Document elcerrito_gov_doc_053701f231

Page 1 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MITIGATION MONITORING CHECKLIST--SAN PABLO AVENUE SPECIFIC PLAN The environmental mitigation measures listed in column two below have been incorporated into the conditions of approval for the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan in order to mitigate identified environmental impacts. A completed and signed chart will indicate that each mitigation requirement has been complied with, and that City and state monitoring requirements have been fulfilled with respect to Public Resources Code section 21081.6. MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date AESTHETICS AND VISUAL RESOURCES Impact 4-1: Project Impacts on Scenic Vistas. Specific Plan implementation could interfere with scenic views of Mt. Tamalpais, the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, the East Bay Hills, and Albany Hill from public rights-of-way (roadways and sidewalks), the two BART station platforms (El Cerrito Plaza and El Cerrito Del Norte), and areas of lower elevation hillside homes located in El Cerrito and Richmond. This is considered a potentially significant impact. Mitigation 4-1. For future City decision-making actions for individual project proposals under the Specific Plan, Specific Plan Section 2.02 (Administration of Regulating Code) shall be implemented as it applies to the proposal’s potential effect on scenic vistas. The City shall require evaluation (including visual simulations, if deemed necessary) of the proposal’s visual effect as viewed from important on-site and off-site viewpoints, including public rights-of- way of east-west streets (roadways and sidewalks) and the two BART station platforms in the Specific Plan area (El Cerrito Plaza and El Cerrito Del Norte). The evaluation shall address the proposal’s effect on views of Mt. Tamalpais, the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, the East Bay Hills, and Albany Hill. This mitigation shall be enforceable by its incorporation into the Specific Plan as a City-adopted policy and shall be implemented through subsequent permits, conditions, agreements, or other measures consistent with Specific Plan Section 2.02. Incorporation of this measure would reduce the impact on scenic vistas. However, because the outcome of this decision-making process for any individual, future proposal cannot be guaranteed within the framework of City; Individual project applicants City During individual project review ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 2 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date this program EIR, the impact is considered significant and unavoidable. Impact 4-2: Project Light and Glare Impacts. The San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan anticipates development on the surface parking lots around the El Cerrito Plaza and El Cerrito Del Norte BART stations. As part of this development, new parking structures for the BART stations and for other new development are anticipated. These parking structures may result in light and glare from vehicles using the parking structure at night. In addition, future multi-story buildings (or renovations) in the Specific Plan area, if faced in reflective materials reflective glass), could result in glare impacts on adjacent and nearby properties. These impacts related to light and glare are considered a potentially significant. Mitigation 4-2. Project developers (including but not limited to BART) shall install landscaping and incorporate other measures into and around any Specific Plan area future parking structure(s) (light source shielding, etc.) as necessary to ensure that potential light and glare from vehicles would be avoided toward the Ohlone Greenway, residential uses, and other sensitive uses, consistent with El Cerrito City Resolution 82-9 and the El Cerrito design review process. With this requirement incorporated into the local design review process, the light and glare impact of future parking structures would be less-than-significant. Regarding reflective building materials, for all future development in the Specific Plan area, facades shall be of non-reflective materials, and windows shall incorporate non- reflective coating. This requirement would reduce potential glare impacts of building materials to a less-than- significant level. Individual project applicants Individual project applicants City City During individual project review; Condition of occupancy permit issuance Condition of building permit issuance; Condition of occupancy permit issuance AIR QUALITY Impact 5-1: Construction Period Emissions. Implementation of the Specific Plan would result in short-term emissions from construction activities associated with subsequent development, including site grading, asphalt paving, building construction, and architectural coating. Emissions commonly associated with construction activities include fugitive dust from soil Mitigation 5-1. Implement the following BAAQMD-recommended measures to control particulate matter emissions during construction. These measures would reduce diesel particulate matter, PM10, and PM2.5 from construction to ensure that short- term health impacts to nearby sensitive receptors are avoided or reduced: Individual project applicants City Condition of grading permit issuance; Condition of building permit issuance; Field verify implementation during grading and construction ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 3 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date disturbance, fuel combustion from mobile heavy-duty diesel- and gasoline- powered equipment, portable auxiliary equipment, and worker commute trips. During construction, fugitive dust, the dominant source of PM10 and PM2.5 emissions, is generated when wheels or blades disturb surface materials. Uncontrolled dust from construction can become a nuisance and potential health hazard to those living and working nearby. Demolition and renovation of buildings can also generate PM10 and PM2.5 emissions. Off-road construction equipment is often diesel-powered and can be a substantial source of NOX emissions, in addition to PM10 and PM2.5 emissions. Worker commute trips and architectural coatings are dominant sources of ROG emissions. The BAAQMD CEQA Air Quality Guidelines do not identify plan-level thresholds that apply to construction. Although construction activities at individual project sites are expected to occur during a relatively short time period, the combination of temporary dust from activities and diesel exhaust from construction equipment poses both a health and nuisance impact to nearby receptors. In addition, NOX emissions during grading and soil import/export for large projects may exceed the BAAQMD NOX emission thresholds. Without application of appropriate control measures to reduce construction dust and exhaust, construction period impacts would be considered a potentially significant impact. Dust (PM10 and PM2.5) Control Measures:  Water all active construction areas at least twice daily and more often during windy periods. Active areas adjacent to residences should be kept damp at all times.  Cover all hauling trucks or maintain at least two feet of freeboard.  Pave, apply water at least twice daily, or apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers on all unpaved access roads, parking areas, and staging areas.  Sweep daily (with water sweepers) all paved access roads, parking areas, and staging areas and sweep streets daily (with water sweepers) if visible soil material is deposited onto the adjacent roads.  Hydroseed or apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers to inactive construction areas previously graded areas that are inactive for 10 days or more).  Enclose, cover, water twice daily, or apply (non-toxic) soil binders to exposed stockpiles.  Limit traffic speeds on any unpaved roads to 15 mph.  Replant vegetation in disturbed areas as quickly as possible. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 4 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date  Suspend construction activities that cause visible dust plumes to extend beyond the construction site.  Post a publically visible sign(s) with the telephone number and person to contact at the Lead Agency regarding dust complaints. This person shall respond and take corrective action within 48 hours. The Air District’s phone number shall also be visible to ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Additional Measures to Reduce Diesel Particulate Matter and PM2.5 and other construction emissions:  The developer or contractor shall provide a plan for approval by the City or BAAQMD demonstrating that the heavy-duty (>50 horsepower) off-road vehicles to be used in the construction project, including owned, leased and subcontractor vehicles, will achieve a project wide fleet- average 20 percent NOX reduction and 45 percent particulate reduction compared to the most recent CARB fleet average for the year 2011.  Clear signage at all construction sites shall be posted indicating that diesel and gasoline equipment standing idle for more than five minutes shall be turned off. This would include trucks waiting to deliver or receive soil, ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 5 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date aggregate, or other bulk materials. Rotating drum concrete trucks could keep their engines running continuously as long as they were on-site or adjacent to the construction site.  The contractor shall install temporary electrical service whenever possible to avoid the need for independently powered equipment compressors).  Properly tune and maintain equipment for low emissions. Implementation of these measures would reduce project construction- related air quality impacts to a less- than-significant level. Impact 5-2: Impacts of Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs) on Sensitive Receptors. Implementation of the Specific Plan would result in the potential construction of a variety of projects. This construction would result in short-term emissions of diesel particulate matter (DPM), a TAC. Construction would result in the generation of DPM emissions from the use of off-road diesel equipment required for site grading and excavation, paving, and other construction activities. The amount to which the receptors are exposed (a function of concentration and duration of exposure) is the primary factor used to determine health risk potential exposure to TAC emission levels that exceed applicable standards). Health-related risks associated with diesel-exhaust emissions are primarily linked to long- Mitigation 5-2. Require project-level construction health risk assessment. Construction health risk assessment shall be required on a project-by- project basis, either through screening or refined modeling, to identify impacts and, if necessary, include performance standards and industry-recognized measures to reduce exposure. Reduction in health risk can be accomplished through, though is not limited to, the following measures:  Construction equipment selection;  Use of alternative fuels and engine retrofits, temporary line power or electric equipment;  Modified construction schedule; and Individual project applicants City During individual project review (health risk assessment); Condition of grading permit issuance; Condition of building permit issuance; Field verify implementation during grading and construction ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 6 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date term exposure and the associated risk of contracting cancer. The calculation of cancer risk associated with exposure to TACs is typically based on a 70-year period of exposure. The use of diesel- powered construction equipment, however, would be temporary and episodic and would occur over a relatively large area. Cancer risk and PM2.5 exposure would have to be analyzed through project-level analysis to identify the potential for significant impacts and measures to reduce those impacts to less-than-significant. Health risks associated with temporary construction would, therefore, be considered a potentially significant impact.  Implementation of BAAQMD Basic and/or Additional Construction Mitigation Measures for control of fugitive dust. Implementation of these industry- recognized measures would reduce TAC construction impacts to a less- than-significant level. Impact 5-3: Toxic Air Contaminant Exposure Long-Term Operations. The Specific Plan would allow growth of new residential land uses that could include sensitive receptors, as well as new non-residential land uses that would be potential new emissions sources. Typically, these sources would be evaluated through the project-specific BAAQMD permit process or the CEQA process to identify and mitigate any significant exposures. However, some sources that would not be required to undergo such a review, such as truck loading docks or truck parking areas, may have the potential to cause significant increases in TAC exposure. While average daily traffic along Specific Plan area surface streets is not readily available, the roadway screening analysis tables indicate that health risk from high volume surface streets such as Central Avenue, Carlson Boulevard, and Potrero Avenue would be less-than- significant at average daily traffic Mitigation 5-3. Implement the following measures in site planning and building designs to reduce TAC and PM2.5 exposure where new receptors are located within the overlay distances identified above:  Future development under the Specific Plan that includes sensitive receptors (such as schools, hospitals, daycare centers, or retirement homes) located within the overlay distances from highways and stationary sources shall require site-specific analysis to determine the level of TAC and PM2.5 exposure, or for projects located near surface streets with daily traffic volumes exceeding 40,000 ADT. This analysis shall be conducted following procedures outlined by BAAQMD. If the site- specific analysis reveals significant exposures, such as Individual project applicants City During individual project review (site-specific analysis); Condition of building permit issuance ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 7 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date volumes (ADT) of 40,000 vehicles or less at a distance of 10 feet. If projects under the Specific Plan are located within close proximity to surface streets with daily traffic volumes higher than 40,000 ADT this would represent a potentially significant impact. cancer risk greater than 10 in one million or cumulative cancer risk greater than 100 in one million, additional measures shall be employed to reduce the risk to below the threshold. If this is not possible, the sensitive receptors shall be relocated.  Future non-residential developments would be evaluated through the CEQA process or BAAQMD permit process to ensure that they do not cause a significant health risk in terms of excess cancer risk greater than 10 in one million, acute or chronic hazards with a Hazard Index greater than 1.0, or annual PM2.5 exposures greater than 0.3 µg/m3, or a significant cumulative health risk in terms of excess cancer risk greater than 100 in one million, acute or chronic hazards with a Hazard Index greater than 10.0, or annual PM2.5 exposures greater than 0.8 µg/m3.  For significant cancer risk exposure, as defined by BAAQMD, indoor air filtration systems shall be installed to effectively reduce particulate levels to a less-than-significant level. Project sponsors shall submit performance specifications and design details to demonstrate that lifetime residential exposures would result in less-than- significant cancer risks (less than 10 in one million chances or 100 in one million for cumulative sources). ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 8 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date  Air filtration systems installed shall be rated MERV-13 or higher, and a maintenance plan for the air filtration system shall be implemented.  Trees and/or vegetation shall be planted between sensitive receptors and pollution sources, if feasible. Trees that are best- suited to trapping particulate matter shall be planted, including the following: Pine (Pinus nigra var. maritime), Cypress (X Cupressocyparis leylandii), Hybrid popular (Populus deltoids X trichocarpa), and Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens).  Sites shall be designed to locate sensitive receptors as far as possible from any freeways, roadways, diesel generators, distribution centers, and rail lines.  Operable windows, balconies, and building air intakes shall be located as far away from these sources as feasible. If near a distribution center, residents shall not be located immediately adjacent to a loading dock or where trucks concentrate to deliver goods. Implementation of these measures would reduce air quality impacts to a less-than-significant level. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 9 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Impact 6-1: Potential Impacts on Nesting Birds and Roosting Bats. The Specific Plan is intended to improve and expand the natural environment in the Specific Plan area, including the use of native and drought-tolerant plants (a beneficial environmental measure). Without a proactive mitigation procedure in place, Specific Plan implementation could inadvertently result in the removal of existing trees containing nests or eggs of migratory birds, raptors, or bird species during the nesting season, which would be considered an "unlawful take" under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and USFW provisions protecting migratory and nesting birds. In addition, roosting bats, several species of which are protected under the federal and State Endangered Species Acts, might be disturbed. This is considered a potentially significant impact. Mitigation 6-1. The removal of trees, shrubs, or weedy vegetation shall be avoided during the February 1 through August 31 bird nesting period to the extent possible. If no vegetation or tree removal is proposed during the nesting period, no further action is required. If it is not feasible to avoid the nesting period, the project applicant shall retain a qualified wildlife biologist to conduct a survey for nesting birds no sooner than 14 days prior to the start of removal of trees, shrubs, grassland vegetation, buildings, grading, or other construction activity. Survey results shall be valid for 21 days following the survey; therefore, if vegetation or building removal is not started within 21 days of the survey, another survey shall be required. The area surveyed shall include all construction sites, access roads, and staging areas, as well as areas within 150 feet outside the boundaries of the areas to be cleared or as otherwise determined by the biologist. In the event that an active nest is discovered in the areas to be cleared, or in other habitats within 150 feet of construction boundaries, clearing and construction shall be postponed for at least two weeks or until a wildlife biologist has determined that the young have fledged (left the nest), the nest is vacated, and there is no evidence of second nesting attempts. Implementation of this measure would reduce the impact to a less-than- significant level. Individual project applicants City Condition of grading permit issuance; Field verify implementation during grading ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 10 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date A qualified biologist shall conduct pre-construction surveys for bats and suitable bat roosting habitat at work sites where culverts, structures and/or trees would be removed or otherwise disturbed prior to the initiation of construction. If bats or suitable bat roosting habitat is detected, CDFW shall be notified immediately for consultation and possible on-site monitoring. Implementation of this measure would reduce the impact to a less-than-significant level. Actions and can be implemented simultaneously. Individual project applicants City Condition of grading permit issuance; Field verify implementation during grading CULTURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES Impact 7-1: Destruction/Degradation of Historic Resources. There may be one or more properties or features within the plan area that meet the CEQA definition of a historic resource, including properties or features already listed, or properties or features eligible for listing, in a local, State, or Federal register of historic resources. Future development projects that are otherwise consistent with the proposed Specific Plan may cause substantial adverse changes in the significance of one or more such historic resources. Substantial adverse changes that may occur include physical demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of one or more historic resources or its immediate surroundings such that the resource is "materially impaired." The significance of a historic resource would be considered potentially "materially impaired" when and if an individual future development project proposes to Mitigation 7-1. For any individual discretionary project within the Specific Plan area that the City determines may involve a property that contains a potentially significant historic resource a recorded historic resource or an unrecorded building or structure 50 years or older), the resource shall be evaluated by City staff, and if warranted, shall be assessed by a qualified professional on the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) list of consultants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards to determine whether the property is a significant historical resource and whether or not the project may have a potentially significant adverse effect on the historical resource. If, based on the recommendation of the qualified professional, the City determines that the project may have a potentially City; Individual project applicants City During individual project review; Condition of grading permit issuance; Condition of building permit issuance; Field verify implementation during grading and construction; Condition of occupancy permit issuance ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 11 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date demolish or materially alter the physical characteristics that justify the determination of its significance (CEQA Guidelines section 15064.5[b]). Such adverse changes in the significance of a CEQA-defined historic resource would be a significant impact. significant effect, the City shall require the applicant to implement the following mitigation measures: Adhere to one or both of the following Secretary of the Interior’s Standards:  Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings; or  Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. The qualified professional shall make a recommendation to the City as to whether the project fully adheres to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, and any specific modifications necessary to do so. The final determination as to a project's adherence to the Standards shall be made by the City body with final decision-making authority over the project. Such a determination of individual project adherence to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards will constitute mitigation of the project historic resource impacts to a less- than-significant level (CEQA Guidelines section 15064.5). If measure is not feasible, the historic resource shall be moved to a new location compatible with the original character and use of the historical resource, and its historic ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 12 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date features and compatibility in orientation, setting, and general environment shall be retained, such that the resource retains its eligibility for listing on the California Register. If neither measure nor measure is feasible, a project-specific EIR shall be required pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5, particularly in order for specific project alternatives to be designed and evaluated. If after that CEQA process, neither measure nor is found to be feasible, then the City shall, as applicable and to the extent feasible, implement the following measures in the following order: Document the historic resource before any changes that would cause a loss of integrity and loss of continued eligibility. The documentation shall adhere to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Architectural and Engineering Documentation. The level of documentation shall be proportionate with the level of significance of the resource. The documentation shall be made available for inclusion in the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) or the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) Collections in the Library of Congress, the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS), and the Bancroft Library, as well as local libraries and historical societies, such as the El Cerrito Historical Society. Retain and reuse the historic resource to the maximum feasible ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 13 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date extent and continue to apply the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards to the maximum feasible extent in all alterations, additions, and new construction. Through careful methods of planned deconstruction to avoid damage and loss, salvage character- defining features and materials for educational and interpretive use on- site, or for reuse in new construction on the site in a way that commemorates their original use and significance. Interpret the historical significance of the resource through a permanent exhibit or program in a publicly accessible location on the site or elsewhere within the Specific Plan area. Implementation of measures and/or would reduce a significant impact on historic resources. However, this program EIR is prohibited from speculating on the details of any future individual development proposal and its potential impact on a historic resource, and the City cannot determine with certainty that this mitigation measure would reduce the potential impact of any individual project on a historic resource to a less-than-significant level. Consequently, this impact may remain significant and unavoidable. Impact 7-2: Potential for Disturbance of Buried Archaeological Resources, Including Human Remains. Development facilitated by the Specific Plan could disturb unrecorded sensitive Mitigation 7-2. During the City’s standard project-specific environmental checklist review process for all future, discretionary, public improvement and private City; Individual project applicants City During individual project review; Condition of grading permit issuance; Field ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 14 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date archaeological resources in the plan area. This possibility represents a potentially significant impact. development projects in the Specific Plan area, the City shall determine the possible presence of, and the potential impacts of the action on, archaeological resources. For discretionary projects involving substantial ground disturbance (more than 10,000 square feet), the City shall require individual project applicants or environmental consultants to contact the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) to determine whether the particular project is located in a sensitive area. Future discretionary development projects that CHRIS determines may be located in a sensitive area--i.e., on or adjoining an identified archaeological site--shall proceed only after the project applicant contracts with a qualified archaeologist to conduct a determination in regard to cultural values remaining on the site and warranted mitigation measures. In general, to make an adequate determination in these instances, the archaeologist shall conduct a preliminary field inspection to assess the amount and location of visible ground surface, determine the nature and extent of previous impacts, and assess the nature and extent of potential impacts. Such field inspection may demonstrate the need for some form of additional subsurface testing excavation by auger, shovel, or backhoe unit) or, alternatively, the need for on-site monitoring of subsurface activities during grading or trenching). verify implementation during grading ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 15 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date If a significant archaeological resource is identified through this field inspection process, the City and project applicant shall seek to avoid damaging effects on the resource. Preservation in place to maintain the relationship between the artifact(s) and the archaeological context is the preferred manner of mitigating impacts on an archaeological site. Preservation may be accomplished by:  Planning construction to avoid the archaeological site;  Incorporating the site within a park, green space, or other open space element;  Covering the site with a layer of chemically stable soil; or  Deeding the site into a permanent conservation easement. When in-place mitigation is determined by the City to be infeasible, a data recovery plan, which makes provisions for adequate recovery of culturally or historically consequential information about the site, shall be prepared and adopted prior to any excavation being undertaken. Such studies shall be submitted to the CHRIS Northwest Information Center. If Native American artifacts are indicated, the studies shall also be submitted to the Native American Heritage Commission. Identified cultural resources shall be recorded on form DPR 422 ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 16 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date (archaeological sites). Mitigation measures recommended by these two groups and required by the City shall be undertaken, if necessary, prior to and during construction activities. A data recovery plan and data recovery shall not be required if the City determines that testing or studies already completed have adequately recovered the necessary data, provided that the data have already been documented in an EIR or are available for review at the CHRIS Northwest Information Center (CEQA Guidelines section 15126.4[b]). In the event that subsurface cultural resources are otherwise encountered during approved ground-disturbing activities for a plan area construction activity, work in the immediate vicinity shall be stopped and a qualified archaeologist retained to evaluate the finds following the procedures described above. Project personnel shall not collect cultural resources. If human remains are found, special rules set forth in State Health and Safety Code section 7050.5 and CEQA Guidelines section 15126.4(b) shall apply. Implementation of this measure would reduce the impact to a less-than- significant level. Impact 7-3: Potential for Disturbance of Paleontological Resources. Development facilitated by the Specific Plan could disturb unrecorded paleontological resources in the plan Mitigation 7-3. During the City’s standard project-specific environmental checklist review process for all future, discretionary, public improvement and private City; Individual project applicants City During individual project review; Condition of grading permit issuance; Field verify ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 17 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date area. This possibility represents a potentially significant impact. development projects in the Specific Plan area, the City shall determine the possible presence of, and the potential impacts of the action on, paleontological resources. For projects involving substantial ground disturbance (more than 10,000 square feet), the City shall require individual project applicants to carry out the following measures: Education Program. Project applicants shall implement a program that includes the following elements:  Resource identification training procedures for construction personnel;  Spot-checks by a qualified paleontological monitor of all excavations deeper than seven feet below ground surface; and  Procedures for reporting discoveries and their geologic context. Procedures for Resources Encountered. If subsurface paleontological resources are encountered, excavation shall halt in the vicinity of the resources, and the project paleontologist shall evaluate the resource and its stratigraphic context. The monitor shall be empowered to temporarily halt or redirect construction activities to ensure avoidance of adverse impacts to paleontological resources. During monitoring, if potentially significant paleontological resources are found, “standard” samples shall be collected implementation during grading ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 18 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date and processed by a qualified paleontologist to recover micro vertebrate fossils. If significant fossils are found and collected, they shall be prepared to a reasonable point of identification. Excess sediment or matrix shall be removed from the specimens to reduce the bulk and cost of storage. Itemized catalogs of material collected and identified shall be provided to a local museum repository with the specimens. Significant fossils collected during this work, along with the itemized inventory of these specimens, shall be deposited in a local museum repository for permanent curatorship and storage. A report documenting the results of the monitoring and salvage activities, and the significance of the fossils, if any, shall be prepared. The report and inventory, when submitted to the City, shall signify the completion of the program to mitigate impacts on paleontological resources. Implementation of this measure would reduce the impact to a less-than- significant level. GEOLOGY AND SOILS Impact 8-1: Potential Ground Instability Impacts. The potential for ground instability can depend on specific, highly localized underlying soil conditions. Determination of liquefaction, differential settlement, lateral spreading, and subsidence potential in the Specific Plan area would require site-specific geotechnical studies for future individual development proposals. Possible ground instability conditions, if not properly engineered Mitigation 8-1. Subject to City review and approval, complete and implement the geotechnical mitigation recommendations identified in the required site-specific geotechnical investigations and engineering studies, in coordination with City grading permit and building permit performance standards. Project incorporation of this mitigation requirement would reduce this impact to a less-than-significant level. Individual project applicants City During individual project review; Condition of grading permit issuance; Condition of building permit issuance; Field verify implementation during grading and construction ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 19 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date for, could result in associated significant damage to project buildings and other improvements, representing a potentially significant impact. NOISE Impact 13-1: Noise and Land Use Compatibility. Residential land uses facilitated by the Specific Plan would be exposed to exterior noise levels exceeding 60 dBA Ldn from traffic noise and 70 dBA Ldn from BART noise. Future noise levels would exceed both El Cerrito’s and Richmond’s noise and land use compatibility standards. This is a potentially significant impact. Mitigation 13-1. Future development would be exposed to outdoor noise levels exceeding acceptable levels as defined in the El Cerrito and Richmond general plans. Noise levels inside residential structures proposed in such noise environments would exceed 45 dBA Ldn, the local established land use compatibility threshold. In areas where residential developments would be exposed to an Ldn of greater than 60 dBA, El Cerrito General Plan Policy H3.9 requires the evaluation of mitigation measures for specific projects. In Richmond General Plan Action SN4.A, new noise-sensitive uses that are located in an area with day-night average sound levels (Ldn) of 55 or greater require a noise study report; the report shall identify noise mitigation measures that limit noise to an acceptable level compared to existing conditions.  Utilize site planning to minimize noise in residential outdoor activity areas (shared outdoor space in multi-family developments) by locating the areas behind noise barriers, the buildings, in courtyards, or orienting the terraces to alleyways rather than streets, whenever possible. The goal is a maximum noise level of 60 dBA Ldn from roadway traffic and 70 dBA Ldn from BART noise. Individual project applicants City During individual project review; Condition of building permit issuance; Condition of occupancy permit issuance ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 20 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date The City of El Cerrito requires project-specific acoustical analyses to achieve interior noise levels of 45 dBA Ldn or lower, and the adopted instantaneous noise levels in residential units exposed to exterior noise levels greater than 60 dBA Ldn should not exceed 50 dBA Lmax in bedrooms and 55 dBA Lmax in other rooms. Building sound insulation requirements would need to include the provision of forced-air mechanical ventilation in noise environments exceeding 60 dBA Ldn so that windows could be kept closed at the occupant’s discretion to control noise. Special building construction techniques sound rated windows and building facade treatments) may be required where exterior noise levels exceed 65 dBA Ldn. These treatments include, but are not limited to, sound rated windows and doors, sound rated exterior wall assemblies, acoustical caulking, etc. The specific determination of what treatments are necessary will be conducted on a unit-by-unit basis during project design. Results of the analysis, including the description of the necessary noise control treatments, will be submitted to the City, along with the building plans, which shall be revised as necessary or approved prior to issuance of a building permit. Feasible construction techniques such as these would adequately reduce interior noise levels to 45 ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 21 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date dBA Ldn or lower and meet instantaneous noise limits.  Similar to above, noise insulation features shall be considered on a case-by-case basis for noise- sensitive offices and commercial uses proposed where noise levels exceed 65 dBA Ldn, in order to meet adopted noise standards.  Implementation of these measures would reduce potential noise and land use compatibility impacts to a less-than- significant level. Impact 13-2: Commercial Development Noise. The San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan would introduce commercial uses adjacent to residential land uses. Specific tenants for the commercial uses have not been identified, but uses would probably include retail stores, grocery stores, restaurants, or cafes. New commercial development proposed along with or next to residential development could result in noise levels exceeding City standards. Typical noise levels generated by loading and unloading would be similar to noise levels generated by truck movements on local roadways. Mechanical equipment would also have the potential to generate noise and would be a potential noise impact. This is a potentially significant impact. Mitigation 13-2. New commercial development proposed in the same building as or adjacent to residential development could result in noise levels exceeding City standards.  Noise levels at residential property lines from commercial development shall be maintained not in excess of the general plan and municipal code limits for the Cities of El Cerrito and Richmond. The approval of the commercial development shall require a noise study demonstrating how the business--including loading docks, refuse areas, and ventilation systems--would meet these requirements and would be consistent with the respective City’s noise standards.  Ensure that noise-generating activities, such as maintenance activities and loading and unloading activities, are limited to the hours of 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Individual project applicants City During individual project review; Condition of building permit issuance; Condition of occupancy permit issuance ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 22 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date Implementation of these measures would reduce the potential commercial development noise impacts to a less- than-significant level. Impact 13-3: Construction Noise. Businesses and residences would be intermittently exposed to high levels of noise throughout the 2040 plan horizon. Construction would elevate noise levels at adjacent businesses and residences by 15 to 20 dBA or more. This is a significant impact. Mitigation 13-3. Construction equipment shall be well-maintained and used judiciously to be as quiet as practical. The following measures, when applicable, are recommended to reduce noise from construction activities:  Equip all internal combustion engine-driven equipment with mufflers that are in good condition and appropriate for the equipment.  Utilize “quiet” models of air compressors and other stationary noise sources where technology exists.  Locate stationary noise- generating equipment as far as feasible from sensitive receptors when sensitive receptors adjoin or are near a construction area.  Prohibit unnecessary idling of internal combustion engines.  Pre-drill foundation pile holes to minimize the number of impacts required to seat the pile.  Construct solid plywood fences around construction sites adjacent to operational business, residences, or noise-sensitive land uses. Individual project applicants City Condition of grading permit issuance; Condition of building permit issuance; Field verify implementation during grading and construction ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 23 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date  A temporary noise control blanket barrier could be erected, if necessary, along building facades facing construction sites. This mitigation would only be necessary if conflicts occurred which were irresolvable by proper scheduling. Noise control blanket barriers can be rented and quickly erected.  Route construction-related traffic along major roadways and as far as feasible from sensitive receptors.  Ensure that construction activities (including the loading and unloading of materials and truck movements) are limited to the hours of 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and between the hours of 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM on weekends and holidays.  Ensure that excavating, grading, and filling activities (including warming of equipment motors) are limited to between the hours of 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and between the hours of 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM on weekends and holidays. Businesses, residences, or noise- sensitive land uses adjacent to construction sites shall be notified of the construction schedule in writing. Designate a “construction liaison” who would be responsible for responding to any local complaints about construction noise. The liaison would ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 24 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date determine the cause of the noise complaints starting too early, bad muffler, etc.) and institute reasonable measures to correct the problem. Conspicuously post a telephone number for the liaison at the construction site. Although the above measures would reduce noise generated by construction, the impact would remain significant and unavoidable as a result of the extended period of time that adjacent receivers could be exposed to construction noise. Impact 13-4: Construction-Related Vibration. Residences, businesses, and historic structures could be exposed to construction-related vibration during the excavation and foundation work of buildings. This is a significant impact. Mitigation 13-4. The following measures are recommended to reduce vibration from construction activities:  Avoid impact pile driving where possible. Drilled piles causes lower vibration levels where geological conditions permit their use.  Avoid using vibratory rollers and tampers near sensitive areas.  In areas where project construction is anticipated to include vibration-generating activities, such as pile driving, in close proximity to existing structures, site-specific vibration studies shall be conducted to determine the area of impact and to present appropriate mitigation measures that may include the following: Individual project applicants City Condition of grading permit issuance; Condition of building permit issuance; Field verify implementation during grading and construction ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 25 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date - Identify sites that would include vibration compaction activities (such as pile driving) and have the potential to generate ground-borne vibration, and the sensitivity of nearby structures to ground-borne vibration. Vibration limits shall be applied to all vibration-sensitive structures located within 200 feet of the project. A qualified structural engineer should conduct this task. - Develop a vibration monitoring and construction contingency plan to identify structures where monitoring would be conducted, set up a vibration monitoring schedule, define structure- specific vibration limits, and address the need to conduct photo, elevation, and crack surveys to document before and after construction conditions. - Design construction contingencies that would be implemented when vibration levels approached the limits. - At a minimum, conduct vibration monitoring during initial demolition activities and during pile driving activities. Monitoring results may indicate the need for more or less intensive measurements. - When vibration levels approach limits, suspend construction and implement contingencies to ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 26 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date either lower vibration levels or secure the affected structures. Conduct post-survey on structures under either of these circumstances: when construction monitoring has indicated high vibration levels or when complaints of damage have been made due to construction activities. Make appropriate repairs or compensation when damage has resulted from construction activities. It may not be possible to avoid using pile drivers, vibratory rollers, and tampers entirely during construction facilitated by the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan. Due to the density of development in the area, some of these activities may take place near sensitive areas. In these cases, the mitigation measures listed above may not be sufficient to reduce ground- borne vibrations below a level of significance. Therefore, this impact would be significant and unavoidable. TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION Impact 16-1: Cumulative Traffic Impacts. The project would have a significant cumulative impact, relative to the City’s current LOS standard of D, at San Pablo Avenue/Cutting Boulevard, which would fall from LOS D in the Cumulative No Project case to LOS E in the Cumulative With Project case. This would be a significant project impact. Mitigation 16-1. Adoption and full implementation of the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan/Complete Streets Plan is projected to reduce auto trips relative to the baseline assumption in the impact analysis, which would reduce this impact to a less-than-significant level. Furthermore, adoption of the plan would change the City’s LOS standard City; Individual project applicants City Condition of occupancy permit issuance (fair- share of multi- modal improvements) ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 27 (1756-04).doc 8/25/2014 MONITORING VERIFICATION IDENTIFIED IMPACT RELATED MITIGATION MEASURE (Performance Criteria) Implementation Entity Monitoring and Verification Entity Timing Requirements Signature Date of D to an LOS goal of E, which should be considered in conjunction with the multi-modal LOS standards for transit, pedestrian and bicycle modes, with transit and pedestrian modes being the primary priorities in the corridor. This would also render the impact less-than-significant. However, because the projected mode shift cannot be guaranteed, and adoption of the proposed new multi-modal LOS goals as defined in the draft plan cannot be assured, the impact relative to the current City LOS standard remains significant and unavoidable after mitigation.