Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 99-20 Adopting an Initial Study Negative Declaration for the City of Dublin Climate Action Plan (2030 and Beyond)Reso No. 99-20, Item 6.1, Adopted 09/15/2020 Page 1 of 3 RESOLUTION NO. 99 - 20 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN * * * * * * * * * ADOPTING AN INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE CITY OF DUBLIN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2030 AND BEYOND WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution 167-10 approving the City of Dublin Climate Action Plan on November 16, 2010 establishing greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals for 2020; and WHEREAS, under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) a city may prepare a qualified GHG Reduction Strategy or Climate Action Plan to evaluate a community’s cumulative impact due to GHG emissions from future planned development; and WHEREAS, if a project is consistent with an adopted, qualified GHG Reduction Strategy or Climate Action Plan, the Strategy/Plan can be used as a basis for determining that the project would have a less than significant impact on a community’s cumulative GHG emissions under CEQA; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution 177-13 approving the City of Dublin Climate Action Plan Update on October 15, 2013 to use as a basis for determining that a future project that was consistent with the adopted Climate Action Plan Update would have a less than significant impact on Dublin’s cumulative GHG emissions under CEQA through 2020; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin is on track to meet the 2020 GHG reduction goals established by the Plans; and WHEREAS, in 2016, the California Legislature adopted Senate Bill (SB) 32 to extend the State’s commitment to GHG emissions reductions by tightening the target to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030; and WHEREAS, in 2018, Governor Brown adopted Executive Order (EO) B-55-18 setting a Statewide goal of reaching carbon neutrality by no later than 2045; and WHEREAS, on December 17, 2019, the City Council provided consensus to align the City’s future Climate Action Plan with both SB 32 and EO B-55-18 goals and consensus to proceed with the draft strategies and measures to achieve those goals; and WHEREAS, the Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond establishes the following targets: 1. Reduce GHG emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 2. Reach carbon neutrality by 2045; and WHEREAS, the Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond contains 22 measures grouped into the five strategies listed below to reduce GHG emissions by roughly 73,000 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030: 1. 100% Renewable and Carbon-Free Electricity 2. Building Efficiency and Electrification Reso No. 99-20, Item 6.1, Adopted 09/15/2020 Page 2 of 3 3. Sustainable Mobility and Land Use 4. Material and Waste Management 5. Municipal Leadership; and WHEREAS, the implementation of the Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond will result in co-benefits in the following areas: economic growth, reduced traffic congestion, improved public health, healthier ecosystems, robust landscapes, carbon sequestration, enhanced resilience, equity and inclusion, community leadership and partnerships, and cutting-edge technologies; and WHEREAS, in accordance with CEQA certain projects are required to be reviewed for environmental impacts and when applicable, environmental documents prepared; and WHEREAS, an Initial Study was prepared for the Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond; and WHEREAS, upon completion of the Initial Study it was determined that there was no substantial evidence that the Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond would have a significant adverse effect on the environment and a Negative Declaration should be prepared; and WHEREAS, an Initial Study/Negative Declaration was prepared for the Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond and circulated for public review from July 24, 2020 through August 24, 2020; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin received four comment letters and one comment email during the public review period none of which raised concerns; and WHEREAS, the City Council held a properly noticed public hearing on the Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond and related Negative Declaration on September 15, 2020; and WHEREAS, a Staff Report was submitted recommending that the City Council adopt the Negative Declaration; and WHEREAS, the City Council held a properly noticed public hearing on the Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond and related Negative Declaration on September 15, 2020; and WHEREAS, the City Council did review and consider the Negative Declaration and the Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond, all said reports, recommendations, and testimony herein and set forth prior to making its decision on the Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond; and WHEREAS, the location and custodian of the documents or other material which constitute the record of proceedings for the Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond is the City of Dublin Clerk’s Office, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Resolution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin does hereby adopt the Negative Declaration attached as Exhibit A to the Resolution, based on the following findings: Reso No. 99-20, Item 6.1, Adopted 09/15/2020 Page 3 of 3 1. The City Council considered the Negative Declaration together with the comments received during the public review process, attached as Exhibit B to the Resolution, prior to taking action on the Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond. 2. The City Council finds on the basis of the whole record before it that there is no substantial evident that the Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond will have a significant effect on the environment. 3. The Negative Declaration reflects the City’s independent judgment and analysis as to the potential environmental effects of the Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond. 4. The Negative Declaration has been completed in compliance with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of September 2020, by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Goel, Hernandez, Josey, Kumagai and Mayor Haubert NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ______________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _______________________________ City Clerk Dublin Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond Initial Study – Negative Declaration prepared for City of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, California 94568 prepared by Rincon Consultants, Inc. 449 15th Street, #303 Oakland, California 94612 July 2020 Table of Contents Initial Study – Negative Declaration i Table of Contents Initial Study ............................................................................................................................................. 1 1. Project Title ......................................................................................................................... 1 2. Lead Agency Name and Address ......................................................................................... 1 3. Contact Person and Phone Number ................................................................................... 1 4. Project Location .................................................................................................................. 1 5. Project Sponsor’s Name and Address ................................................................................. 1 6. Existing Setting .................................................................................................................... 1 7. General Plan Designation .................................................................................................... 9 8. Zoning.................................................................................................................................. 9 9. Description of Project ......................................................................................................... 9 10. Required Approvals ...........................................................................................................12 11. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting ..................................................................................12 12. Other Public Agencies Whose Approval is Required ........................................................12 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected .........................................................................................13 Determination ......................................................................................................................................13 Environmental Checklist .......................................................................................................................15 1 Aesthetics ..........................................................................................................................15 2 Agriculture and Forest Resources .....................................................................................19 3 Air Quality .........................................................................................................................21 4 Biological Resources ..........................................................................................................27 5 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................................31 6 Energy ...............................................................................................................................33 7 Geology and Soils ..............................................................................................................35 8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...............................................................................................39 9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials ....................................................................................41 10 Hydrology and Water Quality ...........................................................................................45 11 Land Use and Planning ......................................................................................................49 12 Mineral Resources ............................................................................................................51 13 Noise .................................................................................................................................53 14 Population and Housing ....................................................................................................55 15 Public Services ...................................................................................................................57 16 Recreation .........................................................................................................................59 17 Transportation and Traffic ................................................................................................61 18 Tribal Cultural Resources ..................................................................................................63 19 Utilities and Service Systems ............................................................................................65 City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond ii 20 Wildfire..............................................................................................................................67 21 Mandatory Findings of Significance ..................................................................................69 References ............................................................................................................................................71 Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................71 List of Preparers ............................................................................................................................73 Tables Table 1 Summary of CAP 2030 GHG Emissions Targets and Gaps ................................................10 Table 2 CAP 2030 Reduction Measure Quantification (MT CO2e) .................................................11 Table 3 Sources, Health Effects, and Typical Controls Associated with Criteria Pollutants ..........22 Figures Figure 1 Regional Location ................................................................................................................ 2 Figure 2 Project Location .................................................................................................................. 3 Initial Study Initial Study – Negative Declaration 1 Initial Study 1. Project Title City of Dublin Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond (CAP 2030) 2. Lead Agency Name and Address City of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, California 94568 3. Contact Person and Phone Number Rebecca Parnes, Environmental Technician (925) 833-6630 4. Project Location The City of Dublin’s Climate Action Plan (CAP 2030) applies to all areas within the Dublin City limits. Dublin is located in Alameda County, more specifically in the eastern Alameda County region known as the Tri-Valley area. Dublin covers approximately 14.59 square miles and is generally bounded by the City of San Ramon to the north, unincorporated community of Castro Valley to the west, the City of Pleasanton to the south, and the City of Livermore to the east (City of Dublin n.d.). Additionally, the City is approximately 14 miles east of the San Francisco Bay, 23 miles southeast of Oakland, and 30 miles northeast of San Jose. 5. Project Sponsor’s Name and Address City of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, California 94568 6. Existing Setting Dublin is a largely suburban community accessible via Interstate 680 (I-680) from north and south and Interstate 580 (I-580) from east and west. Figure 1 shows the regional location and Figure 2 shows the project location. Dublin’s well-planned development over the last 20 years has positioned the community to become one of California’s fastest growing cities (11th fastest in the United States) and has earned the rank of best city to live in California by Money Magazine 2019. (The U.S. Census Bureau 2018). Dublin receives approximately 19 inches of rain annually with a July average high temperature of 84°F and a January average low temperature of 39°F (Sperling’s Best Places n.d.). Dublin is served by two Bay Area Rapid Transit stations (Dublin/Pleasanton station and West Dublin/Pleasanton station) as well as the Tri-Valley Wheels (Wheels), which provides bus and paratransit services from Dublin, through Pleasanton, Livermore, and portions of unincorporated Alameda County. City of Dublin Climate Action Plan 2 Figure 1 Regional Location Initial Study Initial Study – Negative Declaration 3 Figure 2 Project Location City of Dublin Climate Action Plan 4 The history of Dublin dates back to 1772; however, the land was not developed until approximately 1835 (City of Dublin n.d.). The City was officially incorporated in 1982. Dublin is actively engaged in addressing climate change, sustainability, and reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In October 2010, Dublin adopted the City of Dublin Climate Action Plan (CAP 2020) as part of the Alameda County Climate Protection Project (ACCPP). The ACCPP was launched by the Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) in partnership with the Alameda County Waste Management Authority & Recycling Board and the Alameda County Conference of Mayors (City of Dublin 2010). The CAP 2020 included a baseline greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory based on 2005 data and forecast GHG emissions in 2020. In 2013, the City adopted an update of the Climate Action Plan (CAP 2020 Update). The CAP 2020 Update serves as the City of Dublin’s qualified GHG Reduction Plan and programmatic tiering document for the purposes of CEQA for analysis of impacts of GHG emissions and climate change. The CAP 2030 assessed herein builds upon the goals of the CAP 2020 and CAP 2020 Update and is based upon a more recent (2015) GHG emissions inventory for Dublin. Dublin Climate Action Planning Background The CAP 2020 and CAP 2020 Update serve as foundations for the CAP 2030. They were adopted by City Council in 2010 and 2013, respectively, to provide guiding documentation that outlines the course of action for identifying and implementing strategies to achieve citywide reductions in GHG emissions for both municipal and community operations. The CAP 2020 was designed to:  Present baseline emissions of the 2005 inventory  Forecast emissions through 2020 relative to statewide goals  Establish a GHG emissions reduction target of 20 percent below the 2020 forecast business as usual emissions  Provide a roadmap for achieving statewide GHG emissions reduction targets for 2020 to demonstrate consistency with statewide targets set forth in AB 32  Document current implementation strategies effective since 2005 and how these will help achieve specific citywide objectives  Streamlining CEQA GHG emissions analyses for future development projects The CAP 2020 included emissions reduction strategies in transportation and land use, energy, and waste management for both the communitywide and municipal operation scopes. Examples of GHG reducing measures included in the CAP 2020 include the creation of a Streetscape Master Plan, implementation of bicycle parking requirements and a Bikeways Master Plan, reducing the solar installation permitting fee, and reducing commercial waste. The CAP 2020 included 34 measures adopted in plan or policy that were expected to help achieve 2020 targets. In an effort to improve the CEQA streamlining functionality of the CAP 2020, the City developed an updated inventory and CAP. In addition to providing updated 2010 emissions data and progress on meeting previously established goals; the CAP adopted a more rigorous target for reducing GHG emissions 15 percent below the 2010 inventory level by 2020 which exceeded the requirements of AB 32. The CAP 2020 Update included the same three emission reduction strategies as the CAP 2020: transportation and land use, energy, and waste management. Within these, it included 45 reduction measures at the communitywide and municipal operation levels. Measures reflected only those currently implemented or planned regulations and programs expected to have an impact starting after 2010, therefore excluding some of the measures previously incorporated in the CAP 2020. New measures included a Green Fleet Policy for municipal vehicles, LEED silver requirements Initial Study Initial Study – Negative Declaration 5 for large municipal buildings, LED streetlighting requirements, and a communitywide reusable bag ordinance. As part of the CAP 2020 Update, expected emissions reductions of measures were revised based on the newer inventory data, activity data, and updated methodologies. The City of Dublin has become more efficient and reduced per capita emissions from 8.3 MT CO2e per person in 2005 to 5.6 MT of CO2e per person in 2017. This equates to a 32% decrease below 2005 levels. However, due to exceptionally high population growth (55%) overall mass emissions increased by 5% between 2005 and 2017. However, based on the forecast conducted in 2017, the City of Dublin is expected to meet their 2020 goal. The actual 2020 emissions will be estimated once the complete 2020 dataset is available in late 2021. State GHG Reduction Efforts The following section summarizes California’s GHG emissions reduction efforts which the CAP 2030 is intended to be consistent with. State Legislation and Guidance The State of California considers GHG emissions and the impacts of climate change to be a serious threat to the public health, environment, economic well-being, and natural resources of California, and has taken an aggressive stance to mitigate the State’s impact on climate change through the adoption of policies and legislation. The following summarizes the various State regulations which have guided the development of CAP 2020 and now CAP 2030. Executive Order S-3-05 In 2005, Governor Schwarzenegger issued Executive Order (EO) S-3-05, which identifies statewide GHG emission reduction targets to achieve long-term climate stabilization as follows:  Reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020  Reduce GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 In response to EO S-3-05, California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) created the Climate Action Team (CAT), which in March 2006 published the Climate Action Team Report (the “2006 CAT Report”) (CalEPA 2006). The 2006 CAT Report identified a recommended list of strategies that the State could pursue to reduce GHG emissions. These are strategies that could be implemented by various State agencies to ensure that the emission reduction targets in EO S-3-05 are met and can be met with existing authority of the State agencies. The strategies include the reduction of passenger and light duty truck emissions, the reduction of idling times for diesel trucks, an overhaul of shipping technology/infrastructure, increased use of alternative fuels, increased recycling, and landfill methane capture, among others. Assembly Bill 32 California’s major initiative for reducing GHG emissions is outlined in Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32), the “California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006,” which was signed into law in 2006. AB 32 codifies the statewide goal of reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and requires California Air Resources Board (CARB) to prepare a Scoping Plan that outlines the main State strategies for reducing GHGs to meet the 2020 deadline. In addition, AB 32 requires CARB to adopt regulations to require reporting and verification of statewide GHG emissions. Based on this guidance, CARB approved a 1990 statewide GHG level and 2020 limit of 427 MMT CO2e. The original Scoping Plan was approved by CARB on December 11, 2008 and included measures to address GHG emission City of Dublin Climate Action Plan 6 reduction strategies related to energy efficiency, water use, and recycling and solid waste, among other measures. Many of the GHG reduction measures included in the Scoping Plan (e.g., Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Advanced Clean Car standards, and Cap-and-Trade) have been adopted since approval of the Scoping Plan. In May 2014, CARB approved the first update to the AB 32 Scoping Plan. The 2013 Scoping Plan update defined CARB’s climate change priorities for the next five years and set the groundwork to reach post-2020 statewide goals. The update highlighted California’s progress toward meeting the “near-term” 2020 GHG emission reduction goals defined in the original Scoping Plan. It also evaluated how to align the State’s longer-term GHG reduction strategies with other State policy priorities, including those for water, waste, natural resources, clean energy, transportation, and land use (CARB 2017). Senate Bill 97 Senate Bill (SB) 97, signed in August 2007, acknowledges that climate change is an environmental issue that requires analysis in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents. In March 2010, the California Natural Resources Agency adopted amendments to the State CEQA Guidelines for the feasible mitigation of GHG emissions or the effects of GHG emissions. The adopted guidelines give lead agencies the discretion to set quantitative or qualitative thresholds for the assessment and mitigation of GHGs and climate change impacts. Specifically, Section 15183.5(b)(1)A-G of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations was amended to state that a qualified GHG Reduction Plan, or Climate Action Plan, may be used for tiering and streamlining the analysis of GHG emissions in subsequent CEQA project evaluation, provided that the GHG Reduction Plan or CAP does the following:  Quantifies GHG emissions both existing and projected over a specific period of time, resulting from activities within a defined geographical area  Establishes a level, based on substantial evidence, below which the contribution to greenhouse gas emissions from activities covered by the plan would not be cumulatively considerable  Identifies and analyzes the GHG emissions resulting from specific actions or categories of actions anticipated within the geographic area  Specifies measures or a group of measures, including performance standards, that substantial evidence demonstrates, if implemented on a project-by-project basis, would collectively achieve the specified emissions level  Establishes a mechanism to monitor the plan's progress toward achieving the level and to require amendment if the plan is not achieving specified levels  Requires adoption in a public process following environmental review Senate Bill 375 Senate Bill 375 (SB 375), signed in August 2008, enhances the State’s ability to reach AB 32 targets by directing the CARB to develop regional GHG emission reduction targets to be achieved from passenger vehicles for 2020 and 2035. In addition, SB 375 directs each of the State’s 18 major Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) to prepare a “sustainable communities strategy” (SCS) that contains a growth strategy to meet these emission targets for inclusion in the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). On March 22, 2018, CARB adopted updated regional targets for reducing GHG emissions from 2005 levels by 2020 and 2035. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) were assigned targets of a 10 percent Initial Study Initial Study – Negative Declaration 7 reduction in GHG emissions from transportation sources from 2005 levels by 2020 and a 19 percent reduction in GHG emissions from transportation sources from 2005 levels by 2035. The MTC and ABAG adopted the Plan Bay Area 2040 in June 2017, which meets the requirements of SB 375. Executive Order B-30-15 EO B-30-15 established a statewide mid-term GHG reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. Targets set beyond 2020 provide market certainty to foster investment and growth in industries like clean energy. Senate Bill 32 On September 8, 2016, the governor signed Senate Bill 32 (SB 32) into law, extending AB 32 by requiring the State to further reduce GHGs to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (the other provisions of AB 32 remain unchanged). On December 14, 2017, CARB adopted the 2017 Scoping Plan, which provides a framework for achieving the 2030 target. The 2017 Scoping Plan relies on the continuation and expansion of existing policies and regulations, such as the Cap-and-Trade Program, as well as implementation of recently adopted policies, such as SB 350 and SB 1383 (see below). The 2017 Scoping Plan also puts an increased emphasis on innovation, adoption of existing technology, and strategic investment to support its strategies. As with the 2013 Scoping Plan Update, the 2017 Scoping Plan does not provide project-level thresholds for land use development. Instead, it recommends that local governments adopt policies and locally appropriate quantitative thresholds consistent with statewide per capita goals of six metric tons (MT) CO2e by 2030 and two MT CO2e by 2050 (CARB 2017). As stated in the 2017 Scoping Plan, these goals may be appropriate for plan-level analyses (city, county, subregional, or regional level), but not for specific individual projects because they include all emissions sectors in the State (CARB 2017). Senate Bill 1383 Adopted in September 2016, SB 1383 requires CARB to approve and begin implementing a comprehensive strategy to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants. The bill requires the strategy to achieve the following reduction targets by 2030:  Methane – 40 percent below 2013 levels  Hydrofluorocarbons – 40 percent below 2013 levels  Anthropogenic black carbon – 50 percent below 2013 levels The bill also requires the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), in consultation with the CARB, to adopt regulations that achieve specified targets for reducing organic waste in landfills. Senate Bill 100 Adopted on September 10, 2018, SB 100 supports the reduction of GHG emissions from the electricity sector by accelerating the State’s Renewables Portfolio Standard Program, which was last updated by SB 350 in 2015. SB 100 requires electricity providers to increase procurement from eligible renewable energy resources to 33 percent of total retail sales by 2020, 60 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2045. City of Dublin Climate Action Plan 8 Executive Order B-55-18 On September 10, 2018, Governor Brown issued EO B-55-18, which established a new statewide goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 and maintaining net negative emissions thereafter. This goal is in addition to the existing statewide GHG reduction targets established by SB 375, SB 32, SB 1383, and SB 100. EO B-55-18 is not yet codified; however, there is currently a bill, AB 2832, going through the State legislature to codify the State carbon neutrality target in EO B-55-18. While California cities are not required to prepare a climate action plan or establish a city-specific GHG emissions target, they are required to align with State GHG emissions targets by demonstrating a reduction pathway and doing their fair share towards meeting such targets. In addition, a city must prepare a CEQA-qualified CAP that is consistent with State targets in order to be able to streamline future development CEQA GHG emissions analyses. Specifically, the AEP Climate Change Committee recommends that CEQA GHG emissions analyses evaluate project emissions in light of the trajectory of State climate change legislation and assess their substantial progress toward achieving long-term reduction targets identified in available plans, legislation, or EOs. Consistent with these recommendations, GHG emissions impacts under CEQA are analyzed in terms of whether growth would impede substantial progress toward meeting the reduction targets identified in SB 32 and EO B-55-18. As SB 32 is considered an interim target toward meeting the 2045 State goal, consistency with SB 32 is considered to be contributing substantial progress toward meeting the State’s long-term 2045 goals. Avoiding interference with and making substantial progress toward these long-term State targets is important, as these targets have been set at levels that achieve California’s fair share of meeting international targets that will stabilize global climate change effects and avoid adverse environmental consequences. Furthermore, a key aspect of a CEQA-qualified GHG reduction plan is provision of substantial evidence that the identified target establishes a threshold where GHG emissions are not cumulatively considerable. The AEP Beyond Newhall and 2020 white paper identifies this threshold as being a local target that aligns with the statewide legislative targets. And in Center for Biological Diversity v. California Department of Fish and Wildfire, the California Supreme Court suggested regulatory consistency as a pathway to compliance by stating that a lead agency might assess consistency with the State targets by evaluating for compliance with regulations designed to reduce GHG emissions. This approach is consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.4(b), which provides that a determination of an impact is not cumulatively considerable to the extent to which a project complies with regulations or requirements implementing a statewide, regional, or local plan to reduce or mitigate GHG emissions. Finally, at this time, the State has codified a target of reducing emissions to 40 percent below 1990 emissions levels by 2030 (SB 32) and has developed the 2017 Scoping Plan to demonstrate how the State will achieve the 2030 target and make substantial progress toward the 2050 goal of an 80 percent reduction in 1990 GHG emission levels set by EO S-3-05. EO B-55-18, which identifies a new target of carbon neutrality by 2045, supersedes the goal established by EO S-3-05, though, again, has not yet been codified. California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to the requirements of SB 97, California Natural Resources Agency has adopted amendments to the State CEQA Guidelines for the feasible mitigation of GHG emissions or the effects of GHG emissions. The adopted CEQA Guidelines provide general regulatory guidance on the analysis and mitigation of GHG emissions in CEQA documents, while giving lead agencies the discretion to set quantitative or qualitative thresholds for the assessment and mitigation of GHGs Initial Study Initial Study – Negative Declaration 9 and climate change impacts. To date, a variety of air districts have adopted quantitative significance thresholds for GHGs. For more information on the Senate and Assembly Bills, Executive Orders, and reports discussed above, and to view reports and research referenced above, please refer to the following websites: www.climatechange.ca.gov and www.arb.ca.gov/cc/cc.htm. 7. General Plan Designation The CAP 2030 would be implemented throughout Dublin and would occur in all General Plan designations. 8. Zoning The CAP 2030 would be implemented throughout Dublin in all zoning designations. 9. Description of Project Dublin CAP 2030 (CEQA Proposed Project) Since adoption of the City’s updated inventory and CAP in 2013, advances in climate science and resiliency planning, new regulations (such as SB 100 and 2016 Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards), and new reduction measures and strategies have shaped an emergent need to update the City’s CAP for a third time. The proposed CAP 2030 builds upon the CAP 2020 Update by forecasting emissions for 2020, 2025, 2030, 2040 and 2045, consistent with current legislated targets and State Executive Order goals and based upon the most recent GHG inventory which was performed in 2015. City measures and supporting actions for the CAP 2030 were developed by incorporating and evaluating the effects of new regulations and identifying key sources necessary for emissions reductions to meet the 2020, and 2030GHG reduction targets. The City measures and supporting actions in the CAP 2030 will also place the City on a trajectory to meet the 2045 GHG reduction goal; however additional revisions to the CAP and additional measures will be required in order for the City to meet this long-term goal. The CAP 2020 Update primarily focused on transportation sector because traffic is the primary GHG emission source in Dublin. Compared with the CAP 2020 Update, the CAP 2030 puts more emphasis on building electrification and efficiency. Measures from the CAP 2020 Update were removed and replaced with new measures and supporting actions. The CAP 2030 builds upon the goals of the CAP 2020 Update and is based on a more recent inventory for Dublin. The 2015 inventory indicates that the activities within Dublin emitted 317,891 metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalent units (CO2e) or 5.5 MT CO2e per capita. Consistent with these 2030 and 2045 goals, Dublin will need to achieve per capita emissions of 2.8 MT CO2e by 2030 and zero net emissions by 2045. To help achieve these goals, the CAP 2030 includes interim targets of 3.7 MT CO2e by 2025 and 0.8 MT CO2e by 2040 in its emission forecast scenarios. Table 1 summarizes the GHG emission targets and gaps. Additional revisions to the CAP and additional measures will be required in order for the City to meet the 2045 target. City of Dublin Climate Action Plan 10 Table 1 Summary of CAP 2030 GHG Emissions Targets and Gaps 2015 2020 2025 2030 2045 Adjusted Forecast Emissions (MT CO2e) 317,840 276,765 272,374 262,770 254,733 GHG Emissions Target (MT CO2e) 317,840 275,408 250,831 197,680 0 Population 57,514 64,624 68,083 71,541 75,000 Per Capita Adjusted Forecast (MT CO2e per capita) 5.5 4.3 4.0 3.7 3.4 Per Capita GHG Emission Targets 1 (MT CO2e per capita) 5.5 4.3 3.7 2.8 0 Remaining Gap to Meet Target – 961 21,542 65,090 254,733 In addition to those strategies incorporated in the CAP 2020 and CAP 2020 Update (transportation and land use, energy, and waste management), the CAP 2030 adds carbon sequestration to the land use component (Measure ML-6 and the associated actions). The goal of these strategies is to assist Dublin in reducing its proportionate fair share of the statewide targets set by AB 32 and SB 32 and work toward the State’s longer-term target identified in EO B-55-18. Through implementation of the CAP 2030 measures summarized in Table 2 and other supporting measures in the CAP 2030, Dublin can realize both the 2025 and 2030 emissions goals as described above. In addition, with certification of this CAP 2030 IS-ND and adoption of the CAP 2030, future project developments and plans proposed within the City of Dublin would be able to streamline the respective CEQA GHG emissions analyses. 1 These provisional targets are consistent with both SB 32 and on a trajectory set forth to achieve EO B-55-18 targets set by the State. Initial Study Initial Study – Negative Declaration 11 Table 2 CAP 2030 Reduction Measure Quantification (MT CO2e) Measure 2025 GHG Emissions Reductions (MT CO2e) 2030 GHG Emissions Reductions (MT CO2e) Strategy 1 – Renewable and Carbon-Free Energy (CF) CF-1: Opt-Up to 100% Renewable and Carbon-Free Electricity 25,525 20,195 CF-2. Develop a Renewable Resource Buildout Plan Supportive Supportive Strategy 2 – Building Efficiency and Electrification (EE) EE-1: Achieve All-Electric New Building Construction 2,633 4,828 EE-2. Implement the State Building Energy Disclosure Program Supportive Supportive EE-3. Streamline Battery Storage Permit Requirements Supportive Supportive EE-4: Develop an Existing Building Electrification Plan 5,113 14,061 Strategy 3 – Sustainable Mobility and Land Use (SM) SM-1: Adopt an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Ordinance 8,537 26,288 SM-2. Develop an EV Infrastructure Plan Supportive Supportive SM-3: Develop a Transportation Demand Management Plan 2,487 3,928 SM-4. Develop a Citywide Parking Management Plan Supportive Supportive SM-5: Update the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan 336 537 SM-6. Continue to Prioritize Transit-Oriented Development Supportive Supportive SM-7. Develop a Built Environment That Prioritizes Active Mobility Supportive Supportive Strategy 4 – Materials and Waste Management (MM) MM-1: Achieve the Organic Waste Diversion Requirements of SB 1383 3,427 3,615 MM-2. Reduce Embodied Emissions Associated with Building Materials Supportive Supportive Reductions Needed (Emissions Gap) 21,542 65,090 Total Measures Reduction Potential 48,058 73,452 The CAP 2030 measure that would achieve the most significant GHG emissions reductions in 2025 is Measure CF-1. This measure recommends the City draft a resolution to opt up to East Bay Community Energy’s (EBCE) 100 percent energy option, which is expected to reduce emissions by 25,525 MT of CO2e in 2025. The next most effective CAP 2030 measure in 2025 would be Measure SM-1. This measure recommends that the City adopt an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Reach Code for Multifamily and Commercial Buildings to increase access to charging stations and promote the use of electric vehicles, which would achieve a reduction of 26,288 MT of CO2e by 2030. The third most effective CAP 2030 measure would be Measure EE-4. This measure aims to develop a program for residents to facilitate building of all-electric buildings and convert 22 percent of energy use in existing building stock, which would achieve reductions of 14,061 MT of CO2e by 2030. The measures and actions in CAP 2030 are also foundational to the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality but would not, by themselves, achieve the 2045 target. By providing 100% carbon free and renewable electricity and beginning the transition of the building and transportation sector towards carbon neutrality, the City of Dublin will create the basis for long-term carbon neutrality. However, future CAP updates leveraging new technologies and additional state resources are necessary to achieve this long-term goal. City of Dublin Climate Action Plan 12 Implementation of the CAP 2030 measures identified above could result in physical changes to the environment that could potentially have an impact on the environment, with respect to the CEQA issue areas assessed herein. While individual projects resulting from these measures have not been identified, for the purposes of this document, potential environmental impacts that could occur as a result of CAP 2030 implementation are assessed. For instance, the use of electric vehicles identified per Measures ML-3 and SM-1 would support the installation of electric vehicle charging stations and supporting infrastructure. Additionally, implementation of Measure SM-5 may require the installation of new bicycle or pedestrian facilities. These types of activities would introduce some level of physical changes such as the temporary presence of construction vehicles and equipment during installation of required facilities, and the long-term presence of facilities such as bike and pedestrian facilities, solar arrays, battery storage facilities, and electric vehicle charging stations which could alter pedestrian and vehicular traffic patterns. Future projects requiring discretionary approval would be subject to environmental review under CEQA, and individual project impact analyses will identify project-specific mitigation measures where applicable. 10. Required Approvals The project requires the adoption of the CAP 2030 and certification of the Initial Study and Negative Declaration. Although individual projects to reduce GHG emissions may be implemented under the CAP 2030, each project may be subject to separate environmental review under CEQA. 11. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting As mentioned in the Project Location, the City of Dublin is bounded by the City of San Ramon to the north, Castro Valley to the west, the City of Pleasanton to the south, and the City of Livermore to the east (City of Dublin n.d.). Additionally, the City of Dublin is located 35 miles east of San Francisco, 23 miles east of Oakland and 31 miles north of San Jose. 12. Other Public Agencies Whose Approval is Required The City of Dublin has sole approval authority over the CAP 2030. There are no other public agencies whose approval is required. Environmental Factors Potentially Affected Initial Study – Negative Declaration 13 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected This project would potentially affect the environmental factors checked, involving at least one impact that is “Potentially Significant” or “Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated” as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. □ Aesthetics □ Agriculture and Forestry Resources □ Air Quality □ Biological Resources □ Cultural Resources □ Energy □ Geology/Soils □ Greenhouse Gas Emissions □ Hazards & Hazardous Materials □ Hydrology/Water Quality □ Land Use/Planning □ Mineral Resources □ Noise □ Population/Housing □ Public Services □ Recreation □ Transportation □ Tribal Cultural Resources □ Utilities/Service Systems □ Wildfire □ Mandatory Findings of Significance Determination Based on this initial evaluation: ■ I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. □ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions to the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. □ I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. □ I find that the proposed project MAY have a “potentially significant impact” or “potentially significant unless mitigated” impact on the environment, but at least one effect (1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and (2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. City of Dublin Climate Action Plan 14 □ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potential significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. Signature Date Printed Name Title 7/16/2020 Environmental TechnicianRebecca Parnes Environmental Checklist Aesthetics Initial Study – Negative Declaration 15 Environmental Checklist 1 Aesthetics Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? □ □ □ ■ b. Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway? □ □ □ ■ c. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from a publicly accessible vantage point). If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality? □ □ □ ■ d. Create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect daytime or nighttime views in the area? □ □ □ ■ a. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? c. Would the project substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from a publicly accessible vantage point). If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality? The City of Dublin is located in the East San Francisco Bay Area and Tri-Valley regions of Alameda County and is accessible via I-680 from north and south and I-580 from east and west. The City has not identified any scenic vista in its General Plan nor other specific plans. In 1994, the City adopted the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan, which establishes a set of scenic corridor policies for designated corridors including I-580, Tassajara Road, and Fallon Road, and defines a review process within these scenic corridors (City of Dublin 2016). The applicable policies include:  Preserve the natural open beauty of the hills and other important visual resources, such as creeks and major stands of vegetation City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 16  High quality design and visual character for all development visible from designated scenic corridors  Reduce visual impacts of extensive grading by sensitive engineering design  Minimize the alteration of existing natural contours The CAP 2030 is a policy-level document intended to ensure that the City’s compliance with applicable regulations related to GHG emissions and achieve the City’s GHG-reduction targets while laying the groundwork for alignment with the State’s long-term goal of carbon neutrality by 2045. In order to meet these GHG reduction goals, the CAP identifies local GHG reduction measures and actions. The measures and actions encompass a suite of GHG-reduction opportunities but focus primarily on the transportation and built environment sectors as they are projected to comprise over 80 percent of GHG emissions in 2030. The CAP 2030 includes climate reduction actions (Measures ML-1 and EE-4) to pursue renewable energy systems at City buildings and facilities and encourage electrification of existing buildings in Dublin. Additionally, Measure ML-1 also proposes to install solar arrays and battery storage facilities in Dublin. Installation of these small-scaled facilities would not result in visual impacts. In 2011, the California Legislature signed Senate Bill 226 (SB 266) and created a statutory exemption (CEQA exemption 21080.35) for solar projects installed on rooftops or existing parking lots that meet specified conditions. In addition, Assembly Bill 2188 (AB 2188) took effect on January 1, 2015 and required local governments to adopt a streamlined and expedited permit approval process for small residential solar energy panels. Dublin adopted an ordinance (Dublin Municipal Code: 7.96, Streamlined Permitting Process for Small Residential Rooftop Solar Systems) to comply with AB 2188 regulations. Large-scale substantial renewable energy facilities, such as a wind or solar farm or large solar panel installations that could have visual impacts are not included in the CAP 2030 measures, and thus no aesthetics impact would occur related to those types of facilities. The CAP 2030 also includes a climate reduction measure (Measure ML-6) that strives to increase municipal carbon sequestration activities and encourages tree planting in Dublin. Planting new street trees and private trees may change the visual character of Dublin. However, implementation of the measure would comply with Dublin Street Tree Ordinance, Heritage Tree Ordinance, and other regulations and guidelines to minimize the scenic impact. The CAP 2030 includes a measure (Measure ML-5) to pursue energy efficiency and conservation at City buildings. Making buildings more energy efficient does not generally involve any design features that would adversely affect scenic vistas or negatively affect the visual character or quality. Further, any future site-specific discretionary projects would be subject to subsequent environmental review wherein any site-specific aesthetic impacts would be addressed accordingly. The CAP 2030 does not involve any land use or zoning changes. The CAP 2030 would not increase development that could already occur under the General Plan. As a policy document, the CAP 2030 would not affect scenic vistas or the visual character or quality of Dublin. Implementation of the climate reduction measures and actions would generally encourage energy efficiency and conservation, as well as the use of solar energy; encourage walking and bicycling and use of existing public transit; and increase solid waste diversion. The project would result in no impact to scenic vistas or the degradation of visual character or quality. NO IMPACT Environmental Checklist Aesthetics Initial Study – Negative Declaration 17 b. Would the project substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings in a State scenic highway? I-580, I-680, San Ramon Road, and Dougherty Road were designated scenic routes by Alameda County in 1966. Specifically, I-580 and I-680 are designated as State Scenic Highways, including the portion that runs through Dublin (Caltrans 2014). The CAP 2030 is a policy document that would not increase development that could already occur under the General Plan, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that would potentially damage scenic resources such as trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings in a State scenic highway. Furthermore, implementing the proposed climate reduction measures and actions would facilitate the preservation of scenic resources and improve City landscape management. Because implementation of the CAP 2030 would not potentially damage scenic resources, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT d. Would the project create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect daytime or nighttime views in the area? Neither direct construction nor other physical changes are proposed as part of the CAP 2030; therefore, degradation of the visual character or quality within Dublin would not occur, and substantial sources of light or glare would not be created. Some of the measures proposed in the CAP 2030 may encourage and facilitate the construction of features that could result in new sources of light or glare or have the potential to affect the visual character or quality of the area, such as EV charging stations or bike paths. But the CAP 2030 would not increase development that could already occur under the General Plan, nor directly result in development of infrastructure. No impact associated with light or glare would occur. In addition, future development and improvements that could occur as a result of implementation of the CAP 2030 may be subject to additional project-specific environmental review, if required, that would assess project-specific impacts related to aesthetics. Any future development occurring within Dublin would continue to be subject to applicable General Plan policies and other regulations related to aesthetic resources. NO IMPACT City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 18 This page intentionally left blank Environmental Checklist Agriculture and Forest Resources Initial Study – Negative Declaration 19 2 Agriculture and Forest Resources Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? □ □ □ ■ b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract? □ □ □ ■ c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code Section 12220(g)); timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code Section 4526); or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code Section 51104(g))? □ □ □ ■ d. Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? □ □ □ ■ e. Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? □ □ □ ■ a. Would the project convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? b. Would the project conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract? c. Would the project conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code Section 12220(g)); timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code Section 4526); or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code Section 51104(g))? d. Would the project result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? e. Would the project involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 20 Urban agricultural operations occur within Dublin in the form of private and community gardens. No large-scale, commercial agricultural cultivation occurs within Dublin. However, there is a portion of Dublin that is zoned “Agriculture,” which is located to the northeast of the intersection of I-680 and I-580 (City of Dublin 2018). Although this portion of land is zoned for agricultural use, it is currently occupied by Parks Reserve Forces Training Area and the Santa Rita Jail. Parks Reserve Forces Training Area is an academic institution, military intelligence facility, and battlefield simulation center that supports military readiness (United States Army 2019). There are no agricultural operations currently on this land. Likewise, Dublin does not contain any forest or timberland resources. Furthermore, the CAP 2030 is a policy document that would not increase development that could already occur under the General Plan, nor does it involve any development or other physical changes to the environment. As such, implementation of the CAP 2030 would not have the potential to substantially degrade agricultural resources or convert agricultural or forest land to non-agricultural or non-forest uses, nor would it conflict with existing zoning. Impacts to agricultural and forestry resources would not occur. NO IMPACT Environmental Checklist Air Quality Initial Study – Negative Declaration 21 3 Air Quality Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? □ □ ■ □ b. Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard? □ □ ■ □ c. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? □ □ ■ □ d. Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people? □ □ □ ■ Dublin is in the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin (SFBAAB/Basin), which is under jurisdiction of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). As the local air quality management agency, the BAAQMD is required to monitor air pollutant levels to ensure that State and Federal air quality standards are met and, if they are not met, to develop strategies to meet the standards. Depending on whether standards are met or exceeded, the Basin is classified as being in “attainment” or “non-attainment.” The Basin is a non-attainment area for the federal standards for ozone (8-hour) and PM10, and the State standards for ozone (8-hour and 1-hour), PM10, and PM2.5. The Basin is designated unclassifiable or in attainment for all other federal and State standards (CARB 2019). Thus, the BAAQMD is required to implement strategies to reduce pollutant levels to recognized acceptable standards. The sources, health effects, and typical controls associated with criteria pollutants are described in Table 3. City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 22 Table 3 Sources, Health Effects, and Typical Controls Associated with Criteria Pollutants Pollutant Sources Health Effects Typical Controls Ozone (O3) Formed when reactive organic gases (ROG) and nitrogen oxides react in the presence of sunlight. ROG sources include any source that burns fuels (e.g., gasoline, natural gas, wood, oil); solvents; petroleum processing and storage. Breathing difficulties, lung tissue damage, vegetation damage, damage to rubber and some plastics. Reduce motor vehicle reactive organic gas (ROG) and nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions through emission standards, reformulated fuels, inspections programs, and reduced vehicle use. Limit ROG emissions from commercial operations, gasoline refueling facilities, and consumer products. Limit ROG and NOX emissions from industrial sources such as power plants and manufacturing facilities. Carbon monoxide (CO) Any source that burns fuel such as automobiles, trucks, heavy construction and farming equipment, residential heating. Chest pain in heart patients, headaches, reduced mental alertness. Control motor vehicle and industrial emissions. Use oxygenated gasoline during winter months. Conserve energy Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) See Carbon Monoxide. Lung irritation and damage. Reacts in the atmosphere to form ozone and acid rain. Control motor vehicle and industrial combustion emissions. Conserve energy. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) Coal or oil burning power plants and industries, refineries, diesel engines. Increases lung disease and breathing problems for asthmatics. Reacts in the atmosphere to form acid rain. Reduce use of high sulfur fuels (e.g., use low sulfur reformulated diesel or natural gas). Conserve energy. Respirable particulate matter (PM10) Road dust, windblown dust, agriculture and construction, fireplaces. Also formed from other pollutants (NOX, SOX, organics). Increased respiratory disease, lung damage, cancer, premature death, reduced visibility, surface soiling. Control dust sources, industrial particulate emissions, woodburning stoves and fireplaces. Reduce secondary pollutants which react to form PM10. Conserve energy. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) Fuel combustion in motor vehicles, equipment, and industrial sources; residential and agricultural burning. Also formed from reaction of other pollutants (NOX, SOX, organics, and NH3). Increases respiratory disease, lung damage, cancer, and premature death, reduced visibility, surface soiling. Particles can aggravate heart diseases such as congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease. Reduce combustion emissions from motor vehicles, equipment, industries, and agricultural and residential burning. Precursor controls, like those for ozone, reduce fine particle formation in the atmosphere. Lead Metal smelters, resource recovery, leaded gasoline, deterioration of lead paint. Learning disabilities, brain and kidney damage. Control metal smelters. No lead in gasoline or paint. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Coal or oil burning power plants and industries, refineries, diesel engines. Increases lung disease and breathing problems for asthmatics. Reacts in the atmosphere to form acid rain. Reduce use of high sulfur fuels (e.g., use low sulfur reformulated diesel or natural gas). Conserve energy. Sulfates Produced by reaction in the air of SO2, (see SO2 sources), a component of acid rain. Breathing difficulties, aggravates asthma, reduced visibility. See SO2 Environmental Checklist Air Quality Initial Study – Negative Declaration 23 Pollutant Sources Health Effects Typical Controls Hydrogen Sulfide Geothermal power plants, petroleum production and refining, sewer gas. Nuisance odor (rotten egg smell), headache and breathing difficulties (higher concentrations). Control emissions from geothermal power plants, petroleum production and refining, sewers, and sewage treatment plants. Visibility Reducing Particulates See PM2.5 Reduced visibility (e.g. obscures mountains and other scenery), reduced airport safety. See PM2.5 Vinyl Chloride Exhaust gases from factories that manufacture or process vinyl chloride (construction, packaging, and transportation industries). Central nervous system effects (e.g. dizziness, drowsiness, headaches), kidney irritation, liver damage, liver cancer. Control emissions from plants that manufacture or process vinyl chloride, installation of monitoring systems. Toxic Air Contaminant (TAC) Combustion engines (stationary and mobile), diesel combustion, storage and use of TAC-containing substances (i.e. gasoline, lead smelting, etc.) Depends on TAC, but may include cancer, mutagenic and/or teratogenic effects, other acute or chronic health effects. Toxic Best Available Control Technologies (T-BACT), limit emissions from known sources. Source: County of San Diego 2007 The Federal Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) mandate that states submit and implement a State Implementation Plan (SIP) for areas not meeting air quality standards. The SIP includes pollution control measures to demonstrate how the standards will be met through those measures. The SIP is established by incorporating measures established during the preparation of Air Quality Management Plans (AQMP) and adopted rules and regulations by each local APCD and AQMD, which are submitted for approval to CARB and the U.S. EPA (CARB 2016). The goal of an AQMP is to reduce pollutant concentrations below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) through the implementation of air pollutant emissions controls. The Final 2017 Bay Area Clean Air Plan (Spare the Air, Cool the Environment: A Blueprint for Clean Air and Climate Protection in the Bay Area [2017 Clean Air Plan]) was developed pursuant to the CAAA requirements. The 2017 Clean Air Plan updates the most recent Bay Area ozone plan, the 2010 Clean Air Plan, pursuant to air quality planning requirements defined in the California Health & Safety Code (BAAQMD 2017). The 2017 Clean Air Plan identifies feasible emission control measures to provide progress in the region toward decreasing emissions of the air pollutants that are most harmful to Bay Area residents, such as particulate matter, ozone, and toxic air contaminants; reducing emissions of methane and other “super-GHGs” that are potent climate pollutants in the near-term; and decreasing emissions of carbon dioxide by reducing fossil fuel combustion. The 2017 Clean Air Plan was developed in collaboration and consultation with the Air District’s regional agency partners, including the MTC, ABAG, and the Bay Area Conservation of Development Commission (BCDC). As outlined in the 2017 Clean Air Plan, MTC and ABAG staff provided important input to the transportation sector measures, and MTC staff played a key role in developing emission reduction and cost estimates for the transportation measures. In addition, the 2017 Plan was informed by regional agency plans, including Plan Bay Area. City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 24 a. Would the project conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? b. Would the project result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions that exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? c. Would the project expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? The CAP 2030 is a policy document that does not facilitate new development or other physical changes to the environment. Rather, the CAP 2030 would support development that could already occur under the General Plan. Thus, it is consistent with the AQMP. Furthermore, the purpose and intended effect of the CAP 2030 is to reduce GHG emissions generated in Dublin to help reduce the effects of climate change. The proposed project would support some measures which may require construction activities (e.g., solar array, EV charging stations, stormwater infrastructure, etc.). The impacts to air quality are generally associated with fugitive dust (PM10 and PM2.5) and exhaust emissions from heavy construction vehicles and soil hauling trucks, in addition to ROG that would be released during the drying phase upon application of architectural coatings. However, implementation of proposed measures and actions would not include large scale construction within Dublin; therefore, it would have low emissions and would not result in significant impacts to air quality. In addition, each future construction and development project would be subject to review by the City for compliance with the General Plan and Municipal Code and would be required to comply with BAAQMD air quality regulations and other applicable local, State, and Federal regulations. Therefore, the impact from construction activities would be less than significant. With respect to operational emissions, many programs to reduce GHG emissions would have the secondary benefit of reducing criteria pollutant emissions. For example, measures and supporting actions aim to increase building energy efficiency and electrification (Measures EE-1, EE-2, EE-3, EE- 4, and MM-2); promote renewable energy (Measures CF-1, CF-2, and ML-1); promote electric vehicles and reduce on-road gasoline fuel use (Measure SM-1, SM-2, SM-3, SM-4, and ML-3); and reduce vehicle miles traveled (Measure SM-3, SM-4, SM-5, SM-6, SM-7, and ML-2). Implementation of these CAP actions and the supporting measures would be beneficial by helping Dublin meet applicable air quality plan goals and generally reduce sensitive receptor exposure to pollutant concentrations. In addition, as mentioned above, future discretionary development projects constructed in Dublin would undergo project-level CEQA review. Impacts related to air quality would be less than significant. LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT d. Would the project result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people? The CARB Air Quality Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective (2005) identifies land uses associated with odor complaints which include: sewage treatment plants, landfills, recycling facilities, waste transfer stations, petroleum refineries, biomass operations, auto body shops, coating operations, fiberglass manufacturing, foundries, rendering plants, and livestock operations (CARB 2005). The CAP 2030 is a policy document that does not facilitate new development or other physical changes. Environmental Checklist Air Quality Initial Study – Negative Declaration 25 Measure MM-1 recommends that the City conduct outreach about the benefits of composting and Measure ML-6 aims to increase carbon sequestration through finalizing and promoting community composting standards. Compost is not identified on the list of “Sources of Odor Complaints” (Table 1-4) as provided in the CARB Air Quality Land Use Handbook and would not be anticipated to result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people. Therefore, the CAP 2030 would not facilitate any development that would create odors and no impact would occur. NO IMPACT City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 26 This page intentionally left blank Environmental Checklist Biological Resources Initial Study – Negative Declaration 27 4 Biological Resources Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? □ □ ■ □ b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? □ □ ■ □ c. Have a substantial adverse effect on State or Federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? □ □ ■ □ d. Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? □ □ ■ □ e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? □ □ □ ■ f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan? □ □ □ ■ City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 28 a. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as candidate, sensitive, or special status in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? c. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on State or Federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d. Would the project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? The CAP 2030 is a policy document and does not include any site-specific development, designs, or proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that would result in biological resource impacts. Dublin is a primarily urbanized community; nevertheless, the General Plan incorporates goals and policies to protect biological resources in rural areas of Dublin. Furthermore, the measures and supporting actions included in the CAP 2030 would generally apply to the urbanized areas of Dublin, with little application to parks, open spaces area, or other locations where sensitive biological resources may be present. Implementation of the CAP 2030 would not have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or indirectly through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, special status species, or wildlife movement. In addition, the CAP 2030 itself would not have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or sensitive natural community. Therefore, the impact would be less than significant. LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT e. Would the project conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? City of Dublin has passed the Street Tree Ordinance and Heritage Tree Ordinance to preserve local tree resources. The Street Tree Ordinance was established to preserve the trees and plantings on City property and enhance the ecological benefit to the community by providing for the regulation of planting, management, maintenance, preservation, and where necessary, removal of public trees. Since Dublin has many heritage trees, Heritage Tree Ordinance was developed to enhance the scenic beauty, increase property values, and protect the general welfare of City trees. The CAP 2030 does not include any development, nor would it add or enable any new development that would conflict with local goals, policies, or ordinances protecting biological resources. Rather, the CAP 2030 would facilitate development that could already occur under the General Plan. In addition, the CAP 2030 contains measures and supporting actions that are consistent with the General Plan. For example, the Measure ML-6 aims to enhance municipal carbon sequestration opportunities and encourages tree planting in Dublin. The CAP 2030 would not affect the City’s ability to attain goals and policies that protect biological resources. Therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT Environmental Checklist Biological Resources Initial Study – Negative Declaration 29 f. Would the project conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan? The CAP 2030 would not facilitate any specific development projects, nor would it add or enable any new development that would conflict with the adopted General Plan or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan. Therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 30 This page intentionally left blank Environmental Checklist Cultural Resources Initial Study – Negative Declaration 31 5 Cultural Resources Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to §15064.5? □ □ □ ■ b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? □ □ □ ■ c. Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? □ □ □ ■ a. Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to §15064.5? b. Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? c. Would the project disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? Dublin Government Code sec. 65302(a) requires land use elements to designate open space for protection of Native American historical, cultural and sacred sites. According to the City General Plan, there are seven sites in Dublin listed in the California Archaeological Inventory, Northwest Information Center, at Sonoma State University including the church and school on the grounds of the Dublin Heritage Park and Museums. As many as a dozen potentially significant historic and prehistoric sites have been identified in the Eastern Extended Planning Area. The listed California Historical Resources in Dublin includes Green Store, Francisco Soland Alviso Adobe and Original Murray Schoolhouse (California Office of Historic Preservation 2019). However, the CAP 2030 is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with Dublin’s General Plan. Because direct development would not result from implementation of the CAP 2030, adverse changes or disturbances to unique archaeological, paleontological, or geologic resources or historical resources would not occur. Similarly, because the CAP 2030 would not increase development that could already occur under the General Plan, nor involve ground-disturbing activities, the CAP 2030 would not directly result in disturbance of human remains. Therefore, no impact to cultural resources would occur. Implementation of some of the GHG emission reduction measures may require future development or improvements, such as bike paths, solar panels, or building improvements for efficiency; however, each future improvement would be subject to review by the City for compliance with the General Plan and Municipal Code, and would be required to comply with all applicable local, State, and Federal regulations. In addition, future development and improvements that could occur as a City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 32 result of implementation of the CAP 2030 may be subject to additional project-specific environmental review, if required, that would assess project-specific impacts related to cultural resources. NO IMPACT Environmental Checklist Cultural Resources Initial Study – Negative Declaration 33 6 Energy Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Result in a potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation? □ □ ■ □ b. Conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency? □ □ ■ □ Setting California is one of the lowest per capita energy users in the United States, ranked 48th in the nation, due to its energy efficiency programs and mild climate (United States Energy Information Administration [EIA] 2018 a). California consumed 292,039 gigawatt-hours of electricity and 2,110,829 million cubic feet of natural gas in 2017 (California Energy Commission [CEC] 2019, EIA 2018b). The single largest end-use sector for energy consumption in California is transportation (39.8 percent), followed by industry (23.7 percent), commercial (18.9 percent), and residential (17.7 percent) (EIA 2018a). Adopted on September 10, 2018, Senate Bill (SB) 100 accelerates the State’s Renewable Portfolio Standards Program, codified in the Public Utilities Act, by requiring electricity providers to increase procurement from eligible renewable energy resources to 33 percent of total retail sales by 2020, 60 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2045. The City has demonstrated its commitment to energy efficiency and renewable energy through the many efforts. The City joined East Bay Community Energy (EBEC) on November 15, 2016. EBCE is a local electricity supplier in Alameda County and provides cleaner, greener energy at competitive rates. The City opted to sign up for Renewable 100 for all of its municipal accounts, which is energy generated from 100% renewable sources. The City also adopted 2019 California Green Building Standards Code in 2020, which requires efficiency measures to reduce energy use, and provide energy reduction benefits. When doing so, the City increased the requirements for EV charging station installation to Tier 2 levels for all sectors. The CAP 2020 Update noted that, between 2005 and 2010, residential electricity use increased by 11 percent, residential natural gas use increased by 16 percent, commercial and industrial electricity use decreased by two percent, and commercial and industrial natural gas use increased by 13 percent. However, these increases roughly correlate with the 21 percent increase in population that Dublin experienced in the same five-year period (City of Dublin 2013). In 2015, 296,710 metric tons of MTCO2e were generated by activities in the City of Dublin, which is a 10 percent decrease from City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 34 the 2010 baseline inventory. Specifically, energy use decreased by 10 percent from the 2010 baseline inventory, which accounts for almost 40 percent of Dublin’s total emissions in 2015. a. Would the project result in a potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation? b. Would the project conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing climate action measures and implementation actions to reduce GHG emissions. The CAP 2030 does not propose specific development or other physical changes to the environment and would not facilitate growth beyond what the General Plan would allow. Furthermore, the purpose and intended effect of the CAP 2030 is to reduce GHG emissions generated in Dublin to help reduce the effects of climate change, including those emissions generated by energy demand and supply. For example, the CAP 2030 encourages energy efficiency electrification of existing building stock. Measure EE-1 aims to encourage all new residential and/or commercial construction to be 100 percent electric or achieve higher energy efficiency if both gas and electricity are being used. Measure CF-1 suggests the City to consider opt up with EBCE to 100 percent renewable (Renewable 100) energy. Furthermore, Dublin has adopted the California Green Building Standards Code per Dublin Municipal Code Section 7.94. Therefore, any construction associated with projects included in the CAP 2030 would be required to be designed to comply with the performance levels of the California Green Building Standard Code in place at the time the project is constructed. Likewise, all projects would be required to comply with the energy standards in the current California Energy Code, Part 6 of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24). Therefore, the CAP 2030 would not conflict with the adopted energy conservation plans or result in the use of non-renewable resources in a wasteful or inefficient manner and impacts would be less than significant. Rather the proposed CAP 2030 would likely assist in reducing energy use and would be consistent with State and local plans for renewable energy and energy efficiency. LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Environmental Checklist Geology and Soils Initial Study – Negative Declaration 35 7 Geology and Soils Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Expose people or structures to potentially substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: 1. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? □ □ □ ■ 2. Strong seismic ground shaking? □ □ □ ■ 3. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? □ □ □ ■ 4. Landslides? □ □ □ ■ b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? □ □ □ ■ c. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse? □ □ □ ■ d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property? □ □ □ ■ e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? □ □ □ ■ f. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? □ □ □ ■ City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 36 a.i Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? a.ii Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving strong seismic ground shaking? a.iii Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? a.iv Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving landslides? b Would the project result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? c. Would the project be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse? d. Would the project be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 1-B of the Uniform Building Code, creating substantial risks to life or property? Dublin is located in a seismically active region and is identified as Landslide Zone by California Department of Conservation (California Department of Conservation 2015). In 2010, the City adopted a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan as an annex to the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan to assess hazards and mitigate risks prior to a disaster event and fully cover the necessity to address seismic and geological hazards (City of Dublin 2011). All development projects are required to conform to the current California Building Code. As mentioned above, the CAP 2030 is a policy document containing climate measures and supporting actions to reduce GHG emissions, which is consistent with Dublin’s General Plan and other regional regulations. The CAP 2030 does not propose site-specific development that would expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: rupture of a known earthquake fault, strong seismic ground shaking, seismic- related ground failure, including liquefaction, or landslides. Additionally, because the CAP 2030 would not increase development that could already occur under the General Plan, nor involve ground-disturbing activities, it would not result in substantial soil erosion, the loss of topsoil, or the presence of unstable soils. No impact would occur. NO IMPACT e. Would the project have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? The proposed project and recommended measures in the CAP 2030 would not require the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems. No impact would occur. NO IMPACT Environmental Checklist Geology and Soils Initial Study – Negative Declaration 37 g. Would the project directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? The CAP 2030 is a policy document that does not include site-specific development, designs, or proposals, nor does it grant entitlements for development that would result in impacts to geological features. The CAP 2030 would generally apply to the urbanized areas of Dublin, with little application to parks, open spaces area, or other locations where uncovered paleontological resources may be present. Furthermore, the project would not involve any significant grading or excavation activities that would have the potential to disturb paleontological resources. Therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 38 This page intentionally left blank. Environmental Checklist Greenhouse Gas Emissions Initial Study – Negative Declaration 39 8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? □ □ ■ □ b. Conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases? □ □ ■ □ Climate change is the observed increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans along with other substantial changes in climate (such as wind patterns, precipitation, and storms) over an extended period. Climate change is the result of numerous, cumulative sources of GHG, which contribute to the “greenhouse effect,” a natural occurrence that helps regulate the temperature of the planet. The majority of radiation from the sun hits the earth’s surface and warms it. The surface in turn radiates heat back towards the atmosphere, known as infrared radiation. Gases and clouds in the atmosphere trap and prevent some of this heat from escaping into space and re-radiate it in all directions. This process is essential to support life on Earth because it warms the planet by approximately 60°F. Emissions from human activities since the beginning of the industrial revolution (approximately 250 years ago) are adding to the natural greenhouse effect by increasing the gases in the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to an average increase in Earth’s temperature. GHGs occur naturally and from human activities. Human activities that produce GHGs are the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas for heating and electricity, gasoline and diesel for transportation); methane generated by landfill wastes and raising livestock; deforestation activities; and some agricultural practices. GHGs produced by human activities include CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFC, and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Since 1750, estimated concentrations of CO2, CH4, and N2O in the atmosphere have increased by over 36 percent, 148 percent, and 18 percent respectively, primarily due to human activity. Emissions of GHGs affect the atmosphere directly by changing its chemical composition. Changes to the land surface indirectly affect the atmosphere by changing the way in which the Earth absorbs gases from the atmosphere. Potential impacts in California due to climate change may include loss of snowpack, sea level rise, more extreme heat days per year, more high ozone days, more large forest fires, and more drought years (California Energy Commission [CEC] 2009). a. Would the project generate GHG emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing climate reduction measures and supporting actions to reduce GHG emissions. The proposed CAP 2030 creates a GHG emission reduction strategy City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 40 (consistent with Section 15183.5 of the CEQA Guidelines)2 for the City of Dublin. The inventory performed for 2015 demonstrated that the activities within Dublin emitted 317,840 metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalent units (CO2e) or 5.5 MT CO2e per capita. The State has codified a goal of reducing emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 (AB 32); 40 percent below 1990 emissions levels by 2030 (SB 32); and has set a non-codified, long-term goal of carbon neutrality by 2045 (Executive Order [EO] B-55-18). The CAP 2030 contains a series of climate reduction measures to reduce emissions compared to 1990 levels. In 1990, Dublin is estimated to have emitted 11.9 MT CO2e per capita. Dublin’s 2030 GHG emissions forecast, with implementation of reduction measures contained in the CAP 2030, is forecast to be 2.7 MT CO2e per capita, a reduction of over 76 percent from baseline levels. As such, the CAP 2030 would result in the reduction of GHG emissions rather than generating GHG emissions and impacts would be less than significant. LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT b. Would the project conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? The CAP 2030 is a policy-level document that sets strategies to reduce GHG emissions within Dublin in an effort with State regulations. As mentioned above under Impact “a” of the Greenhouse Gas Section, the CAP 2030 includes climate reduction measures and supporting actions to reduce Dublin’s GHG emissions from forecast levels by approximately 45,378 MT of CO2e in 2025 and 72,472 MT of CO2e in 2030. As described in Section 9, Description of Project, the purpose of the CAP 2030 is to reduce Dublin’s proportionate fair share of the statewide target set by AB 32 and SB 32 and work toward the State’s longer term target identified in Executive Order S-3-05 3 and Executive Order B-30-15.The CAP 2030 would not conflict with applicable GHG reduction plan, including the AB 32 Scoping Plan or the Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (MTP/SCS). The Association of Bay Area Governments and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission adopted the MTP/SCS in 2017, which reflects the regions commitment to improve mobility, sustainability, and economy. Additionally, the Plan demonstrates how the region will reduce emissions from transportation sources to comply with SB 375. The CAP 2030 identifies how Dublin would achieve consistency with the statewide emissions limit, 2017 Scoping Plan and Plan Bay Area. Therefore, this impact would be less than significant. LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 2 Per the CEQA Statutes and Guidelines Section 15183.5(b)(1), a qualified GHG reduction plan should: quantify greenhouse gas emissions, both existing and projected over a specified time period, resulting from activities within a defined geographic area; establish a level, based on substantial evidence, below which the contribution to greenhouse gas emissions from activities covered by the plan would not be cumulatively considerable; identify and analyze the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from specific actions or categories of actions anticipated within the geographic area; specify measures or a group of measures, including performance standards, that substantial evidence demonstrates, if implemented on a project-by-project basis, would collectively achieve the specified emissions level; establish a mechanism to monitor the plan’s progress toward achieving the level and to require amendment if the plan is not achieving specified levels; and be adopted in a public process following environmental review. 3 Note, Executive Order S-03-05 is intended to guide State agencies’ efforts to control and regulate GHG emissions but has no direct binding effect on local government or private actions. Environmental Checklist Hazards and Hazardous Materials Initial Study – Negative Declaration 41 9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? □ □ □ ■ b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? □ □ □ ■ c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within 0.25 mile of an existing or proposed school? □ □ □ ■ d. Be located on a site that is included on a list of hazardous material sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? □ □ □ ■ e. For a project located in an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area? □ □ □ ■ f. Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? □ □ □ ■ g. Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires? □ □ □ ■ City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 42 a. Would the project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? b. Would the project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing measures and supporting actions to reduce GHG emissions. The proposed CAP 2030 does not involve any site-specific development, nor would it facilitate new development. Implementation of the CAP 2030 measures would not involve the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials, and would not create reasonably foreseeable upset and/or accidental conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. Implementation of some of the GHG reduction measures such as the use of bicycle facilities, energy retrofits, EV charging stations may involve the use and transport of fuels, lubricating fluids, and solvents, among other activities. These types of materials are not considered acutely hazardous, and all storage, handling, and disposal of these materials are regulated by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), United States Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), and Alameda County Environmental Health Division. Additionally, each future improvement would be subject to review by the City for compliance with the General Plan and Municipal Code and would be required to comply with all applicable local, State, and Federal regulations, including project-specific environmental review. Therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT c. Would the project emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within 0.25 mile of an existing or proposed school? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing measures and supporting actions to reduce GHG emissions. The proposed CAP 2030 does not include any site-specific proposals and development, nor would it emit or handle hazardous materials. Implementing some GHG measures may require future development or improvements, such as bike paths, solar panels, or building improvements for efficiency. However, each future improvement would be subject to review by the City for compliance with the General Plan and Municipal Code and would be required to comply with all applicable local, State, and federal regulations including project-specific environmental review. Therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT d. Would the project be located on a site included on a list of hazardous material sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing measures and supporting actions to reduce GHG emissions. The proposed CAP 2030 does not include any site-specific development, nor would it facilitate new development that would directly or indirectly create a significant hazard to the public. Therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT Environmental Checklist Hazards and Hazardous Materials Initial Study – Negative Declaration 43 e. For a project located in an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area? The project is not located in any airport land use plan area, or within two miles of a public or private airport. The nearest airports include: Hayward Executive Airport (17 miles), Livermore Municipal Airport (eight miles), and Oakland International Airport (20 miles). Therefore, due to the distance to local airports, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT f. Would the project impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing measures and supporting actions to reduce GHG emissions. The proposed CAP 2030 does not include any site-specific development, nor would it facilitate new development that would interfere with adopted emergency plans. Therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT g. Would the project expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires? According to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFIRE), City of Dublin is not located in any designated California Fire Hazard Severity Zones (CalFIRE 2019), or in any State Responsibility Areas (CalFIRE 2016). No impact associated with wildland fires would occur. NO IMPACT City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 44 This page intentionally left blank Environmental Checklist Hydrology and Water Quality Initial Study – Negative Declaration 45 10 Hydrology and Water Quality Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality? □ □ □ ■ b. Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin? □ □ □ ■ c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would: □ □ □ ■ (i) Result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site; □ □ □ ■ (ii) Substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site; □ □ □ ■ (iii) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; or □ □ □ ■ (iv) Impede or redirect flood flows? □ □ □ ■ d. In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation? □ □ □ ■ e. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan? □ □ □ ■ City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 46 a. Would the project violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with Dublin’s General Plan. The CAP 2030 does not include measures or actions that would degrade surface or groundwater quality. Additionally, some of the measures would support and improve the local water quality. For example, Measure ML-7 aims to achieve the City’s resilience goals through implementation of the Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan. Therefore, implementation of the CAP 2030 emission reduction measures would not violate water quality standards, waste discharge requirements, or otherwise substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality; no impact would occur. NO IMPACT b. Would the project substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin? c.(i) Would the project substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? c.(ii) Would the project substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site? c.(iii) Would the project substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? c.(iv) Would the project substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would create or contribute runoff water which would impede or redirect flood flows? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with Dublin’s General Plan. Implementation of the CAP 2030 measures would not violate water quality standards, waste discharge requirements, or otherwise substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality. As a result, no negative impacts related to groundwater or surface water quality, groundwater resources, runoff, or sensitive areas would occur. Furthermore, Measure ML-6 aims to enhance municipal carbon sequestration opportunities and encourages tree planting in Dublin, which would reduce stormwater runoff and increase groundwater recharge. Likewise, Measure ML-7 aims to achieve the City’s resilience goals through implementation of the Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan. Therefore, implementing the CAP 2030 would have a beneficial effect on local water quality and support water management in Dublin; no impact would occur. NO IMPACT Environmental Checklist Hydrology and Water Quality Initial Study – Negative Declaration 47 d. Would the project result in flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation? Portions of Dublin are within the 100- and 500-year flood zones defined by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (City of Dublin 2017). In Dublin, any new construction in flood prone areas must comply with Chapter 7.24 (Flood Control) of Title 7 of the Dublin Municipal Code. While the City has not identified any major flood improvement projects, Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, otherwise known as Zone 7, has adopted comprehensive flood control measures and regulations including Flood Protection Maintenance Projects and Stream Management Master Plan, which would further decrease the flood risk of Dublin (Zone 7 Water Agency 2019). The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with Dublin’s General Plan and does not propose any land use or zoning changes, nor does it include any site-specific development. Implementing the CAP 2030 would not result in flood hazard or tsunami directly. Therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT e. Would the project conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan? The proposed measures would not include direct extraction of groundwater, and would ultimately encourage water savings through conservation. The proposed project would not interfere with or obstruct implementation of water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality. No impact would occur. NO IMPACT City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 48 This page intentionally left blank Environmental Checklist Land Use and Planning Initial Study – Negative Declaration 49 11 Land Use and Planning Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Physically divide an established community? □ □ □ ■ b. Cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? □ □ □ ■ a. Would the project physically divide an established community? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with Dublin’s General Plan and does not include any climate action measures or any specific development projects that would divide an established community. Further, the CAP 2030 includes measures (SM-5, SM-7, and ML-2) that would support pedestrian and bicycle circulation and improved transportation alternatives, which would improve connectivity throughout Dublin. Measure SM-5 aims to update the Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan and prioritize implementation, which would increase the walkability of Dublin and decrease the vehicle miles traveled. Measure SM-7 aims to implement form-based codes that improve the pedestrian experience and create a built environment that prioritizes active mobility. Measure ML-2 aims to incentivize municipal employee alternative transportation. Implementing the CAP 2030 would improve the community connectivity; therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT b. Would the project cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with Dublin’s General Plan. Nonetheless, implementing the CAP 2030 would require some modification of existing policies, including developing and implementing new programs, and projects, or modifying existing ones. For example, Measure ML-1 would aim to expand the City’s battery capacity storage and may include the installation of solar panels at municipal buildings. Additionally, Measure EE-1 aims to achieve all- electric new building construction while Measure EE-3 aims to streamline energy storage permit requirements. In order to implement these measures, the City Municipal Code and other applicable documents may need to be amended to reflect new or modified requirements. The CAP 2030 is designed to mitigate adverse environmental impacts associated with climate change. Where modifications of existing policies are needed, such as updates to policies related to parking management, the CAP 2030 measures and actions would result in greater avoidance or City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 50 mitigation of environmental effects. The CAP 2030 would not conflict with current land use plan or policy; therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT Environmental Checklist Mineral Resources Initial Study – Negative Declaration 51 12 Mineral Resources Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the State? □ □ □ ■ b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? □ □ □ ■ a. Would the project result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the State? b. Would the project result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with Dublin’s General Plan. The General Plan does not identify any mineral resources in Dublin (City of Dublin 2017). Additionally, the CAP 2030 would not facilitate any specific development projects and would not add or enable development that could result in the loss of mineral resources. Therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 52 This page intentionally left blank Environmental Checklist Noise Initial Study – Negative Declaration 53 13 Noise Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project result in: a. Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? □ □ ■ □ b. Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? □ □ ■ □ c. For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? □ □ □ ■ a. Would the project result in exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b. Would the project result in exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with the General Plan. Some of the proposed measures of CAP 2030 would support small scale construction projects such as EV charging station construction, which may result in a temporary increase in groundborne vibration or noise levels. However, each future improvement would be subject to review by the City for compliance with the General Plan and Municipal Code, and would be required to comply with applicable local, State, and Federal regulations, including project-specific environmental review. The City’s General Plan indicates that roadway vehicle traffic is the major source of noise in Dublin (City of Dublin 2017). The CAP 2030 encompasses a suite of GHG-reduction opportunities but focuses primarily on the transportation sector. For example, Measure SM-5 aims to review, prioritize, and update the City Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, which would decrease the vehicle miles traveled, and Measure SM-3 would establish a plan to reduce single occupancy vehicles, including creating guidelines and policies that provide a larger range of micro-mobility transit options. These active transportation measures would reduce vehicle miles traveled and further reduce traffic-related noise in Dublin. City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 54 Therefore, implementation of the CAP 2030 would not generate excessive groundborne vibration or noise levels; the impact would be less than significant. LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT c. For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? There are no airports or airstrips within Dublin, as mentioned in Section 9, Hazards and Hazardous Materials. The CAP 2030 does not propose land use or zoning changes related to airports, airstrips, or heliports, nor does it include development that would increase exposure to excessive noise levels associated with airports, airstrips, or heliports. No impact would occur. NO IMPACT Environmental Checklist Population and Housing Initial Study – Negative Declaration 55 14 Population and Housing Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? □ □ □ ■ b. Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? □ □ □ ■ a. Would the project induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b. Would the project displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with Dublin’s General Plan and would not result in increases in population or induce additional population growth and would not displace people or housing. Therefore, no impacts related to population and housing would occur. NO IMPACT City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 56 This page intentionally left blank Environmental Checklist Public Services Initial Study – Negative Declaration 57 15 Public Services Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact a. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, or the need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: 1. Fire protection? □ □ □ ■ 2. Police protection? □ □ □ ■ 3. Schools? □ □ □ ■ 4. Parks? □ □ □ ■ 5. Other public facilities? □ □ □ ■ a.i. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, or the need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for fire protection? a.ii. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, or the need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for police protection? a.iii. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, or the need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for schools? City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 58 a.iv. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, or the need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for parks? a.v. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, or the need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for other public facilities? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with Dublin’s General Plan. New development facilitated by the General Plan would increase public service needs in Dublin by adding population and housing. However, implementation of the CAP 2030 and the proposed supporting measures would not result in increases in population and induce additional population growth. As such, the CAP 2030 would not require the construction of new or physically altered governmental facilities (i.e., fire or police stations, schools, parks, libraries) to serve additional population, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts. Therefore, no impact on public services causing the need for new governmental facilities would occur. NO IMPACT Environmental Checklist Recreation Initial Study – Negative Declaration 59 16 Recreation Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? □ □ □ ■ b. Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? □ □ □ ■ a. Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b. Would the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? The City has updated Parks and Recreation Master Plan in 2015 to manage the local parks and recreational facilities that were available for the current and future population of Dublin (City of Dublin 2015). The Master Plan is updated based on the population projections and the most current land use for ultimate build-out in accordance with the City’s General Plan. The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with Dublin’s General Plan. Additionally, the CAP 2030 would not result in substantial population growth or direct land use change. Therefore, implementation of the CAP 2030 would not result in a substantial physical deterioration of parks or other recreational facilities or result in the need to expand recreational facilities. Therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 60 This page intentionally left blank Environmental Checklist Transportation and Traffic Initial Study – Negative Declaration 61 17 Transportation and Traffic Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities? □ □ □ ■ b. Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b)? □ □ □ ■ c. Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible use (e.g., farm equipment)? □ □ □ ■ d. Result in inadequate emergency access? □ □ □ ■ a. Would the project conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities? b. Would the project conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b)? The City adopted Dublin Bikeways Master Plan in 2007. In 2014, the Dublin Bikeways Master Plan was updated and renamed the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (City of Dublin 2014). The updated Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan contains goals and policies for development and implementation of a bicycle and pedestrian network that provides a viable transportation alternative to the automobile, improves safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, and provides residents with access and good connections to parks, open space, trails and other recreational opportunities. The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing goals, measures, and actions that are consistent with Dublin’s General Plan, many of which are aimed at facilitating the implementation of the local transportation regulations. For example, Measure SM-5 aims to review, prioritize, and update the City Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, which would decrease the vehicle miles traveled in Dublin and provide larger range of micro-mobility transit options, where “micro-mobility” refers to travel solutions for shorter distances. Further, Measure SM-3 would establish a plan to reduce single occupancy vehicles, including creating guidelines and policies for micro-mobility. These measures would not conflict with the objectives and policies of the General Plan or Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, but rather would be consistent with those plans. Therefore, no impact would occur. Implementation of some of the GHG emission reduction measures may require future development or improvements, such as bike paths, solar panels, or building improvements for efficiency; however, each future improvement would be subject to review by the City for compliance with the City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 62 General Plan and Municipal Code, and would be required to comply with applicable local, State, and Federal regulations. In addition, future development and improvements that could occur as a result of implementation of the CAP 2030 may be subject to additional project-specific environmental review, if required, that would assess project-specific impacts related to vehicle miles traveled. NO IMPACT c. Would the project substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible use (e.g., farm equipment)? d. Would the project result in inadequate emergency access? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with Dublin’s General Plan and would not facilitate development beyond that allowed under the General Plan. As such, it would not create any traffic hazards or result in inadequate emergency access. The proposed measures and supporting actions included in the CAP 2030 would provide alternative modes of transportation and reduce the amount of vehicle miles traveled throughout Dublin. For example, the CAP 2030 promotes the Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan implementation to enhance bicycle, pedestrian, and transit connectivity, which would reduce congestion. The CAP does not include measures that would substantially increase hazards due to a design feature or incompatible uses. Therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT Environmental Checklist Tribal Cultural Resources Initial Study – Negative Declaration 63 18 Tribal Cultural Resources Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code Section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is: a. Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or □ □ □ ■ b. A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 2024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significant of the resource to a California Native American tribe? □ □ □ ■ a. Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in a Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code § 5020.1 (k)? b. Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in a Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is a resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code § 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code § 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American Tribe? The CAP 2030 is a policy document containing goals, measures, and actions that are consistent with Dublin’s General Plan and does not involve any development or other physical changes to the environment. The CAP 2030 does not include any development, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that could cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource. Similarly, because CAP 2030 would not increase development that could already occur City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 64 under the General Plan, nor involve ground-disturbing activities, the CAP 2030 would not directly result in disturbance of tribal cultural resources. Therefore, no impact would occur. Implementation of some of the GHG emission reduction measures may require future development or improvements, such as bike paths, solar panels, or building improvements for efficiency; however, each future improvement would be subject to review by the City for compliance with the General Plan and Municipal Code, and would be required to comply with applicable local, State, and Federal regulations. In addition, future development and improvements that could occur as a result of implementation of the CAP 2030 may be subject to additional project-specific environmental review, if required, that would assess project-specific impacts related to tribal cultural resources. NO IMPACT Environmental Checklist Utilities and Service Systems Initial Study – Negative Declaration 65 19 Utilities and Service Systems Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a. Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? □ □ □ ■ b. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry and multiple dry years? □ □ □ ■ c. Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments? □ □ □ ■ d. Generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals? □ □ □ ■ e. Comply with Federal, State, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste? □ □ □ ■ a. Would the project require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? The Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) is the designated provider of water supplies for residents in Dublin (City of Dublin 2017). In addition, DSRSD provides recycled (reclaimed) water for irrigation and other non-potable uses within Dublin. The wholesale supplier of water to DSRSD is the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (Zone 7). DSRSD also provides wastewater collection and treatment services for Dublin. DSRSD has a comprehensive water conservation program that includes both supply- and demand-side measures, including enforcing wastewater and regulations, water audits, and optimal management practices. City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 66 The CAP 2030 is a policy document to reduce GHG emission and energy consumption throughout Dublin and would not include any site-specific designs or proposals. Implementing the CAP 2030 would not result in a direct increase in population and housing, nor would it facilitate growth beyond that anticipated by the General Plan. Additionally, some supporting measures would reduce energy consumption within Dublin. For example, the CAP 2030 aims to reduce eight percent natural gas use by 2025. Implementing the CAP 2030 would not create new demand to utilities or other services, including water, wastewater treatment, electric power, natural gas, and telecommunications facilities. Therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT b. Would the project have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry and multiple dry years? c. Would the project result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments? The CAP 2030 is a policy-level document that does not include site-specific designs or proposals, nor does it grant entitlements for development that would have the potential to increase demand for water supply or other utility services. Implementing the CAP 2030 would include no new residential construction, or demolition of existing housing, and would have no effect on water demand and wastewater treatment demand. Therefore, no impact to water supply and wastewater treatment would occur. NO IMPACT d. Would the project generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals? e. Would the project comply with Federal, State, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste? Amador Valley Industries (AVI) is the designated provider of solid waste collection and recycling services for all residents, businesses, and governmental agencies in the City of Dublin. Waste is taken to the Altamont Landfill, which is managed by Waste Management and has an estimated capacity of 62 million cubic yards and is estimated to reach capacity in January 2029 (City of Dublin 2017). The City has a goal of reducing waste sent to the landfill by 75 percent by 2025 as required by AB 341. To achieve this reduction goal, the City has implemented a variety of measures, including expanding existing commercial and residential recycling and composting programs, and expanding community education and outreach initiatives. As stated in CalRecycle’s proposed SB 1383 regulations, Dublin must engage in edible food recovery capacity planning and reduce short-lived climate pollutant resulted from landfill. The CAP 2030 includes waste-reduction measures to achieve zero-waste within Dublin. For example, Measure MM-1 aims to divert 20 percent of edible food waste from landfill, with compliance of SB 1383. Additionally, because the CAP 2030 is a policy document that would not facilitate growth beyond that anticipated by the General Plan, it would not generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards. Therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT Environmental Checklist Utilities and Service Systems Initial Study – Negative Declaration 67 20 Wildfire Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact If located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project: a. Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? □ □ □ ■ b. Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks and thereby expose project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire? □ □ □ ■ c. Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment? □ □ □ ■ d. Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslopes or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes? □ □ □ ■ a. If located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? b. If located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks and thereby expose project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire? c. If located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment? d. If located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslopes City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 68 or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes? According to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFIRE), City of Dublin is not located in any designated California Fire Hazard Severity Zones (CalFIRE 2019), or in any State Responsibility Areas (CalFIRE 2016). Additionally, the CAP 2030 is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that would have the potential to cause wildfire directly. Therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT Environmental Checklist Mandatory Findings of Significance Initial Study – Negative Declaration 69 21 Mandatory Findings of Significance Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact Does the project: a. Have the potential to substantially 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, substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? □ □ ■ □ b. 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 probable future projects)? □ □ ■ □ c. Have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? □ □ □ ■ a. Does the project have the potential to substantially 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, substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? The intent of the CAP 2030 is to reduce GHG emissions from Dublin’s operations within Dublin through implementation of GHG reduction measures and supporting actions. The CAP 2030 measures and actions are consistent with the General Plan and encourage residents, businesses, and the City to reduce energy, fuel use, and the associated GHG emissions. The CAP 2030 would not facilitate development that would diminish wildlife habitats or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. As discussed in Sections 4, Biological Resources, and 5, Cultural Resources, the impact would be less than significant. LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 70 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 probable future projects)? Implementation of the CAP 2030 would result in a cumulatively considerable beneficial reduction of GHG emissions and would not facilitate development that may make a considerable contribution to significant cumulative impacts. Implementation of the CAP 2030 would be consistent with General Plan policies aimed at reducing emissions of GHGs and air pollutants, reducing vehicle miles traveled, reducing demands on utilities, and increasing local water availability. The CAP 2030 would not make an adverse contribution to cumulative impacts related to growth in accordance with the General Plan and would result in either no cumulative impact or less-than-significant cumulative impact with respect to other CEQA topics. Therefore, a less-than-significant cumulative impact would occur. LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT c. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? The CAP 2030 would not cause a direct or indirect adverse effect on human beings. Rather, as discussed throughout this Initial Study-Negative Declaration, the CAP 2030 would serve as a pathway to reduce GHG emissions and other positive environmental effects. These benefits include reduction in air pollution, reduction in transportation congestion, reduction in energy consumption, and soil conservation. Therefore, no impact would occur. NO IMPACT References Initial Study – Negative Declaration 71 References Bibliography Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). 2017. Final 2017 Clean Air Plan. http://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planning-and-research/plans/2017-clean-air- plan/attachment-a_-proposed-final-cap-vol-1-pdf.pdf?la=en California Air Resources Board (CARB). 2017. AB 32 Scoping Plan. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/scopingplan.htm _____. 2005. Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective. https://www.arb.ca.gov/ch/handbook.pdf _____. 2016. State SIP Strategy. https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/planning/sip/2016sip/2016sip.htm _____. 2019. Area Designations Maps/State and National. https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/desig/adm/adm.htm California Department of Conservation (DOC). 2015. CGS Information Seismic Hazards Programs https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/DataViewer/ California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFIRE). 2016. State Responsibility Area Viewer. https://bofdata.fire.ca.gov/projects-and-programs/state-responsibility-area-viewer/ _____. 2019. California Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=31219c833eb54598ba83d09fa0adb346 California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2013. Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual (CT-HWANP-RT-13-069.25.3). http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/env/noise/pub/TCVGM_Sep13_FINAL.pdf (accessed March 2019). _____. 2014. California Scenic Highway Mapping System. California Energy Commission. Environmental Health and Equity Impacts from Climate Change and Mitigation Policies in California: A Review of the Literature. March 2009. California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), March 2006. Climate Action Team Report to Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature. California Office of Historic Preservation. 2019. California. Listed California Historical Resources. http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ListedResources/?view=county&criteria=1 Dublin, City of. 2010. Climate Action Plan. https://dublin.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1049/Dublin-Climate-Action-Plan?bidId _____. 2011. 2010 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex. http://resilience.abag.ca.gov/wp- content/documents/2010LHMP/Dublin-Annex-2011.pdf _____. 2013. Climate Action Plan Update. https://www.ca-ilg.org/sites/main/files/file- attachments/dublin-climate-action-plan_update_2013.pdf City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 72 _____. 2014. Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. https://dublin.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7738/Bike-and-Ped-Plan-and-Guidelines- 1?bidId= _____. 2015. Parks and Recreation Master Plan. https://dublin.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5063/Park-and-Recreation-Master-Plan--- 2015-Update?bidId= _____. 2016. Eastern Dublin Specific Plan. https://www.dublin.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7776/EDSP-2016-Update-Full- PDF?bidId= _____. 2017. General Plan. https://dublin.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17928/0-General-Plan- Update-2018-021318-web?bidId= _____. 2018. Dublin Zoning Map. https://dublin.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/20627/Zoning-Map- December-2018 _____. n.d. “Demographics.” https://www.dublin.ca.gov/1811/Demographics _____. n.d. “History of Dublin”. https://dublin.ca.gov/397/History-of-Dublin Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). 2006. FHWA Highway Construction Noise Handbook. (FHWAHEP-06-015; DOT-VNTSC-FHWA-06-02). http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/construction_noise/handbook Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual. https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/research- innovation/118131/transit-noise-and-vibration-impact-assessment-manual-fta-report-no- 0123_0.pdf (accessed March 2019). Sperling’s Best Places. 2017. Dublin, California. https://www.bestplaces.net/city/california/dublin United States Army Parks Reserve. 2019. “Training Area”. https://home.army.mil/parks/index.php United States Census Bureau. 2018. City of Dublin. https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/community_facts.xhtml?src=bkmk United States Energy Information Administration (EIA). 2018a. “California - Profile Overview.” Last modified: November 15, 2018. https://www.eia.gov/state/?sid=CA (accessed July 2019) ____. 2018b. Natural Gas: Natural Gas Consumption by End Use. December 31, 2018b. https://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_cons_sum_dcu_SCA_a.htm (accessed July 2019) Zone 7 Water Agency. 2019. https://www.zone7water.com/flood-stream/36-public/content/51- stream-management-master-plan References Initial Study – Negative Declaration 73 List of Preparers Rincon prepared this Initial Study-Negative Declaration under contract to the City of Dublin. Persons involved in data gathering analysis, project management, and quality control include the following. RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC. Erik Feldman, Principal Matt Maddox, Principal Ryan Gardner, Senior Program Manager Hannah Mize, Lead Analyst Aubrey Mescher, Environmental Planner Yirui Zhang, Environmental Planner City of Dublin Dublin Climate Action Plan 74 This page intentionally left blank Page 1 08/03/2020 Rebecca Parnes Environmental Technician City of Dublin Public Works Department 101 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568 Rebecca.Parnes@dublin.ca.gov CEQA Project #: SCH 2020070437 Document Type: Initial Study/Negative Declaration Project Lead Agency: City of Dublin Project Title: Dublin Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond Public Resources Code (PRC) § 3208.1 establishes well reabandonment responsibility when a previously plugged and abandoned well will be impacted by planned property development or construction activities. Local permitting agencies, property owners, and/or developers should be aware of, and fully understand, that significant and potentially dangerous issues may be associated with development near oil, gas, and geothermal wells. The California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) has received and reviewed the above referenced project dated 7/23/2020. To assist local permitting agencies, property owners, and developers in making wise land use decisions regarding potential development near oil, gas, or geothermal wells, the CalGEM provides the following well evaluation. The project is located in Alameda County, City of Dublin within the boundaries of no known oil or gas field: CalGEM's records indicate no known oil or gas wells are located within the proposed project area. However, be advised there is an idle oil well located in the northwest corner of the city boundary (API 00100007). The well was permitted in 1924. However, there are no records confirming the well was ever drilled or plugged and abandoned. Our records indicate there is 1 known oil or gas well located within the project boundary as identified in the application. • Number of wells Not Abandoned to Current CalGEM Requirements as Prescribed by Law and Projected to Be Built Over or Have Future Access Impeded by this project: 0 • Number of wells Not Abandoned to Current CalGEM Requirements as Prescribed by Law and Not Projected to Be Built Over or Have Future Access Impeded by this project: 0 • Number of wells Abandoned to Current CalGEM Requirements as Prescribed by Law and Projected to Be Built Over or Have Future Access Impeded by this project: 0 DocuSign Envelope ID: 82BA1CE4-05F5-4B47-91AE-1DDE91BFF807 Page 2 • Number of wells Abandoned to Current CalGEM Requirements as Prescribed by Law and Not Projected to Be Built Over or Have Future Access Impeded by this project: 0 The CalGEM categorically advices against building over, or in any way impeding access to, oil, gas, or geothermal wells. Impeding access to a well could result in the need to remove any structure or obstacle that prevents or impedes access including, but not limited to, buildings, housing, fencing, landscaping, trees, pools, patios, sidewalks, roadways, and decking. Maintaining sufficient access is considered the ability for a well servicing unit and associated necessary equipment to reach a well from a public street or access way, solely over the parcel on which the well is located. A well servicing unit, and any necessary equipment, should be able to pass unimpeded along and over the route, and should be able to access the well without disturbing the integrity of surrounding infrastructure. There are no guarantees a well abandoned in compliance with current CalGEM requirements as prescribed by law will not start leaking in the future. It always remains a possibility that any well may start to leak oil, gas, and/or water after abandonment, no matter how thoroughly the well was plugged and abandoned. CalGEM acknowledges wells plugged and abandoned to the most current CalGEM requirements as prescribed by law have a lower probability of leaking in the future; however, there is no guarantee that such abandonments will not leak. PRC § 3208.1 give the CalGEM the authority to order or permit the re-abandonment of any well where it has reason to question the integrity of the previous abandonment, or if the well is not accessible or visible. Responsibility for re-abandonment costs may be affected by the choices made by the local permitting agency, property owner, and/or developer in considering the general advice set forth in this letter. The PRC continues to define the person or entity responsible for reabandonment as: 1. The property owner - If the well was plugged and abandoned in conformance with CalGEM requirements at the time of abandonment, and in its current condition does not pose an immediate danger to life, health, and property, but requires additional work solely because the owner of the property on which the well is located proposes construction on the property that would prevent or impede access to the well for purposes of remedying a currently perceived future problem, then the owner of the property on which the well is located shall obtain all rights necessary to reabandon the well and be responsible for the reabandonment. 2. The person or entity causing construction over or near the well - If the well was plugged and abandoned in conformance with CalGEM requirements at the time of plugging and abandonment, and the property owner, developer, or local agency permitting the construction failed either to obtain an opinion from the supervisor or district deputy as to whether the previously abandoned well is required to be reabandoned, or to follow the advice of the supervisor or district deputy not to undertake the construction, then the person or entity causing the construction over or near the well shall obtain all rights necessary to reabandon the well and be responsible for the reabandonment. DocuSign Envelope ID: 82BA1CE4-05F5-4B47-91AE-1DDE91BFF807 Page 3 3. The party or parties responsible for disturbing the integrity of the abandonment - If the well was plugged and abandoned in conformance with CalGEM requirements at the time of plugging and abandonment, and after that time someone other than the operator or an affiliate of the operator disturbed the integrity of the abandonment in the course of developing the property, then the party or parties responsible for disturbing the integrity of the abandonment shall be responsible for the reabandonment. No well work may be performed on any oil, gas, or geothermal well without written approval from CalGEM. Well work requiring approval includes, but is not limited to, mitigating leaking gas or other fluids from abandoned wells, modifications to well casings, and/or any other re-abandonment work. CalGEM also regulates the top of a plugged and abandoned well's minimum and maximum depth below final grade. CCR §1723.5 states well casings shall be cut off at least 5 feet but no more than 10 feet below grade. If any well needs to be lowered or raised (i.e. casing cut down or casing riser added) to meet this regulation, a permit from the CalGEM is required before work can start. CalGEM makes the following additional recommendations to the local permitting agency: 1. To ensure that present and future property owners are aware of (a) the existence of all wells located on the property, and (b) potentially significant issues associated with any improvements near oil or gas wells, CalGEM recommends that information regarding the above identified well(s), and any other pertinent information obtained after the issuance of this letter, be communicated to the appropriate county recorder for inclusion in the title information of the subject real property. 2. CalGEM recommends that any soil containing hydrocarbons be disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Please notify the appropriate authorities if soil containing significant amounts of hydrocarbons is discovered during development. As indicated in PRC § 3106, the CalGEM has statutory authority over the drilling, operation, maintenance, and abandonment of oil, gas, and geothermal wells, and attendant facilities, to prevent, as far as possible, damage to life, health, property, and natural resources; damage to underground oil, gas, and geothermal deposits; and damage to underground and surface waters suitable for irrigation or domestic purposes. In addition to CalGEM's authority to order work on wells pursuant to PRC §§ 3208.1 and 3224, it has authority to issue civil and criminal penalties under PRC §§ 3236, 3236.5, and 3359 for violations within the CalGEM's jurisdictional authority. CalGEM does not regulate grading, excavations, or other land use issues. Should you have any questions, please contact me at (916) 324-7120 or via email at: Charlene.Wardlow@conservation.ca.gov Sincerely, Charlene L Wardlow Northern District Deputy DocuSign Envelope ID: 82BA1CE4-05F5-4B47-91AE-1DDE91BFF807 DocuSign Envelope ID: 82BA1CE4-05F5-4B47-91AE-1DDE91BFF807 From:Romal Mitr To:David Haubert; Rebecca Parnes Subject:Dublin Climate Action Plan - A Proposal for Youth Engagement Date:Wednesday, August 12, 2020 1:35:37 PM Dear Mayor Haubert and Ms. Parnes, I hope that you are both doing well. My name is Romal Mitr, and I am a high school sophomore at the Quarry Lane School in Dublin, CA. I recently read about the Dublin Climate Action Plan 2023 and Beyond, and I was so inspired by the steps Dublin is taking to reduce its carbon footprint. Environmentalism has always been an integral part of me. As an active environmentalist and steward of this planet, I strive to shift the current paradigm through which we view our world ecosystems. I am constantly on the lookout for opportunities for me to showcase my love for environmentalism and share this spirit with my community. In my endeavor to become a part of the solution rather than the pollution, I created a petition to decrease the amount of household plastic waste by urging LEGO to adopt more sustainable pieces and reduce its carbon footprint. In addition, I offered my own proposal on how this could be done through the use of natural and renewable resources. This petition continues to gain supporters and currently has over 800 signatures. The link to my petition is: http://chng.it/GbPcPSR2 Embracing my tree-hugging spirit, I aim to continually expand and merge my passion for environmentalism with my other interests. Being an avid geographer as well, I apply my knowledge of drift patterns and currents to help ameliorate the current plastic pollution in water bodies. I work closely to map the drift of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a collection of debris located in the Pacific Ocean, using ocean currents as a method of anticipating its location and helping forestall its growth. In addition, I have used my passion for mapmaking to help protect the biodiversity on our planet. Working with organizations such as American Red Cross and HOT (Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team), I have mapped areas around the world to help these organizations' efforts to promote environmentalism. These efforts include determining rates of urbanization in secluded islands around the world and identifying specific areas that may be fit for the implementation of solar and other forms of renewable energy. In addition, I am also the President of my school’s Environmental Club, and I have helped conduct the annual Earth Day Celebration at our school so that students in my area can actively engage with environmentalism and learn about the importance of saving our planet. I am also creating my school's first environmental magazine that promotes environmental education. Striving to accomplish the same mission as Dublin CAP, I would love to start an Environmental Youth Council in Dublin. I think that this could be a great way for the youth in Dublin to be educated on important environmental issues in our community. In the council, the members could discuss plans to implement cleanup programs to beautify our community and could organize events to raise awareness about the problems that our planet faces. I believe that this is an amazing opportunity for the youth in Dublin to feel a part of the solution to the climate change problem, and I think that this will encourage them to lead their own environmental initiatives in Dublin. In addition, the council could create an environmental curriculum that can be offered to all students and members of our community. The Environmental Youth Council can serve as an open structured council, where members can bring their ideas to the table about preserving the environment, and, with the resources that we have, we can bring these plans to fruition. Currently, no other city in the Tri-Valley has such a council, and I believe that Dublin can take pride in setting a precedent for other cities in our area. I am also a 2-term member of the Dublin Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). Although YAC focuses on improving the well-being of the youth community in Dublin by organizing/volunteering at community events, I believe that this Environmental Youth Council will be distinct in that it will be solely focused on one of our city's priorities: creating a greener future for all of our residents. I also believe that this proposed council aligns very well with your recent "Dublin Climate Action Plan 2023 and Beyond" and supplements Dublin's continual commitment to a sustainable future. As a fervent advocate for environmentalism, I want to share my passion for improving our planet with other youth members of our city. Please let me know your thoughts on my idea to start an Environmental Youth Council. I would greatly appreciate a chance to present my proposal for your consideration via a brief meeting. Thank you so much for your time, and I look forward to hearing back from you! Thank you, Romal Mitr (925) 549-4567 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. August 19, 2020 David Haubert, Mayor SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL City of Dublin Attn: Dublin City Council 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568 council@dublin.ca.gov RE: City of Dublin’s Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond Dear Mayor Haubert and Councilmembers: Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the City of Dublin’s Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond (CAP). The Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA) seeks to be a valuable contributor in both the development of the CAP and the policies and procedures that may emerge as a result of these discussions. WPGA would like to emphasize that while we applaud decarbonization efforts, we believe that the Council should take a comprehensive approach toward providing consumers with clean energy solutions and low-carbon fuel options. The propane industry is proud of the role we play in providing an affordable, clean energy for communities across California. Propane is non-methane and provides residents with a reliable, non-toxic energy source at a cheaper rate than electricity. The advent of renewable propane has also dramatically changed propane’s value proposition. As the California Energy Commission (CEC) and Council continue to develop building decarbonization strategies, WPGA hopes the Council will recognize the role that both propane and renewable propane can play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. As I am sure the Council is aware, if the Council decides to move forward with Measure EE-1 to adopt an All-Electric Building reach code for new construction, the city will have to consider and show cost effectiveness for the proposed reach codes. As WPGA has interacted with other cities across the state, we have developed serious concerns with the cost effectiveness studies that a number of local cities are using to adopt reach codes. The data we have seen thus far does not appear to calculate the true cost of plumbing a house with propane. There is no substantial cost differential between building with propane in comparison to electric, especially once you factor in the cost of the energy. If the costs for all sectors are not analyzed in the study, it is impossible for local cities or the State to deem these efforts as truly “cost effective.” Last Fall, we saw millions of Californians left in the dark and cold due to Public Safety Power Shut Offs (PSPS) and even just this last week residents were stranded in the heat due to rolling blackouts. These occurrences are a prime example as to why relying on a single power source is unacceptably risky and accentuate the need for both energy diversity and resiliency across the state. Whereas, during the PSPS events, countless individuals were able to power their homes, stay warm and ensure that essential life sustaining equipment was not turned off during the shut offs because their homes were also plumbed with propane. We believe that any proposed strategy within the CAP should ensure that residents across the state have much needed access to both clean energy diversity and resiliency options. Unfortunately, the CEC and numerous local municipalities have developed reach codes without consideration of the PSPS events or COVID-19 pandemic. This Council has the insight to understand the impact of these events and can make a more informed decision that supports clean energy and will benefit all residents. Climate change and decarbonization is a complex challenge that requires deployment of all clean energy sources. Wind, solar, and other renewable fuels – like renewable propane – all have to factor in the equation of how to combat one of the most critical issues of our time. The Western Propane Gas Association appreciates your work in this area and hope the Council and staff take a holistic view of the complementary role propane plays alongside decarbonization efforts including solar, wind and other renewable fuels. Sincerely, Ben Granholm Regulatory Affairs Specialist Sincerelyy,, BeBen Granholm 375 BEALE STREET, SUITE 600 • SAN FRANCISCO CA • 94105 • 415.771.6000 •www.baaqmd.gov August 24, 2020 Rebecca Parnes City of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94569 RE: Dublin Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond Dear Ms. Parnes, Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District) staff has reviewed the Initial Study – Negative Declaration (IS-ND) for the Dublin Climate Action Plan 2030 and Beyond (CAP 2030). The City of Dublin proposes to adopt the CAP 2030 to reduce communitywide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 48,058 MTCO2e by 2025, and 73,452 MTCO2e by 2030, to achieve the goal of reducing GHG emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. CAP 2030 is also intended to set the City on the path to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. In 2028, City staff will initiate the development of a new CAP to establish new strategies and measures to ensure its 2045 carbon neutrality goal is achieved. CAP 2030 and the Draft IS-ND would, if approved, also be useful in streamlining CEQA review for projects that are consistent with the CEQA GHG Emissions Analysis Compliance Checklist. The CEQA GHG Emissions Analysis Compliance Checklist is a proposed City of Dublin CEQA GHG Emissions Analysis Compliance Checklist for proposed projects, to ensure consistency with the City’s proposed quantitative CEQA GHG Emissions Thresholds, for use in evaluating whether a plan or project’s GHG emissions would result in a potentially significant environment impact under CEQA. Air Quality Though Air Quality impacts were determined to be less than significant, and due solely to measures involving the installation of clean technology and other strategies to promote GHG reductions, Air District staff encourages the City to consider the following for all construction projects associated with CAP 2030 implementation to further mitigate GHGs and protect public health from air pollutants from construction equipment: x Require construction vehicles to operate with Tier 4 or the highest tier engines commercially available. x Require Basic Construction Mitigation Measures for all construction projects (Table 8-2), and require Additional Construction Mitigation Measures for Projects with Emissions Above the Threshold included in the Air District’s CEQA Guidelines: ALAMEDA COUNTY John J. Bauters Pauline Russo Cutter Scott Haggerty Nate Miley CONTRA COSTA COUNTY John Gioia David Hudson Karen Mitchoff (Secretary) Mark Ross MARIN COUNTY Katie Rice NAPA COUNTY Brad Wagenknecht SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY VACANT Shamann Walton Tyrone Jue (SF Mayor’s Appointee) SAN MATEO COUNTY David J. Canepa Carole Groom Davina Hurt SANTA CLARA COUNTY Margaret Abe-Koga Cindy Chavez (Vice Chair) Liz Kniss Rod G. Sinks (Chair) SOLANO COUNTY James Spering Lori Wilson SONOMA COUNTY Teresa Barrett Shirlee Zane Jack P. Broadbent EXECUTIVE OFFICER/APCO Rebecca Parnes August 24, 2020 Page 2 https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planning-and- research/ceqa/ceqa_guidelines_may2017-pdf.pdf?la=en x Review the Air District’s CEQA website which contains tools and resources to assist lead agencies in analyzing air quality and GHG impacts. These tools include guidance on quantifying local emissions and exposure impacts and can be found on the Air District’s website:https://www.baaqmd.gov/plans-and-climate/california- environmental-quality-act-ceqa/ceqa-tools. If the Plan requires a site- specific analysis, please contact Air District staff to obtain the most recent data. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Air District staff commends the City of Dublin in establishing targets in CAP 2030 that align with the State’s SB 32 GHG reduction goals for 2030, and discussing how the CAP 2030 provides a pathway—though not quantified— toward meeting the State’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2045 (Executive Order B-55-18). Throughout the document, the City states that as implementation of CAP 2030 progresses, regular assessments will be performed to determine progress toward the 2030 and 2045 targets and enable adjustments to be made including the adoption of additional mandatory measures. The inclusion of a well-articulated vision (Section 1.0 What Will Dublin Look Like?) helps communicate the intent and targets of CAP 2030 and provides a reference point for public engagement. The Air District included a similar vision section in its 2017 Clean Air Plan and has found it to be very useful in helping communicate the goals and action strategy of the Clean Air Plan. Air District staff offers the following comments both in support of, and to strengthen, GHG mitigations in CAP 2030: x Through measure CF-1: Opt-Up to 100% Renewable and Carbon- Free Electricity, CAP 2030 identifies opting up all community electricity accounts to East Bay Community Energy’s Renewable 100% product as the lead measure for reducing GHG emissions. Staff concurs that this is an important and aggressive strategy to meeting the City’s GHG reduction goals. With 100% renewable electricity, CAP 2030’s measures to electrify new construction and existing building stock— through measures EE-1: Achieve All-Electric New Building Construction and EE-4: Develop an Existing Building Electrification Plan—will have a significant impact on GHG emissions. Staff strongly advises the City to implement these measures as broadly as possible, capturing all building types and using mandatory approaches to ensure compliance. Staff also encourages the City to visit the Clean Building Compass, a web-based tool the Air District recently launched as a resource for local governments which includes information on Rebecca Parnes August 24, 2020 Page 3 model policies and practices: http://www.buildingdecarb.org/compass.html. x CAP 2030 includes an aggressive approach to building out the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, including a mandatory ordinance that would require all new commercial and multifamily buildings to include 25% of parking spaces as “EV Ready” (conduit and electrical panel capacity installed), and 3% of parking spaces required to have operable Level 2 EV charging stations.This exceeds the requirements of California’s CalGreen Tier 2 building code and supports the Air District’s efforts to achieve a goal of 90% of vehicles in the Bay Area being zero emissions by 2050. x CAP 2030 includes measure SM-3: Develop a Transportation Demand Management Plan which includes a variety of strategies to reduce vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Staff suggests the City add to this measure a discussion of how COVID-19 shelter-in-place policies have changed traditional commute patterns, and include strategies designed to optimize trip reduction impacts from shelter-in- place into the future, such as greater emphasis on remote work and active transportation. While this period of time is challenging, it provides opportunities to rethink local circulation patterns and mode shifting. Staff encourages the City to incorporate Air District efforts into new strategies, including the Commuter Benefits Program (https://www.baaqmd.gov/rules-and-compliance/commuter-benefits) and the Cut the Commute Pledge (https://www.sparetheair.org/reduce-your-impact/cut-the- commute/take-the-pledge). x Measure MM-1: Achieve the Organic Waste Reduction Requirements of SB 1383, provides a general description of actions the City will take to develop policies and practices to meet the State’s organics waste diversion goals under AB1383. CAP 2030 estimates GHG reductions that will occur assuming the City meets the AB1383 waste diversion goals. Without clearer identification of specific actions the City will take to meet these goals, there is great uncertainty these goals can be met. Staff acknowledges this measure states the City will “adopt a plan and associated policies/ordinances required for the successful implementation of SB 1383.” However, staff suggests CAP 2030 include a more specific description of the types of policies and ordinances the City will consider. x Overall, this is a strong and thoughtful plan that reflects innovative thinking, including looking at lifecycle costs and embodied emissions of new projects. The monitoring plan includes three-year GHG inventories and annual assessments of measures with the goal of Rebecca Parnes August 24, 2020 Page 4 adjusting mid-stream as necessary to meet the 2030 target. Staff recommends that the City identify a staff position that is entrusted with the coordination and implementation of the Climate Action Plan. Experience has shown that jurisdictions that have dedicated staff to implement their climate action plans have greater success in progressing towards their GHG reduction targets. Staff also recommends CAP 2030 include a checklist for new projects to demonstrate consistency with the plan. Air District staff commends the City for addressing the critical issue of climate change through local action and for the achievements the City has already made in reducing GHG emissions. By addressing the issues and suggestions in this letter, Air District staff believes that CAP 2030 would be more likely to achieve its GHG reduction target, thereby being in a better position to support streamlining for future projects under CEQA. Environmental Justice Air District staff also commends the City for calling out the climate co-benefit of equity and inclusion in CAP 2030, and specifically community-driven climate resilience planning approaches. In addition to this co-benefit and these considerations, Air District staff recommends applying an equity lens when implementing CAP 2030 and conducting a Racial Equity Impact Assessment of CAP 2030. The City of Oakland conducted a Racial Equity Impact Assessment and Implementation Guide which can serve as a good, local example and is located here: https://www.oaklandca.gov/documents/racial-equity-impact-assessment-and- implementation-guide. In addition to these overarching recommendations, Air District staff recommends the following to strengthen equity throughout CAP 2030: x Consider the cumulative impact, and potential unintended cost or displacement impacts,on communities when implementing CAP 2030 measures. x Ensure CAP 2030 is integrated and aligned with the City of Dublin’s General Plan,specifically for equity considerations and outcomes. Rebecca Parnes August 24, 2020 Page 5 Air District staff is available to assist the City in addressing these comments. If you have any questions or would like to discuss Air District recommendations further, please contact Kelly Malinowski, Senior Environmental Planner, at (415) 749-8673 or kmalinowski@baaqmd.gov. Sincerely, Greg Nudd Deputy Air Pollution Control Officer CC: BAAQMD Director John J. Bauters BAAQMD Director Pauline Russo Cutter BAAQMD Director Scott Haggerty BAAQMD Director Nate Miley