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5. Environmental Analysis
5.6 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
This section of the EI R evaluates the safety hazards in the City of San Bernardino and its Sphere of Influence
(SOl), including environmental hazards associated with hazardous waste disposal and emergency
preparedness. Background information on safety hazards provides a basis for the siting of land uses that
would reduce unreasonable risks and protect public health and welfare. Various Federal and State programs
that regulate the use, storage, and transportation of hazardous materials are also discussed in this section.
The analysis in this section is based in part on the following technical report(s):
. City of San Bernardino General Plan EIR, Chapter 4.4.3 Hazardous Materials/Uses. City of San
Bernardino. 1988.
. City of San Bernardino General Plan Update Technical Background Report, Chapter 5, Hazards,
Envicom Corporation, February 1988.
. Phase I Environmental Assessment for Arrowhead Springs, The Planning Center, March 28, 2005
A complete copy of the Phase I Assessment is included in the Technical Appendices to this Draft EIR
(Volume III, Appendix E).
5.6.1
Environmental Setting
Regulatory Background
Various Federal and State programs regulate the use, storage, and transportation of hazardous materials.
Regulations can be used to reduce or mitigate the danger that hazardous substances may pose to San
Bernardino residents, businesses, and visitors, both in normal day-to-day conditions and as a result of a
regional disaster, such as an earthquake or major flood. Several of the existing Federal and State programs
are summarized in the following paragraphs.
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Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) is a
regulatory or statute law developed to protect the water, air, and land resources from the risks created by
past chemical disposal practices. This act is also referred to as the Superfund Act and contains the National
Priority List (NPL) of sites, which are referred to as Superfund sites.
Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA)
The primary purpose of the Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) of
1986 is to inform communities and citizens of chemical hazards in their areas. Sections 311 and 312 of
EPCRA require businesses to report the locations and quantities of chemicals stored on-site to state and
local agencies. These reports help communities prepare to respond to chemical spills and similar
emergencies.
The EP A maintains and publishes a database that contains information on toxic chemical releases and other
waste management activities that are reported annually by certain industry groups and federal facilities. The
database is referred to as the T oxics Release Inventory (TRI), and it was first established under the EPCRA
and expanded by the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. EPCRA has allowed for the mandate that Toxic
Release Inventory (TRI) reports be made public. TRI reports provide accurate information about potentially
hazardous chemicals and their uses in an attempt to give the community more power to hold companies
accountable and to make informed decisions about how such chemicals should be managed.
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-1
5. Environmental Analysis
Section 3131 of EPCRA requires manufacturers to report releases to the environment of more than 600
designated toxic chemicals. These reports are submitted to the EPA and State agencies. The EPA compiles
these data into an on-line, publicly available national digital TRI. The facilities are required to report on
releases of toxic chemicals to the air, soil, and water. They are also required to report on off-site transfers of
waste for treatment or disposal at separate facilities. Pollution prevention measures and activities and
chemical recycling must also be reported.
Reporting by facilities is based on the following factors:
. If the facility has 10 or more full-time employees;
. If the facility manufactures or processes over 25,000 pounds of approximately 600 designated
chemicals, or 28 chemical categories specified in the regulations, or uses more than 10,000 pounds
of any designated chemical or category; and
. Engages in certain manufacturing operation in the industry groups specified in the U.S. Government
Standard Industrial Classification Codes (SIC) 20 through 39; or
. If the facility is a Federal facility.
Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
The Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the principal Federal law that regulates the
generation, management and transportation of waste materials. Hazardous waste management includes the
treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous waste. Treatment is defined as any process that changes the
physical, chemical, or biological character of the waste to make it less of an environmental threat. Treatment
can include neutralizing the waste, recovering energy or material resources from the waste, rendering the
waste less hazardous, or making the waste safer to transport, dispose of, or store. Storage is the holding of
waste for a temporary period of time. The waste is treated, disposed of, or stored at a different facility at the
end of the storage period. Disposal is the permanent placement of the waste into or on the land. Disposal
facilities are usually designed to contain the waste permanently and to prevent the release of harmful
pollutants to the environment.
San Bernardino County is a member of the Southern California Hazardous Waste Management Authority
(SCHWMA), and works on regional level to solve hazardous waste problems. The Hazardous Materials
Division (HMD) of the San Bernardino County Fire Department is designated by the State Secretary for
Environmental Protection as the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) for the County of San Bernardino
in order to focus the management of specific environmental programs at the local government level to
address the disposal, handling, processing, storage and treatment of local hazardous materials and waste
products.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defined hazardous waste as substances that
may cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or
incapacitating reversible illness; that pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the
environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of or otherwise managed; and whose
characteristics can be measured by a standardized test or reasonably detected by generators of solid waste
through their knowledge of their waste. Hazardous waste is also ignitable, corrosive, or explosive. A material
may also be classified as hazardous if it contains defined amounts of toxic chemicals. The EPA has
developed a list of specific hazardous wastes that are in the forms of solids, semi-solids, liquids, and gases.
Producers of such wastes include private businesses, federal, state, and local government agencies.
The California Code of Regulations, Title 22 defines hazardous materials as substances that are toxic,
ignitable or flammable, reactive, and/or corrosive. The code also defines an extremely hazardous material as
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5. Environmental Analysis
a substance that shows high acute or chronic toxicity, carcinogenity, bioaccumulative properties, is
persistent in the environment, or is water reactive.
Many different types of businesses can be producers of hazardous waste. Small businesses like dry
cleaners, auto repair shops, medical facilities or hospitals, photo processing centers, and metal plating
shops are usually generators of small quantities of hazardous waste. The EPA defines a small quantity
generator as a facility that produces between 100 and 1,000 kilograms (kg) of hazardous waste per month.
Since many of these facilities are small, start-up businesses that come and go, the list of small-quantity
generators in a particular area changes significantly over time. Often, a facility remains, but the name of the
business changes with new ownership.
Generators of large quantities of hazardous waste include chemical manufacturers, large electroplating
facilities, and petroleum refineries. A large quantity generator is a facility that produces over 1,000 Kg of
hazardous waste per month and is fully regulated under RCRA. EPA lists of hazardous waste generators
changes yearly and updated information may be obtained from the San Bernardino County Department of
Public Health or the EPA.
Hazardous Materials Disclosure Programs
Both the Federal government (Code of Federal Regulations, EPA, SARA and Title III) and the State of
California (California State Health and Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6.95, Sections 25500-25520;
California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Chapter 2, Sub-Chapter 3, Article 4, Sections 2729-2734) require all
businesses that handle more than a specified amount of hazardous materials or extremely hazardous
materials, termed a reporting quantity, to submit a Hazardous Materials Business Plan to its local CUPA.
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According to the San Bernardino County Fire Department HMD guidelines, the preparation, submittal and
implementation of a business plan is required by any business that handles a hazardous material or a
mixture containing a hazardous material in quantities equal to, or greater than, those outlined below:
. Any business that uses, generates, processes, produces, treats, stores, emits, or discharges a
hazardous material in quantities at or exceeding 55 gallons, 500 pounds, or 200 cubic feet
(compressed gas) at anyone time in the course of a year.
. All hazardous waste generators, regardless of quantity generated.
. Any business that handles, stores, or uses Category I or II pesticides, as defined by FIFRA,
regardless of amount.
. Any business that handles DOT Hazard Class 1 (explosives, found in 49 CFR) regardless of amount,
. Any business that handles extremely hazardous substances (EHSs) in quantities exceeding the
'Threshold Planning Quantity" (T.P.Q.). Extremely Hazardous Substances are designated pursuant
to the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act Section 302, and are listed in 40 CFR
Part 355. See Appendix B of this guide for an alphabetical list of EHSs.
. Any business subject to the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA), also
known as SARA Title III. Generally EPCRA includes facilities that handle hazardous substances
above 10,000 Ibs. or extremely hazardous substances above threshold planning quantities. There
are some exceptions, including retail gas stations with up to 75,000 gallons of gasoline or 100,000
gallons of diesel fuel in Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) that meet the 1998 upgrade
requirements. To get more information on EPCRA requirements call 1-800-424-9346. Due to State
disclosure consolidation laws, Tier II forms need not be submitted to the various State and Federal
agencies. Submission of your Business Emergency/ Contingency Plan will meet this requirement.
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-3
5. Environmental Analysis
However, EPCRA does require full annual inventory submission rather than a certification statement
each March 1. Also EPCRA facilities are bound by the trade secret limitations of EPCRA and must
sign every page of inventory.
. Any business that handles radioactive material that is listed in Appendix B of Chapter 1 of 10 CFR.
Businesses are required to update their business plan to the San Bernardino County Fire Department HMO
by March 1 of every year. The entire business plan must be reviewed and re-certified every 3 years. In
addition, the plan must be revised within 30 days of change of: owner; business address; business name;
emergency contact information, inventory, or other site conditions which may significantly impact emergency
response. Any mid-year revision must at minimum include a letter of explanation, the Cover Sheet, the
Activities Page, the Business Owner/Operator Identification Page, and any other information that has
changed.
Business plans must include an inventory to certify the hazardous materials at the facility. If no changes have
been made to an inventory, a written certification will suffice for an update. However, if changes have been
made, those changes must be submitted to the San Bernardino County Fire Department HMO. Businesses
are required to review their business plan at least once every three years to determine if a revision is
necessary. They must certify in writing to the San Bernardino County Fire Department HMO that a review was
conducted and all necessary changes were made. A copy of all changes must be submitted as part of the
certification. Also, business plans are required to include emergency response plans and procedures to be
used in the event of a significant or threatened significant release of a hazardous material. These plans also
need to identify the procedures to follow for immediate notification to all appropriate agencies and personnel
of a release, identification of local emergency medical assistance appropriate for potential accident
scenarios, contact information for all company emergency coordinators of the business, a listing and
location of emergency equipment at the business, an evacuation plan, and a training program for business
personnel.
Business plans are to be used by responding agencies, such as the San Bernardino County Fire Department
HMO, during a release to allow for a quick and accurate evaluation of each situation for appropriate
response. The San Bernardino County Fire Department HMO currently reviews submitted business plans and
updates. Businesses that handle hazardous materials are required by law to provide an immediate verbal
report of any release or threatened release of hazardous materials if there is a reasonable belief that the
release or threatened release poses a significant present or potential hazard to human health and safety,
property or the environment. Any business that violates any provision of the Business Emergency Plan shall
be civilly liable in an amount of not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each day of the violation.
Any business that knowingly and willfully violates any provision of the Business Emergency Plan shall be
civilly liable in an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each day of the violation. Any
person who willfully prevents, interferes with, or attempts to impede the enforcement of this chapter by any
authorized representative of an Administering Agency is, upon conviction, guilty of a misdemeanor (CHSC,
Section 25515.1). If the violation results in, or significantly contributes to an emergency, including a fire to
which the county and/or city is required to respond, the person(s) shall also be assessed the full cost of the
county and/or city emergency response as well as the cost of clean up and disposal.
The San Bernardino County Fire Department HMO is charged with the responsibility of conducting compli-
ance inspections of regulated facilities in San Bernardino County. Regulated facilities are those that handle
hazardous materials, generate or treat a hazardous waste and/or operate an underground storage tank.
Specialists are assigned countywide to address the wide variety of complex issues associated with
hazardous substances. All new installations of underground storage tanks require an inspection, along with
the removal, under strict chain-of-custody protocol, of the old tanks.
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5. Environmental Analysis
Hazardous Materials Incident Response
Thousands of different chemicals are available today, each with unique physical characteristics. What might
be an acceptable mitigation practice for one chemical could be inadequate for another. Therefore, it is
essential that agencies responding to a hazardous material release have as much available information as
possible regarding the type of chemical released, the amount released, and its physical properties to
effectively and quickly evaluate and contain the release. The EPA-required business plans are an excellent
resource for this type of information. Other sources of information are knowledgeable facility employees who
are present onsite.
In 1986, Congress passed the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). Title III of this
legislation requires that each community establish a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) that is
responsible for developing an emergency plan for preparing for and responding to chemical emergencies in
that community.
This emergency plan must include the following:
. An identification of local facilities and transportation routes where hazardous material are
present.
. The procedures for immediate response in case of an accident (this must include a community-
wide evacuation plan).
. A plan for notifying the community that an incident has occurred.
. The names of response coordinators at local facilities.
. A plan for conducting exercises to test the plan.
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The plan is reviewed by the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) and publicized throughout the
community. The LEPC is required to review, test, and update the plan each year.
The San Bernardino County Fire Department HMD is responsible for coordinating hazardous material and
disaster preparedness planning and appropriate response efforts with city departments, as well as local and
state agencies. The goal is to improve public and private sector readiness, and to mitigate local impacts
resulting from natural or man-made emergencies. The Office of Emergency Services is a branch of the San
Bernardino County Fire Department that deals with the planning for and response to the natural and techno-
logical disasters in the City of San Bernardino, while the Hazardous Materials Division of the San Bernardino
County Fire Department deals with the hazardous materials coordination and inspection in the City.
Hazardous Material Spill/Release Notification Guidance
All significant spills, releases, or threatened releases of hazardous materials must be immediately reported.
Federal and State emergency notification is required for all significant releases of hazardous materials (e.g.,
location, date and time of spill, release or threatened release, substance and quantity involved, time and
duration of the release). Requirements for immediate notification of all significant spills or threatened releases
cover: Owners, Operators, Persons in Charge, and Employers. Notification is required regarding significant
releases from facilities, vehicles, vessels, pipelines and railroads. Many State statutes require emergency
notification of a hazardous chemical release. These statutes include:
. Health and Safety Codes s25270.7, 25270.8, and 25507.
. Vehicle Code s23112.5.
. Public Utilities Code s7673, (PUC General Orders #22-B, 161).
. Government Code s51018, 8670.25.5 (a).
. Water Codes s13271, 13272.
. California Labor Code s6409.1 (b) 1 O.
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-5
5. Environmental Analysis
In addition, all releases that result in injuries, or workers harmfully exposed, must be immediately reported to
California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) (California Labor Code s6409.1 (b)).
For additional reporting requirements, also refer to the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of
1986, better known as Proposition 65, and s9030 of the California Labor Code.
The California Accidental Release Prevention Program (CaIARP) became effective on January 1, 1997 in
response to Senate Bill 1889. The CalARP replaced the California Risk Management and Prevention Program
(RMPP). Under the CalARP, the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) must adopt implementing
regulations and seek delegation of the program from the EPA. The CalARP aims to be proactive and
therefore requires businesses to prepare Risk Management Plans (RMPs), which are detailed engineering
analyses of the potential accident factors present at a business, and the mitigation measures that can be
implemented to reduce this accident potential. In most cases, local governments will have the lead role for
working directly with businesses in this program. The County of San Bernardino Fire Department is
designated as the Administering Agency for hazardous materials for the City of San Bernardino.
5.6.1.1
San Bernardino General Plan Update
Hazardous Waste Collection Centers
In the City of San Bernardino, there are approved hazardous waste management companies which offer
managing services to other companies for the treatment, disposal or storage of hazardous material. These
companies have either received a permit or have been granted interim status by the Sate of California
pending review of the facilities for compliance with federal and state regulations. According to the California
Department of Toxic Substances Control, there are no commercial hazardous waste permitted Recycling,
Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF) that accept offsite waste and perform treatment and/or
disposal in the City of San Bernardino.
In San Bernardino, household hazardous waste such as used motor oil, paints is collected at the San
Bernardino Collection Center located at 2824 East W., Street in San Bernardino.
The San Bernardino County provides specific locations to take all CRT's (cathode ray tube) from televisions,
and computer monitors, or any other electronic equipment to insure proper disposal of such harmful waste
for local community residents. Table 5.6-1 lists the CRT recyclers located within the County.
Distance from the
Company Location City (Miles)
A-1 Recycling 10651 "E" Avenue, Hesperia 38
American Metal Recycling 11150 Redwood Avenue, Fontana 18
Earth Protection Services, Inc. 2821 East Philadelphia Avenue, Ontario 26
Extreme Dream 15180 Euclid Avenue, Chino 33
Filter Recycling Services 180 West Monte Avenue, Rialto 11
Lighting Resources, Inc. 805 East Francis Street, Ontario 29
San Bernardino County Waste Management Corp Yard South Lot, 900 South, Barstow 67
Town of Apple Valley 22411 Highway 18, Apple Valley 47
TrueCycle 14749 Hesperia Road, Victorville 38
West Valley MRF, LLC 13373 Napa Street, Fontana 20
Table 5.6-1
Cathode Ray Tube Materials Recyclers in San Bernardino County
Source: Departrnent of Toxic Substances Control. Managing Hazardous Waste. CRT Materials Recyclers in San Bernardino County. Obtained March
2005 frorn http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/database/CRT Recyclers/county Iist.cfrn
Page 5.6-6 . The Planning Center
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5. Environmental Analysis
Hazardous Waste Transporters
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations govern all means of transportation, except for
those packages shipped by mail, which are covered by US Postal Service regulations. Under the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA). the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets
standards for transporters of hazardous waste and the State of California regulates the transportation of
hazardous waste in California originating in the state and passing through the state. Also, all hazardous
waste transporters must be registered with the state Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and
meet operating requirements. Senate Bill 489 of 2002 requires that transporters and facilities who handle
HWC to submit Disclosure Statements with fingerprints to DTSC for review and to immediately report of
missing hazardous wastes of concern. Additionally, the California Highway Patrol and the California
Department of Transportation have primary responsibility for enforcing federal and state regulations and
responding to hazardous materials transportation emergencies. Table 5.6-2, below is a list of registered
hazardous material transporter in the planning area, registered in 2005.
Table 5.6-2
Hazardous Waste Transporters in the City of San Bernardino
Registered within the DTSC
Company Location
Golden State Environmental Services Inc. 1497 South Gage Street
ECTI 953 West Reece Street
Brickley Environmental 957 West Reece Street
San Bernardino County Fire Department 2824 East "W" Street
Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway Co. 740 East Carnegie Drive
San Bernardino City Unified School District 956 West 9th Street
Haz Mat Trans, Inc. 230 East Dumas Street
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Source: Departrnent of Toxic Substances Control. Registered Hazardous Waste Transporter Database. Obtained March 2005 frorn
http://www.dtsc.ca. gov/HazardousWaste/TRANSRCH02. CFM
Hazardous Materials Incidence Response Along Transportation Routes
Three major interstates--1-215, 1-210, and 1-10--cross the San Bernardino planning area. Interstate 215
traverses north-south through the western portion of the City, Interstate 210 transverses east-west through
the north-central portion of the City, and Interstate 10 transverses east-west through the southernmost
portion of the City. In addition to these major interstates, State Route 330 transverse north-south through the
northeastern portion of the City and State Route 18 begins at the northern tip of San Bernardino. Major rail
lines of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Rail (BNSF) lines also travel through the City. Both the interstate
roadways and the railroad lines are used to transport hazardous materials, posing a potential for spills or
leaks from non-stationary sources to occur within the area. Trucks and trains carrying hazardous materials
are required to have placards that indicate at a glance the chemicals being carried, and whether or not they
are corrosive, flammable or explosive. Train conductors are required to carry detailed "material data sheets"
for each of the substances on board. These documents are designed to help emergency response
personnel assess the situation immediately upon arrival at the scene of an accident, and take the appropriate
precautionary and mitigation measures. The California Highway Patrol is in charge of spills that occur in or
along freeways, with the California Department of Transportation, and local sheriffs and fire departments
responsible for providing additional enforcement and routing assistance.
While train derailment can occur at anytime, it is during an earthquake that a derailment and hazardous
materials release would result in the greatest impact. According to the California Public Utilities Commission
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6- 7
5. Environmental Analysis
(1994), it is standard operating procedure to stop all trains within one hundred miles of the epicenter of a
magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquake.
Hazardous Materials Release as a Result of an Earthquake
Earthquakes have the potential to cause the accidental release of hazardous materials. It is much more
difficult to manage a hazardous materials spill in the aftermath of an earthquake than under non-earthquake
conditions. Hazardous material response teams responding to a release as a result of an earthquake have to
deal with potential structural and non-structural problems of the buildings housing the hazardous materials,
potential leaks of natural gas from ruptured pipes, and/or downed electrical lines or equipment that could
create sparks and cause a fire. When two hazards with potentially high negative consequences intersect, the
challenges of managing each are greatly increased. During an earthquake response, hazardous material
emergencies become an additional threat that must be integrated into the response management system.
Superfund, Hazardous Waste, and Toxic Release Inventory Sites
Superfund is a program administered by the EPA to locate, investigate, and clean up the worst hazardous
waste sites throughout the United States. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Information System (CERCLlS) list maintained by the EPA contains information on hazardous waste
sites, potential hazardous waste sites, and remedial activities across the nation Table 5.6-3 lists sites within
the City of San Bernardino on the CERCLlS list. The database includes sites that are on the National
Priorities List (NPL) or being considered for the NPL. Two sites within or near to the City of San Bernardino
are located on the NPL List and are designated Superfund Sites: the Norton Air Force Base and the
Newmark Groundwater Contamination site.
Table 5.6-3
CERCLlS Sites in the City of San Bernardino
Company Location
Hanford Foundry Company 119 South Arrowhead
Camp Ono 215 North of University Parkway and Cajon Boulevard
Flintkote Asbestos San Bernardino* (Site location not identified)
Lawrence E McConneheyj Trojan Plating, Inc. 268 & 236 South Mountain View Avenue
Phil's Charbroil Burgers 835 East 3rd Street
Quality Plating Inc. 456 South "I" Street
Southwest Metal Co. 740 Congress Street
on fheNPl
Newmark Groundwater Contamination Site Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin
U.S. Air Force - Norton 305 South Tippecanoe Avenue
Source: Environrnental Protection Agency. Superfund (CERCLlS) Database. Obtained March 2005 frorn
http://www . epa. gov / envi ro/htrnl! cerci is/cerci is query. htrn I
Landfills
The City of San Bernardino has no active landfills. However, the County of San Bernardino Department of
Public Works Waste Management Division operates the San Timoteo Landfill in the City of Redlands, to the
southeast of the City and the Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill to the west of the City. The San Timoteo landfill
accepts 1,000 tons per day and has an estimated capacity of 14,800,000 cubic yards. The Mid-Valley
Sanitary Landfill is located in the City of Rialto. The Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill accepts 7,500 tons per day of
Page 5.6-8 . The Planning Center
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5. Environmental Analysis
solid waste and has an estimated capacity of 62,000,000 cubic yards 1 (see Section 5.15 for discussion of
solid waste impacts).
Norton Air Force Base
According to EP A data, the former Norton Air Force Base (AFB) is a designated superfund site located within
the eastern portion of the City of San Bernardino. The 2,165-acre Norton Air Force Base site began
operations in 1942 and served as a major overhaul center for jet engines and the general repair of aircraft.
The site had the responsibility of providing maintenance and logistics for liquid-fuel intercontinental ballistic
missiles. In 1987, the EPA added this site to the NPL noting soil contaminants that include polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCB), trichloroethylene (TCE) , petroleum hydrocarbons, lead and other toxic metals, and
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Norton AFB was closed in 1994 under the Base Realignment and Closure
Act.
Past hazardous waste management practices may have contributed to existing contamination problems
throughout the base. The practices include burial of drums and other unspecified materials; disposal of
waste oils, solvents, and paint residues into landfills, unlined pits, ponds, and drying beds; storage in leaking
underground tanks; and spills of AVGAS, oils, solvents, PCBs, and acidic plating solutions. Industrial
solvents have been used extensively on the base. Unknown quantities of spent solvents were disposed of in
several base landfills.
The Norton AFB plume stretches 2112 miles long and contaminates 100,000 acre-feet of groundwater.
Groundwater contamination has affected several municipal drinking water wells. November 1986, the
California Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a Cleanup and Abatement Order requiring Norton
AFB to clean up one on-base area, the Industrial Waste Water Treatment Plant Sludge Drying Beds. Phase 11-
Stage 2 of the IRP was completed in December 1986. More than 22 areas have been identified to date.
Additional areas will be studied in Stage 3. Within the boundaries of this Federal facility, there are areas
subject to the Subtitle C corrective action authorities of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA). The Air Force continues to operate a groundwater pump and treatment system and 17 of the 22
contaminated sites at the facility have become non-hazardous.
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A Draft Action Memorandum released in August of 2003 calls for Installation Restoration Program (IRP) on
Sites 10 to 12 to remove contaminated soil at the former Norton AFB. The cleanup was scheduled to being in
late 2003 to remove dioxin contaminated soil at I RP Site 10 that is on the south side of the Palm Meadows
Golf Course along the Santa Ana River wash and remove metal-contaminated soil at Site 12, on the east end
of the golf course. The Action Memorandum explains that approximately 19,000 cubic yards of soil,
impacting approximately 6 acres, will be removed and disposed of off-site at an approved facility.
Surface and Subsurface Groundwater Contamination
The San Bernardino Bunker Hill Sub-basin in the Upper Santa Ana Valley Groundwater Basin, which is
bounded by the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and the San Bernardino Mountains to the east, shows
contamination from TCE and PCE above acceptable California State Action levels of five parts per billion
(ppb) for TCE and four ppb for tetrachloroethylene (PCE) (also known as perchloroethylene or PERC).
Nitrates have also been identified at the site in concentrations above State action levels for nitrates of 45
parts per million (ppm).
1 California Integrated Waste Management Board. Active Landfills Profile for San Timoteo Sanitary Landfill (36-AA-0087).
Capacity information. 2000.
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-9
5. Environmental Analysis
Groundwater Contamination Clean-Up Sites (Cortese List)
The Cortese list database identifies hazardous waste sites selected for remedial action and UST properties
having a reportable release and is maintained by the EPNOffice of Emergency Information. According to the
California Department of Toxic Substances Control-Site Clean-Up there are two sites in the planning area for
remedial clean up on the Cortese list: the former Norton Air Force Base is a 2,208 acres site southeast of the
planning area and the Newmark Groundwater Contamination site in the northern portion of the Bunker Hill
Ground Water Basin2.
Newmark Groundwater Contamination
The Newmark Groundwater Contamination site underlies portion ofthe planning area with two groundwater
plumes on either side of Shandin Hills. Newmark Plume area stretches to 5 miles on the east side of Shandin
Hills and on the west side lies the Muscoy Plume area, extending for 4 miles north. Contaminants found in
these plumes include chlorinated solvents, PCE and TCE, resulting in the closing of 20 water supply wells
within a 6-mile radius. The Newmark Groundwater Contamination Site was listed on the NPL in 1989. The
City Municipal Water Department under contract to the U.S. EPA, brought 12 ofthe wells back into operation
by installing air stripping towers on eight wells and carbon filtration systems on the other four.
For the Newmark Plume Area, a remedy was chosen in 1993 to pump and treat about 18 million gallons of
contaminated water per day. This would prevent additional contaminants from entering this part of the valley.
The Muscoy Plume Area was dividend into two projects: the Muscoy Plume that would control the spread of
contamination into clean area, and the Source Project that would address final cleanup of the source of
contamination. The water from both plumes would be treated by conventional activated carbon adsorption
technology to meet all drinking water standards. The treated water will be delivered to the local municipal
water departments, which will bear the majority of the operating costs. While no immediate actions were
required at the Newmark Groundwater Contamination site, the San Bernardino Municipal Water Department
has constructed and operated four wellhead treatment systems to ensure the safety of the public water
supply.
Underground Storage Tanks
Federal laws and regulations relating to underground storage tanks used to store hazardous materials
(including petroleum products) require that underground storage tank owners and operators register their
tanks with EPA or delegated agencies. Federal regulations also require extensive remodeling and upgrading
of underground storage tanks, including installation of leak detections systems. Tank removal and testing
procedures are also specified.
State laws relating to underground storage tanks include permitting, monitoring, closure, and cleanup
requirements. Regulations set forth construction and monitoring standards, monitoring standards for existing
tanks, release reporting requirements, and closure requirements. Old tanks must eventually be replaced. All
new tanks must be double-walled, with an interstitial monitoring device to detect leaks. All soil and ground-
water contamination must be cleaned up. The Hazardous Materials Division of the San Bernardino County
Fire Department is the local agency designated to permit and inspect underground storage tanks and to
implement related regulations (Section 103.3.1.1 of the California Fire Code). This would ensure that
hazardous substances stored in underground tanks are not released into groundwater and/or the
environment. Specialists inspect underground storage tanks (USTs), monitoring equipment, and inventory
records of UST systems to ensure that the systems comply with applicable laws and regulations.
2 Department of Toxic Substances Control. DTSC's Hazardous Waste and Substances Site List (Cortese List), San
Bernardino County. Obtained March 2005 from
http:J Jwww.dtsc.ca.gov JdatabaseJCalsitesJCortese _ List.cfm?cou nty= 36
Page 5.6-10 . The Planning Center
july 2005
5. Environmental Analysis
Table 5.6-4 lists facilities in the City of San Bernardino that have underground storage tanks.
Table 5.6-4
Facilities with Underground Storage Tanks in San Bernardino
Company Location Company Location
Food N Fuel #28* 3404 Del Rosa Avenue Omnitrans Para Transit 234 S. "I" Street
Mobil Oil 18-HQ 1 * 2742 Del Rosa Avenue San Shell* 907 W. Mill Street
Del Rosa Shell Service* 2886 Del Rosa Avenue Southern California Gas Co. 155 S. "G" Street
007183*
Tosco SS #30806-5128* 2735 Del Rosa Avenue ARCO 2696 Foothill Boulevard
Circle K #5239 2734 Del Rosa Avenue UNOCAL 76 799 W. Baseline Street
Victoria Guernsey #1 133 E. 40th St K&S Enterprise* 296 E. Baseline Street
Saint Bernardino Medical 2101 N. Waterman Avenue Lanndo, Larry* 147 E. Baseline Street
Center
Merit Oil Co. 2601 Del Rosa Avenue Food N Fuel* 1055 N. Waterman Avenue
Verizon San Bernardino 1796 N. "I" Street Merit Oil Co. 1405 W. Rialto Avenue
Highland Shell* 1108 W. Highland Avenue Circle K #5249 105 S. Pepper Avenue
ARCO Facility #9698* 995 W. Highland Avenue Roesch Lines, Inc 844 E. 9th Street
Smog Pros/ARCO #5049* 189 W. Highland Avenue G&M Oil Co., Inc #67* 187 N. "F" Street
Verizon/Marshall Co. 3116 N. "E" Street East Valley Water District 1155 Del Rosa Avenue
Tosco SS #5193* 3003 N. "E" Street A C Byers Trucking 767 W. Congress Street
Choice Automotive 1292 N. "H" Street ARCO Petroleum #6227 702 W. 2nd Street
Circle K #5240 3008 N. "E" Street ARCO Petroleum #5266* 794 W. Baseline Street
ARCO #9254 3296 N. "E" Street ARCO Petroleum #5082* 605 N. "H" Street
Auto Lab & Fuel* 847 W. Highland Avenue Verizon/San Bernardino 665 N. "E" Street
Verizon/Muscoy Co.* 3388 Cajon Boulevard HIEP THANH Market 337 E. 9th Street
Cal Mat Co 2400 W. Highland Avenue J. Hubbs & Sons/7th St. Dump West end of 7th Street
ARCO Facility #9524 2087 W. Highland Avenue 4th St. Rock Crusher* 1945 W. 4th Street
McLane Southern California 4472 Georgia Boulevard Community Hospital! San 1805 Medical Center Drive
Inc Bernardino
Payless Gasoline* 795 W. 40th Street C-Star Service Station 1545 W. 5th Street
Devore Mini Mart 1670 Devore Road SC-San Bernardino City USD 956 W. 9th Street
Fitch, Elan 3199 North State Street State of California Highway 2211 Western Avenue
Patrol
Met Gasoline Service* 1030 Kendall Drive R.H. Ballard Rehab Hospital 1760 W. 16th Street
Seven-11 #2131-26934 3211 Kendall Drive Arrowhead SP CH/Conference 24600 Arrowhead Springs
Center Road
University Shell 3909 Hallmark Parkway United Oil #36* 235 E. Baseline Street
Econo Lube N Tube 1685 Kendall Drive CO-Vehicle Service 210 N. Lena Road
MJ's Market 2795 N. Macy Street CO-San Bernardino/Gilbert St. 670 E. Gilbert
Office
North End AM-PM 5985 Palm Avenue Mobile 3225 Little League Drive
SC-Child Nutrition Center 1257 Northpark Boulevard SAAB's Ultramart 1933 W. Highland Avenue
Jack's Disposal Service, Inc. 5455 Industrial Avenue Charter Leasing Co. 265 W. Mill Street
ARCO AM-PM #81430 1677 Devore Road Bonadiman McCain, Inc. 280 S. Lena Road
ELCO Contractors 1995 Nolan Street Armored Transport of 372 S. Arrowhead Road
California*
ARCO AM-PM #5887 3890 University Parkway City Water Reclamation Facility 399 Chandler Place
G&M #76 4095 University Parkway Waterman Shell* 1930 S. Waterman Avenue
City of San Bernardino 4294 University Parkway TOSCO SS #30776-4975* 1950 S. Waterman Avenue
Central Garage
Econo Lube & Tube #65* 182 S. Sierra Way Food N Fuel #24* 2649 S. Waterman Avenue
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-11
~
5. Environmental Analysis
Table 5.6-4
Facilities with Underground Storage Tanks in San Bernardino
Company Location Company Location
Ford Wholesale Co. 222S E. Club Center Drive ARCO Facility #9715* 1945 S. Tippecanoe Avenue
Orange Show Service Center 1470 S. Tippecanoe Avenue Mountainview Power CO LLC* 25770 San Bernardino Avenue
Circle K #8641 * 520 W. Orange Show Road ARCO #5214* 305 E. Redlands Avenue
San Bern. Fire Station #11 295 S. Waterman Avenue Waxie's Enterprises Inc. 1707 Riverview Drive
Wonder Bread/Hostess Cake 450 E. Vanderbilt Way Harber Companies Inc. 1880 Riverview Drive
State California Highway Patrol 125 W. Mill Street Orange Shell* 505 W. Orange Show Road
City Water Department/EST Lift 847 E. Brier Drive G & M Oil Co, Inc. #47* 501 Inland Center Drive
Verizon Norton Co. 1302 S. "E" Street ARCO Petroleum #5267* 495 S. Waterman Avenue
Costco 1505 E. Enterprise Drive AT&T Toll Building 455 W. 2nd Street
M&M Automotive 1099 E. Hospitality Lane City Water Department Yard* 195 N. "0" Street
State Consolidated Offices 464 W. 4th Street ARCO Facility #9696* 247 E. 40th Street
Building
Chevron 4304 Highland Avenue Waterman Ultramart 2908 N. Waterman Avenue
Wildwood Shell* 295 E. 40th Street
Source: California State Water Quality Control Board. Underground Storage Tank Prograrn., Geotracker. March 29, 2005 Obtained frorn
http://www.geotracker.swrcb.ca.gov/datat Note: This data is undergoing data cleanup and rnay contain errors.
* Also listed on inventory of leaking underground fuel tanks but narne of owner rnay have changed (see below).
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs)
Leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs) have been recognized since the early 1980s as the primary
cause of groundwater contamination by gasoline compounds and solvents. In California, regulations aimed
at protecting against UST leaks have been in place since 1983, one year before the Federal RCRA was
amended to add Subtitle I requiring UST systems to be installed in accordance with standards that address
the prevention of future leaks. The Federal regulations are found in the Code of Federal Regulations, parts
280-281. The State law and regulations are found in the California Health and Safety Code, Division 20,
Chapter 6.7, and in the California Code of Regulations Title 23, Division 3, Chapter 16, commonly referred to
as the "Underground Tank Regulations." Federal and state programs include leak reporting and investigation
regulations, and standards for clean up and remediation. UST cleanup programs are available to fund the
remediation of contaminated soil and ground water caused by leaking tanks. California's program is more
stringent than the Federal program, requiring that all tanks be double walled, and prohibiting gasoline
delivery to non-compliant tanks. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has been designated
the lead regulatory agency in the development of UST regulations and policy.
Older tanks are typically single-walled steel tanks. Many of these have leaked as a result of corrosion and
detached fittings. As a result, the State of California required the replacement of older tanks with new double-
walled, fiberglass tanks with flexible connections and monitoring systems. UST owners were given a ten-year
period to comply with the new requirements, and the deadline came due on December 22, 1998. However,
many UST owners did not act by the deadline, so the State granted an extension for the Replacement of
Underground Storage Tanks (RUST) program to January 1, 2002. To enforce these requirements after this
program ended in 2002, the State Water Resource Control Board (WRCB) implemented "Red Tag"
regulations, effective June 12, 2004, which resulted in changes to Title 23 of the California Code of
Regulations. The Red Tag regulations created by the State WRCB define significant violations of USTs and
violations that are an imminent threat to health or safety of the environment. To implement this program the
State WRCB created the UST Enforcement Unit to support both the leak prevention and cleanup side of the
UST program by investigation fraud and violations of UST laws and regulations. Local agencies, such as the
local RWQCB, have enforcement authority to red tag USTs if they fail to correct the violation within 7
Page 5.6-12 . The Planning Center
july 2005
5. Environmental Analysis
business days. Underground storage tanks that are red tagged are prevented from being filled with
petroleum.
Leaking Underground Fuel Tanks (LUFTs)
The California Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB), in cooperation with the Office of
Emergency Services (OES), maintains an inventory of leaking underground fuel tanks (LUFTs) in a statewide
database. Table 5.6-5 lists facilities within the City of San Bernardino which have leaking underground fuel
tanks.
Table 5.6-5
Facilities with Leaking Underground Fuel Tanks(LUFTs) in San Bernardino
Name Location Name Location
Ranger Unit Headquarters 3800 Sierra Way Vista Manufacturing Company 1 087 9th Street
U.S. Post Office 1341 "E" Street Chevron 3197 "E" Street
Mobil #18-ELG 296 Baseline Street 7 -UP Bottling Company 1400 "H" Street
San Bernardino Pipe and 939 Inland Center Drive Unocal #0404 487 Highland Avenue
Supply
Future Police State 700 "0" Street Thrifty Oil #326 1208 Mount Vernon Avenue
Von Steenwyk Property 1008 Highland Avenue Unocal #6968 187 "F" Street
Shell Service Station 505 Orange Show Road Norton AFB Bldg 762 Leland Norton Way (7th)
Allen Property 895 2nd Street Inco Service Station 796 5th Street
U-Haul Center of Central City 110 "0" Street Norton AFB Bldg. 749 Paul Villasenor Boulevard
Shell #10359 10359 Tippecanoe Avenue Curran Rubbish Disposal 549 San Jacinto Street
Mobil #18-ARM 807 Mill Street Equilon/Enterprises Shell 1973 Tippecanoe Boulevard
Norton AFB Bldg 736 George Webster Drive ("B" St) EXXON Service Station #3506 1998 Highland Avenue
Gas Station (Former Muffler 108 3rd Street Norton AFB Bldg. 226 1 06th Street
Shop)
Iskandar Texaco 24914 5th Street Industrial Asphalt 2340 Highland Avenue
Alta Dena Dairy 341 Mount Vernon Avenue California Department of 247 3rd Street
Transportation Garage
TFI Appliance Service 941 Inland Center Drive Viking Tire 747 Rialto Avenue
Firestone Store (BFS 677 W. 4th Street Fargo Station 255 5th Street
#180513)
One Day Paint & Body 288 "E" Street ARCO #6365 - AM/PM 2898 Rialto Avenue
Minimart
Caltrans Panorama Hwy 18, Milepost 15.84 San Bernardino Company 825 3rd Street
Pt..Maint. St. Vehicle Service
Merit Oil Co. 1405 Rialto Avenue Gallagher Beauty & Barber 190 Arrowhead Avenue
Supply
Charter Leasing 265 Mill Street Omnitrans 1700 5th Street
Support Services Building 1333 Tippecanoe Avenue Norton AFB Bldg. 647 Location #15
Circle K 2505 Waterman Avenue California Highway Patrol 2211 Western Avenue
San Bernardino Car Wash 2266 Sierra Way Norton AFB Bldg. 228 "W" Street
Orbit Stations, Inc 908 Tippecanoe Avenue Norton AFB Bldg. 300 "u" Street
Chuby Chassis 275 "G" Street Atchison, Topeka & Sate Fe 1170 3rd Street
Railway
General Services Agency 777 Rialto Avenue Shepardson Property 328 Mountain View Avenue
Valley Gas/ Auto Repair 1195 Waterman Avenue ARCO 2696 Foothill Boulevard
Buy Rite Gas 906 Waterman Avenue Camp Essex ( J09CA027800) -
Conoco (Kayo Oil/Econo) 1169 2nd Street Matlock Transportation 550 Caroline Street
ARCO #5181 572 Mount Vernon Avenue Levitz Furniture 736 Inland Center Drive
Mobil #18-ELG 296 Baseline Street B&O Towing 2101 Highland Avenue
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-13
~
5. Environmental Analysis
Table 5.6-5
Facilities with Leaking Underground Fuel Tanks(LUFTs) in San Bernardino
Name Location Name Location
S. B. County Medical Center 780 Gilbert Street Norton AFB Bldg 726 East Street
Unocal #3444 25716 Baseline Street Kam Shell 799 Baseline Street
Norton AFB Bldg. 468 Harry Sheppard Boulevard Pauley Petroleum 898 Sierra Way
Norton AFB (S-290 TANK) S-290 Tank (IRP Site 15) Glen Helen Regional Park 2555 Glen Helen Parkway
Unocal #2281 300 3rd Street Interstate Brands 1111 9th Street
Norton AFB Bldg. 248 1 06th Street Pronto Marketing #316 1198 Highland Avenue
Shell #1108 1108 Highland Avenue Seccombe Lake Park 7th Street
Norton AFB Bldg. 427 Enterprise (0 Street) La Mancha (Former Mobil SS) 415 5th Street
Farmdale Creamery, Inc. 1049 Baseline Street Unocal #1842 301 Baseline Street
S & G Roofing Supply, Inc. 1444 Tippecanoe Avenue Mobil #18-F1 W 100 Highland Avenue
Fame Liquors 108 Baseline Street Super Cal Express 958 Rialto Avenue
Five Star Liquor and Market 306 Mount Vernon Avenue Truck O'Mat 1955 Hunts Lane
American National Can Co. 5715 Industrial Parkway Inland Beverage Company 223 "G" Street
Goodyear Tire Co. 774 "E" Street Thrifty Oil #325/ARCO #9697 2187 Highland Avenue
E- Z Service 798 Highland Avenue Norton AFB Bldg. 675 Leland Norton Way (7th)
S & G Dairy 542 Marshall Boulevard Texaco Service Station 797 2nd Street
Fairco, Inc. 915 Scenic Drive C S U S B Physical Plant 5500 University Parkway
Circle K #335 24901 5th Street Chevron 598 "H" Street
Norton AFB Bldg. 100 Perimeter Drive Jack's Disposal Service 380 Oak Street
Roesh Lines, Inc. 844 9th Street Norton AFB Bldg. 650 "0" Street
Gas Plus 1266 "E" Street Norton AFB Bldg. 695 West Parking Ramp
Norton AFB Bldg. 333 East Parking Ramp Del Rosa Work Center 4121 Quail Canyon Road
Holiday Oldsmobile 1388 "E" Street Norton AFB Bldg. 754 7th Street
Waterman Shell Station 1930 Waterman Avenue Salvation Army 925 10th Street
Archer JC LLC (Abandoned) 208 Waterman Avenue White Rose Dairy 697 Waterman Avenue
Norton A\F B Bldg .620 "0" Street HMC Development 1375 Baseline Road
Nevada Investment Holdings 499 Orange Show Road Sirion Printing Ink Co. 730 Lugo Avenue
(Alameda Management #512)
La Mancha Development 415 5th Street Joey's Body Shop 916 6th Street
Norton AFB Bldg. 289 "Y" Street San Bern. Fire Station #3 2121 Medical Center Drive
Frank's Fence 1145 Waterman Avenue ARCO #5297 1999 Baseline Street
Norton AFB Bldg. 645 "0" Street U HAUL of San Bernardino 110 "0" Street
ARCO #6227 702 2nd Street Norton AFB Bldg. 142 2nd Place
Norton AFB Bldg. S-21 Memorial (2nd Street) Chevron #9-9125 198 "E" Street
Norton AFB Bldg. 169 2nd Place Rialto Gas Station 1991 "A" Street
Retail Delivery Systems 737 College Drive McClane Co. 4472 Georgia Boulevard
(Cornell Carthage)
Morrison Hope, Inc. 205 Arrowhead Avenue Smooth Move 207 Walkinshaw Street
San Bern. Fire Station #10 502 Arrowhead Avenue Sparkle Car Wash 276 Highland Ave
Glen Helen Rehabilitation 1800 Institutional Road Roadway Express Inc. 345 Allen Street
Center
Lorna Linda University Support 1333 S. Tippecanoe Avenue Daugherty Company 895 Inland Center Drive
Services Building
Source: California State Water Quality Control Board. Underground Storage Tank Prograrn., Geotracker. March 29, 2005. Obtained frorn
http://www.geotracker.swrcb.ca. gov / data(
Note: List does not include leaking fuel tanks identified on Table 5.6-4 with an asterisk.
Page 5.6-14 . The Planning Center
july 2005
5. Environmental Analysis
Spills, Leaks, Investigations, and Cleanups
The Spills, Leaks, Investigations, and Cleanups (SLlC) Section of the California Environmental Protection
Agency (Cal EP A) oversees activities at non-underground storage tank (UST) sites where soil or groundwater
contamination have occurred. Many of these sites are former industrial facilities and dry cleaners, where
chlorinated solvents were spilled, or have leaked into the soil or groundwater. The SLlC Program is set up so
that reasonable expenses incurred by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and Regional
Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs) in overseeing water quality matters can be recovered from the
responsible party.
The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board's Spill, Leaks, Investigation and Cleanup (SLlC) List
(July, 2004) has identified a number of businesses in San Bernardino City that may be contaminated. It will
be important to ensure that the proper environmental analysis and clean-up are conducted prior to
development or redevelopment on these sites. Table 5.6-5 lists businesses on the SLlC List.
Name Location Contaminant
US Army Training Center 296 E. 3rd Street TCE, Benzene
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 1170 W. 3rd Street Solvent, TPH
Hanford Foundry Company 119 S. Arrowhead Metals
Camp Ono Plume Bunker Hill I Basin TCE,PCE
North San Bernardino Plume Bunker Hill II Basin TCE,PCE
Tri City Tires 1121 S. "E" Street Waste Oil
T.H.G. Leased Property 5518 Industrial Parkway Metals
US Air Force - Norton Mill Street Solvents
Salter Company (Norton AFB) Mill Street Hydraulic Oil
Southern Pacific Rail Yard Mill Street, "E" Street TPH,PB,AS
BNSF 1500 West Rialto TPH, Solvent
CalNev Pipeline Company Cajon Creek Area (County) Jet fuel
Table 5.6-6
Spills, Leaks, Investigations, and Cleanups(SLlC) in San Bernardino
~
Source: Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. SLICK List. July 2004 http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/rwqcb8/htrnVslic dod section.htrnl
Airports
San Bernardino International Airport
Prior the closure of the Norton Air Force Base in 1994, the Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA) and
San Bernardino International Airport Authority (SBIAA) were established as a regional Joint Powers
Authorities formed in 1990 and 1992, respectively. The agencies serve as master developers of the 2100
acres of the former military property now known as the San Bernardino International Airport and Trade
Center, which includes a full-service airport. It is located on 294 S. Leland Norton Way on the second level of
the former Norton Air Force Base bounded by Interstate 10 to the south, Interstate 215 to the east, and State
Route 30 to the south. This 2,1 OO-acre facility provides domestic, international charter services, cargo/freight,
and aeronautical services. In addition to the aeronautical services, this facility consisting of a 10,OOO-foot
runway, provides 24-hour armed security and contains 80 commercial and industrial businesses, two aircraft
maintenance facilities, and the 18-hole Palm Meadows Golf Course. A Comprehensive Land Use Plan
(CLUP) and Airport Master Plan have not been adopted for the SBIA.
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-15
5. Environmental Analysis
Other Airports
Ontario International Airport (aNT) is located approximately 25 miles southwest of the City. This airport is
home base for approximately 425 commercial operations daily. It provides over 14 major passenger air lines
and 11 major U.S. air freight carriers transporting over 6.5 million passengers and 547,461 tons of freight
respectively grossing in over $ 6 billion of Regional Economic Impact for the community in 2002. This airport
has flight paths that fly over parts of the City. The Riverside Municipal Airport is located approximately 12
miles south of the City and there are also two general aviation airports in the area, one to the west in Rialto
and the second to the southeast in Redlands. There are also private 5 helipads in the planning area.
Wildland Fire Hazards
The fire hazard of an area is typically based on the density and type of vegetation, topography, weather,
dwelling unit density, and whether or not there are local mitigation measures in place that help reduce the
zone's fire rating such as an extensive network of fire hydrants, fire-rated construction, or fuel modification
zones. The City of San Bernardino abuts the San Bernardino Mountains to the north, and much of its
planning area is located in a high fire area. According to the City's Municipal Code Chapter 19.15, the City
designates a fire overlay district identifies three foothill fire zones with different degrees of hazard based on
slope, type of fuel present and natural barriers. The are divided as Fire Zone A being Extreme Hazard that
includes areas with slopes of 30 percent or greater, Fire Zone B being High Hazard that includes area with
slopes between 15 and 30 percent, Fire Zone C being Moderate Hazard that includes slopes between 0 and
15 percent, and Fire Zone C, Abutting Wildlands includes those lots on the perimeter of a tract that are
adjacent to wildlands.
Oil, Gas and Geothermal Fields
The map of "Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Fields in California, 2001," published by the California Department of
Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas & Geothermal Resources (DOGGR), shows that oil fields are not present or
have been present in San Bernardino. Additionally, the City of San Bernardino does not have any known
reservoirs of natural gas or petroleum. Therefore, issues associated with the development and
redevelopment of oil fields, such as oil-impacted soils that need to be treated or disposed of offsite, or the
proper re-abandonment of oil wells, do not apply to the San Bernardino planning area.
However, according to this map, the City of San Bernardino is located within Geothermal District 2.
Numerous geothermal wells and natural geothermal seeps are associated with Geothermal District 2 and are
present in the City of San Bernardino and SOl areas. While many people tend to associate properties of the
natural hot springs with holistic healing within the San Bernardino and Arrowhead Springs area, geothermal
resources within the City and SOl areas are not without hazards. High concentrations of mercury in the soil
are coincident with surface thermal outlets. In the hot springs, mercury is more highly concentrated in the
gas bubbles than in the spring water. Therefore, mercury may be enriched in soil as a result of vapor phase
migration. In the Penyugal Canyon area of Arrowhead Springs (sometimes referred to as Hot Canyon Creek
which is west of the hotel), soil samples of excess of 250 parts per billion (ppb) of mercury have been
recorded3. Furthermore, natural hot springs in the Arrowhead Springs area release significant quantities of
free gases (40 cc/minute), including helium, hydrogen, radon, and the light hydrocarbons; methane, ethane,
propane, iso-butane, and normal butane4.
3 Resource Investigation of Low- and Moderate- Temperature Geothermal Areas in San Bernardino California. California
Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, DMG Open-File Report 82-11, 1981
4 Resource Investigation of Low- and Moderate- Temperature Geothermal Areas in San Bernardino California. California
Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, DMG Open-File Report 82-11, 1981
Page 5.6-16 . The Planning Center
july 2005
5. Environmental Analysis
5.6.1.2 Arrowhead Springs
The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is currently developed as the former Arrowhead Springs Resort
most recently operated by Campus Crusade for Christ, International. The facilities currently consist of
approximately 34 buildings including an historic hotel, an auditorium, a chapel, dormitories, a pool and
cabanas, residential bungalows, office buildings, and maintenance buildings. However, only the office,
maintenance, and select bungalow buildings are currently utilized.
Historical Usage of the Arrowhead Springs Area
In 1857, Dr. David Noble Smith along with John Brown developed the springs and created the Spa at
Arrowhead Springs in 1863 also known as a Hygienic Sanitarium. The first Arrowhead Hotel was built by
David Noble Smith around 1868, and Messrs. Darby and Lyman of Los Angeles, who had been leasing the
Hotel from Dr. Smith, built the second Arrowhead Springs Hotel in 1885. A third Arrowhead Springs Hotel
was constructed in 1905, by San Bernardino businessman Seth Marshall and he started bottling "Arrowhead
Springs Water", actually water from Waterman Creek, to supply customers in southern California and
Arizona. In 1930, the water supply changed from Waterman Creek to springs at the 5300-foot level in
Strawberry Creek to upgrade the changing water quality in Waterman Creek due to the development of
homes nearby. In 1939, a new concrete hotel was constructed and after a number of owners, it was sold to
Campus Crusade for Christ in 1962 and they still own the hotel and property at the present time
In addition to the site's use as a resort facility, aerial photographs ofthe Arrowhead Springs area indicate that
small areas of the site appear to have been used for agricultural purposes (orchards and row crops) in the
early 1930s. However, by 1953, much of these uses had been abandoned.
Hazardous Waste
~
The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is not listed within on the NPL or listed on the CERCLlS List.
CERCLlS status indicates that a site was once on the CERCLlS List but has No Further Response Actions
Planned (NFRAP). Sites on the CERCLlS-NFRAP List were removed from the CERCLlS List in February 1995
because, after an initial investigation was performed, no contamination was found, contamination was
removed quickly, or the contamination was not significant enough to warrant NPL status. The Arrowhead
Springs Specific Plan area is not listed as a RCRA facility or generator. In addition, the Arrowhead Springs
planning area is not listed as a State Site or a State Spill Site on the CalSite database. Furthermore, the
planning area is not on the Cortese List, LUSTs, state landfills, solid waste disposal sites, or mines are
located within the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan Area.
The Arrowhead Spring Specific Plan is listed on the Federal Emergency Response Notification System
(ERNS) list. Review of information regarding the listing on the Natural Response Center website database
revealed the listing was due to a non-PCB transformer leak reported on December 29, 2003. According to
the report, 20 gallons of oil material (non-PCB mineral) were released to water from two pole mounted
transformers due to mudslides. The material released was listed as Oil, MISC: Mineral (Non-PCB). The report
indicated that the leak was a single, isolated incident, the water supply was not contaminated, and the
release was secured.
Proximity to High-Pressure Gas Lines or Fuel Transmission Lines
Seven companies, including the Southern California Gas Company (SCGC) which provides gas services in
the vicinity of the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area, were identified on the Underground Service Alert
(USA) website, on February 2, 2005, as companies that operate transmission lines within the planning area.
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-17
5. Environmental Analysis
Proximity to High-Pressure Water Lines
The Municipal Water Department (MWD) is constructing the Inland Feeder Project, which is nearly 44 miles
of pipeline, 12 to 14 feet in diameter, which will convey water between Devil Canyon and MWD's Colorado
River Aqueduct south of Lake Perris, near the city of San Jacinto.5,6,l. The Inland Feeder project is designed
to increase Southern California's water supply reliability in the face of future weather pattern uncertainties.
The east branch of the Inland Feeder water project obtains its source water from Lake Silverwood. The high-
capacity, gravity fed pipeline will be capable of delivering water at a rate of 31 m3jsec (1,000 cfs) or 646
million gallons a day. A portion ofthe Inland Feeder Project transverses the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan
area (see Figure 3.3-11). The Arrowhead segment of the Inland Feeder Project enters the Arrowhead Springs
property on the western property boundary through the West Portal tunnel from Devil Canyon, continues
eastward and then southward for approximately 1,480 feet through the property before entering the
Strawberry Creek Portal and tunnel to the City Creek portal. According to the contractor, these new tunnels
are designed to withstand 900 ft of hydrostatic water pressure, a standard no tunnel in the world has ever
had to meet. 8
Underground Storage Tanks
Review of the County of San Bernardino Fire Department CUPA on February 23, 2005 revealed six
underground storage tanks were removed or abandoned at the subject site in 1989.
Five UST s were removed under permit number SB-73-88 on February 1, 1989. Soil samples were taken from
soils in the vicinity ofthe USTs at the maintenance building and the ranger station by Alms Services, Inc. The
job inspection record indicates that the site will be final and approved for backfill upon test results. Test
results provided to the County of San Bernardino Department of Environmental Health (DEH) dated March 9,
1989, were located in the file. According to the San Bernardino County Fire Department Hazardous Materials
Division, there are no environmental concerns associated with the five tanks removed at the subject site.
The remaining historic UST is located adjacent to the current hotel. Research revealed plans to fill this UST in
place based on the proximity to the hotel foundation. Water was properly removed from the tank and soil
samples were taken in the vicinity of the UST. Based on the samples collected, the DEH issued a letter,
dated May 10, 1989, stating residual hydrocarbon contamination near the hotel UST was not at a level to
warrant further investigation. A letter approving the closure of the hotel UST by filling in place was dated July
25, 1989. No documentation indicating that the UST was filled is available in the files reviewed. According to
the San Bernardino County Fire Department Hazardous Materials Division, although a closure letter cannot
be issued based on the lack of documentation that the UST was properly filled-in place, the area surrounding
the site is not contaminated and the UST does not represent an environmental concern at this time.
Two active USTs currently exist on the subject site. The USTs are operated under the current permit numbers
PT0011599 and PT0011600. The USTs were upgraded in 1998 and soils were sampled in conjunction with
the upgrades. A "no further investigation" letter was issued for the active USTs on January 29, 1999, and an
upgrade compliance certificate was issued on February 3, 1999.
5 California Regional Water Quality Control Board. Amendment to Order No. 99-21, NPDES No. CA8000394,. Obtained April 2005
from http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/santaana/pdf/01-14.pdf
6 Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Riverside Badlands Tunnel, Inland Feeder Project: The Challenges Between
Concept and Completion. Obtained April 2005 from http://www.hatch.ca/lnfrastructure/Riverside_ Badlands Tunnels Jeeder.pdf
7 Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Inland Feeder Project at a Glance. Obtained April 2005 from
http://www.mwdh2o.com/mwdh2o/pages/yourwater/supply/inlandfdr01.html
8 Polar Inertia. (2005, March/April). Water Infrastructure. Inland Feeder Project. http://www.polarinertia.com/mar05/water01.htm
Page 5.6-18 . The Planning Center
july 2005
5. Environmental Analysis
Recognized Environmental Conditions and Known or Suspect Environmental Conditions
A site visit to observe site conditions was conducted on February 1 , 2005 to observe the exterior portions of
the property, including the Arrowhead Springs boundaries.
Use, Storage, and Disposal of Petroleum Products and Hazardous Materials
During site reconnaissance, oil was observed to be stored in approximately five 55-gallon metal drums
located on a paved area near the maintenance buildings. Staining and leaking were observed on the ground
in areas surrounding the 55-gallon waste-oil drum. Fuel dispensing pumps at the site were also observed
onsite. Four to five drums of unknown contents were observed to be stored in various locations near the
maintenance buildings. The drums were located on a dirt surface. No staining or leaking was observed in the
vicinity of the drums. Approximately 30, one-gallon buckets of paint were observed near the maintenance
buildings. The paint cans were located on an uncovered, open dirt area. The location did not appear to be
temporary storage. No leaking or staining was observed in the vicinity of the paint cans.
No evidence of disposal of Petroleum Products was observed at the subject site. However, leaking and
staining from waste oil drums were observed on site. A fueling dispensing pump was observed near the
maintenance buildings. A parts washer was observed in one of the maintenance buildings. Records show
that waste oil and liquid from the parts cleaner are removed by a certified waste hauler.
Vehicle Maintenance Lifts
One vehicle maintenance lift was observed on the subject site that was thought not to be in use since the
early 90's. However, during the site inspection, a vehicle was on the lift and elevated off the ground surface.
Evidence of staining was observed in the vicinity of the vehicle maintenance lift. There was no previous
knowledge of historic leaking or staining in the vicinity of the vehicle maintenance lift.
~
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Associated with Electrical or Hydraulic Equipment
Various transformers were located at the subject site. No PCB labels were visible on the pad-mounted
transformers observed with the exception of one transformer. No staining or leaking was observed in the
vicinity of the transformers. Reports from 1984 indicated capacitors located at the site contained PCBs. The
Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan is listed on the Federal ERNS due to a non-PCB transformer leak reported
on December 29, 2003. However, the leak was a single, isolated incident, the water supply was not
contaminated, and the release was secured. The capacitors and transformers were gradually switched from
PCB filled to non-PCB filled and the transformer with the PCB label is no longer used.
Catch Basins
The Arrowhead Springs property has a limited storm water collection system for the developed portions of
the property containing approximately 55 catch basins. Not all streets have curbs, gutters and catch basins
and water sheet flows to landscaped areas. Storm water captured by the underground system is eventually
released to area streams.
Pits, Ponds, Lagoons, and Pools of Liquid
The subject site has many water resources including natural hot springs, and surface waters. Creeks located
on the site include East Twin Creek, Strawberry Creek, Hot Canyon Creek (unnamed tributary on USGS
quad maps west of hotel), and West Twin Creek are located on the site. Numerous hot springs are known to
exist on the site, and Lake Vonette, with an area of 32,670 square feet, is located on the site. Other pools of
liquids located on the site include the swimming pool, water reservoirs, and evaporation ponds associated
with the sewage treatment facility.
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-19
5. Environmental Analysis
Solid Waste and Evidence of Waste Filling
Solid waste is contained in trash dumpsters located in a trash enclosure located on the subject site. Solid
waste generated at the site is removed by a private collection contractor. No evidence of waste filling was
observed on the subject property.
Historic trash pits and incinerators may be located on the subject site. According to archaeological reports
(Appendix C) there are three possible historic trash pits and one historic incinerator located on the subject
site based on their investigation and previous research done on the site. The trash areas reported appear to
be old and isolated events, and do not represent areas of environmental concern. The majority of the trash
located on the site was most likely incinerated, historically a common method of trash removal, and one
small incinerator is known to exist on the subject site. Ash from the trash incineration if located in the vicinity
of the known incinerator could be a potential environmental condition.
Sewage Treatment System
Sanitary sewerage is conveyed to the sewage treatment facility located on the southern portion of the site.
The sewage treatment facility, more fully described in Section 5.15, Utilities, has a 300,000 gallon capacity
and was built in approximately 1939. Currently, the sewage treatment facility was observed to be handling a
small volume of waste. Biosolid quantities have never been large enough to move more than two 21f2-yard
backhoe bucketsful at any given time according to the present facilities operator. However based on
historical use of the hotel and aerial photographs, it is likely the sewage treatment facility handled a larger
volume of waste in the past when the hotel was in operation.
A file review was conducted at the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). Files available
for review date back to 1986. Review of the files revealed the sewage treatment is regulated by Waste
Discharge Requirements specified in Order No. 86-100. Order No. 86-100 was adopted for the subject site
on June 13, 1986. The facility had no violations recorded in the file. The monitoring records reviewed indi-
cated that the wastewater was repeatedly over the permitted limit for total dissolved solids and hardness,
and occasionally over the permitted limit for sodium, sulfate, chloride, and fluoride. No actions were taken
regarding the elevated concentrations. The permit levels were based on the use of surface water, but the
subject site is now using deep groundwater that is of poorer quality. Inspection reports from July 11, 2001
indicated that it is very possible that the elevated concentrations are caused from the change to the poorer
quality water source.
Review of the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board revealed a sewage spill on the subject site on
February 13, 1987. The sewage spill reportedly happened at the sewer man hole near the cabana pool area.
The sewage flowed towards Strawberry Creek, but did not reach the creek. Approximately 100,000 gallons of
sewage was spilled. An inspector visited the area after the spill was cleaned and noted that the area of the
spill occurred down a steep hill that did not appear to be visited often.
Files revealed a sewage spill on the subject site on February 13, 1987. The sewage spill reportedly hap-
pened at the sewer man hole near the cabana pool area. The sewage flowed towards Strawberry Creek, but
did not reach the creek. Approximately 100,000 gallons of sewage was spilled. An inspector visited the area
after the spill was cleaned and noted that the area of the spill was down a steep hill that did not appear to be
visited often.
Review of inspection reports indicated that sludge disposal has been a concern at least three times since
1986. A figure dated 1986 indicating the location of the sewage treatment facilities showed an area
designated for sludge disposal between the holding ponds and the sewage treatment plant. An Inspection
Report dated September 22, 1997 indicated that sludge was accumulating in the drying bed. Previously
sludge was mixed with saw dust and used in the nearby field. In the comment section of both the 1998 and
2000 inspection reports, plant operators could not indicate a location for ultimate disposal of sludge. The
Page 5.6-20 . The Planning Center
july 2005
5. Environmental Analysis
inspection comments from the 2000 inspection indicated that several piles of sludge were piled up on the
west side of the sludge drying bed.
5.6.2
Thresholds of Significance
According to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, a project would normally have a significant effect on he
environment if the project would:
H-1
Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine
transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials.
H-2
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.
H-3
Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,
substance, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school.
H-4
Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials compiled
pursuant to Government code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would create a
significant hazard to the public or the environment.
H-5
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 result
in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area.
~
H-6
For a project in the vicinity of a private airstrip, result in a safety hazard for people
residing or working in the project area.
H-7
Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan.
H-8
Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving
wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to the urbanized areas or
where residences are intermixed with wildlands.
5.6.3
Environmental Impacts
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. An analysis of the project impacts, as they relate to hazards and hazardous materials in the San
Bernardino area and the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area, are provided in this section of the EI R.
5.6.3.1
San Bernardino General Plan Update
The General Plan Update involves minimal changes to existing land use designations in San Bernardino and
the SOl, and is primarily focused on an update to the goals and policies contained in the existing General
Plan. The Safety Element addresses hazardous and toxic material issues.
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-21
5. Environmental Analysis
GP IMPACT 5.6-1:
BUILDOUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
GENERAL PLAN MAY RESULT IN ADDITIONAL COMMERCIAL AND
INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES THAT WOULD NECESSITATE THE TRANSPORT, USE
AND/OR DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. [THRESHOLDS H-1, H-2,
AND H-3]
Impact Analysis: Buildout of the San Bernardino General Plan would result in an increase in the frequency
of transport, use and disposal of hazardous materials associated with commercial and industrial growth
within the City of San Bernardino. While care is taken during the transport, use and disposal of hazardous
material within the City, it is possible that upset or accidental conditions may arise which result in the release
of hazardous materials into the environment.
Table 5.6-2 identifies seven hazardous waste transporters within the City. An increase in the transport of
hazardous waste from an increased demand for transport, use and disposal, within or outside the City, could
result in more accidental events resulting in the release of hazardous materials into the environment. An
increase in the transport of hazardous materials, as a result of the proposed project, would be limited to
areas along interstates and the rail lines, where commercial uses and industrial use would be concentrated.
Some transport of hazardous materials may occur near small commercial pockets proposed throughout
various areas of the City. The transportation of hazardous materials and waste within the City is directed
toward arterial streets because they generally have better roadway conditions than local streets. The
signalization, width, and level of service of a roadway impact the safety and speed at which hazardous
materials can be safely transported through an area. Arterial streets are also preferred routes to local streets
because they can minimize the exposure of residential uses from the impacts that could occur from a
hazardous material accident within a local neighborhood
The City of San Bernardino contains both small generators of hazardous waste. According to the Spills,
Leaks, Investigation and Cleanup (SLlC) List, shown in Table 5.6-6, the Santa Ana RWQCB has identified 11
sites within the City that are or may be contaminated due to accidental release of hazardous waste.
Furthermore, the State Water Resource Control Board database for Leaking Underground Fuel Tanks
(LUFTs) indicates that there are 181 cases in the City of San Bernardino San Bernardino. Due to the relative
depth to the groundwater, which in some cases is within 50 feet of the surface, the chance for groundwater
contamination is a possibility. Regional faults associated with the San Andreas and San Jacinto Fault zone
are nearby seismic sources with a relatively high probability of generating an earthquake. Intensification of
land uses that generate hazardous waste nearby these faults, including faults located within the Alquist-
Priolo Special Studies Zones, could be susceptible to the effects of surface fault rupture from nearby faults
resulting in accidental release of waste.
The update of the General Plan would not result in the placement of hazardous waste generating facilities
within one quarter mile of a school. Industrial uses, which are the primary hazardous waste generating
facilities in the City, are currently concentrated along existing industrial corridors and that would not change.
Furthermore, while implementation of the General Plan would result in the need for more school facilities
(See Section 5.13, Public Services), placement of schools would not be allowed within one quarter mile of a
school.
GP IMPACT 5.6-2:
THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO CONTAINS PROPERTIES INCLUDED ON A
LIST OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SITES, INCLUDING THE FORMER NORTON
AIR FORCE BASE. [THRESHOLD H-4]
Impact Analysis: The former Norton AFB is located within the City of San Bernardino and is listed on the
NPL and has been designated a Superfund Site. Implementation ofthe City of San Bernardino General Plan
would not result in direct development on the former Norton AFB but it is part of the Southeast Strategic
Planning Area along with the Trade Center. These two areas are not managed by the City. The Trade Center
Page 5.6-22 . The Planning Center
july 2005
5. Environmental Analysis
is managed by a joint powers authority known as the Inland Valley Development Authority and is addressed
in the Trade Center Specific Plan and San Bernardino International Airport Authority manages the former
base. According to the EPA, the response actions taken for contaminated soils and groundwater have
significantly reduced the potential for exposure to contaminants at the site.9 An Airport Master Plan for the
facility has not been finalized but the area contains commercial uses, industrial uses, and an 18-hole Palm
Meadows Golf Course. See Section 5.8, Land Use and Planning, for more information regarding integration
of the Airport Master Plan and the General Plan. Separate environmental documentation would be required
for implementation of the Airport Master Plan.
In addition to the designated Superfund site above, the Newmark Groundwater Contamination site is also
listed on the NPL. The Newmark Groundwater Contamination Site is located within the Bunker Hill Subbasin,
underneath the City of San Bernardino. Contaminants ofthe groundwater basin include chlorinated solvents,
PCE and TCE. More than 25 percent of the municipal water supply for the City of San Bernardino's residents
has been affected by the advancing contamination plumes. The plume lies underneath a portion of the City
that has been developed for light industrial and residential uses. After adding this site to the NPL, the EPA
performed preliminary investigations and determined that no immediate actions were required at the
Newmark Groundwater site while studies are ongoing and final cleanup activities are being planned.
However, the San Bernardino Municipal Water Department has constructed and operated four wellhead
treatment systems to ensure the safety of the public water supply.10
In addition to these sites, the CERCLlS List identifies seven other sites within the City. None of these sites
have been placed on the NPL.
GP IMPACT 5.6-3:
THE SAN BERNARDINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IS LOCATED WITHIN THE
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO. [THRESHOLDS H-5 AND H-6]
~
Impact Analysis: The San Bernardino I nternational Airport (formerly Norton Air Force Base) is located within
the southeastern portion of the City of San Bernardino. Because of the long term use of the facility by aircraft,
many of the existing, surrounding land uses are industrial or commercial. However, there are existing
residential uses scattered to the southwest of the airport as well. The General Plan update has retained the
land use designations for industrial around the airport which would prohibit any new residential uses that
could be affected by the airport. Policies in the proposed General Plan also address compatibility with the
noise and safety zones in terms of land use, density, and height. Upon adoption of the CLUP and Airport
Master Plan, the General Plan would be amended to incorporate the adopted noise contours and safety
zones and any new airport related policies. The Airport Influence Area was adopted by the SBIA and is
incorporated in the General Plan update. In this manner, the required notification and buyer disclosure is
addressed in the General Plan. Overall the General Plan update provides sufficient protection from airport
safety hazards.
GP IMPACT 5.6-4:
BUlLDOUT OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT
AFFECT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES' EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT PLAN. [THRESHOLD H-7]
Impact Analysis: The San Bernardino City Fire Department has a Hazardous Materials Response Team is
specially trained and equipped to handle hazardous materials releases in the event of an emergency. If the
fire and police departments determine that an incident requires special expertise and equipment, they may
request assistance from the Countywide HazMat Team of the County Environmental Health Department. The
9 Environmental Protection Agency. Norton Air Force Sase California EPA 10# CA4570024345.
http://yosemite.epa.gov/r9/sfund/overview. nsf/0/671 c34603a 1 b50098825660b007 ee697?OpenOocument
10 Environmental Protection Agency. Newmark Groundwater Contamination Site. California EPA 10# CA0981434517
http://yosemite.epa.gov/r9/sfund/overview. nsf/0/5a50a68ada6060e58825660b007ee691 ?OpenOocument#descr
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-23
5. Environmental Analysis
HazMat Team includes a minimum of two fire specialists and two environmental health specialists who
perform hazard identification, risk assessment, and actual control measures. HazMat is a cooperative
organization structure that is intended to bring the maximum available equipment and special expertise to
any given emergency situation. In addition the San Bernardino County Fire Department Office of Emergency
Services is responsible for disaster planning and emergency services coordination throughout the county.
The Office of Emergency Services prepares the countywide Emergency Management Plan. Implementation
of the San Bernardino General would not interfere with the implementation of this emergency response plan
or evacuation route of the Office of Emergency Services. The improvements to the street system outlined the
Circulation Element of the General Plan update would improve the time necessary to respond to all
emergency situations.
GP IMPACT 5.6-5:
THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO IS LOCATED
WITHIN A DESIGNATED EXTREME FIRE HAZARD ZONE AND INCREASED
DEVELOPMENT WOULD EXPOSE STRUCTURES AND/OR OCCUPANTS TO
FIRE DANGER. [THRESHOLD H-8]
Impact Analysis: The City of San Bernardino abuts the San Bernardino Mountains to the north. The City of
San Bernardino is susceptible to wildland fires due to the steep terrain and highly flammable chaparral
vegetation of the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains and high winds that correspond with seasonal
dry periods. The characteristics of the San Bernardino Mountains and winds in the area indicate that large
uncontrollable fires on a recurring basis are inevitable. Major fires have endangered portions of the City on
numerous occasions and in several instances, have spread into the City causing extensive damage, most
recently in 2003.
As a result, the entire northern portion of the City of San Bernardino is located in an extreme and moderate
fire hazard zone. Much of the vacant land within the City of San Bernardino lies within the hillside portions of
the City that are within an area designated as an extreme fire hazard and a moderate fire hazard. The danger
from wildland fires in foothill locations is increased by the number of structures and encroachment of new
development in the hillside areas. Specific concerns include the density of development, spacing of
structures, brush clearance, building materials, access to buildings by fire equipment, adequacy of
evacuation routes, property maintenance, and water availability.
Relevant General Plan Policies and Programs
The relevant General Plan goals and policies pertaining to hazards include the following:
Land Use Element: Safety
Policy 2.8.1: Ensure that all structures comply with seismic safety provisions and building codes.
Policy 2.8.2: Ensure that design and development standards appropriately address the hazards posed by
wildfires and wind, with particular focus on the varying degrees of these threats in the foothills, valleys,
ridges, and the southern and western flanks of the San Bernardino Mountains.
Policy 2.8.4: Control the development of industrial and other uses that use, store, produce, or transport
toxics, air emissions, and other pollutants.
Policy 2.9.1: Require that all new development be consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Land Use
Plan for the San Bernardino International Airport and ensure that no structures or activities encroach upon or
adversely affect the use of navigable airspace.
Page 5.6-24 . The Planning Center
july 2005
5. Environmental Analysis
Policy 2.9.2: Refer any adoption or amendment of this General Plan, specific plan, zoning ordinance, or
building regulation within the planning boundary of the adopted Comprehensive Airport Master Plan for the
SBIA to the airport authority as provided by the Airport Land Use Law.
Policy 2.9.3: Limit the type of development, population density, maximum site coverage, and height of
structures as specified in the applicable safety zones in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the SBIA and
as shown on Figure LU-4.
Policy 2.9.5: Ensure that the height of structures does not impact navigable airspace, as defined in the
Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the SBIA.
Policy 2.9.6: As required by State Law for real estate transactions within the Airport Influence Area, as
shown on Figure LU-4, require notification/disclosure statements to alert potential buyers and tenants of the
presence of and potential impacts from the San Bernardino International Airport.
Circulation Element
Policy 6.5.1: Provide designated truck routes for use by commercial/industrial trucking that minimize
impacts on local traffic and neighborhoods.
Policy 6.7.4: Identify existing and future high volume at-grade railroad crossings and pursue available
sources of funding (e.g., California Public Utilities Commission) to implement grade separations where
appropriate.
Policy 6.8.1: Work with the San Bernardino International Airport Authority in the preparation of the Airport
Master Plan and Comprehensive Land Use Plan to ensure the City's interests are foremost in the
improvement of the airport.
~
Public Facilities and Services Element:
Policy 7.2.1: Assure that adequate facilities and fire service personnel are maintained by periodically
evaluating population growth, response time, and fire hazards in the City.
Policy 7.2.2: Assess the effects of increases in development density and related traffic congestion on the
provision of adequate facilities and services ensuring that new development will maintain fire protection
services of acceptable levels.
Policy 7.2.3: Establish a program whereby new development projects are assessed a pro rata fee to pay for
additional fire service protection to that development.
Policy 7.2.4: Coordinate inter-agency fire service protection agreements with County U.S. Forest Service,
and other fire protection agencies.
Policy 7.2.5: Maintain an "ISO" fire rating of at least class 3.
Safety Element:
Policy 10.1.1: Employ effective emergency preparedness and emergency response strategies to minimize
the impacts from hazardous materials emergencies, such as spills or contamination.
Policy 10.1.2: Ensure the protection of surface and groundwater quality, land resources, air quality, and
environmentally sensitive areas through safe transportation of waste through the City and comprehensive
planning of hazardous materials, wastes, and sites.
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-25
5. Environmental Analysis
Policy 10.1.3: Execute long-range planning programs to protect resources and the public from the potential
impacts that could be created by the use, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous waste and materials.
Policy 10.1.4: Continue to support the role that the Fire and the Police Departments play in the on-site
identification of hazardous wastes and emergency response to hazardous waste accidents in cooperation
with the County Department of Environmental Health Services.
Policy 10.2.1: Require the proper handling, treatment, movement, and disposal of hazardous materials and
hazardous waste.
Policy 10.2.2: Encourage businesses to utilize practices and technologies that will reduce the generation of
hazardous wastes at the source.
Policy 10.2.3: Implement federal, state, and local regulations for the disposal, handling, and storage of
hazardous materials.
Policy 10.2.4: Work with the Department of Environmental Health Services to promote waste minimization,
recycling, and use of best available technology in City businesses.
Policy 10.2.5: Participate in the process of selecting routes that are the most acceptable for the safe
transportation of hazardous waste material within the City limits. Streets with high concentrations of people,
such as the downtown, or with sensitive facilities, such as schools and parks, should be avoided to the
maximum extent possible.
Policy 10.3.1: Conduct educational programs to educate the public about the proper handling and disposal
of household hazardous wastes.
Policy 10.3.2: Enforce the proper disposal of Household Hazardous Wastes.
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.
Policy 10.4.4: Develop programs and incentives for prevention of groundwater contamination and clean up
of known contaminated sites.
Policy 10.11.1: Continue to conduct long-range fire safety planning efforts to minimize urban and wildland
fires, including enforcement of stringent building, fire, subdivision and other Municipal Code standards,
improved infrastructure, and mutual aid agreements with other public agencies and the private sector.
Policy 10.11.2: Work with the U.S. Forest Service and private landowners to ensure that buildings are
constructed, sites are developed, and vegetation and natural areas are managed to minimize wildfire risks in
the foothill areas of the City.
Policy 10.11.3: Require that development in the High Fire Hazard Area, as designated on the Fire Hazards
Areas Map (Figure S-8) be subject to the provisions ofthe Hillside Management Overlay District (HMOD) and
the Foothill Fire Zones Overlay.
Policy 10.11.4: Study the potential acquisition of private lands for establishment of greenbelt buffers
adjacent to existing development, where such buffers cannot be created by new subdivision.
Page 5.6-26 . The Planning Center
july 2005
5. Environmental Analysis
Policy 10.11.5: Continue to require that all new construction and the replacement of 50 percent and greater
of the roofs of existing structures use fire retardant materials.
Policy 10.12.1: Maintain a functional City emergency response plan that addresses all hazards.
Policy 10.12.2: Foster and participate in ongoing emergency preparedness and response training
programs.
Policy 10.12.3: Enhance emergency preparedness through the implementation of community education
and self-help programs.
Policy 10.12.4: Prevent serious damage and injuries through effective hazard mitigation.
Policy 10.12.5: Maintain mutual aid agreements with neighboring cities and the County of San Bernardino
and develop partnerships to respond to disaster with other emergency relief organizations.
Policy 10.12.6: Ensure that sensitive uses, such as the University and other public uses that accommodate
many occupants, have adequate access to allow emergency personnel to access the site in the event of an
emergency.
Policy 10.13.1: Establish and maintain a rapid damage assessment capability through the formation of
damage assessment strategies that are applied by the appropriate City Staff or inspection personnel.
Policy 10.13.2: Develop programs, options, and procedures to promote the rapid reconstruction ofthe City
following a disaster, and to facilitate a specific upgrading of the community environment.
~
Policy 10.13.3: Identify alternative sources offinancing of damage and reconstruction that can be utilized in
the event of a disaster.
Policy 10.13.4: Encourage public awareness of emergency response planning and emergency evacuation
routes.
5.6.3.2
Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan
The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan consists of approximately 1,916 acres. A portion of the planning is
currently developed and 10 acres near SR 18 is owned by the MWD. The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan is
a guiding document, which details the overall plan for the development of future projects on approximately
506 acres. The remaining area would be left as open space. The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan would
expand the existing resort area which covers approximately 200 acres and add a golf course, commercial
and residential areas to the site.
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-27
5. Environmental Analysis
AHS IMPACT 5.6-1:
ARROWHEAD SPRINGS SPECIFIC PLAN OPERATIONS WOULD INVOLVE THE
TRANSPORT, USE AND/OR DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS OR
RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. [THRESHOLDS H-1, H-2, AND H-3]
Impact Analysis: The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan would involve intensification of resort uses and
placement of new residential and commercial areas with the area. As a result, the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials would increase in the Arrowhead Springs area. This increase would be
limited to commercial uses such as retail operations and golf course, as no industrial uses are planned in the
Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan. However, there are a number of recognized environmental conditions such
as waste oil spills, sewage sludge that may have leached metals into the ground and ash from incineration
(all described in Section 5.6.1.2) that have the potential to release hazardous materials if disturbed by
grading and other construction activities.
The Arrowhead Springs Area is located on the map of "Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Fields in California, 2001,"
published by the California Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas & Geothermal Resources
(DOGGR), as a geothermal area. Geothermal activity in the Arrowhead Springs area have been noted to
have naturally occurring emissions of mercury, helium, methane, propane and radon. As a result of
deposition of mercury in site soils, metal content may be located in high concentrations where geothermal
activity is present. Mercury is a known toxic and exposure to mercury in high concentrations can create a
significant hazard to the public or the environment. Mercury concentrations in the Arrowhead Springs area
are expected to be concentrated near the hot springs and can occur near geothermal vent areas as high
concentrations of mercury in the soil are coincident with surface thermal outlets. In the hot springs, mercury
is more highly concentrated in the gas bubbles than in the spring water. Therefore, mercury may be enriched
in soil as a result of vapor phase migration. As mentioned previously, In the Penyugal Canyon area of
Arrowhead Spring soil samples in excess of 250 ppb (0.25 ppm) of mercury have been recorded11. The
standard for elemental mercury in soils is 1.1 microgram/kilogram (or 1.1 ppm). For Radon the EPAstandard
is 4 picocuries per liter for indoor air. Methane in the Arrowhead Springs area within the vicinity of the
(former) Campus Crusade for Christ (facilities) was noted at 4,506 ppm in January of 1982.7 Although
methane is not a direct risk human health, concentrations above the lower explosive limit may accumulate
beneath structures, presenting a potential fire hazard. According to the US Mine Rescue Association,
methane is explosive at concentrations of 5 to 15 percent. At amounts greater than 15 percent, the amount of
oxygen present is insufficient for rapid combustion to occur. Without subsequent study or monitoring the risk
of exposure can not be accurately determined from existing (and dated) information.
The Inland Feeder Project of MWD transverses the Arrowhead Springs project site. Specifically, the Village
Walk development around Lake Vonette would be placed in close proximity to the existing water line. The
Public safety issues related to the Inland Feeder Project are related to the potential for catastrophic failure of
the pipeline and the resulting uncontrolled release of water. The level of significance of this impact is based
on the probability of this type of event occurring and the ability of existing water courses to accommodate
the released flow. According to the FEI R for the I nland Feeder Project, probability of failure ranged from 0.13
to 0.03 for the San Andreas Fault and 0.0003 to 0.0006 for the San Jacinto Fault. If a fault rupture were to
occur, the volume of water released could be accommodated by the Santa Ana River water diversion
facilities (percolation basins south of the project site). These water diversion facilities, along with a low
probability of occurrence, result in risk of failure at or below most civil engineering projects.
11 Resource Investigation of Low- and Moderate- Temperature Geothermal Areas in San Bernardino California.
California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, DMG Open-File Report 82-11,1981
Page 5.6-28 . The Planning Center
july 2005
5. Environmental Analysis
AHS IMPACT 5.6-2:
THE ARROWHEAD SPRINGS SPECIFIC PLAN AREA IS NOT ON ANY LIST OF
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS COMPILED PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 65962.5. [THRESHOLD H-4]
Impact Analysis: Review of the CERCLlS database under the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment for
Arrowhead Springs Resort indicated that the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is not listed on the NPL
or listed on the CERCLlS List. The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is not listed as a RCRA facility or
generator. In addition, the Arrowhead Springs planning area is not listed as a State Site or a State Spill Site
on the CalSite database.
AHS IMPACT 5.6-3:
THE ARROWHEAD SPRINGS SPECIFIC PLAN AREA IS NOT LOCATED IN THE
VICINITY OF AN AIRPORT OR UNDER THE WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF AN
AIRPORT LAND USE PLAN. [THRESHOLDS H-5 AND H-6]
Impact Analysis: The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is not located within the vicinity of a public or
private airport. The closest airport to the site is the San Bernardino International Airport located on the
southern side of the City while the Arrowhead Springs area is located in the mountains to the north.
AHS IMPACT 5.6-4:
BUlLDOUT OF THE ARROWHEAD SPRINGS SPECIFIC PLAN WOULD NOT
AFFECT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE
DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES, EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT PLAN. [THRESHOLD H-7]
Impact Analysis: The San Bernardino County Fire Department Office of Emergency Services is responsible
for disaster planning and emergency services coordination throughout the county. The Office of Emergency nn
Services prepares the countywide Emergency Management Plan. The Arrowhead Springs Specffic Plan )Ill<
would result in the addition of residential uses in an area currently dominated by little used resort/recreational \J.V
facilities. Currently the main access road for the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is SR18. The increase
in development to this secluded area in the mountains has the potential to impact emergency response or
evacuation plan for the area. However, the circulation plan and street widths for the proposed development
were designed in consultation with the San Bernardino City Fire Department to ensure adequate emergency
access and the Village Avenue access road was added to provide for emergency access in the event of a
fire, earthquake, or other such hazard.
AHS IMPACT 5.6-5:
THE ARROWHEAD SPRINGS SPECIFIC PLAN AREA IS WITHIN A DESIGN A TED
EXTREME FIRE HAZARD ZONE AND COULD EXPOSE STRUCTURES AND/OR
OCCUPANTS TO FIRE DANGER. [THRESHOLD H-8]
Impact Analysis: The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area lies within the San Bernardino Mountains and
falls within an area designated as an extreme hazard zone. The Arrowhead Springs area is susceptible to
wildland fires due to the steep terrain, highly flammable vegetation and high winds that correspond with
seasonal dry periods. The San Bernardino National Forest surrounds the Arrowhead Springs area to the
north, east and west. Placement of structures in the Arrowhead Springs area, adjacent to the wildland areas,
could place occupants of these structures at risk of injury or death due to fire.
5.6.4 Existing Regulations and Standard Conditions
The existing regulations and standard conditions pertain to both the San Bernardino General Plan and the
Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan.
. Both the Federal government (Code of Federal Regulations, EPA, SARA and Title III) and the State of
California (California State Health and Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6.95, Sections 25500-
25520; California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Chapter 2, Sub-Chapter 3, Article 4, Sections 2729-
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-29
5. Environmental Analysis
2734) require all businesses that handle more than a specified amount of hazardous materials or
extremely hazardous materials, termed a reporting quantity, to submit a Hazardous Materials
Business Plan to its local CUPA. The HMD of the San Bernardino County Fire Department is design-
nated by the State Secretary for Environmental Protection as the CUPA for the County of San
Bernardino in order to focus the management of specific environmental programs at the local
government level to address the disposal, handling, processing, storage and treatment of local
hazardous materials and waste products.
. The City of San Bernardino designates the San Bernardino County Department of Environmental
Health Services (DEHS) as the enforcement agency for the purpose of the California Health and
Safety Code Section 480 et seq., 500 et seq., 1155.5, Title 17 ofthe California Administrative Code,
[now California Code of Regulations] and all state law pertaining to environmental health. (Chapter
8.01 of the City of San Bernardino Municipal Code)
. The City of San Bernardino Municipal Code prohibits the accumulation of combustible and non-
combustible materials except within buildings or in containers or receptacles designed for such
storage and accumulation. (Chapter 18.18 of the City of San Bernardino Municipal Code)
. Section 19.30.200, Access, of the City of San Bernardino Municipal Code provides regulations for
ensuring adequate emergency access to subdivisions. A tentative tract or parcel map shall provide
for at least 2 different standard routes for ingress and egress. However, the City provides an
exception to this standard if the tentative track map or parcel map provides 1 standard route but the
standard route must be a roadway that is dedicated to the City; has a minimum paved width of 24
feet; and is designed to utilize separate roadways or streets, or a common street that provides
access from opposite directions (provided that the access from each direction utilizes an
independent street system). The purpose of these routes is to permit accessibility to fire fighting and
other public equipment and to permit orderly evacuation in the event of flood, fire or other
emergency. Prior to recordation of the final map, adequate security shall be provided to ensure
construction of the required improvements before any certificate of occupancy is issued.
. Section 19.15, FF (Foothill Fire Zones Overlay) District of the San Bernardino Municipal Code details
additional restrictions and requirements for new developments within the foothills and mountainous
portion of the City of San Bernardino. This includes design standards for access, construction, and
development and requirements for roadside vegetation, water supply, and erosion control.
. Section 19.12, Airport Overlay District, of the City of San Bernardino Municipal Code outlines restric-
tions, regulations and design for development within the vicinity of the San Bernardino International
Airport (The Airport Overlay District would be adjusted to reflect the Airport Master Plan after it is
adopted) .
. The 2001 (and subsequent amendments) California Building Code (CBC) regulates the design and
construction for building relating to fire and life safety and structural safety from which all
developments in California must adhere to. In addition Part 9 of the CBC is the California Fire Code
which contains fire-safety specific related building standards. For hazardous air releases, Article 79
and 80 of the Fire Code allows oversight of design by the San Bernardino County Fire Department
pertaining to materials and facilities requirements for flammable and combustible liquids and gases.
. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), Air Toxics Division, regulates the release
of methane and other toxic air contaminants from facilities. Although the AQMD does not regulate
emissions from naturally occurring sources, under the current regulations facilities that emit, through
mechanical device or operation, air toxics must obtain relevant permits through the AQMD.
Page 5.6-30 . The Planning Center
july 2005
5. Environmental Analysis
. Per the City of San Bernardino Municipal Code, Section 19.02, new developments and plans are
reviewed by a Development Review Committee and an Environmental Review Committee, which
includes a member from the City of San Bernardino Fire Department. Tentative Tract maps within the
City of San Bernardino are reviewed by the San Bernardino Fire Department to ensure adequate
emergency access for emergency vehicles.
5.6.5 Level of Significance Before Mitigation
5.6.5.1 San Bernardino General Plan Update
Upon implementation of GP policies and programs, regulatory requirements, and standard conditions of
approval, the following impacts would be less than significant:
GP Impact 5.6-1
GP Impact 5.6-2
GP Impact 5.6-3
GP Impact 5.6-4
GP Impact 5.6-5
Implementation ofthe San Bernardino General Plan anticipates growth in commer-
cial and industrial facilities that are involved in the transport, use and disposal of
hazardous waste. However, businesses that are involved in the transport, use
and/or disposal of hazardous waste are required to submit a business plan to the
HMD of the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
The Norton AFB and the Newmark Groundwater Contamination site are listed on
the NPL. Much of the extent of the contamination is within the Groundwater Basin
however the City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department operates wellhead
treatment systems to ensure the safety of the water supply for San Bernardino
residents. The CERCLlS list also identified 6 other sites within the City with
hazardous waste contamination. While many of these sites do not have a
remediation plan, the existing federal and state environmental regulations in place
prevent the reuse of the site without standards for cleanup under CERCLlS, and in
some cases RCRA.
~
The San Bernardino International Airport is located within the City of San Bernar-
dino. The Airport Influence Area was adopted by the SBIA and is incorporated in the
General Plan update.
Implementation of the City of San Bernardino General Plan would not interfere with
the implementation of this emergency response plan or evacuation route.
The north portions of the City of San Bernardino are located in areas designated as
an extreme or moderate fire hazard zone. Placement of structures, including resi-
dential and commercial, could place these structures and their occupants at risk.
However, the Foothills Fire Zone Overlay District places additional restriction on
new development to ensure safety of existing and future residents within this
extreme hazard area.
5.6.5.2
Arrowhead Springs
Upon implementation of regulatory requirements, and standard conditions of approval, the following impacts
would be less than significant:
AHS Impact 5.6-2
AHS Impact 5.6-3
The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is not located on a list of sites containing
hazardous waste.
The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is not located within the vicinity of a
private of public airport.
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-31
5. Environmental Analysis
AHS Impact 5.6-4
AHS Impact 5.6-5
The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan is located in a remote area. Implementation of
the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan would result in intensification of uses which
may result in an impact to the City's emergency response plan or evacuation route.
However, the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan circulation system was developed in
consultation with the City of San Bernardino Fire Department to ensure adequate
emergency access.
The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area is located in an area designated as an
extreme fire hazard zone. Placement of structures, including residential and
commercial, could place these structures and their occupants at risk. However, the
Foothills Fire Zone Overlay District places additional restriction on new develop-
ment to ensure safety of existing and future residents within this extreme hazard
area.
AHS Impact 5.6-1
Without mitigation, the following impacts would be significant:
The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan area would result in the expansion of the
existing development to include new commercial and residential uses. The Phase I
Site Assessment identified recognized environmental conditions and historical
recognized environmental conditions that may pose a hazard to people or the
environment. Furthermore, naturally occurring emissions from the geothermal
activity may also pose a hazard to people if development were to be concentrated
in these areas.
5.6.6 Mitigation Measures
5.6.6.1 San Bernardino General Plan Update
5.6.6.2
No significant impacts were identified and no mitigation measures are necessary.
Arrowhead Springs
AHS 5.6-1 a
AHS 5.6-1 b
AHS 5.6-1 c
Oil impacted materials identified onsite shall be properly cleaned and disposed of
in accordance state and local laws.
Soil samples shall be collected in the area surrounding the drying beds at the small
sanitary sewer treatment facility and shall be tested for elevated metal
concentrations.
Prior to approval of Tentative Tract Maps in the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan
area in the vicinity of the identified geothermal areas, the developer shall initiate a
risk assessment to identify possible risks associated with the development adjacent
to the geothermal activity of Arrowhead Springs. The risk analysis shall include a
risk assessment of radon, methane, propane, and mercury associated with the
geothermal vents, hot springs, and mercury accumulation in the soils where
development is to occur. Ventilation systems shall be designed in accordance with
the National Fire Protection Association guide to ensure that indoor air concen-
trations of these hazards associated with the geothermal activity would not result in
a hazard for building occupants. If an active (i.e. mechanically operated) ventilation
system is used, the developer would be required to obtain relevant permits from the
AQMD.
Page 5.6-32 . The Planning Center
july 2005
5. Environmental Analysis
5.6.7 Level of Significance After Mitigation
The mitigation measures identified above would reduce potential impacts associated with hazards to a level
that is less than significant. Therefore, no significant unavoidable adverse impacts relating hazards and
hazardous materials have been identified.
General Plan Update and Associated Specific Plans EIR
City of San Bernardino . Page 5.6-33
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5. Environmental Analysis
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