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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-02-25 - AGENDA REPORTS - SOLEDAD CYN RD WIDENING PROJ (2)1 AGENDA REPORT City Manager Item to be D CONSENT CALENDAR DATE: February 25, 1992 SUBJECT: SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD EAST,OF SAND CANYON ROAD WIDENING (PROJECT 91-04) - BID AWARD DEPARTMENT: Community Development BACKGROUND On January 14, 1992 Council authorized the advertisement of the subject project. The project consists of widening Soledad Canyon Road east of Sand Canyon Road, to provide, at this time; two travel lanes in each direction and left -turn pockets. Sufficient pavement will be ,provided to accommodate three lanes in each directionwhen the bike way is 'relocated from the current roadway. Also proposed is curb and gutter, sidewalks on the north. side, an unlandscaped raised median, drainage structures, street lights, and the installation of a traffic signal system on Soledad Canyon Road at the on/off ramp of State Route 14. To ensure a competitive bid process, this project was advertised with two bid alternates. Alternative I provides for deposit of the grading material at the County's Whites Canyon Bridge site. Alternative II provides for deposit of the grading material, at the contractors chosen site. On February 18, 1992 the following bids were received by the City Clerk: Comoanv Bid Amount ALTERNATE I (LLA, COUNTY DEPOSIT SITE) 1. Excel Paving Company $29791,880.94 2. D.W. Burhoe Construction, Inc. $2,802,781.93 3. Random Construction Company $20965,016.75 4. Security Paving Company, Inc. $3,014,915.09 5. Granite Construction Company $3,273,492.00 The Engineer's estimate for Alternate I of this project is $4.46 million. Comnanv ALTERNATE II (CONTRACTOR DEPOSIT SITE) 1. D.W. Burhoe Construction, Inc. 2. Excel Paving Company 3. Granite Construction Company 4. Random Construction Company 5. Security Paving Company, Inc. Bid Amount $2,689,066.93 $2,856,860.94 $3,153,267.00 $3,988,451.75 $5,061,785.09 Agenda lten% r STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD Page 2 The Engineer's estimate for Alternate II of this project is $4.69 million. A total of $5.5 million has been budgeted under Account No. 25-95004-227 for design, contract administration, inspection, and construction of this project. In addition, this project is eligible for State/Local Partnership (SB 300) funds, however, it appears that the City's share will be only between 10 and 15 percent of the actual contract costs. Since the bids received for both alternates are lower than the Engineer's Estimate, funds will be available to -fully landscape the raised medians. The estimated cost necessary to complete this work is $865,000.00, which includes engineering, inspection and contingencies. .The total estimated. cost, including landscaping is $3.65 million, which is within the budgeted amount for this project. Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act, the Department of Community 'Development completed an Initial Study for this project on February 12, 1992: Based on the information set forth in the 'Initial Study, and with the incorporation of mitigation .measures identified therein, the project will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment and a Negative Declaration has been prepared. The Negative Declaration is currently in the final week of the public review process, which will close on March 7, 1992. The Negative Declaration for this project will be set for the City Council meeting on March 10, 1992 for final certification. Staff recommends that the project be awarded to Excel Paving Co., the low bidder for alternate I, because the County has agreed to accept all of the grading material for this project. In addition, the County's Whites Canyon Bridge (Phase III) has the environmental clearance to accept this material. Excel Paving Co. possesses the necessary State Contractor's license and is a member in good standing. This contractor has satisfactorily completed a similar project for the City of Santa Clarita, and the references -indicated that the contractor has performed satisfactory work. RECOMMENDATION 1. Review for conceptual certification the Negative Declaration prepared for the project and direct staff to prepare a resolution for adoption on March 10, 1992. 2. Award the contract to Excel Paving Co. in the amount of $20791,880.94 ATTACHMENTS Initial Study t X ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (Initial Study Form B) CITY OF SANTA CLARITA MASTER CASE NO: 92-013 Case Planner: Jeff Chaffin, Assistant Planner Project Location: Two mile portion of Soledad Canyon Road between Sand Canyon Road and Shadow Pines Boulevard, immediately north of the Antelope Valley Freeway (State Route .14), in the eastern most portion of the City of Santa Clarita. Project Description and Setting: The applicant proposes to widen Soledad Canyon Road from two traffic lanes to six traffic lanes. Initial grading and paving will accommodate the full six lane width. Street striping will, be phased: Initially from two lanes to four lanes, then from four lanes to six lanes. The project includes right-of-way acquisition, grading and removal of approximately 300,000 cubic yards of cut material, and constructing full roadway improvements. General Plan Designation: Primary Arterial, Community Commercial, Residential Very Low, Residential Suburban, and Residential Moderate. Zoning: A-1-1, A-2-1, and C-3. Applicant: City of Santa Clarita. Environmental Constraint Areas: Grading, dust, drainage. A. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS YES MAYBE NO 1. Earth. Will the proposal result in: a. Unstable earth conditions or in.changes in geologic substructures? ....................................... [ ] [ I [XI b. Disruptions, displacements, compaction or overcovering of the soil? ........... [X] [ ] [ ] c. Change in topography or ground surface relief features? ......... :................................. [X] [ I [ I d. The destruction, covering or modification of any unique geologic or physical features? ............... [ ] [ I [X] e. Any increase in wind or water erosion of soils, either on- or off-site? ............................. [XI [ ] ( ] f. Exposure of people or property to geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, ground failure, or similar hazards? ........................ [ I [ I [XI g. Changes in deposition, erosion or siltation? ........ [X] [ ] El YES MAYBE NO c. Alteration of air movement, moisture, or temperature or any change in climate, either locally or regionally? ......................................... I l d. Other? [ l 3. Water. Will the proposal result in: a. h. Other modification of a wash, channel, creek, or or the rate and amount of surface runoff? ........... river? .............................................. [ ] i. Earth movement (cut and/or fill) of 10,000 cubic c. Change in the amount of surface water in any yards or more? ....................................... [X] j. Development and/or grading on a slope greater than d. Discharge into surface waters, or any alteration of 25Znatural grade? .................................. [X] k. Development within the Alquist-Priolo Special temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity? ......... Studies Zone? ....................................... [ ] 1. Other? I l 2. Air. Will the proposal result in: f. a. Substantial air emissions or deterioration of through direct additions or withdrawals, or through ambient air quality? ................................ [XI b. The creation of objectionable odors? ................ [XI c. Alteration of air movement, moisture, or temperature or any change in climate, either locally or regionally? ......................................... I l d. Other? [ l 3. Water. Will the proposal result in: a. Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff? ........... [X] b. Alterations to the course or flow of flood waters? [ ] c. Change in the amount of surface water in any water body? ......................................... [ l d. Discharge into surface waters, or any alteration of surface water quality, including but not limited to temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity? ......... [XI e. Alteration of the direction or rate of flow of ground waters? ...................................... [ l f. Change in the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or withdrawals, or through interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations? [X] g. Substantial reduction in the amount of water other- wise available for public water supplies? ........... [ ] - 2 - [ I [XI [I II. X YES MAYBE NO - 3 - h. Exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as flooding? ........................... [ ] [ ] [X] i. Other? [ ] [ ] [ J 4. Plant Life. Will the proposal result in: a. Change in the diversity of species or number of any species of plants (including trees, shrubs, grasses, crops, and microflora)? .................... [X] [ ] ( ] b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of plants? ....................... [ J [ ] [X] c. Introduction of new species of plants into an area, or in a barrier to the normal replenishment of existing species? ................................... [ ] [ ] [X] d. Reduction in acreage of any agricultural crop? ...... [ ] [ ] [X] 5. Animal Life. Will the proposal result in: a. Change in the diversity of species, or numbers of any species of animals (birds, land animals, including reptiles, fish, insects or microfauna)? ... [ ] ( ] [X] b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of.animals? ...................... [ ] [ ] [XJ c. Introduction of new species of animals into an area, or result in a barrier to the migration or movement of animals? ................................ [ ] [ ] (X] d. Deterioration to existing fish or wildlife habitat and/or migratory routes? ............................ ( J [ ] [X] 6. Noise. Vill the proposal result in: a. Increases.in existing noise levels? ................. [ ] [ ] [X] b. Exposure of people to severe or unacceptable noise levels? .................................... [ 1 [ ] [XJ c. Exposure of people to severe vibrations? ............ [ ] [ ] [X] 7. Light and Glare. Will the proposal produce any substantial new light or glare? ......................... [ J [ ] [XJ 8. Land Use. Vill the proposal result in: a. Substantial alteration of the present land use of an area? ......................................... [ J [ J [XJ - 3 - YES MAYBE NO b. A substantial alteration of the planned land use of an area? ......................................... [ I c. A use that does not adhere to existing zoning laws? [ ] d. A use that does not adhere to established development criteria? ............................... ( ] 9. Natural Resources. Will the proposal result in: a. An increase in the rate of use of any natural resources? .......................................... L 1 b. Substantial depletion of any nonrenewable natural resources? .......................................... [ ] 10. Risk of Upset/Man-Made Hazards. Will the proposal: a. Involve a risk of an explosion or the release.of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to, oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation) in the event of an accident or upset conditions? ........... [ ] b. Use, store, transport or dispose of hazardous or toxic materials (including, but not limited -to, oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation)? .........:. [ ] c. Possible interference with an emergency response plan or an emergency evacuation plan? ............... [ ] d. Otherwise expose people to potential safety hazards? ............................................ [XI 11. Population. Will the proposal: a. Alter the location, distribution, density, or growth rate of the human population of an area? ( ] b.. Other? [ I 12. Housing. Will the proposal: a. Remove or otherwise affect existing housing, or create a demand for additional housing? [ ] b. Other? [ ] [ I [XI [ I [X) [ I [XI [ I I l [ I [Xl [ I [XI [ l [XI [ I IXI 13. Transportation/Circulation. Will the proposal result in: a. Generation of substantial.additional vehicular movement? ........................................... I 1 [ I [XI - 4 - X YES MAYBE NO b. Effects on existing parking facilities, or demand for new parking? .................................... [ I [ l [XI c. Substantial impact upon existing transportation systems, including public transportation? ........... [ ] [ I [X] d. Alterations to present patterns of circulation or movement of people and/or, goods? ................. [ ]' [ j [X] e. Increase in traffic hazards to motor vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians? .......................... [ I [ ] [X] f. A disjointed pattern of roadway improvements? ....... [-] [ 1 [X] 14. Public Services. Will the proposal have an effect upon, or result in a need for new or altered governmental services in any of the following areas: a. Fire protection? .................................... [ l [ I [XI b. Police protection? .................................. [ I [ I [X1 c. Schools? ............................................ [ l [ I [Xl d. Parks or other recreational facilities? ............. [ ] [ ] [Xl e. Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? [X] [ ] [ ] f. Other governmental services? ........................ [ J [ I [XI 15. Energy. Will the proposal result in.- n:a. a. Use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy? ....... [ J [ I [X] b. Substantial increase in demand upon existing sources of energy, or require the development of new sources of energy? .............................. [ l [ 1 [XI 16. Utilities. Will the proposal result in a need for new systems, or substantial alterations to the following utilities: a. Power or natural gas? ............................... [ l [ I [XI b. Communications systems? ............................. [ ] [ I [XI c. Water systems? ...................................... [ ] I I [XI d. Sanitary sewer systems? ............................. [ I [ I [XI e. Storm drainage systems? ............................. [ I [ I [Xl - 5 - X YES MAYBE NO f. Solid waste and disposal systems? ................... [ ] g. Will the proposal result in a disjointed or inefficient pattern of delivery system improvements for any of the above? ................................ [ ] 17. Human Health. Will the proposal result in: a. Creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard (excluding mental health)? ................... [ ] b. Exposure of people to potential health hazards? [ ] 18. Aesthetics. Will the proposal result in: a. The obstruction of any scenic vista or view open to the public? ...................................... L I b. The creation of an aesthetically offgnsive site open to public view? ................................ L I c. The creation of a visual impact that is detrimental to the surrounding area? [ ] 19. Recreation. Will the proposal result in an impact upon the quality or quantity of existing recreational opportunities? .......................................... [ l 20. Cultural Resources. Will the proposal result in: a. The alteration of or the destruction of a historic or prehistoric archaeological site? [ I b. Any adverse physical or aesthetic effects to a historic or prehistoric building, structure, or object? ...... [ ] c. Does the proposal have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ,ethnic cultural values? .................................... [ I d. The restriction of existing religious.or sacred uses within the potential impact area? ................... [ ] DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME "DE MINIMUS" FINDING Will the project.have an adverse effect either individually or cumulatively, on fish and wildlife resources? Wildlife shall_ be defined for the purpose of this question as "all wild animals, birds, plants, fish, amphibians, and related ecological communities, including the habitat upon which the wildlife depends for its continued viability•. (Section 711.2; Fish and Game Code.) ........................ [ ] [ I LXI [ I [XI [ I [XI [ I [XI [ I [XI [N/A] [X] Discussion of Impacts. Section Answer and Evaluation of Impacts 1.a,d NO. Project grading will actually reduce the geologic instability that is present on the site by reducing the steepness of cut slopes on existing hillsides. The hillside grading portion of this project is located along the north side of Soledad Canyon Road, at the Antelope Valley Freeway on/off ramps, .extending approximately 1400 feet to the east. The existing cut slopes are steeper than 1:1. The proposed slopes will be constructed flatter or equal to 1:1. The project site has not been identified as possessing any unique geological or physical features. No significant adverse impact to earth- stability or geologic substructure is anticipated. l.b,c,j YES. Grading activities will result in the removal of approximately 300,000 cubic yards of earth. This grading will change the existing topography and modify slopes that are currently steeper than twenty-five percent (25X). The majority of the grading activity will be conducted near the intersection of Soledad Canyon and Sand Canyon Roads -and will result in slopes that are less steep than are currently found on-site. A portion of the terminal segment of an identified Significant Ridgeline will be removed by project development. However, removal of this previously graded portion of the ridge does not compromise the visual integrity of the remaining ridgeline. The City's draft Hillside Development and Ridgeline Preservation Ordinance does provide exceptions for, Significant Ridgeline development for projects which "...provide for public street access; facilities or utilities to promote the public health, safety and general welfare.' This project will increase the carrying capacity of this road, thereby removing existing congestion and line -of -site limitations, andimproving its level of safety and service. Finally, the majority of the project site consists of previously developed and undeveloped future roadway. No significant adverse impact to soils, topography, and slopes in excess of 25Z is anticipated. l.e,g YES. Short-term increases in erosion will occur as a result of grading and construction activities. These impacts can be reduced to a less than significant level by using standard erosion control management practices during the construction process. There is minimal potential for long-term erosion impacts from the cut -slope areas near the western end of the project. This potential impact can be reduced to a less than significant level by using standard revegetation and erosion control management practices. l.f NO. The project does not involve locating people or property in a geologic hazard area.. Existing steep slopes an a portion of the project site will be made more stable (less steep) as a result of project grading. No significant adverse impact is anticipated. - 7 - Section Answer and Evaluation of Impacts l.h NO. The project will modify existing drainage improvements for engineered channels. These modifications will be designed to accommodate the runoff generated by this proposed six -lane roadway. Such runoff and drainage will be conveyed to existing storm drain facilities with adequate capacity. No creek, wash, or any natural drainage will be modified by this project. No significant adverse impact is anticipated. l.i YES. The project includes the excavation and removal of approximately 300,000 cubic yards of earth. This material.will be deposited at the Whites Canyon Bridge project site, located approximately one-half mile south-southwest of the intersection of Soledad Canyon Road and Whites Canyon Road. This material will be used by the County of Los Angeles for topography modification to complete the extension of Whites Canyon Road across the Santa Clara River to connect with Via Princessa (this County project shall also provide public benefit by improving City-wide circulation with access to and from the Antelope Valley Freeway.) No significant impact is anticipated. l.k N0. The project is not located in an .Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone. No significant impact is anticipated. 2.a,b YES. Construction of the project will generate short-term increases in dust (from grading) and exhaust emissions (from the operation of construction equipment). An increase in particulate emissions in the vicinity of this project will occur during project construction. The amount of increase will vary with the type and scale of activity and prevailing wind conditions. These impacts can be reduced to a level of insignificance by,. using standard air pollution control techniques during the construction process, including: wetting of exposed soil; hydromulching bare slopes; proper maintenance of heavy equipment; employment of exhaust control devices; cessation of grading during high velocity (30 miles per hour or more) wind periods. Long-term air quality will be improved by the increased level of service provided by widening this road from two lanes to six lanes. The duration of vehicle trips will be reduced due to less restricted traffic flow allowing vehicles to reach their destinations in a shorter time period. No long-term or short-term adverse air quality impacts are anticipated. 2.c NO. The project does not include any physical characteristics that could restrict or alter the characteristics of the local and regional climates. No significant adverse impact is anticipated. 3.a,d,f YES. The widening of Soledad Canyon Road may reduce the amount of soil absorption, increase the amount of surface run-off, and incrementally decrease. the quality of water (stormwater run-off) draining to the Santa Clara River. The net increase of surface run-off is expected to be small because the majority of the 10 Section Answer and Evaluation of Impacts project site currently consists of paved roadway and steep slopes. The existing pavement (approximately 1,267,500 square feet) will be increased by 52,500 square feet for a 4Z increase of the impermeable surface area. The corresponding proportional run-off increase is expected to be negligible. Most precipitation that occurs in the project area is conveyed to the Santa Clara River. No significant impact to water quality or quantity .is anticipated. 3.c N0. The increase of stormwater flow to the Santa Clara River is expected to be very minor. All existing and future run-off will be conveyed to existing and improved drainage facilities with adequate capacity. No significant impact is anticipated. 3.b,e,g,h N0. The project site is not located within a flood hazard area (per FEMA Community Panel No. 060729 0365C), nor is. it occupied by any "blueline" stream or drainage (per USGS Mint Cnyon Quadrangle Map.) The project site has not been identified as an aquifer recharge area. This project will not result in any further disruption of the watershed due to the minor increase (41) of the total area to be graded and paved. No significant impact is anticipated. 4.a YES. Project construction will incrementally decrease the numbers of various sage scrub species as natural habitat is lost to development. . Most of the project area is paved and unpaved roadway, Past habitat modification and removal (from roadway construction and adjacent residential and commercial development) have degraded habitat value and decreased species diversity -and population. The small areas of natural vegetation (in the immediate vicinity of the ridge) consist of plant species associated primarily with the Riversidian Sage Scrub community, which is not considered rare or endangered. No significant impact is anticipated. 4.b,c,d N0. The project site does not exhibit the habitat characteristics needed to sustain the Slender -horned Spineflower, the only rare/endangeredplant species in the Santa Clarita Valley. No prime agricultural land occurs on or adjacent to the site. No significant impact to botanical resources is anticipated. 5.a,b,c,d N0. Project construction will not result in a change of the number and types of species as this roadway is widened. The small existing areas of natural vegetation consist of animal species associated primarily with the Riversidian Sage Scrub community, which is not considered rare or endangered. Past habitat modification and removal (from existing roadway construction and adjacent residential and commercial development) have previously degraded habitat value and decreased species diversity' and population. This project will result in the incremental and negligible loss of a previously disturbed and degraded habitat, and may result in a corresponding loss of species population, 10 tJ Section Answer and Evaluation of Impacts which would be less than significant. The project site does not contain, consist of, or connect any significant animal habitat. It is also unlikely that new species of animals will be attracted to a new roadway. No significant impact to zoological resources is anticipated. 6.a,b.c N0. Short-term high noise and vibration levels may occur during the construction of this project. These impacts can be reduced to a less than significant level by controlling the hours and days of operation. Because the project site is currently affected by noise generated from the Antelope Valley Freeway, and the existing portion of Soledad Canyon Road, no net increase of ambient noise levels are -expected; traffic volumes should remain the same but traffic flow rates will increase. Based upon this consideration, no short or long-term adverse noise impacts are expected from this project. No significant noise impacts are anticipated. 7. N0. Street lighting, designed to public safety standards, has been included in this project. Light and glare are not expected to increase above existing levels as a result of this project. No significant impact is anticipated. 8.a,b,c,d N0. The primary existing and proposed land use on the project site is Primary Arterial Highway as designated under the City of Santa Clarita General Plan. This project will improve this existing substandard road to a width of six lanes as required for any road designated as, a Major Highway (as specified by the General Plan and Zoning- Code.) This improved portion of Soledad Canyon Road will provide better access and circulation for area residents and businesses. No significant impact on land use is anticipated. 9.a,b N0. The project will result in an incremental increase in the use of natural resources, the loss of which is expected to be less than significant in relation to increases normally associated with development. No significant impact on natural resources is anticipated. 10.a,b,c N0. No portion of the project interferes or conflicts with existing emergency response and evacuation plans. The widening of this portion of Soledad Canyon Road will improve. access, which will be beneficial should an evacuation become necessary in the future. The project does not include the use, storage, or disposal of hazardous and toxic substances or create an additional potential health hazard. No significant impact is anticipated. 10.d. YES. Some short-term safety hazards will occur during the construction of the project. The potential hazards include heavy equipment use, and disruptions to bicycle, pedestrian, and automobile travel. The hazards from these disruptions will be reduced to an insignificant level with' the preparation and implementation of a Safety Program. This program will include the stem Section Answer and Evaluation of Impacts phasing of project construction activities with appropriate public noticing and advertisement, and route detouring with construction personnel flagging the flow of traffic. Detouring routes around the project area during construction will effect the approximately 400 dwelling units located within 500 feet of the project site, and may effect a majority of the units in the area east of Sand Canyon Road and north of the Antelope Valley Freeway. The haul route for transporting the excavated material to the Whites Canyon Bridge project site will be subject to the review and approval of the City Engineer. The days and hours of use of the haul route will be limited to minimize any traffic impacts which may occur. The project will eliminate long-term safety hazards adjacent to the roadway by providing a uniform width and six.through traffic lanes, along with gutter curb and sidewalk, on this portion of Soledad Canyon Road. Raised medians, street lighting, and signal synchronization are also included to improve street safety. As such, the long-term level of safety will be improved. No significant safety impacts are anticipated. 11.a NO. This project in and of itself will not - influence population growth, density, or distribution. However, improved circulation and access may encourage land owners to pursue additional residential and commercial development in the area serviced by this roadway. Implementation of this project may enable additional development in areas east of Sand Canyon Road. Any future development on adjacent properties will be subject to City review and approval on an individual basis. No significant impact is anticipated. 12.a NO. The proposed project will not result in the removal or relocation of any dwelling units. The short-term construction related traffic impacts will effect the approximately 7,000 residents of the eastern -most portion of the City of Santa Clarita (in that area commonly known as Canyon Country). These impacts will be reduced to a less than significant level through the preparation of a Public Information Program to inform residents of the project, it's timing, and the.alternative routes that will be available. The estimated duration of project construction is approximately eight months. No significant housing impacts are anticipated. 13.,a -f NO. The proposed widening of Soledad Canyon Road will not generate additional vehicle traffic. However, improved traffic circulation may encourage motorists to use this road as an alternate or primary.access. Such an increase would be minor and the overall level of service of the roadway will still be better than that which exists. The traffic volume on this portion of Soledad Canyon Road is approximately 25,000 vehicle trips per day. The current peak hour Level of Service (LOS) is at level E. No significant increase in traffic is expected upon completion of this road widening, but peak hour traffic flow is expected to -11- Section Answer and Evaluation of Impacts improve to LOS A. The proposed roadway improvements are expected to reduce congestion along Soledad Canyon Road and result in improved transit services to the area. The project will improve the area travel pattern by eliminating. an existing disjointed portion of Soledad Canyon Road. No .significant transportation or circulation impacts are anticipated. 14.a-d,f NO. The construction of this project will not significantly increase the demand for governmental services. No significant impact is anticipated. 14.e YES. Many parts of the existing roadway are .in need of repair at the present time. Construction of this project will reduce. these repair needs. An incremental increase in the cost and demand of roadway maintenance is expected to occur in the future due to the increased width of Soledad Canyon Road. However, the need for maintenance and the rate of repair work should be reduced, because a wider roadway with the same volume of traffic would tend to wear at a slower rate. No significant impact is -anticipated. 15.a,b N0. See discussion under Item 9. 16.a -g NO. The project does not require the significant alteration or create a demand or need for these utilities. No significant impact is anticipated. 17.a.b N0. See discussion under Item 10. 18.a,b NO. A majority of the existing roadway in this area appears somewhat barren with little landscaping or other elements to soften or buffer the streetscape. The ridge at the intersection of Soledad Canyon Road and Sand Canyon Road has been previously graded, which has resulted in unappealing visual characteristics. The construction of the roadway, and removal of portions of the existing cut slope on this ridge (near the intersection of Soledad Canyon Road and Sand Canyon Road) will not increase existing poor aesthetic_ quality; nor. will it obstruct any existing scenic vista. The planting of street trees and landscaped medians will improve the aesthetic quality of this roadway. Also, impacts to all graded slopes can be reduced. to a level of insignificance by providing tree wells, appropriate drought tolerant and/or native vegetation, and by contour grading. With these implementation measures, this roadway improvement project is not expected to be visually offensive. No significant impact is anticipated. 19. NO. The project will not impact the quality or quantity of available recreational opportunities. This project will not result in the loss of any recreational areas, nor will it hinder the availability of any existing recreational opportunities. No significant impact is anticipated. -12- Section Answer and Evaluation of Impacts 20.a,b,c N0. The project site consists of an existing roadway of varying width, cut slope, and hillside. The site lacks the traditional water, cover, and natural resources that would have attracted prehistoric man to the site. In addition, the project site contains no cultural or historic artifacts, or any other evidence which indicate that this site could be culturally significant. The City's archaeological resource maps do not identify this area as being archaeologically sensitive.. No significant impacts to cultural or historical resources are anticipated. -13- X C. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE Section 15065 of the California Environmental Quality Act states, in part, that if any of the following can be answered yes or maybe, the project may have a significant -effect on the environment and an Environmental Impact Report shall be prepared. YES MAYBE NO 1. Does the project have the potential to 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, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? ................................. [ J [ l [Xl 2. Does the project have the potential to achieve short- term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental goals? (A short-term impact on the environment is one which occurs in a relatively brief, definitive period of time while long-term impacts will endure well.into the future.) ............................................ [ ] [ l [Xl 3. Does the project have impacts which are individually limited but cumulatively considerable? (A project may impact on two or more separate resources where the impact on each resource is relatively small, but where the effect of the total of those impacts on the environment is significant.) ........................... [ ] [ ] [X] 4. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? [ ] [ ] [XJ WEI! D. DETERMINATION On the basis of this Initial Study, it is determined that: The proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED . ............... [ ] Although the proposed project COULD have a significant effect on the environment, there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described in this Initial Study have been added to the project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED. [X] The proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required . ......................... [ ] LYNN M. HARRIS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA Prepared By: lid ` Jeff Chaffin, Assistant Planner �Z L (S' re) V V. (Name/Title) at Reviewed By: (Signature) (Name/Title) JC/516 -15- 2 iy Z - (AL) (Dat ) D Z� ( ate)