HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Comm Reports/1992/07/08 (3)
CANDIDATE FINDINGS AND STATEMENT
OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
FOR OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTER BOATHOUSE
RECIRCULATED DRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL EIR
(EIR 90-12) AND ADDENDUMS
I. INTRODUCTION
Section 21081 of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) requires that no project shall be approved by a public
agency when significant environmental effects have been identified,
unless one of the following findings is made and supported by
substantial evidence in the record:
a) Changes or alterations have been required in or
incorporated into the project which avoid or
substantially lessen the significant environmental effect
as identified in the Final Environmental Impact Report
(EIR) .
b) Changes or alterations are the responsibility of another
public agency and not the agency making the finding.
C) Specific economic, social, or other considerations make
infeasible the mitigation measures or project
alternatives identified in the Final EIR.
CEQA further requires that, where the decision of the public
agency allows the occurrence of significant effects which are
identified in the Final EIR, but are not at least substantially
mitigated, the agency shall state in writing the specific reasons
to support its action based on the Final EIR and/or other
info~mation in the record (Sec. 15093 of the CEQA Guidelines).
The following Findings are made relative to the conclusions of
the Final Supplemental EIR 90-12, including the Addendums thereto,
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for the proposed Olympic Training Center Boathouse (SCH #90010709)
and all documents, maps, and illustrations listed in Section VIII
of these Findings. The project's discretionary action consists of
approval of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the OTC Boathouse
by the City of Chula Vista and a real property lease agreement
between the City of San Diego and the San Diego National Sports
Training Foundation (Foundation).
The following Findings and Statement of Overriding
Considerations have been submitted by the project applicant as
candidate findings to be made by the decisionmaking body. The
Environmental Analysis Section of the Development and Environmental
Planning Division does not recommend that the discretionary body
either adopt or reject these Findings. They are attached to allow
readers of this report an opportunity to review the applicant's
position on this matter.
The following Findings are made by the City of Chula Vista and
the City of San Diego, collectively, the Decisionmakers, relative
to the conclusions of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact
Report (EIR 90-12) and addendums for the Olympic Training Center
Boathouse project located in the city of Chula Vista.
Proiect Description
The site encompasses a total of 3.7 land acres and 0.07 water
surface acres (for the dock and ramp). The site is located on the
western shore of Otay Reservoir, directly east of Wueste Road. The
proposed boathouse facility is designed to be integrated into and
connect to the main OTC site and facilities to the west.
The facility is proposed as a single-story approximately
13,496 square foot facility which will consist of three separate
buildings. The majority of roof lines are flat and approximately
14 feet in height (the minimum height requirement for boat
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storage). A copper, pyramidal roof will provide architectural
relief and relate the boathouse to the design elements at the
adjacent OTC. The peak of the copper roof will reach approximately
25 feet 6 inches. The Olympic Training Center Boathouse facility
will consist of the following components:
Component
Boathouse
. Boat/Canoe/Kayak Storage
. Repair Shop
. Equipment & Storage
. Lockers & Showers
. Offices
. Mechanical Room
. Corridor/Circulation
Approximate
Size (square feet)
5,600
2,000
2,485
2,646
450
315
o
Subtotal
13,496
Dock
Parking Lot
Deck
Observation Area
3,000
8,512
1B,185
27,664
II. FINDINGS
The fOllowing Findings are applicable to the project as
analyzed in the SEIR and to the refinement as presented and
analyzed in the Addendums bound within the Final SEIR. The
Findings have been prepared pursuant to Sections 15091 of Title 14
of the California Administration Code and Section 21081 of the
California Resources Code.
a) The Decisionmakers, having reviewed and considered the
information contained in the record and the Final SEIR
for the Olympic Training Center Boathouse find that
changes have been incorporated into the project which
mitigate, avoid, or reduce the level of identified
impacts to insignificance or to levels acceptable to the
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City.
b) The Decisionmakers have determined that any remaining
significant effects on the environment found to be
unavoidable are acceptable due to overriding concerns.
c) The Decisionmakers, having reviewed and considered the
information contained in the Final SEIR and the record,
find that none of the significant environmental effects
anticipated as a result of the proposed project are
within the responsibility of another public agency except
for water quality.
d) The Decisionmakers, having reviewed and considered the
information contained in the Final SEIR and the record,
find that no specific economic, social, or other
considerations make infeasible the mitigation measures
identified in the Final SEIR.
e) The Decisionmakers have independently reviewed,
considered and evaluated the Final SEIR and the record.
On the basis of that review, the Decisionmakers find that
the Final SEIR reflects their exercise of independent
judgment over the environmental analysis contained in the
Final SEIR pursuant to Public Resources Code Section
21082.1. The Decisionmakers' Findings are supported by
documents and other substantial evidence contained within
the record.
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The City of Chula Vista's Threshold/Standards, adopted
November 17, 19B7, were developed to assure that the quality of
life enjoyed by the City's residents 1s maintained while growth
occurs. That quality of life is also important to those who wish
to 'develop within the City. Implementation of the
Threshold/Standards program assures that significant, adverse
impacts are avoided or reduced through sound planning and that
public services and the quality of the environment will be
preserved and enhanced. Based on these threshold/standards,
changes have been incorporated into the project to mitigate or
avoid environmental effects. The 11 issues addressed in the
Threshold/Standards are discussed in Sections III and IV below.
III. SIGNIFICANT, UNMITIGABLE IMPACTS/IMPACTS FOUND INFEASIBLE TO
MITIGATE TO BELOW A LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
A. Aesthetics and Visual Resources
Impact
Project-specific visual impacts from public viewsheds (from
Lower Otay Reservoir, otay Lakes Road and Wueste Road) are
considered significant and unmitigable. On a cumulative basis, the
project will contribute to the significant and unavoidable
cumulative aesthetic impact on ongoing development on the area's
natural viewshed.
Mitigation Measures
. Final Landscape Plans for the project, including
revegetation areas, shall incorporate species of a type
and size (especially height) acceptable to the City
Landscape Architect and City Planning Department.
Further, the City shall provide the City of San Diego the
opportunity to review and comment on the plans prior to
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final approval by the City of Chula Vista. This review
and input is intended to facilitate the blending of the
project's landscaping with nearby City of San Diego
recreational areas.
. The USOC, or other entity acceptable to the City, shall
be responsible for the monitoring of health and growth of
the site's landscaped areas and revegetation areas for a
period acceptable to the project biologist (refer to
Section 3.6 of the Draft EIR, Biology). This monitoring
is required to ensure the survival of native species and
revegetation areas. The monitoring shall be incorporated
into the overall mitigation monitoring program for the
project.
Findinq
As discussed in the Addendums (contained in the Final EIR) in
response to comments received on the Draft EIR, the facility was
redesigned and the b~ilding height was lowered from 29 feet (as
analyzed in the Draft EIR) to approximately 14 feet (except for the
copper roof which peaks at 25' 6"). The redesign reduced the visual
impacts but not to a level below significance. It is infeasible to
mitigate the project's contributions to the cumulative impact to
regional visual resources to below a level of significance.
Section VII of this documents contains the statement of overriding
considerations (pursuant to Public Administration Code Section
15093) which indicates that the Decisionmakers conclude that the
benefits of the project outweigh its anticipated adverse
environmental effects.
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IV. SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS THAT WILL BE MITIGATED TO A LEVEL BELOW
SIGNIFICANT
A. Recreational Use compatibility
;Impact
Potential recreational use incompatibility impacts could
result between the proposed OTC Boathouse activities and other lake
users.
Mitiqation Measures
Fishinq:
a) During fishing season days (Wednesday, saturday and
Sunday, mid-January through mid-October) OTC boats will
not have exclusive rights to use of the OTC time trials
course of up to eight lanes (identified in Figure 2-7 of
the Draft EIR). The OTC boats will have exclusive use of
the OTC training course (three lanes) on those days.
This rule shall be included in the Facilities Management
Plan (FMP). Further, this rule shall be monitored and
its effectiveness included in the Quarterly Management
Reports (QMRa) required below.
b) Boat course crossings: In the event motorized fishing
boats warrant crossing the path of a rowing scull/boat
underway, the crossing shall occur either in back of
(after) the rowers, or a minimum of 100 meters ("no wake"
crossing) in front of the rowers. Because the rowers go
"backwards" and are more difficult to turn, this should
avoid crossing conflicts. This regulations should be
posted at the City boat launch facility and communicated
to the public as recommended below under "Public
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Education" Measure #8.
C) Fishing tournaments: OTC training activities shall
either be prohibited or restricted on permitted fishing
tournament days (OccA5ional SaturdaY5 during fishing
season; permitted through the City of San Diego Water
Utilitie5 Department (WUD)). This regulation shall be
specifically addres5ed in the Facilities Management Plan
to the 5atisfaction of the WUD, and should be monitored
and included in the Quarterly Management Reports to
determine if adjustments become necessary. The OTC shall
be notified of date5 of permitted fishing tournaments no
later than two months prior to the tournament date.
d) During the fishing season on Lower Otay Reservoir
(approximately mid-January through mid-October), shells,
canoes and kayaks will be required to restrict activities
on the three days per week when fishing is allowed
(Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday). The OTC boats will
remain 150 feet from the Reservoir shoreline on all
fishing daY5, except in the area delineated in Figure 3-4
of the Draft EIR, in order to avoid conflict with
shoreline fishing activities. The feasibility of the
ISO-buffer shall be monitored in conjunction with lake-
level monitoring (Measure #9 below).
Waterfowl Hunting:
e) During the months of the waterfowl hunting season
(approximately mid-October through mid-January) rowing
and paddling will be prohibited during the hunting hours
of dawn to noon on the two days per week that hunting is
allowed at Lower Otay Reservoir (Wedne5day and Saturday) .
In addition, at all times during thi5 season -- in order
to provide continuous re5ting area for waterfowl
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shells, canoes, and kayaks will be restricted from
activity in the Harvey A~n of the Reservoir (Figure 3-3
of the Draft EIR, Prohibited Use Area/Waterfowl Hunting
Season) .
Other Measures:
f) Special events: No special events/ competitions of over
100 people shall be allowed at the OTC boathouse or lake
under this approval. This restriction shall not include
typical training competition between OTC training
athletes included in the OTC program (provided that no
more than 100 spectators attend). Said provisions shall
be included in the Facilities Management Plan. Any
future requests for competitions shall be subject to CEQA
review and review by the Cities of Chula Vista and San
Diego.
g) Athletes and OTC employee education: During orientation
of athletes and employees to the boathouse, the lake's
public uses and schedules shall be fully described. Lake
rules and regulations and public use schedules shall be
posted in written form at the boathouse, and shall be
included in the overall training program of the athletes.
Said provisions IShall be included in the Facilities
Management Plan, and adherence to rules should be
monitored in the Quarterly Management Reports.
h) Public education: In order to educate the public of the
OTC lake activities and thus minimize use conflicts, the
following items are recommended. These items should be
in place prior to OTC boathouse occupancy, and should be
monitored in the Quarterly Management Reports.
. An information sign at the lake turn-off at Wueste
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Road/Otay Lakes Road shall be posted, identifying
the OTC facilities and a radio channel from which
lake use information can be derived.
. The radio channel shall inform listeners of the OTC
activities (i.e., training times, rules of the
lake), public use information (1.e., open days,
tournaments, lake conditions), ecological
sensitivity of the area and associated protection
rules, and lake use rules which must be reviewed
prior to boat launching or ticket purchase. If
this mitigation measure is pursued, funding for the
radio station will be determined at a later date.
. At the City boat launch, prior to purchase of
tickets or boat launching, the lake user should be
required to read and acknowledge the rules of the
lake. It is recommended that this will be the
responsibility of the city of San IHego WUD.
i) Lake levels: Lake level data shall be included in each
Quarterly Management Report (derived from the WUD), to
provide for ongoing monitoring of the lltke surface area
available for use. Should lake levels show signs of
continued decline, the matter should be raised with the
Users' Council and OTC, to deteI'mine potential
refinements to lake use regulations. This monitoring and
potential resulting actions should gua,rantee equitable
shared use of the lake. Lake fluctuaticns and potential
adjustments in OTC training areas should be identified in
the Facilities Management Plan, acknowledging that the
lake is for both public and OTC uses.
j) Navy Rescue Training: The USOC/OTC shall meet with the
Navy to determine an equitable shared use of the lake.
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It may be that notification by the Navy to the OTC of
future days a~d locations of practice rescue will be
adequate to reduce potential conflict. This agreement
shall be included in the Facilities Management Plan prior
to issuance of building permits. The effectiveness of
the agreement shall be included in the Quarterly
Management Reports, as necessary.
k) Facilities Management Plan (FMP): Prior to the issuance
of building permits, the FMP shall be revised to include
the above mitigation items. In addition, the following
items are recommended to be added to the FMP:
. Dock operations and OTC boat launching operations
should be described. Provisions to minimize
impacts to the surrounding ecology (especially
while launching) should be specified in the
operations plan.
. OTC motor boats (coach launches) should be
quantified (estimated no more than 4 boats).
Provisions for launching (at the City launch site);
storage (at OTC docks, and when to be out of the
lake); fueling and repair should be delineated in
the FMP. Fueling shall be conducted using the
"pop-on/off" tanks, which would be stored at the
OTC main site and brought to the boathouse when
necessary. Only minor repairs should be conducted
at the boathouse.
. Athletes, employees and visitors shall be educated
regarding the lake rules and, importantly, the
sensitivity of the adjacent ecology of the area.
Parking shall be by permit only, and to load/off-
load boats. Signs shall further be posted, subject
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FAX NO, 61823441tJo
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to the review of the City of Chula vista, at
locations along the lake (to be determined), to
provide for public education and protection of
sensitive habitat. Maps shall be posted at the OTC
si te which identify protected and/or prohibited
areas. Walkways and trails shall be clearly marked
(refer also to Biology mitigation, Section 3.6).
. The OTC shall notify the WUD of any OTC event
requiring exclusive use of the course two months
prior to the event.
1) Quarterly Management Reports (QMRS): The USOC/OTC shall
be responsible for preparation of the QMRs. Information
to be recorded includes but is not limited to: daily use
of the boathouse facility including number and types of
boats used and schedules, any boat crossing conflicts,
number of athletes each day, visitors, etc. The
USOC/OTC, WUD, and Lakes Committee or User'S council
shall work together to develop the scope, format,
schedule and review/comment system of the QMRs. These
three entities shall comprise the QMR "review committee."
Items included in the mitigation measures above
shall also be incorporated into the QMR system. Future
additional desired lake uses which may be requested
should also be considered by the review committee and
reported in the QMRs.
Further, to obtain input as to the effectiveness of
ongoing lake operations, comment forms shall be provided
to the OTC coaches, athletes and site manager, and to the
City of San Diego boat launch facility for input from the
publiC (forms could be provided at the time of ticket
purchase, and filled out as desired by lake users). The
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results of these comment forms shall be incorporated into
each QMR and reviewed/considered by the three reviewing
entities, or review committee (OTC, City of San Diego and
User's Council).
Finding
All potentially significant recrestional use compatibility
impacts will be eliminated or reduced to a level below significance
by virtue of the mitigation measures.
B. Geoloqy and Soils
Impact
Available geologic data suggests that there are no major
geologic and soi Is constraints on the subject site that would
preclude development and no unmitigable significant impacts are
anticipated.
Mitigation Measures:
Geology
The following mi tigation measures will reduce geologic
on the project site to below a level of significance.
mitigations specifically address possible lithologic and
impacts.
impacts
These
seismic
. Clayey expansive portions of the Sweetwater
Formation will be excluded from the upper three
feet of subgrade to reduce the potential for
damaged foundations (ICG Inc. 1990).
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.
Buildings and structures designed as specified by
the Uniform Building Code in regards to the
possible earthquake intensities will minimize the
potential for damage. Stucco walks and c-type
masonry should be avoided if possible (see Table 3-
5 in the Draft SEIR).
Soils
The following mitigation measures will reduce impacts related
to specific soil characteristics to below a level of significance.
.
Problems due to
by selective
foundations as
Code.
expansive soils will be compensated
grading and specially designed
set forth in the Uniform Building
. Erosional rates will be minimized through erosional
control measures such as maintaining vegetative
cover and vegetated buffer zones.
Findinq
All project-specific significant impacts will be eliminated or
reduced to a level below significant by virtue of the mitigation
measures.
C. Hydrology/Water Quality
Impact
With development of the project site, the area covered by the
boathouse building and adjacent concrete deck (total area - 40,820
sq. ft.) will be rendered impervious to water. As a result,
rainfall infiltration into soil in this area will be impeded and
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overland flow would take place readily over the relatively smooth
impermeable surfaces. Grading and utility plans for the proposed
boathouse facility include provisions for a drainage system which
will divert runoff to a "soakaway basin" where storm water will be
filtered to remove particulate matter and dissolved chemicals prior
to discharge into Otay Reservoir. The Soakaway Basin Conceptual
Design Report is contained in Appendix G of the Draft EIR.
The access road and parking area for the proposed facility
will be surfaced with decomposed granite to allow for unimpeded
infiltration of storm water. Proper design and construction of
these areas will reduce impacts due to increased runoff to below a
level of significance.
The primary water quality issue of the proposed project
involves the possible discharge of urban runoff contaminants from
the parking lot, drives and other surfaces into the otay Lakes
Reservoir. Proper design and use of measures described in Surface
Drainage will reduce impacts due to urban runoff contaminants to a
level below significance.
Development of the project sites would not affect local or
regional groundwater conditions in the project site vicinity.
There are no wells extracting groundwater from the site at the
present time and groundwater has not been proposed as a source of
water supply in surrounding developments. If a permanent water
table does exist beneath the site, it is likely more than 100 feet
below the ground surface (CDWR 1967) and would be unaffected by
this development. The project site 1s not an important recharge
watershed area for any local aquifers (CDWR 1967) and, therefore,
site development would not affect regional groundwater levels.
,
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Mitiqation Measures
The following measures are presented to mitigate potential
drainage problems associated with development of the site:
.
Specific project plans will
and approval of the City
cooperation with the City of
be subject
of Chula
San Diego.
to review
Vista in
. A preliminary grading and utility plan was included
as part of the Soakaway Basin Conceptual Design
Report. Final design plan submittals shall be
consistent with the conceptual plans and approved
by Cities of Chula Vista and San Diego and the
county Health Department prior to issuance of a
final grading permit.
. pad drainage shall be designed to collect and
direct surface water away from proposed structures
to approved drainage facilities. For lawn and
parking areaS, a minimum gradient of two percent
shall be maintained and drainage shall be directed
toward approved swales or drainage facilities.
Drainage patterns approved at the time of final
grading should be maintained throughout the life of
proposed structures.
. Runoff from roOf and concrete deck surfaces shall
be diverted to the soakaway basin as described in
Surface Drainage Impacts and the Soakaway Basin
conceptual Design Report (Appendix G). Final
improvement plans shall be consistent with the
conceptual document and approved by the Cities of
Chula Vista and San Diego and the county Health
Department prior to issuance of a grading permit.
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Issuance of the grading permit shall also be
contingent upon the establishment of a maintenance
agreement between the Ci ty of San Diego and the
USOC for the soakaway (including provisions for
soil and piping replacement, etc.), or waiver of
such agreement by the City.
. Erosional Control: Slopes shall be planted with
appropriate drought-resistant vegetation as
recommended by a landscape architect immediately
following grading. Slopes should not be over-
irrigated as heavy groundcover combined with over-
watering i5 a primary 50urce of surficial slope
failures. Timer-controlled irrigation should be
altered during the rainy season.
. Maintenance of Drainage Devices: Graded berms,
swales, area drains, and slopes are designed to
carry surface water from pad areas and shall not be
blocked or destroyed. Water will not be allowed to
pond in paid areas, or ove:r: top and flow down
groded or natural slopes.
. Erosion potential during the construction phase of
the project shall be controlled through the proper
use of erosional control measures, the maintenance
of vegetative buffers and timely planning of
inundation to avoid peak rainy seasons.
. Development of the subject project and the EastLake
III project, in general, must comply with all
applicable regulations established by the united
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as set
forth in the National pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements for
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urban runoff and storm water discharge.
. Specific project plans for surface drainage into
Otay Lakes shall be subject to review and approval
by the City of Chula Vista, the RWQCB And the
County Health Department. At that time, the
project applicant may be required to divert all
surface runoff from the site away from the
reservoir.
. Sources of uncontrolled water, such as leaky water
pipes or drains shall be immediately repaired if
identified.
. Erosion control devices discussed previously would
significantly reduce the sediment load in the
runoff waters. Devices constructed to drain and
protect slopes, including brow ditches, berms,
retention basins, terrace drains (if utilized) and
down drains shall be maintained regularly, and in
particular, shall not be allowed to clog so that
water can flow unchecked over slope faces.
. Implementation of the soakaway basin as described
in Surface Drainage will reduce impacts due to
urban runoff contamination to a level below
significance.
Findinq
All significant impacts will be eliminated or reduced to a
level below significant by virtue of mitigation measureS delineated
above.
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D. Bio10qical Resources
Impact
Construction of the training facilities at this site would
result in impacts to approximately 3.7 acres of Diegan coastal sage
scrub and 0.1 acre of wetland that is primarily freshwater marsh.
Approximately 0.4 acre of the sage scrub impacts occur in high
quality, undisturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub. The impacts to
Diegan coastal sage scrub are considered significant because of the
regional sensitivity of this habitat and because it supports
sensi ti ve plant and animal species. The impacts to wetland
habitats (freshwater marsh and riparian scrub) are considered
significant because of their high biological value and protected
status at the federal, state, and local levels. Impacts to wetland
habitats will require a california Department of Fish and Game
Streambed Alteration Agreement and a Nationwide 404 permit from the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Indirect impacts as a result of the construction of the
facility at this site could include erosion and sliding of
materials into wetland habitats. Any movement of material into
wetland habitats would be considered a significant adverse impact.
Indirect impacts to california gnat catchers as a result of
increased human access and activity on this site is considered
potentially significant. These potentially significant impacts can
be mitigated to below a level of significance by reducing human
acceSS to the coastal sage scrub areas on the project site with
signs and barrier plantings; and, restricting access to the coastal
sage scrub mitigation areas on the Olympic Training center site.
Cumulative impacts include the loss of habitat and potentially
occurring sensitive species populations on a regional basis due to
increased human activity on the reservoir. The cumulative loss of
Diegan coastal sage scrub and potentially occurring sensitive
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species is considered a significant adverse impact. potential
significant impacts due to increased human activity will be
mi tigated by implementing remedial measures (e. g., restricting
shoreline access year-round).
Mitiqation
Approximately 0.4 acre of high quality Diegan coastal sage
scrub will be impacted by grading for the road and approximately
3.3 acres of disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub will be impacted
by construction of the boathouse. A 2,1 mitigation ratio will be
used for the high quality sage scrub (o.B acre), and 1:1 ratio will
be used for the disturbed sage scrub (3.3 acres). A total of 3.6
acreS of Diegan coastal sage scrub will be planted on the two
southern most slopes on the west side of the Olympic Training
Center adjacent to the Salt Creek dedicated open space. Sensitive
plant species should be used in the coastal sage scrub restoration
if available. In addition, all areas disturbed by grading around
the Olympic Training Center boathouse (including the access road)
will be revegetated with coastal sage scrub.
Since no areas exist around the lake margin to restore
freshwater marsh habitats, impacts to freshwater marsh (0.1 acre)
habitats shall be mitigated out-of-kind by planting native riparian
tree species along the lake margin, outside of the freshwater marsh
fringe. It is proposed that 20 Fremont cottonwoods (Populus
fremontii) be planted at intervals around the margin of the lake.
In addition, except for the sand path, no maintenance of vegetation
around the margin of the lake will be allowed. The boathouse
manager will be responsible for including a discussion of the
timing and distance the floating dock was moved each year (to avoid
wetland impacts) in the Quarterly Management Report.
The proposed mitigation areas shall be approved by City of san
Diego and City of Chula vista staff in consultation with the U.S.
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Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and
Game.
Finding
All significant impacts will be eliminated or reduced to a
level below significant by virtue of mitigation measures delineated
above.
E. Traffic/Circulation
Impact
Development of the boathouse facility would not result in
significant daily traffic impacts to adjacent roadways. However,
during small events (100 spectators or less), shuttling of people
from the OTC main campus area will be necessary once the OTC
Boathouse parking is full (38 spaces). No special events/
competi tions which attract more than 100 spectators shall be
allowed at the OTC Boathouse under this approval. These special
events will be subject to further CEQA review.
Mi tiqation
During small events (100 spectators or less), shuttling of
people from the OTC main campus will be required once the OTC
Boathouse parking (38 spaces) is full.
Finding
All significant impacts will be eliminated or reduced to a
level below significant by virtue of mitigation measures delineated
above.
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V. PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21081(c)
The approval of the project will cause significant unavoidable
cumulative impacts with regard to aesthetics and visual resources.
However, pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 2108l(c), the
Decisionmakers find and conclude that the following independent
economic, social, or other considerations make infeasible the
project alternatives identified within Section 4 of EIR 90-12. The
Decisionmakers further find that each independent consideration,
standing alone, would be sufficient to make infeasible the project
alternatives.
In addition, the City Council has considered whether any of
the project alternatives discussed in the EIR could feasibly
substantially lessen or avoid the identified significant effects
(see, Citizens for Quality Growth vs. City of Mt. Shasta, (1988)
198 Cal. App. 3rd, 433; see also, Public Resources Code Section
21002). As explained below, the Decisionmakers conclude that none
of the proposed alternatives could both meet the objectives of the
project applicant and lessen or avoid the identified significant
cumulative environmental effects.
VI. INSIGNIFICANT IMPACTS
In accordance with the evaluation provided in EIR 90-12
addendums thereto, the following issues have been determined to be
insignificant:
1) Cultural Resources (section 3.5 of the EIR);
2) Land Use consistency (General Plan and Zoning were
addressed in EIR 89-11 for the OTC;
3) Noise (insignificant; OTC impacts were addressed in
EIR 89-11);
4) Air Quality (insignificant; OTC impacts were
addressed in EIR 89-11);
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5) Public Services and Utilities (insignificant; OTC
impacts were addressed in EIR 89-11);
6) Socioeconomic and Fiscal Factors (insignificant;
OTC impacts were addressed in EIR 89-11);
7) Mineral Resources (insignificant impact);
8) Growth Inducing Impacts (insignificant; OTC impacts
were addressed in EIR 89-11);
9) The relationship between local short-term use of
the environment and the maintenance and enhancement
of long-term productivity (addressed in EIR 89-11);
10) Significant irreversible environmental changes
(addressed in EIR 89-11).
VII. STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
Public Administration Code Section 15093
The Decisionmakers in approving the various discretionary
actions that are the subject of Final Environmental Impact Report
No. 90-12, having considered the information contained in the Final
EIR, having reviewed and considered the public testimony and the
record, makes the following Statement of overriding consideration!
in support of the decision of the public agency which would result
in environmental impacts which would not be reduced to below a
level of significance, The Decisionmakers further find and
conclude that the benefits of the project outweigh its adverse
environmental effects. The Decisionmakers find that the following
factors support approval of the project despite any potential
significant environmental impacts. The Decisionmakers hereby make
the following Statement of Overriding Considerations:
1) Approval of the project will result in the following
specific economic, social and other considerations which
the City of Chula Vista considers beneficial, including,
but not limited to:
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a) the creation of construction job opportunities in an
economy which is currently lacking job opportunities;
b) the addition of a boathouse and launch facility
which is a critical and integral component of the
Olympic Training Center (OTC) allows for the year-
round water sports training in the overall OTC
support environment. The boathouse would provide
the storage, launching, dock and support facilities
for canoeing, kayaking, and rowing sports
associated with the Olympic Training objectives.
2) Finally, the location of the OTC and proposed boathouse
was carefully selected by the San Diego sports Training
Foundation and the USOC to fulfill the goals and
objectives of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC)
and the City.
The lSO-acre site at Lower Otay Lake was officially designated
by the USOC in November 1988 as the site implemen~ part of its
master plan goals to establish year-round training facilities for
Olympic athletes. The site was chosen primarily because of its
proximity to a water body which would permit rowing, kayaking and
canoeing. The selection of the site adjacent to the Lower Otay
Reservoir represents the culmination of two years of planning
studies. In considering the San Diego region, the USOC considered
three basic criteria:
. a superb year-round climate for outdoor training
. a major metropolitan population of sufficient size
to support resident athletes with educational and
employment opportunities
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proximity. to a major
services and airfares
airport with
competitive
Over 30 sites in the greater San Diego region were examined by
the san Diego National Sports Training Foundation (Foundation), the
non-profit organization that presented the proposal to the USOC for
development of the Center in this region. All sites were measured
against the needs expressed by the USOC for land size, access,
transportation, proximity to schools, colleges, jobs, and cultural
amenities. After review of all potential alternatives, the Olympic
site at Otay Lake was selected by the Foundation and approved for
the first year-round Olympic Training Course in the United States
by the USOC.
The proposed boathouse is an integral component of the OTC.
The Chula Vista/Otay Lake site was eventually chosen, due in part
of the ideal waterfront opportunities provided by the Lower Otay
Lake. Such conditions of available, partially disturbed land
adjacent to waterfront acreage for canoeing, kayaking and rowing
are rare conditions in southern California, and were determined by
the usoe to be a critical component of a comprehensive year-round
Olympic training facility. The most recent proposal has lowered
the average height of the facility from 29 feet to an average of 14
feet in height (which has reduced the visual impact although it is
still significant). The most recent proposal also reduces the area
of impact of non-disturbed coastal sage from 0.6 to 0.4 acres.
The Decisionmakers support the purpose and objectives of the
OTC, as dcscribed in detail in EIR 89-11, which is to provide a
complete training support system for athletes who desire to achieve
their maximum potential in the Olympic games and other
international athletic competitions.
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PETERSON & PRICE
FAX NO. o18~:'44Itjo
r. <'!
The Decisionmakers find and conclude that each independent
overriding consideration as set forth herein, standing alone, would
be sufficient to conclude that the project should be approved
despite the fact that there may be significant unmitigated
environmental impacts.
In accordance with section 15092 of the CEQA Guidelines, the
Lead Agency may decide whether or how to approve or carry out a
project if the agency has:
a)
eliminated
significant
feasible as
or eubstantial1y lessened
effects on the environment
shown in findings; and
all
where
b) determined that any remaining significant effects
on the environment found to be unavoidable under
Section 15091 of the Guidelines are acceptable due
to overriding concerns as described in Section
15093 of the CEQA Guidelines.
This project complies with section 15092 as the following
significant impacts have been lessened to a level below
significance by the adopted mitigated measures: recreational use
compatibility; hydrology, water quality, and surface drainage;
biological resources. And the Agency finds that the visual impact
which will still be a significant impact on the environment will be
unavoidable and is acceptable due to overriding concernS.
VIII. THE RECORD
For the purposes of CEQA and these findings, the record of the
Decisionmakers relating to these actions include the following:
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PETERSON & PRICE
FAX NO, 619?344786
p, 28
IX. REFERENCES
1) Browman, R.H. 1973. Soil Survey San Diego Area,
California, United states Department of Agriculture.
2)
City of Chula Vista.
EastLake policy Plan,
september 7.
3) City of Chu1a vista. 1987. Policy: Threshold/Standards
and Growth Management Oversight Committee, November.
1982. Chula Vista General Plan,
City Council Resolution No. 10996,
4) City of Chula Vista. 1987. Revisions to the Master Fee
Schedule, June.
5) City of Chula Vista. 1989. Chula Vista General Plan.
6) City of Chula vista. 1989. City of Chula Vista General
Plan Update. March
7) City of Chula vista. 1989. Municipal Code.
8) City of San Diego. 1987. Managers Report No. 87-94,
February 20.
9 )
County of San Diego.
Plan - 1995, part 11,
August 22.
10) County of San Diego. 19B4. San Diego County General
Plan - 1995, Part XXIII, Otay subregional Plan, August
22.
1984. San Diego county General
Regional Land Use Element and Map,
11) County of San Diego. 1985. The zoning ordinance, San
Diego County, November.
12) ERC Environmental and Energy Services Co. 1989.
EastLake III/Olympic Training Center Final EIR, October.
13) ERCE. 1990. Olympic Training Center SPA Plan
Supplemental EIR (89-11), April.
14) Greensfe1der, R.W. 1972. Maximum credible Rock
Acceleration from Earthquakes in california, Map Sheet
23, California Division of Mines & Geology.
15) lCG Inc. 1990. Geotechnical Investigation Boathouse
Site, U.S. Olympic Training Center, San Diego County,
Cali fornia.
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JCiL::' 2-92 THU 1": bU
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16) lCG Incorporated. 1990. Geotechnical Investigation for
Boathouse site, January.
17) Kennedy, M.P. and S.S. Tan. 1977. Geology of National
City, Imperial Beach and Otay Mesa Quadrangles, Southern
San Diego Metropolitan Area, California.
18) Kennedy, M.P. and S.S. Tan. 1977. Geology of National
City, Imperial Beach and Otay Mesa Quadrangles, Southern
San Diego Metropolitan Area, California, Map Sheet 29,
California Division of Mines & Geology.
19) Real, C.R., T.R. Topozada, and D.L. Parke.
Earthquake Epicenter Map of California.
1978.
20) Rick Engineering.
Design Report.
21) USDA Soil Conservation service. 1978. Soil Survey, san
Diego Area, California.
1991.
soakaway Basin conceptual
Also included in the record are the following studies prepared
for the OTC Boathouse project:
1) Olympic Training Center Boathouse, otay Reservoir Project
Description (June 1991).
2) United states Olympic Boathouse at Lower tay Reservoir
Facilities Management plan (NOvember 1991).
3) conditional Use Permit package submitted to City of Chula
Vista (May 1992).
Also included as part of the Decisionmakers' record are the
following:
1) Final EIR 90-12, Olympic Training Center Boathouse (June
1992), including all related appendiceS.
2)
Documentary and oral evidence presented to the planning
Commission and/or City Council during public hearings on
EIR 90-12.
,
3) Matters of common knowledge to the Planning commission
and/or City Council, including these and all other
formally adopted policies and ordinances:
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a) The City of Chula vista General Plan - and EIR 88-2
b) The Zoning ordinance of the City of Chula vista
c) The Municipal Code of the City of Chula vista
,
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