Document Palmdale_doc_79d9fb07b2

CITY OF PALMDALE MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 38250 Sierra Highway PaImcf ale, California 93550 Case Number: Palmdale Energy Action Plan (PEAP) Applicant: City of Palmdale Address: 38250 Sierra Highway Palmdale, CA 93550 Project Description: The Palmdale Energy Action Plan (PEAP) identifies how the city will achieve the state-recommended greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target of 15 percent below 2005 levels by the year 2020 and to create a path to obtain 2050 state targets of 80 percent below 1990 levels as stated within Governor's Executive Order S-3-05. The PEAP provides goals, measures and associated actions, also referred to as GHG reduction measures, in the sectors of energy use, water use, transportation, land use, solid waste, and municipal operations. Project Location: Citywide On the basis of the Initial Study prepared for the project, it has been determined that the project would not have a potential for a significant effect on the environment; or the project has been modified to incorporate the mitigation measures listed below so that it would not have a potentially significant effect on the environment. A copy of said Initial Study is available for review at the Palmdale Planning Department, 38250 Sierra Highway, Palmdale, California 93550. This document constitutes a Mitigated Negative Declaration. AES-1: Solar energy facilities shall be designed to preclude daytime glare on any abutting residential zone, residential use, or public right-of-way. 610-1: Transmission lines and all electrical components shall be designed, installed, and maintained to reduce the likelihood of large bird electrocutions and collisions. ---PAGE BREAK--- Mitigated Negative Declaration Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 30, 2011 Page 2 BlO-2: The design of wind energy facilities shall discourage the use of the site by avian specifies (provision of landscaping and ground conditions that are unattractive to avian species. Design and site wind turbines to best avoid placement of turbines on or immediately adjacent to the upwind side of ridge crests, and implement other design features to minimize impacts to bat and avian species. Provision of an avian and bat management plan that includes mortality monitoring and additional measures to address unanticipated significant adverse impacts on the population of avian or bat species or within any migratory corridor. RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES: None TRUSTEE AGENCIES: None Notice Pursuant to Section 21092.5 of the Public Resources Code: A Public Hearing will be held by the City Council of the City of Palmdale in the Palmdale Council Chambers, 38300 Sierra Highway, Suite B, Palmdale, California on August 3, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. to consider this project. At that time, any interested person is welcome to attend and be heard on this matter. Prior to the Public Hearing, the public is invited to submit written comments on this Mitigated Negative Declaration to the Palmdale Planning Department, Attention: Susan Koleda, Senior Planner, 38250 Sierra Highway, Palmdale, California 93550; or phone (661) 267-5200. Please refer to the Case Number listed above. ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF PALMDALE OFFICE OF THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: All Interested Parties FROM: Planning Department SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR REVIEW OF THE DRAFT MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE PALMDALE ENERGY ACTION PLAN (PEAP); THE PALMDALE ENERGY ACTION PLAN (PEAP) IDENTIFIES HOW THE CITY WILL ACHIEVE THE STATE-RECOMMENDED GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) EMISSION REDUCTION TARGET OF 15 PERCENT BELOW 2005 LEVELS BY THE YEAR 2020 AND TO CREATE A PATH TO OBTAIN 2050 STATE TARGETS OF 80 PERCENT BELOW 1990 LEVELS AS STATED WITHIN GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDER S-3-05. THE PEAP PROVIDES GOALS, MEASURES AND ASSOCIATED ACTIONS, ALSO REFERRED TO AS GHG REDUCTION MEASURES, IN THE SECTORS OF ENERGY USE, WATER USE, TRANSPORTATION, LAND USE, SOLID WASTE, AND MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS. THIS PROJECT IS LOCATED CITYWIDE. DATE: June 30, 2011 The attached Mitigated Negative Declaration has been forwarded to you for review and comment. Comments will be received by the Planning Department until 5:00 p.m. on August 1, 2011. Comments should be directed to: Susan Koleda, Senior Planner, City of Palmdale Planning Department, 38250 Sierra Highway, Palmdale, California 93550 or telephone (661) 267-5200. Copies sent to: City of Palmdale: Case Planner. City Engineer (PDF copy only) City Hall Director of Public Works Library ---PAGE BREAK--- Distribution Memo Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 30, 2011 Page 2 Planning Counter Copy Planning Commission Traffic Engineer State Agencies: Air Resources Board California Department of Fish and Game Public Utilities Commission State Clearinghouse, Office of Planning and Research (15 copies) County of Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Works (4 copies) Los Angeles County Regional Planning Federal Agencies: Department of the Air Force (Plant 42) Other: Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District City of Lancaster GAVAR Diana Carlton Littlerock Town Council Palmdale Chamber of Commerce Quartz Hill Town Council Southern California Association of Governments ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY FOR THE CITY OF PALMDALE ENERGY ACTION PLAN LEAD AGENCY: CITY OF PALMDALE 38250 SIERRA HIGHWAY PALMDALE, CA 93550 JUNE 24, 2011 ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction .1 2.0 Project Description 2 3.0 Environmental Checklist 10 4.0 Environmental Checklist and Evaluation 13 I. Aesthetics 14 II. Agricultural and Forestry Resources 17 Ill. Air Quality 19 IV. Biological Resources 22 V. Cultural Resources 25 VI. Geology and Soils 26 VII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions 28 VIII. Hazards and Hazardous Materials 29 IX. Hydrology and Water Quality 32 X. Land Use and Planning 36 Xl. Mineral Resources 37 XII. Noise 38 XIII. Population and Housing 39 XIV. Public Services 40 XV. Recreation 41 XVI. Transportation/Traffic 42 XVII. Utilities and Service Systems 44 XVIII. Mandatory Findings of Significance 46 5.0 References 48 TABLES Table 1 Global Warming Potential for Greenhouse Gases 4 Table 2 City of Palmdale 2005 GHG Inventory and Projections 9 City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- IN ITLAL ENVIRONMENTAL STU DY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 1.0 INTRODUCTION This document is an Initial Study (IS) prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), for the City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan (referred to as the PEAP or the Energy Action Plan). This IS has been prepared in accordance with CEQA. Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq., and the CEQA Guidelines found in Chapter 14 of the California Code of Regulations. An initial study is conducted by a lead agency to determine if a project may have a significant effect on the environment. A mitigated negative declaration (MND) may be prepared if the lead agency finds that there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record, that the project may have a significant effect on the environment with the incorporation of mitigation measures. A MND is a written statement describing the reasons why a proposed project not exempt from CEQA would not have a significant effect on the environment after the incorporation of mitigation measures and, therefore, why it would not require the preparation of an environmental impact report (EIR) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15371). According to CEQA Guidelines Section 15070, a MNTD shall be prepared for a project subject to CEQA when either: a) The IS shows there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record before the agency, that the proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment, or b) The IS identified potentially significant effects, but: Revisions in the project plans or proposals made by or agreed to by the applicant before the proposed mitigated negative declaration and initial study is released for public review would avoid the effects or mitigate the effects to a point where clearly no significant effects would occur, and There is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record before the agency, that the proposed project as revised may have a significant effect on the environment. If revisions are adopted into the proposed project in accordance with the CEQA Guidelines Section 15070(b), a MND is prepared. 1.1 LEADAGENCY The lead agency is the public agency with primary responsibility over a proposed project. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15051(b)(1), "the lead agency will normally be the agency with general governmental powers, such as a city or county, rather than an agency with a single or limited purpose." Based on these criteria, the City of Palmdale (City; Palmdale) will serve as lead agency for the Energy Action Plan (PEAP). 1.2 PURPOSE AND DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION The purpose of this IS is to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the proposed PEAP. This document is divided into the following sections: 1.0 Introduction: Provides an introduction and describes the purpose and organization of this document. 2.0 Project Description: Provides a detailed description of the proposed Energy Action Plan. City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 3.0 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected: Provides an identification of those environmental factors that involve a "potentially significant impact." 4.0 Determination: Provides the environmental determination for the proposed Energy Action Plan. 5.0 Environmental Checklist and Evaluation: Describes the environmental setting for each of the environmental subject areas, evaluates a range of impacts classified as "no impact," "less than significant," "potentially significant unless mitigation incorporated," or "potentially significant" in response to the environmental checklist. 6.0 References: Identifies a list of resources utilized. 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND SURROUNDING LAND USES The PEAP affects properties and activities located within the city limits of Palmdale. The City of Palmdale is located in the High Desert region of Los Angeles County, approximately 60 freeway miles north of downtown Los Angeles. Palmdale is located within the Antelope Valley and bordered by the City of Lancaster and the community of Quartz Hill to the north, the communities of Lake Los Angeles and Littlerock to the east, the community of Acton to the south, and the community of Leona Valley to the west. The City of Palmdale lays within a transitional area between the foothills of the San Gabriel and Sierra Pelona mountains and the Mojave Desert to the north and east. As a result, the city contains a variety of plant and animal communities, slope conditions, soil types, and other physical characteristics. In general, Palmdale slopes from south to north-northeast, with surface flows and subsurface flows trending away from the foothills to Rosamond Dry Lake. The major watercourses flowing through Palmdale are Amargosa Creek, Anaverde Creek, Little Rock Wash, and Big Rock Wash. While foothill areas within and adjacent to the city contain significant slopes, the majority of the city is relatively flat. The climate of Palmdale and the Antelope Valley is dominated by the region's Pacific high pressure system, which contributes to the area's hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters. The climate is characterized by its wide swings in temperature between day and night. Temperatures in the area average lows and highs of 71°F and 95°F, respectively, in the summer months and 36°F and 58°F, respectively, in the winter months. Average annual precipitation is 8 inches. 2.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY OF PALMDALE ENERGY ACTION PLAN The City of Palmdale proposes to adopt the Energy Action Plan to identify measures and actions intended to reduóe greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions below the level of emissions that existed in the city in 2005. The PEAP is the beginning of an ongoing planning process that enables the City to comply with state legislation related to GHG emissions. The purpose of the PEAP is to identify how the City will achieve the state-recommended GHG emission reduction target of 15 percent below 2005 levels by the year 2020 and to create a path to obtain 2050 state targets associated with Governor's Executive Order S-03-05. The PEAP provides goals, measures, and associated actions, also referred to as GHG reduction measures, in the sectors of energy use, water use, transportation, land use, solid waste, and municipal operations. Energy Action Plan City of Palmdale Initial Environmental Study June 2011 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION The City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan provides general information about regional climate change and how GHG emissions within the city contribute to it. In addition, the PEAP describes the baseline GHG emissions produced in Palmdale and forecasts GHG emissions that could be expected if the PEAP is not implemented. Each proposed strategy is made up of goals, measures, and actions that would aid in reducing GHG emissions. The PEAP is a project under CEQA and is subject to environmental review. No specific development projects are proposed as part of the PEAP, and no changes in existing land use zones or densities, nor any changes to land use regulations, are proposed. The PEAP is consistent with the land uses envisioned in the current Palmdale General Plan (Palmdale, 1993) and does not require rezoning or changes to the land use designation of any specific properties, nor does it require changes to the city's General Plan or Zoning Ordinance thot would increase density, result in development not envisioned in the General Plan, or remove policies that currently protect environmental resources. The PEAP provides measures to encourage reductions in the emission of GHGs in accordance with General Plan policies. The PEAP will serve as an analytical link for the City between local development, state requirements, and regional efforts. It will also be a way for the City to determine consistency with state legislation, such as AB 32, which mandates that local governments address GHG emissions in local planning and environmental documents. 2.3 BACKGROUND Since the early 1 990s, scientific consensus holds that the world's population is releasing greenhouse gases faster than the earth's natural systems can absorb them. These gases are released as byproducts of fossil fuel combustion, waste disposal, energy use, land-use changes, and other human activities. This release of gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO4, methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N20), creates a blanket around the earth that allows light to pass through but traps heat at the surface, preventing its escape into space. While this is a naturally occurring process known as the greenhouse effect, human activities have accelerated the generation of greenhouse gases beyond natural levels. The overabundance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has led to an unexpected warming of the earth and has the potential to severely impact the earth's climate system. To fully understand global climate change, it is important to recognize the naturally occurring "greenhouse effect" and to define the greenhouse gases that contribute to this phenomenon. Various gases in the earth's atmosphere, classified as atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs), play a critical role in determining the earth's surface temperature. Solar radiation enters the earth's atmosphere from space and a portion of the radiation is absorbed by the earth's surface. The earth emits this radiation back toward space, but the properties of the radiation change from high-frequency solar radiation to lower-frequency infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases, which are transparent to solar radiation, are effective in absorbing infrared radiation. As a result, this radiation that otherwise would have escaped back into space is now retained, resulting in a warming of the atmosphere. This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect. Among the prominent GHGs contributing to the greenhouse effect are CO2, CH4, N20, hydrofluorocarbons (HFC5), periluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). For most nonindustrial development projects, motor vehicles make up the bulk of GHG emissions produced on an operational basis. The primary greenhouse gases emitted by motor vehicles include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons (CARB 2004). City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Each GHG differs in its ability to absorb heat in the atmosphere based on the lifetime, or persistence, of the gas molecule in the atmosphere. Gases with high global warming potential, such as HFCs, PFCs, and SF6, are the most heat-absorbent. Methane traps over 21 times more heat per molecule than C02, and N20 absorbs 310 times more heat per molecule than C02. Often, estimates of GHG emissions are presented in carbon dioxide equivalents (C02e), which weight each gas by its global warming potential (GWP). Expressing GHG emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents takes the contribution of all GHG emissions to the greenhouse effect and converts them to a single unit equivalent to the effect that would occur if only C02 were being emitted. Table 1 shows the GWPs for different GHG5 for a 100-year time horizon. TABLE 1 GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL FOR GREENHOUSE GASES CO2 is emitted in a number of ways, both naturally and through human activities. The largest source of CO2 emissions globally is the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas in power plants, automobiles, industrial facilities, and other sources (EPA 2008a). CH4 is also emitted from a variety of both human-related and natural sources. Human-related sources include fossil fuel production, animal husbandry (enteric fermentation in livestock and manure management), rice cultivation, biomass burning, and waste management (EPA 2006a). The primary human-related sources of N2O are agricultural soil management, animal manure management, sewage treatment, mobile and stationary combustion of fossil fuels, adipic acid production, and nitric acid production (EPA 2006b). HFCs are man-made chemicals, many of which have been developed as alternatives to ozone-depleting substances for industrial, commercial, and consumer products (EPA 2006c), and PFCs are largely emitted from aluminum production, which releases PFCs as byproducts (EFCTC 2003; EPA 2006a). SFo is primarily used as an electrical insulator in high voltage equipment. Significant leaks occur from aging equipment and during equipment maintenance and servicing (EPA 2008b). California is a significant emitter of GHGs in the world and produced 477 million gross metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents in 2008 (CARB 2010). Consumption of fossil fuels in the transportation sector was the single largest source of California's GHG emissions in 2008, accounting for 36.4 percent of total GHG emissions in the state (CARB 2010). This category was followed by the electric power sector (including both in-state and out-of-state sources) (24.3 percent) and the industrial sector (19.3 percent) (CARB 2010). EFFECTS OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE - CALIFORNIA California can draw on substantial scientific research conducted by experts at various state universities and research institutions. With more than a decade of concerted research, scientists have established that the early signs of climate change are already evident in the state-as Energy Action Plan City of Palmda!e Initial Environmental Study June 2011 4 Source: California Climate Action Registry 2009 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAl. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATiON shown, for example, in increased average temperatures, changes in temperature extremes, reduced snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, sea level rise, and ecological shifts. As a result of emissions already released into the atmosphere, California will face intensifying climate changes in coming decades (CNRA 2009). Generally, research indicates that California should expect overall hotter and drier conditions with a continued reduction in winter snow (with concurrent increases in winter rains), as well as increased average temperatures and accelerating sea level rise. In addition to changes in average temperatures, sea level, and precipitation patterns, the intensity of extreme weather events is also changing (CNRA 2009). Precipitation levels are expected to change over the 21st century, though models differ in determining where and how much rain and snowfall patterns will change (CNRA 2009). Eleven out of 12 precipitation models run by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography suggest a small to significant (12-35 percent) overall decrease in precipitation levels by mid-century (CNRA 2009). In addition, higher temperatures increase evaporation and make for a generally drier climate, as higher temperatures hasten snowmelt. Moreover, the 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy concludes that more precipitation will fall as rain rather than as snow, with important implications for water management in the state. California communities have largely depended on runoff from yearly established snowpack to provide the water supplies during the warmer, drier months of late spring, summer, and early autumn. With rainfall and meltwater running off earlier in the year, the state will face increasing challenges of storing the water for the dry season while protecting Californians from floodwaters during the wet season. In the next few decades, it is likely that the state will face a growing number of climate change- related extreme events such as heat waves, wildfires, droughts, and floods. Because communities, infrastructure, and other assets are at risk, such events can cause significant damages and are already responsible for a large fraction of near-term climate-related impacts every year (CNRA 2009). According to the 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy, the impacts of global warming in California have the potential to include, but are not limited to, public health (heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and the exacerbation of existing medical conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes, nervous system disorders, and epilepsy), floods and droughts (population displacement, loss of belongings, drinking water contamination), water resources (frequent and larger floods and deeper droughts, rising sea level will threaten the Delta conveyance system), agriculture (greater water demand for crops and less reliable water supply), and forests and landscape (increased risk of wildfires). 2.4 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK Federal In April 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the final rule on new standards for GHG emissions and fuel economy for light-duty vehicles in model years 2017-2025. In November 2010, the EPA published the "Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Title V Permitting Guidance for Greenhouse Gases," which provides the basic information that permit writers and applicants need to address GHG emissions regulated under the Clean Air Act. . Federal Regulation and the Clean Air Act City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DEaARATION State Beginning in 2002, California has enacted the following acts, executive orders, and administrative practices to address climate change, and greenhouse gas emissions. Assembly Bill (AB) 1493, codified at Health and Safety Code Sections 42823 and 43018.5 • Senate Bill 1771 - Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions: Climate Change, codified at Health and Safety Code Section 42800 et seq. and Public Resources Code Section 25730 et seq. • Executive Order S-3-05 (2005) • Assembly Bill (AB) 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act, codified at Health and Safety Code Sections 38500, 38501, 28510, 38530, 38550, 38560, 38561-38565, 38570, 38571, 38574, 38580, 38590, 38592-38599 • Senate Bill (SB) 375, codified at Government Code Sections 65080, 65400, 65583, 65584.01, 65584.02, 65584.04, 65587, 65588, 14522.1, 14522.2, and 65080.01 as well as Public Resources Code Sections 21061 21159.28, and Chapter 4.2 • Senate Bill (SB) 1368, codified at Public Utilities Code Chapter 3 • Senate Bill 1771, codified at Health and Safety Code Article 6 and Public Resources Code Chapter 8.5 • Senate Bill 527, codified at Health and Safety Code Sections 42400.4, 42801, 42810, 42821- 42824, 42840-42843, 42860, 42870, 43021, 42410, 42801.1, 43023 • Senate Bill 1078, Public Utilities Code Sections 387, 390.1, 399.25, and Article 16 • Executive Order S-1308 (2008) • Climate Change Scoping Plan • California Building Standards Code • Assembly Bill 939 Regional Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District The City of Palmdale is located in the Antelope Valley, which is part of the Mojave Desert Air Basin (MDAB) and is under the jurisdiction of the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD). Within the Palmdale portion of the MDAB, AVAQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for the administration of federal and state air quality laws, regulations, policies, and standards. AVAQMD attains and maintains air quality conditions in the Basin through a comprehensive program of planning, regulation, enforcement, technical innovation, and promotion of the understanding of air quality issues. The clean air strategy of AVAQMD includes the preparation of plans for the attainment of ambient air quality standards, adoption and enforcement of rules and regulations concerning sources of air pollution, and issuance of permits for stationary sources of air pollution. AVAQMD also inspects stationary sources of air pollution Energy Action Plan City of Palmdale Initial Environmental Study June 2011 6 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION and responds to citizen complaints; monitors ambient air quality and meteorological conditions; and implements programs and regulations required by the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA), and California Clean Air Act (CCAA). All of the PEAP measures and actions would be subject to AVAQMD rules and regulations in effect at the time of construction. Specific rules applicable to construction may include, but are not limited to: Rule 401 - Visible Emissions. A person shall not discharge into the atmosphere from any single source of emission whatsoever any air contaminant for a period or periods aggregating more than three minutes in any one hour which is as dark or darker in shade as that designated No. 1 on the Ringelmann Chart, as published by the United States Bureau of Mines. Rule 402 - Nuisance. A person shall not discharge from any source whatsoever such quantities of air contaminants or other material which cause injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or to the public, or which endanger the comfort, repose, health or safety of any such persons or the public, or which cause, or have a natural tendency to cause injury or damage to business or property. The provisions of this rule do not apply to odors emanating from agricultural operations necessary for the growing of crops or the raising of fowl or animals. • Rule 403 - Fugitive Dust. This rule is intended to reduce the amount of particulate matter entrained in the ambient air as a result of anthropogenic (man-made) fugitive dust sources by requiring actions to prevent, reduce, or mitigate fugitive dust emissions. Rule 403 applies to any activity or man-made condition capable of generating fugitive dust. 2.5 GHG INVENTORY, BASELINE, AND PROJECTIONS The PEAP seeks to address GHG emissions in the city by implementing greenhouse gas reduction measures. Though the PEAP is expected to have regional benefits, the PEAP only applies to the incorporated areas of the City of Palmdale. In August 2010, the City completed a GHG emissions inventory (Inventory) as part of the PEAP. The Inventory calculated GHG emissions produced from government operations and community-wide activities within city limits in 2005. Baseline The City chose a baseline year of 2005 because of the availability of reliable data and to maintain consistency with the requirements of AB 32. A 2005 baseline year also enables the City to take credit for proactive programs implemented since 2005 and to measure their progress, allowing the City's actions to form the foundation for the strategies outlined in the PEAP. The Inventory is a first step for the City to create a baseline against which it con measure future progress. The largest GHG emitters and opportunities for reduction are revealed through the Inventory, making it an integral component of the City's effort to address GHG emissions and demonstrate progress in achieving reductions. In 2005, the City emitted approximately 948,258 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (C02e) within city limits (see Table 2) (City of Palmdale 2011, p. 3-3). The transportation sector was by far the largest contributor to emissions (40 percent of total emissions), producing approximately 382010 metric tons of C02e in 2005. Emissions from the commercial and industrial sector were City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITiGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION the next largest contributor, accounting for 30 percent of the total emissions, producing approximately 282,620 metric tons of C02e. The residential sector accounted for 27 percent of the total emissions (256,210 metric tons of C02e) (City of Palmdale 2011, p. 3-3). Projections The City modeled future emissions growth based on projected trends in energy use, driving habits, job growth, and population growth in 2020 and 2035. Forecasts allow the City to assess the effectiveness of various reduction strategies. Forecasts also provide a snapshot of how annual emissions levels will likely change under various scenarios. Forecasting is completed by adjusting baseline levels of emissions so they are consistent with future household, population, and transportation growth. The years 2020 and 2035 are examined for the following reasons: 2020 Forecast: The AB 32 Scoping Plan establishes a state reduction target and local reduction target recommendation, both of which reference 2020 as the target date. The GHG Inventory examines 2020 emissions in order to compare the PEAP outcome to these state-mandated 2020 goals and targets. • 2035 Forecast: Senate Bill (SB) 375 establishes targets for transportation-related reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and 2035. In order to allow convenient comparison of the PEAP and SB 375 targets, the GHG Inventory also estimates emission levels in 2035. Business-As-Usual Projections The basis for all growth scenarios is a business-as-usual (BAU) projection. A BAU projection predicts how GHG emissions will increase if consumption behavior and efficiencies do not change from baseline levels, yet population, households, and vehicle miles traveled continue to increase at a rate consistent with regional forecasts completed by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). Under a BAU scenario, the City of Palmdale's emissions will grow by approximately 23 percent by the year 2020, from 948,258 to 1,164,395 metric tons of C02e (see Table 2) (City of Palmdale 2011, p. 4-1). By 2035, the City's BAU emissions are modeled to increase 50 percent to 1,424,679 metric tons of C02e (City of Palmdale 2011, p. 4-1). incorporation of State Reductions for Adjusted Community-Wide Forecasts Recognizing that local governments do not have full authority to reduce emissions in their communities, the City adjusted the BAU forecast to include state-led or state-induced GHG reduction strategies included in the AB 32 Scoping Plan (see Table Adjusting for state-led and state-induced GHG reduction strategies, the City of Palmdale's forecast emissions will grow by approximately 5 percent by the year 2020, from 948,258 to 997,379 metric tons of C02e. By 2035, the City's emissions are modeled to increase 15 percent over 2005 emissions to 1,090,327 metric tons of C02e. The adjusted forecast includes all state actions that are approved, programmed, and/or adopted and that do not require additional local action. Reliance on the adjusted forecast is consistent with standard practice. The adjusted forecast provides a more accurate picture of future emissions growth and focuses the City's GHG reduction strategies toward a more accurate reduction. State-led actions that the City used to create the adjusted forecast include AB 1493, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, the Renewable Portfolio Standard, and Title 24. Energy Action Plan City of Palmdaie Initial Environmental Study June 2011 8 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DEcLARATIoN Implementation Results Implementation of the City of Palmdale PEAP would result in community-wide GHG emission reductions of approximately 192,213 metric tons of C02e by 2020 (City of Palmdale 2011, p. 6-1). The PEAP also projects a reduction of 329,535 metric tons of C02e by 2035 (City of Palmdale 2011, p. 6-1). Table 2 below summarizes the City 2005 GHG Inventory, BAU projections, adjusted GHG forecasts for state-led actions, and PEAP implementation results. TABLE 2 CITY OF PALMDALE 2005 GHG INVENTORY AND PROJECTIONS øaseline (2005) Emissions 948,258 metric toni COie/yr 2020 GHC (MTCOe/yr) 2035 GHG tMTCOeJyr) Reduction Su mmary Emissions Forpcast {busines a u5ual} 1,164,395 1,424,679 Adjusted Foreat with Sc' ReducIion 997,379 1,090,327 Target Emissions Level 806,019 426,716 Net Emissions with State and PEAP Reductions 805,166 760,792 Percentage Change from 2005 Levels -1 5°Jo 2.6 OTHER APPROVALS REQUIRED There are no other public agencies whose approval is required permits, financing approval, or participation agreement) for the proposed PEAP. City of Pa!mdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study ---PAGE BREAK--- I NITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 3.1. BACKGROUND Project Title: City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan Lead Agency Name and City of Palmdale Address: 38250 Sierra Highway Palmdale, CA 93550 Project Location: All land located within the incorporated city limits of the City of Palmdale Project Sponsor's Name and City of Palmdale Address: Department of Public Works 38250 Sierra Highway Palmdale, CA 93550 General Plan Designation(s): N/A Zoning: N/A Contact Person: Benjamin A. Lucha Phone Number: (661) 267-5300 Date Prepared June 24, 2011 Energy Action Plan Initial Environmental Study City of Palmdale June2011 10 ---PAGE BREAK--- iNITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by the proposed Energy Action Plan, as indicated by t he checklist and corresponding discussion on the following pages. Aesthetics ri Agricultural and Forestry El Air Quality Resources Biological Resources El Cultural Resources El Geology/Soils El Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hazards & Hazardous El Hydrology/Water Materials Quality El Land Use/Planning El Mineral Resources El Noise El Population/Housing El Public Services El Recreation El Transportation/Traffic El Utilities/Service Systems Mandatory Findings of Significance City of Palmdale June 2011 Energy Action Plan Initial Environmental Study 11 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 3.3. DETERMINATION On the basis of this initial evaluation: 0 find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. 0 I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. 0 I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. This initial study was prepared by PMC. Date Date Susan Koleda Senior Planner R hard Planning Manager Energy Action Plan Initial Environmental Study City of Palmda!e June2011 12 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITiGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST AND EVALUATION 4.1 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 cited. 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. 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, and construction as well as operational impacts. 3) A "Less than Significant Impact" applies when the proposed project would not result in a substantial and adverse change in the environment. This impact level does not require mitigation measures. 4) "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect is significant. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 5) "Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less than Significant Impact." The initial study must describe the mitigation measures and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level. Although the purpose of the PEAP is to reduce the impact that the community will have on global climate change and will therefore benefit the environment, implementation of components contained in the PEAP could potentially result in changes to the physical environmental as a result of construction activity or changes in land use that may alter visual resources, biological resources, or cultural resources. An analysis of each of these potential issue areas is included in Section 4.2 (Environmental Checklist). As described in greater detail in this document, these changes are not expected to result in significant impacts on the physical environment. Similarly, implementation of the PEAP is not expected to require amendment to City planning documents and regulations, such as the General Plan, the Zoning Ordinance, and/or Specific Plans. To the extent that such modifications would be necessary, they would not result in physical environmental impacts. Because changes to planning documents and regulations correspond to established CEQA thresholds of significance, the environmental checklist explains why no modification is anticipated for the relevant issue areas. City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study 13 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST PonfiaIIy Less Than Significant Le Than N 1. AESTHETICS: Would thproect Signifkanl Wilh Significant I lmpt Mitigation Impact lncocpovated a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? 0 0 0 b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic 0 0 0 buildings within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or o o quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the 0 0 0 area? Discussion/Conclusion: a, c) Less than Significant Impact. According to the Cityts General Plan (Palmdale 1993), scenic areas include open space and landscaped corridors and viewsheds. Examples include Godde Hills Road that winds up the Portal Ridge Mountains and overlooks the entire Antelope Valley and Bouquet Canyon Road, which is known for its tree-lined canyon and winding stream. The Palmdale PEAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that would have the potential to degrade the aesthetic quality of the environment or to adversely affect visual resources. The PEAP does not propose to change existing land use designations or zoning and anticipates that land uses will be consistent with the designations established by the General Plan Land Use Element. As a policy document, the PEAP would have no direct impact on visual resources, but future implementation activities could change community aesthetics. For instance, PEAP Measure 3.1 proposes the implementation of plans to procure renewable energy for City buildings through on-site solar infrastructure that has the potential to impact scenic vistas and resources due to the heightened visibility of solar infrastructure. In addition, Measure 3.2 and associated actions, as well as Measure 3.3, Measure 3.4, and Measure 3.5, propose several strategies to promote small-scale and large-scale solar energy systems and other renewable energy systems that could involve installation of solar and photovoltaic panels and related facilities, wind generators, and other renewable energy facilities. It should be noted that while there are no physical improvements proposed as part of the PEAP, all future development projects that would implement PEAP measures and actions would be subject to applicable City regulations and requirements, as well as be subject to further CEQA analysis of project-specific impacts. For example, Chapter 2 of the City Zoning Ordinance provides general review procedures for all land use applications, ensuring compliance with General Plan goals. policies, and objectives, including preservation of scenic resources. Policy ER1 .1 .5 of the General Plan Environmental Resources Element states that the City's discretionary land use approval process to locate and retain areas for use as open space through dedication or other legal means shall be utilized, and requires the development of ctiteria and guidelines to identify areas that should be protected. Policy ER] .2.1 discourages new development with the potential to substantially obscure or negatively alter the scenic backdrop to the city. "Scenic Energy Action Plan City of Palmdak Initial Environmental Study June 2011 14 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION backdrop" refers to the significant ridgelines of the San Gabriels, the Sierra Pelona, and the Ritter and Portal ridges that form the city's skyline views. In addition, Chapter 9, Article 99 of the City Zoning Ordinance provides standards to mitigate the potential adverse visual effects of co4ocated small wind energy systems (wind turbines). It is the purpose of these regulations to ensure that alternative energy systems are available in the City of Palmdale and that they are installed and co-located in a manner which minimizes adverse aesthetic impacts and ensures compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. Chapter 9, Article 99 contains setback requirements and height limits for wind energy generators. Specifically, all wind turbine housing and the blades are not allowed to be colored, and the turbine housing should be white, sky colored, or should coordinate with the color palette approved for the project buildings. The physical size of the turbine is limited to less than 36 inches from the center of the pole, and the maximum diameter of the blades cannot exceed 16 feet. Furthermore, Chapter 10, Article 100 (Hillside Management) of the City Zoning Ordinance establishes specific submittal requirements, review standards, and processing procedures for projects, including the implementation of renewable energy generators such as wind turbines and solar panels, within hillside areas. Development applications proposed on a parcel or parcels containing slope areas that fall within the definition of a hillside area shall comply with all procedures, standards, and findings contained in this article with the intent of preserving visual resources. Continued implementation of City General Plan policy provisions and the City Zoning Ordinance ensures impacts to scenic vistas and the existing visual character of the city would be less than significant. b) No Impact. According to the California Scenic Highway Mapping System, there are no state scenic highways in or within view of the city. Therefore, implementation of the proposed PEAP would result in no impact associated with degradation of the visual character within a designated scenic highway. Separately, PEAP Measure 1 .1 proposes to implement energy efficiency improvements in existing City buildings and facilities, and PEAP Measures 1 .6 and 3.3 promote energy efficiency improvements in the city's housing stock, including the implementation of renewable energy generators, all of which could potentially adversely affect historic buildings. It should be noted that while there are no physical improvements proposed as part of the PEAP, all future development projects that would implement PEAP measures and actions would be subject to applicable City regulations and requirements, as well as be subject to further CEQA analysis of project-specific impacts. General Plan Environmental Resources Element Policy ER7.1 .3 requires that new development protect significant historic resources or provide for other appropriate mitigation. In addition, Policy ER7.1 .8 discourages historic landmark properties from being altered in such a manner as to significantly reduce their cultural value to the community. The Palmdale PEAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that would have the potential to degrade the aesthetic quality of the environment or to adversely affect visual resources. The proposed PEAP does not contain any provisions which would substantially damage historic buildings, as PEAP measures and actions only seek to promote energy efficiency, not drastically alter or demolish buildings. Continued implementation of the General Plan policies described above would ensure no impact from implementation of the PEAP. City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study 15 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION d) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. As discussed under a, c) above, the proposed PEAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals. Nor does the PEAP grant any entitlements for development that would increase daytime glare or nighttime illumination in the city. As a policy document, the PEAP would have no direct impacts resulting from light and/or glare, but future implementation activities could have an effect. The main potential sources of daytime glare resulting from the proposed project would be from proposed PEAP measures that promote the installation of solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbines PEAP Measures 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5). In addition, Measure 1.4 of the proposed PEAP seeks to require the use of high "albedo" material for new outdoor parking lots, medians, and sidewalks, which could increase glare. This could result in a potentially significant impact unless mitigation measures are proposed, as below. Future development projects would be required to be designed and constructed in accordance with the General Plan Community Design Element (Policy CD 6.3.4) and Palmdale Zoning Ordinance, which contain policies and standards for lighting and building materials, including those specific to wind energy generators. Chapter 9, Article 99 of the City Zoning Ordinance states that wind energy generators shall not be illuminated unless such lighting is required by the Federal Aviation Administration. While these development standards would assist in mitigating the increase in severity of potential light and glare impacts associated with wind energy generators and reflective materials, the following mitigation measure is required to further address daytime glare impacts resulting from potential solar energy generators photovoltaic panels and related facilities). Mitigation Measures MM AES-1: Solar energy facilities shall be designed to preclude daytime glare on any abutting residential zone, residential use, or public right-of-way. Enforcement/Monitoring: Paimda!e Planning Department Implementation of this mitigation measure would reduce daytime glare impacts by setting a development standard to prohibit off-site daytime glare impacts. Thus, this impact would be less than significant. Energy Action Plan City of Palmdale Initial Environmental Study June 2011 16 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Ii. AGRICUITURAL AND FORESTRY RESOURCES: In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Eiialuation 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. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Depatrnent of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state's inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided In Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than N Significant With SIgnificant 1 Impact Mitigation Impact Would the project Incorporated a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and 0 0 0 Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a o o o Williamson Act contract? c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))? d) Result in the loss of forestland or conversion of o o o o forestland to non-forest use? e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forestland to non-forest use? Discussion/Conclusion: a-b) Less than Significant Impact. The City of Palmdale PEAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that would have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment or to adversely affect agricultural or forestry resources. The PEAP does not propose to change existing land use designations or zoning and anticipates that land uses will be consistent with the designations established by the General Plan Land Use Element. According to the General Plan, existing agriculture within the jurisdiction of the City (primarily located between the airport property and Avenue L) are not intended for permanent agricultural production, as this area has a land use designation of IND (Industrial) and is zoned either M-l (Light Industrial), M-2 (General Industrial). or M-4 (Planned Industrial). It is the intent of the General Plan to achieve a fully urbanized city without agriculture. There are no currently Williamson Act contracts operating in the city. Wind energy generating facilities as an accessory use are allowed in the A-i (Light Agriculture) zone as provided in the Zoning Ordinance under Chapter 3 Article 30. However, as such facilities City of Paimdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study 17 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION are only permitted as an accessory use, they would not result in the substantial loss of agricultural lands, including important farmlands, or result in conflicts with existing agricultural operations. However, the PEAP does not propose large-scale wind generation facilities. While Measures 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 do promote wind generation facilities, these proposals are limited on- site systems for municipal, residential, commercial, and industrial land uses, not large-scale wind energy power plants. PEAP Measure 3.4 proposes to facilitate the establishment of large-scale solar energy generation facilities in order to supply regional energy needs. However, solar energy generation facilities are not permitted on lands zoned A-i (Light Agriculture). The PEAP does not propose to change existing land use designations or zoning regulations. It should be noted that while there are no physical improvements proposed as part of the PEAP, all future development projects that would implement PEAP measures and actions would be subject to further CEQA analysis of project-specific agricultural-related impacts. Therefore, there would a less than significant impact associated with the conversion of agricultural lands to non- agricultural uses and less then significant impacts associated with conflicts with agricultural zoning and Williamson Act lands. c-d) No Impact. Implementation of the PEAP would not result in the direct conversion of land that is zoned for or used as forestland or timberland, as these land use categories do not exist within the city and there are no forestlands within the city. Therefore, there would be no Impact. e) Less than Significant Impact. The placement of non-agricultural uses adjacent to agricultural uses can result in agriculture-urban interface conflicts that inadvertently place growth pressure on agricultural lands to convert to urban uses. These conflicts include inconveniences or discomforts associated with dust, smoke, noise, and odor from agricultural operations, restrictions on agricultural operations (such as pesticide application) along interfaces with urban uses, farm equipment and vehicles using roadways, and trespassing and vandalism on active farms. If future development projects under the proposed PEAP include the development of, for instance, large-scale solar facilities (Measure 3.4) or bike paths (Measures 4.4) adjacent to agricultural areas, the City would consider agricultural-urban interface conflicts as part of the appropriate environmental review prior to taking any action to consider the approval of such changes. Environmental impacts of subsequent land use projects would be considered pursuant to CEQA on a case-by-case basis following submittal of a specific development proposal. As mentioned above, identified areas of agriculture within the jurisdiction of the City (primarily located between the airport property and Avenue L) are not intended for permanent agricultural production according to the General Plan. It is the intent of the General Plan to achieve a fully urbanized city without substantial agriculture. As a result, land use conflicts or the conversion of agricultural land to urban uses is considered to have less than significant impacts. The PEAP proposes no measures that address forest or timberland uses, and there are no forestlands or timberlands in or adjacent to the City of Palmdale. Therefore, impacts associated with changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses, or conversion of forestland to non-forest land, would be considered less than significant. Energy Action Plan City of Palmdale Initial Environmental Study June 2011 18 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION III. AIR QUALITY: Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control dirict may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant With Significant Impad Impact Mitigation Impact Would the project: Incorporated a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the o o o applicable air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality 0 0 0 violation? C) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or state o o o ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Result in significant construction-related air quality o o o impacts? e) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant o o o concentrations? 0 Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial o o o number of people? Discussion/Conclusion: a) No Impact. The AVAQMD has been designated nonattainment for the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for ozone and particulate matter and has experienced ambient ozone concentrations in excess of the 8-hour ozone Niational Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The AVAQMD 2008 Western Mojave Desert Ozone Attainment Plan (AVAQMD 2008a) demonstrates how AVAQMD will meet the primary required federal ozone planning milestones, attainment of the 8-hour ozone NAAQS, by June 2021 and presents the progress AVAQMD will make toward meeting all required ozone planning milestones. According to AVAQMD's CEQA and Federal Conformity Guidelines (AVAQMD 2008b), a project is nonconforming with the 2008 Western Mojave Desert Ozone Attainment Plan if it conflicts with or delays implementation of any applicable affainment or maintenance plan. A project is conforming if it complies with all applicable district rules and regulations, complies with all proposed control measures that are not yet adopted from the applicable plan(s), and is consistent with the growth forecasts in the applicable plan(s) (or is directly included in the applicable plan). Conformity with growth forecasts can be established by demonstrating that the project is consistent with the land use plan that was used to generate the growth forecast. An example of a nonconforming project would be one that increases the gross number of dwelling units, increases the number of trips, and/or increases the overall vehicle miles traveled in an affected area (relative to the applicable land use plan). City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study 19 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION The City of Palmdale PEAP is intended to reduce GHG emissions within the city to help contribute to global efforts to reduce the effects of climate change by. among other things, using fuel- efficient and alternatively fueled vehicles (see PEAP Measures 4.2 and 4.5), reducing vehicle miles traveled (see PEAP Measures 4 1 43 and 4 6) developing bicycle and pedestrian facilities (see PEAP Measure 4.4), enhancing public transit (see PEAP Measures 4.7, 4.8, and 5.1), using renewable energy (see PEAP Measures 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5), improving energy efficiency in buildings (see PEAP Measures 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, and 1.10), increasing water conservation (see PEAP Measures 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4), and reducing waste generation (see PEAP Measures 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3). In addition to reducing GHGs, each of these measures would help to reduce criteria air pollutants. The PEAP does not propose to change existing land use designations or zoning and anticipates that land uses will be consistent with the designations established by the General Plan Land Use Element. The proposed project would not conflict with or obstruct the 2008 Western Mojave Desert Ozone Attainment Plan, and no Impact would occur. b, c, e) Less than Significant Impact. Future development would be required to comply with General Plan policies related to air quality, conform to the 2008 Western Mojave Desert Ozone Attainment Plan, and meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and AVAQMD thresholds during operational activities. The proposed PEAP also contains measures that support energy-conserving programs and renewable energy generators, and encourages development in close proximity to transit. These policies would help to reduce adverse effects to air quality through the reduction of fossil fuel consumption and use of private motor vehicles. Therefore, the proposed PEAP would have less than significant impacts associated with contributing substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation, increasing criteria pollutants during operational activities, and exposing sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. d) Less than Significant Impact. All federal ambient air quality standards except national standards for ozone and state standards for ozone and particulate matter (PMio) are met in the Palmdale area. As discussed in a) above, in addition to reducing GHGs, each of the proposed PEAP measures would help to reduce criteria air pollutants and would not conflict with or obstruct the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management Districts Ozone Attainment Plan. Construction activities such as excavation and grading operations, construction vehicle traffic, and windblown earth could generate exhaust emissions and fugitive particulate matter emissions that would affect local air quality. These effects are temporary and variable depending on the weather, soil conditions, and the amount of activity taking place, as well as the nature of dust control efforts. It should be noted that while there are no physical improvements proposed as part of the PEAP, all future actions that would implement PEAP measures and actions would be subject to applicable City regulations and requirements, as well as be subject to further CEQA analysis of project-specific impacts. For example, General Plan Environmental Resources Element Policy ER5.3.3 requires compliance with all pertinent AVAQMD rules. Therefore, during clearing, grading, earthmoving, or excavation operations of any future subsequent action under the proposed PEAP, excessive fugitive dust has to be controlled by regular watering or other dust preventive measures using the following AVAQMD procedures, as specified by AVAQMD Rule 401, Visible Emissions, and Rule 403, Fugitive Dust: . On-site vehicle speed shall be limited to 15 miles per hour. . All on-site construction roads with vehicle traffic shall be watered periodically. Energy Action Plan Initial Environmental Study City of Palmdale June 2011 20 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION • Streets adjacent to a projects reach shall be swept as needed to remove silt that may have accumulated from construction activities so as to prevent excessive amounts of dust. • All material excavated or graded shall be sufficiently watered to prevent excessive amounts of dust. Watering shall occur at least twice daily with complete coverage, preferably in the late morning and after work is done for the day. • All clearing, grading, earthmoving, or excavation activities shall cease during periods of high winds greater than 35 miles per hour averaged over one hour) so as to prevent excessive amounts of dust. • All material transported on-site or off-site shall be either sufficiently watered or securely covered to prevent excessive amounts of dust. • The area disturbed by clearing, grading, earthmoving. or excavation operations shall be minimized so as to prevent excessive amounts of dust. In addition, any future construction as a result of the PEAP would also have to adhere to AVAQMD District Rule 1113 (Architectural Coatings) to limit volatile organic compounds (a major component of ozone) from architectural coatings. This rule specifies architectural coatings storage, cleanup, and labeling requirements. Accordingly, existing City standards are adequate to ensure that there would be less than significant air quality impacts from construction activity. f) No Impact. Future actions that might be encouraged by PEAP measures such as improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings, encouraging renewable energy generators, and/or promoting the use of alternative fueled vehicles would not result in objectionable odors. No impact would occur. City of Palmdale June 2011 Energy Action Plan Initial Environmental Study 21 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION V. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES: would Potentially Less Than Significant Less Than No Significant With Significant prOject: Impact Mitigation Incorporated Impact Impact 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 o o o 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 0 0 0 California Department of Fish and Game or US 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, 0 0 0 coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife 0 0 0 0 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 0 0 0 0 or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation o o o Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? Discussion/Conclusion: a) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. The proposed PEAP is a policy- level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that would have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment or to adversely affect biological resources. The PEAP does not propose to change existing land use designations or zoning and anticipates that land uses will be consistent with the designations established by the General Plan Land Use Element. As a policy document, the PEAP would have no direct impact on biological resources, but future implementation activities could change the natural landscape. The PEAP encourages higher-density, mixed-use development near transit nodes (Measure 5.1). The nature of such transit-oriented development is that it typically occurs in areas that are already urbanized. Should future development projects be proposed in areas where biological resources are present, they would be required to provide site-specific field studies to identify any special-status species, determine whether suitable habitat for any special-status species occurs Energy Action Plan City of Palnidale Initial Environmental Study June 2011 22 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION on or near a project area, and provide appropriate mitigation measures (General Plan Policy ER2. 1. Implementation of PEAP measures such as Measures 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5 could involve installation of wind generators and other renewable energy facilities that have the potential to impact sensitive and special-status species in unique ways. Wildlife may be potentially affected through electrocution from transmission lines, presence of or collision with turbines, and special- status avian and bat strikes from wind-generating facilities. In some instances, turbines, transmission lines, and other facility structures may interfere with behavioral activities, including migratory movements, and may provide additional perch sites for raptors, thereby increasing predatory levels on other wildlife. Additionally, with the development of wind power generating facilities, there is a potential for impacts to special-status birds, raptors, and bats due to collision with wind turbines and barotraumas (in bats). These could result in potentially significant impacts unless appropriate mitigation measures are proposed. The following mitigation measure is required to assist in mitigating the additional impacts associated with renewable energy generating facilities. Mitigation Measures MM BIO-1: Transmission lines and all electrical components shall be designed, installed, and maintained to reduce the likelihood of large bird electrocutions and collisions. Enforcement/Monitoring: Pa!mdale Planning Department MM BIO-2: The design of wind energy facilities shall discourage the use of the site by avian species (provision of landscaping and ground conditions that are unattractive to avian species). Wind turbines shall be designed and sited to best avoid placement on or immediately adjacent to the upwind side of ridge crests. Other design features shall be implemented to minimize impacts to bat and avian species. The provision of an avian and bat management plan that includes mortality monitoring and additional measures to address unanticipated significant adverse impacts on the population of avian or bat species or with any migratory corridor shall be required. Enforcement/Monitoring: Palm dale Planning Department Continued implementation of General Plan Policy ER2.1 .1 as well as the above mitigation measures would ensure that adverse impacts to special-status plant and animal species, as well as their habitats, would be less than significant. b-c) Less than Significant Impact. Future development within the city could result in adverse impacts to sensitive natural communities such as riparian habitat and federally protected wetlands. As discussed under a) above, the proposed PEAP does not include any site-specific designs or development proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development. In addition, the proposed PEAP does not provide specific details regarding future land use decisions, as no course of action associated with the proposed PEAP measures has been determined. Future development projects will require compliance with General Plan policies City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2071 Initial Environmental Study 23 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION related to riparian and wetland resources (Policies ER2,1 ER2.1 ER2.1 and ER2.1 Therefore, adverse impacts to federally protected wetlands and riparian resources would be less than significant. d) Less than Significant Impact. Measures contained in the proposed PEAP that promote alternative energy systems could result in the construction of wind energy conversion facilities that may interfere with avian safety because bird mortality is associated with collisions with wind energy facilities. This is less of a problem with small isolated systems such as those encouraged in the PEAP than with large wind farms, which are not proposed for promotion in the PEAP. Nevertheless, Zoning Ordinance Chapter 9, Article 99 requires a Use Permit for all wind energy systems that are subject to environmental review. At the time a wind energy system is proposed, the City would conduct the appropriate level of environmental review pursuant to CEQA prior to taking any action on the project. Furthermore, mitigation measures MM BlO-1 and MM BlO-2 provide specific performance standards for wind energy generators that reduce adverse impacts to bird species. Compliance with the City Zoning Ordinance and implementation of mitigation measures BlO-1 and BlO-2 would ensure a less than significant impact. e) No Impact. Currently, there are no ordinances protecting biological resources in the city other than General Plan policies and the Joshua Tree and Native Desert Preservation Ordinance, which is primarily intended to protect Joshua trees and California junipers. The proposed PEAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development. All future subsequent actions implemented under the proposed PEAP would conform to the requirements of the City Joshua Tree and Native Desert Preservation Ordinance, and therefore the project would not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources. No impact would occur. f) No Impact. The City of Palmdale does not have an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan. Therefore, no impact would occur. Energy Action Plan City of Palmdale Initial Environmental Study June 2011 24 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Lesi Than P. CULTURAL RESOURCES: Would the Significant Significant With Less Than Signifkant No pcoject impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance o o o of a historical resource as defined in 15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance o o o of an archaeological resource pursuant to 1 5064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic 0 0 0 feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred o o o outside of formal cemeteries? Discussion/Conclusion: a-d) Less than Significant Impact. Completing energy-efficient retrofits of existing residential, commercial, and municipal buildings (PEAP Measures 1.1-1.3 and 1.6-1.10) could potentially alter culturally significant historical buildings. General Plan Environmental Resources Element Policy ER7.1 .3 requires that new development protect significant historic resources or provide for other appropriate mitigation. In addition, Policy ER7.1 .8 discourages historic landmark properties from being altered in such a manner as to significantly reduce their cultural value to the community. The proposed PEAP does not contain any provisions which would substantially damage historic buildings, as the PEAP measures and actions only seek to promote energy efficiency, not drastically alter or demolish buildings. Future development within the city could conflict with undiscovered paleontological and archeological resources that would be encountered and potentially impacted by future construction activities associated with implementation of the PEAP. In the event that this occurs, compliance with state regulations pertaining to discovery of archaeological resources would ensure that this impact is less than significant. Furthermore, Policy ER7.1.3 cited above also requires that new development protect significant paleontological and archaeological resources or provide for other appropriate mitigation. General Plan Policy ER7.1 .5 states that when human remains suspected to be of Native American origin are discovered, the project must cooperate with the Native American Heritage Commission and any local Native American groups to determine the most appropriate disposition of the human remains and any associated grave goods. The proposed PEAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that would have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment or to adversely affect cultural resources. The PEAP does not propose to change existing land use designations or zoning and anticipates that land uses will be consistent with the designations established by the General Plan Land Use Element. As a policy document, the PEAP would have no direct impact on cultural resources, but future implementation activities could result in ground disturbance during construction that could uncover previously unknown human remains. In the unlikely event that this occurs, compliance with state regulations pertaining to the discovery of cultural resources and human remains would ensure that this impact is less than significant. City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study 25 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLkRATION Polentiall'p Less Than Significant Less Than Il. GEOLOGY AND SOILS: Would the project Sãgnlficant With Mgnificant I Impact Mitigation Incorporated Impact m 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 0 0 0 substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? 0 EJ 0 iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including o o o liquefaction? iv) Landslides? El El 0 b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of 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 0 0 0 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), 0 El El creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal o o o systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? Discussion/Conclusion: a) l-Iv) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed PEAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that would have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment or to adversely affect geologic resources. The PEAP does not propose to change existing land use designations or zoning and anticipates that land uses will be consistent with the designations established by the General Plan Land Use Element. Though the PEAP does include measures designed to facilitate higher-density, mixed-use development near transit nodes (Measure that could increase the number of people and structures which would be exposed to seismic hazards, the PEAP does not necessitate any land use or zoning changes in order to accommodate such development. Because the potential increases in density from future development projects would comply with existing General Plan land use densities, there would be no increased risk of exposure to seismic hazards as a result of the PEAP. Further, future development would have to comply with General Plan policies related to geologic safety and Energy Action Plan City of Palmdale Initial Environmental Study June 2011 26 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION the California Building Code (CBC) to prevent significant damage from ground shaking during seismic events. For instance, General Plan Safety Element Policy Si .i .3 requires geotechnical studies to be reviewed and approved by the Citys geologist for development proposals in areas where geotechnical hazards may be present and also requires implementation of the recommendations of those reports as deemed necessary by the City. Policy Si .1.4 requires appropriate structural setbacks from active fault rupture traces in accordance with California State Aiquist-Priolo Earthquake fault zoning standards and as required by the City, based on geotechnical analysis. Safety Element Policy Si .i .5 requires structural setbacks or special foundations for structures within potentially active fault zones as determined by the City, based on geotechnical analysis, and Policy Si .i .6 mandates the construction of special foundations within inactive fault zones if determined necessary by the City. Other General Plan Safety Element policies pertaining to geologic safety include Policy Si .1.3, Si .1.7, and Si .1.8. Therefore, impacts related to seismic hazards would be considered less than significant. b) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed PEAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that would have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment or to adversely affect geologic resources. Future implementation activities encouraged under the proposed PEAP could change surface conditions as the result of moving and grading topsoil that could lead to disturbed soils which are more likely to suffer from erosion. All projects that may be built to implement the proposed PEAP would be subject to General Plan Environmental Resources Element Policy ER5.2.3, which requires erosion control measures on new development, including covering soil with straw mats or use of chemical soil and dust binders, followed by seeding and watering as soon as possible after grading to prevent erosion. In addition, Chapter 10, Article 10 (Hillside Management) of the City Zoning Ordinance encourages grading techniques that minimize earthmoving activity and provide for the preservation of unique and significant natural landforms. Compliance with existing General Plan and other City ordinance requirements will ensure less than significant erosion impacts. c-d) Less than Significant Empact. Future development on unstable or expansive soils could create substantial risks to life or property and result in adverse impacts such as on- or off-site landslides, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse. Structures and infrastructure in geologically unstable areas can be at risk if they are not engineered and built according to appropriate building codes. All projects that may be built to implement the proposed PEAP would be subject to City engineering and CBC building code requirements, which ensure that projects are developed in a way that minimizes the possible effects of expansive soil (General Plan Safety Element Policies Si.1.3 and Si.i.9). Compliance with existing regulations would ensure a less than significant impact. e) No Em pact. No septic or alternative wastewater systems would be installed as a result of the proposed PEAP. Therefore, no Impacts would occur. City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Le Than VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS: Would the PoentlaIIy Significant Lesi Than N protect Significant With Significant Impact Mitigation Incorporated Impact a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the 0 0 0 environment? b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of 0 0 0 greenhouse gases? Discussion/Conclusion: a) No Impact. Implementation of the proposed PEAP would result in community-wide GHG emission reductions of approximately 192,213 metric tons of C02e by 2020. Combined with state- led reduction efforts, the City GHG Inventory would experience a 15 percent reduction below 2005 baseline levels ((adjusted business-as-usual forecast with state reductions of 805,166 metric tons of C02e - PEAP-instigated reductions of 192,213 metric tons of C02e) / 2005 inventory of 948,258 metric tons of C02e = a 15 percent reduction at 2020) (see Table The proposed PEAP would therefore directly and indirectly reduce the city's contribution to GHGs, and no impact would occur. b) No Impact. A number of regulations have been promulgated to reduce GHG emissions in California. AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, requires California to reduce statewide GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. AB 32 directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop and implement regulations that reduce statewide GHG emissions. CARB encourages local governments to adopt a reduction goal for municipal operations emissions and similar goals for community emissions with the objective of reducing GHG emissions by 15 percent below current emissions levels. Palmdale's PEAP seeks to reduce GHG emissions in a manner consistent with AB 32. Implementation of measures contained in the proposed PEAP would result in annual community- wide GHG emission reductions of approximately 192,213 metric tons C02e by 2020, a reduction that complies with AB 32 directives. Such a reduction, in conjunction with state-led reductions, is projected to reduce net community-wide emissions in Palmdale from a base year volume of 948,258 metric tons of C02e in 2005 to 805,166 metric tons of C02e in 2020. No Impact would occur. Energy Action Plan City ol Palmdale Initial Environmental Study June 2011 28 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Less Than VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS Potentially 5gn.flcant Less Than MATERIALS: Would the project: Significant With Significant N Impact Mitigation Incorporated Impact a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or 0 0 0 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 Section 65962,5 and, as a result, 0 0 0 would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would 0 0 0 the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? t) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people 0 C] C] residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency 0 0 El evacuation plan? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires, induding where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? Discussion/Conclusion: a-d) Less than Significant Impact. The PEAP may be implemented by future construction projects that would require use of construction materials, such as paints and solvents that may be hazardous through exposure during the routine transport, use, or disposal of these materials. The consfruction activities associated with new mixed-use or transit-oriented development projects or residential and commercial retrofit and renovation projects recommended by the PEAP would not use these materials in large enough quantities to cause adverse effects. Though Palmdale contains sites that are listed in the California Department of Toxic Substances Control's EnvriStor database, future development projects will require compliance with General Plan policies related to safety and hazardous materials, as well as with Zoning Ordinance standards regarding hazardous materials and allowed placement of compatible land uses City of Palmdale June 2011 Energy Action Plan Initial Environmental Study 29 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION which are designed to safeguard the public from potential adverse impacts associated with certain land uses including those that are associated with the use, disposal, and transportation of hazardous materials. For example, General Plan Safety Element Policy S2,3.4 restricts land uses and activities that generate excessive amounts of hazardous materials or wastes that cannot be properly maintained or disposed. Policy 52.3.7 requires the review of proposed development in proximity to any existing or proposed hazardous waste facility to ensure that future development and land use decisions consider and incorporate site design, setbacks, and buffering techniques appropriate for the site and provide adequate mitigation of any potential adverse impacts to such development from hazardous waste facilities. Policy S2.3.5 seeks to route vehicles carrying potentially hazardous materials along transportation corridors that reduce the risk to the public and sensitive environmental areas. As a result of these policy provisions in the City General Plan, the proposed PEAP would create a less than significant hazard to the public or the environment regarding the transport, storage, use, and disposal of hazardous materials. e-f) Less than Significant Impact. Airport-related hazards are generally associated with aircraft accidents, particularly during takeoffs and landings. Airport operation hazards include incompatible land uses, power transmission lines, wildlife hazards bird strikes), and tall structures that penetrate the airport security zone. The presence of the United States Air Force in the city as well as the Palmdale Regional Airport carries with it the potential for aircraft accidents in Palmdale. As a policy document, the PEAP would have no direct impacts associated with airport safety, but future implementation activities could be realized in an airport land use plan or in the vicinity of an airport facility. The PEAP does include measures designed to facilitate higher-density, mixed-use development near transit nodes (Measure 5.1) that could increase the number of people and structures which would be exposed to airport-related hazards; however, the PEAP does not necessitate any land use or zoning changes in order to accommodate such development. In addition, General Plan Safety Element Policy S2.2.1 requires all development to be consistent with Department of Defense regulations as outlined in the Air Force Plant 42 Air Installation Compatibility Use Zone (AICUZ) Report and to comply with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations which affect development in the Accident Potential Zones. Also, Policy S2.2.2 stipulates that through the design review process, it shall be ensured that new buildings are located in a manner which will promote clear linear corridors through the developed area within any Accident Potential Zones to create potential pilot options in the event of an aircraft emergency. As a result of these policy provisions in the City General Plan, the proposed PEAP would create a less than significant impact associated with airport-related hazards. g) No Impact. The Department of Public Safety and Community Relations oversees the City of Palmdale's Emergency Services program. The program provides for the development and implementation of disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery policies and procedures. Through this program, the City's Emergency Operations Plan is continually reviewed and updated as needed. The Emergency Services program is also responsible for reviewing and implementing suggestions from the State Office of Emergency Services, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Office of Homeland Security on issues related to terrorism activities. The proposed PEAP recommends strategies and measures to reduce GHG emissions. It does not include recommendations that would physically interfere with the City's Emergency Services Plan or any established emergency evacuation plan, and there would be no impact. Energy Action Plan City of Palmdale Initial Environmental Study June 2011 30 ---PAGE BREAK--- I NITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION h) Less than Significant Impact, Potential disasters that could affect the residents of Palmdale include major fires in the urban-wildiand interface areas of the city. All future implementation activities as a result of the PEAP will require compliance with General Plan policies related to wildland fires. For example, General Plan Safety Element Objective Si .3 seeks to ensure compatible development in areas within or adjacent to natural high fire risk areas (urban-wildland interface) and other high fire risk areas, while Policy Si i seeks to ensure that structural setbacks from fire-prone vegetation for buildings near the National Forest are maintained in accordance with the standards and regulations established by the National Forest Service. In addition, General Plan Policy Si .3.5 requires that all new development proposals near the designated wildfire hazard zones identify evacuation/emergency routes. Compliance with these General Plan provisions would ensure a less than significant impact associated with wildland fires. City of Palmdale June 2011 Energy Action Plan Initial Environmental Study 31 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Less Than IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY: Significant No Wou'd the project: Impact 4ategaton lncorporattd Impact Impact a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge o o o 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 El El 0 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 0 EJ 0 rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? 0 Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? 0 0 0 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 o o o which would impede or redirect flood flows? i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding 0 [J 0 as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? 0 0 0 Discussion/Conclusion: I) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed PEAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that would have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment or to adversely affect water quality or hydrology. The PEAP does not propose to change existing land use designations or zoning and anticipates that land uses will be consistent with the designations established by the General Plan Land Use Element. As a policy document, the PEAP would have no direct impact on water quality or hydrology, but future development within the city could result in both construction and operational impacts to water quality and discharge standards. Potential operational impacts include the use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, as well as Energy Action Plan Initial Environmental Study City of Palmdale June 2011 32 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION motor vehicle operation and maintenance. Potential construction impacts include grading and vegetation removal activities that would result in the exposure of raw soil materials to the natural elements (wind, rain, etc.). However, the City enforces erosion control measures for new construction to prevent sediment from entering creeks and storm drains. General Plan Environmental Resources Element Policy ER5.2.3 requires erosion control measures on new development, including covering soil with straw mats or use of chemical soil and dust binders, followed by seeding and watering as soon as possible after grading to prevent erosion. In addition, Chapter 10, Article 10 (Hillside Management) of the City Zoning Ordinance encourages grading techniques that minimize earthmoving activity and provide for the preservation of unique and significant natural Iandforms. These policies have proven very effective, so water quality is not likely to be greatly affected by construction activities associated with projects resulting from implementation of the proposed PEAP. In addition, all new development projects in the city would be subject to the requirements of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit #CAS000004, which is enforced by the Regional Water Quality Control Board The permit requires that the City impose water quality and watershed protection measures for all development projects and prohibits discharges from causing violations of applicable water quality standards or from resulting in conditions that create a nuisance or water quality impairment in receiving waters. The Stormwater Management Ordinance (Section 14.05.180 of the Municipal Code) establishes administrative procedures, standards for review, and implementation and enforcement procedures for controlling erosion, sedimentation, other pollutant runoff, and the disruption of existing drainage and related environmental damage. The ordinance highly recommends that prior to grading activities, a detailed set of plans be developed that include measures to minimize erosion, sediment, and dust created by improvement activities. Compliance with the provisions of the NPDES and the City's Stormwater Management Ordinance would reduce the impacts of future development. Therefore, water quality and waste discharge impacts would be less than significant. b) Less than Significant Impact. According to the City General Plan, groundwater is the primary source of water supply in the Palmdale, with supplemental water supplied from the State Water Project (California Aqueduct), PEAP provisions such as Measures 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5 could result in renewable energy generating facilities that may require water for solar power plant cooling (or cleaning of solar panels) or wind turbine operational needs. Water supply needs for wind and solar projects generally tend to be minor and are often less than, for instance, the agricultural use of the land [see Kramer Junction Solar Energy Center Project Initial Study (County of San Bernardino 2010, p. 55) and Granite Mountain Wind Energy Project Draft EIS/EIR (BLM/County 2010, p. 3-237)]. In addition, these renewable energy generating facilities do not involve substantial land coverage that would alter the infiltration capability of the land [see Kramer Junction Solar Energy Center Project Initial Study (County of San Bernardino 201 Oa, pp. 40-41) and Granite Mountain Wind Energy Project Draft EIS/EIR (BLM/County 2010, p. 3-181)1. In addition, the City General Plan contains many policies to ensure sustainable supplies of water resources. General Plan Environmental Resources Element Policy ER4.1 .1 seeks to incorporate the use of flood control measures that maximize groundwater recharge such as, but not limited to, the use of floodways as native habitat. Policy ER4.1 .2 restricts building coverage and total impervious area in the vicinity of natural recharge areas. Policy ER4.2.4 requires the City to coordinate with local water agencies to monitor groundwater levels and to assure that development does not outpace long-term water availability. In the event applicable water agencies notify the City that groundwater levels and state water allocations are insufficient to serve existing or projected development, the City will determine whether it is appropriate to take appropriate actions, as permitted by law. City of Paimdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study 33 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION In addition, the City's Water Conservation Ordinance (Ordinance 1362) mandates the use of water efficiently without waste by setting a Maximum Applied Water Allowance as an upper limit for water use and seeks to reduce water use to the lowest practical amount. The Water Conservation Ordinance contains provisions that focus on the efficient use of water during construction activities, drought-tolerant landscapes, and the use of recycled wafer for landscape irrigation. Also, the proposed PEAP recommends several wafer conservation measures, which may result in reduced demand for water, including potential groundwater. This impact is considered less than significant. c-e) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed PEAP encourages the City to consider increased development densities to support more compact development near transit and to construct bicycle and pedestrian facilities. These improvements may indirectly result in slight alterations to drainage patterns, but the changes would not be substantial and any changes that would occur would be subject to existing federal and state regulations. The proposed PEAP does not recommend any strategy or measure that would directly alter drainage patterns, nor does it include measures that are expected to alter streams. Future development projects that may utilize PEAP measures would be required to comply with General Plan policies related to hydrology and water quality and with Municipal Code requirements associated with creeks and other natural drainage courses/tributary standards. In addition, all new development projects in the city are subject to the requirements of the NPDES Stormwater Permit No. CAS000004, which is enforced by The permit requires that the City impose water quality and watershed protection measures for all development projects and prohibits discharges from causing violations of applicable water quality standards or from resulting in conditions that create a nuisance or water quality impairment in receiving waters. The Stormwater Management Ordinance (Section 14.05.180 of the Municipal Code) establishes administrative procedures, standards for review, and implementation and enforcement procedures for controlling erosion, sedimentation, other pollutant runoff, and the disruption of existing drainage and related environmental damage. The ordinance highly recommends that prior to grading activities, a detailed set of plans be developed that include measures to minimize erosion, sediment, and dust created by improvement activities. Compliance with the provisions of the NPDES and the City's Stormwater Management Ordinance would reduce the impacts of future development. Therefore, the proposed PEAP would result in less than significant impacts to drainage or runoff, as no development is proposed and future development envisioned by the PEAP would be subject to the regulations discussed above. g-h) Less than Significant Impact. Portions of the City of Palmdale are located within the FEMA-designated 100-year flood zone. However, as discussed under a-f) above, the proposed PEAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or development proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development. Future development projects would be subject to General Plan policies that restrict the placement of any development on land subject to flooding in a 100-year event (Safety Element Policies S1.2.1 and S1.2.8). In addition, the Floodplain Management Ordinance of the City Municipal Code (Chapter 15.28) sets standards for development in areas prone to flooding. Therefore, the proposed PEAP would not place structures within a 100-year flood zone, and impacts would be less than significant. No Impact. The city is located of several existing dam structures. In California, the Department of Water Resources, Division of Dam Safety is responsible for ensuring that all dams meeting certain criteria must satisfy stringent design criteria covering all possible conditions that could affect the dam, including earthquakes and flood events, without Energy Action Plan City of Palmdale Initial Environmental Study June 2011 34 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION considering probability factors. Therefore, dams are designed to withstand the largest and strongest earthquake that could conceivably affect them. Similarly, dams are required to withstand the largest possible flood that could occur, which is referred to as the maximum probable flood. Since the proposed PEAP would not otherwise affect the structural integrity of an existing dam's structure or substantially add to the risk of dam failure, no impact is expected to occur. No Impact. In addition to dam failure and subsequent flooding, a seismic event could cause a water wave, or seiche, to occur at Lake Palmdale, which could potentially overtop the dam. According to the City General Plan, the design report for the dam considers a reflection of the wave on return unlikely. Also, wave volume above the dam would not be substantial (approximately 1 acre-foot) and would not result in damaging floods. Overpour on the side of the dam will not cause any damage by erosion, as the existing rockfill was designed to withstand it. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has been assigned with the coordination of notification efforts and local evacuation in the event of dam failure. The city, due to its inland location and minimal average rainfall, is at little risk from tsunami and mudflows. The City Hillside Ordinance, described previously, protects the hillsides from insensitive development. The ordinance contains standards that apply to areas with a natural slope of 10 percent or more. In addition to safety benefits, these standards help to prevent landslide and erosion hazards. As a policy-level document, the proposed PEAP would have no impact on inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow. City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study 35 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Leu Than X. LAND USE AND PLANNING: Would the Potentially Signifkant Significant With Less Than Significant No project: Impact Mitigation Incorporated Impact I- a) Physically divide an established community? 0 0 0 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, o o o 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 o o or natural community conservation plan? Discussion/Conclusion: a-b) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed PEAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that would have the potential to physically divide the community or conflict with adopted plans. The PEAP does not propose to change existing land use designations or zoning and anticipates that land uses will be consistent with the designations established by the General Plan Land Use Element. The proposed PEAP includes measures to reduce GHG emissions by, among other things, promoting increased-density, mixed-use development near transit nodes. However, the PEAP does not propose changing existing land use designations or development standards, and there are land uses and zoning designations within the city the Mixed-Use Overlay zone and the Palmdale Transit Village Specific Plan) that are able to accommodate higher-density mixed-use development. Accordingly, it is not known whether specific future development proposals would be consistent with the development standards for the site or if new zoning designations would be needed to accommodate higher-density uses. Without project-specific information, it would be speculative to identify environmental impacts at this time. Should the City be presented with a transit-oriented development project at some point in the future, the City would undertake the appropriate level of environmental review pursuant to CEQA of potential land use impacts before taking any action to consider the approval of such changes. Accordingly, land use impacts would be less than sIgnificant. c) No Impact. The City of Palmdole does not have an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan. Therefore, no Impact would occur. Energy Action Plan City of Palmdale Initial Environmental Study June 2011 36 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Le Than Potentially Significant Le55 Than N XI. MINERAL RESOURCES: Would the project: Significant With Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incoiporaled a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the 0 El 0 0 residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local 0 [J 0 0 general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? Discussion/Conclusion: a-b) No Impact. The PEAP is consistent with the land uses envisioned in the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance and would not remove policies that currently protect mineral resources. Future development proposals will be subject to permitting to ensure conformance with the land use designations, including the Quarry and Reclamation zones. Existing code requirements will ensure that there would be no Impact to mineral resources. City of Palmdale June 2011 Energy Action Plan Initial Environmental Study 37 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Potentially teu Than Significant Leis Than N (II. NOISE: would the project resuft In: Significant With Significant Impact Mitigation Incorporated Impact a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive o o groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing 0 El 0 without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above 0 0 0 levels existing without the project? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, 0 0 0 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 0 0 0 in the project area to excessive noise levels? Discussion/Conclusion: o-d) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed PEAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or development proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development. The PEAP includes reduction measures that promote transit-oriented development, large-scale solar energy generating facilities, and bicycle/pedestrian facilities. Future construction of such facilities has the potential to temporarily increase noise levels during project construction. Future development projects that seek to incorporate PEAP measures, or future solar and wind energy generating facilities, would be required to comply with General Plan policies related to noise (Noise Element Policies Ni.i.1, N1.i.2, N1.i.3, Ni.1.4, Ni.2.1, and N] .2.2, Ni For example, Policy NI .1.3 states that when proposed stationary noise sources could exceed an exterior noise level of 65 decibels, or could impact future noise-sensitive land uses, the preparation of an acoustical analysis and mitigation measures to reduce noise levels to no more than 65 decibels exterior and 45 decibels interior shall be required, and if the noise level cannot be reduced to these thresholds through mitigation, the new noise source should not be permitted. In addition, Chapters 9.18 and 8.28 of the Palmdale Municipal Code address noise control programs and standards. Existing General Plan and Municipal Code requirements are adequate to ensure that there would be less than significant adverse impacts related to a temporary or permanent increase in noise levels. e-f) No Impact. The PEAP would not alter land uses in the vicinity of public or private airports that could expose people to airport noise. Therefore, there would be no impact. Energy Action Plan City of Palmda!e Initial Environmental Study June 2011 38 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (III. POPULATION AND HOUSING: Would Potentially Significant Less Tn S.gnificant With Less Than Sgni&ant No the projed: Impact Mitigation Incorporated Impact Impact a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new o o o homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement 0 0 0 housing elsewhere? C) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement [J 0 0 housing elsewhere? Discussion/Conclusion: a) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed PEAP includes measures to reduce GHG emissions by, among other things, promoting increased-density, mixed-use development near transit nodes. This measure could affect Palmdale's population by creating new housing in mixed-use transit-oriented development projects or by retrofitting existing homes. The PEAP also includes measures that encourage retrofitting existing residential and commercial buildings to make them more energy efficient. Commercial and residential energy efficiency retrofits that may occur as a result of the PEAP would update homes and commercial space that already exist in Palmdale and would not be likely to include additions that make homes or commercial space larger to accommodate more people. Existing land use and zoning designations within the city the Mixed-Use Overlay zone and the Palmdale Transit Village Specific Plan) are able to accommodate higher-density mixed-use development without requiring changes in land use designations that may result in an increase in population. To the extent that a mixed-use transit-oriented development is proposed in an area that would require a change in land use designations, the City would conduct the appropriate level of environmental review pursuant to CEQA prior to taking any action to consider the approval of such changes. Specifically, future development projects must be in compliance with General Plan policies related to population growth in the city. Without project- specific information, it would be speculative to identify environmental impacts at this time. Consequently, existing land use designations and controls are adequate to ensure that growth- inducing impacts would be less than significant. b-c) No Impact. The proposed PEAP encourages energy-efficient refrofits for existing homes and encourages new mixed-use and transit-oriented development projects in targeted locations. While the energy retrofits may cause temporary inconvenience to housing occupants, they would not result in displacement. Future mixed-use development activities would likely lead to greater residential development within the city's commercial corridors and would result in more homes. Accordingly, the proposed PEAP would not displace or decrease housing units in the city. Therefore, no Impact would occur. City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study 39 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Less Than iv. PUBLIC SERVICES: Would the ixotect Potentially Sgnifiant With Less Than Significant No result in: Impact Mitigation Incorporated Impact Substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or phyicaIly 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 public services: a) Fire protection? 0 0 0 b) Police protection? 0 0 0 c) Schools? 0 0 0 d) Parks? 0 0 0 e) Other public facilities? 0 0 0 Discussion/Conclusion: a-e) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed PEAP includes measures that are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including a measure that recommends that the City promote increased-density, mixed-use development near transit nodes (Measure 5.1). The PEAP does not propose changing existing land use designations or development standards, and there are land use and zoning designations within the city the Mixed Use Overlay zone and the Palmdale Transit Village Specific Plan) that are able to accommodate higher-density mixed-use development. Although future construction of new mixed-use and transit-oriented projects could increase densities within the city, the PEAP anticipates land uses would be consistent with the land use designations established by the General Plan Land Use Element and existing zoning. To the extent that a mixed-use transit-oriented development is proposed in an area that would require a change in land use designations, the City would conduct the appropriate level of environmental review pursuant to CEQA prior to taking any action to consider the approval of such changes. This analysis would include an evaluation of the capacity of emergency service providers, public schools, parks, and libraries to serve the new development. Since existing land use designations and controls are adequate to ensure compliance with General Plan standards, impacts associated with an increased demand for public services would be less than significant. Energy Action Plan City of Palmdale Initial Environmental Study June 2011 40 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Le Than Potentially Significant Lees Than No RECREATION: would the project: With Significant Impact Mitigation Incorporated Impact a) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that o o D 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 o o o facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Discussion/Conclusion: a-b) Less than Significant Impact. The PEAP does not propose changing edsting land use designations or development standards. Accordingly, implementation of the proposed PEAP is not expected to result in substantial population growth and would not result in increased physical deterioration of parks and recreational facilities. City of Palmdale General Plan Parks, Recreation, and Trails Element Objective PRT1 .1 requires a standard of 5 acres of parkland per 1,000 population. Policy PRT1.1.2 ensures that park sites are located equitably, throughout the city, to maximize access to parks for all residents. The PEAP does promote the expansion of bicycle and pedestrian facilities (Measure 4.4), which could provide additional recreational opportunities within the city. Construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities could potentially impact the environment, but potential impacts would be limited due to the already developed, urban character of the city and the likelihood that such facilities would be constructed within existing rights-of-way. Accordingly, potential adverse environmental effects of construction would not rise to a level of significance. Future development projects will require compliance with General Plan policies related to parks and trails and with Zoning Ordinance requirements associated with the Open Space and Recreation zone. Based on all of the above, potential impacts to existing recreation facilities and impacts from construction of future recreation facilities are expected to be less than significant. City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study 41 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (VI TRANSPORTATIONITRAFFIC: Would the Les. Than No . ect ro mpact t P Inact Mitigation Incoiporated Impact a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non-motorized travel and relevant 0 0 0 components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit? b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards 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 0 0 0 location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or 0 0 0 incompatible uses farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? 0 0 0 f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities? DiscussionlConclusion: a-b) Leu than Significant Impact. The proposed PEAP includes measures designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by expanding the existing pedestrian and bicycle network, promoting a comprehensive transit system, and supporting mixed-use transit-oriented development. The PEAP does not propose changes to existing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system or congestion management plan. Implementation of the proposed PEAP measures would increase the availability of transit service, incorporate additional bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and discourage single-occupancy vehicle use. Each of these measures has the potential to reduce the number of vehicle trips, improve volume-to-capacity ratios, and reduce intersection congestion within the city. New mixed-use and transit-oriented development projects would reduce vehicle trips by placing more people within walking distance of commercial and office uses and public transit. Future development projects that may incorporate PEAP measures would be required to comply with General Plan policies related to traffic and circulation. For example, Policy Cl .1.8 requires the evaluation of all land use decisions, including future development implementing the PEAP. in order to ensure consistency with the Circulation Plan. Therefore, existing land use designations Energy Action Plan City of Palmdale Initial Environmental Study June 2011 42 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENvIRoNMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION and General Plan policy controls are adequate to ensure that impacts associated with traffic would be less than significant. c) No Impact. The proposed PEAP does not contain provisions that would 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. Therefore, no impact would occur. d-e) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed PEAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that would have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment or to adversely affect traffic. The PEAP does not propose to change existing land use designations or zoning and anticipates that land uses will be consistent with the designations established by the General Plan Land Use Element. Future development projects will require compliance with General Plan policies related to traffic and circulation. For instance, General Plan Circulation Element Policy Cl .2.2 requires safe and efficient arterial operations through careful control of access, signal spacing, median placement, and overall street and development design. The City would conduct the appropriate level of environmental review pursuant to CEQA prior to taking any action in order to comply with Policy Cl .2.2. Therefore, impacts resulting from future actions implementing the proposed PEAP would be less than significant. f) No Impact. The PEAP promotes transit-oriented development and bicycle/pedestrian facilities improvements in support of existing General Plan policies. Future development would be required to comply with General Plan policies related to pedestrian and bicycle access and alternative transportation. Therefore, the proposed PEAP would not conflict with any local policies or ordinances supporting multimodal access and alternative transportation. No Impact would occur. City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study 43 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL. STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Le,, Than XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS: Pohally Significant Significant With Lesg Than rifkant No Would the prolect: Impact Mitigation Incorporated Impact a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the o D o applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of o o o 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 o o o 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 0 0 0 are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the 0 0 0 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 0 0 0 disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and o o o regulations related to solid waste? Discussion/Conclusion: a-b); d-e) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed PEAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that would have the potential to degrade the qualify of the environment or to adversely increase demand for utility or service systems. The PEAP does not propose to change existing land use designations or zoning and anticipates that land uses will be consistent with the designations established by the General Plan Land Use Element. Accordingly, implementation of the PEAP is not expected to result in additional population growth over that which is permitted under existing land use designations. The proposed PEAP does include measures recommending that the City promote higher-density, mixed-use development near transit nodes, but does not include any site-specific designs or development proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development. There are existing land use and zoning designations within the city the Mixed Use Overlay zone and the Palmdale Transit Village Specific Plan) that are able to accommodate higher-density mixed-use development. Future development proposals would be reviewed by the appropriate service agencies as part of the development application review process in order to ensure that sufficient capacity in all utility and services facilities would be available on time to maintain desired service levels for wastewater treatment and water supplies. Energy Action Plan City of Palmdale Initial Environmental Study June 2011 44 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATiON Therefore, impacts associated with a significant increase in demand for utilities and service systems would be less than significant. c) No Impact. As a policy document, the proposed PEAP does not include development proposals or grant entitlements, or propose changing land use designations or development standards in a way that would directly alter drainage patterns within Palmdale. The proposed project is not anticipated to result in the construction of new stormwater drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities. No impact would occur. Less than Significant Impact. As a policy document, the proposed PEAP does not include development proposals or grant entitlements, or propose changing land use designations or development standards in a way that would directly impact collection and disposal of waste. Reduction measures that involve the creation of trails/bicycle paths and transit-oriented development have the potential to increase demand for waste disposal. At the time such improvements are installed, they would have to comply with AB 939 and the County Integrated Waste Management Plan, both of which require recycling programs that result in a 50 percent diversion away from landfills. These existing criteria would ensure that future projects would not result in a substantial increase in the waste stream or cause a need for additional solid waste collection services or landfill capacity. In 2005, the City had a solid waste diversion rate of 57 percent. Since 2005, the City has expanded its waste diversion programs. Through waste agreements, the City has eliminated all commercial recycling fees, and recycling and green waste containers are now 94 gallons rather than 64 gallons. Further, the PEAP includes reduction measures that support and enhance waste diversion efforts to decrease the overall waste stream and lengthen the lifespan of the landfill (Measures 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3). Therefore, solid waste impacts would be less than significant. City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study 45 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Less Than XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF Potentially signilicant Less Than SIGNIFICANCE: Wiant With Significant N Does the project: Impad Mitigation Incorpoited Impact a) Have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, 0 0 0 reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (Cumulatively considerable means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in 0 0 0 connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? c) Have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either 0 0 0 directly or indirectly? NOTE: If there are significant environmental impacts which cannot be mitigated and no feasible project alternatives are available, then complete the mandatoay findings of significance and attach to this initial study as an appendix. This is the first step for starting the environmental impact report (EIR) process. Discussion/Conclusion: a) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. The proposed PEAP is a policy- level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals, nor does it grant any entitlements for development that would have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment or to adversely affect human beings. The PEAP does not propose to change existing land use designations or zoning and anticipates that land uses will be consistent with the designations established by the General Plan Land Use Element. While the PEAP is expected to have a beneficial impact, identifying the full extent of the environmental benefits associated with these measures would be speculative at this time without any specific development projects currently identified. Implementation of PEAP measures such as Measures 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5 could involve installation of wind generators and other renewable energy facilities that have the potential to impact sensitive and special-status species in unique ways. Wildlife may be potentially affected through electrocution from transmission lines, presence of or collision with turbines, and special- status avian and bat strikes from wind-generating facilities. In some instances, turbines, transmission lines, and other facility structures may interfere with behavioral activities, including migratory movements, and may provide additional perch sites for raptors, thereby increasing predatory levels on other wildlife. Additionally, with the development of wind power generating facilities, there is a potential for impacts to special-status birds, raptors, and bats due to collision with wind turbines and barotraumas (in bats). However, continued implementation of General Plan Policy ER2.1 .1 as well as mitigation measures MM BlO-1 and MM BlO-2 would ensure that Energy Action Plan City of Palmdale Initial Environmental Study June 2011 46 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION adverse impacts to special-status plant and animal species, as well as their habitats, would be less than significant. Furthermore, the PEAP would have no direct impact on cultural resources, but future implementation activities could result in ground disturbance during construction that could uncover previously unknown human remains. In the unlikely event that this occurs, compliance with state regulations pertaining to discovery of cultural resources and human remains would ensure that this impact is less than significant. Should the City determine that new land use or zoning designations are necessary at some point in the future, the City would conduct the appropriate level of environmental review pursuant to CEQA prior to taking any action to consider the approval of such changes. Future development projects would require compliance with General Plan policies and other City codes and ordinances intended to protect the environment. The PEAP would establish measures designed to reduce GHG emissions within the city in compliance with existing federal, state, and local requirements. Therefore, the proposed PEAP would result in less than significant adverse impacts to the environment or to human beings as a result of environmental degradation. b-c) Less than Significant Impact. As discussed above, the proposed PEAP is a policy-level document that does not propose any specific development or specify sites for development. Future development projects and/or policies would be subject to environmental review, including a review of cumulative impacts. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant. City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study 47 ---PAGE BREAK--- INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 5.0 REFERENCES Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD). 2008a. AVAQMD Federal 8-Hour Ozone Attainment Plan (Western Mojave Desert Non-Attainment Area). May 20, 2008. • 2008b. Antelope Valley AQMD CEQA and Federal Conformity Guidelines. Bureau of Land Management and San Bernardino County (BLM/County). 2010. Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report for the Granite Mountain Wind Energy Project DES 10-1 1. California Air Resources Board (CARB). 2004. Climate Change Emissions Control Regulations. • 2010. California Greenhouse Gas Inventory for 2000-2008. http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc /inventory/data/data .htm. California Climate Action Registry. 2009. California Climate Action Registry General Reporting Protocol Version 3.1. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2007. California Scenic Highway Mapping System. Updated December 7, 2007. http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch /scenic_highways/index.htm California Natural Resources Agency (CRNA). 2009. 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy. County of San Bernardino. 2010. Kramer Junction Solar Energy Center Initial Study. March 9, 2010. European Fluorocarbons Technical Committee (EFCTC). 2003. Fluorocarbons and Sulphur Hexafluoride: Perfluorocarbons (PFC5) Fact Sheet. http://www.fluorocarbons.org/en/infoI brochures/ fact_i 0.html. Palmdale, City of. 1993. Palmdale General Plan. Adopted January 25, 1993. Amended 2004. 1994. Palmdale Zoning Ordinance. Adopted December 14, 1994. 2010. Palmdale Municipal Code. December 1, 2010. 2011. City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan. April 2011. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2006a. Methane. http://www.epa.gov/methane /index.html. 2006b. Nitrous Oxide. http://www.epa .gov/nitrousoxide/index.html. 2006c. High Global Warming Potential Gases. /scientific.html. 2008a. Climate Change - Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Carbon Dioxide. 2008b. SF6 Emission Reduction Partnership for Electric Power Systems: Basic Information. http://www.epa .gov/electricpower-sf6/basic ,html. Energy Action Plan Initial Environmental Study City of Palmdale June2011 48 ---PAGE BREAK--- INiTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION City of Palmdale Energy Action Plan June 2011 Initial Environmental Study 49