conditions: Descriptions of on -site soils and bedrock materials; groundwater
conditions; location relative to flood hazard zones and fault zones; stability of existing
slopes and erosion potential; access roads and constructability issues
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Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
• Faulting and Seismicity: Location relative to known active earthquake faults; anticipated
ground shaking from earthquakes; geologic conditions of the project site and vicinity;
liquefaction characteristics; other secondary effects from earthquakes; site co -efficient for
soil characteristics; and site response spectra
Recommendations for Site Construction: Grading and earthwork; structural backfill and
subgrade preparation; tunneling and ground support; groundwater seepage and
dewatering; grouting and ground improvement; limitations on back cutting slopes;
temporary and long term slope stability; recommendations for excavation adjacent to
existing structures; foundation types and bearing pressures; vertical and lateral bearing
capacity for foundations; lateral earth pressures and resistance to lateral load; active earth
pressures; passive earth pressures; underground pipe design and construction; surface and
subsurface drainage; erosion and slope protection; and temporary excavations and shoring;
maintenance and service
No new geotechnical investigations are included in this task. Converse Consultants will verify that
proposed mitigation measures are feasible, necessary, and will adequately reduce geotechnical
impacts in accordance with CEQA requirements and applicable regulatory standards. Converse
Consultants will provide a Memorandum that documents our peer review findings and suggestions,
if applicable. Converse Consultants will participate in one meeting or conference call to discuss the
findings of the peer review.
Deliverables:
• Memorandum summarizing peer review of the Geotechnical Investigation
Subtask 3.6: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Peer Review
The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) prepared by the Applicant's consultant for the
previous project was peer reviewed by Converse Consultants, and a Memorandum was prepared
and sent with the comments and findings. Although this task has been completed, should the City
request a peer review of the updated Phase I ESA, Converse Consultants will accommodate with a
budget augment.
Subtask 3.7: Hydrology and Water Quality Analyses Peer Review
Psomas will review the Project Applicant's Hydrology and Water Quality Analysis prepared by the
Applicant's consultant against the City's Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation plan requirements,
and in particular, against the Los Angeles Hydrology Manual and the Los Angeles Low Impact
Development Standards Manual. Psomas will review the hydrology and hydraulic characteristics
presented in the Hydrology Report and review the Best Management Practices (BMPs) proposed
for water quality purposes. Psomas will check appropriate use of BMPs as well as technical sizing
criteria of the proposed BMPs. This task does not include new analyses or quantifications. Psomas
will review the findings of the Study in a Memorandum and provide input on proposed mitigation
measures to confirm feasibility, necessity, and ability to adequately reduce impacts in accordance
with CEQA requirements.
Deliverables:
• Memorandum summarizing peer review of the Hydrology and Water Quality Analyses
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Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
Subtask 3.8: Noise Study Peer Review
Psomas' Noise Manager and Project Manager will peer review the Project Applicant's Noise Study
prepared by the Applicant's consultant. Psomas will review the study to confirm that it discusses
the most accurate regulatory and environmental setting, CEQA significance thresholds, existing
noise sources and noise -sensitive receptors, and that noise measurements were taken to accurately
represent existing conditions. Th e Noise Study will be evaluated to determine whether it includes
an analysis of temporary noise and vibration impacts from construction activities and operational
noise impacts to existing and planned sensitive receptors, including noise from on -site stationary
and mobile/vehicular sources, as well as noise increases due to project -generated traffic on local
roads.
Psomas will confirm that the Study compares noise impacts with the standards in the City's Noise
Element of the General Plan and municipal code, and that proposed mitigation measures are
feasible, necessary, and adequate to reduce noise and vibration impacts in accordance with CEQA
requirements. Psomas will confirm that the Study accurately summarizes noise terminology,
applicable noise regulations, ambient noise environment, increases in existing noise levels, and
includes an appendix with supporting calculations, which will be reviewed. This task does not
include new noise analyses or quantifications. Psomas will provide a Memorandum that documents
the review of our peer review findings and suggestions, if applicable.
Deliverables:
• Memorandum summarizing Psomas' peer review of the Noise Study
Subtask 3.9: Traffic Impact Analysis Peer Review
Psomas will peer review the Project Applicant's Traffic Impact Analysis prepared by the Applicant's
consultant. Psomas will review the study to confirm rm that it discusses the most accurate
regulatory and environmental setting, CEQA significance thresholds, includes recent traffic data
related to existing conditions, and appropriately considers the cumulative projects. Psomas will
review project -related assumptions, including daily/peak hour trips and study intersections, and
will carefully evaluate all calculations to ensure an accurate impact assessment has been prepared.
No new traffic analysis is included in this task. Any proposed mitigation measures should be
feasible, necessary, and adequate to reduce environmental impacts in accordance with CEQA
requirements and applicable regulatory standards. Psomas will provide a Memorandum that
documents our peer review findings and suggestions, if applicable.
Deliverables:
• Memorandum summarizing peer review of the Traffic Impact Analysis
Subtask 3.10: Sewer Area Study Peer Review
Psomas will peer review the Project Applicant's Sewer Area Study prepared by the Applicant's
consultant using the City record drawings of the existing sewer infrastructure, current and
proposed land use criteria from City records, and the unit sewer rates applied to the proposed land
uses. Psomas will check the Study for use of correct land use and catchment areas for the proposed
land uses, as well as evaluate the arithmetic calculations presented in the Study. Psomas will review
the findings of the Study and will provide input on proposed mitigation measures to confirm
feasibility, necessity, and ability to adequately reduce impacts in accordance with CEQA
requirements. Psomas will also evaluate any pro-rata share analysis of the proposed improvements
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if present. This task does not include new analyses or quantifications. Psomas will provide a
Memorandum that documents our peer review findings and suggestions, if applicable.
Deliverables:
• Memorandum summarizing peer review of the Sewer Area Study
TASK 4: DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
The objective of Task 4 is to prepare a Draft EIR and incorporate the findings of the technical
reports (provided by the Project Applicant's consultants and peer reviewed by the Psomas team)
into the appropriate Draft EIR sections. The Draft EIR will be legally defensible and prepared to the
satisfaction of the City.
Subtask 4.1: Working Draft Environmental Impact Report
Psomas will prepare the Working Draft EIR (First Draft) based on existing, updated, and/or new
technical reports (see Task 3). Work can typically proceed on those EIR sections and portions of
sections that are not dependent on forthcoming technical reports and information. Psomas'
approach to preparing key sections of the EIR is provided below. Information in the Draft EIR will
be succinct, including all critical data, and will include a level of detail appropriate for legal
defensibility and readability, supported by appendices where necessary.
Introduction
The Introduction will include Project background and history; the purpose of the EIR, a list of
required discretionary actions/entitlements, the environmental issues assessed in the EIR, and the
environmental review process and organization of the EIR. This section summarizes the scoping
period and the written comments received by the City on the NOP during the scoping process.
Known areas of controversy and issues to be resolved will also be addressed.
Project Description
The Project Description prepared, reviewed, and approved by the City under Task 1.2 will be
incorporated into the Draft EIR.
Environmental Setting/Existing Conditions
The Environmental Setting will include the project location, a description of the project site, and a
general overview of the existing environmental setting of the site and the surrounding area. This
section also provides an overview of the regulatory setting and a discussion of related projects that
will be considered in the cumulative impact analysis, which are anticipated to be provided by the
City. This section will be based on information obtained during the site visit (as obtained during the
previous site visit or a second site visit, if necessary); information provided by technical team
members; and other information available from existing studies and documentation.
Environmental Analysis
Each topical EIR section will contain a discussion of the existing conditions on the site and in the
project vicinity; a summary of the regulatory framework and Regulatory Requirements (RR)
applicable to each topic; thresholds of significance used to identify potential project impacts;
significant environmental effects anticipated; and Mitigation Measures (MM), if required.
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Cumulative impacts will be discussed within each topical chapter. Each section will also identify the
level of significance prior to and after mitigation. The following describes the approach to the
environmental topics listed in Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines:
• Aesthetics: Psomas will discuss changes in the visual characteristics of the site and
surrounding areas due to project implementation and will present and describe the visual
simulations reviewed under Subtask 3.1. The section will address effects on existing public
viewsheds, including scenic vistas and protected ridgelines; potential degradation of visual
character; and anticipated light and glare issues.
• Agriculture and Forestry Resources: As discussed under Task 2.1, Initial Study, Psomas
anticipates focusing out this topic from further analysis in the Draft EIR.
• Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Psomas will summarize the technical
analysis provided under Subtask 3.2.
• Biological Resources: Psomas will summarize the technical analyses provided under
Subtasks 3.3.
• Cultural and Tribal Resources: Psomas will summarize the technical analyses provided
under Subtasks 3.4.
• Energy: Psomas will develop an Energy Analysis for the Project, which will include a
discussion of regulatory setting, energy demands, project energy efficiency measures,
impact assessment, and mitigation measures, as needed. The regulatory setting will include
a discussion of the local, State, and federal policies and regulations that would be applicable
to the Project. Additionally, Psomas will prepare a quantified analysis of anticipated energy
usage (i.e. electricity, gasoline, natural gas, and vehicle trips) associated with construction
and operation of the Project, and determine if the usage amounts are efficient, typical, or
wasteful for the land use type. Also, potential impacts will be assessed relative to Project's
consistency with the relevant portions of the City's General Plan. The relevant information
and mitigation measures in the Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions sections of the
EIR will also be referenced and included. The findings of the Energy Analysis will be
incorporated in this section of the EIR, and the supporting data and calculations will be
included as an appendix.
• Geology and Soils: Psomas will summarize the technical analysis provided under Subtask
3.5.
• Hazards and Hazardous Materials: Psomas will summarize the technical analysis
provided under Subtask 3.6.
• Hydrology and Water Quality: Psomas will summarize the technical analysis provided
under Subtask 3.7.
• Land Use and Planning: Psomas will discuss the various discretionary actions required by
the Project (i.e. tentative tract map, conditional use permit, development review, general
plan amendment, hillside development review, oak tree permit, ridgeline alteration permit,
specific plan, and zone change). Psomas will review the City's land use plans, policies, and
programs and will evaluate the Project's consistency with these plans. The analysis will
include a consistency finding for each applicable Santa Clarita General Plan goal and policy
from each element (i.e. Land Use; Circulation; Housing; Noise; Conservation and Open
Space; Economic Development, and Safety); the Santa Clarita Valley Area Plan (One Valley
One Vision); and will discuss the Project's compliance with applicable standards in the
City's Unified Development Code and Zoning Ordinance. In addition, consistency with
regional plans will be discussed, including the Southern California Association of
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Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
Governments (SCAG) Regional Comprehensive Plan (RCP) and the 2020 Regional
Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) (to be updated in
Summer 2024).
• Mineral Resources: As discussed under Task 2.1, Psomas anticipates focusing out this
topic from further analysis in the Draft EIR.
• Noise: Psomas will summarize the technical analysis provided under Subtask 3.8
Population and Housing: Psomas will summarize the existing and projected population
and housing supply in the City and analyze the potential of the Project to induce population
growth directly or indirectly. The Project's consistency with regional growth projections
will be discussed, as well as consistency with SCAG's Regional Housing Needs Assessment
(RHNA). Information on population, housing, and employment for the City will be obtained
from a combination of sources, including the City's forecasts, the California Department of
Finance (DOF), and from the 2020 SCAG RTS/SCS. The analysis is limited to those issues
that could result in a direct change on the physical environment. In light of this, the effect of
the proposed Project on property values and its economic effect on surrounding businesses
are not considered environmental issues, and thus not required by CEQA.
Public Services: Psomas will address project -related impacts related to police and fire
protection, schools, and parks. Psomas will coordinate with service providers to obtain
information on existing public service facilities and determine if project implementation
will adversely affect existing levels of services, and whether the proposed Project can be
adequately served without any increase in personnel or expansion of existing resources
(including facilities).
• Recreation: Psomas will coordinate with the City and online resources to obtain
information and generate a list of recreational facilities, including parks near the project
site. Psomas will focus on impacts related to recreation, including changes to the existing
recreation facilities in the project vicinity and temporary closure of selected facilities during
construction activities, as applicable.
• Transportation and Traffic: Psomas will summarize the technical analysis provided under
Subtask 3.9.
Utilities and Service Systems: Psomas will summarize the technical analysis provided
under Subtask 3.10. Psomas will discuss existing and proposed utility infrastructure, based
on development plans provided by the Project Applicant. Psomas understands that the City
has submitted a request for preparation of a Water Supply Assessment (WSA) to the Santa
Clarita Valley Water Agency (SCVWA). Upon completion of the WSA, Psomas will summarize
the findings in this section of the EIR (under discussion of water) and include the WSA as an
appendix. Also, it is assumed that the Project Applicant will consult with the SCVWA on any
necessary off -site water utility line upgrades that would be required by the Project. Psomas
will provide an analysis on available landfill capacity and consistency with programs related
to solid waste and hazardous waste management.
Cumulative Impacts
In addition to the analysis of potential short-term and long-term impacts, onsite and off -site
impacts, and direct and indirect impacts, Psomas will utilize the list of reasonably foreseeable
projects presented in the Environmental Setting of the Draft EIR and provided as part of Subtask
3.9 (Traffic Impact Analysis), as well as any other projects provided by the City, to assess potential
cumulative impacts when considered with the Project. It is assumed that the Via Princessa East
Extension Project will be a cumulative project with an overlapping construction schedule with the
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Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
proposed project; therefore, the Via Princessa Extension Project's Final EIR will be an important
document to consider for the analysis of cumulative impacts. The evaluation area for cumulative
projects will vary depending on the technical issue to be addressed. For each technical section, the
EIR will define the study area used to assess the Project's contribution to cumulative impacts.
Alternatives
Psomas will provide an assessment of the impacts of alternatives to the proposed Project. These
alternatives will be based on the requirements of CEQA and discussions with City staff. This task
assumes that up to five development alternatives plus a No Project Alternative will be discussed.
Project alternatives will be substantially different from the proposed Project, and as required by
CEQA, the EIR alternatives will be designed to avoid, reduce, or eliminate, where possible, the
significant impacts identified for the Project. Each alternative will be qualitatively assessed in
comparison to the Project impacts and objectives.
Enough information will be provided to show the City's decision -makers the environmental
consequences and benefits of each alternative. If quantitative analyses (i.e., air quality, energy, GHG
emissions, trip generation) are required for an alternative, it is assumed that the Project Applicant's
consultants will provide the appropriate level of analysis. Otherwise, Psomas can provide in-house
quantification of impacts related to project alternatives through a scope augment, if requested.
Required CEQA Topics
CEQA-required sections that will be prepared as a part of the EIR include an executive summary;
long-term impacts; significant irreversible environmental changes; significant unavoidable adverse
impacts; growth -inducing impacts; references; agencies and persons consulted; and preparers and
contributors. Impacts found to be less than significant will also be addressed. For references in the
Draft EIR, all technical, statistical, and factual information taken from outside references, published
or not, will be noted and cited in a list of references. Abbreviated citations of source and page
number will be included in the body of the text where outside references are quoted.
Psomas will prepare the Working Draft EIR for the City and the Project Applicant to review. Five
hardcopies and one USB of the Working Draft EIR will be provided.
Deliverables:
• Working Draft EIR in Word and PDF (with exhibits) on a USB, and S double -sided
hardcopies of the Working Draft EIR on recycled paper
Subtask 4.2: Screencheck Draft Environmental Impact Report
Upon receipt of comments from the City and the Project Applicant on the Working Draft EIR,
Psomas will revise the document accordingly. It is assumed an in -person or virtual meeting will be
conducted with the City (see Task 6) to review the comments and ensure that revisions are made to
the satisfaction of the City.
Psomas will then submit the Screencheck Draft EIR to the City and the Project Applicant for review
and comment, in PDF and as a Word file in a track -change to document the changes made. Five
hardcopies and one USB of the Screencheck Draft EIR will be provided, and three hardcopies and
one USB of the Technical Appendices will be provided to the City.
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Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
Deliverables:
• Screencheck Draft EIR in Word and PDF (with exhibits) on a USB and 5 double -sided
hardcopies of the Screencheck Draft EIR on recycled paper
• Technical Appendices to the Draft EIR in Word and PDF on a USB and 3 double -sided
hardcopies on recycled paper
Subtask 4.3: Approval Draft Environmental Impact Report
This task assumes that any necessary revisions will be minimal and editorial in nature, with no new
analysis or substantive revisions required. Upon receipt of comments on the Screencheck Draft EIR
from the City, Psomas will revise the document accordingly. An Approval Draft, or Proof -Check,
electronic copy of the Draft EIR will be provided to the City for final review to confirm that all
comments have been appropriately incorporated based on prior coordination. It is anticipated that
the City will provide an approval to print during this task.
Deliverables:
• Approval Draft EIR in PDF and a Word file in a track -change to document the changes made
Subtask 4.4: Reproduce EIR for Public Review, Notices, and Mailing
Psomas will be responsible for distributing electronic copies (USBs) of the Draft EIR and
Appendices and a hard copy of the NOA to public agencies for the CEQA-mandated 45-day public
review. It is assumed that the NOP mailing list with the addition of attendees of the Scoping Meeting
and commenters on the NOP will be used. The Draft EIR packages (up to 75) will be distributed via
FedEx overnight delivery.
If a radius mailing to properties adjacent to the project site is required, it is assumed that the
mailing list and labels will be provided by the Applicant. Up to 75 hard copies of the NOA will be
distributed to surrounding properties via U.S. Postal Service (first class mail). Psomas will file the
NOA with the County Clerk and post the Draft EIR, appendices, NOC, NOA, and SCH summary form
on the SCH website. Additionally, Psomas will prepare an abbreviated NOA for publication in a
newspaper of local circulation to announce the public review period. Fees associated with posting
the announcement in the newspaper or posting on the project site are not included.
Psomas will provide up to 8 hard copies and 8 USBs of the Draft EIR and Appendices for the City
and nearby libraries. Additionally, a complete Draft EIR package, including Appendices and NOA,
will be emailed to the City for posting on the City's website.
Deliverables:
• Eight hard copies of the Draft EIR and three hard copies of the Appendices for the City
• Electronic copies of the draft and final NOA and NOC
• Posting the Draft EIR, Appendices, NOC, NOA, and SCH Summary Form on the SCH website
• Filing the NOA and NOC with the County Clerk -Recorder, including filing fee
• Distributing up to 75 electronic copies (USBs) of the Draft EIR and Appendices and hard
copies of the NOA to public agencies for the 45-day public review
• Distributing up to 200 hard copies of the NOA to the surrounding property owners (radius
to be determined)
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Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
TASK 5: FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
The objective of Tasks 5 is to adequately respond to all written comments provided on the Draft
EIR, and to prepare a legally defensible Final EIR to the satisfaction of the City.
Subtask 5.1: Draft Response to Comments and Clarification to the Draft EIR
Upon completion of the 45-day public review period for the Draft EIR, Psomas will prepare the first
draft Final EIR, including Responses to Comments. The purpose of a Final EIR is to respond to all
comments received by the City regarding the environmental information and analyses contained in
the Draft EIR, and it also contains clarifications, corrections, or minor revisions to the text, tables,
figures, and/or appendices of the Draft EIR that may have been generated from responses to
comments or independently by the City. Psomas will review all written comments received on the
Draft EIR and will organize the comments and coordinate with the City on the approach to
preparing responses to comments received on environmental issues.
Each comment letter received will be categorized and labeled in alphabetical order, then divided
into sequential numbered comments (i.e., Comment Letter A.1, itemized comments A.1-1, A.1-2,
A.1-3). A copy of each numbered comment letter and a lettered response to each comment will be
provided.
For the Clarifications to the Draft EIR, changes in text will be identified by strikeouts for deletion
and will be underlined for added text. For the purpose of estimating the work effort for responding
to comments and preparing Clarifications to the Draft EIR, based on an understanding of the Project
and anticipated levels of stakeholder interest, a total of 150 hours of professional staff time has
been assumed for this task. If it appears when all comment letters are received and reviewed, that
additional effort will be necessary to prepare adequate responses due to the number of comments
received or anticipated litigation, Psomas will discuss a budget augment with the City and the
Project Applicant.
Deliverables:
• Electronic copy of the draft Final EIR, including Responses to Comments
Subtask 5.2: Final Response to Comments and Clarification to the Draft EIR
Upon receipt of comments from the City and the Project Applicant, Psomas will revise the Response
to Comments accordingly and resubmit the Final EIR to the City for review and comment. This
version will include revisions in track -change for ease of confirming that text corrections were
made to the satisfaction of the City. It is anticipated that any additional City comments on the
revised Final EIR will be minor, and the Final EIR will be re -submitted to the City for approval. A
total of 80 hours of professional staff time has been assumed for this task. Psomas will mail out the
responses to each of the agencies providing the comments at least 10 calendar days prior to any
public hearings on the Project.
Deliverables:
• Revised Final EIR in Word and PDF, including track -changes
• Distributing responses to commenting agencies at least 10 calendars days prior to public
hearing
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Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
Subtask 5.3: Mitigation Monitoring Program and Notice of Determination
In compliance with Section 21081.6 of the California Public Resources Code, Psomas will prepare a
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) as part of the Final EIR, which will ensure
compliance with adopted mitigation requirements during Project implementation. The MMRP will
be prepared in a matrix format; will provide the timing and entity responsible for each mitigation
measure; and will include the City departments responsible for verifying that the mitigation
measure has been implemented. Psomas will submit the draft document electronically to the City
and the Project Applicant for review and comment and will revise the MMRP accordingly upon
receipt of comments.
Additionally, upon certification of the EIR by the City Council, Psomas will prepare the Notice of
Determination (NOD) for the Project. Psomas will submit the NOD to the City for signature and will
file the NOD with the County Clerk -Recorder and post the NOD at the SCH website. Filing fees
associated with the NOD (i.e., California Department of Fish and Wildlife [CDFW] and County filing
fees) are not included in this task and are assumed to be provided by the Project Applicant.
Deliverables:
• Draft and Final MMRP in Word and PDF
• Draft and Final NOD for City review
• Filing the signed NOD with the County Clerk -Recorder and posting on SCH website
TASK 6: FINDINGS OF FACT AND STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
The objective of Task 6 is to prepare written findings of fact for each significant effect identified in
the Final EIR, pursuant to Sections 15091 and 15093 of the State CEQA Guidelines and Sections
21081 and 21081.6 of the California Public Resources Code.
Subtask 6:1: First Draft Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations
Psomas will prepare written findings of fact for each significant effect identified in the Final EIR. If
the Final EIR identifies any significant impacts that cannot be avoided, even with implementation of
all reasonable and feasible mitigation measures, the City must adopt a Statement of Overriding
Considerations prior to Project approval. Psomas will submit the draft Findings of Fact and
Statement of Overriding Considerations to the City and the Project Applicant electronically for
review and comment.
Deliverables:
Draft Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations to the City in Word and
PDF
Subtask 6.2: Revised Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations
Upon receipt of comments from the City and the Project Applicant, Psomas will revise the Findings
of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations accordingly and submit the final documents
electronically to the City for use during Final EIR certification.
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Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
Deliverables:
• Revised Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations to the City in Word
and PDF, including track changes
h ASK',. PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND MEETINGS
Subtask 7.1: Meetings, Planning Commission, and City Council
This task includes attendance at various in -person or virtual meetings and hearings for the Project.
Psomas may be requested to attend meetings with the City staff and/or the project team, and per
the City's request, will be expected to attend up to four Planning Commission and three City Council
Meetings. Psomas' Project Manager will attend these public hearings and will be available and
prepared to address questions regarding CEQA, the environmental review process, and the findings
of the EIR analyses. Project team meetings are an effective way of facilitating coordination and
problem -solving among the team members, and it is expected that four project team meetings will
be required over the course of the CEQA process. Each in -person meeting is assumed to take up to
five hours, including drive time, and expected to require one hour of preparation and one hour to
prepare the meeting summary (or up to 7 hours per meeting). Each virtual meeting is assumed to
take one hour and expected to require one hour of preparation and one hour to prepare the
meeting summary (or three hours per meeting).
Deliverables:
• Project Manager will participate in up to four City staff and/or project team meetings, four
Planning Commission meetings, and three City Council meetings
Subtask 7.2: Project Management and Quality Control
Throughout the CEQA process, Psomas will maintain regular telephone and email communications
with the City and the Project Applicant, as appropriate, to discuss the status of the Project and/or to
resolve issues as they arise. Additionally, in-house peer review technical leads will be available to
participate in one meeting to debrief on the findings of the peer reviews and recommendations of
the memorandums prepared under Task 3, Peer Review of Technical Studies.
This task includes conference calls; each conference call is assumed to be 1 hour each and require
30 minutes of preparation time. Psomas will be responsible for managing the CEQA process;
ensuring compliance with the SOW and schedule; coordinating with team members and
subconsultants; and ensuring that Project information is disseminated in a timely manner. Psomas
will provide a status update on the Project schedule to the City on a monthly basis. This task also
includes internal administrative coordination and invoicing tasks.
This task assumes that the project management activities will extend over a 14-month period. All
work products will be prepared with the oversight and review of an assigned technical lead and
reviewed by the assigned CEQA Project Manager and/or the assigned Principal -in -Charge. Once the
document has been revised to the satisfaction of the Project Manager, it will then be sent to our in-
house technical editor for review. The editor reviews each document for technical accuracy,
grammar and proper nomenclature, references, and methodological consistency. Only then the
document will be submitted to the City for review. Further explanation of Psomas' approach to
quality management is included in Section D.
A-17 Scope of Work
Crossroads at Via Princessa Specific Plan
Deliverables:
• Monthly progress reports that document our management of CEQA process and budget
updates
• Conference calls, regular team communication and internal administrative tasks
• Monthly updated Project schedule for discussion and tracking milestone deliverables
Subtask 7.3: Community Meeting (OPTIONAL TASK)
Psomas will prepare for and attend one Community Meeting, including preparation of a PPT
presentation focusing on the CEQA process and the results of the EIR. This task assumes the City or
Applicant will arrange the date, time, and venue, and advertising/outreach for the Community
Meeting. Psomas will prepare/provide up to three visual aids/boards displaying Project
information and graphics as well as the CEQA process; PPT presentation; co -facilitate the
Community Meeting; sign -in sheet and comment cards; and up to $50.00 of snacks/water.
Questions and issues related to the environmental process will be answered by Psomas, to the
extent feasible based on readily available information, as directed by the City. A summary of the
written comment cards submitted at the Community Meeting will be provided by Psomas soon
after the meeting.
Deliverables:
• PPT presentation
• Sign -in sheet and comment cards
• Up to three visual aids/boards and easels for the meeting
• Snacks/water
• Summary of environmental issues from comments cards submitted at meeting in Word and
PDF
A-18 Scope of Work
TASK
Environmental Impact Report for The Princessa Crossroads Development Project
Total Hours
Labor Cost
Sub-
Consultant
Fee
LABOR
COSTS
DIRECT
COSTS
TOTAL FEES
Psomas Staff
Name
JH
AH
JN
JH
TC
BH
DM
A
AA
DY
CC
MB
DH
AR
SN
JM
JR
DO
SK
EF
Role
PIC
PM
EP
EP
AQ-NOI
AQ-NOI
ENG
ENG
TRAF
TRAF
CULT
BIO
BIO
BIO
Bio
GIS
GIS
ED
WP
AA
Rate
$272
$245
$190
$155
$235
$125
$245
$235
$275
$185
$190
$225
$177
$155
$174
$167
$125
$100
$122
$120
Replaced
JB at $1401
Replaced
ST at $140
Replaced
CS at $1551$120
Replaced
MS at
Task 1- Initiation
Subtask 1.1 Kick -Off Meeting and Site Visit
10
10
20
$4,000
$4,000
$40
$4,040
Subtask 1.2 Project Description
4
10
30
4
8
4
60
$11,346
$11,346
$11,346
Task 2 - Initial Study, NOP, and Scoping Meetings
Subtask2.1 Initial Study (OPTIONAL TASK)
4
8
20
50
4
6
8
100
$16,674
$16,674
$1,000
$17,674
Subtask 2.2 NOP and Distribution
6
20
4
4
4
12
50
$8,098
$8,098
$2,025
$10,123
Subtask 2.3 Scoping Meeting
18
10
8
6
42
$7,680
$7,680
$650
$8,330
Task 3 - Peer Review of Technical Studies
Subtask 3.1 Visual Simulations Peer Review
4
8
2
14
$2,560
$2,560
$2,560
Subtask 3.2 AQ/GHG Emissions Study Peer Review
6
15
12
2
35
$6,739
$6,739
$6,739
Subtask3.3 Biological Resources Studies Peer Review
6
12
10
6
20
2
56
$10,594
$10,594
$10,594
Subtask 3.4 Cultural Resources Assessments Peer Review
6
16
2
24
$4,754
$4,754
$4,754
Subtask 3.5 Geotechnical Investigation Peer Review
6
2
8
$1,714
$5,630
$7,344
$7,344
Subtask 3.6 Phase I ESA Peer Review (TASK COMPLETED)
0
$0
$0
$0
Subtask 3.7 Hydrology and Water Quality Analyses Peer Review
4
24
2
30
$7,104
$7,104
$7,104
Subtask 3.8 Noise Study Peer Review
4
10
12
2
28
$5,074
$5,074
$5,074
Subtask 3.9 Traffic Impact Analysis Peer Review
6
18
36
2
62
$13,324
$13,324
$13,324
Subtask 3.10 Sewer Area Study Peer Review
4
16
2
22
$4,984
$4,984
$4,984
Task 4- Draft Environmental Impact Report
Subtask4.1 Working Draft Environmental Impact Report
16
60
160
100
20
16
4
10
30
24
440
$80,538
$80,538
$1,250
$81,788
Subtask 4.2 Screencheck Draft Environmental Impact Report
8
40
100
40
6
8
202
$38,902
$38,902
$2,150
$41,052
Subtask 4.3 Approval Draft Environmental Impact Report
20
40
24
2
8
94
$17,446
$17,446
$500
$17,946
Subtask 4.4 Reproduce EIR, Notices, and Mailing
4
12
12
8
16
52
$8,016
$8,016
$5,500
$13,516
Task 5 - Final Environmental Impact Report
Subtask 5.1 Draft Response to Comments and Clarifications
10
40
80
20
16
24
190
$35,348
$35,348
$500
$35,848
Subtask 5.2 Final Response to Comments and Clarifications
4
20
40
16
8
8
96
$18,004
$18,004
$2,500
$20,504
Subtask 5.3 MMRP and NOD
8
16
6
30
$5,720
$5,720
$100
$5,820
Task 6- Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations
Subtask 6.1 First Draft Findings and SOC
12
40
52
$9,140
$9,140
$375
$9,515
Subtask 6.2 Revised Findings and SOC
6
18
24
$4,260
$4,260
$375
$4,635
Task 7 - Project Management and Meetings
Subtask 7.1 Meetings, Planning Commission, and City Council
60
10
10
80
$17,470
$17,470
$1,500
$18,970
Subtask 7.2 Project Management and Quality Control
24
60
3
3
3
3
6
16
118
$27,045
$27,045
$27,045
P S O M A S
Subtask 7.3 Community Meeting (OPTIONAL TASK)
16
12
6
6
40
$7,922
$7,922
$1,900
$9,822
TOTAL FEES WITH OPTIONAL TASKS
70
444
530
354
48
24
27
16
21
36
35
12
16
6
20
18
42
56
124
70
1969
$ 374,456
$ 5,630
$ 380,086
$ 20,365
$ 400,451
TOTAL FEES WITHOUT OPTIONAL TASKS
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
1 $ 355,490
$ 17,465
$ 372,955
FEES PER STAFF
$19,040
$108,780
$100,700
$54,870
$11,280
$3,000
$6,615
$3,760
$5,775
$6,660
$6,650
$2,700
$2,832
$930
$3,480
$3,006
$5,250
$5,600
$15,128
$8,400
Legend: JH: Jim Hunter; AH: Alia Hokuki; JN: Jillian Neary;
TC: Tin Cheung; M-mleaa BuFwanj BH-JW: Bryan Hamilton -Jordan
Werkmeister; DM: David Martin; JJ: Jeremy Johnson: AA: Alejandro Angel; DYA: Darlene
Aaaelay Yellcmrhair; CC: Charles Cisneros; MB: Marc Blain; DH: David Hughes; AR: Alliso
Rudalevige; °T SN: Steve Norton;
Deseej M: Jim McPherson; JR: Jennie Ramire; DO: Danae Overman; SK: Sheryl Kristal; EF:
Erlinda Figeroa; ED: Editing; WP: Word Processing; A: Administrative Assistant