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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDEIR Ch 05_15_USS 5. Environmental Analysis 5.15 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS This section addresses utilities and service systems including: Water Supply and Distribution Systems, Wastewater Treatment and Collection, Storm Drain Systems, and Solid Waste. The analysis in the section is based in part on service questionnaires (see appendix E, Volume I) and the following technical reports: . Del Rosa Mutual Water Company Water Supply Assessment for Arrowhead Springs Development, Del Rosa Mutual Water Company, May 2005 (Revised). . Domestic Water, Irrigation Water, Wastewater and Recycled Water Facility Plan for Arrowhead Springs Property, American Development group, May 2005 (Revised). . Arrowhead Springs Annexation Study: Plan for Service, City of San Bernardino, Development Services Department, City of San Bernardino, prepared by Stanley R. Hoffman Associates, May 2 2005. 5.15.1 Water Supply and Distribution Systems 5.15.1.1 Environmental Setting San Bernardino General Plan Water Supply Domestic water service to the City of San Bernardino and Sphere of Influence (SOl) is provided by the San Bernardino Municipal Water Department (SBMWD) and the East Valley Water District (EVWD). Water service is provided for single-family, multiple-family, commercial, light industrial, governmental, and landscaping purposes. The SBMWD serves an area of approximately 43 square miles with 35,246 service connections. The Department produces over 497 gallons per capita per day, with the average consumption use reaching 330 gallons per capita per day. Currently, the SBMWD available groundwater supply is approximately 49,460 acre-feet per year or 16.1 billion gallons per year. The EVWD serves the eastern portion of San Bernardino planning area, serving approximately 28.5 square miles. In 2004, the District produced approximately 24,276 acre-feet of water per year. Together, the SBMWD and EVWD produce approximately 73,736 acre-feet per year. ~ The primary source of water for SBMWD and the EVWD is groundwater from the Bunker Hill Sub-Basin. The basin is replenished naturally by local precipitation and by stream flow from rain and snowmelt from the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains.1 The Santa Ana River, Mill Creek, and Lytle Creek contribute more than 60 percent ofthe total recharge to the ground water system (see Section 5.7, Hydrology). The sub-basin is also replenished by percolation of water diverted to spreading grounds (percolation basins), such as those that flank the northern boundary of the City at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains. While groundwater is the principal source of supply in the planning area, other sources of water supply include the State Water Project (SWP). The Bunker Hill Sub-basin has a total capacity of 5,976,000 acre-feet, and total storage of 5,890,300 acre-feet (1.9 billion gallons) (1998) of water per year. Distribution of the groundwater water to more than 20 local public and private water suppliers within the San Bernardino Basin is managed through the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (SBVMWD). San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (SBVMWD) was formed in 1954 to plan long-range water supply for the San Bernardino Valley. It imports water into its service area through participation in the California State Water Project and manages groundwater storage within its boundaries. SBVMWD covers 1 City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department, Urban Water Management Plan Update for the Planning Period 2000-2020, January 2002. General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plan EIR City of San Bernardino . Page 5.15-1 5. Environmental Analysis about 325 square miles and includes the cities and communities of San Bernardino, and other cities within the region. The District's responsibility for long-range water supply planning includes importing supplemental water and management of the groundwater basins within its boundaries. The District maintains groundwater supplies in three groundwater basins: Bunker Hill, Yucaipa, and San Timoteo. The District is legally responsible to maintain the groundwater level in the Bunker Hill Aquifer at the designated "safe yield", currently 167,000 acre-feet year (54.4 billion gallons). The safe yield is the annual amount of water that can be taken from a source of supply over a period of years without depleting that source beyond its ability to be replenished naturally in "wet years." Currently extraction from the basin does not exceed natural or artificial recharge. In addition to safe yield supplies, the Bunker Hill Basin has over 250,000 acre-feet of contaminated water; sources of contamination include the Norton Air Force Base and Leaking Undergound Storage Tanks which are discussed in Section 5.6, Hazards and Hazardous Materials.2 Water Distribution The SBMWD distributes to over 151,000 residents in the City. SBMWD facilities include 60 active wells, four treatment plants with capacity of 50 million gallons per day, 32 reservoirs with a total capacity of more than 100 million gallons (MG) of domestic storage water capacity, 27 chlorination facilities, and 66 booster pump stations. The distribution system includes approximately 551 miles of water mains, 41,317 active water meters and over 4,000 fire hydrants. The EVWD system facilities consist of approximately 150 miles of pipeline, 13 wells, 14.2 MG of storage facilities, and 41 booster stations. Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan Water Supply The Del Rosa Mutual Water Company (DRMWC) and the West Twin Creek Water Company currently provide water for the existing facilities on the Arrowhead Springs property. The DRMWC owns the rights to water from the East Twin Creek watershed through a pre-1914 right and by virtue of Judgment 31798, October 19, 1931. West Twin Water Company was awarded rights in West Twin Creek in Case No. 4733 dated June 14, 1894. Current domestic water supply is obtained under permit from the County of San Bernardino, Department of Environmental Health from four relatively shallow wells constructed within the project area: Rods Well, Football Field, Rowan Well, and Strawberry Creek Well. Irrigation water is obtained from surface water diversions on East Twin Creek in Coldwater Canyon and West Twin Creek. Domestic and irrigation water use is approximately 81.21 acre-feet and 1,768.33 acre-feet, respectively. Additional supply of imported water can be obtained from the State Project Water (SPW) through the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District which contracts for 102,600 acre-feet of water annually. In case of water shortage, the DRMWC maintains a Water Shortage Contingency Plan that contains an Emergency Fund and a Contamination Fund. Water Distribution Currently, there are two separate water systems (domestic and irrigation water) that serve the existing development area of approximately 200 acres. Each system has its own reservoir and distribution pipelines. The domestic system reservoir holds approximately 396,000 gallons and is used exclusively for drinking water, which is chlorinated at all times. The irrigation system reservoir holds 325,000 gallons including 125,000 gallons in reserve for fire fighting. Fire hydrants are connected to the irrigation system. 2 California's Groundwater Bulletin 118, Hydrologic Region South Coast Upper Santa Ana Valley Groundwater Basin, Bunker Hill Subbasin. Page 5.15-2 . The Planning Center july 2005 5. Environmental Analysis 5.15.1.2 Thresholds of Significance According to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, a project would normally have a significant effect on the environment if the project: WS-1 Would require or result in the construction of new water treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects. WS-2 Would not have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, and new and/or expanded entitlements would be needed. 5.15.1.3 Environmentallmpacts The following impact analysis addresses thresholds of significance for which the Initial Study disclosed potentially significant impacts. The applicable thresholds are identified in parentheses after the impact statement. San Bernardino General Plan GP IMPACT 5.15-1: UPGRADES TO THE EX/SITING WATER SUPPLY AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO ADEQUATELY SERVE FUTURE GROWTH IN ACCOR- DANCE WITH THE PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN BUILD-OUT. [THRESHOLD WS-l AND WS-2J Impact Analysis: The City of San Bernardino is home to approximately 185,401 people. Upon build-out of the San Bernardino General Plan, the maximum population of the planning area could reach 316,241 people. This population growth would result in increased withdrawals of groundwater within the Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin. ~ Currently the annual water demand is approximately 330 gallons of water per person per day or 120,450 gallons per person per year. The total demand is approximately 61,182,330 gallons per person per day or 22,331,550,450 gallons per year (68,533 acre-feet per year). The continued development of the City would increase citywide total domestic water demand to approximately 105,349,530 gallons per day or 38,452,578,000 gallons per year (118,007 acre-feet) upon General Plan build-out. Build-out of the general plan will increase water use by 50,647,377 gallons per day or 16,121,028,000 gallons per year (49,474 acre-feet), increasing approximately 72 percent. Currently, the EVWD and SBMWD produce a combined total of approximately 73,736 acre-feet per year, 44,271 acre-feet per year less than the future demand. Water treatment plants would require expansion to meet the increased demand. Furthermore, although Bunker Hill has a safe yield of 167,000 acre-feet (54.4 billion gallons) per year and excess of approximately 50,000 acre-feet, the City of San Bernardino's total future demand represents approximately 71 percent of the total available supply in Bunker Hill, increasing 30 percent from 41 percent. As discussed above, Bunker Hill Sub-Basin provides water to over 20 local and private water suppliers, serving approximately 500,000 people.3 Assuming similar trends, other areas within the San Bernardino Valley will increase future demands as a result of population growth therefore creating more demand on the Bunker Hill Basin. Project-specific impacts are more or less on a per meter basis, depending on a variety of factors such as the type of development, the density of residential developments, and the level and type of landscaping and water-dependent amenities within each project. According to the City of San Bernardino 32000 Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report, City of San Bernardino Municipal Water District. http://www.cLsan- bernardino. ca. us/pdf/Water/ General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plan EIR City of San Bernardino . Page 5.15-3 5. Environmental Analysis Municipal Water Department (SBMWD), water shortages have not been experienced by the department nor are they anticipated within this planning period based on current growth projections, hydrologic conditions, and the amount of groundwater in storage at the Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin. The SBVMWD is legally responsible to maintain the groundwater level in the Bunker Hill Aquifer at the designated safe yield, and is responsible to obtain water through other means, including SWP and local runoff, to support the population within San Bernardino Valley Basin. The SBVMWD has secured a contract for 102,600 acre-feet per year of water from the SWP alone. The SBVMWD4 recognizes that future demands for water will increase and be significantly greater than the combined yield of local ground water and surface water supplies under existing conditions. The focus of The Regional Water Facilities Master Plan is to give highest priority for further development of local supplies, with imported water being used to meet the remaining needs. Included in the Master Plan are a number of proposed water resource management strategies in order to increase production within its jurisdiction. Furthermore, the SBMWD has established guidelines for water conservation and an enforcement plan as a part of its resolution adopting the 2000 Urban Water Management Plan Update (UWMPU) for the planning period 2000-2020. The UWMPU is in conjunction with the Drought Contingency Plan, Emergency Water Shortage Plan, State Water Project, and various water conservation programs. Future infrastructure development such as treatment plants would be subject to CEQA review and subsequent mitigation for potential adverse impacts on the environment. Relevant General Plan Policies and Programs Utilities Element Policy 9.3.1: Provide for the construction of upgraded and expanded water supply, transmission, distribution, storage, and treatment facilities to support existing and new development. Policy 9.3.2: Maintain and replace existing water supply, transmission, distribution, storage systems, and treatment facilities as necessary. Policy 9.3.4: Require adequate water supply, transmission, distribution, storage, and treatment facilities to be operational prior to the issuance of certificates of occupancy. Policy 9.3.5: Monitor the demands on the water system and, as necessary, manage development to mitigate impacts and/or facilitate improvements. Policy 9.3.6: Impose limits on new water hook-ups, if necessary, to comply with available domestic water supply. Policy 9.3.7: Request the Board of Water Commissioners to evaluate the Water System Master Plan, as necessary, to accurately determine which water facilities will be needed to serve present and future growth in the City. Policy 9.10.1: Require that new development proposals bear the cost to improve wastewater collection and treatment facilities, water supply transmission, distribution, storage, and treatment facilities, and storm drain and flood control facilities as necessitated by the proposed project. This shall be accomplished either through the payment of fees, or by the actual construction of the improvements. 4 The Regional Water Facilities Master Plan. SBVMWD, 1995. Page 5.15-4 . The Planning Center july 2005 5. Environmental Analysis Policy 9.10.2: Collect adequate amounts of fees and charges to fund the operation/maintenance of existing facilities and to construct new facilities. Policy 9.10.3: Review utility, capacity, and infrastructure fees, as well as development, acquisition of service, and monthly service charges on an annual basis to ensure that adequate amounts of fees and charges are collected to fund the operation/maintenance of existing facilities and to construct new facilities. Policy 9.10.4: Provide public funding support for expansion and upgrading of public utilities and infrastructure when improvements will provide substantial public benefit to the City. Policy 9.10.5: Allow the formation of benefit assessment districts and community facilities districts, where appropriate, in which those who benefit from specific improvements pay a pro rata share of the costs. Safety Element Policy 10.4.1: Promote integrated inter-agency review and participation in water resource evaluation and mitigation programs. Policy 10.4.2: Protect surface water and groundwater from contamination. Policy 10.4.3: Eliminate or remediate old sources of water contamination generated by hazardous materials and uses. Energy and Water Element Policy 13.2.1: Coordinate and monitor the City's water conservation efforts on an annual basis and modify or expand them as necessary to ensure their effectiveness. ~ Policy 13.2.2: Require that development not degrade surface or groundwater, especially in watersheds, or areas with high groundwater tables or highly permeable soils. Policy 13.2.3: Consider the establishment of incentives, funding programs, or a rebate program for projects that implement water conservation measures, such as replacing aging, leaking, and/or inefficient plumbing with more efficient, water-saving plumbing. Policy 13.2.4: Require the use of reclaimed water for landscape irrigation and other non-contact uses for industrial projects, golf courses, and freeways. Policy 13.2.5: Mitigate degradation of the groundwater basins that may have already occurred by existing commercial, industrial, and other uses. Policy 13.2.6: Require the replacement of existing septic systems with connections to a sanitation collection and treatment system as a condition of reconstruction or reuse. Policy 13.2.7: Require that new development incorporate improvements to channel storm runoff to public storm drainage systems and prevent discharge of pollutants into the groundwater basins and waterways. Policy 13.2.8: Require that development in the City's watersheds incorporate adequate landscape and groundcover to prevent slope erosion and significant sedimentation of canyon drainages. Policy 13.2.9: Continue to inform the public about water conservation, techniques and available water conservation programs they can utilize. General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plan EIR City of San Bernardino . Page 5.15-5 5. Environmental Analysis Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan AHS IMPACT 5.15-1: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ARROWHEAD SPRINGS SPECIFIC PLAN WOULD REQUIRE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW WATER SYSTEM AND INCREASE ON- SITE WATER DEMAND BY APPROXIMATELY 4,035 ACRE-FEET AT BUILD-OUT. [THRESHOLD WS-l AND WS-2J Impact Analysis: Arrowhead Springs Water & Power (AWP) would be responsible for the design, construction, and operation of any and all water distribution systems within the project, with water supplied through either West Twin Creek Water Company or the Del Rosa Mutual Water Company. AWP would manage the water resources at Arrowhead Springs through sale of both domestic and irrigation water. The existing domestic and irrigation water distribution systems would be completely replaced with new expanded storage, treatment and distribution systems as described in Chapter 3.0, illustrated in Figure 3.3-7 and Figure 3.3-8 and detailed in Appendix J. The domestic and irrigation water distribution systems would be located separately but within the same rights-of-way in existing or proposed roadways in most areas. However, some reservoirs and pipelines would need to be located outside of the grading footprint shown on Figure 3.3-6 to achieve the appropriate elevation to pressurize the system. Locating these reservoirs outside the grading footprint would cause additional removal of vegetation and grading to establish the pad site and an access road. Some reservoirs may be visible to travelers on SR-18, new residents within the development and residential communities to the southeast and southwest of the property boundary. Impacts on the environment from development of the domestic and irrigation water systems have been documented in Section 5.1, Aesthetics; Section 5.3 Biological Resources; and Section 5.7, Hydrology and Water Quality. Water Demand The domestic water requirements for Arrowhead Springs are based upon the criteria established in the facilities plan for the development (described in Section 3.02 of AppendixJ, Volume III). These requirements are summarized in Table 5.15-1 on the following page. The domestic water requirement would include drinking water for the commercial, office and residential areas including irrigation of residential landscaping and fire flow. Table 5.15-1 Facility Description, EDU's, and Average Annual Domestic Water Requirement Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUt Water Required (Gallons per Day) Facility Description RL - North 24 15,360 RL - South 12 7,680 RM - Residential 980 627,200 RM - Senior 1 188 120,320 CR-2 - Residential 34 21,760 Totals 1,238 792,320 CG-1 7 4,480 CR-2 - Commercial 125 80,000 CG-1 - WP 13 8,320 CR-2 - Corp. Office 195 124,800 PCR 14 8,960 Page 5.15-6 . The Planning Center july 2005 5. Environmental Analysis Table 5.15-1 Facility Description. EDU's. and Average Annual Domestic Water Requirement Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUt 354 Water Required (Gallons per Day) 226,560 Facility Description Totals Hotel/Conference Center CG-1-HjS (250 rooms + 8 units) 422 265,600 CG-1-HjS (50 rooms) 110 74,880 CG-1-HjS (300 rooms) 313 200,320 Totals 845 540,800 Grand Total 2,437 1,559,680 1Domestic water requirements for all land uses (commercial, office and residential) have been converted to "Equivalent Dwelling Units" so a common factor is created for all water use facilities. An Equivalent Dwelling Unit is equal to the projected water use of a single-family home. In this respect, the Equivalent Dwelling Unit is calculated to be 200 gallons per day per person multiplied by an occupancy of 3.2 people per household, which equates to an annual average water use of 640 gallons per day The average daily domestic water requirement at full build-out would be 1,559,680 gallons per day. This amount equals an annual water requirement of approximately 1,993 acre-feet of water per year. Drought years may cause the demand for water to increase to approximately 2,154 acre-feet per year. Irrigation system would supply water for irrigation of the 199 acre golf course, parks, fuel modification zone, and other landscaped common areas. The average annual demand for irrigation water has been estimated to be 2,042 acre-feet. ~ Water Supply Analysis An adequate supply of domestic and irrigation water for development of the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan is dependant on stream flows in the East Twin Creek and West Twin Creek watersheds, on-site wells and recycled wastewater. The East Twin Creek watershed has averaged 4,262 acre-feet per year during the period from 1921 through 1998 but the flow has varied from a high of 16,750 acre-feet per year to a low of 612 acre-feet per year during this same time period. With an average annual domestic water requirement of 1,993 acre-feet, the project could obtain all of its domestic water from the East Twin Creek watershed in an average year. However in a low flow year, an additional 1,381 acre-feet of water would need to be obtained from the Bunker Hill Sub-basin and if the water flow is as low as 612 acre-feet the area is most likely in a drought condition which would increase demand to 2,154 acre-feet per year. In a worst case situation such as this, 1,542 acre-feet per year or more may be needed from the wells in the Bunker Hill Sub-basin for domestic water. The East Twin Creek Watershed may also present a difficulty when treating water as a result of wildfires and/or turbidity necessitating an increase on reliance of well water in the basin. In the event of multiple dry years when little if any water has flowed into the basin and there is not an adequate balance (from previous years) for withdrawal by wells, the DRMWC would be allowed to contract for additional water in the basin due to an overlapping service boundary. The Bunker Hill Sub-basin would have adequate supplies to meet this demand if needed (see discussion under San Bernardino General Plan Update). Prior to final determination of treatment and disinfectant for use as drinking water and in accordance with regulations of the Safe Drinking Water Act found in California Health and Safety Code, Title 22, a Watershed Sanitary Survey would need to be completed and approved along with numerous other permit requirements before operation of the system can begin. General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plan EIR City of San Bernardino . Page 5.15-7 5. Environmental Analysis Water for irrigation would be supplied by the West Twin Creek Water Company through a diversion on West Twin Creek, recycled wastewater generated on the project site or wells in the Bunker Hill Sub-basin. The flow in West Twin Creek has been as low as 192 acre-feet a year and as high as 10,700 acre-feet a year with an average of 2,491 acre-feet per year calculated over the years between 1921 and 1998. It is estimated that 977 acre-feet of recycled wastewater would be available at full build-out for use as irrigation water (see Section 5.15.2) and 13 acre-feet would be available from the Steam Cave Well. Therefore, approximately 1,952 acre- feet of an estimated irrigation demand of 2,042 acre-feet would need to be obtained from either West Twin Creek or wells in the basin. As with the water from East Twin Creek in years of high flow water would be allowed to flow into the spreading basins for extraction by wells in years of low water flow. Biological resource constraints may prevent extraction of all water in low water years which would create a shortfall of more than 1,700 acre-feet that would need to be obtained from wells in the basin (if the historic low was allowed to flow unimpeded). In an average year West Twin Creek would be able to supply approximately 600 acre-feet, requiring 650 acre-feet to be obtained from wells in the Bunker Hill Basin. The combined domestic and irrigation water average annual demand for the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan development would be 4,035 acre-feet. In an average year there would be enough water flow in both watersheds to supply all but 650 ace-feet of water which would be obtained from the wells in the basin. On average the excess water flow into the basin would balance the amount to be extracted by wells as supplement for low flow years. Only in extreme periods drought would amounts up to 3,494 acre-feet (combined) need to be withdrawn from wells in the basin as a worst case scenario. In the event of a sustained drought over a number of years, the Bunker Hill sub-basin would have adequate supplies to meet this demand. The development of the expanded water supply and distribution system requires permitting through the State Department of Heath Services and reassertion of water rights with the State to extract a far greater amount of water than has previously been utilized. Although the analysis indicates that by using flow "averages" there would appear to be adequate water for the new system, the practice of "balancing" low flow years with water from the Bunker Hill sub-basin has not been proven or approved nor is there certainty regarding quantities of water granted through the exercise of water rights. 5.15.1.4 Existing Regulations and Standard Conditions San Bernardino . Senate Bill 610 (Chapter 643, Statutes of 2001) and Senate Bill 221 (Chapter 642, Statutes of 2001) amended State law, effective January 1, 2002, to improve the link between information of water supply availability and certain land use decisions made by cities and counties. SB 610 and SB 221 are companion measures which seek to promote more collaborative planning between local water suppliers and cities and counties. Both statutes require detailed information regarding water availability to be provided to the city and county decision-makers prior to approval of specified large development projects. Both statutes also require this detailed information be included in the administrative record that serves as the evidentiary basis for an approval action by the city or county on such projects. Both measures recognize local control and decision making regarding the availability of water for projects and the approval of projects. . Under SB 610, water assessments must be furnished to local governments for inclusion in any environmental documentation for certain projects (as defined in Water Code Section 10912[a]) subject to the CEQA. Under SB 221, approval by a city or county of certain residential subdivisions requires an affirmative verification of sufficient water supply. SB 221 is intended as a 'fail safe' mechanism to ensure that collaboration on finding the needed water supplies to serve a new large subdivision occurs before construction begins. Page 5.15-8. The Planning Center july 2005 5. Environmental Analysis . All projects must comply with Section 405 of the Clean Water Act, the Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA) and State regulations contained in any applicable State sludge management plan prepared pursuant to Subtitle D of the SWDA, the Clean Air Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act. Arrowhead Springs The California State Department of Health Services, Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Management, administers the following codes and regulations relating to water supply and delivery systems: . California Health & Safety Code, Division 104, Environmental Health, Part 12, Drinking Water, Chapter 4 - Safe Drinking Water Act, Chapter 5 - Water Equipment, and Chapter 7 - Water Supply contain the statues governing the water quality, development of infrastructure and water supply for domestic drinking water systems. . Title 22, Division 4 Environmental Health includes Chapter 4 Water Treatment Devices, Chapter 13 Operator Certification (contains requirements for operating a water system), Chapter 14 Water Permits, Chapter 15 Domestic Water Quality & Monitoring Regulations, Chapter 16 California Waterworks Standards (sets forth criteria for distribution system design and construction standards), Chapter 17 surface Water Treatment (includes the provision of Article 7 to complete a Watershed Sanitary Survey) . California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Administration of Water Rights California Water Code largely administered by the State Water Resources Board has regulations regarding the appropriation of water for beneficial uses including the following: ~ . Division 2-Water, Part 2-Appropriation of Water, Chapter 2-Application To Appropriate Water; Section 1250-1276; Chapter 3-Notice of Application, Section 1300-1335; Chapter 6-Permits, Section 1375- 1410.2. 5.15.1.5 Level of Significance Before Mitigation San Bernardino General Plan Upon implementation of relevant policies, programs, regulatory requirements and standard conditions of approval, the following impacts would be potentially significant: GP Impact 5.15-1 The General Plan Update contains policies, and programs encouraging water conservation. Although analysis shows supplies may be adequate for the San Bernardino planning area, cumulative use of water in the Bunker Hill sub-basin by all surrounding water providers may cause stress on the basin and necessitate additional importation of water causing a potentially significant impact on water supplies for the region. Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan AHS Impact 5.15-1 The environmental impact of constructing of the water distribution system for the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan project has been analyzed throughout this EIR as part of the development as a whole and calculation of "average" water supply indicates that a sufficient supply is potentially available. However, the system has not been permitted by the appropriate agencies and amount of water granted through existing water rights has not been definitively determined. General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plan EIR City of San Bernardino -Page 5.15-9 5. Environmental Analysis 5.15.1.6 Mitigation Measures San Bernardino General Plan GP5.15-1 In accordance with the State Water Code (Section 10610-10645), the City shall maintain an updated Urban Water Management Plan (Water System Management Plan) which describes and evaluates sources of supply, reasonable and practical efficient uses, reclamation and demand management activities, necessary to adequately serve future growth pursuant to the City's General Plan. Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan AHS 5.15-1 Prior to approval of the first Tentative Tract Map, evidence shall be provided to Public Works/Engineering that appropriate water rights have been granted through the State and the drinking water system has obtained all appropriate operating and design permits through the California State Department of Heath Services. 5.15.1.7 Level of Significance After Mitigation San Bernardino General Plan The mitigation measures identified above would reduce potential impacts associated with water supply and distribution to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, no significant unavoidable adverse impacts relating to water supply and distribution have been identified. Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan The mitigation measures identified above would reduce potential impacts associated with water supply and distribution to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, no significant unavoidable adverse impacts relating to water supply and distribution have been identified. 5.15.2 Wastewater Treatment and Collection 5.15.2.1 Environmental Setting San Bernardino General Plan Wastewater Treatment The SBMWD owns and has operated the San Bernardino Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) also known as the Margaret H Chandler Water Reclamation Plant since 1973, treating both residential and industrial wastewater. The WRP treatment process includes screening, grit removal, primary clarification, activated sludge (biological oxidation) with nitrification and de-nitrification and secondary clarification, ensuring all water discharged into the Santa Ana River is properly treated. The WRP is a Secondary Treatment facility serving a population of over 185,000 including the cities of San Bernardino and Loma Linda, the East Valley Water District customers (some of which are within the City of San Bernardino), the San Bernardino International Airport, Patton State Hospital, and parts of San Bernardino County. The wastewater facility, which includes both primary and secondary treatment, has the capacity to process 33 MGD and currently processes 28 MGD. In March 1996, the City of San Bernardino and the City of Colton jointly opened the Rapid Infiltration and Extraction (RIX) facility, where secondary-treated water undergoes the final filtering and disinfecting process to produce wastewater that is superior or equivalent to that produced by conventional filtration systems and is suitable for recycling into the Santa Ana River. The RIX (tertiary treatment) facility has a capacity of 40.0 MGD and currently treats 32 MGD. Page 5.15-10 . The Planning Center July 2005 5. Environmental Analysis Wastewater Collection In 2002 the City Public Works/Engineering Division prepared a master plan for the wastewater collection system that identified the existing conditions and potential improvements to the system (City of SB, 2002). This report, which is available at the Public Works/Engineering Division, has detailed mapping of the existing system. The collection system varies in size from 4" to 54". The report indicated that flows are fed into the WRP by three (3) trunk lines: Arrowhead, HE" Street, and the East Side trunks. The average inflows for the three trunk lines recorded by the City of San Bernardino Water Department are listed in Table 5.15-2. Table 5.15-2 San Bernardino Wastewater Reclamation Plant Trunk Lines Trunk Name/Location Size (inches) Material Qavn * (MGD) Arrowhead: Arrowhead Avenue & Orange Show Road 54 RCP 8.04 "E" Street: "E" Street & Chandler Place 20 CI 3.06 East Side: Amos Avenue & Dumas Street 54 RCP 14.23 *Per the City of San Bernardino Water Department for the year 2001. In addition to the flows generated by the City, the SBWRP also collects flows from the adjacent City of Loma Linda to the south and the East Valley Water District (EVWD) to the east. The City of Loma Linda uses two interconnections (18" and 21 ") to the City's collection system located south of the Interstate 1 0 Freeway just east of Waterman Avenue. These flows are routed to the WRP via the HE" Street trunk line where flows from the southern and south-central potion ofthe City are also collected. To the east, the EVWD uses asingle 48- inch interconnection to the City's wastewater collection system. These flows are routed to the East Side trunk line along with the flows generated by the southeast corner of the City. The Arrowhead trunk line collects the remaining portion of the City that equates to 56 percent of the average annual total inflow into the WRP. The report also states that because the City is a foothill community there are various sized drainage channels cutting though that present problems for gravity fed pipelines causing the City to place many siphons and lift stations throughout. At the time the report was compiled it was estimated that there were 45,000 connections to the system served by San Bernardino and out of a total of 750,718 linear feet of pipeline, 49,345 feet of pipe was determined to have deficiencies in terms of pipe capacity. ~ The City Public Works/Engineering Division is responsible for the design, construction, maintenance and operation of wastewater collection facilities within the City service area. Other wastewater collection facilities within the City of San Bernardino are operated by the East Valley Water District (EVWD), San Bernardino International Airport and Trade Center, and the City of Loma Linda. The EVWD provides service to the eastern portion of the City of San Bernardino, Loma Linda provides service to the southern portion of the planning area and all wastewater obtained is routed to the City's collection facilities prior to treatment at WRP. Septic Tanks The City allows the use of septic systems on a limited basis as outlined in Section 13.31.500 of the City Municipal Code. Septic tanks are permitted by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board pursuant to applicable City and County policies. Therefore, portions of the City's Sphere of Influence are being developed with septic systems. General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plan EIR City of San Bernardino -Page 5.15-11 5. Environmental Analysis Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan The existing wastewater collection system is limited to the existing facilities within the developed area of Arrowhead Springs that covers about 200 acres. Primary treatment is provided by site Imhoff Tank style treatment plant located in the southern portion of the property. Discharge from the plant to adjacent settling ponds is permitted under Board Order No. 86-100 issued by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (SARWQCB). The Board Order allows a discharge of up to 300,000 gallons per day. Sludge disposal from the plant has been a concern in the past according to the Phase I Report prepared for the proposed project (See Appendix E). At times in the past sludge had been mixed with saw dust and used in the nearby field. More recently sludge has been accumulating in drying beds but the quantity of effluent treated has also been greatly reduced from previous years. Additional discussion of existing conditions regarding sludge can be found in Section 5.6, Hazards and Hazardous Materials. 5.15.2.2 Threshold of Significance According to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, a project would normally have a significant effect on the environment if the project: WW-1 Would exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board. WW-2 Would require or result in the construction of new wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects. WW-3 Would result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that is has inadequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments. 5.15.2.3 Environmentallmpacts The following impact analysis addresses thresholds of significance for which the Initial Study disclosed potentially significant impacts. The applicable thresholds are identified in parentheses after the impact statement. San Bernardino General Plan GP IMPACT 5.15-2: PROJECT-GENERATED WASTEWATER COULD NOT BE ADEQUA TELY TREATED BY THE WASTEWATER SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE PROJECT. [THRESHOLDS WW-1, WW-2, AND WW-3] Impact Analysis: According to the 2000 US Census the population for the City of San Bernardino in 2000 was 185,401 . The predicted population at build-out of the General Plan is 316,241 persons which represents an increase of 70.5 percent over the 2000 Census population figure. No date has been established for when this build-out projection would occur. The WRP serves a larger population than the just the City of San Bernardino and the exact contribution of wastewater from the other jurisdictions has not been determined however San Bernardino is the largest contributor. If similar increases in population occur as well in those other jurisdictions that also utilize the WRP due to similar patterns of development as envisioned for San Bernardino, the existing flow to the WRP of 28 MGD could be expected to increase cumulatively by 20.2 MGD for a total flow of 48.2 MGD. This amount would exceed the existing design capacity of 33 MGD by 15.2 MGD. Using the same assumptions, the RIX facility would experience an increase of 23.1 MGD cumulatively, which would exceed the existing design capacity of 40 MGD by 15.1 MGD. Additional facilities would need to be built or expansion of existing facilities would need to be completed to accommodate the Page 5.15-12 . The Planning Center July 2005 5. Environmental Analysis proposed build-out in the service area of the WRP. Since the City is the largest contributor of wastewater flows to the WRP, the increase in population from build-out of the San Bernardino General Plan alone would most likely exceed design capacity of both facilities. The wastewater collection system is currently experiencing deficiencies and the Wastewater Collection System Master Plan report of 2002 predicted an increase in system pipe capacity deficiencies to 57,022 out of 750,718 linear feet of pipe by the year 2025. That report was not based on the build-out projections presented in this EI R. It does provide a clear indication, however that the wastewater collection system could have even greater deficiencies if the General Plan is builds out as projected. Relevant General Plan Policies and Programs Utility Element Policy 9.1.1: Provide for the construction of upgraded and expanded wastewater collection and treatment improvements to support existing and new development, and to meet usage requirements and maximize cost efficiency, especially in areas where existing systems are deficient. Policy 9.1.2: Maintain and replace existing wastewater collection and treatment facilities as necessary. Policy 9.1.3: Require new development to connect to a master planned sanitary sewer system in accordance with the City of San Bernardino Municipal Code. Where construction of master planned facilities is not feasible, the Mayor and Common Council may permit the construction of interim facilities sufficient to serve the present and short-term needs. Policy 9.1.4: Evaluate the City's Sewer Collection System Master Plan and the Board of Water Com- missioner's Master Plan for Wastewater Treatment Facilities as necessary to accurately determine which collection and treatment facilities will be needed to serve present and future growth in the City. ~ Policy 9.1.5: Review development proposals for projects within the City's Sphere of Influence and request the County to disapprove any project that cannot be served with adequate public wastewater collection and treatment facilities. Policy 9.2.1: Provide for the monitoring of toxic or potentially toxic businesses to prevent contamination of water and wastewater. Policy 9.2.2: Require, when necessary, pre-treatment of wastewater from industrial sources prior to treatment at the Water Reclamation Facility. Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan AHS IMPACT 5.15-2: PROJECT-GENERATED WASTEWATER COULD BE ADEQUATELY COLLECTED AND TREATED BY THE WASTEWATER SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE PROJECT HOWEVER SOME RELATED FACILITY OPERATIONS MAY AFFECT THE ENVIRONMENT. [THRESHOLDS WW-1, WW-2, AND WW-3] The amount of wastewater to be generated from the development is a function of the amount of wastewater discharged by each person, occupancy per dwelling unit and the amount of discharge from commercial areas which has been converted to "Equivalent Dwelling Units." The criteria used to develop the projected quantity of wastewater and the calculation of peaks flows can be found in Volume III, Appendix J. The average daily flow has been calculated to be approximately 889,920 gallon per day. The proposed wastewater treatment facility would be designed to accommodate 0.90million gallons per day which would be adequate to handle the projected generation of wastewater based upon engineering calculations. The proposed wastewater treatment plant and collection system would occupy an area within the footprint of General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plan EIR City of San Bernardino -Page 5.15-13 5. Environmental Analysis grading for the entire development. Therefore, impacts to the environment from construction of the wastewater treatment and collection system have been addressed throughout Chapter 5 as part of the over- all analysis of the development (grading) footprint of the project. Potential impacts to air quality have been addressed in Section 5.2 of this EIR. Although the wastewater treatment and collection system would be sized to accommodate the projected peak flow and be approved of the Public Works/engineering Division, some operational aspects have not been determined at this time, such as quantity and disposal location of sludge (bio-solids) and areas to be irrigated with recycled water. The proposed Arrowhead Springs development is located in a unique natural resources area and portions of the drinking water supply would rely on local streams. The intake for the drinking water on Strawberry Creek has not been identified. Bio-solids and the recycled water from the treatment plant used as irrigation water have the potential to affect the water quality of the local streams (and thus the drinking water supply) if not carefully controlled. Effluent from the wastewater treatment system would be treated to recycled water standards and stored on- site for use as irrigation water. Therefore, no direct impact to local drainages from discharge would occur. However, the recycled water storage ponds would be located primarily in the area of the golf course, which may also be subject to flooding depending upon the design of the area which has not been determined. Under those circumstances downstream water quality could be affected. See Section 5.15.5 for additional details on recycled water. The dismantling and disposal of the existing wastewater treatment plant may also have a potential effect on the environment which is discussed in Section 5.6, Hazards and Hazardous Materials. 5.15.2.4 Existing Regulations and Standard Conditions San Bernardino General Plan . The California Water Code which largely falls under the purview of the State Water Resources Board contains numerous regulations that pertain to wastewater treatment that would apply to any expansion of existing facilities or the construction of new facilities including the following: . Division 7-Water Quality, Chapter 4-Regional Water Quality Control, Article 4-Waste Discharge Requirements, Section 13260-13274 concerns all discharge including bio-solids that have the potential to effect water quality; Chapter 7-Water Reclamation (Department of Health Services established criteria), Article 1-7, Sections 13500-13556 deals with all aspects of reclaimed water; Chapter 9-Waste Water Treatment Plan Classification and Operator Certification, Section 13625- 13633 establishes requirements for operation of wastewater treatment plants. Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan . The California Water Code which largely falls under the purview of the State Water Resources Board contains numerous regulations that pertain to wastewater treatment that would apply to the Arrowhead Springs project including the following: o Division 2-Water, Part 2-Appropriation of Water, Chapter 1-General Provisions, Article 1.5- Treated Water, Sections121 0-1212 deals with change in point of discharge oftreated water. o Division 7-Water Quality, Chapter 4-Regional Water Quality Control, Article 4-Waste Discharge Requirements, Section 13260-13274 concerns all discharge including bio-solids that have the potential to effect water quality; Chapter 4.5-0n-site Sewage Treatment; Chapter 7 -Water Reclamation (Department of Health Services established criteria), Article 1-7, Sections 13500-13556 deals with all aspects of reclaimed water; Chapter 9-Waste Page 5.15-14 . The Planning Center July 2005 5. Environmental Analysis Water Treatment Plan Classification and Operator Certification, Section 13625-13633 establishes requirements for operation of wastewater treatment plants. . To protect domestic water supply wells, recycled water used for irrigation must be constructed in accordance with Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 60301) of Division 4 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. An approval of an "Engineering Report for the Production, Distribution and Use of Recycled Water" from the State of California, Department of Health Services, and Drinking Water Division would be required. . Prior to construction a Wastewater Treatment Plant an air quality permit must be approved by the South Coast Air Quality Control District. 5.15.2.5 Level of Significance Before Mitigation San Bernardino General Plan Update Without mitigation the following impacts would be potentially significant: GP Impact 5.15-2 Existing secondary and tertiary treatment facilities would exceed design capacity with build-out of the General Plan Update and wastewater collection systems would experience additional flow deficiencies. Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan Without mitigation the following impacts would be potentially significant: AHS Impact 5.15-2 Construction of the wastewater collection and treatment facilities for the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan project has been analyzed throughout this EIR where included as part of the grading footprint; however, operational impacts including use of recycled water may affect local water quality. ~ 5.15.2.6 Mitigation Measures San Bernardino General Plan GP 5.15-2 The City of San Bernardino shall update the Wastewater Collection System Master Plan to reflect General Plan Update build-out statistics, review treatment facility capacity periodically and adjust Sewer Capacity Fees when appropriate in consul- tation with participating communities to accommodate construction of new or expanded wastewater treatment and collection facilities. Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan AHS 5.15-2 Prior to approval of the first Tentative Tract Map, evidence shall be provided to the Public Works/Engineering Division that appropriate permits have been obtained from the State Water Resources Board, the State Department of Health Services and the SCAQMD for the operation of the wastewater treatment plant including disposal of bio-solids and use of recycled water. General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plan EIR City of San Bernardino -Page 5.15-15 5. Environmental Analysis 5.15.2.7 Level of Significance After Mitigation San Bernardino General Plan The mitigation measures identified above would reduce potential impacts associated with wastewater to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, no significant unavoidable adverse impacts relating to wastewater have been identified. Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan The mitigation measures identified above would reduce potential impacts associated with wastewater to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, no significant unavoidable adverse impacts relating to wastewater have been identified. 5.15.3 Solid Waste 5.15.3.1 Environmental Setting San Bernardino General Plan Solid waste collection within much of the City and a portion of the unincorporated planning area is provided by the Solid Waste Services and Refuse and Recycling Division of the City of San Bernardino Department of Public Services. Solid waste collection in the remainder of the planning area is provided by private haulers through franchise agreements with the City. According to the California Integrated Waste Management Board, residential land uses in the City of San Bernardino were responsible for disposing 58,454 tons of solid waste while businesses in the City were responsible for 136,392 tons of solid waste resulting in a total of 194,846 tons5 of solid waste deposited in local land fills. This total amount represents a 45 percent reduction in the total amount of refuse produced due the waste diversion programs. With diversion the average amount contributed to landfills by each resident would be 2 pounds of solid waste per day or 730 pounds per year. Employees/businesses produced 13 pounds of solid waste per person per day or 4,745 tons per year after 45 percent waste diversion. The County of San Bernardino Solid Waste Management Division (SWMD) is responsible for the operation and management of the solid waste disposal system which consists of six regional landfills, eight transfer stations and five community collection centers listed in Table 5.15-3. The County contracts with Burrtec Waste Industries for disposal site operations and maintenance. The City of San Bernardino has no active landfills but primarily utilizes the San Timoteo and Mid-Valley landfills. The San Timoteo Landfill is located in the City of Redlands, to the southeast of the City and the Fontana Sanitary Landfill (Mid-Valley) to the west of the City. The San Timoteo landfill is permitted to accept 1,000 tons per day and has an estimated capacity of 14,800,000 cubic yards, as shown in Table 5.15-3. The estimated remaining capacity is 6,372,281 tons and has an anticipated closure date of 2016. Mid-Valley is permitted to accept 7,500 tons per day of solid waste and has an estimated capacity of 62,000,000 cubic yards. The estimated remaining capacity is 23,949,691 tons and has an estimated closure date of 2033. The remaining landfills in the County, which could also be used by the City are also shown in Table 5.15-3, however most are reaching capacity. 5 http://www.ciwmb.ca.qovlProfiles/Juris/JurProfile1.asp?RG=C&JURID=426&JUR=San+Bernardino. accessed February 17. 2005. Page 5.15-16 . The Planning Center July 2005 5. Environmental Analysis Capacity Permitted Daily Remaining Facility (cubic yards) Tonnage (tons) Capacity (tons) Closure Date San Timoteo Sanitary Landfill 14,800,000 1,000 6,372,281 2016 Fontana Sanitary Landfill (Mid-Valley) 62,000,000 7,500 23,949,691 2033 Barstow Refuse Disposal Site 3,580,000 7501 400,836 2012 Landers Disposal Site 3,080,000 1,2002 703,698 2008 Colton Sanitary Landfill 13,297,000 3,100 940,260 2006 Victorville Refuse Disposal Site 7,700,000 1,600 1,126,285 2007 Total 15,150 33,493,051 Table 5.15-3 Landfill Facilities Servicing San Bernardino and SOl Regional planning for solid waste issues is conducted by the San Bernardino County Solid Waste Advisory Committee governed by the County Solid Waste Management Plan. The City of San Bernardino has a repre- sentative serving on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Any future solid waste facilities, such as transfer stations and/or landfills, must be incorporated in the County Solid Waste Management Plan. California State Mandated Solid Waste Diversion As landfills reach their capacities and new landfill sites become increasingly difficult to establish, the need to reduce solid waste generation is critical. State law currently requires that local jurisdictions divert at least 50 percent of their solid waste from landfills through conservation, recycling, and composting. Like all California communities, the City of San Bernardino is required to comply with State regulations. Currently there are no collection service deficiencies and all sites utilized by the City are considered to be adequate. In 2002 the City of San Bernardino diverted 45 percent of their solid waste, 5 percent less than the 50 percent diversion rates required by the State of California. Table 5.15-4 following shows the board reviewed annual waste diversion rates for the City of San Bernardino. Local governments are subject to fines of up to $10,000 per day if the waste diversion goals are not met.6 Since 1995, the City of San Bernardino has received either a Board Approved or Good Faith Effort in reaching waste diversion goals required by law7. ~ 6 California Integrated Waste Management Board. Waste Reduction Policies and Procedures for State Agencies, August 1999. http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Publications/LocaIAsst/StateAgency/44199017.doc 7 California Integrated Waste Management Board http://www.ciwmb.ca.qov/lqtools/mars/drmcmain .asp?iu =426& VW = In General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plan EIR City of San Bernardino -Page 5.15-17 5. Environmental Analysis Table 5.15-4 City of San Bernardino Waste Diversion Rates 1995-2002 Year Diversion Rate 1995 23% 1996 35% 1997 44% 1998 43% 1999 46% 2000 46% 2001 45% 2002 45% 2003 42%1 Source: California Integrated Waste Management Board 1Based on preliminary data Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan Operations have been greatly reduced over that past few years at Arrowhead springs, limiting the amount of refuse produced by the resort area to just a few on-site residences and a small number of employees. Continued landscape maintenance of the facilities also produces a small quantity of "green" waste. Arrow- head Springs contracts with a private hauler who disposes three 1 .5-cubic-yard containers of refuse and one 40-cubic-yard container of green waste in the San Timoteo landfill once a month. 5.15.3.2 Thresholds of Significance SW-1 Would be served by a landfill with insufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs. SW-2 Would not comply with federal, state and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste. 5.15.3.3 Environmentallmpacts The following impact analysis addresses thresholds of significance for which the Initial Study disclosed potentially significant impacts. The applicable thresholds are identified in parentheses after the impact statement. San Bernardino General Plan GP IMPACT 5.15-3: EXISTING AND/OR PROPOSED FACILITIES WOULD BE ABLE TO ACCOM- MODATE PROJECT-GENERATED SOLID WASTE AND COMPLY WITH RELATED SOLID WASTE REGULATIONS. [THRESHOLDS SW-1 AND SW-2] Impact Analysis: Development of the proposed General Plan would increase the service demand on solid waste beyond existing conditions and further impact the San Timoteo Sanitary Landfill and Mid-Valley disposal sites. Upon build-out of the San Bernardino General Plan update, the maximum population within City and SOl could reach 316,241and businesses would generate approximately 355,629 employees. Utilizing the average daily rate of disposal of solid waste per person after diversion, it is estimated that at full Page 5.15-18. The Planning Center July 2005 5. Environmental Analysis build-out of the General Plan update a total of approximately 2,617 tons per day would be placed in local landfills, as shown in Table 5.15-5. Table 5.15-5 Household and Business Waste Disposal Rates for San Bernardino Existing Waste Build-out Waste Waste Stream Waste Disposal General Plan Stream Stream (tons/year) Rate1 Projections2 (tons/year) Household 58,454 0.365 316,664 116,523 tons/resident/year (population) Business 136,392 2.37 355,629 842,840 tons/employee/year (employees) Total 194,846 - - 959,363 (534 tons/day) (2,628 tons/day) 1Disposal rates are based on generation rate minus diversion rate 2General Plan projections include the City of San Bernardino and Sphere of Influence Area Source: Generation Rates based off Waste Stream Profile for the City of San Bernardino from the California Integrated Waste Management Board The San Timoteo Sanitary Landfill and Mid-Valley can accept a combined total of 8,500 tons of solid waste per day and has a combined estimated remaining capacity of 30,321,972 tons. In 2003, the San Timoteo Sanitary Landfill accepted less than 48 percent of daily permitted capacity or 174,562 tons out of a possible maximum of 365,000 tons. As shown in Table 5.15-6 the Mid-Valley Landfill accepted 619,382 tons in 2003 out of a possible maximum of 2,757,500 tons. Together the landfills have the permitted capacity to accept an additional 2,309,556 tons per year. The estimated daily disposal amount of 2,628 tons projected at full build- out of the General Plan represents approximately 31 percent of the current combined permitted disposal tonnage for the two main landfills. There is no specific date for maximum build-out to occur and it is assumed that amounts of refuse would increase gradually over a number of years before reaching the rate of 2,628 tons daily. Therefore, local landfills would be able to handle the amount of refuse from San Bernardino and other surrounding communities for some time and legislative requirements (see discussion below) are in place for planning of new landfills in advance of closure of existing landfills. Although the remaining County landfills (listed in Table 5.15-5 and Table 5.15-6) are nearing capacity and closure dates they do provide alternatives for disposal of waste that help to reduce reliance on the San Timoteo and Mid-Valley landfills, which may account for the lower than permitted disposal amounts. ~ Facility 2003 Tonnage Permitted Residual Accepted Tons per Year San Timoteo Sanitary Landfill 174,562 365,000 191 ,438 Fontana Sanitary Landfill (Mid-Valley) 619,382 2,737,500 2,118,118 Barstow Refuse Disposal Site 78,378 273,750 195,372 Landers Disposal Site 62,369 438,000 375,631 Colton Sanitary Landfill 336,862 1,131,500 794,638 Victorville Refuse Disposal Site 285,160 584,000 298,840 Total 1,745,237 5,529,750 3,784,513 Table 5.15-6 2003Landfill Facility Tonnage General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plan EIR City of San Bernardino -Page 5.15-19 5. Environmental Analysis In addition, the City of San Bernardino Refuse and Recycling Division is continuing to participate and maintain AB 939 goals and guidelines. Solid Waste Services Division would continue to provide curbside recycling and green waste pickup for both commercial and household materials. Continuation of the recycling program and education on composting efforts would result in achieving the desired goal of 50 percent waste diversion in compliance with the Assembly Bill 939. Implementation of the City of San Bernardino General Plan would not hinder efforts to achieving this requirement as educational material on reducing waste, recycling and composting would be provided to commercial and residential users.8 The County of San Bernardino is required to enter into discussions with the California Integrated Waste Management Board and surrounding cities for a new waste disposal site within the region prior to the closure of an existing landfill. According to AB 939, jurisdictions are required to begin planning for new landfills when the jurisdiction's primary disposal site reaches its 15-year capacity. The challenge for San Bernardino, as well as communities throughout the State, is to continue to find diversion, recycling, and reuse strategies instead of relying on sanitary landfills as the primary method of managing solid waste. As the region grows, it becomes more difficult to site or expand landfills due to the unpopularity of these types of facilities. However; the planning process required by the legislature functions to mitigate potential impacts. Relevant General Plan Policies and Programs Utilities Element Policy 9.5.1: Install and maintain public trash receptacles along incorporated City streets in commercial areas and along major arterials. Policy 9.5.2: Provide regular street sweeping. Policy 9.5.3: Continue to reduce the amount of solid waste that must be disposed of in area landfills, to conserve energy resources, and be consistent with the County Solid Waste Management Plan and State law. Policy 9.5.4: Continue to support implementation of regional recycling programs through participation in the County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, the County Solid Waste Management Plan, and appropriate State programs. Policy 9.5.5: Develop and participate in local recycling programs. Policy 9.5.6: Develop and implement a program of public education regarding the benefits of recycling. Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan AHS IMPACT 5.15-3: EXISTING AND/OR PROPOSED FACILITIES WOULD BE ABLE TO ACCOMMO- DATE PROJECT-GENERATED SOLID WASTE AND COMPLY WITH RELATED SOLID WASTE REGULATIONS. [THRESHOLDS SW-1 AND SW-2] Impact Analysis: According to the Arrowhead Springs Annexation Study: Plan for Service (see Volume III, Appendix K), no capital improvements are required in regards to solid waste management. The City provides both commercial and residential services on a fee basis9 and would offer these services to the Arrowhead Springs development upon annexation. In addition, service for Arrowhead Springs would include implementation of recycling programs required by AB939. 8 Integrated Waste Management District, 2003, http://www.ciwmb.ca.qov 9 Residential- $19.86/month; Commercial - $1 01 to 883/month Page 5.15-20 . The Planning Center July 2005 5. Environmental Analysis To approximate the generation waste stream for Arrowhead Spring at a build-out of 4,233 residents and 2,530 employees, the same generation rates (including 45 percent reduction for diversion) for the City of San Bernardino have been used be used. The results are shown in Table 5.15-7. Table 5.15-7 Household and Business Waste Disposal Rates for Arrowhead Springs Existing Waste Stream General Plan Build-out Waste Stream Waste Stream (tons/year) Waste Generation Rate1 Projections (tons/year) Household N/A 0.365 tons/resident/year 4,233 1,545 Business N/A 2.37 tons/employee/year 2,530 5,996 Total N/A - - 7,541 (21 tons/day) 1Disposal rates are based on generation rate minus diversion rate Source: Generation Rates based off Waste Stream Profile for the City of San Bernardino from the California Integrated Waste Management Board Implementation of the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan would result in the generation of 21 tons per day of solid waste within the project area. Population and employment statistics for Arrowhead Springs have been incorporated into the build-out statistics for the San Bernardino General Plan update and thus included in the analysis of solid waste impacts for the City. The amount of refuse generated by the Arrowhead Springs development at build-out represents less that 1 percent of the total for the City which would be inconsequential. ~ 5.15.3.4 Existing Regulations and Standard Conditions . Assembly Bill 939 (Sher, Chapter 1095, Statutes of 1989), The Integrated Waste Management Act requires every California city and county to divert 50 percent of its waste from landfills by the year 2000. In addition, AB 939 requires each county, to prepare a Source Reduction and Recycling Element (SRRE) for its unincorporated area, identifying waste characterization; source reduction; recycling; composting; solid waste facility capacity; education and public information; funding; special waste (asbestos, sewage sludge, etc.); and household hazardous waste in addition to a countywide siting element, specifying areas for transformation or disposal sites to provide capacity for solid waste generated in the jurisdiction which cannot be reduced or recycled for a 15-year period. 5.15.3.5 Level of Significance Before Mitigation San Bernardino General Plan Upon implementation of relevant General Plan policies and programs plus regulatory requirements, and standard conditions of approval, the following impacts impact would less than significant: GP Impact 5.15-2 Existing facilities have adequate capacity to accommodate solid waste disposal for a considerable length of time at the full build-out rate which would not happen for perhaps decades. The existing regulations (including AB 939) along with General Plan Update policies, and programs would serve to mitigate any solid waste disposal impact from full build-out of the General Plan. General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plan EIR City of San Bernardino -Page 5.15-21 5. Environmental Analysis Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan Upon implementation of regulatory requirements and standard conditions of approval, the following impacts impact would be less than significant: AHS Impact 5.15-2 The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan would contribute less than 1 percent of the total solid waste stream calculated for the build-out of the General Plan update, which was determined to be less than significant. Therefore impacts due to build- out of the Arrowhead Springs development would also be less than significant. 5.15.3.6 Mitigation Measures San Bernardino General Plan No significant impacts were identified and no mitigation measures would be required for solid waste. Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan No significant impacts were identified and no mitigation measures would be required for solid waste. 5.15.3.7 Level of Significance After Mitigation Impacts identified have been determined to be less than significant and no mitigation measures are required. Therefore, no significant unavoidable adverse impacts relating to solid waste have been identified. 5.15.4 Dry Utilities and Geothermal Energy 5.15.4.1 Environmental Setting San Bernardino General Plan Electricity The Southern California Edison (SCE) Company provides electricity to San Bernardino's citizens, businesses and industry within the City and SOl. SCE owns, operates, and maintains both aboveground and under- ground facilities in the planning area. Most of SCE's facilities are located in the street right-of-way. SCE will extend electrical service into unserved areas pursuant to SCE's current Rules and Rates. The efficient use of energy and the building design/construction of buildings with energy efficiency in mind are vital to our future. Electricity is transmitted through high voltage power lines and step-down transformers at the Devers substation near Desert Hot Springs and substations located within the City. High voltage transmission lines deliver power to the SCE substation located at the northwest corner of Monterey Avenue and Clancy Lane, where power is stepped down and distributed through lower voltage lines. Individual homes and businesses then receive power through a final transformer which brings voltages down to useful levels. Currently there are no known deficiencies in the Southern California Edison Company system. Natural Gas The Southern California Gas Company (The Gas Company) provides natural gas service to San Bernardino's citizens, businesses and industry within the City and SOl. The Gas Company owns, operates, and maintains underground gas lines in most of the public streets. There are no local natural gas producing wells within the City of San Bernardino planning area, therefore, the supply of natural gas is imported. The availability of natural gas service is based upon present conditions of gas supply and regulatory policies. As a public utility, The Gas Company is under the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission and Federal regulatory Page 5.15-22 . The Planning Center July 2005 5. Environmental Analysis agencies. Should these agencies take any action that affects gas supply, or the conditions under which services is available, gas service would be provided in accordance with revised conditions. Telephone Verizon and SBC provide telephone service in the City of San Bernardino. Telecommunication companies are not regulated as to rates by the California Public Utilities Commission (PUG) but must be registered and certified to do business in the State of California and adhere to the Public Utilities Code. Rates are regulated by franchise agreements with the City of San Bernardino and Municipal Code Title 14, Franchises. Cable Adelphia Cable, Mountain Shadows Cable, and Charter Communications provide cable television service in the City of San Bernardino and surrounding communities. Cable Television is not classified as a "utility" and therefore is not regulated by the PUC but companies are required to have franchise agreements with the City and adhere to Municipal Code Title 14. Geothermal Wells Use of geothermal resources results in substantial energy savings and generates revenue for the City. As discussed in Section 5.5, Geology and Soils approximately 90 to 100 geothermal wells and springs have been identified in the San Bernardino area. The geothermal wells and springs are concentrated in the Commerce Center, Central City, and the Tri-City areas and the former Norton Air Force Base (see Figure 5.5-1). The San Bernardino Municipal Water Department (SBMWD) is operating two geothermal production wells which can pump 4,300,000 gallons of hot water per day. The usable supply of geothermal water, however, is much greater than what is currently used. The SBMWD uses geothermal resources to provide heat to over 35 offices and buildings including the Civic Center and National Orange Show in the central portion of the City. Use of geothermal heat has resulted in a substantial savings on winter heating bills where it is supplied. ~ Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan Electricity Electricity is currently supplied to Arrowhead Springs by SCE through contracts with Arrowhead Power and Water. Power is delivered primarily through overhead lines. Natural Gas The Southern California Gas Company provides natural gas to Arrowhead Springs. Telephone As with the City of San Bernardino, Verizon and SBC provide telephone service to the Arrowhead Springs area. Cable Adelphia Cable currently provides cable television and internet services to the project area via a single broadband network of coaxial and fiber-optic cable. General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plan EIR City of San Bernardino -Page 5.15-23 5. Environmental Analysis Geothermal Wells Hot water from the geothermal resources on the Arrowhead Springs property is used to heat on-site facilities including the hotel, residences and swimming pool. 5.15.4.2 Environmentallmpacts The following impact analysis addresses the potential for impact to dry utilities. San Bernardino General Plan GP IMPACT 5.15-4: EXISTING AND/OR PROPOSED FACILITIES WOULD BE ABLE TO ACCOMMO- DATE PROJECT-GENERATED DRY UTILITY DEMANDS BUT GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES USED FOR ENERGY MAY BE AFFECTED BY BUILD-OUT OF THE GENERAL PLAN. Impact Analysis: Build-out of the City of San Bernardino General Plan would result in increased demand for all dry utilities. Build-out of the San Bernardino General Plan would necessitate the need for additional energy supply and energy transmission within the City. According to the Southern California Edison Company, they would be able to supply future growth within the City of San Bernardino with electrical power and all new development would be responsible for improvements to the electrical distribution infrastructure of that development. The availability of natural gas service is based upon present conditions of gas supply and regulatory policies. As a public utility, the Gas Company is under the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission and Federal regulatory agencies. Should these agencies take any action that affects gas supply, or the conditions under which service is available, gas service would be provided in accordance with revised conditions. As a result, The Gas Company and the Southern California Edison Company would be able to service the needs of the City of San Bernardino and SOl areas under the conditions of the General Plan build-out. Build-out of the City of San Bernardino General Plan would result in an increased demand for telecommunication services such as telephone, cable, high speed internet, and other telecommunication services. Rate increases must be approved by the City; however, the ability to expand services is conditioned only by availability of capitol. The geothermal resources located within the City that are used for generating heat can be affected by a number of factors including lowering the water level of the geothermal aquifer and drilling through the aquifer to colder water aquifers below.10 The relationship between land use development and the diminishment of geothermal springs is less understood as suggested in Section 5.5, Geology and Soils. Some hot springs have disappeared and the temperature has been reduced in others, which affects the reliability of this natural resource as an alternative form of energy. Build-out of the General Plan could affect the use of this rare resource as a utility however the City has numerous regulations protecting this resource. Relevant General Plan Policies and Programs Utilities Element Policy 9.6.1: Require that approval of new development be contingent upon the ability to be served with adequate electrical facilities. 10 California Department of Mines and Geology. Resource Investigation of Low-and Moderate-Temperature Geothermal Areas in San Bernardino, California. DMG Open File Report 82-11 , 1981. Page 5.15-24 . The Planning Center July 2005 5. Environmental Analysis Policy 9.6.2: Underground utilities, including on-site electrical utilities and connections to distribution facilities, unless such undergrounding is proven infeasible. Policy 9.6.3: Provide adequate illumination of all streets, alleys (under special conditions), and public areas; upgrading areas that are deficient and maintaining lighting fixtures in good working order. Policy 9.6.4: Require improvements to the existing street light system and/or new street light systems necessitated by a new development proposal be funded by that development. Policy 9.6.5: Encourage and promote the use of energy-efficient (U.S. Department of Energy "Energy Star" or equivalent) lighting fixtures, light bulbs, and compact fluorescent bulbs in residences, commercial, and public buildings, as well as in traffic signals and signs where feasible. Policy 9.7.1: Work with the Southern California Gas Company to ensure that adequate natural gas facilities are available to meet the demands of existing and new developments. Policy 9.7.2: Require that all new development served by natural gas install on-site pipeline connections to distribution facilities underground, unless such undergrounding is infeasible due to significant environmental or other constraints. Policy 9.8.1: Provide for the continued development and expansion of telecommunications systems including cable and, as feasible, fiber optics, for entertainment, education, culture, information access, two- way communication between government and residents and businesses, and other similar purposes. Policy 9.8.2: Require that all new developments underground telecommunication facilities, unless such undergrounding is infeasible due to significant environmental or other constraints. ~ Policy 9.8.3: Cooperate with, and encourage public utilities to provide a fiber optics network in the City that is linked to regional systems. Policy 9.9.1: Provide for the continued development and expansion of geothermal energy distribution lines. Policy 9.9.2: Provide public funding to expand the existing geothermal production and distribution system. Policy 9.9.3: Promote the use of geothermal resources particularly in the South San Bernardino Area. Energy and Water Element Policy 13.1.1: Reduce the City's ongoing electricity use by 10 percent and set an example for residents and businesses to follow. Policy 13.1.2: Ensure the incorporation of energy conservation features in the design of all new construction and site development in accordance with State Law. Policy 13.1.3: Consider enrollment in the Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP), which provides incentives for builders who attain energy savings 30 percent above the National Model Energy Code, the Energy Star Program, which is sponsored by the United States Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency and encourages superior energy efficiency by residents and businesses, or the State's Energy Efficiency and Demand Reduction Program, which offer rebates and incentives to agencies and developers who reduce energy consumption and use energy efficient fixtures and energy-saving design elements. Policy 13.1.4: Require energy audits of existing public structures and encourage audits of private structures, identifying levels of existing energy use and potential conservation measures. General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plan EIR City of San Bernardino . Page 5.15-25 5. Environmental Analysis Policy 13.1.5: Encourage energy-efficient retrofitting of existing buildings throughout the City. Policy 13.1.6: Consider program that awards incentives to projects that install energy conservation measures, including technical assistance and possible low-interest loans. Policy 13.1.7: Ensure that new development consider the ability of adjacent properties to utilize energy conservation design. Policy 13.1.8: Educate the public regarding the need for energy conservation, environmental stewardship, and sustainability techniques and about systems and standards that are currently available for achieving greater energy and resource efficiency, such as the U.S. Green Building Council's "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) standards for buildings. Policy 13.1.9: Encourage increased use of passive and active solar and wind design in existing and new development (e.g., orienting buildings to maximize exposure to cooling effects of prevailing winds, day- lighting design, natural ventilation, space planning, thermal massing and locating landscaping and landscape structures to shade buildings). Policy 13.1.10: Consider adopting an ordinance relating to energy conservation, environmental stewardship, and sustainability for new development that incorporates the LEED standards. Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan AHS IMPACT 5.15-5: EXISTING AND/OR PROPOSED FACILITIES WOULD BE ABLE TO ACCOMMO- DATE PROJECT-GENERATED DEMAND FOR DRY UTILITIES AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES USED FOR ENERGY. Impact Analysis: Implementation of the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan would result in increased demand for all dry utilities and dry utility infrastructure to supply those services would have to be expanded as well. Arrowhead Power and Water would be responsible for coordination of the expansion of those facilities and the operation and maintenance of some of those utilities. All of these utilities would be placed underground throughout the development in easements for that purpose and would be developed in conjunction with the development of the roadway system, where easements run concurrent. As with the General Plan build-out, both SCE and The Gas Company have the ability to provide electrical and gas service but the supply maybe conditioned by the PUC and other regulatory agencies. The remaining dry utilities have a similar ability to provide service to Arrowhead Springs and are only conditioned by their ability to fund the interconnections and operations. As with the City of San Bernardino, the geothermal resources of Arrowhead Springs are used to off-set energy demand by proving a source of heat for buildings and hot water for pools and spa facilities. This resource has been historically the focus of this resort. Some research has shown that geothermal resources may be affected by intensified development of impermeable surfaces near the geothermal sources but other factors such as drilling through the hot aquifer may also contribute to the decline of geothermal springs. The exact relationship is not known. The majority of new development on the project site would occur away from existing geothermal wells and there are no current plans to drill new geothermal wells or wells through the hot aquifer. 5.15.4.3 Existing Regulations and Standard Conditions . City of San Bernardino Municipal Code, Title 13, Utilities, Chapter 13.20, Geothermal Resources, establishes requirements for development, operation and preservation of geothermal resources. Page 5.15-26 . The Planning Center July 2005 5. Environmental Analysis . City of San Bernardino Municipal Code, Title 14, Franchises, establishes requirements for the development and operation of the telecommunication services including the need for an agreement establishing a rate structure and procedures for changing the rate structure. 5.15.4.4 Level of Significance Before Mitigation San Bernardino General Plan Upon implementation of General Plan policies and programs, regulatory requirements and standard conditions of approval, the following impacts would be less that significant: GP Impact 5.15-5 There is no significant impediment to providing dry utilities for the build-out of the General Plan beyond supplies constrained by State and/or Federal regulatory agencies and no significant threat to the use of geothermal resources for energy. Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan Upon implementation of regulatory requirements and standard conditions of approval, the following impacts would be less that significant: AHS Impact 5.15-5 Dry utilities can be provided to the proposed project unless constrained by State and/or Federal regulatory agencies and geothermal resources would not be affected by the development such that this resource would continue to be available to reduce the reliance on traditional forms of energy for heating. San Bernardino General Plan ~ 5.15.4.5 Mitigation Measures No significant impacts were identified and no mitigation measures would be required for Dry Utilities. Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan No significant impacts were identified and no mitigation measures would be Dry Utilities. 5.15.4.6 Level of Significance After Mitigation Impacts would be less than significant and no mitigation would be required. Therefore no significant unavoidable adverse impacts relating to dry utilities have been identified. General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plan EIR City of San Bernardino . Page 5.15-27 5. Environmental Analysis This page intentionally left blank. Page 5.15-28 . The Planning Center July 2005