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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAttachmt 7 - Sec 8 Pg 26 - 54Attachment to Initial Study Discussion of Checklist Legend P5: Potentially Significant LS: Less Than Significant; or Less Than Significant due to the previously adopted mitigation measures of the Eastern Dublin EIR NI: No Impact; or No Additional Impact beyond that which was previously identified in the Eastern Dublin EIR andlor for which a Statement of Overriding Consideration was adopted City of Dublin -Page 26 Initial Study/Wallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 1. Aesthetics Environmental Setting The project site is vacant except for two residences, scattered agricultural buildings and outside storage of vehicles and construction equipment. The Eastern Dublin EIR does not classify the project area as containing visually sensitive resources (Fig. 3.8-I-~. The City's General Plan also identifies an elevation "cap" above which certain development is prohibited and provides guidelines for sensitive development at certain elevations and slopes. Tassajara Road, from the I-580 freeway to the Alameda- Contra Costa County line, is designated as a Scenic Route in the County Scenic Route Element of the General Plan, which has also been adopted by the City of Dublin by reference in the Dublin General Plan. Program 6Q of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan says that the "the City of Dublin should officially adopt Tassajaza Road, I-580 and Fallon Road as designated scenic corridors, adopt a set of scenic corridor policies and establish review procedures and standards for projects within the scenic corridor viewshed." In 1996, the City did adopt the Eastern Dublin Scenic Corridor Policies and Standards document prepazed by David Gates & Associates. This document contains more detailed policies that allow future development as envisioned in the Specific Plan while maintaining the visual character of natural features within the area. Such implementing polices are in addition to all other goals and polices contained in the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan. Proj_cct Impacts and Mitigation Measures a) Have a substantial adverse impact on a scenic vista? LS. Approval and construction of the proposed project would alter the character of existing scenic vistas and could obscure important sightlines if not mitigated. This impact was addressed in the Eastern Dublin EIR (Impacts 3.8/A, 3.88, 3.8/C, 3.81D, 3.8/E, 3.8/G and 3.811)) and with implementation of mitigation measures the identified impacts on scenic vistas are less-than-significant. These Mitigation Measures include: 3.8/i.0, 3.8/2.0, 3.813.0, 3.8/4.0-4.5, 3.8/5.0-5.2, 3.8/6.0, 3.8/7.0 and 3.817.1 (pages 3.8-4 through 3.8-9 of the Eastern Dublin EIR). These mitigation measures encourage preservation of the natural landscape, preservation of important visual resources and features, minimized grading for development; grading and building to preserve natural contours; prohibition of development along identified gdgelines; and preservation of views of designated open spaces. In addition, Policies 6-29 through 6-38 and text discussion within the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan provide direction for the type of development which may occur in "visually sensitive" azeas. These policies are directed towards preserving scenic vistas and view corridors and provide guidelines for grading and building. City of Dublin Page 27 Initial Study/Wallis Ranch Annexation February2003 PA 02-028 b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including state scenic highways? LS. Development of the project site will alter the visual experience of travelers on scenic routes in eastern Dublin. Interstate 580 and Tassajaza Road have been designated as a scenic corridor by Alameda County. This potential impact (Impact 3.8/J) was identified and addressed in the Eastern Dublin EIR and implementation of Mitigation Measures 3.8/8.0 and 3.8/8.1 (page 3.8-9) reduce this impact to a less-than-significant level. These mitigation measures encourage the City to adopt certain roads as scenic corridors (including Tassajaza Road), and encourage the City to require detailed visual analyses with development project applications (i.e., Stage 2 PD-Planned Development applications). These mitigation measures apply to the entire project azea. Additionally, Policies 6-30 and 6-31 of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan provide guidance for azeas of the project visible from a scenic corridor. c) Substantially degrade existing visual character or the quality of the site? 1VI. This impact was addressed in the Eastern Dublin EIR (Impact 3.8/B-Alteration of RuraUOpen Space Visual Character and Impact 3.8/F-Alteration of Visual Character of Flatlands). Development of the project area would alter the existing rural and open space qualities and alter the existing visual character of valley grasses and agricultural fields. The Eastern Dublin EIR concluded that no mitigation measures could be identified to either fully or partially reduce this impact to a less than significant level. Therefore, the EIl~ concluded this impact would be a potentially significant unavoidable impact and an irreversible change and, pursuant to CEQA, the City of Dublin adopted a Statement of Overriding Consideration for this impact. The proposed project would not substantially change the scale of development anticipated in the Eastern Dublin EIR for the project area and would not change the level of intensity of impact, therefore, no additional discussion or analysis is necessary. d} Create light or glare? LS. Construction of the proposed project would increase the amount of light and glare due to new street lighting and building security lighting. In some instances the additional lighting could result as perceived negative aesthetic impacts through the "spill over" of unwanted lighting onto adjacent properties, parks and other areas that aze not intended to be lighted. The anticipated light and glare generated by the proposed project would not be unique or sufficiently different from other development projects within the City or the Eastern Dublin planning azea. The City of Dublin has adopted regulations which Iimit the amount of "spill-over" lighting and conditions of approval also are routinely adopted with each project which address potential light and glare impacts. The City's zoning ordinance, adopted site development review guidelines, and conditions of approval become part of the project, if approved and the project would have; impacts that are less-than-significant. Because light and glare created by the proposed project would be typical of development elsewhere in the City, and due to standard City regulations, light and glaze impacts would be less-than-significant. City of Dublin Nage z~ Initial Study/Waltis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 2. Agricultural Resources Environmental Setting Historically the project site has been used for grazing, dry-land farming, and other non-intensive agricultural endeavors. The Eastern Dublin EIR characterizes the majority of the area outside of the Tassajara Creek corridor as farmland "of local importance" (Figure 3.1-B), which is defined as those farmlands which contribute to the local production of food, feed, fiber; forage and oilseed crops (p. 3.1-2). The Eastern Dublin EIR considered the discontinuation of agricultural uses as an insignificant impact due to the high percentage of Williamson Act contracts which were non-renewed and the limited value of the non-prime soils. And, because some of the farmlands within the Project area were not considered "prime" their loss was judged to be insignificant. None of the soils within the project area were identified as Class I or Class II soils in the eastern Dublin EIR. However, since certification of the Eastern Dublin EIR, the evaluation of soils considered as "prime" for annexation purposes has been modified through adoption of criteria established by the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act (Government Code Section 56064, referred to as Assembly Bi112838). Soils which previously would not have been considered as "prime agricultural soils" and land which was not considered significant or important for.agricultural purposes may now be considered as such by the new law. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures a, c) Convert prime farmland to anon-agricultural use or involve other changes which could result in conversion of farmland to anon-agricultural use? PS. Based on the revised Figure 3.6/D contained in the Final EIR for the EDSP, there are no Class I or Class II Prime Agricultural Soils present on the project site. These soils are located in the flatter alluvial plain azea just north of the I-580 freeway. However, since adoption of AB 2838, criteria for agricultural suitability related to annexations has changed and the effect of conversion of the property to non-agricultural, planned urban uses may be a potentially significant environmental impact. This topic will be evacuated in the Supplemental EIl2: b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? NL Although the Lin property was identified as having a Williamson Act Land Conservation Agreement in place 'at the time of adoption of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan, the Agreement has since been non-renewed and none of the properties proposed for reorganization are encumbered with a Williamson Act Land Preservation Agreement. No impacts will therefore result. City of Dublin Page 29 Initial Study/Watlis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 3. Air Quality Environmental Settins Dublin is located in the Tri-Valley Air Basin. Within the Basin, state and federal standards for nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and lead are met. Standards for other airborne pollutants, including ozone, carbon monoxide and suspended particulate matter (PM-10) are not met in at least a portion of the Basin. Project Imvacts and Mitigation Measures a) Would the project conflict or obstruct implementation of an air quality plan? PS. Although the project itself may not contribute any more pollutants than originally anticipated by the Eastern Dublin EIR; as a result of more rapid urbanization in the Tri-Valley area than originally expected, an increase in traffic through the Tri-Valley from other azeas, and changing commute patterns, the environment in which the project would occur may have changed enough such that the project could contribute to emissions. exceeding Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) significance thresholds. This may be a potentially sign cant impact. b) Would the project violate any air quality standards? PS. For the reasons noted above (i.e., changed environmental setting of the project), the project could contribute to emissions exceeding BAAQMD significance thresholds. This may be a potentially significant impact. c) Would the project result in cumulatively considerable air pollutants? PS. For the reasons noted in a) above {i.e., the changed environmental setting of the project), the project could contribute to emissions exceeding BAAQNID significance thresholds. This may be a potentially significant impact. d, e} Expose sensitive receptors to significant pollutant concentrations or create objectionable odors? NI. Development of the project area with urban uses will create emissions from a variety of miscellaneous stationary (non-vehicular) sources such as evaporative emissions from paints and cleaning products, etc. The Eastern Dublin EIR noted that although such emissions would be extremely small for any individual resident, they could be substantial when summed over the entire scope of the project {Eastern Dublin EIR, p. 3.11-6). The Eastern Dublin EIR identified this impact as a potentially significant cumulative impact which could not be mitigated to achieve the eight-fold reduction in stationary source emissions needed to meet the insignificant threshold and, pursuant to CEQA, the City of Dublin adopted a Statement of Overriding Consideration for this impact. The proposed project would not change the scale of development anticipated in the Eastern Dublin EIR for the project area and would not change the level of intensity of impact, therefore, no additional discussion or analysis is necessary. City of Dublin Page 30 Initial Study/Vllallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 4. Biological Resources Environmental Setting Figure 3.7-A of the Eastem Dublin EIR indicates that the project area is dominated by dry- farming rotational cropland and non-native grasslands. however, more recent information supplied by the owner of the Wallis Ranch indicates that this parcel has not been farmed for at least five yeazs, although cattle is grazed on at least a portion of the property. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures a) Have a substantial adverse impact on a candidate, sensitive, orspecial-status species? PS. The Eastern Dublin EIR identified twelve special status plant species, seventeen special status amphibian, reptile, bird and mammal species, and ten special status invertebrate species which could potentially occur within the entire Eastern Dublin planning area (Tables 3.7-1 and 3.7-2, pp. 3-7.19-21), based upon the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Fish and Game Commission listings at that time. Since certification of the Eastern Dublin EIR, the regulatory status of some of these species may have changed. The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan includes policies to protect special status species (Policies 6-17 and 6-20). Although the proposed project would adhere to the adopted mitigation measures and Specific Plan policies, changes in regulatory circumstances may create a potentially signifzcant environmental impact if not re-addressed. b, c) Have a substantial adverse impact on riparian habitat or federally protected wetlands? PS. Figure 3.7 B of the Eastern Dublin EIR identifies areas within the project azea which potentially contain riparian habitat and springs based upon the location of intermittent streams, seeps, etc. Utilizing Figure 3.7-B, it is estimated that approximately 8,7001ineaz feet of potential riparian habitat could exist within the Project area. Although the EIR identifies mitigation measures and the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan contains policies to address stream corridors and riparian and wetland azeas (Policies 6-9 through 6-13 and 6-15), regulatory standards for such riparian habitats may have changed since certification of the EIR. Although the proposed Project would adhere to the adopted mitigation measures and Specific Plan policies, due to a change in regulatory circumstances, the proposed project could have a potentially signifzcant environmental impact. d) Interfere with movement of native fish or wildlife species? PS. As noted above, the Eastern Dublin EIR identified a number of special status wildlife species. Although mitigation measures in the Eastern Dublin EIR and policies within the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan (Policies 6-18 through 6-20) address potential impacts to the movement of wildlife species, and this project would be required to adhere to those mitigation measures and policies, the project may still have a potentially significant impact due to~changed regulatory standazds regazding the movement of wildlife. City of Dublin Page 3i Initial Study/Wallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as tree protection ordinances: LS. Mitigation Measures contained in the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan EIR (Mitigation Measure 3.8!3.0} will ensure that significant local trees aze protected. Less-than-significant impacts are therefore anticipated. f) Conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources or any adopted Flabitat Conservation Plans or Natural Community Conservation Plans? 1vI. There are no Habitat Conservation Plan areas or Natural Community Conservation Plans located on the project site. No impacts would therefore result. 5. Cultural Resources Environmental Setting Chapter 3.9 of the Eastern Dublin EIR addresses the potential impacts on cultural resources which may be located within the project area. A field inspection of the entire Eastern Dublin area was performed in 1988. Three potential pre-historic sites (two of them isolated locales) and two historic sites were identified within the proposed Project area (see pp. 3.9-4 - 3.9-6 of the Eastern Dublin EIR). Maps of these sites were not included in the EIR to protect them from possible vandalism. The Eastern Dublin EIR mandated additional project-level azcheological surveys. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures a) Cause substantial adverse change to significant historic resources? LS. Only two historic sites (a school and dairy complex) were identified in the Project area in the Eastern Dublin EIR. Asite-specific Historic Evaluation Report was completed on the dairy complex by William Self Associates in May 2001. Copies of this report are available at the Dublin Community Development Department. The report notes that the complex consists of an older dairy complex consisting of 7 buildings, including 2 barns, 2 work sheds and 2 houses dating to approximately 1910. The Self report concludes that the building complex does not appear to be eligible for the California Register of Historic Places, since the buildings do not appear be associated with Local agricultural history. Similarly, the buildings do not appear to have maintained their original integrity and do not appear to be distinguished examples of the historic period in which they were constructed, In addition, the complex was not owned or occupied by residents of local or regional significance. Due to the expected level of development within the Project area, the Eastern Dublin EIR assumed that all historic sites would be disturbed or altered in some manner, even those located in azeas designated for Open Space. This potential impact was identified and addressed in the Eastern Dublin EIR Impact 3.9/C) and mitigation measures 3.9/7.0 through 3.9/12.0 (page 3.9-8) will reduce this impact to aless-than-significant level: These mitigation measures require City of Dublin Page 32 Initial Study/Wal(is Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 detailed azchival reseazch for each structure to assess the structure's significance; encourage adaptive re-use where feasible; and encourage the City to develop a preservation program for historic sites which qualify under CEQA guidelines. Additionally, mitigation measures 3.915.0 and 3.9/6.0 (page 3.9-7) also would apply to the project. These mitigations require cessation of all construction activities upon discovery of any previously unidentified historic sites. Additionally, Policies 6-26 and 6-27 of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan require in-depth archival research to determine the significance of any resource prior to alteration and encourage the adaptive re-use or restoration of historic structures whenever feasible. As noted in the Project Description section of this Initial Study, an older one-room schoolhouse has been located on the northerly portion of the Lin property site. The project developers of this property have weatherproofed the structure and have offered the building to the City of Dublin. There are no impacts beyond those analyzed in the Eastern Dublin EIR and therefore no additional review or analysis is necessary. b, c) Cause a substantial adverse impact or destruction to archeological or paleontological resources? LS. There is a remote but potentially significant possibility that construction activities, including site grading, trenching and excavation, may uncover significant archeological and/or paleontological resources on the site. The Eastern Dublin EIR categorized these resources aspre- historic.cultural resources. Three potential pre-historic sites were identified by the EIR within the proposed project area. The Eastern Dublin EIR assumed that all pre-historic sites would be disturbed or altered in some manner. This potential impact was identified and addressed in the Eastern Dublin EIR (Impact 3.9/A) and implementation of mitigation measures 3.9/1.0 through 3.9/4.0 (page 3.9-6 - 3.9-7) reduce this impact to aless-than-significant level. These mitigation measures require subsurface testing for archeological resources; recordation and mapping of such resources; and development of a protection program for resources which qualify as "significant" under Appendix K of CEQA. Mitigation measures 3.9/5.0 and 3.9/6.0, described above, also were adopted to address the potential disruption of any previously unidentified pre- historicresources and these mitigation measures reduce the potential impact to a less-than- sign~cant level. The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan also contains policies (Policies 6-24 and 6-25) requiring reseazch of azchaeological resources prior to construction and determination of the significance and extent of any resources uncovered during grading and construction. d) Disturb any human resources? LS. A remote possibility exists that historic or pre-historic human resources could be uncovered on the site during construction activities. Implicit in the mitigation measures of the Eastern Dublin EIR and Eastern Dublin Specific Plan policies is the potential for discovery of human resources near or within the identified pre-historic and historic sites. With implementation of the above-mentioned mitigation measures adopted with certification of the Eastern Dublin EIR (mitigation measures 3.9/1.0 -12) and adherence to the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan policies relating to cultural resources (Policies 6-24 and 6-25), this impact is less-than-sign cant. City of Dublin Page 33 Initial Study/WaAis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 There are no impacts beyond those analyzed in the Eastern Dublin EIR and therefore no additional review or analysis is necessary. 6. Geology and Soils Environmental Setting This section of the Initial Study addresses seismic safety issues, topography and landforms, drainage and erosion and the potential impacts of localized soil types. Seismic The project azea is a part of the San Francisco Bay area, one of the most seismically active regions in the nation. The Eastern Dublin EIR notes the presence of several neazby significant faults, including the Calaveras Fault, Greenville Fault, Haywazd Fault and San Andreas Fault (pp. 3.6-1 - 3.6-2 and Figures 3.6-A and 3.6-B). The likelihood of a major seismic event on one or more of these faults within the near future is believed to be high. However, no active faults are known to traverse the Project site and the site is not identified as located within an Earthquake Safety Zone (formerly Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone) as determined by the California Division of Mines and Geology. A second thrust fault system has been inferred in the Coast Ranges of the Bay Area that may be seismically active. A belt of faults and folds has been mapped in sedimentary rocks south of Mount Diablo, including one identified as the "leading edge-blind thrust, Mount Diablo Domain." Further investigation of this inferred fault has concluded that the risk of ground rupture from this inferred fault is low within the Project azea. Site Geology and Soils Site soils, based on a recent site-specific geological study performed by Berlogar Geotechnical Consultants (July 2002), identified a mix of colluvial and alluvial deposits in the project area, which have been determined to be highly expansive. Three landslides have also been mapped on the Lin property. Overall, the Berlogaz report notes that the Lin property is suitable for the type and intensity of development proposed as part of the Stage 1 PD-Planned Development application. Landforms and Topography The project azea is part of a broad north-south trending plain known as the Livermore-Amador Valley. Elevations of the subject site range from approximately 405 feet to 705 feet above sea level. Much of the property is gently rolling to almost flat but the extreme northern and northeastern portions are steeply sloping terrain. Drainage Existing drainage patterns on the site includes a series of small, unnamed intermittent streams. These streams are shown in Figures 3.7-A and-B in the Eastern Dublin EIR. These intermittent City of Dublin Page 34 Initial Study/Wa11is Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 streams generally follow anorth-to-south direction, consistent with the overall topography of the Eastern Dublin area. These streams are not delineated drainages and do not terminate in other local creeks (Tassajaza Creek}. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse impacts, including loss, injury or death related to ground rupture, seismic ground shaking, ground failure or landslides? LS. Similar to many areas of California, the site could be subject to ground shaking caused by the regional faults identified above. Under moderate to severe seismic events which are probable in the Bay Area over the next 30 years, buildings, utilities and other improvements constructed in the project azea would be subject to damage caused by ground shaking. However, since the project azea is not located within an Earthquake Fault Zone (formerly Alquist-Priolo Zone), the potential for ground rupture is anticipated to be minimal. The Eastern Dublin EIR identified that the primary and secondary effects of ground-shaking (Impacts 3.6/B and 3.6/C) could be potentially significant impacts. With implementation of mitigation measure 3.6/1.0 the primary effects of ground-shaking (Impact 3.6/B -damage to structures and infrastructure, potential loss of Iife) aze reduced to aless-than-significant level by using modern seismic design for resistance to lateral forces in construction, which would reduce. the potential for structure failure, major structural damage and loss of life. Mitigation measures 3.6/2.0 through 3.6/8.0 will be implemented to reduce the secondary effects of ground-shaking (Impact 3.6/C -seismically induced landslides, differential compaction/settlement, etc.), to aless-than-sign cant level. These mitigation measures require: stabilization of unstable landforms where possible or restriction of improvements from unstable landforms; appropriate grading in hillside areas; utilization of properly engineered retention structures and fill; design of roads and infrastructure to accommodate potential settlement; and completion of design-level geotechnical investigations (pp. 3.6-8 through 3.6-9). Adherence to Mitigation Measures MM 3.6/1.0 through 8.0 will ensure that new structures and infrastructure built within the project azea will comply with generally recognized seismic safety standazds so that effects due to ground shaking will be less-than-significant. The majority of the project area contains gently to steeply sloping hillsides. The northern and northeastern portions have a history of landslides. As part of the development of the area the site is proposed to be graded and re-contoured to accommodate building pads, roads, infrastructure, parks, schools, parking areas and other development features. The Eastern Dublin EIR notes that development of the project site could result in permanent changes in existing landforms, particularly if substantial grading occurs. Two existing mitigation measures reduce this impact to less-than-significant. Mitigation Measure 3.6/9.0 states that grading plans which adapt improvements to natural landforms, use retaining structures and steeper cut and fill slopes where appropriate, and construction of.roads on ridges reduce impacts to landforms. Mitigation Measure 3.6/10.0 states that specific project lot and infrastructure alignment should be based on the identification of City of Dublin Page 35 Initial Study/Wallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 geotechnically feasible building areas, clustering structures, and avoiding adverse conditions by utilizing lower density development in the hillside areas. The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan also contains policies aimed at reducing impacts related to landform changes and reducing potential impacts related to landslides. Policies 6-40 through 6- 42 restrict structures on slopes of 10-30% and generally preclude structures on slopes of greater than 30%. There aze no impacts beyond those analyzed in the Eastern Dublin EIR and therefore no additional review or analysis is necessary. The applicant for development of the Lin property have commissioned a soils and geotechnical report to conform with adopted mitigation measures contained in the Eastern Dublin EIR and polices set forth in the EDSP. b) Is the site subject to substantial erosion andJor the loss of topsoil? LS. The Eastern Dublin EIR notes that development of the project site would modify the existing ground surface and alter patterns of surface runoff and infiltration and could result in a short- term increase in erosion and sedimentation caused by grading activities (Impact 3.6/K). Long- term impacts could result from modification of the ground-surface and removal of existing vegetation (Impact 3.6/L). With implementation of Mitigation Measures 3.6/27.0 and 28.0 (pp. 3.6-14 - 3.6-15) both of these impacts would be less-than-significant. These mitigation measures specify and require the preparation and implementation of erosion control measures to be utilized on a short-term and long-term basis. In addition to these measures, the project would be subject to erosion control and water quality control measures implemented by the state Regional Water Quality Control Board. The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan also contains a policy (Policy 6-43), which requires that new development be designed to provide effective control of soil erosion as a result of construction activities. c, d) Is the site located on soil that is unstable or expansive or will result in potential lateral spreading, liquefaction, landslide or collapse? LS. Portions of the project area are underlain by soil types with high shrink-swell potential which have the potential to cause damage to foundations, slabs, and pavement (Impact 3.6/H). With adherence to Mitigation Measures 3.6/14.0 through 16.0 (pp. 3.6-11-12) and by requiring appropriate structural foundations and other techniques to overcome shrink-swell effects,' potential shrink-swell impacts will be less-than-significant. The Eastern Dublin EIR also notes that impacts of slope instability aze considered to be potentially significant (Impacts 3.6/I and 3.6/x, but can be reduced to aless-than-significant level with implementation of Mitigation Measures 3.6/17.0-26.0 (pp. 3.6-12-3.6-14). These mitigation measures require the preparation of site-specific soils and geotechnical studies minimizing grading on steep slopes and the formulation of appropriate design criteria; removaUreconstruction of unstable materials; construction of surface and subsurface drainage improvements; reduction of cut-and-fill; maintaining 3:1 cut slopes unless retained; maintaining minimum 2:1 fill slopes unless properly benched, keyed or treated with a geo-grid; utilizing City of Dublin Page 36 Initial Study/Wallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 engineered fill; and adherence to the Uniform Building Code and other City requirements for grading. There aze no impacts beyond those analyzed in the Eastern Dublin EIR and therefore no additional review or analysis is necessary. e) Have soils incapable of supporting on-site septic tanks if sewers are not available? 1vI. All new development within the project area would be connected to a public sanitary sewer system installed by future project developer(s) and maintained by the Dublin San Ramon Services District which serves all of the City of Dublin. No new septic systems are proposed within the project area. Therefore, no impact is anticipated with regard to septic tanks. 7. Hazards and Hazardous Materials Environmental Settin The site is primarily open grasslands and currently contains nine single family residences and some agricultural out-buildings. Historically, the project site has been used for agriculture, primarily as grazing land and limited dry-farming of crops. Much of the project azea currently is utilized for grazing. Some pesticide and herbicide use may be associated with these agricultural uses and some petroleum-based products probably have been used to run and maintain farm equipment. Similar types of petroleum-based products may be in use at a limited trucking and truck storage use located on one of the pazcels. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment has been performed for the Lin property within the project azea and typical levels of herbicides, pesticides and limited amounts of petroleum-based products have been identified in localized areas around outbuildings. Based upon the results of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment performed for the Lin property, a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment may be required to further identify any potential hazardous materials: Policy 11-1 of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan requires that prior to the issuance of building permits for sites in the project azea, such environmental site assessments are required. If applicable, remediation measures would be recommended and required prior to development in accordance with State law. Proiect IrIr~acts .and Mitigation Measures a, b) Create a significant hazard through transport of hazardous materials or release or emission of hazardous materials? LS. Proposed uses of the project area would include residential, neighborhood commercial, open space and parks. Only minor less-than-significant quantities of potentially. hazardous materials such as lawn chemicals, household solvents, etc., would be associated with the majority of the proposed uses. With the expected minimal use of hazardous materials and the requirement for adhering to a hazazdous materials business plan, this impact is less-than-significant. City of Dublin Page 37 Initial Study/VVallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 c) Is the site listed as a hazardous materials site? LS. None of the pazcels comprising the project azea have been listed as a hazardous materials site. As noted above, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments have been completed for the largest property within the project area, the Lin parcel. Levels of petroleum-based products typical of agricultural uses have been discovered neaz existing agricultural outbuildings but these levels aze less-than-significant. Should the project be approved, Phase II Environmental Site Assessment will be performed to construction. Remediation measures, if needed, would be recommended and completed in accordance with State and Federal requirements. This impact is considered to be less-than-significant. d) Is the site located within an airport land use plan of a public airport or private airstrip ? LS. The project area is located outside of the referral azea for Livermore Airport, based on Figure 3.1/D of the Eastern Dublin EIR. This is considered ales-than-significant impact. e) Represent a safety hazard to persons if located within two miles of a private airstrip? LS. The project is not located within two miles of a private airstrip. Although portions of the project area are subject to noise from helicopters operating at Camp Parks and over surrounding properties near the camp. Adherence to Mitigation Measures identified in the Noise section of this Initial Study will reduce impacts to ales-than-significant level. f) Interference with an emergency evacuation plan? LS. The proposed project would be developed in phases, as is feasible with the extension of services and utilities to the azea. Adequate emergency access to all portions of the project azea under construction would be required to be provided per the City of Dublin's ordinances and policies. Emergency access requires that structures and occupants of structures can be accessed by emergency vehicles and personnel and also requires that residents are able to evacuate an azea in case of some form of hazazd or threat of hazazd. Adequate water service for fire-fighting and installation of hydrants or other approved alternative water supply systems would be required per City policy as the project develops. These measures will ensure that impacts related to emergency evacuation plans would be less-than-significant. The Eastern Dublin EIR indicated a mitigation measure (3.4/9.0) to address access, water pressure, fire safety and prevention to reduce this potential impact to ales-than-significant level. This mitigation measure requires that certain design standards aze incorporated into Project approvals such as: available capacity of 1,000 GPM at 20 PSI fire flow from project fire hydrants on public mains; installation of a buffer zone along the backs of homes contiguous with wildland open space areas; and compliance with minimum road widths, maximum street slopes, pazking requirements, and secondary access road requirements. Policy 8-6 of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan also requires provision of emergency vehicle access from subdivisions to open space areas among other fire prevention methods to address concerns with emergency access and evacuation. g) Expose people and structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death City of Dublin Page 38 Initial Study/Wallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 involving wildland fires or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? LS. The proposed project includes a significant amount of open space intermixed with proposed residential uses in accordance with the land use designations of the General Plan and Eastern Dublin Specific Plan. However, the relationship of wildland open space to urbanized uses has the potential to increase the risk of wildland fires spreading to urban areas. The Eastern Dublin EIR identified the risk of constructing new communities in proximity to high fire hazazd open space areas since it would pose an increasing wildfire hazazd to people and property if open space azeas were not maintained for fire safety (Impact 3.4/E). Mitigation measures 3.4/6.0-13.0 (pp. 3.4- 5-3.4-7) will reduce this impact to aless-than-significant level. These mitigation measures require construction of new facilities to coincide with new service demands; establishment of funding mechanisms for construction of such facilities; incorporation of Dougherty Regional Fire Authority (and, implicitly, any other fire authority which would service the area), requirements into the project design; integration of fire trails and fire breaks into the open space trail system; and prepazation and implementation of a wildfire management plan for the area. The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan also contains two policies (Policy 8-5 and 8-6, p. 125), which address the construction of new facilities and requirements to minimize the potential for impacts from wildland fires. 8. Hydrology and Water Quality Environmental Setting The project area is located within the Alameda Creek watershed which drains to the San Francisco Bay. The Project azea is located within the jurisdiction of Zone 7 of the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (Zone 7). ,The northern portion of the site is hilly and transitions to relatively flat azeas immediately adjacent to Tassajaza Creek on the east side of the project area. Intermittent unnamed streams and defined drainages flow in a northwest- southeast direction toward. Portions of the project area within and immediately adjacent to Tassajara Creek lie within a 100- year flood hazard area. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge 'requirements? LS. Site grading (cut and fill) will occur to construct roadways, building pads, utilities connections and similar improvements. Proposed grading could increase the potential of erosion and increase the amount of sediments carried by storm water run-off into creeks and other bodies of water, on and off the Project site. These impacts were identified in the Eastern Dublin EIR (Impacts 3.5/Y and 3.5/AA). With adherence to mitigation measures 3.5/44.0 - 46.0, 49.0, 51.0 and 52.0 of the Eastern Dublin EIR (pp. 3.5-35-3.5-27) these impacts would be less-than- signifzcant. These Mitigation Measures require: drainage facilities to minimi~P any increased potential for erosion; channel improvements consisting of natural creek bottoms and side slopes with natural City of Dublin Page 39 Initial Study/Wallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 vegetation where possible; preparation of a Master Drainage Plan for each development prior to development {Stage 2 PD-Planned Development) approval; facilities and management practices which protect and enhance water quality; specific water quality investigations which address water quantity and quality of run-off; and community-based programs to educate local residents and business on methods to reduce non-point sources of pollutants. Additionally, development of individual pazcels within the Project area will be required to prepare Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), listing Best Management Practices which reduce the potential for water quality degradation during construction and post- construction activities. These- measures can include revegetation of graded azeas, silt fencing and use of biofilters within parks and other landscaped azeas. These individual SWPPPs must conform to standards adopted by the Regional Water Quality Control Board and City of Dublin and shall be approved by the City of Dublin prior to issuance of grading permits. Both agencies monitor construction and post-construction activities according to the SWPPP and adjustments are made during project construction as necessary to erosion control methods and water quality protection as field conditions warrant. Specific development projects containing five acres of more aze also required to submit a Notice of Intent from the State Water Resources Control Board prior to commencement of grading. The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan also contains policies which reflect the mitigation measures of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan EIR listed above. Policies 9-7 through 9-9 and Programs 9T through 9X (pp. 133-134) address the potential for erosion and changes in water quality, storm water run-off and storm drainage due to development of the Project area. b) Substantially deplete groundwater recharge areas or lower the Zocal groundwater table? LS. Current uses of the property depend upon wells (groundwater}, surface flow from Tassajara Creek and irrigation wells (groundwater) for domestic use and agricultural uses. As development of the project area occurs, public water systems would be extended to serve the area, reducing the direct need for individural wells to service each property. The Eastern Dublin EIR noted that development of the proposed project could have an impact on local ground water resources and groundwater recharge due to an increase in the amount of impervious surfaces within the Project site (Impact 3.5/Z). With implementation of Mitigation Measures 3.5/49.0 and 3.5/50.0 (page 3.5-26), this impact is less-than-significant. The Eastern Dublin EIR also noted that the project area is located in an area of minimal groundwater rechazge stating that groundwater reserves and the majority of the Tri-Valley's groundwater resources are in the Central Basin, so~zth of the project area. Mitigation measure 3.5/50.0 notes that Zone 7 supports on-going groundwater recharge programs for the Central Basin. c) Substantially alter drainage patterns, including stream courses, such that substantial siltation or erosion would occur? LS. Development of the project site could change existing natural drainage patterns in the area. Approval of the proposed project and implementation of individual development projects within the Project area could increase stormwater runoff from the site due to construction and post- construction activities and thereby increase the potential for erosion. These impacts have been identified in the Eastern Dublin EIR (Impacts 3.5/Y and 3.5/AA) in relation to item a) above. With implementation of Mitigation Measures 3.5/44.0-46.0, 49.0, 51.0 and 52:0 of the Eastern Dublin. EIR (pp. 3.5-35-3.5-27) these impacts aze less-than-significant. The Eastern Dublin City of Dublin Page 40 Initial Study/Wallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 Specific Plan also contains policies and programs (Policies 9-7 through 9-9 and Programs 9T through 9X, pp. 133-134) which reduce these impact to aless-than-signif icant level. Please refer to item "a" above for a discussion of these mitigation measures and policies. With implementation of other mitigation measures enacted to reduce erosion due to grading activities (Mitigation Measures 3.6!27.0 and 28.0), these impacts would be less-than-significant. Please refer to the previous section entitled Geology and Soils for a discussion of these mitigation measures. There are no impacts beyond those analyzed in the Eastern Dublin EIR and therefore no additional review or analysis is necessary. d) Substantially alter existing drainage patterns or result in flooding, either on or off the project site? LS. Approval of the proposed project and construction of new housing units, other land uses and infrastructure elements envisioned in the proposed project would change drainage patterns within the project area. This impact was identified in the Eastern Dublin EIR (Impact 3.SY) and with implementation of Mitigation Measures 3.5/44.0 - 3.5/48.0 it is less-than-significant. These mitigation measures require drainage facilities to minimize flooding; channel improvements consisting of natural creek bottoms and side slopes with natural vegetation where possible; a Master Drainage Plan for each development prior to development approval; facilities to alleviate potential downstream flooding due to project development; and the construction of backbone storm drainage facilities. There are no impacts beyond those analyzed in the Eastern Dublin EIR and therefore no additional review yr analysis is necessary. e) Create stormwater runoff that would exceed the capacity of drainage systems or add substantial amounts of polluted runoff? LS. Approval of the proposed reorganization and development of the project area and post- construction activities unrelated to project construction could lead to greater quantities of stormwater runoff and could include pollutants in the runoff. These potential impacts were identified in the Eastern Dublin EIR (Impacts 3.SIY and 3.5/AA). With implementation of mitigation measures 3.5/44.0-49.0 and 3.5/51.0 of the Eastern Dublin EIR this impact is less- than-significant. Policies of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan (Policies 9-7 through 9-9 and Programs 9T through 9X, pp. 133-134) also would be implemented and, as such, these impacts would be less-than-significant_ Please refer to item "a" above for a discussion of these mitigation measures and policies. There are no impacts beyond those analyzed in the Eastern Dublin EIR and therefore no additional review or analysis is necessary. City of Dublin Page 41 Initial Study/Waliis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 f) Substantially degrade water quality? LS. Construction activities related to development of the project area and post-construction activities could degrade water quality through improper construction practices and poor control of storm water runoff resulting in additional sedimentation and potential pollutants in on-site or down-stream waters. These impacts were identified in the Eastern Dublin EIR (Impacts 3.5/Y and 3.5/AA). With mitigation measures 3.5/44.0-49.0 and 51.0 adopted in the Eastern Dublin EIR this impact is less-than-significant. Policies of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan (Policies 9-7 through 9-9 and Programs 9T through 9X , pp. 133-134) also would be implemented and, as such, these impacts would be less-than-significant. Please refer to item "a" above for a discussion of these mitigation measures and policies. There are no impacts beyond those analyzed in the Eastern Dublin EIR and therefore no additional review or analysis is necessary. g, i} Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped by a Flood Insurance Rate ll~lap or expose people or structures to a significant risk due to flooding or failure of a levee or dam? 1~II. Portions of the project azea that aze designated within the 100-yeaz flood plain area aze located within and adjacent to Tassajaza Creek. This area has been reserved for future open space as required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. There would be no impact in regazd to flooding hazazds. h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flow?. 1vI. As noted in the response to "g" above, none of the developable portions of the project azea is located within a 100 year flood hazazd area as defined by FEMA. Development of the project site is not expected to impede or redirect flood flows and no impact is anticipated. j) Result in inundation by seiche, tsunami or mudflows? LS. The site is not located neaz a major body of water that could result in a seiche or tsunami. The risk of potential mudflow is considered low. With mitigation measures adopted in the Eastern Dublin EIR (measures 3.6/17.0-28.0, pp. 3.6-12 3.6-15), potential impacts of natural and engineered slope stability, and erosion and sedimentation impacts which could create mudflows would be less-than significant. These mitigation measures require the preparation of site-specific soils and geotechnical studies minimizing grading on steep slopes and the formulation of appropriate design criteria; removaUreconstruction of unstable materials; construction of surface and subsurface drainage improvements; reduction of cut-and-fill; maintaining 3:1 cut slopes unless retained; maintaining minimum 2:1 fill slopes unless properly benched, keyed or treated with a geo-grid; utilizing engineered fill; and adherence to the Uniform Building Code and other City requirements for grading. There aze no impacts beyond those analyzed in the Eastern Dublin EIR and therefore no additional review or analysis is necessary. City of Dublin Page 42 Initial Study/Wallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 9. Land Use and Planning Environmental Setting The Project azea abuts the eastern city Iimit boundary of the City of Dublin and the entire project area is located within the City of Dublin's General Plan Planning Area and Sphere of Influence. The project site consists of three different parcels. The proposed land use designations of the project generally reflect the General Plan and Specific PIan Iand use designations for the project area, with a number of changes as noted in the Project Description section of this Initial Study. Proiect Impacts and Mitigation Measures a) Physically divide an established community? NI. Parcels which comprise the project site are contiguous and are not separated by freeways, or arterial roadways. One natural bander, Tassajara Creek, flows across the eastern portion of the Lin Property, however, this Creek and underlying property ownership is acknowledged in the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and General Plan. The project area is adjacent to the City of Dublin's eastern boundary and north of current urban development area. Development within the project area with the urban uses designated in the City's General Plan and Eastern Dublin Specific Plan would be a continuation of Dublin as a community. Development of the project site would not divide any established communities or neighborhoods and hence, there would be no impact. b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy or regulation? PS. The project Stage 1 PD-Planned- Development Rezoning for the Wallis Ranch property proposes higher residential densities than identified in the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan. Proposed changes aze discussed in the Project Description section of this Initial Study. There would therefore be a potentially significant land use impact. c) Conflict with a habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? NI. No habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan has been adopted by the City or other agency. There would be no impact to a habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan, but changed circumstances due to other agencies' potential regulatory action could create an impact. This impact, however, is related to biologic resources and has been identified as a potentially significant impact under the Biologic Resources section of this Initial Study. 10. Mineral Resources Environmental Setting The subject area currently contains no known mineral resources. City of Dublin Page 43 Initial Study/Vllallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures a, b) Result in the loss of availability of regionally or locally significant mineral resources? NI. There are no known significant mineral resources located within the project area. Annexation and development of the project as proposed would have no impact on mineral resources. 11. Noise Environmental Setting Major sources of noise on and adjacent to the project area include noise generated by vehicles on Tassajara Road, aircraft flyovers, mainly from helicopters associated with Camp Pazks RFTA and with other activities carried out at Camp Parks, west of the project azea. Project Impacts .and Mitigation Measures a, d) Would the project expose persons to generation of noise levels in excess of standards established by the General Plan or other applicable standard or to substantial temporary or periodic increases in ambient noise levels? LS. The Eastern Dublin EIR addresses impacts due to exposure of housing to future roadway noise (IM 3.10/A and 3.lOB) and includes Mitigation Measures 3.10/1.0 and 3.10!2.0 to require future developers to prepare site-specific acoustical analyses proper to construction and to follow recommendations made in each report to reduce interior and exterior noise to adopted City and state standazds. Impacts related to future military operations at Camp Parks have been identified in Impact 3.10/D and Mitigation Measure 3.1013.0 will minimize but not reduce this impact to a less-than-signif cant Level. This impact was identified as significant and unmitigatable when the Eastern Dublin EIR was adopted. No further analysis is therefore required. b) Exposure of people to excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? LS. Groundborne vibrations could be caused by vehiculaz traffic along Tassajara Road and along new streets within future development azeas. Since future development is primarily residential in nature, less-than-significant impacts are anticipated. Short-term groundborne vibration impacts could also result from construction of bridges spanning Tassajaza Creek, however, bridges would be installed early in the development process prior to residential construction c) Substantial permanent increases in ambient noise levels? NI. Development of the project area with urban uses will introduce noise to the project area. Ambient noise levels would increase permanently due to the proposed change in land use from primarily agriculture to urban uses. The Eastern Dublin EIR identified permanent noise impacts related to vehicular traffic increases {and implicitly urban noises) as an unavoidable and unmitigatable impact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted by the Ciry Council for this impact; no additional discussion or analysis is necessary. The proposed project City of Dublin Page 44 Initial Study/Vllallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 would not change the scale of development anticipated in the Eastern Dublin EIR for the project area and would not change the level of intensity of impact. e, f) Expose people residing or working within two miles of a public airport or in the vicinity of a private airstrip to excessive noise levels? 1vI. There is no private airstrip in the vicinity of the proposed project, therefore, no impact would result. The project azea is located near Camp Parks RFTA and new residents and workers within the project area could be exposed to aircraft noise from military helicopters associated with military operations at Camp Pazks. The Eastern Dublin EIR determined that military. aircraft noise was a sign cant and unmitigatable impact and no further analysis is required. 12. Population and Housing Environmental Setting Data from Projections 2000, published by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), expects the nine-county San Francisco Bay Region to add approximately 1,096,300 new residents by the year 2020. This represents an increase of about 16 percent over the 20-year forecast period from 2000 - 2020. ABAG expects approximately 401, 750 new households in the region by year 2020. ABAG estimates that Dublin's population (including its Sphere of Influence) was 31,500 in the year 2000 and is projected to grow to 66,600 by 2020, and increase of 111%: ABAG estimates that the increase in new households will create a demand for at least 20,000 new dwellings each year. The City of Dublin is expected to provide 21,290 dwellings by the year 2020. The Eastern Dublin EIR anticipated that the Eastern Dublin area would create 12,458 new dwelling units (Table 3.2-5, page 3.2-7), generating a new resident population of 27,794. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly or indirectly? PS. Development of the project area according to the City's General Plan and as expected by the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan would increase population in the project azea beyond that anticipated or planned-for according to the City's General Plan or as anticipated or evaluated by the Eastern Dublin EIR. The City's General Plan contains Guiding and Implementing policies (6.3.A, 2.1.2.C, 2.1.3.A, 2.1.4.A, 6.4B, and 6.4E) to provide a range of housing types. The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan contains policies to provide a diversity of housing opportunities that meets the social, economic and physical needs of future residents (policies 4-2 through 4-6). b, c) Would the project displace substantial numbers of existing housing units or people? IvI. The project azea contains a small number of existing residences and various agricultural out- buildings and land uses. Current residents and usescould remain in place until such time as development of those particular parcels occurs over time. Due to the limited number of current City of Dublin - Page 45 Initial Study/Wallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 residents, the proposed project would not displace substantial numbers of existing housing units or people and no impact is expected. 13. Public Services Environmental Setting Water and Sewer. The project area currently is located within the jurisdiction of Alameda County. The County has limited abilities to provide water or wastewater services to the project area: current residents and land uses rely upon private wells and septic systems for these services. The City of Dublin and the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) have worked jointly to ensure that areas annexed to the City also are annexed to DSRSD. The Eastern Dublin EIR and the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and General Plan anticipated that the project azea would be serviced by DSRSD. Additionally, DSRSD's master utilities plans for water, wastewaxer and recycled water include the project area. The project area must be annexed into the DSRSD service azea. Such a request has been filed by the largest property owner within the project area. Fire Protection. Fire protection services for the project area are provided by the Alameda County Fire Department (ACED). Since the City of Dublin contracts with ACED for services, upon annexation to the City, the ACFD would continue service to the project area. Police Protection. The Alameda County Sheriff s Office and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) currently provide police services to the project area. Upon annexation, Dublin Police Services would provide services to the area including enforcement of traffic laws which the CHP currently provides and enforcement of city ordinances and state law. Dublin Police Services is under contract with the Alameda County Sheriff's office: the City of Dublin owns the department's facilities and equipment but the personnel are employed by the Sheriff's Office Police and security protection includes 24 hour security patrols throughout the community in addition to crime prevention, crime suppression and traffic safety. Schools. Public educational services to the project azea are provided by the Dublin Unified School District (DUSD). There would be no change to the boundary of-the DUSD should be proposed reorganization be approved. Maintenance. Other than limited County roads within the project area (Tassajaza Road), the County provides limited maintenance service to the project area. Upon annexation to the City of Dublin maintenance of streets, roads and other public facilities within the project area would be the responsibility of the City of Dublin Public Works Department. Solid Waste Service. The County does not currently provide solid waste disposal service: properly-owners must dispose of waste at local transfer stations. Upon annexation to the City of Dublin, solid waste service would be provided by the Livermore/Dublin Disposal Company. Other services. Residents of the project area use the Alameda County library services and other government services provided to Alameda County residents. Upon annexation to the City of Dublin, many of these services would be provided by the City. City of Dublin Page 46 Initial Study/Waliis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures Although the Eastern Dublin EIR addressed the impacts of development of the project azea on services and mitigation measures were adopted to reduce the identified impacts to a less than significant level, some of these impacts still may be potentially significant for the project area due to changed circumstances. . a) Fire protection? LS. The project proposes up to 1,094 new residences to be developed in phases. The general number of new residences was evaluated by the Eastern Dublin EIR for the project area. Demand for fire services and fire response to outlying areas were considered significant impacts {IM 3.4/D and 3.4/E) and with implementation of mitigation measures (MM 3.4/6.0 - MM3.4/11), these impacts are less-than-significant. These mitigation measures require construction of new facilities timed to coincide with development; require appropriate funding mechanisms for. capital improvements; identify and acquire new fire station sites; and incorporate fire safety measures into project design. There are no impacts beyond those analyzed in the Eastern Dublin EIR and therefore no additional review or analysis is necessary. b) Police protection? LS. Development of the project as proposed could result in approximately 2,400 new residents in the project azea. The number of new residents was evaluated by the Eastern Dublin EIR for the project area. Demand for police services and police services accessibility were considered significant impacts (Ilv13.4/A and 3.48) and with implementation of mitigation measures (MM 3.416.0 - MM3.4/11), these impacts are less-than-significant. These mitigation measures include provision of additional personal and facilities; coordination of development timing to services can be expanded; incorporation of ,police department recommendations into project design; and prepazation of budget strategies for personnel and facilities as annexing areas become served by Dublin's Police Department. The adopted mitigation measures would continue to apply to the project. There are no impacts beyond those analyzed in the Eastern Dublin EIR and therefore no additional review or analysis is necessary. c) Schools? PS. New K-12 students would be generated by implementation of the proposed project. Changes in student generation rates due to changed regional economic circumstances may have a different impact on the number and age distribution of students originally anticipated and evaluated by the Eastern Dublin EIR. In addition, the type and quantity. of schools originally expected to have. been constructed according to the Eastern Dublin EIR may have changed. Also, the level of funding and amount of school fees which may be charged according to State law may have changed so that the project could have a different impact on the provision of school facilities and programs. This could be a potentially significant impact. City of Dublin Page 47 Initial Study/1Nallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 d) Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? LS. New streets and roads are proposed be constructed in the project area. All such streets and public facilities would be constructed by the project developers. Maintenance of these facilities was anticipated by the Eastern Dublin EIR and considered a signif cant impact (IM 3.12/A and 3.12/B). Implementation of mitigation measures (MM 3.12/1.0-8.0) reduce this impact to a level of insignifccance. These mitigation measures encourage development agreements; adoption by the City of an area of benefit ordinance; .creation of Special Assessment of Mello Roos Community Facilities Districts; Ciry evaluation of Marks-Roos bond pooling; and consideration of Ciry-wide developer and builder impact fees. The adopted mitigation measures would continue to apply to the entire project. There aze no impacts beyond those analyzed in the Eastern Dublin EIR and therefore no additional review or analysis is necessary. 14. Recreation Environmental Settin Since the project area is not currently developed with urban uses the area contains no pazks or other recreational facilities. Nearby community and regional parks include Emerald Glen Pazk, a 50-acre city park now being developed by the City of Dublin immediately west of Tassajara Road, and two community pazks slated for development elsewhere in the Eastern Dublin azea. The combined azea of the two community pazks is 126 acres. Each of these pazks would allow for organized sports activities and individual sports as well as for passive recreation. Numerous neighborhood parks and neighborhood squazes have been included in the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and General Plan planning areas. The East Bay Regional Pazk District also has developed a staging azea on the west side of Tassajaza Road and south of the project azea as part of a regional recreational trail system. The project proposes dedication of a 5.0 acre neighborhood park as well as permanent open space within and adjacent to Tassajaza Creek and on steeper slopes of the westerly portion of the project area. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood or regional parks? PS. The proposed development would cause an increase in demand for neighborhood, community and regional park facilities due to an increase in the number of people within the project area. The Eastern Dublin EIR identified the demand for park facilities as a potentially significant impact (IlVI 3.4/K). Mitigation Measures have been adopted as policies within the General Plan and the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan (M1bIs 3.4/20.0 to 28.0)- reduce this impact to a level of insignificance. These mitigation measures and policies encourage expanding pazk azeas; maintaining and improving outdoor facilities in conformance with the City's Park and Recreation master Plan; acquire and improve parklands; require land dedication and improvements for pazks; designate sites in the General Plan and Specific Plan areas; and implement Specific Plan policies for the provision and maintenance of open space. City of Dublin Page 48 Initial Study/Wallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 Proposed development on the Lin property would reduce neighborhood park acreage from 11.8 to 5.0 acres. This issue will be evaluated in the Supplemental EIR. There are no impacts beyond those analyzed in the Eastern Dublin EIR and therefore no additional review or analysis is necessary. b) Does the pro,~ect include recreational facilities or require the construction of recreational facilities? _ PS. The project includes a neighborhood park and open space land uses. However, part of the development application on the Lin Property includes a proposal to reduce Neighborhood Pazk acreage from 11.8 to 5.0 acres. This could be a potentially significant impact to be evaluated in a Supplemental EIR. 15. Trauisportation/Traffic Environmental Setting The project site is served by a number of regional freeways and sub-regional arterial and collector roadways, including: Interstate I-580 and Tassajaza Road. Development of the proposed project would introduce new roadways and streets into the project area. No changes to the number or location of major roadways are proposed in the project than identified in the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and General Plan. Proj_oct Impacts and Mitigation Measures The Eastern Dublin EIR addressed the traffic and transportation impacts of development of the project area and mitigation measures were adopted to reduce some of the identified impacts to a less than significant level. Due to increased urban development in the Tri-Valley azea and beyond which may impact roadways within the project azea, there could be the potential for additional transportation/traffic impacts. a) Cause an increase in tra, ffic which is substantial to existing traffic load and street capacity? PS. The Eastern Dublin EIR considered the development of the project area with 817 dwellings, an elementary school and 18,295 square feet of neighborhoad commercial floor space, and indicated mitigation measures to address the impacts thereof. However, a proposed increase in the number of dwellings and changes in Tri-Valley commute patterns in addition to the anticipated Project traffic, may cause potentially significant impacts not anticipated by the Eastern Dublin EIR. These impacts could include traffic impacts within the project area, or at Project intersection, or on freeways, roads, etc. which the project may utilize. b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a LOS standard established by the County CMA for designated roads? City of Dublin Page 49 Initial Study/VVallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 PS. As noted above, the provision of 817 dwellings and neighborhood commercial floor space in the project area were anticipated and addressed in the Eastern Dublin EIR. The application for development on the Wallis Ranch property may exceed this amount of previously analyzed development and could be potentially significant. Potential impacts of proposed development on regional freeways and local roadways in conjunction with changing commute patterns and traffic intensities unrelated to the project may also cause potentially significant impacts not anticipated by the Eastern Dublin EIR. c) Change in air traffic patterns? 1vI. Development of the project area is not expected to create a change in air traffic patterns at the airport and hence would have no impact on air traffic patterns. d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature or incompatible use? LS. Approval of the proposed project and future development of the site would add new roads, driveways, sidewalks and other vehicular and pedestrian travel ways where none currently exist. Since these facilities will be required to be constructed to design standazds established in the Eastern Dublin Specific PIan and City of Dublin Public Works Department, such impacts are anticipated to be less-than-significant. e) Result in inadequate emergency access? PS. The present need for emergency access is low, since there aze few current residents or visitors to the site. Construction of new residences and neighborhood commercial development within the project azea could increase the need for emergency services and related access to new residences and commercial establishments. The Eastern Dublin EIR anticipated and suggested mitigation measures to reduce such impacts. However, changes in Tri-Valley commute patterns and traffic intensities in addition to the anticipated project traffic may cause potentially ~gnif icant impacts not anticipated by the Eastern Dublin EIR. For example, potential increased v lumes of traffic unrelated to the project may create a potentially significant impact on emergency access capability on project streets or intersections during peak traffic hours. f) Inadequate parking capacity? )\TI. Pazking for individual projects within the project azea would be reviewed by the City of Dublin at the time such proposals are submitted to ensure consistency with City parking requirements. No impact is anticipated. g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans or programs for alternative transportation? ]\TI. Individual projects within the project azea will be designed with sidewalks, pedestrian walkways and bicycle routes to minimize potential hazazds to pedestrians and bicyclists and to support these alternative transportation modes. In accordance with the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan, bicycle routes and pedestrian trails are included as part of the proposed Project. The Ciry and Eastern Dublin Specific Plan have standards by which bus tum-outs, bicycle paths, trails and sidewalks must be planned and constructed. Bus turn-outs are required to be installed by project developers in accordance with City requirements and bus service plans. These improvements City of Dublin Page 50 Initial Study/UVallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 will be confumed at the time each individual development project is reviewed by the City. ~No impacts are therefore anticipated. . 16. Utilities and Service Systems Environmental Setting The project area currently is served by the Alameda County Flood Control District Zone 7 as a regional water supplier and distributor and for storm drain facilities. The Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) would serve the project area upon completion of the reorganization as the water retailer; would provide wastewater collection and treatment; and would provide opportunities for the use of recycled water for landscape purposes. Since the project area is mainly undeveloped except for new residences and scattered outbuildings, current services to the project area are minimal. Upon annexation of the project azea to the City of Dublin and prior to new development, project developers would be required to extend new services to the area to provide a public water supply for domestic and fire flow use, a recycled water service for irrigation of public medians and parks, and a public wastewater treatment system, all of which would connect with existing facilities maintained and controlled by DSRSD. Project developers would be required to install new storm drainage facilities which would connect with existing facilities maintained and controlled by the Alameda County Flood Control and Waxer Conservation District, Zone 7. Although most of these infrastructure facilities would be installed by Project developers, all of these systems would be public and would be maintained by public agencies such as the City of Dublin and the Dublin San Ramon Services District. Cable TV utilities also would be extended to the project azea. Project Impacts and Mitig,,ation Measures The Eastern Dublin EIR addressed the provision and extension of services and utilities to the project azea and mitigation measures were adopted to reduce some of the identified impacts to a less than significant level. However, additional or new potential impacts may be potentially sign cant for the project area due to changed circumstances (increased urban development in the Tri-Valley area, changes in water purveyor and distributor contracts, changes in the handling and disposal of wastewater, changes in supply and distribution of gas and electricity, etc.) a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the RWQCB? PS. Changes in circumstances due to regional policy changes, funding mechanisms and timing of infrastructure improvements may create a potentially significant impact. b) Require new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities? PS. As noted above, changes in circumstances due to regional policy changes, funding mechanisms and timing of wastewater infrastructure improvements may create a potentially significant impact. City of Dublin Page 51 Initial StudyNVallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 c) Require new storm drainage facilities? PS. New facilities will lie needed as a result of development and may exceed those previously analyzed. This may be a potentially significant impact. d) Are sufficient water supplies available? PS. DSRSD, which would provide water service and supply to project azea has included the project within its master plans and projections. However, since the number of dwellings proposed for construction on the Wallis Ranch property could exceed the number of dwellings analyzed in the Eastern Dublin EIR, this may be a potentially significant impact. e) Adequate wastewater capacity to serve the proposed project? PS. Approval of the proposed project and development of the area could result in an increased demand for wastewater treatment over present conditions. Due to increased and more rapid development in the Tri-Valley area there may be a potential need to expand the capacity of the treatment plant earlier than originally anticipated by the Eastern Dublin EIR. This could be a potentially significant impact. f) Solid waste disposal? PS. Development of the project as proposed could incrementally increase the generation of solid waste. Although this impact was addressed in the Eastern Dublin EIR, changed circumstances due to more rapid development in the Tri-Valley azea in combination with the anticipated project could have a potentially significant impact ob the availability of solid waste disposal services. g) Comply with federal, state and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? NI. The City of Dublin and the solid waste hauler would ensure that developers of individual projects constructed in the Froject azea would adhere to federal, state and local solid waste regulations; therefore, no impact would result. h) Gas and electricity? PS. Prior to the current state-wide energy crisis, PG&E had the ability to adequately serve the Tri-Valley with existing facilities until approximately June 2002. PG&E has proposed the Tri- Valley 2002 Capacity Project to increase electric service by adding substations in Dublin and North Livermore, expanding the Vineyard Substation in Pleasanton and installing approximately 23.5 miles of 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines to serve the substations (CPUC, 2000). PG&E is proposing. construction of a S-acre, 230/21 kV substation with four 45 megawatt transformers in eastern Dublin. If the Tri-Valley 2002 Capacity Increase Project or a functional equivalent project is not constructed, PG&E would be required to respond to growing demand by expanding its existing system to the extent that is possible and by curtailing service if growth in demand exceeds the transmission system's capacity or reliability requirements for essential services (such as hospitals). It is possible that if the Tri-Valley 2002 Capacity Increase Project is delayed, then other alternatives would be identified. At the present time, PG&E has commenced work on the Capacity Increase Program City of Dublin Page 52 Initial Study/Wallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 The impacts of the project on the consumption of non-renewable resources is identified in the Eastern Dublin EIR (IM 3.4/S) and mitigation measures (MM 3.4/45.0 - 3.4/46.0) are adopted as part of the project in an effort to reduce natural resource consumption and encourage energy conservation, the impact was determined to be unavoidable and adverse. Pursuant to CEQA, a Statement of Overriding Consideration was adopted by the City Council for this impact. However, the current uncertainty of the supply of energy to the state as a whole, the potential bankruptcy of the electricity and gas service provider, and the potential lack of new energy- providers/power facilities may have a potentially significant impact. 17. Mandatory Findings of Significance a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal - community, reduce the number of or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? YES. Please refer to the discussion in the Biological Resources section above. b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects and the effects of possible future projects.) YES. Although the Eastern Dublin EIR addressed the cumulative impacts of development of the project area within its evaluation of the overall Eastern Dublin planning area, changed circumstances mentioned throughout this Initial Study may contribute to changed cumulative impacts which should be further analyzed. c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? YES. The Eastern Dublin EIR addressed the potentially significant adverse impacts of the proposed project through its evaluation of the proposed Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and General Plan Amendment. The Eastern Dublin EIR suggested mitigation measures which reduce many such impacts to a less-than significant level and where such impacts could not be reduced or otherwise had a cumulative adverse impact, the City Council adopted a Statement of Over-riding Consideration pursuant to CEQA Guidelines. As discussed previously in this document, however, changes in circumstances since the Eastern Dublin EIR was certified have the potential for significant effects beyond those analyzed in the Eastern Dublin EIR. City of Dublin Page 53 Initial Study/Wallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028 Initial Study Preparer Jerry Haag, Consulting Planner References Eastern Dublin General Plan. Amendment and Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report, Wallace Roberts and Todd, 1994. Eastern Dublin Specific Plan, June 6, 1998 City of Dublin General Plan, revised July 7, 1998 Projections 2000, Association of Bay Area Governments, December 1999 Persons/Agencies Contacted in Preparation of this Document City of Dublin, Public Works Department City of Dublin, Planning Department MacKay and Somps City of Dublin Page 54 Initial Study/Wallis Ranch Annexation February 2003 PA 02-028