Document elcerrito_gov_doc_684d49c248

West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 1 INITIAL STUDY WEST CONTRA COSTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION OF THE CASTRO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO REPLACE THE PORTOLA MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT Introduction: This Initial Study has been prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code, Section 2100 et seq.) and the CEQA Guidelines. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM Project Title: Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace the Portola Middle School Project Lead agency name and address: West Contra Costa Unified School District 1300 Portrero Avenue Richmond, CA 94804-3729 Contact person: Bill Savidge, District Engineering Officer Phone: (510) 307-4544 Project location: The project site contains the entirety of the existing Castro Elementary School campus, the Cameron School campus, and the existing Castro Park, which is a park operated by the City of El Cerrito via a joint- use agreement with the District. The entire project site is owned by the District and is bounded by Gladys Avenue, Lawrence Street, Donal Avenue, and Norvell Street. The associated project address is 7125 Donal Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530. Assessor’s Parcel Number: APN 502-340-001 Project Applicant: West Contra Costa Unified School District Facilities Planning and Construction 1300 Potrero Avenue, Richmond, CA General Plan designation: Institutional and Utility/Parks and Open Space Zoning: R-1- Single-family residential district Surrounding land uses and setting: Residential neighborhood in the City of El Cerrito ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 2 EXISTING SETTING The proposed West Contra Costa Unified School District (District) Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School Project (Project) is located within the City of El Cerrito. The City of El Cerrito is located in western Contra Costa County, bounded on the north and west by the City of Richmond, as shown in Figure 1 and 2. To the south of El Cerrito is the City of Albany, to the east is the unincorporated community of Kensington as well as Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. The City of El Cerrito is primarily residential in character with a commercial corridor along San Pablo Avenue. The City is nearly built out. The majority of land uses surrounding the project site are residential. As shown in Figure 3, there is one project site for the proposed project (APN 502-340-001). The project site contains the entirety of the existing Castro Elementary School campus, the Cameron School campus, and the existing Castro Park, which is a park operated by the City of El Cerrito via a joint-use agreement with the District. The project site is owned by the District and is bounded by Gladys Avenue, Lawrence Street, Donal Avenue, and Norvell Street. The associated project address is 7125 Donal Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530. The project site is currently zoned R-1- Single-family residential district and will be zoned Public/Semi-Public under the draft zoning ordinance (City of El Cerrito, 2008a). The project site is designated Institutional and Utility/Parks and Open Space in the General Plan. While not a part of the proposed project, another location within the City of El Cerrito is identified in Figure 3 as a related project with independent utility (APN 503-181-001, APN 503- 190-001, APN 503-203-019). This location is the Portola Middle School campus and is bounded by Moeser Lane, Portola Drive, and Navellier Street. The associated address is 1021 Navellier Street, El Cerrito, CA 94530. This location is currently zoned R-1- Single-family residential district and will be zoned Public/Semi-Public under the draft zoning ordinance (City of El Cerrito, 2008a). This location is designated Institutional and Utility in the General Plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- S a n F r a n c i s c o S a n F r a n c i s c o S o l a n o C o u n t y S o l a n o C o u n t y A l a m e d a C o u n t y A l a m e d a C o u n t y M a r i n C o u n t y M a r i n C o u n t y C o n t r a C o s t a C o u n t y C o n t r a C o s t a C o u n t y S o n o m a C o u n t y S o n o m a C o u n t y N a p a C o u n t y N a p a C o u n t y S a n M a t e o C o u n t y S a n M a t e o C o u n t y S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t y S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t y Oakland San Jose Concord Antioch San Rafael--Novato Santa Rosa Vallejo Fairfield Napa Livermore Petaluma Sonoma Sonoma Half Moon Bay Half Moon Bay Dixon Dixon Fairfield Southwest Fairfield Southwest Yountville Yountville Sacramento River Source: ESRI; CaSIL T:\_GIS\CONTRA_COSTA_COUNTY\MXDS\CASTRO_PORTOLA\FIG 1 REGIONAL LOCATION.MXD - 1/24/2008 @ 8:43:42 AM 4 0 4 MILES Project Site Figure 1 Project Regional Location ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Hillside Nature Area Hillside Nature Area Canyon Trail Park Booker T Anderson Jr Park Cerrito Vista Park Casa Cerrito Park Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Tassajara Park Arlington Park Eastshore State Park Huber Park Tiller Park SAN PABLO AVE ARLINGTON BLVD CENTRAL AVE KEY BLVD ME Z U E C OL USA AVE ELM ST WILDCAT C AN Y ON P K W Y KERN ST NORVELL ST EVERETT ST YUBA ST CARLSON BLVD 41ST ST SCHMIDT LN 42ND ST NAVELLIER ST B A L R A DR AMADOR ST 40TH ST 43RD ST BLAKE ST MOESER LN MANILA AVE SAN MATEO ST PORTOLA DR FAIRMOUNT AVE CA RQ U INEZ AV E LASSEN ST K I NG D R MACDONALD AVE WALL AVE HAZEL AVE HI G HG A T E R D DONAL AVE RICHMOND ST RI FLE R A NGE RD CUTTING BLVD POM O N A AVE GLADYS AVE BERK AVE SIERRA AVE WILSON AVE CARMEL AVE 39TH ST C ONTR A COS T A DR SCOTT ST RAMONA AVE B A R RET T A V E SUTTER AVE CLAYTON AVE FRESNO AVE POT R E R O A V E MONTEREY ST BONNI E D R HILL ST ASHBURY AVE RYDIN RD F R AN C ISCAN WAY PIE RCE S T S 47TH ST COLUMBIA AVE LAWRENCE ST VAN FLEET AVE OVEREND AVE MEADE ST LIN C OLN AV E SAN CARLOS A VE JAC UZ ZI ST GA L V I N D R M O U N T S T LEN EVE PL ARL I NGTO N A VE SON O M A ST LYNN AVE V I S T A HEIG H TS R D SANTA CRUZ AVE TAFT AVE BRIGHTO N A VE BUTTE ST HUNTINGTON AVE BAYVIEW AVE CARL AVE SHASTA ST KEARNEY ST A LV A A V E ISABEL ST S 51 ST S 45TH ST H A VEY CA N Y O N 38TH ST SAN JOSE AVE C ST M IR A VISTA D R MC LAUGHLIN ST BEHRENS AVE KENSIN GT ON AVE HUMBOLDT ST FALL AVE EL DORADO ST S 42ND ST B ST MERCED ST GARVIN AVE GATELY AVE YOSEMITE A VE YALE AVE EUREKA AVE BELL AVE ALAMEDA AVE FER N ST S 4 9 TH ST FLEMING AVE ALBERMARLE ST S 50 TH ST KN O T T AVE V I SALIA AVE HARPER S T MONO AVE R O S A LI N D A V E CREELY AVE S 58TH ST B ER N HA RD A VE WARD AVE R I NC O N R D ALBE RMA LE ST S U N SE T D R ANS O N WAY MARIPOSA ST MENDOCINO ST P I N EHU R S T CT W ILDC A T DR RA L S TON AVE S 50TH ST L E N OX RD V ILLAGE DR B U C K I N GHAM D R CL U B V I E W D R EL CER R IT O PLAZA S 49TH ST KIN G STO N R D STOCK TON AV E SHE V L I N D R H A R T N E T T A V E BELMONT AVE S 52ND ST COV E N TR Y R D CYPRESS AVE CLAREMON T AVE K ER R A V E HAVE NS PL CURTIS ST MADISON AVE JEFFERSON AVE YUBA A V E STRAT F O R D RD PLY MOUTH AVE OA K VIEW AVE VI E W A VE SN OWDON AVE TUL A R E A V E LIBERTY ST FALLON AVE BA T E S A V E GLEN MAWR AVE DEVO N S H IRE DR W IL DWO O D P L J U LIA N D R SCHOOL ST WALNUT ST GE L S TO N PL HI GHL AN D B LV D C O LUMBI A BLVD T APSCO T T AV E CARLOS AVE OAK ST OSCAR ST EDW IN D R S 46TH ST W ES L E Y A VE RIVERA ST WALDO AVE S EA VI E W DR OHIO AVE STATE AVE A ST E MONTGOME RY S T A V O N R D 44TH S T O R CHARD AV E E L M AV E SEAVIEW PL L U DW IG AVE PEERL E S S AVE O C EAN V I E W A VE KE NT D R D O N C A RO L DR RIC H M OND AVE SAN LUIS ST P LANK AVE R O G ER C T C ON LON AV E Z ARA ST T U L L ER A V E S AN BENIT O V I S TA R D L EXINGTON AVE AD A MS S T CAB RILLO S T C EDAR ST SOUTH 59 TH ST PANAMA AVE S ANTA CLARA ST SAN BEN ITO ST N ORW O O D A V E S HEL V IN D R L EVI S T O N A V E ALTA PUNTA A V E A VI L A PL SOUTH 57 TH ST TEHAMA AVE ALTA V ISTA DR L AGU N I T A S AVE C R AF T AV E W ENK A VE P OTRERO FA I R V I EW DR M O UND S T VI LLA N U E VA D R D O W N E Y PL L A M CT VICT O R I A S T M A D E R A C I R R A Y A V E R ICHA R D SO N RD SACRAMENTO AVE POTRERO AVE C U TTING B L VD K I N G D R LIBERTY ST NORVELL ST ELM ST S 51 S T RA L S T ON AVE MC LAUGHLIN ST LIBERTY ST SAN PABLO AVE SA N T A CLARA ST LEXINGTON AVE STOCKTON AVE EUREKA AV E LIBERTY ST S 49TH ST A R L I N GT O N BL V D MOESER LN SANTA CLARA ST SA NTA CLARA ST MOES ER LN B A L R A D R RICH MOND ST KEARNEY ST T U L ARE AVE ELM ST EUREKA AVE CARLSON BLVD NEVIN AVE 44TH ST SAN PABLO AVE B A L R A DR LEXINGTON AVE POMONA AVE S 47TH ST HUMBOLDT ST CYPRESS AVE RICHMOND ST EUREKA AVE LEXINGTON AVE KE A RNEY ST S 45TH ST WILSON AVE EVERETT ST N EVIN AVE S EAV I EW D R ASHB URY AV E CYPRESS AVE S 47TH ST RO OSEVEL T AVE E VERE TT ST MOESER LN S 45TH ST TU L A RE A VE RAMP ASHBURY AVE El Cerrito Richmond Richmond Source: ESRI; CaSIL T:\_GIS\CONTRA_COSTA_COUNTY\MXDS\CASTRO_PORTOLA\FIG 2 PROJECT VICINITY.MXD - 1/24/2008 @ 9:09:08 AM 1,000 0 1,000 FEET Figure 2 Project Vicinity Project Site - Castro Elementary School and Castro Park Related Project with Independent Utility - Portola Middle School ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- NAVELLIER ST SCHMIDT LN MOESER LN SCOTT ST DONAL AVE MANILA AVE GLADYS AVE POTRERO AVE PORTOLA DR LAWRENCE ST ELM ST AVIS DR GALVIN DR EVERETT ST NORVELL ST POMONA AVE ASHBURY AVE WILDWOOD PL RIVERA ST STOCKTON AVE SEAVIEW PL ROGER CT PLANK AVE RICHMOND ST CABRILLO ST BALRA DR MOUND ST WALDO LN ELM CT GAYLE CT PARK VISTA WALDO AVE NOBLE CT JANIE CT PLANK CT NORVELL CT POMONA CT LAWRENCE CT EVERETT ST POTRERO AVE ELM ST EVERETT ST NORVELL ST RICHMOND ST EVERETT ST STOCKTON AVE BALRA DR Figure 3 Source: USDA FSA NAIP, 2005; Contra Costa County, 2008; PMC, 2008 T:\_GIS\CONTRA_COSTA_COUNTY\MXDS\CASTRO_PORTOLA\FIG 3 SITE AERIAL.MXD - 1/29/2008 @ 9:39:09 AM 200 0 200 FEET Project Site - Castro Elementary and Castro Park & Related Site with Independent Utility - Portola Middle School Project Site - Castro Elementary School and Castro Park Related Project with Independent Utility - Portola Middle School Legend Project Site - Castro Elementary and Castro Park Related Project with Independent Utility - Portola Middle School 502-340-001 503-181-001 503-190-001 503-203-019 ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 9 PROJECT BACKGROUND The West Contra Costa Unified School District (District) Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School Project (Project) involves new construction and renovations to the existing Castro Elementary School for use as a Middle School. This Middle School would house the current Portola Middle School students. The District, with the concurrence by the Division of State Architect, has determined that the existing Portola Middle School site is within an identified geo-hazard area. The seismic performance of the existing buildings was rated poor and the site received the second highest priority for seismic upgrade among District secondary schools. As a result, the District undertook an extensive reconstruction planning process to identify a solution, including conducting geotechnical and site mitigation studies and reviewing potential building and site renovation alternatives. However, it was found that the existing Portola Middle School site buildings could not be seismically upgraded and the site should be returned to a state that would have the least possible impact on slope stability. The background concerning the existing Portola Middle School facilities and site is an important reference point as the impetus for the proposed project. The project is the District’s preferred relocation proposal alternative, which was chosen amongst the many options and proposals considered by the Board of Education and the Site Selection Committee. According to the California Department of Education, Portola Middle School served over 600 students in Grades 6 through 8 for the 2006-2007 school year. The District has faced great challenges in identifying a suitable site for a relocated school, especially because available property is scarce within the school’s service area. View into Existing Portola Middle School Campus ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 10 TABLE 1 2006-2007 SCHOOL YEAR STUDENT ENROLLMENT AT CASTRO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, PORTOLA MIDDLE SCHOOL, AND THE WEST CONTRA COSTA SCHOOL DISTRICT School K Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Ungr. Elem. Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Ungr. Sec. Total Enroll. Adults in K-12 Programs Castro Elementary School 38 38 46 49 44 38 38 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 291 0 Portola Middle School 0 0 0 0 0 0 114 242 255 0 0 0 0 0 0 611 0 West Contra Costa Unified 2,574 2,552 2,492 2,498 2,428 2,494 2,314 2,304 2,234 0 3,088 2,587 2,124 1,850 0 31,539 107 Data not available for the Cameron School from source, however, the operation of the Cameron School will not be affected by the proposed project. Source: California Department of Education, Educational Demographics Unit. 2008. California Public Schools - School Report: West Contra Costa Unified School District. Data as of September 8, 2007. . [Website accessed January 23, 2008]. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 11 The District conducted extensive research and community engagement in order to arrive at the proposed project. Town hall and school board meetings and a public workshop were held to develop the criteria for a middle school site. Reconfiguration options for various sites were discussed. Alternative sites along the San Pablo corridor, the Richmond Marina, within the Albany School District, and other commercial and vacant sites were investigated, and some sites were evaluated by a private real estate consulting firm (e.g. Dolan Lumber site, other active commercial sites, Fairview site). The District’s Board held a meeting in August 2007 to adopt the community-developed criteria and appointed a volunteer workgroup in September 2007 to evaluate the potential sites. Sites were evaluated according to detailed District and California Department of Education criteria pertaining to: 1) Site safety and hazard avoidance, 2) Considerations of near and long term costs, 3) A variety of means to reduce potential community impacts, 4) Positive influences on the educational program, and 5) A variety of spatial suitability characteristics (WCCUSD, 2007b). The District developed relocation cost models. Several relocation proposals were considered, including the proposed project, the continuation of the Castro Elementary School with the addition of a 400 student middle school and a 200 student 7-8th Grade program at El Cerrito High School, and a 600 student middle school on the Fairmont site. PROJECT PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE The primary purpose and objective of the proposed project is to provide a middle school site(s) for middle school students within the City of El Cerrito District service area, which is currently and is projected to be 600 students in Grades 6 through Grade 8 (WCCUSD, 2007c). Other objectives include finding a middle school site(s) that meet the aforementioned District and State of California Department of Education criteria (WCCUSD, 2007b). PROJECT COMPONENTS AND PHASING The phasing and details of each of the project components as described below are still active points of discussion within the District and between the District and the community, including timing of school closure and student reassignments (WCCUSD, 2007d; WCCUSD, 2008a; WCCUSD, 2008b). Existing Castro Elementary School Kindergarten Building ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 12 The proposed project involves the following primary component: The closure of the existing Castro Elementary School and campus from active use and the new construction and renovations at the existing Castro Elementary School and campus for use as a Middle School. The work at the site would require demolition of some existing buildings and portables, new construction, and renovation of the existing main Castro Elementary School buildings; including the kindergarten building, which will be the subject of a historic resources evaluation. Please refer to Table 2 for a list of existing and future buildings at the project site. Figure 4 shows a conceptual site plan for the new Middle School campus. Based on this conceptual site plan, site work would be on the southern side of the project site and that the Castro Park and the Cameron School portions of the project site would not have any physical changes. At project completion, the project site would host the Middle School, the existing Cameron School, and Castro Park. The locations of access, parking, and play areas on the southern portion of the project site would be changed. New buildings would host a gymnasium, library, administration, and classrooms. All new buildings would be constructed below the ridge to minimize visual impacts. Grading and drainage will be modified. The proposed project involves the following additional components: • The relocation of Castro Elementary School students to other District sites. and • The closure of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus from active use. At this time, the closure of Castro Elementary School and the placement of these elementary school students at other District sites is not expected to bring enrollment beyond existing capacities at other District schools, require any physical changes or increase demands for public services at other District schools, or necessitate an internal attendance boundary change. Reassignment of Castro Elementary School students has been a point of discussion at recent District Board meetings (WCCUSD, 2008a). However, the District has not developed a student reassignment plan at this time, and the issue of student reassignment will be discussed on a programmatic level in the EIR. Please refer to Table 3 for information on enrollment capacities at various District school sites as excerpted from the District’s 2007 Facilities Master Plan (WCCUSD, 2007e). At this time, the future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus has not been determined by the District. The buildings and campus could be closed from active use without environmental review. However, it is valuable to the District and community to consider the potential environmental impacts of building demolition. The District could also dispose of Existing Cameron School Building ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 13 (sell) the property as is without demolishing the buildings. This topic will be discussed on a programmatic level in the EIR. The proposed project also involves the following potential components. The following components will be discussed on a programmatic level in the EIR: • The potential administrative act of adjusting elementary school attendance boundaries to accommodate the reassignment of Castro Elementary School students as noted above, if it is determined that an attendance boundary adjustment is necessary, and • The potential temporary housing for Portola Middle School students, in the event that the Board decides to relocate the students prior to construction of the new middle school at the Castro site. ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Source: HY Architects, February 8, 2008 Figure 4 Conceptual Site Plan for Middle School at Castro Site T:\_CS\Work\WCCUSD\Castro_Portola_Schools\Figures ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 17 TABLE 2 SUMMARY OF EXISTING AND PROPOSED FUTURE BUILDINGS AT THE PROJECT SITE Building/Facility Year Built Existing Square Footage Architectural Characteristics and Materials Existing Status (2008) Relationship to Proposed Project Existing Buildings/Facilities Kindergarten Administration/Classroom Building (closest street – Donal) 1946* Approximately 19,765 sqft* In use To remain; To be modernized as part of the project.** Addition #1 (north of Kindergarten Administration/Classroom Building) 1949* Approximately 4,911 sqft* In use To remain; To be modernized as part of the project.** Addition #2 (closest street – Donal) 1954* Approximately 7,198 sqft* In use To be demolished as part of the project; Site of proposed new gymnasium and administration building.** Multi-purpose Room/Meeting Room Building (closest street – Lawrence) 1949* Approximately 3,716 sqft* Exterior cladding includes brick veneer; Probably wood-framed construction.*** In use To be demolished as part of the project; Site of proposed new multi-purpose building.** Portables (closest street – Lawrence) 1954* Approximately 4,741 sqft* Portable temporary structure. In use To be removed as part of the project; Site of proposed new play area and staff parking.** Portables (located in the middle of the project site) Unknown Unknown Portable temporary structure. In use To be removed as part of the project; Site of proposed new library and classroom building.** Cameron School Building (closest street – Gladys) Unknown Unknown In use To remain; Not to be effected by project. Garage Building (closest street – Lawrence) Unknown Unknown Probably wood- framed construction. In use To remain; Not to be effected by project. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 18 Building/Facility Year Built Existing Square Footage Architectural Characteristics and Materials Existing Status (2008) Relationship to Proposed Project Castro Clubhouse (closest street – Norvell) Unknown Unknown In use To remain; Not to be effected by project. Castro Park recreation facilities Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable In use To remain; Not to be effected by project other than proposed for joint-use by future Middle School students. *Source: Richmond Unified School District. Castro School/School Plant Facilities Analysis. Interactive Resources Architects. June 7, 1985. Source: HY Architects. Conceptual Design. February 8, 2008. Source: WCCUSD. Castro Elementary School - West Contra Costa Unified School District Bond Improvement Program. November 9, 2001. Proposed Future Buildings/Facilities Multi-Purpose Building** Library/2-Story Classroom Building** Gymnasium/Administration Building** Two Parking Lots PE Hardcourt Play Area** Proposed for construction Not applicable To be constructed as part of the project.** Source: HY Architects. Conceptual Design. February 8, 2008. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 19 TABLE 3 SUMMARY OF ENROLLMENT CAPACITIES AT VARIOUS DISTRICT SCHOOL SITES AS EXCERPTED FROM THE DISTRICT’S 2007 FACILITIES MASTER PLAN School Grades* Capacity* Working Capacity* Maximum Capacity* Student Enrollment* 2010-2011 Projected Enrollment* Portola 6-8 1,083 984 1,140 640 579 Castro K-6 395 318 416 316 275 Fairmont K-6 384 306 404 276 276 Harding K-6 413 304 435 289 262 Madera K-5 385 340 405 351 373 Stege K-5 510 340 537 340 288 * As identified in the 2007 Facilities Master Plan. Differences in enrollment calculations relative to the Department of Education could be due to the timing of calculation throughout the school year. The 2007 Facilities Master Plan used calculations from the 2006 school year for student enrollment. Source: West Contra Costa Unified School District. WCCUSD 2007 Facilities Master Plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 20 REQUIRED PROJECT APPROVALS Anticipated project approvals would include, but are not limited to, the following: • West Contra Costa School District Board of Education • City of El Cerrito (encroachments, fire department access) • California Department of Education • Division of the State Architect • Office of Public School Construction • San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board RESPONSIBLE/TRUSTEE AGENCIES: The West Contra Costa Unified School District is the lead agency for the proposed project. Responsible agencies may include, but are not be limited to: • City of El Cerrito ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 22 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: 1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis). 2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on- site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts. 3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 4) "Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level (mitigation measures "Earlier Analyses," as described in below, may be cross-referenced). 5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following: a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project. 6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated. 7) Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 23 8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project's environmental effects in whatever format is selected. 9) The explanation of each issue should identify: a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 24 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact I. AESTHETICS. 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 the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a, c) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project involves site work on the southern side of the project site and the Castro Park and the Cameron School portions of the project site would not have any physical changes. According to a site plan of existing conditions the southern side of the project site steps down from east to west from a street level elevation of approximately 164 feet Mean Sea Level Datum to a street level of approximately 106 feet Mean Sea Level Datum (WCCUSD, 2007a). The southern side of the project site has four terraced level pad areas separated by graded slopes approximately 10 feet high at slope ratios of about 2:1 to 3:1 (horizontal to vertical) (Kleinfelder, 2006a). The project site is surrounded by residential uses and the project site serves the larger neighborhood by providing park land, recreation and meeting facilities, and educational facilities. Given the slopes of the project site and given the nature of the land use as a school facility, it is unlikely that the proposed project would have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista or substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings. However, as the final facility and campus design at the project site at project completion is unknown at this time, it is not yet possible to analyze the project plans for any potential site-line or potential visual impacts. Therefore, this is considered a potentially significant impact and will be addressed further in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. VIEW OF NORVELL STREET. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 25 The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. Any work associated with Portola Middle School buildings and campus that is related to scenic vistas and the visual quality of the neighborhood will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. b) Potentially Significant Impact. The project site is not located within the viewing corridor of a state-designated highway (CalTrans, 1999) and as such would not substantially damage scenic resources within a state scenic highway. However, the proposed project would likely involve the removal of some existing mature trees, which could be a potentially significant impact to scenic resources. Therefore, this issue will be addressed further in the EIR and any necessary impact mitigation for scenic resources will be included in the Biological Resources section. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The proposed project also involves the modernization and/or demolition of buildings that are potential historic resources as listed in Table 2. Therefore, this issue will be addressed further in the EIR and any necessary impact mitigation for loss of historic resources will be included in the Cultural Resources section. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. Any work associated with Portola Middle School buildings and campus that is related to modernization, demolition, or other work associated with buildings that are potential historic resources will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. d) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project involves new construction and modernization of existing buildings to the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) criteria. In association with CHPS, the outdoor lighting for the buildings and campus would likely be shielded and could utilize the minimal wattage lighting required to safely illuminate the area and avoid off-site glare and not be directly visible from adjacent properties. However, lighting design plans are unknown at this time. Therefore, this issue will be addressed further in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. Any work associated with Portola Middle School buildings and campus that is related to lighting will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 26 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES. In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997), prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the 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) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a) No Impact. The project site and the related project with independent utility (Portola Middle School) are not designated as Prime or Unique Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency. Therefore, this issue will not be addressed further in the EIR. b) No Impact. The proposed project would not conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract because neither the project site nor the related project site with independent utility are zoned for agricultural use, nor are they under contract. Therefore, this issue will not be addressed further in the EIR. c) No Impact. The project site and the related project site with independent utility are not located adjacent to any existing agricultural land uses. Therefore, the proposed project would not result in the conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural land uses. Therefore, this issue will not be addressed further in the EIR. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 27 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact III. AIR QUALITY. Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is in non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions that exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a) Less Than Significant Impact. The project site and the related project site with independent utility are under the jurisdiction of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP). The air quality goals and policies in the AQMP are based on the land use projections and designations of local general plans and population growth projections, including the City of El Cerrito General Plan. The proposed project is consistent with the City of El Cerrito General Plan in that it does not change the land use on the project site. With consistency with the City of El Cerrito General Plan, the proposed project would be considered consistent with the BAAQMD Management Plan. Therefore, this issue will not be addressed further in the EIR. b) Potentially Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed project could result in the release of short-term and long-term emissions of criteria air pollutants and toxic air contaminants (TACs). The potential release of air pollutants from the proposed project could result from short-term grading, demolition, modernization, renovation, and construction activities, as well as long-term traffic from school and park operations. Therefore, the proposed project could result in increases in pollutant concentrations that may lead or contribute to a future air quality standard violation. Based upon the age of the on-site structures and the knowledge of potential building materials commonly used at the time of construction, there is the potential for hazardous materials in existing buildings on-site to be encountered during demolition and modernization (LFR, 2007). It is possible that soil at the project site may also contain some residual amounts of pesticides from row crop agriculture and previous termite control and ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 28 residual lead-based paint from exterior walls (LFR, 2007). Limited occurrences of ultramafic rock, which can contain naturally-occurring asbestos, have been mapped within a 10-mile radius of the project site (LFR, 2007). Typically, DTSC requires assessment for naturally- occurring asbestos if it is mapped within the area, but this requirement does not apply to existing school sites (LFR, 2007), although the Engineer for the Geologic and Seismic Hazards Assessment Report produced by Kleinfelder states that it is their understanding that the DTSC is currently revising the guidelines for naturally-occurring asbestos assessments and recommends that naturally-occurring asbestos be further evaluated (Kleinfelder, 2007a). An air quality report will be prepared as part of the EIR and the potential for the emissions of criteria air pollutants and toxic air contaminants (TACs) will be further addressed in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. It is anticipated that any mitigation measures to address any potential hazardous materials in the existing buildings that could release TACs at Castro Elementary will be relevant for Portola Middle School and will be discussed in the EIR at a programmatic level. c) Potentially Significant Impact. According to BAAQMD significance criteria, any proposed project that would individually have a significant air quality impact would also be considered to have a significant cumulative air quality impact. Any potential cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is in non- attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard will be addressed further in the EIR. The criteria pollutants are Ozone, Particulate Matter (PM10), Particulate Matter – Fine (PM2.5), Sulfur Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Vinyl Chloride, and Visibility Reducing particles and the Bay Area is in non- attainment for Ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 (BAAQMD, 2007). An air quality report will be prepared as part of the EIR and this issue will be further addressed in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. It is anticipated that any mitigation measures to address any potential cumulative impacts will be relevant for Portola Middle School and will be discussed in the EIR at a programmatic level. d) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project could result in short-term air pollutant emissions related to grading, demolition, modernization, and construction, particularly particulate matter, reactive organic gasses, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon monoxide. The project sites are located in an urban area and the potential for sensitive receptors, such as children or the elderly, to be exposed to be exposed to short-term construction air pollutants above BAAQMD thresholds is considered a potentially significant impact. Additionally, after construction, vehicle exhaust resulting from student and employee transportation could be a source of air pollutant emissions. The concentration of these pollutants is undetermined, as is the number of sensitive receptors expected in the area. These potential issues will be addressed further in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce these potentially significant impacts to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. It is anticipated that any mitigation measures to address any potential air quality impacts related to sensitive receptors will be relevant for Portola Middle School and will be discussed in the EIR at a programmatic level. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 29 e) No Impact. The BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines classifies a project that could create objectionable odors as including any of the following: wastewater treatment plant, sanitary landfill, transfer stations, composting facilities, petroleum refineries, asphalt batch plants, chemical manufacturing, fiberglass manufacturing, rendering plants, coffee roasters, and painting/coating operations including auto body shops. The proposed project does not include any of these uses. This issue will not be further discussed in the EIR. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 30 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. 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 Game 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 Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands, as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal wetlands, 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? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a, b, d) Potentially Significant Impact. The site work would be on the southern side of the project site and Castro Park and the Cameron School portions of the project site would not result in any physical changes. The portion of the project site where site work would occur is currently entirely developed with buildings, paved outdoor play areas, and some ornamental landscaping. While it is unlikely that the area proposed for site work contains biological resources, it is possible that Castro Park provides habitat areas for and/or special status species or other important biological resources, such as bats and raptors (migratory and local species such as the burrowing owl) which might potentially be affected by the proposed project. The project site does not contain any riparian habitat, but they may potentially host another sensitive natural community. The project site does not contain any onsite waterways, but might have other habitat areas by which native resident or migratory ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 31 wildlife species utilize for movement or migration. A biological resources assessment will be prepared and these potential issues will be addressed further in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce these potentially significant impacts to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. Any work associated with Portola Middle School buildings and campus that is related to potential biological resource impacts will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. c) No Impact. The site of the related project with independent utility and the portion of the project site where site work would occur are currently entirely developed with buildings, paved outdoor play areas, and some ornamental landscaping. The project site does not contain any on-site wetlands, marshes, and vernal pools. Therefore, the proposed project will not have any effect upon federally protected wetlands. No further analysis of this issue is required in the EIR. e) Potentially Significant Impact. There is the possibility that some existing trees on the southern side of the project site may be removed as part of the proposed project. These trees are primarily growing on the steeper slopes in between the benches of the project site. The proposed project and project sites, including any on-site mature trees, will be evaluated for their habitat potential as part of the biological resources assessment and a determination will be made if the proposed project conflicts with any local policies or ordinances that protect biological resources and any applicable habitat plans. These potential issues will be addressed further in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce these potentially significant impacts to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. Any work associated with Portola Middle School buildings and campus that is related to trees and any local policies or ordinances that protect biological resources and any applicable habitat plans will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. f) No Impact. The project site and the site of the related project with independent utility are not subject to a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) or Natural Community Conservation Plan, or any other habitat or natural community plan. Therefore, the proposed project would not conflict with such plans and no further analysis of this issue is required. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 32 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact V. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in § 15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to § 15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geological feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a) Potentially Significant Impact. As listed in Table 2, the proposed project would involve the modernization of and the demolition of buildings that are potentially eligible for listing in the California Register of Historic Resources and the National Register of Historic Places. Mitigation measures may be feasible that would ensure that, at a minimum, photo- documentation would be implemented prior to any building demolition. If the buildings to be demolished are determined to be historically significant, this impact may be deemed to be significant and unavoidable. Therefore, this issue is considered to be potentially significant and will be addressed further in the EIR. An historical resources evaluation will be prepared as part of the EIR. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. Any work associated with Portola Middle School buildings and campus that is related to potential historic resources will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. b) Potentially Significant Impact. Archeological assessments of the project sites have not been conducted to determine if there are any undiscovered archeological resources located at the project sites. If the proper precautions are not taken during the proposed project construction activities, any currently undiscovered archeological resources could be damaged or destroyed. Therefore, this issue is potentially significant and will be addressed further in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. Any work associated with Portola Middle School buildings and campus that is related to potential archeological resources will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. c) Potentially Significant Impact. There are no unique geological features visible at the project sites. However, the proposed project construction activities could uncover and damage previously currently undiscovered paleontological resources at the project sites. Therefore, ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 33 this issue is potentially significant and will be addressed further in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. Any work associated with Portola Middle School buildings and campus that is related to potential paleontological resources/sites or unique geological features will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. d) Potentially Significant Impact. Although there are no known human remains at the project sites, it is possible that unknown resources could be encountered during project construction, specifically during ground disturbing activities such as excavating and grading. Development of the project sites could uncover human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries. Therefore, this issue is potentially significant and will be addressed further in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. Any work associated with Portola Middle School buildings and campus that is related to potential human remains will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 34 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury or death, involving: i) 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? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? iv) 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 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial 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? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS ai) Less than Significant Impact. According to the Preliminary Geotechnical Engineering Investigation and the Geologic and Seismic Hazards Assessment Report produced by Kleinfelder for the Castro Elementary site, the project site is not within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, there are no known faults that cross the campus, and there were no visible features associated with active faults during the Engineer’s site reconnaissance and review of historical aerial photographs (Kleinfelder 2006a; Kleinfelder, 2006b). Consequently, it is the opinion of the Engineer that the potential for fault-related surface rupture at the portion of the project site where construction and modernization would occur is very low. As a result, the potential for the proposed project to expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury or death due to the rupture of a ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 35 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 is considered less than significant and will not be discussed further in the EIR. However, see the response to Checklist items VI. Geology and Soils aii), aiii), aiv), and d) for seismic-related items that will be discussed in the EIR, including any geologic and seismic hazards associated with strong seismic ground shaking. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. However, the closure of the buildings and campus from active use and or their potential demolition does not bear relation to the topic of fault rupture and is considered less than significant. Consequently, this issue will not be discussed further in the EIR. aiii) Potentially Significant Impact. According to the Geologic and Seismic Hazards Assessment Report produced by Kleinfelder for the Castro Elementary site, the potential for seismically induced ground failures is as follows: 1) soil liquefaction is considered very low, 2) lateral spreading is considered very low, and 3) dynamic compaction/seismic settlement is considered low (Kleinfelder, 2006a). Therefore, the potential for seismically induced ground failure at the project site is considered less than significant and will not be discussed further in the EIR. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. However, the closure of the buildings and campus from active use and or their potential demolition does bear relation to the topic of potential seismically-induced ground failure as it relates to landslide risk. See also the response to Checklist item VI. Geology and Soils aiv). Consequently, this issue will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. aiv) Potentially Significant Impact. According to a site plan of existing conditions for the portion of the project site where construction and modernization would occur, this portion of the project site steps down from east to west from a street level elevation of approximately 164 feet Mean Sea Level Datum to a street level of approximately 106 feet Mean Sea Level Datum (WCCUSD, 2007a). According to the Preliminary Geotechnical Engineering Investigation and the Geologic and Seismic Hazards Assessment Report produced by Kleinfelder for the Castro Elementary site, numerous landslides have been identified on adjacent hillsides relative to the project site (Kleinfelder, 2006a; Kleinfelder, 2006b). However, it is the Engineer’s opinion based upon a review of historical aerial photographs, a review of landslide maps prepared by other studies, and the preliminary geotechnical investigations that the portion of the project site that is proposed for construction and modernization is not underlain by landslide debris and that the risk of landslides at the project site is low (Kleinfelder, 2006a; Kleinfelder, 2006b) and is therefore considered less than significant and will not be discussed further in the EIR. The Engineer did note that based upon a review of historical aerial photographs that the closest landslide to the project site encroaches into the northeast corner of the Cameron School (Kleinfelder 2006a; Kleinfelder, 2006b). The Cameron School is not a part of the proposed project, although it is located on the project site. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. However, the closure of the buildings and campus from active use and or their potential demolition does bear relation to the topic of potential landslide risk. Consequently, this issue will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 36 aii, c, d) Potentially Significant Impact. According to the Preliminary Geotechnical Engineering Investigation produced by Kleinfelder for the Castro Elementary site, near- surface soils in this portion of the project site consist of native silts and clays and old fills, with the uphill (northeast) side of each bench appearing to be a cut and the lower side of each bench to be fill, with a maximum fill depth encountered to be approximately 8 feet (Kleinfelder, 2006b). This portion includes four terraced level pad areas separated by graded slopes approximately 10 feet high at slope ratios of about 2:1 to 3:1 (horizontal to vertical) (Kleinfelder, 2006a). Fills encountered were medium stiff to stiff, silty clays and the native soils below were stiff clayey silts (Kleinfelder, 2006b). The fills and native soils appeared strong and relatively incompressible under the loads planned for the project site at the time of the investigation in 2006 (Kleinfelder, 2006b). Near-surface soils tested had a low to moderate expansion potential (Kleinfelder, 2006a). Groundwater was not encountered at the time of the investigation (although conditions could fluctuate) and the underlying bedrock was highly weathered, but gained competency with depth (Kleinfelder, 2006b). The Hayward- Rodgers Creek fault should be considered as the source for evaluating near-fault motions as it is the closest significant fault to the project site (Kleinfelder, 2006b) at approximately 1kilometer to the northeast (Kleinfelder 2006a). The Engineer recommended future design-level and structural investigations to address the cut and fill situation at the project site, including at the kindergarten building, and also to provide remediation guidelines (Kleinfelder, 2006b). The Engineer also recommended the avoidance of situating new buildings across existing deep differential fill transitions (Kleinfelder, 2006b). In order to prevent exposure of people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving seismic activity and other geologic and soils safety issues, California requires that all public schools be designed to the stringent seismic design provisions required by the Field Act (Education Code SS17280-17317 and 80030- 81149), which was enacted by the Legislature in 1933. The Field Act requires projects to be designed to safety standards even higher than those included in the Uniform Building Code. The project site and the related project with independent utility are subject to the Field Act. As a result, work at these locations for student occupancy is required to undergo the preparation of school building construction plans prepared by a qualified California-licensed structural engineers and architects, plan review by the Department of the State Architect for Field Act conformance prior issuance of construction contracts, ongoing inspections to confirm compliance with plans, and the filing of reports by project architects, engineers, inspectors, and contractors that verify that actual construction complies with the approved plans. It is important to note that the design for the buildings and campus are only at a conceptual level at this time. Consequently, this Initial Study considers the proposed project to have a potentially significant impact or influence on the exposure of people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving seismic activity and other geologic and soils safety issues associated with strong seismic ground shaking, a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, and expansive soil, and these items will be discussed further in the EIR. However, given the stringency of the requirements for work at the project site and the related project with independent utility, it is highly likely that the final design of the proposed project will meet all CEQA standards of significance (in which case mitigation measures may ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 37 not be necessary) or that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. , The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. However, the closure of the buildings and campus from active use and or their potential demolition does bear relation to the topic of potential strong seismic ground shaking, a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, and expansive soil,. Consequently, this issue will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. b) Potentially Significant Impact. The portion of the project site where construction and modernization would occur is currently largely covered in impervious surfaces and is without topsoil. At project completion, the soil at that portion of the project site where construction and modernization would occur would not be exposed to weathering forces. As a result, the potential for the proposed project to result in substantial soil erosion or loss of topsoil is considered less than significant and will not be further addressed in the EIR. Please note that potentially significant impacts associated with grading, drainage, sediment control and erosion control during project construction will be addressed in the EIR in the Hydrology and Water Quality section. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. However, the closure of the buildings and campus from active use and or their potential demolition does bear relation to the topic of potential soil erosion and loss of topsoil. Consequently, this issue will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. e) No Impact. The proposed project would be connected to the existing wastewater collection, conveyance, and collection system. The project does not propose the use of septic tanks; therefore, the onsite soils ability to support the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal hazards is not applicable to the proposed project. No further analysis of this issue is required. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 38 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. 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 one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code §65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan area or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or a public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of, or physically interfere with, an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a, b) Less than Significant Impact. A “hazardous material” is a substance or combination of substances that, because of its quantity, concentration, physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics, may pose a potential hazard to human health or the environment when handled improperly. A “hazardous waste”, because of its nature, presents the same risk to human health as hazardous material. Proper management of hazardous materials and hazardous wastes are integrated; both substances present the same threat to the environment when improperly managed. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 39 Schools and outdoor recreation areas do not generate significant amounts of hazardous materials and only a minimal amount of routine day-to-day materials are stored onsite, such as those materials used in chemistry education labs, routine cleaning of buildings, or maintenance of landscaping. The project site has been in operation and the land uses that would be at the project sites at project completion would not introduce any new hazards that have not already been considered. Other than natural gas pipelines for residential and school use, there are no pipelines carrying hazardous materials within the vicinity of the project site, nor were are any hazardous air emitters, active railroad tracks, high-voltage electrical lines, aboveground water or fuel tanks, or busy highways within the search distances required by the California Department of Education and the State of California regulations (LFR, 2007). As such, the operation of the proposed project would be less than significant regarding the creation of a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials or the creation of 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) Potentially Significant Impact. Based upon the age of the on-site structures and the knowledge of potential building materials commonly used at the time of construction, there is the potential for hazardous materials in existing buildings on-site to be encountered during demolition and modernization (LFR, 2007). It is possible that soil at the project site may also contain some residual amounts of pesticides from row crop agriculture and previous termite control and residual lead-based paint from exterior walls (LFR, 2007). Limited occurrences of ultramafic rock, which can contain naturally-occurring asbestos, have been mapped within a 10-mile radius of the project site (LFR, 2007). Typically, DTSC requires assessment for naturally-occurring asbestos if it is mapped within the area, but this requirement does not apply to existing school sites (LFR, 2007), although the Engineer for the Geologic and Seismic Hazards Assessment Report produced by Kleinfelder states that it is their understanding that the DTSC is currently revising the guidelines for naturally-occurring asbestos assessments and recommends that naturally-occurring asbestos be further evaluated (Kleinfelder, 2007a). Given that exposure to these hazardous materials is a possibility due to the grading, demolition, and modernization work, the proposed project is subject to all safety requirements for this type of work, including conformance with all Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) requirements, Department of Toxic Substances Control requirements, Environmental Protection Agency requirements, Bay Area Air Quality Management District standards for materials handling, worker safety, and disposal of materials. This Initial Study considers the possible emission of hazardous emissions or the handling hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school to be potentially significant and this issue will be addressed further in the EIR. Please note that the discussion of the emission of criteria pollutants and toxic air contaminants associated with grading and working with project site soils will be addressed in the EIR in the Air Quality section. Given the stringency of the safety requirements regarding hazards and hazardous materials associated with projects at school and other sites that are publicly accessible, it is highly likely that the final design of the proposed project will meet all CEQA standards of significance (in which case mitigation measures may not be necessary) or that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 40 There are numerous regulated facilities with reported releases in the area surrounding the project site, but these facilities were not considered to be potential sources of impact to the project site because they were granted case closure by the local regulatory agency, were located cross or downgradient from the project site relative to groundwater movement, and/or those that had impacts to soil only (LFR, 2007). It is anticipated that any mitigation measures to address any potential hazardous materials will be relevant for Portola Middle School and will be discussed in the EIR at a programmatic level. d) No Impact. The project site and the site of the related project with independent utility are not included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code §65962.5 (DTSC, 2007). Therefore the proposed project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment in regards to one of the hazardous materials sites associated with this list. This issue will not be further addressed in the EIR. e) Less Than Significant Impact. The project site and the site of the related project with independent utility are not located within an airport land use plan area or within two miles of a public use airport or airport strip, but an active heliport is located within a 2-mile radius of the project site (LFR, 2007). Although there is proximity to the heliport, the proposed project would have a less than significant impact the operations of the heliport and therefore would not result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. Additionally, the project site has already been in operation with the same use as an educational facility, so as such the proposed project would not introduce any new hazards that have not already been considered. This issue will not be further addressed in the EIR. f) No Impact. The project site and the site of the related project with independent utility are not located within the vicinity of a private airstrip. Therefore, the proposed project would not result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area associated with a private airstrip. This issue will not be further addressed in the EIR. g) Less Than Significant Impact. There will not be no road closures during construction activities at the project site. Emergency radio transmitters associated with the community emergency response programs would still be in operation at the project site for the duration of the project. The project site is not considered a primary emergency shelter. The District also has up-to-date emergency response plans in place that address each of District’s schools and these plans would not be changed or affected by the proposed project. Additionally, and to the greatest degree possible, the District modernization and construction work would take hazards into account in the design of school facilities and campuses, including ensuring fire safety, seismic safety, and emergency access. It is likely that due to stringent compliance with the Field Act requirements during project construction that the new facilities at the project site could serve as community emergency response facilities. The proposed project would have a less than significant impact on implementation of or physical interference with any of the City of El Cerrito’s emergency response or evacuation plans. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. However, the closure of the buildings and campus from active use and or their potential demolition does not bear relation to the topic of emergency response and evacuation and is considered less than significant. Consequently, this issue will not be discussed further in the EIR. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 41 h) Potentially Significant Impact. While within close proximity to fire hazard zones, according to Section 8.30.010 of the City of El Cerrito Municipal Code, the project site is not listed as within a very high fire hazard severity zone (City of El Cerrito, 2008b). However, the project site is still subject to vegetation management standards, including the creation and maintenance of fuel breaks in areas within 30 feet of any structure (City of El Cerrito, 2008c). Given that the design for the buildings and campus are only at a conceptual level at this time, this Initial Study considers the proposed project to have a potentially significant impact on fire risk. Therefore, this issue will be discussed further in the EIR. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. However, the closure of the buildings and campus from active use and or their potential demolition does bear relation to the topic of fire risk. Consequently, this issue will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 42 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner that would result in flooding on- or off-site? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures that would impede or redirect flood flows? i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of a failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami or mudflow? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a, f) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project does not involve any point-source discharge. In conformance with wastewater requirements, wastewater from the development would be collected onsite and conveyed to the existing wastewater system. Therefore, there would not be any potentially significant wastewater discharge impacts ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 43 associated with the proposed project. However, the proposed project is subject to the State and Regional Water Quality Control Board construction and post-construction water quality requirements (Cal EPA, 2007), especially in regards to the implementation of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) for infiltration and water quality. Project conformance with these requirements is currently unknown at this time. The storm water generated from the project sites could contain vehicle-related pollutants deposited from the parking lot surfaces, cafeteria and other school uses, and landscape maintenance at the project sites. Therefore, conformance with the State and Regional Water Quality Control Board construction and post-construction water quality requirements will be addressed in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. However, the closure of the buildings and campus from active use and or their potential demolition does bear relation to the topic of water quality and stormwater runoff. Consequently, this issue will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. b) No Impact. The proposed project would not use any groundwater; therefore, there would not be any substantial depletion of groundwater resources resulting from implementation of the proposed project. The project site is largely covered in impervious surface and does not offer any significant groundwater recharge opportunities. Therefore, there would not be any substantial interference with groundwater recharge as a result of implementation of the proposed project. Therefore, no further analysis of this issue is required. c, d, e) Potentially Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed project would involve alteration of the existing drainage pattern at the project site to accommodate new construction, new parking areas, and shift the location of play areas. The design of the drainage at the project site is unknown at this time, as well as potential conformance with Regional Water Quality Control Board stormwater runoff requirements. Therefore, the potential for the proposed project to alter drainage patterns such that there could be substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site, substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner that would result in flooding on- or off-site, or exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff will be addressed in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. However, the closure of the buildings and campus from active use and or their potential demolition does bear relation to the topic of drainage patterns. Consequently, this issue will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. g, h, i, j) No Impact. According to the Geologic and Seismic Hazards Assessment Report produced by Kleinfelder for the Castro Elementary site, the project site is not within a 100 or 500 year flood boundary, is not within an area that could be inundated by a dam failure, nor in a location likely to experience tsunami or seiche flooding (Kleinfelder, 2006a). The same is true for the site of the related project with independent utility. Therefore this will not be further addressed in the EIR. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 44 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to, the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a) No Impact. The proposed project would not remove or otherwise physically divide an established community. The proposed project involves new construction and modernization of existing buildings and renovation of an existing school campus that will serve the community of El Cerrito. The project is not proposed to occupy any right of way and would not diminish public access to the project site or adjacent park and school areas. Therefore, this issue will not be further addressed in the EIR. Any work at the site of the related project with independent utility would also not remove or otherwise physically divide an established community, so this topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. b) Potentially Significant Impact. There is only one project site for the proposed project (APN 502-340-001). The project site contains the entirety of the existing Castro Elementary School campus, the Cameron School campus, and the existing Castro Park, which is a park operated by the City of El Cerrito via a joint-use agreement with the District. The project site is owned by the District and is bounded by Gladys Avenue, Lawrence Street, Donal Avenue, and Norvell Street. The project site is currently zoned R-1- Single-family residential district and will be zoned Public/Semi-Public under the draft zoning ordinance (City of El Cerrito, 2008a). The project site is designated Institutional and Utility/Parks and Open Space in the General Plan. The proposed project does not conflict with the General Plan designation and the zoning district applicable to the project site. However, it is unconfirmed at this time if any aspect of the proposed project may conflict with any other portion of an applicable plan, including any aspect pertaining to potentially historic resources. Therefore, this issue will be further addressed in the EIR. While not a part of the project site, another location within the City of El Cerrito is identified in Figure 3 as a related project with independent utility (APN 503-181-001, APN 503-190-001, APN 503-203-019). This location is the Portola Middle School campus and is bounded by Moeser Lane, Portola Drive, and Navellier Street. This location is currently zoned R1-and will be zoned Public/Semi-Public under the draft zoning ordinance (City of El Cerrito, 2008a). This site is designated Institutional and Utility in the General Plan. The future disposition of the ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 45 Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. The closure of the buildings and campus from active use is not incompatible with the City of El Cerrito General Plan or Zoning Ordinance. However, it is unconfirmed at this time if any aspect of the proposed project may conflict with any other portion of an applicable plan, including any aspect pertaining to potentially historic resources. Therefore, this issue will be further addressed in the EIR at a programmatic level. Please note that any future land uses that may be proposed by the District or any future landowner for the Portola Middle School campus in the future may be beyond the scope of the analysis for the EIR. c) No Impact. The project site is not subject to a habitat conservation or community conservation plan. The site of the related project with independent utility is also not subject to the aforementioned plan types. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 46 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact X. MINERAL RESOURCES. 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? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a, b) No Impact. The project site and the site of the related project with independent utility do not contain any mineral resources that would be of value to the region or state or any mineral resources that are locally important. Therefore, this will not be addressed further in the EIR. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 47 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XI. NOISE. Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance or of applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan area or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or a public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a, b, c, d) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project would likely provide the highest standards for indoor acoustical performance. However, the designs that would demonstrate the indoor noise environment are not known at this time. Additionally, during project construction, ambient noise levels, groundborne vibration, and groundborne noise levels at and near the project sites are likely to temporarily increase due to the use of construction equipment. The proposed project could also create changes in the noise environment due to the shift in the timing of activity and number of people and vehicles at and in the vicinity of the project sites during project construction and at project completion relative to existing conditions. The number of middle school students that would walk from transit stops to the school would likely increase and contribute to noise in the surrounding neighborhood. Consequently, there is the potential for substantial permanent, temporary, or periodic increases in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project sites above levels existing without the project. Therefore, potential noise issues will be addressed in the EIR, including an evaluation of the proposed project to expose people to or generate noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance or of applicable standards of other agencies. A noise report will be prepared as part of the EIR. It is ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 48 anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. However, the closure of the buildings and campus from active use and or their potential demolition does bear relation to the topic of noise impacts during any possible site work. Consequently, this issue will be discussed further in the EIR at a programmatic level. e) Less Than Significant Impact. The project site and the site of the related project with independent utility are not located within an airport land use plan area or within two miles of a public use airport or airport strip, but an active heliport is located within a 2-mile radius of the project sites (LFR, 2007). Although there is proximity to the heliport, the operations of the heliport would have a less than significant impact on the noise environment at the project sites and would not generate regular noise that would expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels associated with traditional airports. Additionally, the project sites have already been in operation as the land uses that would be at the project sites at project completion, and as such the proposed project would not introduce any new noise impacts that have not already been considered. This issue will not be further addressed in the EIR. f) No Impact. The project site and the site of the related project with independent utility are not located within the vicinity of a private airstrip. Therefore, the proposed project would not result exposure of people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels associated with a private airstrip. This issue will not be further addressed in the EIR. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 49 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project does not include a component that would serve a new development area or that provides new or expanded infrastructure in an area. Instead, the proposed project involves the construction of new buildings and the modernization of existing buildings to serve middle school students. The proposed project is not designed such that it would directly or indirectly induce substantial population growth. Therefore, this issue will not be further addressed in the EIR. b, c) No Impact. The proposed project does not involve any existing or future housing units. As such, the proposed project would not displace people living at the project sites, nor displace existing housing at the project sites that would necessitate the construction of replacement housing elsewhere. Therefore, this issue will not be further addressed in the EIR. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 50 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, 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 following public services: a) Fire protection? b) Police protection? c) Schools? d) Parks? e) Other public facilities? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a) Potentially Significant Impact. Fire protection for the proposed project would be provided by the City of El Cerrito Fire Department. Many fire safety precautions, including the creation of buffer zones, can be addressed through site design. However, given that the final facility and campus design at the project site at project completion is unknown at this time and given that the disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time, it is unknown if the proposed project may increase the demand for fire protection and emergency medical services, if at all. Therefore, this is considered a potentially significant impact and will be addressed further in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. b) Potentially Significant Impact. Police protection for the proposed project would be provided by the City of El Cerrito Police Department. Some aspects of the proposed project have not yet been finalized, such as all of the access points on and off the school site and into Castro Park, the joint use arrangement between the District and the City regarding the use and maintenance of Castro Park, the traffic/circulation pattern during project construction, and the possible increase in the number of hours that the project sites are utilized. Consequently, it is unknown at this time if the proposed project may increase the demand for police protection services and traffic enforcement, if at all. The disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time, Therefore, this is considered a potentially significant impact and will be further addressed in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. c) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project involves the closure of an existing elementary school which would necessitate reassignment of these elementary school students to other District sites. This is considered a potentially significant impact and will be further addressed in the EIR. d, e) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project involves site work on the southern side of the project site and the Castro Park and the Cameron School portions of the project ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 51 site would not result in any physical changes. The proposed project provides facilities and a campus that can help meet the need for public facilities within El Cerrito. However, the timing and amount of usage of Castro Park, Hillside Natural Area, and other public facilities might change in association with the proposed project due to its increased usage by middle school students and decreased usage by elementary school students. This issue will be addressed further in the EIR. See also responses to Checklist item XIV. Recreation a) and ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 52 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XIV. RECREATION. 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) Does the project include recreational facilities, or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities, which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project involves site work on the southern side of the project site and the Castro Park and the Cameron School portions of the project site would not result in any physical changes. However, the timing and amount of usage of Castro Park and Hillside Natural Area might change in association with the proposed project due to its increased usage by middle school students and decreased usage by elementary school students. This issue will be addressed further in the EIR. b) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project includes the provision of recreational facilities, including new play areas and a new gymnasium. These facilities are included in the project as an essential programmatic element for the middle school and to address the recreational needs of the middle school students. As such the project does require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities and is part of the environmental review of the project. This issue will be addressed further in the EIR. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 53 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC. Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic that is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume-to- capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans or programs supporting alternative transportation bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a, b, f) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project has the potential to change vehicle trips to and from the project site, which in turn could also influence the distribution of auto traffic, shift parking demand, and influence student commutes via public transit, walking, and bicycling. A traffic impact study will be prepared for the proposed project and will include an evaluation of parking capacity, the project’s influence, if any, on level of service standards for relevant roads, and an evaluation of any potential increase in traffic loadings due to the proposed project. If applicable, the traffic impact study analysis will accommodate any phased completion and/or operation of the proposed project, including the phasing of parking and the project circulation design features at each stage. The traffic impact study will also include an analysis of the proposed project during project construction, including the locations of and effects of any staging areas and construction vehicles on traffic circulation. The proposed project would generate more than 100 PM peak hour trips. Consequently, the traffic impact study will be prepared according to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Technical Procedures, dated September 17, 1997. Based on a preliminary review of the proposed project, approximately eight intersections have been identified for inclusion in the analysis. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 54 In the event that the District determines an internal attendance boundary adjustment is appropriate, the traffic impact study can include a programmatic-level review of traffic and parking impacts associated with the proposed change. In the event that the District determines a temporary relocation of Portola Middle School students is appropriate, the traffic impact study can include a programmatic-level review of the potential traffic and parking impacts of a temporary relocation of the Portola Middle School students to portable classrooms on either the Portola Middle School grounds or another site. In particular, the analysis would focus on the impacts to traffic operations, parking, and traffic safety in the vicinity of the temporary classrooms. c) No Impact. The project site and the site of the related project with independent utility are not located within the airport safety zones or within the approach and departure paths for aircraft using the airport, therefore no change in air traffic patterns would occur due to the proposed project. This issue will not be addressed in the EIR. d, e) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project involves the addition of new parking areas and the creation of some new access and egress points. Implementation of the proposed project also would introduce heavy equipment and the need for construction staging areas. The potential of the proposed project during construction and project completion to substantially increase hazards due to a design feature or incompatible use or result in inadequate emergency access will be further addressed in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. g) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project will not conflict with any adopted policies, plans or programs supporting alternative transportation bus turnouts, bicycle racks). However, the proposed project is a school project that will shift middle school students to an existing elementary school site. Currently students at Castro Elementary walk, ride a bicycle or are driven to school. With the shift to middle school age students, it is expected that more of these students will take public transit to the school site, or will walk or bicycle. The potential impact of changes in transportation modes for students will be further addressed in the EIR. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 55 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider that 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? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a, b, e) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project would connect to the existing sewer and wastewater treatment system as collected by the Stege Sanitary District and treated by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). Wastewater generated from the proposed project would be treated according the requirements set forth by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. The existing capacity of the wastewater treatment facilities is unknown at this time and therefore the potential impact of the proposed project on wastewater treatment facilities and capacity will be further addressed in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. However, the closure of the buildings and campus from active use or any potential demolition does not bear upon wastewater and is considered less than significant. Consequently, this issue will not be discussed further in the EIR. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 56 c) Potentially Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed project would involve alteration of the existing drainage pattern at the project sites due to the construction of new facilities, new parking areas, the renovation of play areas, and the installation of new paving and landscaping. Although it is known that the project sites would need to be connected to the existing storm drain system, the design of the drainage at the project sites is unknown at this time. Therefore, the potential for the project to require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities will be further addressed in the EIR. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. However, the closure of the buildings and campus from active use or any potential demolition does bear upon the topic of drainage patterns and stormdrain infrastructure. Consequently, this issue will be discussed further in the EIR at the programmatic level. b, d) Potentially Significant Impact. Water service at the project sites and in the vicinity of the project sites is provided the East Bay Municipal Utility District. The ability of EBMUD's water service lines to provide service to the proposed project is unknown at this time. Due to EBMUD’s limited water supply, future users of the site (and all EBMUD customers) should plan for shortages in time of drought and for emergency flow requirements. As the project site would not change significantly in student capacity, it is anticipated that this impact could be mitigated to less than significant. However, potential impact of the proposed project on water supply will be further addressed in the EIR. The future disposition of the Portola Middle School buildings and campus is unknown at this time. However, the closure of the buildings and campus from active use or any potential demolition does bear upon the topic of water supply due to the need to maintain fire safety. Consequently, this issue will be discussed further in the EIR at the programmatic level. f) Less than Significant Impact. The project site and its vicinity are served by the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority (WCCIWMA), Richmond Sanitary Service, and the East Bay Sanitary Company. The project site has already been in operation as a school site and would remain a school site at project completion, and as such the proposed project would be considered to have a less than significant impact on solid waste disposal needs and the capacity of the landfill. This issue will not be discussed further in the EIR. g) Less than Significant Impact. The construction and operation of the proposed project would be required to adhere to all the applicable federal, state, and local statutes and regulations for solid waste, including disposal of demolition debris and ongoing diversion of material from the waste stream. Therefore, the potential impact of the proposed project on compliance with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste would be less than significant and will not be discussed further in the EIR. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 57 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wild-life population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of rare or endangered plants or animals, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? 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. c) Does the project have environmental effects that will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS a) Potentially Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed project could potentially result in adverse environmental impacts to aesthetics, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use/planning, noise, public services/recreation, transportation/circulation/ parking, and utilities/service systems. A detailed analysis of these potentially significant impacts will be included and discussed in the EIR. With the exception of any potential loss of historic resources, it is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce potentially significant impacts to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. b) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project, along with other planned, proposed or approved projects may result in adverse cumulative impacts. An analysis will be included in the EIR discussing the project’s cumulative contribution to environmental impacts in the City of El Cerrito. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. c) Potentially Significant Impact. The EIR for the project will identify and analyze all potentially adverse environmental impacts resulting from project implementation. Additionally, the EIR will identify appropriate mitigation to reduce substantial impacts to less than significant levels where feasible. It is anticipated that mitigation measures could be applied to reduce this potentially significant impact to a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to West Contra Costa Unified School District Replace Portola Middle School Initial Study February 2008 58 REFERENCES 1. Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). 2007. Bay Area Air Quality Management District Website. Ambient Air Quality Standards & Bay Area Attainment Status. [Website Accessed January 23, 2008]. 2. California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA). 2007. State Water Resources Control Board. Stormwater Program Frequently Asked Questions about School Construction. [Website Accessed January 23, 2008]. 3. California Department of Education, Educational Demographics Unit. 2008. California Public Schools - School Report: West Contra Costa Unified School District. Data as of September 8, 2007. . [Website Accessed January 23, 2008]. 4. California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). 2007. EnviroStor Database: Hazardous Waste and Substances Site (Cortese) List. . [Website Accessed January 28, 2008]. 5. California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). 1999. The California Scenic Highway System: A List of Eligible and Officially Designated Routes. and . [Website Accessed January 23, 2008]. 6. City of El Cerrito. 2008a. Planning Division. Personal Communication with PMC staff. January 24, 2008. 7. City of El Cerrito. 2008b. City of El Cerrito Municipal Code. [Website Accessed January 28, 2008]. 8. City of El Cerrito. 2008c. City of El Cerrito Website - Fire Hazard Reduction Program. < http://www.el-cerrito.org/fire/prevention_tips_residential.html>. [Website Accessed January 28, 2008]. 9. HY Architects. 2008. Conceptual Design. February 8, 2008. 10. Kleinfelder. 2006a. Geologic and Seismic Hazards Assessment Report Castro Elementary School – 7125 Donal Avenue – El Cerrito, California. December 19, 2006. 11. Kleinfelder. 2006b. Preliminary Geotechnical Engineering Investigation – Castro Elementary School – El Cerrito, California. December 22, 2006. 12. LFR, Inc. 2007. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment West Contra Costa School District Castro Elementary School 7125 Donal Avenue, El Cerrito, Contra Costa County, California. February 28, 2007. 13. Richmond Unified School District. Castro School/School Plant Facilities Analysis prepared by Interactive Resources Architects. June 7, 1985. ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL STUDY West Contra Costa Unified School District Construction and Renovation of Castro Elementary School to Replace Portola Middle School February 2008 Initial Study 59 14. West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD). 2001. Castro Elementary School - West Contra Costa Unified School District Bond Improvement Program. November 9, 2001. 15. West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD). 2007a. Castro Elementary School Program/Master Plan prepared by Beverly Prior Architects. March 2007. 16. West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD). 2007b. Portola Middle School Relocation Site Selection Criteria. September 21, 2007. . [Website Accessed January 23, 2008]. 17. West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD). 2007c. Letter to Castro Community. November 8, 2007. 18. West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD). 2007d. Middle School at Castro Questions and Answers. December 14, 2007. . [Website Accessed January 23, 2008]. 19. West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD). 2007e. WCCUSD 2007 Facilities Master Plan. 20. West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD). 2008a. Middle School at Castro Board Presentation. January 9, 2008. . [Website Accessed January 23, 2008]. 21. West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD). 2008b. Letter to Castro Families. January 18, 2008. . [Website Accessed January 23, 2008].