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HomeMy WebLinkAbout!Ch 06.00 Cumul ImpChapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-1 City of Chula Vista November 2013 Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts The CEQA Guidelines (Section 15355) define a cumulative impact as “an impact which is created as a result of the combination of the project evaluated in the environmental impact report together with other projects causing related impacts.” Section 15130(a) of the CEQA Guidelines requires a discussion of cumulative impacts of a project “when the project’s incremental effect is cumulatively considerable.” Cumulatively considerable, as defined in CEQA Section 15065(c), “means that the incremental effects of an individual project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects.” The evaluation of cumulative impacts as required by CEQA Section 15130(b)(1) is to be based on either (a) “a list of past, present, and probable future projects producing related or cumulative impacts, including, if necessary, those impacts outside the control of the agency,” or (b) “a summary of projections contained in an adopted plan or related planning document, or in a prior environmental document which has been adopted or certified, which described or evaluated regional or area wide conditions contributing to the cumulative impact.” Section 6.1 describes the cumulative projects that are considered in the cumulative analysis. Section 6.2 includes the cumulative analysis for each of the environmental topics covered in Chapter 5, Environmental Impact Analysis. 6.1 Probable Future Projects 6.1.1 Land Development This section provides a cumulative analysis based on the probable future (foreseeable) land use development as well as plans that were identified in the cumulative analysis of the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR (SEIR 09-01). Table 6-1 shows the land uses used for this cumulative analysis. These projects include Village 8 East and Village 10/University. The analysis of these cumulative projects is based on Land Offer Agreements between JPB Development and the City of Chula Vista, and OLC and the City of Chula Vista. Other projects within the Otay Ranch area that are approved but not yet built out, such as the EUC and portions of Villages 2, 3 and 4, are included as part of existing adopted plans for the Otay Ranch area, and as such are included in the General Plan and GDP, rather than identified as foreseeable future projects. Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-2 City of Chula Vista November 2013 Table 6-1 Land Uses within Cumulative Project Area Land Use Type Village 8 West Village 9, Regional Technology Park, Portion of University Site in Village 9 Village 8 East, Village 10, Remaining University Site Village 3 Total Cumulative Project Area Single-family Residential 621 DU 266 DU 0 0 887 DU Multi-family Residential 1,429 DU 3,734 DU 5,756 DU 0 10,919 DU Commercial 300,000 sf 1,500,000 sf 0 0 1,800,000 sf Industrial/Regional Technology Park 0 85.0 acres 0 176.6 261.6 acres Community Purpose Facility 5.8 acres 5.0 acres 8.0 acres 10.2 29 acres School 31.6 acres 19.8 acres 20.0 acres 0 71.4 acres Park 27.9 acres 27.5 acres 45.1 acres 0 100.5 acres Future University 0 50.0 acres 210.0 acres 0 260.0 acres DU = dwelling units Source: City of Chula Vista 2013 The four cumulative projects identified in Table 6-1, including Village 8 West, comprise what is referred to as the “cumulative area.” Where applicable, a quantitative analysis of the potential cumulative impacts is provided, based on the methodology used in the 2013 SEIR. The SEIR used a cumulative increase factor based on the ratio of ADTs attributed to the foreseeable projects compared to ADTs from Village 8 West (without accounting for any project-specific trip reductions). The SEIR reported the ADT for Village 8 West to be 43,564 trips. This was divided into total ADT for the cumulative study area (174,700 trips) resulting in a coefficient of 4.0. This factor is applied for the issues of schools, water, wastewater, recycled water, and energy to represent total cumulative impact. 6.1.2 Adopted Plans From a regional approach, the cumulative analysis relies on the RCP, GDP, and the Chula Vista General Plan, along with other regional planning documents, including the MSCP Subarea Plan, and RAQS in accordance with CEQA Section 15130(b)(1)(B). 6.2 Cumulative Impact Analysis The geographic scope of the cumulative impact analysis varies depending upon the specific environmental topic being analyzed. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(b)(3), Table 6-2 summarizes the geographic area within which past, present, and probable future projects may contribute to a specific cumulative impact, when considered in conjunction with the impacts associated with implementation of the Village 8 West SPA Plan and TM. Each topic analyzed in the Sections 5.1 through 5.16 of the EIR includes an evaluation of the project’s consistency with applicable GP and GDP policies. Policy consistency is project specific and is not cumulative in nature. Similar to the project, other cumulative projects would be required to demonstrate compliance with the General Plan and GDP as part of their project-specific approval process. Therefore, cumulative impacts associated with consistency of GP and GDP policies is not further analyzed in this section. Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-3 City of Chula Vista November 2013 Table 6-2 Geographic Scope of Cumulative Impact Analyses Topic Geographic Scope of Cumulative Impact Analyses Land Use/ Planning Incompatibilities with adjacent land uses are generally site specific; therefore, the geographic context for the analysis of cumulative impacts relative to adjacent land use incompatibilities includes the area surrounding the project site. The geographic context for the analysis of cumulative impacts relative to physical division of an established community is generally site specific and limited to the area directly adjacent to Village 8 West. Aesthetics The cumulative study area associated with aesthetics impacts is the viewshed of Village 8 West, which is geographic area from which a proposed project is likely to be seen, based on topography and land use patterns. The cumulative study area for light and glare is the city of Chula Vista. The cumulative study area for steep slopes is Otay Ranch. Transportation/ Traffic The cumulative study area associated with traffic and level of service standards, traffic hazards, alternative transportation, and emergency access is the study area for the project-specific traffic impact analysis (Appendix B). Impacts related to aircraft traffic are generally specific and limited to the area within two miles of a specific airport. Air Quality The geographic scope of cumulative impact analysis for criteria air pollutants, sensitive receptors, and air quality plans is the San Diego Air Basin. Impacts relative to objectionable odors are limited to the area immediately surrounding the odor source and are not cumulative in nature because the air emissions that cause odors disperse beyond the sources of the odor. Noise The area of cumulative impact that would be considered for the noise and vibration cumulative analysis would be only those cumulative projects within the immediate vicinity of Village 8 West. Exposure to aircraft noise is also a localized impact and the area of cumulative impact that would be considered for aircraft impacts would be only those projects located within two miles of Brown Field. Biological Resources The geographic scope of cumulative impact analysis for biological resources includes the Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan area. Cultural and Paleontological Resources The geographic context for the analysis of cumulative impacts to archaeological resources, historic resources, paleontological resources, and human remains includes the San Diego region, which has a similar archaeological, ethnohistoric, historic, and prehistoric setting as the project site. Geology and Soils The geographic context for the analysis of cumulative impacts relative to soil erosion encompasses the Otay River watersheds directly downstream from the project site. Impacts relative to seismic hazards and other geologic/soil conditions (i.e., fault rupture, groundshaking, ground failure, liquefaction/ collapse, landslides, lateral spreading, subsidence, and expansive soils) and septic systems are generally site specific. Public Services The city of Chula Vista is the geographic scope of cumulative impacts for public services. Global Climate Change Due to the nature of assessment of greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of climate change, impacts can currently only be analyzed from a cumulative context; therefore, the geographic scope for the cumulative analysis of greenhouse gas emissions and their effect on climate change is the global atmosphere. Hydrology/ Water Quality The geographic context for the analysis of cumulative impacts relative to water quality standards and alteration of drainage patters encompasses the portions of the Otay River watershed directly downstream from the project site. Impacts relative to mudflows, dam inundation, tsunamis, seiches, and flood hazard areas are generally specific to a project site. Agricultural Resources The city of Chula Vista is the geographic scope of cumulative impacts to agricultural resources. Hazards and Hazardous Materials The geographic context for the analysis of cumulative impacts relative to the transport, use and disposal of hazardous materials, and associated accidental releases, encompasses the roadways and freeways used by vehicles transporting hazardous materials to and from the project sites. The geographic context for the analysis of cumulative impacts relative to wildland fires and emergency response and evacuation plans is the city of Chula Vista. Impacts relative to listed hazardous materials sites and airport hazards are generally specific to the project site. Housing and Population The city of Chula Vista is the geographic scope of cumulative impacts to housing and population. Public Utilities The city of Chula Vista is the geographic scope of cumulative impacts to public utilities. Mineral Resources The geographic scope for the analysis of cumulative impacts related to mineral resources is the area of Chula Vista designated MRZ-2, which identifies the area that contains regionally significant aggregate resources. Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-4 City of Chula Vista November 2013 6.2.1 Land Use A. Physical Division of an Established Community and Conflicts with Land Use Plans, Policies, and Regulations Village 8 West's contribution to the cumulative impacts on land use was included in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR. The SEIR concluded that the GPA/GDPA, including Village 8 West, would result in increased density and intensity of land uses within the GPA/GDPA area compared to the development analyzed in the 2005 GPU EIR. The SEIR concluded that this intensification is consistent with the goals and objectives of the RCP, General Plan and Otay Ranch General Development Plan. Through conformance with the General Plan, the cumulative projects analyzed in the SEIR, including Village 8 West, would promote mobility, increase jobs/housing balance, and encourage transit-oriented development. The cumulative projects would realize SANDAG's vision for the cumulative project area. The SEIR further concluded that because adherence to the smart growth principles and objectives of the Chula Vista General Plan, cumulative land use impacts would be less than significant. As discussed in Section 5.1, Land Use and Planning, the proposed project would be consistent with the General Plan as approved in 2013. Village 8 West would be a continuation of planned development in the Otay Ranch. It would provide intensities and densities of residential development as well as mixed- use development that would promote alternative transportation. The project would also provide parks, schools and CPF acreage in conformance with City policies and ordinances. As such, the proposed project, as part of and combined with the cumulative projects, would not result in a significant cumulative land use impact. B. Conflicts with HCPs or NCCPs The Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan and the Otay Ranch RMP are the applicable natural resource plans for the project and cumulative projects. The cumulative projects, including Village 8 West, would be required to demonstrate compliance with the MSCP Subarea Plan and the RMP as part of project approval. Therefore, cumulative land use impacts associated with potential conflicts with HCPs or NCCPs would be less than significant. 6.2.2 Aesthetics/Landform Alteration A. Scenic Vistas and Scenic Resources Scenic vistas and scenic resources are project-specific issues because they are limited to individual view points and therefore cumulative impacts related to scenic vistas and scenic resources were not addressed at the programmatic level in the SEIR for the GPA/GDPA. As discussed in Section 5.2, Aesthetic/Landform Alteration, implementation of Village 8 West would not result in any significant direct impacts on scenic vistas and scenic resources because scenic views would continue to be available throughout the site and the project design guidelines would ensure that grading on Rock Mountain would be sensitive to landform. However, the project, in combination with the cumulative projects, would contribute to a cumulative loss of views of natural open space. Therefore, the project would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant and unavoidable cumulative impact. Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-5 City of Chula Vista November 2013 B. Visual Character or Quality Village 8 West’s contribution to the cumulative impacts on landform alteration/visual resources was included in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR. As concluded in the SEIR, the GDP/GDPA would result in cumulatively considerable and unavoidable impact related to permanent alteration to the open, rolling hills within the planning area. Grading and development of the project site’s vacant land with 2,050 residential units, 300,000 square feet of commercial land use, parks, and schools would incrementally contribute to the cumulative loss of open, rolling topography. Therefore, the project would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant and unavoidable cumulative impact. Project alternatives that would reduce this cumulative impact, including a No Project Alternative, are discussed in Chapter 10, Alternatives. C. Lighting and Glare Lighting and glare impacts are project specific issues and therefore cumulative impacts were not addressed at the programmatic level in the SEIR for the GPA/GDPA. Although Village 8 West is currently undeveloped, substantial nighttime lighting is currently generated by the existing development in Otay Ranch and the remainder of the city. Development of Village 8 West and cumulative growth in Otay Ranch would result in additional sources of nighttime lighting. Village 8 West would contribute new lighting from streetlights, security lighting, and decorative lighting throughout the planning area. The SPA Plan includes lighting performance standards to minimize the project’s contribution to nighttime lighting. In addition, compliance with city and state energy conservation measures and city lighting standards currently in place would limit the amount of unnecessary interior illumination during evening and nighttime hours. Similar to the proposed project, the cumulative projects would be required to submit photometric analyses and landscape master plans for approval. Therefore, the project’s contribution to this potentially significant cumulative impact would be less than significant. Impacts related to glare and solar access are limited to the area immediately surrounding the source and are not cumulative in nature. However, the SPA Plan also includes requirements for buildings that would limit glare. Therefore, the project would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to lighting and glare. D. Landform Alteration Impacts to steep slopes were not specifically addressed in the SEIR for the GPA/GDPA because the SEIR only included an analysis of environmental topics that resulted in new or additional impacts compared to the land use assumptions made for the project area in the 2005 GPU EIR. As discussed in Section 5.2 under Threshold 6, the Otay Ranch RMP includes a ranch-wide steep slope standard that requires preservation of at least 83 percent of the natural steep slopes (natural slopes with gradients of 25 percent or greater) throughout the Otay Ranch. Compliance with the RMP would ensure that a cumulative impact related to steep slopes would not occur. The project would impact a total of 29.07 acres of steep slopes. Impacts to natural steep slopes in the cumulative project area would be speculative at this time as some areas do not have proposed development plans. However, as demonstrated in Table 5.2-1 and in the analysis in Section 5.2, the proposed project combined with the other projects in Otay Ranch would not exceed the ranch-wide preservation requirement (1,670 acres). Furthermore, other cumulative projects would also be required to demonstrate compliance with the RMP steep slope standard. Therefore, cumulative impacts related to steep slopes would be less than significant. Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-6 City of Chula Vista November 2013 A cumulative impact to Rock Mountain would occur if grading would substantially alter the existing landform. However, only a small area of Rock Mountain is located in Village 8 West, and implementation of the Landscape Master Plan and the SPA Plan grading and design guidelines would ensure that any alterations to the landform would be visually compatible with the existing landform. Therefore, the project would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to landform alteration. 6.2.3 Transportation/Traffic A. Traffic and Level of Service Standards and Congestion Management Village 8 West’s contribution to the potential cumulative impacts on traffic and level of service standards was included in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR. The SEIR concluded that cumulative traffic impacts would occur to a segment of Otay Valley Road in Chula Vista, several segments of Heritage Road in the City of San Diego, I-805, SR-125 and SR-905. Payment of appropriate development impact fees and adding an additional lane to Otay Valley Road between SR-125 and Street A would reduce impacts to all freeways and Otay Valley Road to a less than significant level. However, the SEIR concluded that impacts to the segments of Heritage Road in the city of San Diego would remain significant and unmitigable. The Otay Ranch Village 8 West Traffic Impact Analysis Report (RBF 2013) updates the analysis in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR with a project-specific analysis. The traffic impact report included an analysis of the proposed project’s contribution to cumulative regional traffic. The analysis included a Mitigated Year 2030 scenario that analyzed the potential traffic impacts that would occur as a result of buildout of Village 8 West and the cumulative growth in the region through the year 2030. At full buildout, the project would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant impact at the following intersections: ■ Birch Road/La Media Road (LOS F - AM and PM Peak Hour) ■ Birch Road/SR-125 northbound ramps (LOS F - AM Peak Hour) ■ Birch Road/Eastlake Parkway (LOS F - AM Peak Hour, LOS E - PM Peak Hour) ■ Main Street/I-805 northbound ramps (LOS E - PM Peak Hour) ■ Main Street/La Media Couplet  Westbound Main Street/northbound La Media Road (LOS F - AM Peak Hour)  Eastbound Main Street/southbound La Media Road (LOS F - AM and PM Peak Hour)  Eastbound Main Street/northbound La Media Road (LOS F - AM Peak Hour) ■ Main Street/Magdalena Avenue (LOS F - AM and PM Peak Hour) ■ Main Street/Eastlake Parkway (LOS F - AM Hour) Additionally, the project would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant impact to the following roadway segments in year 2030: ■ Birch Road: La Media Road to SR-125 (LOS F) ■ Birch Road: SR-125 to Eastlake Parkway (LOS F) ■ Main Street: I-805 to Brandywine Avenue (LOS D) ■ Main Street: Brandywine Avenue to Heritage Road (LOS D) ■ Heritage Road: Main Street to Entertainment Circle (LOS E) Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-7 City of Chula Vista November 2013 ■ Heritage Road: Entertainment Circle to Avenida de Las Vistas (LOS D) ■ Eastlake Parkway: Birch Road to Main Street (LOS D) However, with implementation of mitigation measures 5.3-1 through 5.3-20, all intersections and roadways would operate at LOS D or better. Implementation of these mitigation measures would reduce the proposed project’s traffic impacts to a less than cumulatively considerable level by providing the necessary road improvements to accommodate project traffic. B. Air Traffic Patterns, Road Safety, Emergency Access Impacts related to air traffic patterns, road safety, and emergency access are project-specific issues and therefore cumulative impacts were not addressed at the programmatic level in the SEIR for the GPA/GDPA. Impacts related to air traffic patterns, road safety, and emergency access are site-specific and are not cumulative in nature. Construction of a project that would interfere with air traffic, result in a traffic hazard, or have inadequate emergency access would not affect these issues at another site. Similar to the project, cumulative development would be required to provide proper notification in compliance with Brown Field Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan when applicable and comply with all city requirements for parking, roadway design, and emergency access. Therefore, cumulative impacts would be less than significant. 6.2.4 Air Quality A. Air Quality Violations Village 8 West’s contribution to cumulative impacts to air quality violations was included in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR, which concluded that implementation of the GPA/GDPA would result in cumulatively considerable and unavoidable impacts related to air quality violations. The Air Quality Technical Report prepared for Village 8 West (Atkins 2013a) updates the analysis in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR with a project-specific analysis, as described below. The project would contribute to a cumulative impact during construction if air pollutant emissions from simultaneous construction activities would combine to exceed the significance thresholds for criteria air pollutants. The closest cumulative projects to Village 8 West with the potential to generate cumulative construction emissions are Village 4 and Village 8 East. The Village 8 West project alone would result in potentially significant NOx, PM10, and PM2.5 emissions during construction. If any cumulative project is constructed during the same time period, emissions of criteria pollutants would combine to further exacerbate the violations. Mitigation measures 5.4-1, 5.4-2, and 5.4-3 would reduce impacts but not to below the significance thresholds. Impacts would be cumulatively considerable and unavoidable. Cumulative daily operational air quality emissions are regulated on a regional level by the RAQS. If a project is not consistent with the growth assumptions included in the RAQS, then the project would result in a significant cumulatively considerable contribution to an air quality impact. As discussed in Section 5.4, Air Quality, under Threshold 4, Village 8 West would exceed the growth projections of the RAQS. Additionally, the project would result in unavoidably significant emissions of VOCs, NOx, and PM10 during operation. Therefore, the project would result in a cumulatively considerable and unavoidable contribution to a significant air quality impact. Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-8 City of Chula Vista November 2013 B. Sensitive Receptors Impacts related to sensitive receptors are project-specific issues and therefore cumulative impacts were not addressed at the programmatic level in the SEIR for the GPA/GDPA. Carbon Monoxide. Carbon monoxide concentrations were analyzed for four scenarios that included interim cumulative traffic growth: 2015, 2020, 2025, and full project buildout (2030). As shown in Table 5.4-8, Estimated Carbon Monoxide Concentrations, the concentrations at all of the studied intersections were below state and federal standards. Therefore, a cumulative impact would not occur. Toxic Air Contaminants. Impacts related to siting new sensitive receptors near sources of TACs would generally be site specific. Similar to the proposed project, new emitters of TACs would need to comply with the San Diego Air Pollution Control District criteria, such as Rule 1200. Potential diesel particulate matter emissions from commercial deliveries and bus service proposed in the adjacent villages would be subject to existing CARB regulations that would reduce emissions to the extent feasible. Therefore, cumulative impacts related to TACs would be less than significant. C. Objectionable Odors Impacts related to objectionable odors are project specific issues and therefore cumulative impacts were not addressed at the programmatic level in the SEIR for the GPA/GDPA. Impacts relative to objectionable odors are generally limited to the area in close vicinity to the source and are not cumulative in nature. As the emissions that cause odors disperse, the odor becomes less and less detectable. Nuisance odor issues are regulated by the San Diego Air Pollution Control District through Rule 51. Similar to the proposed project, none of the adjacent villages propose land uses that are a typical source of odor complaints. Therefore, a cumulatively significant impact associated with objectionable odors would not occur. D. Air Quality Plans The SEIR concluded that implementation of the GPA/GDPA would result in a cumulatively considerable and unavoidable impact related to consistency with air plans. A project that conflicts with the RAQS growth projections would be inconsistent with the RAQS and SIP and result in cumulative impact. As discussed in Section 5.4 under Threshold 4, the SPA Plan would exceed regional growth projections and therefore the project would result in a cumulatively considerable and unavoidable impact to consistency with adopted air quality plans. 6.2.5 Noise A. Excessive Noise Levels Cumulative impacts related to excessive noise levels were not specifically addressed in the SEIR for the GPA/GDPA because the SEIR only included an analysis of environmental topics that resulted in new or additional impacts compared to the land use assumptions made for the project area in the 2005 GPU EIR. The noise study conducted for Village 8 West (Atkins 2013b) included an analysis of impacts from cumulative traffic growth in 2030 to contribute to excessive noise levels on noise sensitive land uses Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-9 City of Chula Vista November 2013 (NSLU) within Village 8 West. Noise levels would potentially exceed the Chula Vista noise compatibility standards along Main Street, La Media Road, Otay Valley Road, and Street A. Therefore, a cumulative impact would occur. However, the proposed project’s contribution to long-term traffic noise would be less than significant. Additionally, mitigation measures 5.5-1 through 5.5-5 would require future new development on site to reduce noise levels to comply with Chula Vista noise standards so that new residents and visitors would not be exposed to excessive traffic noise. Therefore, the project’s contribution to exposure to cumulative traffic noise would be reduced to less than cumulatively considerable. Village 8 West would be adjacent to future development proposed in the GDP to the east in Village 8 East, to the west in Village 4, and to the north in Village 7. According to the GDP, these villages would be developed with similar land uses compared to Village 8 West, including commercial, residential, and parkland development. Commercial equipment, including HVAC systems, would contribute to noise levels that exceed City standards, which may affect neighboring projects. Therefore, a potentially significant cumulative impact could occur. Mitigation measures 5.5-2 through 5.5-4 and 5.5-7 would ensure that operational noise levels comply with city standards. Cumulative projects would also be required to demonstrate compliance with city noise standards. Therefore, a cumulative operational noise impact would not be significant. Quarry operations have been approved to expand to approximately 300 feet from the western boundary of Village 8 West. However, the existing Declaration of Covenants of Operation for the quarry includes provisions to ensure that the quarry does not exceed the city’s noise ordinance standards at surrounding residences (City of Chula Vista 2008a). See Appendix D for the list of applicable covenants. Therefore, implementation of the existing covenants for operation at the quarry would ensure that the expansion of the quarry would not result in the cumulatively considerable exposure of NSLU to excessive noise from quarry operation. B. Excessive Groundborne Vibration Cumulative impacts related to groundborne vibration were not specifically addressed in the SEIR for the GPA/GDPA because the SEIR only included an analysis of environmental topics that resulted in new or additional impacts compared to the land use assumptions made for the project area in the 2005 GPU EIR. In order to result in a cumulative vibration impact, major construction activities would have to be located within 200 feet of another project, or within 600 feet for pile driving (Caltrans 2002). The future cumulative projects that would potentially be located within 600 feet of Village 8 West construction activity include a mixed-use village and residential development in Village 8 East, residential development and a community park in Village 4, and residential development in Village 7. These land uses are not considered vibration sensitive. However, the existing quarry has been approved to expand to approximately 300 feet from the western boundary of Village 8 West. The proposed residential, commercial, and park land uses along the western edge of Village 8 West are not vibration sensitive. Additionally, the existing Declaration of Covenants of Operation for the quarry includes provisions to minimize nuisance impacts from groundborne vibration. See Appendix D for the list of applicable covenants. Therefore, cumulative groundborne vibration impacts would be less than significant. Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-10 City of Chula Vista November 2013 C. Permanent Increase in Ambient Noise Levels Village 8 West’s contribution to cumulative permanent increases in noise levels was included in the programmatic SEIR for the GPA/GDPA, which concluded the increases in noise levels as a result of traffic noise would be cumulatively significant and unavoidable. The Noise Technical Report prepared for Village 8 West (Atkins 2013b) updates the analysis in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR with a project-specific analysis. The potential regional noise impacts that would result from traffic increases as a result of cumulative projects and regional growth are included in the Mitigated Year 2030 scenario. Table 14 in Appendix D, Cumulative Traffic Noise Impacts, compares Mitigated Year 2030 traffic noise levels to existing conditions. As shown in this table, 17 of the 22 existing roadway segments currently generate noise levels that exceed 65 dBA CNEL without cumulative development. Cumulative growth, including the proposed project, would result in six new roadway segments that would exceed 65 dBA CNEL. Cumulative growth would cause three existing roadway segments to exceed 65 dBA, and would result in an increase in traffic noise of 3 dBA CNEL or more on 12 existing roadway segments. A cumulatively considerable impact would occur on a total of 21 roadway segments. The project’s contribution to the cumulative noise impact is based on the increase in traffic noise attributable to the proposed project under the Mitigated Year 2030 scenario. Implementation of the proposed project would result in a 1 dBA increase on five impacted roadways. Noise increases that are 1 dBA are generally not discernable, although project traffic would incrementally contribute to an already noisy environment that may exceed compatibility standards for NSLU in the vicinity. The significance threshold for traffic-related noise increases is 3 dBA CNEL. Implementation of the project would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to roadway noise. D. Temporary Increase in Ambient Noise Levels Cumulative impacts related to temporary noise increases were not specifically addressed in the SEIR for the GPA/GDPA because the SEIR only included an analysis of environmental topics that resulted in new or additional impacts compared to the land use assumptions made for the project area in the 2005 GPU EIR. Construction noise impacts are localized in nature because they are limited to the construction site where construction equipment is operating. Sound levels from project construction would be up to 87 dBA Leq at 50 feet from the source (Atkins 2013b). However, the cumulative projects and the proposed project would be subject to the Chula Vista construction noise ordinance, which limits the hours of construction to 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Compliance with the Chula Vista ordinance would reduce impacts to a less than significant level. The project would comply with the Chula Vista construction limits and would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to construction noise. E. Excessive Noise Exposure from a Public of Private Airport Exposure to airport noise is a project specific issue and therefore cumulative impacts were not addressed at the programmatic level in the SEIR for the GPA/GDPA. No additional aviation uses are planned to be introduced in the vicinity of Village 8 West. Impacts related to nuisance noise from overflights are site specific and are not cumulative in nature. Therefore, a cumulative impact related to aviation would not occur. Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-11 City of Chula Vista November 2013 6.2.6 Biological Resources As stated in Section 2.2.3, the SEIR did not address biological resources but relies on analysis in the 2005 GPU EIR (EIR 05-01) and the 1993 Program EIR for the GDP (EIR 90-01). A. Sensitive Plant and Wildlife Species, Riparian Habitat and Other Sensitive Natural Communities, Federally Protected Wetlands, and Wildlife Movement Corridors and Nursery Sites Cumulative impacts consider the potential regional effects of a project and how a project may affect an ecosystem or one of its members beyond the project limits and on a regional scale. The PEIR prepared for the entire Otay Ranch development (EIR 90-01) analyzed the existing conditions, potential impacts, and mitigation measures related to biological resources for the entire Otay Ranch area, which consists of approximately 23,000 acres in the county of San Diego, and the cities of Chula Vista and San Diego. The Otay Ranch PEIR identified significant unavoidable impacts to biological resources in Otay Ranch due to loss of raptor foraging habitat. Subsequent to the certification of the PEIR and adoption of the Otay Ranch GDP, the City adopted the Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan. The MSCP planning program provided for mitigation of cumulative impacts from regional development on sensitive species and their habitats on a regional basis, including raptor forage habitat. As such, a cumulatively considerable impact would occur if a project would be inconsistent with the Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan. Implementation of Village 8 West would contribute to the loss of biological resources within the Otay Ranch and Chula Vista Subarea. However, with implementation of mitigation measures 5.6-1 through 5.6-19, the project would comply with the MSCP Subarea Plan conditions for coverage, and well as the Otay Ranch RMP, the requirements for conveyance of compensatory mitigation lands to the Preserve Owner Manager, and compensatory wetland mitigation required by state and federal wetlands permitting agencies. Implementation of these measures would ensure long-term sustainability of sensitive species and their associated habitats, and mitigates cumulative biological impacts to MSCP covered species and their associated habitats. Therefore, the project would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to biological impacts. B. Local Policies, Ordinances, HCP and NCCP The Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan and the Otay Ranch RMP are the applicable natural resource plans for the project and cumulative projects. Similar to the SPA Plan and TM, the cumulative projects would be required to demonstrate compliance with the MSCP Subarea Plan and the RMP as part of project approval. Pursuant to the City’s MSCP Subarea Plan, no single facility may permanently impact more than two acres of covered habitat. In addition, permanent impacts to covered habitats in the Preserve resulting from future facilities may not exceed a cumulative total of 50 acres. Permanent impacts to covered habitats associated with the development of planned infrastructure facilities (future facilities) within the Preserve are discussed in Section 5.6, Biological Resources. Temporary impacts associated with future facilities are not subject to the limitations for permanent impacts to covered habitat; however, all areas of temporary impacts must be revegetated. The temporary impact area associated with Village 9 would be revegetated pursuant to a restoration plan reviewed and approved by the City (refer to mitigation measure 5.6-5). Future facilities associated with the project include the off-site storm water conveyance facility. Development of this facility will permanently impact 0.09 acres of covered habitat, which is less than the two acre single facility limitation. Cumulative impacts to covered habitat associated with future facilities Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-12 City of Chula Vista November 2013 are estimated at 0.85-acres, as shown in Table 6-3, which is less than the 50-acre cumulative acreage. Therefore, cumulative land use impacts associated with conflicts with HCPs or NCCPs would be less than significant. Table 6-3 Future Facilities Cumulative Covered Habitat Impact Project Permanent Impacts to Covered Habitat (acres) Village 11 (approved) 0.5 Village 2 (approved) 0.09 Village 8 West (proposed) 0.09 Village 9 (reasonably foreseeable) 0.17 Total 0.85 Note: While development in accordance with the land offer agreements for Village 8 East, Village 10, the University/ RTP are included in the cumulative analysis for other environmental issues, no calculation of impacts to future facilities is provided for these areas because no site plans have been filed. Identifying permanent impacts to covered habitats for these projects would be speculative at this time. 6.2.7 Cultural and Paleontological Resources As stated in Section 2.2.3, the SEIR did not address cultural or paleontological resources but relies on analysis in the 2005 GPU EIR (EIR 05-01) and the 1993 Program EIR for the GDP (EIR 90-01). A. Historic Resources, Archaeological Resources, and Human Remains The 2005 GPU EIR evaluated impacts to cultural resources in its cumulative analysis. This cumulative assessment of impacts to archaeological and historic resources incorporates by reference the cumulative impact analysis in the 2005 GPU EIR. The continued pressure to develop or redevelop areas would result in incremental impacts to the historical record in the San Diego region. Regardless of the efforts to avoid impacts to cultural resources, the more land that is converted to developed uses, the greater the potential for impacts to cultural resources. While any individual project may avoid or mitigate the direct loss of a specific resource, the effect is considerable when considered cumulatively. The 2005 GPU EIR concluded that the loss of historic or prehistoric resources from the past, present, and probable future projects in the Southern California/Northern Baja California, Mexico areas would contribute to cumulatively significant impacts to cultural resources. As discussed in Section 5.7, Cultural Resources, the project would not result in a significant impact on historical resources or known archaeological resources. The proposed project would not contribute to a cumulative impact related to historic resources. It is not anticipated that construction would extend beyond the defined APE. However, construction activities associated with the project could result in significant impacts to CA-SDI-12809 if construction activities inadvertently extended beyond the defined APE in the proximity of site. While mitigation has been included that would reduce project-related impacts to cultural resources to a less than significant level, the extent of potential cultural resources is unknown at this time and unknown resources are potentially located in Village 8 West. Therefore, implementation of the Village 8 West SPA Plan and TM would result in cumulatively considerable and unavoidable contribution to this cumulative impact, consistent with the findings in the 2005 GPU EIR. Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-13 City of Chula Vista November 2013 B. Paleontological Resources The 2005 GPU EIR evaluated impacts to paleontological resources in its cumulative analysis. This cumulative assessment of impacts to paleontological resources incorporates by reference the cumulative impact analysis in the 2005 GPU EIR. As with archaeological and historic resources, the continued pressure to develop undeveloped areas would result in incremental impacts to the paleontological record in the San Diego region. Regardless of the efforts to avoid impacts to these resources, the more land that is converted to developed uses, the greater the potential for adverse impacts. While any individual project may avoid or mitigate the direct loss of a specific resource, the effect was considerable when considered cumulatively. Cumulative buildout would result in an increased probability of disturbance to paleontological resources causing potentially significant cumulative impacts. However, this could be a positive effect of development due to fact that the discoveries of paleontological resources contribute to important scientific information about the natural history in southwestern San Diego County. As discussed in Section 5.7, Cultural Resources, geological formations underlying the project area and off-site improvement area have been identified as having high sensitivity for paleontological resources. Therefore, the project could result in significant impacts to sensitive paleontological deposits. Mitigation measures 5.7-8 through 5.7-11 have been included that would reduce project-related impacts to paleontological resources to a less than significant level. Because the extent of potential paleontological resources is unknown at this time, cumulative impacts are concluded to be significant, consistent with the findings in the 2005 GPU EIR. However, the proposed mitigation measures would reduce cumulative paleontological impacts to below significance because paleontological resources would be protected from damage and the discoveries of paleontological resources as a result of development contribute to important scientific information about the natural history in southwestern San Diego County. 6.2.8 Geology and Soils A. Exposure to Seismic Related Hazards, Soil Stability, and Expansive Soils Geologic hazards are generally site specific and not cumulative in nature. Potential impacts related to geologic hazards in Village 8 West are not additive with other projects and are therefore not cumulatively significant. Additionally, as discussed in Section 5.8, Geology and Soils, geological hazards related to seismicity, slope stability, and expansive soils would be reduced to less than significant levels through compliance with the Uniform Building Code and other applicable regulations, and adherence to the recommendations of a site-specific geotechnical investigation (mitigation measure 5.8-2). Although the proposed project and related projects would have potentially significant geological impacts requiring mitigation, these projects are geographically removed to the extent that a hazardous geologic event, such as seismically induced ground failure, at one site would not necessarily occur at the other. Therefore, any potential geological impacts would not be cumulatively significant. B. Soil Erosion or Topsoil Loss Potentially cumulative impacts related to soil erosion or top soil loss are addressed in Section 6.2.11, Hydrology and Water Quality. As discussed in that section, future growth and redevelopment in the city, including Otay Ranch, would result in an increase in impermeable surfaces, alteration of the hydrology of local streams and drainage, and grading and clearing of vegetation. All of these actions have the potential to contribute to a cumulative increase in erosion. However, compliance with all applicable regulations, the BMPs identified in the Water Quality Technical Report, and the policies associated with Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-14 City of Chula Vista November 2013 General Plan Objectives PFS 1 and 2 would ensure that development and redevelopment would not result in significant erosion. The project and the other cumulative projects in Otay Ranch and the city would be required to comply with the federal, state, and local regulations and Chula Vista General Plan policies. Therefore, a cumulative impact related to erosion or topsoil loss would not occur. C. Waste Water Disposal Systems Development in the city of Chula Vista and Otay Ranch would be serviced by city wastewater and would not require septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems. A cumulative impact would not occur. 6.2.9 Public Services Village 8 West’s contribution to the cumulative impacts on public services was included in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR. The SEIR determined a significant cumulative impact would not occur to any public services because increased demands will be accommodated through the maintenance of the city GMO threshold standards prior to discretionary project approval. Specifically, Objective GM 1 from the Chula Vista General Plan assures public facilities and services are available to residents and visitors of the city in a timely manner as development occurs. Compliance with this General Plan objective would allow individual development projects to avoid adding a cumulatively considerable drain on city resources. Implementation of the SPA Plan and TM’s compliance with the GMOC threshold standards and Objective GM 1 is discussed below for each public service. A. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Implementation of the SPA Plan and TM for Village 8 West in combination with cumulative development in the city would result in an increased demand for fire and emergency medical services. If growth would outpace the CVFD’s ability to expand and serve new development, a cumulative impact would occur. However, Section 19.09 (Growth Management) provides policies and programs that tie the pace of development to the provision of public facilities and improvements. Section 19.09.040B specifically requires that “properly equipped and staffed fire and medical shall respond to calls throughout the city within seven minutes in 80 percent of the cases .” Section 19.09 also requires a PFFP and the demonstration that public services such as fire services meet the GMOC quality of life threshold standards. A project that is consistent with the city GMO quality of life threshold standards would not result in a cumulative impact. As discussed in Section 5.9, Public Services and Utilities, the Village 8 West SPA Plan and TM has been prepared in coordination with the CVFD. According to the CVFD, all areas of Village 8 West are within a CVFD five minute response time area (Gipson 2011). With implementation the mitigation measures identified in Section 5.9.1, the project would meet the GMOC standards for fire protection, including paying its fair share of funding for public services with each building permit. The PFFP for the SPA Plan and TM identifies Village 8 West’s fair share of costs to provide the public services required to serve the project. As such, the project meets the quality of life threshold standards. The project would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to fire protection services. B. Police Services Implementation of the SPA Plan and TM in combination with cumulative development in the city would result in an increased demand for police services. If growth outpaces the Chula Vista Police Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-15 City of Chula Vista November 2013 Department’s ability to expand and serve new development a cumulative impact would occur. However, Section 19.09 (Growth Management) provides policies and programs that tie the pace of development to the provision of public facilities and improvements. Section 19.09.040A specifically requires that properly equipped and staffed police units shall respond to 81 percen t of priority one emergency calls within seven minutes and maintain an average response time to all priority one emergency calls of 5.5 minutes or less. Section 19.09 also requires a PFFP and the demonstration that public services, such as police services, meet the GMOC quality of life threshold standards. A project that is consistent with the city GMO quality of life threshold standards would not result in a cumulative impact. Maintaining current response times would require additional police officers. With implementation of the mitigation measures identified in Section 5.9.2, the project would meet the GMOC standards for police protection, including paying its fair share of funding for public services with each building permit . The PFFP for the SPA Plan and TM identifies the proposed projects fair share of costs to provide the public services required to serve the project. Additionally, Village 8 West is designed to incorporate crime prevention through environmental design features, which would reduce demand on police services. Therefore, the project would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to police services. C. Schools Implementation of the SPA Plan and TM and cumulative development in the city would result in an increased demand for elementary, middle, and high schools. If new growth in school-aged children would exceed the capacity of available schools, a cumulative impact would occur. However, Section 19.09 provides policies and programs that tie the pace of development to the provision of public facilities and improvements. Section 19.09.040.C requires that the city annually provide the two local school districts with a 12- to 18-month development forecast and requests an evaluation from the districts of their ability to accommodate the forecast and continuing growth. The growth forecast and school district response letters are delivered to the GMOC for inclusion in its review. Section 19.09 also requires a PFFP and the demonstration that public services, including schools meet the GMOC quality of life threshold standards. A project that is consistent with the city GMO quality of life threshold standards would not result in a cumulative impact. As discussed in Section 5.9, Public Services and Utilities, the proposed project would generate approximately 556 elementary school students, 175 middle schools students, and 291 high school students. Based on the cumulative factor of 4.0, the cumulative increase in students would be 2,224 elementary school students, 700 middle school students, and 1,164 high school students. The cumulative factor is extremely conservative for student generation because the RTP and University would not be anticipated to generate elementary, middle, or high school students. The SPA Plan proposes a new elementary school and middle school, and the existing Olympian High School has adequate capacity to accommodate growth from the project. The PFFP prepared as part of the SPA Plan includes a fiscal impact analysis to determine the revenues and costs expected to be generated by the development. Net revenues are used to finance costs associated with operations and maintenance associated with the public services required to serve the project. As concluded in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR, the project would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to school impacts. D. Libraries Implementation of the SPA Plan and TM and cumulative development in the city would result in an increased demand for library services. Based on the GMO threshold standard of 500 square feet of Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-16 City of Chula Vista November 2013 library space per 1,000 residents, the total library space needed to serve the existing population of the city would be approximately 123,500 square feet. As approximately 95,400 square feet of library space is currently provided, a shortfall of approximately 28,080 square feet currently exists. Therefore, a cumulative impact currently exists. As discussed in Section 5.9, Public Services and Utilities, the project would require the collection of the PFDIF with each building permit. The City’s development impact fee program for library facilities assumes the construction of facilities sufficient to meet the service standard of 600 square feet of library space per 1,000 population, which is more conservative than the GMOC standard of 500 square feet per 1,000 population. The funds are expended on a number of projects, but for the most part are being reserved for planned facilities yet to be constructed in eastern Chula Vista. These funds on account will be combined with the impact fees to be collected from future development, including the SPA Plan. Payment of the PFDIF would provide the SPA Plan’s fair share contribution to meet the city’s threshold standard for library space. As concluded in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR, the project would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to libraries. E. Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Implementation of the Village 8 West SPA Plan and TM and cumulative development in the city would result in an increased demand for park, recreation, open space, and trails. If growth outpaces the city’s ability to provide additional facilities, a cumulative impact would occur. However, Section 19.09 provides policies and programs that tie the pace of development to the provision of public facilities and improvements. Section 19.09.040 E specifically requires a population coefficient of “three acres of neighborhood and community park land with appropriate facilities per 1,000 residents east of I-805.” Section 19.09 also requires a PFFP and the demonstration that public services, such as parks, meet the GMOC quality of life threshold standards. A project that is consistent with the city GMO quality of life threshold standards would not result in a cumulative impact. As discussed in Section 5.9, Public Services and Utilities, the project would potentially increase use of existing and proposed regional and community parks. However, the project would provide parks and recreational facilities to serve the population of Village 8 West. Village 8 West would be obligated to provide approximately 17.8 acres of parkland. The SPA Plan and TM for Village 8 West provides a total of 28 acres of parks. Development in Village 8 West would also pay the PFDIF for park facilities with each building permit, which provides for development of major recreational facilities, including community centers and aquatic facilities. The project would also provide approximately 221 acres of open space, consistent with the open space requirement of the Otay Ranch RMP. The mitigation measures identified in Section 5.9 would ensure that park facilities are provided concurrently with demand. As concluded in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR, the project would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to parks, recreation and open space. 6.2.10 Global Climate Change A. Compliance with AB 32 The 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR included an analysis of cumulative impacts related to global climate change as a result of implementation of the GPA/GDPA land uses, including Village 8 West. The SEIR concluded that the annual GHG emissions generated by the cumulative projects including Village 8 West would total 333,426 MT CO2e per year, based on the Global Climate Change Analysis prepared for the SEIR. Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-17 City of Chula Vista November 2013 As discussed in Section 5.10, Global Climate Change, Village 8 West would contribute approximately 59,915 MT CO2e annually to the cumulative total. Given that individual projects (within the cumulative area) would be subject to the City’s existing Green Building Standards, Increased Energy Efficiency Standards, and General Plan policies, similar to the proposed project, future emissions from these projects would be ensured to be at least 20 percent below business as usual GHG emissions, consistent with the goals of AB 32. As discussed in Section 5.10, the project would reduce its GHG emissions by 32 percent compared to the business as usual emissions. Therefore, consistent with the conclusion of the SEIR, cumulative climate change impacts would be less than significant. B. Potential Effects of Global Climate Change Similar to compliance with AB 32, impacts related to the potential effects of global climate change can only be addressed at a cumulative level because climate change and its potential effects are caused by the collective of human actions taking place throughout the world. The cumulative impacts of the project associated with the potential effects of climate change are addressed in Section 5.10, Global Climate Change. As discussed in that section, the project would have significant impacts related to regional and local air quality resulting from vehicular emissions of ozone precursors. Increased temperatures would have the potential to increase the creation of ground-level ozone (smog) in the basin, which could exacerbate to health impacts associated with ozone, such as asthma. There are no feasible mitigation measures currently available to further reduce the potential criteria pollutant emissions of the project. Therefore, emissions of ozone precursors that would potentially exacerbate air quality problems would be cumulatively considerable and unavoidable. 6.2.11 Hydrology and Water Quality As stated in Section 2.2.3, the SEIR did not address hydrology or water quality, but relies on analysis in the 2005 GPU EIR (EIR 05-01) and the 1993 Program EIR for the GDP (EIR 90-01). A. Water Quality Standards and Degradation of Water Quality The 2005 GPU EIR concluded that compliance with General Plan Objective E 2 and applicable policies, and to all federal, state, and regional water quality regulations would ensure that impacts associated with water quality would not be significant. No cumulative impacts were identified related to water quality because these regulations, including the General Construction Permit and the Chula Vista Development Storm Water Manual, are intended to mitigate cumulative impacts from all new development and redevelopment. The cumulative projects including Village 8 West would have the potential to result in sources of polluted runoff during construction and result in an increase impervious surfaces following construction that would potentially result in the contribution of non-point source pollution. The project would be consistent with Objective E 2 and the policies applicable to new development: Policies E 2.4 and E 2.5. As discussed in Section 5.11, Hydrology and Water Quality, under Threshold 1, prior to construction in Village 8 West, the applicant would be required to prepare and implement a SWPPP that would outline the BMPs that would reduce water quality impacts during construction to a less than significant level. Prior to the issuance of grading permits, the SWPPP would be required to be prepared to the satisfaction of the City of Chula Vista Engineer and the Director of Public Works. Additionally, all construction activities would comply with the Chula Vista Development Storm Water Manual. Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-18 City of Chula Vista November 2013 Following construction, the project would comply with the City’s Development Storm Water Manual, which would minimize impacts on receiving water quality by incorporating post-construction BMPs into project design, including LID site design, source control, and treatment control. The mitigation measures identified in Section 5.11 require compliance with all applicable regulations, usage of the BMPs identified in the Water Quality Technical Report for Village 8 West. Further, and development of individual parcels within Village 8 West would be required to demonstrate compliance with the City’s Development Storm Water Manual. The proposed project and all new development and redevelopment in the city, including Otay Ranch, would be required to comply with federal, state, and local regulations that protect water quality, including the City’s Development Storm Water Manual. Compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements described above would ensure that the potential water quality impacts of the proposed project, and all cumulative projects, would not result in significant cumulative impact. Therefore, a cumulatively considerable impact related to water quality would not occur. B. Erosion or Siltation, Surface Runoff, and Exceed Drainage Capacity The 2005 GPU EIR concluded that compliance with policies associated with Objectives PFS 1 and 2 would ensure that development would not result in a significant impact to the area’s drainage pattern in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation or flooding. No additional cumulative impacts were identified related to hydrology because the General Plan was intended to reduce cumulative city-wide drainage impacts to a less than cumulatively considerable level. The cumulative projects, including the proposed project, would result in an increase in impermeable surfaces, alteration of the hydrology of local streams and drainage, and clearing of vegetation. As discussed in Table 5.11-4, Project Consistency with Applicable General Plan Drainage and Water Quality Policies, the project would comply with Objectives PFS 1 and 2 and all applicable policies. The Drainage Study for Village 8 West outlines the drainage infrastructure required for detention of storm runoff and sediment control associated with buildout of the plan, including incorporation of energy dissipaters to minimize potential erosion. The project would contribute new flows to Otay River. As discussed under Threshold 3 in Section 5.11, Hydrology and Water Quality, a Hydromodification Management Plan prepared for the County of San Diego exempts the Otay River from hydromodification criteria. The plan already determined that slight increases in flows such as the post-construction conditions of Village 8 West would not be considered a cumulatively considerable impact. Additionally, the Water Quality Report outlines the proposed water quality BMPs that would reduce potential erosion and sedimentation impacts to a less than significant level. Implementation of the mitigation measures identified in Section 5.11 would ensure that the Village 8 West drainage system in implemented concurrently with demand and in compliance with applicable regulations. The other cumulative projects in Otay Ranch and the city would also be required to comply with the Chula Vista General Plan policies. Therefore, a cumulatively considerable impact related to hydrology would not occur. C. Groundwater Supplies and Recharge Cumulative groundwater impacts are limited to projects that are located within the same groundwater basin. Groundwater on Village 8 West is seasonal and results from rainwater or runoff that is trapped along joints or rock beds. The groundwater does not support an aquifer or local groundwater table. Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-19 City of Chula Vista November 2013 Therefore, no cumulative groundwater impact would occur as a result of implementation of the SPA Plan and TM. D. 100-Year Flood Hazards, Flooding, and Inundation Impacts related to flood and inundation hazards are site specific and not cumulative in nature. The location of one project in a flood hazard area would not affect the location of another cumulative project. The project would not place any structures in a flood hazard area. Therefore, cumulative impacts related to flood and inundation hazards would be less than significant. 6.2.12 Agricultural Resources As stated in Section 2.2.3, the SEIR did not address agricultural resources, but relies on analysis in the 2005 GPU EIR (EIR 05-01) and the 1993 Program EIR for the GDP (EIR 90-01). This evaluation of cumulative impacts on agricultural resources incorporates the cumulative analysis in the 2005 GPU EIR by reference. The 2005 GPU EIR concluded that “there are no prime farmlands or farmlands of statewide importance in the city that would be converted as a result of land use changes.” Therefore, it was determined that impacts on agricultural resources would be less than significant (City of Chula Vista 2005b). The SPA Plan is within the development scope of the General Plan. Prime farmlands or farmlands of statewide importance do not occur within the General Plan area; however, Village 8 West is identified as containing Farmland of Local Importance and Grazing Land. The GDP EIR (EIR 90-01) identified the incremental and cumulative loss of agricultural lands in the Otay Ranch as a significant impact. As the project would result in the loss of Farmland of Local Importance and Grazing Land it would have a significant impact with respect to agricultural resources. The incremental loss of farmland as a result of the project in combination with other projects in Otay Ranch would result in a cumulatively significant impact with respect to agricultural resources, consistent with the GDP PEIR (EIR 90-01). As discussed in Section 5.12, agricultural uses would continue to be allowed in Village 8 West in the interim until buildout of the SPA. However, no mitigation measures are available to reduce long-term impacts to below a level of significance without restricting the development proposed in the SPA Plan and TM to allow interim agricultural uses to continue in perpetuity. Therefore, this impact would remain cumulatively considerable and unavoidable. 6.2.13 Hazards and Hazardous Materials As stated in Section 2.2.3, the SEIR did not address hazards or hazardous materials but relies on analysis in the 2005 GPU EIR (EIR 05-01) and the 1993 Program EIR for the GDP (EIR 90-01). A. Transport, Use, and Disposal of Hazardous Materials and Accidental Release of Hazardous Materials This evaluation of cumulative impacts on hazards and risk of upset incorporates the cumulative impact analysis of the 2005 GPU EIR by reference. The 2005 GPU EIR determined that compliance with Objective E 19 would assure that new development would not be approved if there were a potential for the use or transport of hazardous materials to affect residents. Under this objective, Policy E 19.1 states that proposals for hazardous waste storage, collection, treatment, disposal, and transfer facilities shall be accepted for review, only if located on industrial-zoned land within a designated general area. Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-20 City of Chula Vista November 2013 According to the 2005 GPU EIR, implementation of this objective and policy is assured through compliance with Policy E 20.2, which states that the City shall ensure that significant and potentially significant adverse effects to existing and planned surrounding land uses from facilities that use, store, or handle hazardous materials and waste will be avoided through the environmental review of proposed developments, in accordance with the CEQA. The 2005 GPU EIR concludes that hazards associated with the routine transport, use, disposal, or accidental release of hazardous materials would be less than significant. The project would support the implementation of Policy E 19.1 and Policy E 20.2. As discussed in Section 5.13 under Thresholds 1 and 2, the project does not propose any incompatible land uses within Village 8 West that would result in a significant hazard from the use, transport, or disposal of hazardous materials, or a reasonable foreseeable upset. All non-residential developments such as urgent care centers would be required to comply with local, state, and federal laws such as RCRA. Household hazardous wastes are limited in the amount and frequency of use, therefore, the frequency and severity of exposure to household hazardous was not present a significant risk. As such, the project would not interfere with the implementation of General Plan Objective 19 or Policy E 20.2 and a cumulative impact related to hazardous materials would not occur. B. Emergency Response and Evacuation Plans A cumulative impact related to emergency evacuation plans would occur if development in Village 8 West and the surrounding developments in Otay Ranch would not provide adequate access to regional evacuation routes. As discussed under Threshold 7 in Section 5.13, Village 8 West would not interfere with implementation of any regional response or evacuation plan. Implementation of the SPA Plan and TM would provide connectivity to major arterials with the development of Main Street and Otay Valley Road. Otay Valley Road would provide access to La Media Road, which connects to major roadways for evacuation, including Olympic Parkway, I-805, and SR-125. Evacuation from and emergency response within Village 8 West would be enhanced by the proposed circulation system, which provides multiple accesses to any point within the project area and multiple points of access to the surrounding regional circulation system, as shown in Figure 3-5, Roadway Circulation System. With the completion of Main Street east and west of the project site, and Otay Valley Road to the east of the project site, Village 8 West would connect to SR-125 and I-805 by multiple routes, which would reduce the concentration of gridlock or blockage of either of these major highways during major disasters that may require evacuation. Similar to the proposed project, cumulative development would also enhance the Otay Ranch circulation network and provide additional connections to the regional circulation system. Therefore, cumulative emergency response and evacuation plan impacts would be less than significant. C. Hazards to Schools, Existing Hazardous Materials Sites, Airport Hazards, Wildland Fires, and Historic Use of Pesticides Impacts related to schools sites, listing on a hazardous materials site, surrounding airports, wildland fires, and pesticide soil contamination are site specific and not cumulative in nature because impacts to individual projects would be site specific. Potential risks identified for Village 8 West or on other cumulative project sites would not affect potential risks elsewhere in Otay Ranch. Cumulative impacts would be less than significant. Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-21 City of Chula Vista November 2013 6.2.14 Housing and Population A. Population Growth Village 8 West’s contribution to cumulative impacts on population growth was included in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR. As discussed in Chapter 7, Growth Inducement, the proposed SPA Plan and TM would be consistent with the GP and GDP, as amended. The amended GDP would not induce substantial population and housing growth because it would implement planned development that would result in an inclusive community, maintain a balance between housing and employment, and allow population to grow adjacent to existing urban areas and in proximity to public transit. The Town Center would provide neighborhood commercial services, increase pedestrian-friendly mobility choices, and medium to high density residential uses in a high-density, mixed use area. Therefore, as concluded in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR, because the increase in population associated with the cumulative projects, including Village 8 West, would be accommodated by the proposed homes and town center commercial services, cumulative impacts associated with housing and population growth would be less than significant. B. Displacement of Housing and People Displacement of housing and people is a project specific issue and therefore cumulative impacts were not addressed at the programmatic level in the SEIR for the GPA/GDPA. The project is currently undeveloped and would not result in the displacement of housing or people. Cumulative impacts related to displacement of housing and people are less than significant. 6.2.15 Public Utilities A. Water Village 8 West’s contribution to the cumulative impacts on water supply was included in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR. The SEIR concluded that impacts would be significant and unmitigated because no water supply verification was required at the program level. According to the GPA/GDPA SEIR, the cumulative area, including Village 8 West, would result in an increase in water demand of 1.7 mgd. As discussed in Section 5.9, Public Utilities, the project-specific water analysis for Village 9 determined that the project would result in an increase in water demand of 786,575 gpd. A WSAV was prepared based on the most recent water supply information available during assessment preparation (Appendix K1). The report determined that sufficient water supplies are planned for and are intended to be available over a 20-year planning horizon, under normal conditions and in single-dry and multiple-dry water years to meet the projected demand of the project and the existing and other planned development projects to be served by the OWD. The cumulative projects would also be required to obtain WSAVs in compliance with SB 610 and SB 221. Additionally, the proposed project and the cumulative projects would be required to comply with the Chula Vista Landscape Water Conservation Ordinance, which calls for greater water conservation efforts and more efficient use of water in landscaping. The requirements of this ordinance would be implemented into the design of the proposed project. The proposed project would promote water conservation through the use of low water use plumbing fixtures and the use of recycled water for the irrigation of parks, open space slopes, schools, parkway landscaping, and the common areas of multi- family residential and commercial sites. OWD also requires the implementation of 14 water conservation BMPs. The proposed project and cumulative projects would implement the BMPs for water Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-22 City of Chula Vista November 2013 conservation, including requiring installation of dual flush toilets, development of a water conversation plan, and use of recycled water. Long-term water supply cannot be guaranteed; therefore, any increase in water demand would be considered significant. Although the proposed project and the cumulative projects would comply with applicable regulations to reduce water demand, an increase in water demand would occur as a result in development. Cumulative impacts related to water supply would be significant and unavoidable. B. Wastewater Village 8 West’s contribution to the cumulative impacts on wastewater was included in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR. The SEIR concluded that cumulative impacts would be less than significant because future projects would include a PFFP that articulates needed facilities and identifies funding mechanisms, and the City has the authority to withhold discretionary approvals and subsequent building permits from projects that are out of compliance with threshold standards. According to the GPA/GDPA SEIR, the cumulative area, including Village 8 West, would result in an increase in sewer demand of 2.3 mgd. The project-specific sewer analysis for Village 8 West determined that the proposed project would result in an increase in wastewater demand of 549,700 gpd. As discussed in Section 5.15, the City would need to acquire an additional 11.68 mgd of capacity above current capacity rights to serve the buildout of Village 8 West and cumulative development in the city. The project’s wastewater generation volume combined with other planned projects would require sewage treatment capacity beyond the City's existing capacity rights and allocated additional treatment capacity. The means by which additional treatment capacity would be acquired is unknown and the development of additional capacity may require the expansion of existing or construction of new treatment facilities. Existing policies require major developments to prepare a PFFP that articulates needed facilities and identifies funding mechanisms as well as provides the authority to withhold discretionary approvals and other measures. Implementation of these policies would therefore avoid significant cumulative impacts associated with a shortfall of treatment capacity. Mitigation measures are also provided to ensure that adequate wastewater facilities are provided concurrently with demand. Building permits for any project in the city will be issued only if the City Engineer at that time has determined that adequate wastewater treatment capacity exists to serve the proposed development. However, as stated in Section 5.15, Public Utilities, the location and scope of construction for any future expanded or newly developed treatment facilities is unknown and the development of additional treatment capacity may result in potentially significant and unavoidable cumulative impacts associated with construction of new or expanded treatment facilities even understanding that such projects would likely be subject to environmental review. C. Solid Waste Village 8 West’s contribution to the cumulative impacts on solid waste management was included in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR. Implementation of the SPA Plan and TM and cumulative development in the city would result in an increased generation of solid waste. The Otay Landfill has a total permitted capacity of 62.4 million cubic yards and has a permitted remaining capacity of 33.1 million cubic yards (53 percent capacity). Pursuant to the 2005 GPU EIR, build out of the city under the 2005 General Plan projections would generate a solid waste disposal quantity of 274,063 tons, after which there would be 26.2 million tons of remaining landfill capacity. Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-23 City of Chula Vista November 2013 The SEIR determined that the cumulative projects including Village 8 West would generate 35,447 tons per year, of which the proposed project would contribute 9,416 tons. The Otay Landfill has sufficient capacity to accommodate this increased waste disposal in combination with the city-wide cumulative increase in solid waste generation projected in the 2005 GPU EIR. The Otay Landfill is scheduled to close in 2028. However, an existing agreement will permit waste from the city to be transferred to the Sycamore Canyon Landfill upon the closing of the Otay Landfill. There would be no interruption of service (City of Chula Vista 2013). Additionally, the Public Facilities and Services Element and Environmental Element of the General Plan contain objectives intended to encourage the reduction of waste generation and ensure the efficient handling of wastes. As concluded in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR, the project, in combination with the other cumulative projects, would not result in a significant cumulative wastewater impact. D. Recycled Water Implementation of the SPA Plan and TM and cumulative development in the city would result in an increased demand for recycled water. The proposed project would result in a demand for recycled water of approximately 137,270 gpd. Based on the cumulative factor of 4.0, the cumulative project area would result in a demand for approximately 549,080 gpd of recycled water. Historically, the only source of recycled water for the OWD has been the Ralph W. Chapman Water Recycling Facility. This facility currently has a rated capacity of 1.3 mgd with a maximum production of approximately 1.1 mgd. Typically, summer demands exceed the 1.1 mgd plant capacity and, as such, a potentially significant cumulative impact exists. However, as discussed in Section 5.15, the South Bay Water Treatment Plant has an ultimate rated capacity of 15 mgd and the OWD obtained capacity rights to 6 mgd of recycled water. This additional source of recycled water will allow OWD to meet existing and future recycled water demands. OWD has master planned and begun constructing a series of pump stations, reservoirs, and transmission lines to integrate this source of water into the existing recycled water system, including service to the project site. However, a cumulatively considerable and unavoidable impact would occur until recycled water from the South Bay Water Treatment Plant is available to meet the projected future recycled water demand. E. Energy Village 8 West’s contribution to cumulative impacts on energy uses was included in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR. The cumulative assessment of these impacts in the SEIR relies on the 2005 GPU EIR, which concluded that cumulative impacts associated with energy use were significant and unmitigated due to the lack of assurance that resources would be available to adequately serve the projected increase in population. Implementation of the SPA Plan and TM and cumulative development in the city would result in an increased energy demand of approximately 11.2 million kWh of electricity and 37.3 million cubic feet of natural gas. Based on the cumulative factor of 4.0, the cumulative area would increase electricity demand by 44.8 million kWh and natural gas demand by 149.2 million cubic feet. A significant cumulative impact to energy resources would occur if implementation of the SPA Plan and TM and the cumulative projects result in a demand for energy that exceeds the city’s available supply and causes a need for new and expanded facilities. As discussed in Section 5.15, Public Utilities, implementation of Village 8 West would result in an increased consumption of electricity and natural gas. The SPA Plan and TM and other cumulative projects are required to meet the mandatory energy standards of the Chula Vista Energy Code, current Chapter 6 Cumulative Impacts Otay Ranch Village 8 West EIR CV EIR 10-03; SCH No. 2010062093 Page 6-24 City of Chula Vista November 2013 CCR Title 24, Part 6 California Energy Code, and Part 11 California Green Building Standards. Additionally, the project includes a non-renewable energy conservation plan addressing preservation of energy resources. Compliance with these policies and the energy conservation plan would ensure that average energy consumed by future occupants of Village 8 West would not be wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary. However, while individual cumulative projects may be able to reduce their energy consumption through energy conservation measures, there remains no assurance that an adequate energy supply will be available to serve the cumulative increase in energy demand. As concluded in the 2013 GPA/GDPA SEIR, the project would result in a cumulatively considerable and unavoidable contribution to the significant cumulative impact related to energy. 6.2.16 Mineral Resources As stated in Section 2.2.3, the Chula Vista General Plan Amendment/Otay Ranch GDP Amendment and SEIR, the SEIR did not address mineral resources, but relies on analysis in the 2005 GPU EIR (EIR 05-01) and the 1993 Program EIR for the GDP (EIR 90-01). The geographic scope for the analysis of cumulative impacts related to mineral resources is the area of Chula Vista designated MRZ-2, which identifies the area that contains regionally significant aggregate resources. As discussed in Section 5.16, Mineral Resources, the majority of the regionally significant aggregate resources in this area is included within the Otay Valley Quarry ownership and is available for extraction. Therefore, the majority of the significant mineral resource has been identified and protected for extraction by inclusion in the Otay Valley Quarry ownership. As shown in Figure 5.16-1, the MRZ-2 area is generally located in areas designated for open space and Preserve in the Otay River Valley. The MSCP Subarea Plan does not preclude mining in the Preserve. Therefore, provided that the requirements of the MSCP Subarea Plan, CEQA and other applicable regulations are met, the potential still remains to extract significant MRZ-2 resources from this area. A portion of the southern area of Village 8 West is identified as MRZ-2 and contains potentially valuable mineral resources, and other areas of the MRZ-2 area are planned for development. However, development of the remainder of the resource area does not preclude the owner from extracting the aggregate prior to development. Because the majority of resources would be available for extraction and extraction of resources outside of the quarry property would not be precluded, a significant cumulative impact would not occur.