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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVOL_2_Appendix B Appendices Appendix B Cornments on Notice of Preparation General Plan Update and Auoeiated Specijze Plans EIR The Planning Center ~ Appendices This Page Intentionaffy Left Blank. The Planning Center General Plan Update arzd Associated Specific Plam EIR S TAT E OF C A L I FOR N I A Governor's Office of Planning and Research State Clearinghouse and Planning Unit ~ ... <:j :tt. ti * ) i,,,_ ," ">it,. _ __11>'!- ". Of CIlllf\P"-- Arnold Schwarzenegger Governor Jan Boel Acting Director Notice of Preparation " ,; , " , . u.; U,: November 29, 2004 To: Reviewing Agencies Re: City of San Bernardino General Plan Update ErR SCH# 2004111132 Attached for your review and yornment is the Notice ofPreparatiol1 (NOP) for the City of San Bemardino General f'lw T 'p,l.i'c' rJR!nf'! Fm jrol1llk'lltal Impact Report (EIR). Responsible agencies must transmit their comments on the scope and content of the NOP, focusing on specific information related to their own statutory responsibility, within 30 days of receipt of the NOP from the Lead Agency, This is a courtesy notice provided by the State Clearinghouse with a reminder for you to comment in a timely malllter. We encourage other agencies to also respond to this notice and express their concerns early in the environmental review process. Please direct your comments to: Terri Rahhal City or Sail Bl:'rnardino 300 North D Street, 3rd Floor San Bernardino, CA 92418-0001 with a copy to the State Clearinghouse in the Office ofPlmming and Research. Please refer to the SCH number noted above in a II correspondence concemil1g this project If you have any questions about the t'lwironmcntal tlocllll1ent review process, please call the State Clearinghouse at. (916) 445-0613. Sincerely, ,...~~.... ,i /._-" .,,1 '----.... . C:.' f t 'I /f -~_. --""'>_.1\'>1) I.t /()'-7-) :" . .-- ' /- S~ritrMorl!an i il Senior Pla~ll1er, State tlearinghouse 't Attachments cc: Lead Agency 1400 TENTH STREET P.O. BOX 3044 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95812-3044 TEL (916) 445-0613 FAX (916)323-3018 www.opr.ca.gov B~l SCH# Project Title Lead Agency Document Details Report State Clearinghouse Data BasE 2004111132 City of San Bernardino General Plan Update EIR San Bernardino. City of Type Description NOP Notice of Preparation The proposed project consists of a comprehensive update to the City's General Plan. As part of the GP update the City is processing two specific plans: Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan and the University District Specific Plan. Lead Agency Contact Name Terri Rahhal Agency City of San Bernardino Phone (909) 384-5057 email Address 300 North D Street, 3rd Floor City San Bernardino Fax State CA Zip 92418-0001 Project Location County San Bernardino City Highland, Colton. Lorna Linda, Redlands, Rialto Region Cross Streets N/A Parcel No. Various Township Range Section Base Proximity to: Highways 18.30,330,1-10,1-215 Airports S8 International Airport Railways BNSF,UPRR Waterways Santa Ana River Schools Various Land Use Various Project Issues AestheticNisual; Air Quality; Archaeologic-Historic; Cumulative Effects; Drainage/Absorption: Economics/Jobs: Fiscal Impacts; Flood Plain/Flooding: Forest Land/Fire Hazard; Geologic/Seismic; Growth Inducing; Landuse; Minerals: Noise; Population/Housing Balance; Public Services; Recreation/Parks; Schools/Universities; Septic System: Sewer Capacity; Soil Erosion/Compaction/Grading; Solid Waste; Toxic/Hazardous; Traffic/Circulation; Vegetation; Water Quality; Water Supply; Wetland/Riparian; Wildlife Reviewing Agencies Resources Agency; Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 8; Department of Parks and Recreation; Native American Heritage tommission; Office of Emergency Services; Department of Health Services; Reclamation Board; Office of Historic Preservation; Department of Fish and Game, Region 6: Department of Water Resources; California Highway Patrol; Caltrans, District 8; Caltrans, Division of Aeronautics; Department of TOXIC Substances Control: Department of Conservation: Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; Department of Housing and Community Development. 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D.r~\""E:l.'~,c::'~':'" ..~-,:.; ~'.; ;~t:-.~ Dc f: .:\ i ':';'T ':./; ~~j'J r ,: .... RE: Notice of Preparation for General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report Dear Ms. Rahhal: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Notice of Preparation for your pending General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. The City of Redlands agrees with and supports your decision to prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the proposed General Plan Update. We would like to submit the following specific areas that we would like to have addressed. Land Use The area along Mountain View Avenue north from the 1-10 Freeway to the Santa Ana River abuts the City of Redlands. This area will be developed industrially along the east side of Mountain View Avenue, however, it appears that the area to the west is planned for residential. While it is understood that these uses exist, there should be some discussion of the potential impacts due largely to truck traffic in the area and bas.ic land use compatibility between residential and industrial. Some discussion of a oland use buffer would seem appropriate as potential mitigation. Noise 'l' There are two areas where noise is a concern. One is for residential adjacent to major transportation corridors such as Mountain View Avenue. The second is what the noise level will be from San Bernardino International Airport and the land use relationships on the east end of the runway. While it is understood that the City does not control the noise from the airport, the level of noise should be evaluated, particularly at the east end of the runway as it relates to the City of Redlands. "Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future" P.O. BOX 3005 · B-4 REDLANDS, CA 92373 City of San Bernardino November 29, 2004 Page 2 Transportation There was no data in the initial study relative to any traffic analysis and its relationship to the Circulation Element. The City of Redlands would like to see the traffic study that is prepared for the General Plan Update to evaluate its potential impact on the City of Redlands. We are particularly interested in an analysis of Mountain View Avenue, San Bernardino Avenue, and Alabama Street. The relation to Lugonia/Almond Avenue as it extends into San Bernardino should also be evaluated. We look forward to the opportunity to review and comment on the draft EIR when it is available. We hope the above comments will be of some value to you in the EIR preparation for the General Plan Update. If you have any questions, please call me at (909) 798 7555. Sincerely, Jeffrey L. Shaw, AICP Community Development Director ~r Assistant Community Development Director .. B-5 SCHJttl ,~ P"; ". ,....., 1\1\'- > "" /N' >"-^ '^",^ t' L!tl'l:t~~,\t' ~,GHl:d'~~':;;~~(tt;;:t" ""\;,,' "r: ,... '...... 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4182 (909) 396-2000 . http://www.aqmd.Qov December 3,2004 ! ,'~ > ,- ' .... W Ms. Terri Rahhal, Principal Planner City of San Bernardino Development Services Department 300 North "D" Street San Bernardino, CA 92418-0001 Dear Ms. Rahhal: Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for City of San Bernardino General Plan UDdate The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the above-mentioned document. The SCAQMD's comments are recommendations regarding the analysis of potential air quality impacts from the proposed project that should be included in the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Please send the SCAQMD a copy of the Draft EIR upon its completion. Air Qualitv Analvsis The SCAQMD adopted its California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Air Quality Handbook in 1993 to assist other public agencies with the preparation of air quality analyses. The SCAQMD recommends that the Lead Agency use this Handbook as guidance when preparing its air quality analysis, Copies of the Handbook are available from the SCAQMD's Subscription Services Department by calling (909) 396-3720. Alternatively, lead agency may wish to consider using the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved URBEMIS 2002 Model. This model is available on the CARB Web site at: www.arb.ca.gov. 't The Lead Agency should identify any potential adverse air quality impacts that couId occur from all phases of the project and all air pollutant sources related to the project. Air quality impacts from both construction and operations should be calculated. Construction-related air quality . impacts typically include, but are not limited to, emissions from the use of heavy-duty equipment from grading, earth-loading/unloading, paving, architectural coatings, off-road mobile sources (e.g., heavy-duty construction equipment) and on-road mobile sources (e.g., construction worker vehicle trips, material transport trips). Operation-related air quality impacts may include, but are not limited to, emissions from stationary sources (e.g., boilers), area sources (e.g., solvents and coatings), and vehicuIartrips (e.g., on- and off~road tailpipe emissions and entrained dust). Air quality impacts from indirect sources, that is, sources that generate or attract vehicular trips should B-6 Ms. Terri Rahhal -2- December 3,2004 be included in the analysis. It is recommended that lead agencies for projects generating or attracting vehicular trips, especially heavy-duty diesel-fueled vehicles, perform a mobile source health risk assessment. Guidance for performing a mobile source health risk assessment ("Health Risk Assessment Guidance for Analyzing Cancer Risk from Mobile Source Diesel Idling Emissions for CEQA Air Quality Analysis") can be found on the SCAQ~'s CEQA webpages at the following internet address: http://www.aqmd.gov/ceqa/handbook/dieselanalysis.doc.An analysis of all toxic air contaminant impacts due to the decommissioning or use of equipment potentially generating such air pollutants should also be included. Mitit!ation Measures In the event that the project generates significant adverse air quality impacts, CEQA requires that all feasible mitigation measures that go beyond what is required by law be utilized during project construction and operation to minimize or eliminate significant adverse air quality impacts. To assist the Lead Agency with identifying possible mitigation measures for the project, please refer to Chapter 11 of the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook for sample air quality mitigation measures. Additionally, SCAQMD's Rule 403 - Fugitive Dust, and the Implementation Handbook contain numerous measures for controlling construction-related emissions that should be considered for use as CEQA mitigation if not otherwise required. Pursuant to state CEQA Guidelines 915126.4 (a)(1)(D), any impacts resulting from mitigation measures must also be discussed. Data Sources SCAQMD rules and relevant air quality reports and data are available by calling the SCAQMD's Public Information Center at (909) 396-2039. Much of the information available through the Public Information Center is also available via the SCAQl\1D's World Wide Web Homepage (htto:l/www.aqmd.gov). The SCAQMD is willing to work with the Lead Agency to ensure that project-related emissions are accurately identified, categorized, and evaluated. Please call Charles Blankson, Ph.D., Air Quality Specialist, CEQA Section, at (909) 396-3304 if you have any questions regarding this letter. Sincerely, L ---1--, ~ ~ _ .c.. '/ ..~ ~ .,j '1-,,"~{-l.. " Steve Smith, Ph.D, Program Supervisor, CEQA Section Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources SS:CB:li SBC041201-03LI Control Number B-7 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION of GOVERNMENTS Main Office 818 West Seventh Street 12th Floor Los Angeles, California 90017-3435 t (213) 236'1800 f (213) 236-1825 WWW.5cag.ca.gov Offic.ers: Pn~'Siden~: Councllmem ber ROn Rfjb~rts, Te-mecuta . ffrst Vicf' P~5fdenl~ SlJpNvi<;ur Hank Ku~pe!, Imperial County. Seo;;ond Vi,:e President: Mayc!' Toni Young, Port HlJCnemf . lfT!medi(Jl~ Past President: Counolmemb-er Bev Perry. Br~a .111,,",1.1 Counl'l' Han, Kuiper, Imperial ("co'Y . 10 Shield,. Slawle, Las. Angeles County: 'iwnm~. dralhwdit~ Burk.e. los Angeles Count'! .2... Yaroslavskv. Los Angeles County. Jim Aldinger, ManhiJ!li:l1l Beach. Hany Baldwin, Sap Gdbr~el . PalJ! Bowlen, Cerrito5 . Tony (orde-nJ'i, Los Ang['k~ . Margaret Gark, Rosemead . Gene Dilniels. Paramount . Mik.e Dispenza, I>alm-da!e . ludy Dunlap, lnglewoad . Rile Gabelich. long B-e.ach . Eric Garcettt. LoS- Ang~les ~ WE'ndV Greuel, Los Angel-r":. . Frank Gurule. Cudahy . lames Hahn. los Angeles' )<lni('e I{ann, too; Angr~e-s .. ~5a-dorf1 Hall, Cornptoll . Torn laSoege,los Mgeles . Martm ludlow, LOS Aflgeles I Keith MlCJrthV. Dowm:,y .. Llewellyn Mi1l€~, CliHemont . Cindy Misclkowsk.i. Los Angeles 0 Pilul Now3tka. T-orranre .. Pilffi OTonnor. Santa Montci,l . Alex Padill-a, Lo-s Ang~les + Bernard Pllrks.. La.... Angelf'i .. Ian Perry, 1.05 Allgele-s .. i3~(Itrice froo. PitO Rivera . Ed i>!vts. Los Angeles. Greig Smith, Lo, Angel"s' Dick Stanfurd, Aw,a . Tom S,kes, Walnut. Paul r.IIluI.AIMmbra. Sidnoyfvler. paSadeM. Toni. Reye<; Ufilnga. lon.g Beach. Antonl(1 Villaraigosa. . Los Angeles' Dennis Washburn, Calabasal . Jac' Wt"iss. lD"I Al"tge-I~,; .. Bob Vuusefiiln. Gl~nd,dt' . D!!rmis line. LOs Angoeles- Orange County: Chril Norby, Orange Countv . Lou Bone. Tustln . Art Brown, Buenv Pflrk . RirTiar-d Ch,w~2'. An,lheim .. Debbit' CtJok. Huntington Beach' Cathryn D.Young, ll~~na Niguel" Rkhard Dixon. Litke Fore"l- AHa Duke.la Pa\m-a . 6ev Perry. Brea .. Maritvn PoeT LOS Alami(oQs. Tod Ridg.eway, NewporL B~a(h Rivers-ide County: MariQo Ashlev. Rlv-erside County. Thoma':! BuckleV1 L~ke ElsinorE.'. BonnlP flickl!~ger. Mori!1'no VallElY . ~nn lnvpridgp, Rivfr-c.ide- . Cirflg Pe-ttis. lathedral lily. Ron R-obeft~, rt'm-~cula San Bema/dino County: Paul Binn.. San Bem,udino County" Bill AleMnd-ef. Rancho Cucamonsa . Edw.,d Burgnon, Town of Apple Vallf'V .. lJWren(E D..,le, Bar..tow .lE'e Ann- Gi.udJ. Grand Terra<.e . Susan Longville. San Bernardino" Gary Ovill. On1ari,t:]. Deborah ~ob-er!'ion, Rinllu Ventura COunty: ludy Mikels, Ventu," (o"tv . GI~n: Bf'(errJ, Simi VaHey. Carl Morehouse. San Buenaventllra" Toni Young, POri HlJ€'Mme Orange Counly lransportalion Aulhorilv: C.arles SmUll. Orange C"",ntv RiYmide Counly lr.n'porl.lion Coll1111i..ion, ~~oln Lowe. H.m~1 Ventura Counl'lTransporta,lion (oll1111i"ion, Bill Davis. Simi Va Hey / '"-r'!/~l.A...- December 9, 2004 Ms. Terri Rahhal Principal Planner City of San Bernardino Development Services Department 300 North "D" Street San Bernardino, CA 92418-0001 RE: Comments on the Notice of Preparation for a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of San Bernardino Comprehensive General Plan Update - SCAG No. I 20040809 Dear Ms. RahhaJ: Thank you for submitting the Notice of Preparation for a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of San Bernardino Comprehensive General Plan Update Plan to BeAG for review and comment. As areawide clearinghouse for regionally significant projects, SCAG reviews the consistency of local plans, projects, and programs with regional plans. This activity is based on SCAG's responsibilities as a regional planning organization pursuant to state and federal laws and regulations. Guidance provided by these reviews is intended to assist local agencies and project sponsors to take actions that contribute to the attainment of regional goals and policies. We have reviewed the aforementioned Notice of Preparation and have determined that the proposed Project is regionally significant per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (Section 15206). The proposed Project considers a local general plan, element, or amendment for which an environmental impact report is being prepared. CEQA requires that EIRs discuss any inconsistencies between the proposed project and applicable general plans and regional plans (Section 15125 Ed]). If there are inconsistencies, an explanation and rationalization for such inconsistencies should be provided. Policies of BCAG's Regional Comprehensive Plan and Guide and Regional Transportation Plan, which may be applicable to your project, are outlined in the attachment. We expect the Draft EIR to specifically cite the appropriate SCAG policies and address the manner in which the Project is consistent with applicable core pOlicies- or supportive of applicable ancillary policies. Please use our policy numbers to refer to them in your Draft EIR. Also, we would encourage you to use a side-by-side comparison of SCAG policies with a discussion.. of the consistency or support of the policy with the Proposed Project. Please provide a minimum of 45 days for SCAG to review the Draft EIR when this document is available. If you have any questions regarding the attached comments, please contact me at (213) 236-1867. Thank you. . B-8 December 9, 2004 Ms. Terri Rahhal Page 2 COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP A DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO GENERAL PLAN UPDATE SCAG NO.1 20040809 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed Project considers a comprehensive update of the City of San Bernardino General Plan. CONSISTENCY WITH REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND GUIDE POLICIES The Growth Management Chapter (GMC) of the Regional Comprehensive Plan and Guide (RCPG) contains the following policies that are particularly applicable and should be addressed in the Draft EIR for the City of San Bernardino General Plan Update. 3.01 The population, housing, and jobs forecasts, which are adopted by BCAG's Regional Council and that reflect local plans and policies, shall be used by BeAG in all phases of implementation and review. ReQional Growth Forecasts The Draft EIR should reflect the most current SCAG forecasts which are the 2004 RTP (April 2004) Population, Household and Employment forecasts for the San Bernardino Association of Governments {SAN BAG) subregion and the City of San Bernardino. These forecast follows: SAN BAG SUBREGION POPULATION HOUSEHOLD EMPLOYMENT 2000 1,718,311 530.498 594,923 2005 1,919,215 567.172 669.028 2010 2,059,420 .. 618,782 770,877 2015 2,229,700 686,584 870,491 2020 2,397,709 756,640 972,243 2025 2.558.729 826,669 1.074,861 CITY OF S.BERDO POPULATION HOUSEHOLD EMPLOYMENT 2000 185,772 56,341 81,115 2005 199.035 57.221 88.791 2010 207,021 58,288 99,337 2015 208,860 60.211 1 10,056 2020 210,672 62,290 120,965 2025 21 2,404 64,440 131,943 3.03 The timing, financing, and location of public facilities, utility systems, and transportation systems shall be used by SCAG to implement the region's growth policies. B-9 December 9, 2004 Ms. Terri Rahhal Page 3 GMC POLICIES RELATED TO THE RCPG GOAL TO IMPROVE THE REGIONAL STANDARD OF LIVING The Growth Management goals to develop urban forms that enable individuals to spend less income on housing cost, that minimize public and private development costs, and that enable firms to be more competitive, strengthen the regional strategic goal to stimulate the regional economy. The evaluation of the proposed project in relation to the following policies would be intended to guide efforts toward achievement of such goals and does not infer regional interference with local land use powers. 3.05 Encourage patterns of urban development and land use, which reduce costs on infrastructure construction and make better use of existing facilities. 3.09 Support local jurisdictions' efforts to minimize the cost of infrastructure and public service delivery, and efforls to seek new sources of funding tor development and the provision of services. 3. 10 Support local jurisdictions' actions to minimize red tape and expedite the permitting process to maintain economic vitality and competitiveness. GMC POLICIES RELATED TO THE RCPG GOAL TO IMPROVE THE REGIONAL QUALITY OF LIFE The Growth Management goals to attain mobility and clean air goals and to develop urban forms that enhance quality of life, that accommodate a diversity of life styles, that preserve open space and natural resources, and that are aesthetically pleasing and preserve the character of communities, enhance the regional strategic goal of maintaining the regional quality of life. The evaluation of the proposed project in relation to the following policies would be intended to provide direction for plan implementation, and does not allude to regional mandates. .. 3.12 Encourage existing or proposed local jurisdictions' programs aimed at designing land uses which encourage the use of transit and thus reduce the need for roadway expansion, reduce the number of auto trips and vehicle miles traveled, and create opportunities tor residents to walk and bike. 3. 13 Encourage local jurisdictions' plans that maximize the use of existing urbanized areas accessible to transit through intill and redevelopment. 3. 16 Encourage developments in and around activity centers, transporlation corridors, B-IO December 9, 2004 Ms. T em Rahhal Page 4 underutilized infrastructure systems, and areas needing recycling and redevelopment. 3. 18 Encourage planned development in locations least likely to cause environmental impact. 3.20 Support the protection of vital resources such as wetlands, groundwater recharge areas, woodlands, production lands, and land containing unique and endangered plants and animals. 3.21 Encourage the implementation of measures aimed at the preservation and protection of recorded and unrecorded cultural resources and archaeological sites. 3.22 Discourage development, or encourage the use of special design requirements, in areas with steep slopes, high fire, flood, and seismic hazards. 3.23 Encourage mitigation measures that reduce noise in certain locations, measures aimed at preservation of biological and ecological resources, measures that would reduce exposure to seismic hazards, minimize earthquake damage, and to develop emergency response and recovery plans. GMC POLICIES RELATED TO THE RCPG GOAL TO PROVIDE SOCIAL. POLITICAL. AND CULTURAL EQUITY The Growth Management Goal to develop urban forms that avoid economic and social polarization promotes the regional strategic goal of minimizing social and geographic disparities and of reaching equity among all segments of society. The evaluation of the proposed project in relation to the policy stated below is intended guide direction for the accomplishment of this goal. and does not infer regional mandates and -interference with local land use powers. 'I 3.24 Encourage efforts of local jurisdictions in the implementation of programs that increase the supply and quality of housing and provide affordable housing as evaluated in the Regional Housing Needs Assessment. - 3.27 Support local jurisdictions and other service providers in their efforts to develop sustainable communities and provide, equally to all members of society, accessible and effective services such as: public education, housing, health care, social services, recreation8J facilities, law enforcement, and fire protection. B-1! December 9, 2004 Ms. Terri Rahhal Page 5 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN The 2004 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) also has goals and policies that are pertinent to this proposed project. This RTP links the goal of sustaining mobility with the goals of fostering economic development, enhancing the environment, reducing energy consumption. promoting transportation-friendly development patterns. and encouraging fair and equitable access to residents affected by socio-economic. geographic and commercial limitations. The RTP continues to support all applicable federal and state laws in implementing the proposed project. Among the relevant goals and' policies of the RTP are the following: Reoional Transportation Plan Goals . Maximize mobility and accessibility for all people and goods in the region. . Ensure travel safety and reliability for all people and goods in the region. . Preserve and ensure a sustainable regional transportation system. . Maximize the productivity of our transportation system. . Protect the environment, improve air quality and promote energy efficiency. . Encourage land use and growth patterns that complement our transportation investments. ReQional Transportation Plan Policies . Transportation investments shall be based on SCAG's adopted Regional F'erfonnance Indicators. B-12 December 9, 2004 Ms. Tern Rahhal Page 6 . Ensuring safety, adequate maintenance, and efficiency of operation~ on the existing multi-modal transportation system will be RTP priorities and will be balanced against the need for system expansion investments. " . RTP land use and growth strategies that differ from currently expected trends will require a collaborative implementation program that identifies required actions and policies by all affected agencies and sub~regions. . HOV gap closures that significantly increase transit and rideshare usage will be supported and encouraged, subject to Policy #1. B-13 December 9, 2004 Ms. Terri Rahhal Page 7 AIR QUALITY CHAPTER CORE ACTIONS The Air Quality Chapter core actions related to the proposed project includes: 5.07 Determine specific programs and associated actions needed (e.g., indirect source rules, enhanced use of telecommunications, provision of community based shuttle services, provision of demand management based programs, or vehicle-miles- traveled/emission fees) so that options to command and control regulations can be assessed. 5. 11 Through the environmental document review process, ensure that plans at all levels of government (regional, air basin, county, subregional and local) consider air quality, land use, transportation and economic relationships to ensure consistency and minimize conflicts. OPEN SPACE CHAPTER ANCILLARY GOALS Outdoor Recreation 9.01 Provide adequate land resources to meet the outdoor recreation needs of the present and future residents in the region and to promote tourism in the region. 9.02 Increase the accessibility to open space lands for outdoor recreation. 9.03 Promote self-sustaining regional recreation resources and facilities. Public Health and Safety 9.04 Maintain open space for. adequate protection of lives and properties against natural and man-made hazards." 9.05 Minimize potentially hazardous developments in hillsides, canyons, areas susceptible to flooding, earthquakes, wildfire and other known hazards, and areas with limited access for emergency equipment. 9.06 Minimize public expenditure for infrastructure and facilities to support urban type uses in area~ where public health and safety could not be guaranteed. , B-14 December 9. 2004 Ms. Tern Rahhal Page 8 Resource Production 9.07 Maintain adequate viable resource production lands, particularly lands devoted to commercial agriculture and mining operations. Resource Protection 9.08 Develop welJ.managed viable ecosystems or known habitats of rare, threatened and endangered species, including wetlands. WATER QUALITY CHAPTER RECOMMENDATIONS AND POLICY OPTIONS The Water Quality Chapter core recommendations and policy options relate to the two water quality goals: to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the nation's water; and, to achieve and maintain water quality objectives that are necessary to protect all beneficial uses of all waters. 11.07 Encourage water reclamation throughout the region where it is cost-effective, feasible, and appropriate to reduce reliance on imported water and wastewater discharges. Current administrative impediments to increased use of wastewater should be addressed. GROWTH VISIONING The fundamental goal of the Growth Visioning effort is to make the SCAG regi.on a better place to live, work and play for all residents regardless of race, ethnicity or income class. Thus, decisions regarding growth, transportation, land use, and economic development should be made to promote and. sustain for future generations the region's mobility, livability and prosperity. The following "Regional Growth Principles" are proposed to provide a framework for local and regional decision making that improves the quality of life for all SCAG residents. Each principle is followed by a specific set of strategies intended to achieve this goal. Principle 1: Improve mobility for all residents . Encourage transportation investments and land use decisions that are mutually supportive. , . Locate new housing near existing jobs and new jobs near existing housing. . Encourage transit-oriented development. . Promote a variety of travel choices B-15 December 9. 2004 Ms. Terri Rahhal Page 9 Principle 2: Foster livability in all communities . Promote infHl development and redevelopment to revitalize existing communities. . Promote developments, which provide a mix of uses. . Promote "people scaled," walkable communities. . Support the preservation of stable, single-family neighborhoods. Principle 3: Enable prosperity for all people . Provide, in each community, a variety of housing types to meet the housing needs of all income levels. . Support educational opportunities that promote balanced growth. . Ensure environmental justice regardless of race, ethnicity or income class. . Support local and state fiscal policies that encourage balanced growth . Encourage civic engagement. Principle 4: Promote sustainability for future generations . Preserve rural, agricultural, recreational and environmentally sensitive areas. . Focus development in urban centers and existing cities. . Develop strategies to accommodate growth that uses resources efficiently, eliminate pollution and significantly reduce waste. . Utilize "green" development techniques. , CONCLUSIONS All feasible measures needed to mitigate any potentially negative regional impacts associated with the proposed project should be implemented and monitored, as required by CEQA. oJ B-16 December 9, 2004 Ms. Terri Rahhal Page 10 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS Roles and Authorities THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) is a Joint Powers Agency established under Califomia Govemment Code Section 6502 et seq. Under federal and state law, SCAG is designated as a Council of Governments (COG), a Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA), and a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). SeAG's mandated roles and responsibilities include the following: SCAG is designated by the federal government as the Region's Metropolitan Planning Organization and mandated to maintain a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process resulting in a Regional Transportation Plan and a Regional Transportation Improvement Program pursuant to 23 U.S.C. '134,49 U.S.C. '5301 et seq., 23 C.F.R. '450, and 49 C.F.R. '613. SCAG is also the designated Regional Transportation Planning Agency, and as such is responsible for both preparation of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) under California Government Code Section 65080 and 65082 respectively. SCAG is responsible for developing the demographic projections and the integrated land use, housing, employment, and transportatiC'n programs, measures. and strategies portions of the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan, pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 40460(b).(c). SCAG is also designated under 42 U.S.C. 7504(a) as a Co-Lead Agencyfor air quality planning for the Central Coast and Southeast Desert Air Basin District. SCAG is responsible under the Federal Clean Air Act for determining Conformity of Projects, Plans and Programs to the State Implementation Plan, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 7506. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 650139.2, SCAG is responsible for reviewing all Congestion Management Plans (CMPs) for consistency with regional transportation plans required by Section 65080 of the Government Code. SCAG must also evaluate the consistency and compatibility of such programs within the region~ SCAG is the authorized regional agency for Inter-Governmental Review of Programs proposed for federal financial assistance and direct development activities, pursuant to Presidential Executive Order 12,372 (replacing A.95 Review). seAG reviews, pursuant to Public Resources Code Sections 21083 and 21087, Environmental Impacts Reports of projects of regional significance for consistency with regional plans [California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Sections 15206 and 15125(b)). Pursuant to 33 U.S.C. '1286(a)(2} (Section 208 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act), SCAG is the authorized Areawide Waste Treatment Management Planning Agency. SCAG is responsible for preparation of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, pursuant to California Government Code Section 65564(a). SCAG is responsible (with the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, and the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments) for preparing the Southern California Hazardous Waste Management Plan pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 25135,3. Revised July 2001 B-17 7~ STATE OF CALIFORNIA Governor Arnold Schwarzeneaaer NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION 915 CAPITOL MAll, ROOM 364 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 (916) 653-4082 (916) 657-5390 - Fax ~..~ \: ' ! i' I... i. '~ " .: 5 ;r', ,~. \ ~ ,"-' ,,<>; '/: ;.: E ~,~; .:\'"; ;-.!It:.-,j"; December 9, 2004 Ms. Tern Rahhal City of San Bernardino 300 N. D Street, 3rd Floor San Bernardino, CA 92418-:0001 Re: City of San Bernardino General Plan Update EIR SCH# 2004111132 Dear Ms. Rahhaf: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the above-mentioned document. Early consultation with tribes in your area is the best way to identify Native American cultural resource concerns before a project is underway. EnGlosed is a list of Native Americans individuals/organizations that may have unique knowledge of cultural resources in the project area. The Commission makes no recommendation of a single individual or group over another. Please contact all those listed; if they cannot supply you with specific information, they may be able to recommend others with specific knowledge. By contacting all those listed, your organization will be better able to respond to claims of failure to consult with the appropriate tribe or group. If you have not received a response within two weeks' time, we recommend that you follow-up with a telephone call to make sure that the information was received. _ Lack of surface evidence of archeological resources does not preclude the existence of archeological resources. Lead aaencies should consider avoidance. as defined in Section 15370 of the CEQA Guidelines. when sianificant cultural resources are that could be affected. Provisions should also be included for accidentally discovered archeological resources during construction per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code 915064.5 (t). Health and Safety Code 97050.5; and Public Resources Code 95097.98 mandate the process to be followed in the event of an accidental discovery of any human remains in a location other than a dedicated cemetery and should be included in all environmental documents. If you have any questions, please contact me at (916) 653- 6251. Sincerely, ~ .. Cc: State Clearinghouse B-18 Native American Contacts San Bernardino County December 9,2004 Morongo Band of Mission Indians Britt W. Wilson, Cultural Resource Coordinator 245 N. Murray Street, Suite C Cahuilla Banning , CA 92220 Serrano britt_wilson@morongo.org (951) 849-8807 (951) 755-5200 (951) 922-8146 Fax Morongo Band of Mission Indians Mary Ann Martin, Chairperson 245 N. Murray Street, Suite C Cahuilla Banning , CA 92220 Serrano morongo2@worldnet.attnet (951) 849-8807 (951) 755-5200 (951) 922-8146 Fax San Fern~ncto ~and of Mission Indians John VfJlen~4e'a', Chairp~rson P.O. Box 221838 Newhall , CA 91322 tsen2u2@msn.com (661) 753-9833 Office (760) 885-0955 Cell (760) 949-2103 Home Fernandeno Tataviam Serrano Vanyume Kitanemuk San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Deron Marquez; Chairperson PO Box 266 Serrano Patton , CA 92369 dmarquez@sanmanuel-nsn. (909) 864-8933 EXT-3070 (909) 864-3370 Fax: San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Bernadette Brierty, Cultural Resources Coordinator PO Box 266 Serrano Patton , CA 92369 bbriertv@sanmanuel-nsn.gov (909) 864-8933 EXT -2203 (909) 864-3370 Fax 'I ThiS list Is current only as of the date of this document. Distribution of this list does not relieve any person of statutory responsibility as defined In Section 7050.5 of the Heahh and Safety Code, Section 5097.94 of the Public Resources Code and Section 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code. This 118t Is only applicable for contacting local Native Americans with regard to cultural resources assessmentlor the proposed City Of San Bernardino General Plan UpdateEIR. SCHI 2004111132. San Bernardino County. B-19 .. WILDWOOD PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION P. O. Box 512 Patton CA 92369-0512 ~~ " i ; ',; -, . ; '"-,, t' .':'~ D~,i ." ,:....I,i: December 15, 2004 Ms. Terri Rahha1 Principal Planner Development Services Department City of San Bernardino 300 North "nit Street San BernardinQ CA (2418-0001 SUBJECT: Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report Our neighborhood boundaries are Waterman Avenue to Electric Avenue, and 40th Street to the foothills. In response to your 11/24/04 memo, subject as above, our group states our issues below: TRAFFIC along the Waterman corridor currently is dangerous and noisy. OUR ISSUES - TRAFFIC (1) How many additional motor vehicles are expected from this development? (2) How many work vehicles will use Waterman Avenue as the route to construction? (3) What is planned for the noise level and Avenue (west side)? We have residents that exit/enter from Waterman Ave. traffic control along Waterman actually have driveways that (4) Will Waterman Avenue still remain the only thoroughfare to the Arrowhead Springs Development as well as traffic to the mountains? (5) Air Quality for our neighborhood will certainly be affected. What will be done to lessen the effect on our residents? OUR ISSUES - SOIL EROSION (1) What additional danger of erosion is expected, that doesn't already exist, in the canyon? How will the storm runoff affect our area? (2) What will be their emergency plan for evacuation? It will compound our evacuation along the Waterman Avenue corridor. B-20 . PAGE 2 OUR ISSUE - BIOLOGICAL (1) What happens to the wild birds that are in the canyon? OUR ISSUE- HAZARDOUS MATERIALS BEING TRANSPORTED FROM CITE (1) Ave)? safe? Will hazardous materials be transported by our neighborhood (along Waterman If so what measures will be taken to keep our neighborhood residents Sincerely Grt ~/- BOB FISHER, President Cy: Councilman Derry B-21 MWD METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA \0 ~~[gUW~~) I~ .IAN 1 ~ 200; - Executive Office ~I f'-{ Ul- :::AI'oi t;1;lil'.lAHull~O DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT December 21,2004 Ms. Terri Rahhal City of San Bernardino) Development Services Department 300 NorthD Street San Bernardino, California 92418-0001 Dear Ms. Terri Rahhal: Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Re90rt for the City of San Bernardino General Plan Update The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) has reviewed a copy of the Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) for the City of San Bernardino General Plan Update (GPO). The City of San Bernardino (City) is located approximately 60 miles east of the City of Los Angeles in the San Bernardino Valley. More specifically, the City encompasses an area extending from the 10 Freeway on the south to the Cajon Creek Wash and the San Bernardino Mountains on the north, and bounded by the cities of Highland and Rialto to tbe east and west. The City's total planning area is approximately 44,792.7 acres, or 70 square miles. This includes approximately 38~244, 1 acres, or 60 square miles, of unincorporated territory and 6,548.6 acres, or 10 square miles, of unincorporated lands within the City's Sphere of Influence. The proposed Project consists of a comprehensive update to the City General Plan with the exception of the Housing Element that was adopted July 2003. The proposed General Plan Update reflects the City's vision for its development through buildout. The General Plan is divided into various topical sections, or Elements, that address a wide range of subjects and provide goals and policies that will guide future development in the City. As part of the General Plan Update, the City is processing two specific plans: the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan and the University District Specific Pian. Consisting of approximately 1,916 acres, the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan Area is iocated at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains along State Route 18 at the north end of the City. TIle University District Specific Plan is located in northwestern the portion ofllie City in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. This letter contains Metropolitan's. response to the NOP as a potentially affected agency. Metropolitan owns and operates facilities within the boundaries of the City. Metropolitan's Foothill Feeder-Rialta Pipeline and Inland Feeder are within the boundaries of the City and Sphere of Influence and are in close proximity to both the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan and the University District Specific Plan. The Foothill Feeder-Rialto Pipeline is an approximately I2l-inch diameter pipeline located within a fee-owned property and. permanent easement righl- 700 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, California 90012. Maiting Address: Box 54153, Los Angeles, California 90054-0153. Telephone (213) 217-6000 B-22 THE METROPOLITAN WA TER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Ms. Terri Rahhal Page 2 December 21,2004 121-inch diameter pipeline located within a fee-owned property and permanent easement right- of-way; and the Inland Feeder is an approximately 14-inch diameter tunnel located within permanent easement right-of-way. Metropolitan is concerned with potential impacts to our facilities and fee-owned property that may occur as a result of the proposed GPU and both Specific Plans. Metropolitan is interested in potential changes in land use designation that may occur as a result of the proposed GPU. Metropolitan must be allowed to maintain its rights-of- way and requires lUlobstructed access to our facilities and properties at all times in order to repair and maintain our system. Metropolitan requests that the City consider Metropolitan's facilities and property in its planning and in the Draft EIR, and avoid potential impacts that may occur due to the implementation of the GPU and both Specific Plans. In order to avoid impacts, Metropolitan requests that our pipelines and property be assigned a land use designation that would not conflict with our operations and routine and/or emergency maintenance. The land use designation should ensure that development arolUld Metropolitan's facilities and property is consistent with the express use of our pipelines and rights-of-way as public utilities. In order to avoid potential conflicts with Metropolitan's rights-of-way, we require that any design plans for any activity in the area ofMetropoli~'~ pipelines or facilities be submitted for our review and written approval. Approval of any projects where they could impact Metropolitan's property should be contingent on Metropolitan's approval of design plans. Detailed prints of drawings of Metropolitan's pipelines and rights-of-way may be obtained by calling Metropolitan's Substructures Information Line at (213) 217-6564. To assist in preparing plans that are compatible with Metropolitan's facilities, easements, and properties, we have enclosed a copy of the "Guidelines for Developments in the Area of Facilities, Fee Properties, and/or Easements of The Metropolitan Water District of South em California." Please note that all submitted designs or plans must clearly identify Metropolitan's facilities and rights:-of-way. Metropolitan also requests that the City analyze the consistency of the proposed project with the growth management plan adopted by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). Metropolitan usesSCAG's population, housing, and employment projections to determine future water demand. . In addition, Metropolitan encourages projects within its service area to include water conservation measures. Water conservation, reclaimed water use, and groundwater recharge programs are integral components to regional water supply plarming. Metropolitan supports mitigation measures such as using water efficient fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping, and reclaimed water to offset anY"1ncrease in water use associated with the proposed project. B-23 THE METROPOLITAN WA TER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CAL/FORNlA Ms. Terri Rahhal Page 3 December 21, 2004 We appreciate the opportunity to provide input to your planning process and we look forward to receiving future environmental documentation, including a copy of the Draft EIR, for this project. Ifwe can be of further assistance, please contact Ms. Ana Reyes at (213) 217-7079. Very truly yours, lC~V'-AC' -JL C~ Yn~~ LauraJ. Sim~ ~ Manager, Environmental Planning Team LIM/rell (Public FoldersJEPUlLettersl20-DEC-04B.doc - Terri Rahhal) Enclosure: Planning Guidelines B-24 '" .~ Guidelines for Develo ments in the Area of Fac~lit~es, Fee Properties, an or Easements .Qf The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California 1. Introduction a. The following general guidelines should be followed for the design of proposed facilities and devel~pments in the area of Metropolitan's facilities, fee propert~es, and/or easements. b. We require that 3 copies of your tentative and final record maps, grading, paving, s.treet improvement, landscape, storm drain, and utility plans be submitted for our review and written approval as they pertain to Metropolitan's facilities, fee properties and/or easements, prior to the commencement of any construction work. 2. Plans, Parcel and Tract Maps ~he fo1lowing are Metropolitan's requirements for the identification of its facilities, fee properties, and/or easements on your plans, parcel maps and tract maps: a. Metropolitan's fee properties and/or easements and its pipelines and other facilities must be fully shown and identified as Metropolitan'S on all applicable p1ans. b. Metrop01itan's fee properties and/or easements must be shown and identified as Metropolitan's with the official recording data on all applicable parcel and tract maps. c. Metropolitan's fee properties and/or easements ~nd ~~isting survey monuments must be dimensionally tied to the parcel. or t:r;act b011I1darie.s.. . . . d. Metropolitan's records of surveys must be referenced on the parcel and tract maps. B-25 ... \'t \11 - 2 - 3. Maintenance of Access Along M~tropolitanls Rights-of-Way a. Proposed cut or fill slopes exceeding 10 percent are normally not allowed within Metropolitan's fee propertie~ or easements. This is required to facilitate the use of construction and maintenanc.e equipment, and provide access to its aboveground and belowground facilities. b. We require that 16-foot-wide commercial-type driveway approaches be constructed on both sides of all streets crossing Metropolitan's rights-of-way. Openings ~re_required in any median island. Access ramps, if ~ecessary, must be at least 16-feet-wide. . Grades of ramps ~re normally not allowed to exceed 10 percent. If the slope of. an access ramp must exceed 10 percent due to the topography, the ramp must be paved. We require a 40-foot-long level area on the driveway approach to access ramps where the ramp meets the street. At Metropolitan's fee properties, we may require fences and gates. . c. The terms of Metropolitan's permanent easement deeds normally preclude the building or maintenance of structures of any nature or kind within its easements, to ensure safety and avoid interference with operation and mai.ntenance of Metropolitan's pipelines or other facilities. Metropolitan must have vehicular access along the~asements at ,alJ.,. times for inspecti.onr patrolling, and for maintenance o~ the pipelines and other, facilities, on a routine basis. We require 'a 20-foot-wide clear zone around all above-ground faci~ities for this routine access. This clear zone should s10pe away from our facility on a grade not to exceed 2.percent. We must also have acc~ss along the easements . with c;onstruction equipment. An example of this is shown on Figure 1. . d. The footings of ~ny pr~posed buildinqs adjacent to MetropOlitan's fee. properties and/or easements must not encroach into the fee property or easement' or impose additional loading on Metropolitan's pipelines or other facilities therein. A typical situation is shown on F-igure 2.. Prints of the detail plans of the footings for a~y building or structure adjacent to the fee property or easement must be submitted for our review and written approval as they pertain to the pipeline or other facilities therein. Also, roof eaves of buildings adjacent to the easement or, fee property must not overhang into the fee p~operty or easement area. ( I' 8-26 - 3 - e. Metropolitan's pipelines and other facilities, e.g. structures, manholes, equipment, survey monuments, etc. within its fee properties and/or easements must be protected from damage by the easement holder on Metropolitan's property or the property owner where Metropolitan has an easement, at no expense to Metropolitan. If the. facility is a cathodic protection station it shall be located prior to any grading or excavation. The exact location, description and way of protection shall be shown on the related plans for the easement area. 4. Easements on Metropolitan's Propert~ a. We encourage the use of Metropolitan's fee rights- of-way by governmental agencies for public street and utility purposes, provided that such use does not interfere with Metropolitan's use of the property, the entire width of the property is accepted into the agency's public street system and fair market value is paid for such use of -the right-of-way. b. Please contact the Director of Metropolitan's Right of Way and Land Division, telephone (213) 250-6302, -concerning easements for landscaping; street, storm drain, sewer, water or other public facilities proposed within Metropolitan's fee properties.. A map and legal description of the requested easements must be submi. tted. Also, wri tten evidence must be submitted that shows the city or county wi11 accept the easement' for the specific purposes into its public system. The grant of the easement will be subject to Metropolitan's rights to use its land for water pipelines and related purposes to the same ~xtent as if such grant had not been made. There will be a-charge for the easement. Please note that, if entry is required on the property prior to issuance of the easement, an entry permit must be obtained. There will also be a charge for the entry permit. 5. Landscaping Metropolitan's landscape guidelines for its fee properties and/or easements are as follows: a. A green belt may be allowed within Metropolitan's fee property or easement. b. All landscape plans shall show the location and size of Metropolitan's fee property and/or easement and the location and size of Metropolitan's pipeline or other facilities therein. B-27 - 4 - c. Absolutely no trees will be allowed within 15 feet of the centerline of Metropolitan's existing or future pipelines and facilities. d. Deep-rooted trees are prohibited within Metropolitan's fee properties and/or easements. Shallow- rooted trees are the only trees allowed. The shallow-rooted trees w~ll not be permitted any closer than 15 fee~ from the centerline of the pipeline, and such trees shall not be taller than 25 feet with a root spread no greater than 20 feet. in diameter at maturity. Shrubs, bushes, vines, and ground cover are permit~ed, but larger shrubs and bushes should not be planted directly over our pipeline. Turf is acceptable. We.require submittal of landscape plans for Metropolitan's prior review and written approval. (See Figure 3). e. The landscape plans must contain provisions for Metropolitan's vehicular access at all t~es along its. rights-of-way to its pipelines or facilities therein. Gates capable of accepting'Metropolitan's locks are' required in any rences across its rights-of-way. Also, any walks or ~rainaqe faci1ities across its access route must be constructed to AASHTO B-20 loading standards. f. Rights to landscape any of Metropol.i tan's fee properties must be acquired from its Right or Way and Land Division. Appropriate entry per.mits must be obtained prior to any entry on its property. There wil.l be a charge for any entry permit or easements required. 6. Fencing Metropolitan requires that perimeter fencing of its fee properties and facilities ?e constructed' of universal chain link, 6 feet in height and ~opped wi~ 3 strands of barbed wire angled upward and outward at a 45 degree angle or an' approved equal for a total fence height of 7 feet. Suitable substitute fencing may be cons~deredby Metropolitan. (Please see Figure' 5 for'details). 7. Utilities in Metropolitan's Fee Properties and/or Easements or Adjacent to Its Pip~line in Public Streets ' Metropolitan's policy for the alinement of utilities permitted within its fee properties and/or easements and street rights-of-way is as follows: B-28 l' - 5 - a. Permanent structures, including catch basins, manholes, power poles, telephone riser boxes, etc., shall not be located within its fee properties and/or easements. b. We request that permanent utility structures within public streets, in which Metropolitan's facilities are constructed under the Metropolitan Water District Act, be placed as far from our pipeline as possible, but not closer than 5 feet from the outside of our pipeline. _ c. The installation of utilities over or under Metropolitan's pipeline(s) m~st be in accordance with the requirements shown on the enclosed prints of Drawings Nos. C-ll632 and C-9547. Whenever possible we request a minimum of one foot clearance between Metropolitan's pipe and your facility. Temporary support of Metropo~itan's - pipe may also be required at undercrossinqs of its pipe in an open trench. The temporary support plans must be reviewed and approved by Metropolitan. d. Lateral uti1.ity'crossinqs of Metropoli.tan's pipelines must be as perpendicular to its pipeline alinement as practical. Prior to any excavation our pipeline shall be located manually and any excavation within two feet of our pipeline must be done by hand. This shall be noted on the appropriate drawinqs. e. Utilities cons~ucted longitudinally 'within Metropolitan's rights-of-way must be located outside the theoretical trench prism' for uncovering its pipeline and must be located parallel to and as close to its riqhts- of-way lines as practical. f. When piping is jacked or installed in jacked casing or tunnel under MetropOlitan'S pipe, there must be at least two feet of vertical clearance between the bottom of Metropolitan's pipe and the top of the jacked pipe, jacked casing or tunnel. We also require that detail drawings of , the shoring for the jacking or tunnelinq pits, be submitted ,for our rev,iew and . approval. Provisions must be made to grout any voids around the exterior of the jacked pipe, jacked casing or tunnel. II' the piping is installed in a jacked casing or tunnel the annular space between the piping and the jacked casing or tunnel must be filled with grout. B-29 - 6 - g. Overhead electrical and telephone line requirements: 1} Conductor clearances are to conform to the California State Public Utilities Commission, General Order 95, for Overhead Electrical Line Construction or at a greater clearance if required by Metropolitan. Under no circumstances shall clearance be less than 35 feet. 2) A marker must be attached to the power pole showin~ the ground clearance and line voltage, ,to he~p prevent damage to your facilities during maintenance or other work being done in the area. 3) Line clearance over Metropolitan's fee properties and/or easements shall be shown on the drawing to indicate the lowe~t point of the line Under the most adverse conditions including consideration of sag, wind load, temperature change, and support type. We'require that overhead lines be located at least 30 feet laterally away from a~l above-ground structures on the pipelines. 4) When underground electrical conduits, 120 volts or greater, are installed within Metropolitan's fee property and/or easement, the conduits must be incased in a min~um of three inches of red ~oncrete. Where possible, above ground warning . signs must also be placed at the right-of-way lines where the conduits enter and exit the right-of-way. h. The construction of sewerlines in Metropolitan's fee properties and/or easements must conform to the California Department of Bealth,Services Criteria for the , Separation of Water Mains and Sanitary Services arid the local City or County Health Code Ordinance as it relates to installation of sewers in the vicinity of .pressure waterl~nes. The construction of sewerlines .should also confo:on to these stan4ards in street riqhts-of- way." i. Cross sections shall be provided for all pipeline crossings showing Metropolitan's fee property and/or easement limits and the location of our pipeline(s). The exact locations of the crossing pipelines and their elevations shall be marked on as-built drawings for our information. B-30 - 7 - j. Potholing of Metropolitan's pipeline is required if the vertical clearance between a utility and Metropolitan's pipeline is indicated on the plan to be 'one foot or less. If the indicated clearance is between one and two feet, potholing is suggested. Metropolitan will provide a representative to .assists others in locatinq and identifying its pipe1.ine. Two-working days notice is requested. k. Adequate shoring and bracing is required for the Iull depth of the trench when the excavation encroaches within the zone shown on Figure 4. l. The location of utilities within Metropolitan's fee property and/or easement shall be plainly marked to help prevent damage during maintenance or other work done in the area. Detectable tape over buried utilities should be placed a min~um of 12 inches above the utility and shall conform to the following requirements: , 1) Water pipeline: A two-inch blue warning tape shall be ~printed with: "CAUTION BURIED WATER PIPELINE" 2) Gas, oil, or chemical pipeline: A two-inch yellow w~rninq tape shall be ~printed with: "CAUTION BURIED PIPELINE" 3) Sewer or storm drain pipeline: A two-inch green warning tape shall he imprinted with: "CAUTION BURIED PIPELINE" 4) Electric, street lighting, or traffic signals conduit: A two-inch red warning tape shall be ~printed with: "CAUTION BURIED CONDUIT" 5) Telephone, or television conduit: A two-inch orange warnin,g tape shall be imprinted with: "CAUTION BURIED CONDUIT" B-3! - 8 - m. Cathodic Protection requirements: 1) If there is a cathodic protection station for Metropolitan's pipeline in the area of the ,proposed work, it shall be located prior to any grading or excavation. The exact location, description and manner of protection shall be shown on all applicable plans. Please contact Metropolitan's Corrosion Enqineerinq Section, located at Metropolitan's F. E. Weymouth Softening and Filtration Plant, 700 North Moreno Avenue, La Verne, California 91750, telephone (7l4) 593-7474, for the locations of Metropolitan's cathodic protection stations. ..".; :,. 2) If an induced-current cathodic protection system is to be installed on any pipeline crossing Metropolitan's pipeline, please contact Mr. Wayne E. Risner at (714) 593-7474 or (213) 250-5085'. Be will review the proposed system and determine if any' conflicts will arise,with the existing cathodic protection systems installed by Metropolitan. 3) Within Metropol.itan's rights-of-way, pipelines and carrier pipes (casings) shall be coated with an approved protective coating to conform to Metropolitan's requirements, and shall be maintained in . a.neat, and orderly.condition as directed by Metropo1itan. The app~ication and monitoring of cathodic protection on the pipe1ine and casing shall. conform to Title 49 of the Code of Federal,' Regulations, Part 195. 4) If a steel carrier pipe (casinq) is used: (a) Cathodic protection shall be provided by use of a sacrificial magnesium anode (a sketch showing tne cathodic protection details can be provided for the designers information). (b) The steel carrier pipe shall be protected with a coal tar enamel coating inside and out in accordance with AWWA C203 specification. n. All trenches shall be excavated to comply with the CAL/OSBA Construction Safety Orders, Article 6, beginning with Sections 1539 through 1547. Trench backfill shall be placed in 8-inch lifts and shall be compacted to 95 percent relative compaction (ASTM D698) across roadways and through protective dikes. Trench backfill elsewhere will be compacted to 90 percent relative compaction (AS'l'M D698). B-32 - 9 - , o. Control cables connected with the operation of Metropolitan's system are buried within streets, its fee properties and/or easements. The locations and elevations of these cables shall be shown on the drawings. The drawings shall note that prior to any excavation 1n the area, the control cables shall be located and measures shall be taken by the contractor to protect the cables in place. p. Metropolitan is a member of Underground Service Alert ,(USA). The contractor (excavator) shall contact USA~at 1-800-422-4133 (Southern California) at least 48 hours prior to starting any excavation work. The contractor will be liable for any damage to Metropolitan's ~acilities as a result of the construction. 8. Paramount Right Facilities constructed within Metropolitan's fee properties and/or easements shall be subject to the 'paramount right of Metropolitan to use its fee propert~es arid/or easements for the purpose for which they were acquired. If at any t~e Metropolitan or its assigns should, in the exercise of their rights, find it necessary to remove any of the facilities from the fee properties and/or easements, such removal. and replacement shall be at the eXpense of the owner of the facility. 9. MOdification of Metropolitan's Facilities When a manho~e or other of Metropolitan's facilities must be modified to accommodate your construction or recons- truction, Metropo~itan will modify the faciJ.ities with i.ts forces. This should be noted on the construction plans. The estimated cost to perform this modification will be given to you and we will require a deposit for this amount before the work is-performed. Once the deposit is received, we w~ll schedule the work. Our forces will coordinate the work with your contractor. Our final billing will be based on actual cost incurred, and will include materia~s, construction, engineering plan review, inspection, and administrative overhead charges calculated in accordance with Metropolitan's standard accounting practices. If the cost is les's than the deposit, a refund will be made; however, if the cost exceeds the deposit, an invoice will ,be forwarded for payment of the additional amount. B-33 - 10 - 10. Drainage a. Residential or commercial ,development typically increases and concentrates the peak storm water runoff as well as the total yearly storm runoff from an area, thereby increasing the requirements for storm drain facilities downstream of the development. Also, throughout the year water from landscape irrigation, car washing, and other outdoor domestic water uses flows into the storm drainage system resulting in weed abatement, insect infestation, obstructed access and other problems. Therefore, it is Metropolitan's usual practice not to approve plans that shov discharge of drainage from developments onto its fee properties and/or easements. b. If water must be carried across or discharged onto Metropolitan's fee properties and/or easements, 'Metropolitan will insist that plans for development provide that it be carried by closed conduit or lined open channel approved in writing by Metropolitan. Also the drainage facilities must be maintained by others, e.g~, city, county, homeowners association, etc. If the development proposes changes to exist~g drainage features, then the developer shall make provisions to provide for replacement and these changes must be approved by Metropolitc in writing. 11. Construction Coordination During construction", Metropolitan's field representative will make periodic inspec~ions. We request that a stipulation be added to the plans or specifications for notification of Mr. of Metropo~itan's Operations Services Branch, telephone (213) 250-' , at least two working days prior to any work in the vicinity of our facilities. 12. Pipeline Loading Restrictions a. Metropolitan's pipelines and conduits vary in structural strength, and some ,are not adequate for AASHTO B-20 loading. Therefore, specific loads over the specific sections of pipe or conduit must be reviewed and approved by Metropol~tan. Boweve~, Metropolitan's pipelines are typically adequate for AASHTO B-20 loading provided that the cover over the pipeline is not less than four feet or the cover is not substantially increased. If the temporary cover over the pipeline during construction is between three and four feet, equipment must restricted to that which B-34 - 11 - imposes loads no greater than AASHTO a-IO. If the cover is between two and three feet, equipment must be restricted to that .of a Caterpillar D-4 tract-type tractor. If the cover is less than two feet, only hand equipment may be used. Also, if the contractor plans to use any equipment over Metropolitan's pipeline which will impose loads greater than AASHTO H-20, it will be necessary to submi~ the specifications of such equipment for our review and approval at least one week prior to its use. More restrictive requirements may apply to the loading guideline over' the San Diego Pipelines 1 and 1, portions of the Orange County Feeder, and the Colorado River Aqueduct. Please contact us for loading restrictions on all of. Metropolitan's pipelines and conduits. b. The existing cover over the pipeline shal~ be maintained unless Metropolitan determines that proposed changes do not pose a hazard to the .inteqrityof the pipeline or an ~ped~ent ~o its maintenance. 13 . Blasting a. At least 20 days prior to, the start of any drilling for rock excavation blasting, or any blasting, in the vicinity of Metropolitan's xacilities, a two~part preliminary conceptual plan shall be submitted to Metropolitan as fol.lows: ' b. Part 1 of the conceptual p1an shall include a complete summary of.proposed transportation, handling, storage, and use of explosions. c. Part 2 shall include the proposed general concept for blasting" inclUding controlled blasting techniques and controls of .noise, fly rock, airblast, and ground vibration. l4. CEQA Requirements' a. When Environmental Documents Have Not Been Prepared 1) Regulations implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) require that Metropolitan have an opportunity to consult with the agency or consultants preparing any environmental documentation. We are required to review and consider the environmental effects of the project as shown in , the "Negative Dec1aration or Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared for your project before committing Metropolitan to apPB~J5 your request. . ' - 12 - 2) In order to ensure compliance with the regulations ~plementinq CEQA where Metropolitan is not the Lead Agency, the fo~lowing min~um procedures to ensure compliance with the Act have been established: a) Metropolitan shall be timely advised of any determination that a Categorical Exemption applies to the project. The Lead Agency is to advise Metropolitan that it and other agencies participating in the project have complied with the requirements of CEQA prior to Metropolitan's participation. b) Metropolitan is to be consulted during" the preparation of the Negative Declaration or EIR. c) Metropolitan is to review and submit any necessary comments on the Negative Declaration or draft EIR. d) Metropolitan is to be indemnified for any costs or liability arising out of any violation of any laws or regulations incl.uding but not l~ited to the California Environmental Quality Act an4 its ~plementing regulations. b. When Environmental Documents Have Been Prepared If environmental documents have been prepared for your project, please furnish us a copy for our review and files in a t~ely manner so ,that we may have sufficient t~e to review and comment. The following steps must also be accomplished; . 1) The Lead Agency is ~o advise Metropolitan that it and other agencies participating in the project have complied with the requirements of CEQA prior to Metropolitan's. participation. 2) You mUst agree to indemnify Metropolitan, its officers~ engineers, and agents for any costs or liability. arising out of any violation of any laws or regulations including but not limited to the California Environmental Quality Act and its ~plementing requlations. 15. Metropolitan's Plan-Review Cost a. An engineering review of your proposed facilities and developments and the preparation of a letter response B~6 - 13 - giving.Me~ropo~itan's comments, r~quirernents anc/or approva, that w~ll requ.l.re 8 ~an-hours or less of effort is typic,all' performed at no cost to the developer, unless a facility - must be modified where Metropolitan has superior rights. Ij an engineering review' and letter response requires more thar 8 man-hours of effort by Metropolitan to determine if the proposed facility or development is compatible with its facilities, or if modifications to Metropolitan's manhole(s) or other facilities will he required, then all of Metropolitan's costs associated with the project must be paid by the developer, unless the developer has superior rights. b. A deposit of funds will be required from the developer before Me~ropolitan'can begin its detai~ed enqineering plan review that wi~l exceed B hours. The amount of the required deposit will be determined after a cursory review of the plans for the proposed development. c. Metropolitan's final billing will be based on actual cost incurred, and will include engineeririg plan review, inspection, ma~erials, construction, and administrative overhead charges ca~culated ~n accordance with Metropo1itan's standard accounting practices. If the 'cost is less than the deposit... ,a refund will be made; however, if the cost exceeds the deposit... an invoice wi1l be forwarded for payment of the'additional amount. Additional daposits may be required if the cost of Metropolitan's review exceeds the amount of the initial deposit. 16. Caution We advise you that Metropolitan's plan reviews and responses are based upon information available to Metropolitan which was prepared by or on behalf of Metropolitan for general record purposes only. Such information may not be sufficiently detailed or accurate for your purposes. No warranty ~f any k~nd, eith7r express or imp~ied... is attached to the ~nformat~on there~n conveyed as to its accuracy, and no inference should be drawn from Metropolitan's failure to comment on any aspect of your project. You are therefore cautioned to make such surveys and other field investigations as you may deem prudent to assure yourself that any plans for your project are correct. B-37 - 14 - 17. Additional Info~ation Should you require additional infor.mation, please contact: Civil Enaineerina Substructures Section Metropolitan Water District of Southern California P.o. Box 54153 Los Angeles, California 90054-0153 (213) 217-6000 JEH/MRW/~k Rev. January 22; 1989 Enc1. B-38 , . . t ; \ ~ i \ ; \ \ \ \ "" ~ a: ~ ~ Co) ::;l c:; t- c.. :E ::;Ie O-z:. - o~ Cl')c:. .,,4 il:t=- .... !.! = .... tI) is ~ ~l ~- .,.t ... %. ~i ~i ~.. 0' ~ w 1 c:: wJ ~ ~ t- c:; o w o - - ~ d. CP B-39 _..as. :% o - ... " =' c:; ....., fI'), :':1: 0.... 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I ~ ~ ~ f . : : II \ ... ::; ..l!:'I. rt ",0:1 i~ (.j ~~ .~:i '~'li ;.! ~ ~ ~ ~~ \:; I ~~ ~! ... ... ~ Q . o >> z z !I' .. . ;. i II 8..., . .. .' .. ~ : .. :: . ...-;.....~. ~ ........: r.. ~... .. ," ..-~.... . 1\ If 1 (I Af.Jv.ll Pipeline ....,. -----~--.....r- .~..*.~ ~ ... .~.~-'::-:.' .:"', ~~ ~f.: ~ .. 3" " 4" x 6 premDlded expultS;oll Joil1t fille/" Apertures as. directed .by >_ ::, the Enilineel"#fo!tllllolume not to exceed i the volume of the SlIppoJ"fing well . .J: Concrete support wall to be pieced ogeinst undis- turbed ground SECTION ~A_AH I. Supporting woll shol/ ""l1e 0 lirm bearing on the slIbgrade o(Jd against lite side of the excuvatit>n. 2. Premo/tied exponsion joint filler per ASTM D.'75/-;.3 to be used in support for sleel pipe only. $. /1 trench width is 41eel or greater;measured olong centerline of M. JY. D. pipe, concrete support' must De CO(ls/ruefed. 4. If trench width is les$ th(/(I 4 feet, clean sond bock- filiI compacted to 90% density ;n accDrf/ance wltlJ the provisions 01 ASTM Standard D~/55.;-70 may be- lIsed /n lieu of fhe concrete support wall. "..."7 ",.n-c_,e"..ro.'" c.a..z..a."~"IMT IG~' ~ I i , I . 1 . I I I ./ ! ---......---- .....------- ----------- --......----- .1 - D ......l CROSS SECTION i I . . ! :.....: ~ ,. .... . ".. +:.; ..;:.....,,1:. ::.#...:. ...... .. ... ... ... " TJ1E. METR.s~ ~ IJISTRIC7 SECTION "8-8 u TYPICAl. SUPPORT FOR ,M.W.D. PIPELINE' ==- ~ ~_._~--...- C~954? llA.J:E OF CALIFORNIA-BUSINESS. TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY ARNOLD SCHW ARZENEGGER. Governor DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT A TION DIVISION OF AERONAUTICS MS 40 1120 N STREET P.O. BOX 942873 SACRAMENTO, CA 94273-0001 PHONE (916) 654-4959 FAX (916) 653-9531 TrY (916) 651-6827 ~ . Flex your power! Be energy efficient! . ",...., ; L. .C"-'~Y..' i. December 16, 2004 Ms. Tern Rahhal City of San Bernardino 300 North D Street, 3rd Floor San Bernardino, CA 92418 Dear Ms. Rahhal: Re: City of San Bernardino General Plan Update SCH# 2004111132 Thank you for including the California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics in the environmental review process for the above-referenced project. We have reviewed the Notice of Preparation for an Environmental Impact Report, dated November '2004, and offer the following conunents with respect to airport land use compatibility planning. 1. The proposed project is the comprehensive update of the City of San Bernardino General Plan. As a part of this update, the City is concurrently processing two Specific Plans, the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan and the University District Specific Plan. The San Bernardino International Airport is located within the planning area. 2. Aviation plays a significant role in California's transportation system. This role includes the movement of people and goods within and beyond our State's network of over 250 airports. Aviation contributes nearly 9% of both total State employment (1.7 million jobs) and total State output ($110.7 billion) annually. These benefits were identified in a recent study, "Aviation in California: Benefits to Our Economy amI Way of Life," prepared for the Division of Aeronautics, and it is published o,n-line at http://www.dot.ca.govlhq/plannin?iaeronaut/. Among other things, aviation improves mobility, generates tax revenue, saves lives through emergency response, medical and fire fighting services, annually transports air cargo valued at over $170 billion, and generates over $14 billion in tourist dollars, which in turn improves our economy and quality of life. 3. In accordance with Public Utilities Code (PUC) Section 21676, local General Plans and any amendments must be consistent with the adopted airport land use compatibility plans developed by the San Joaquin County Airport Land Use Commission (ALVC). An ALUC consistency review will be required of the City's proposed general plan update. This requirement is necessary to ensure that General Plan policies and recommendations for noise impact assessment and land use densities are appropriate, given the nature of airport operations. "Caltrans improve~ity across Californian Ms Terri Rahhal December 16, 2004 Page 2 4. As stated in the State Aeronautics Act, Public Utilities Code Section 21676 et seq., the Department reviews and comments on the specific findings a local government int~nds to use when proposing to overrule an ALUC. The Department specifically looks at the proposed findings to gauge their relationship to their overrule. Also, pursuant to the PUC 21670 et seq., findings should show evidence that the city is minimizing ".. .the public's exposure to excessive noise and safety hazards within areas around public airports to the extent that these areas are not already devoted to incompatible uses." 5. General Plans and Elements must clearly demonstrate intent to adhere to ALUC policies to ensure that compliance with compatibility criteria. Direct conflicts between mapped land use designations in a General Plan and the ALUC criteria must be eliminated. A General Plan needs to include (at the very least) policies committing the county to adopt compatibility criteria essential to ensuring that such conflicts will be avoided. The criteria do not necessarily need to be spelled out in the General Plan. There are a number of ways for a city or county to address the airport consistency issue, including: · Incorporating airport compatibility policies into the update · Adopting an airport combining zoning ordinance · Adopting an 'Airport Element' into the General Plan · Adopting the Airport Compatibility Plan as a 'stand alone' document or as a specific plan 6. The General Plan must acknowledge that until ALUC compatibility criteria are incorporated into the General Plan, proposals within the airport influence area must be submitted to the ALUC for review. These provisions must be included in the General Plan at a minimum for it to be considered consistent with the airport compatibility land use plan. The General Plan should also be coordinated with airport staff to ensure its compatibility with future as well as existing airport operations. 7. In addition, in accordance with CEQA, Public Resources Code 21096, the Department's Airport Land Use Planning Handbook (Handbook) must be utilized as a resource in the preparation of environmental documents for projects within an airport land use compatibility plan boundaries or if such a plan has not been adopted, within two nautical miles of an airport. The Handbook is a resource that should be applied to all public use airports. The Handbook is published on-line at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/planning/aeronautlhtmlfile/landuse.php. The Handbook provides a "General Plan Consistency Checklist" in Table 5A and a "Possible Airport Combining Zone Components" in Table 5B. 8. The planned height of buildings, antennas, and other objects should be checked with respect to Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 77 criteria if development is close to the airport, particularly if situated within the runway approach corridors. General Plans must include policies restricting the heights of structures to protect airport airspace. To ensure compliance with FAR Part 77, "Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace," submission of a Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration (Form 7460-1) tothe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may be required. For further technical information, please refer to the FAA's web site at http://www1.faa.gov/ats/atalATA400/oeaaa.html. B-46 "Caltrans improves mobility across California" Ms Terri Rahhal December 16, 2004 Page 3 9. Education Code, Section 17215 requires a school site investigation by,the Division of Aeronautics prior to acquisition of land for a proposed school site located within two miles of an airport runway. The Division's recommendations are submitted to the State Department of Education for use in determining acceptability of the site. This should be a consideration prior to designating residential uses in the vicinity of an airport. 10. Section 11010 of the Business and Professions Code and Sections 1102.6, 1103.4, and 1353 of the Civil Code (htto://www.leginfo.ca.g:ov/calaw.html) address buyer notification requirements for lands around airports. Any person who intends to offer land for sale or lease within an airport influence area is required to disclose that fact to the person buying the property. 11. Land use practices that attract or sustain hazardous wildlife populations on or near airports can significantly increase the potential for wildlife-aircraft collisions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that landfills, wastewater treatment facilities, surlace mining, wetlands and other uses that have the potential to attract wildlife, be restricted in the vicinity of an airport. FAA Advisory Circular (ACI50/5200-33) entitled "Hazardous Wildlife Attractants on or Near Airports" and AC 150/5200-34 entitled "Construction or Establishment of Landfills Near Public Airports" address these issues. These advisory circulars can be accessed at http://www1.faa.gov/arpIlSOacs.cfm#Airport Safety. For further technical information, please refer to the FAA's web site at http://wildlife-mitigation.tc.faa.gov/public html/index.html. For additional information concerning wildlife damage management, you may wish to contact Patrick L. Smith, United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, at (916) 979-2675. 12. We strongly feel that the protection of airports from incompatible land use encroachment is vital to California's economic future. The San Bernardino International Airport is an economic asset that should be protected through effective airport land use compatibility planning and awareness. Although the need for compatible and safe land uses near airports in California is both a local and a state issue, airport land use commissions and airport land use compatibility plans are key to protecting an airport and the people residing and working in the vicinity of an airport. Consideration given to the issue of compatible land uses in the vicinity of an airport should help to relieve future conflicts between airports and their neighbors. These comments reflect the areas of concern to the Department's Division of Aeronautics with respect to airport land use compatibility planning. We advise you to contact Ms. Rosa Clark at 909-670-6908 in our District 8 office for surlace transportation issues. We appreciate the opportunity to review and comment on this environmental document. If you have any questions, please call me at (916) 654-5253. Sincerely, DA VID COHEN Associate Environmental Planner c: San Bernardino International Airport B-47 "Caltrans improves mobility across California" a " I .:?&:> - - .. ,~ Department of Toxic Substances Control Alan C. Lloyd, Ph.D. Agency Secretary CallEPA . 5796 Corporate Avenue Cypress, California 90630 Arnold Schwarzenegger Governor .,...".".., ", :'-"., f5)' .. ~ 1 \\// l ~~ D .. '.. . ...." 1...-' I , ~-' December 24, 2004 '.;. "... 'fi"':) <::-",..':':c5 iT~u r Ms. Terri Rahhal Planning Department City of San Bernardino 300 North D Street, 3rd Floor San Bernardino, California 92418~0001 NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF A DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO GENERAL PLAN UPDATE DRAFT EIR (SCH#2004111132) Dear Ms. Rahhal: " The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has received your submitted Notice of Preparation for the above-mentioned project. The following project description is stated in your document: "As part of the General Plan Update, the City of San Bernardino is processing two specific plans: the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan and the University District Specific Plan." Based on the review of the submitted document DTSC has comments as follow: 1) The EIR should identify and determine the current or historic uses afthe project site that may have resulted in any release of hazardous wastes/substances. 2) The EI R should identify the known or potentially contaminated sites within the proposed Project area. For all identified sites, the EIR should evaluate whether conditions at the site may pose a threat to human health or the environment. Following are the databases of some of the regulatory agencies: . National Priorities List (NPL): A list maintained by the United States .Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.EPA). B-48 * Printed on Recycled Paper Ms. Terri Rahhal December 24, 2004 Page 2 . Site Mitigation Program Property Database (formerly CaISites): A Database primarily used by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. ~ . Resource Conservation and Recovery Information System (RCRIS): A database of RCRA facilities that is maintained by U_S. EPA. . Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Information System (CERCLlS): A database of CERCLA sites that is maintained by U.S.EPA. . Solid Waste Information System (SWIS): A database provided by the California Integrated Waste Management Board which consists of both open as well as closed and inactive solid waste disposal facilities and transfer stations. . Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) / Spills, Leaks, Investigations and Cleanups (SLle): A list that is maintained by Regional Water Quality Control Boards. -, . Local Counties and Cities maintain lists for hazardous substances cleanup sites and leaking underground storage tanks. . The United States Army Corps of Engineers, 911 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, 90017, (213) 452-3908, maintains a list of Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS). -- 3) The EIR should identify the mechanism to initiate any required investigation and/or remediation for any site that may be contaminated, and the government agency to provide appropriate regulatory oversight. If hazardous materials or wastes were stored and used at the site, an investigation can determine if a release has occurred. If so, further studies should be carried out to delineate the nature and extent of the contamination, and the potential threat to public health and/or the environment should be evaluated. It may be necessary to determine if an expedited response action is required to reduce existing or potential threats to public health or the environment. If no immediate threat exists, the final remedy should- be implemented in compliance with state regulations and policies. , 4) All environmental investigations, sampling and/or remediation should be conducted under a Workplan approved and overseen by a regulatory agency B-49 Ms. Terri Rahhal December 24, 2004 Page 3 that has jurisdiction to oversee hazardous waste cleanup. The findings and maximum valued sampling result of each hazardous contaminant and at which depth location from any sampling or subsequent reports should be clearly summarized in a table in the EIR so the general public may understand and comprehend. 5) Proper investigation, sampling and remedial actions overseen by a regulatory agency, jf necessary, should be conducted at the site prior to the new development or any construction. 6) If any property adjacent to the project site is contaminated with hazardous chemicals, and if the proposed project is within 2,000 feet from a contaminated site, then the proposed development may fall within the "Border Zone of a Contaminated Property." Appropriate precautions should be taken prior to construction if the proposed project is within a "Border Zone Property 7) If building structures, asphalt or concrete-paved surface areas or other structures are planned to be demolished, an investigation should be conducted for the presence of lead-based paints or products, mercury, and asbestos containing materials (ACMs). If lead-based parms or products, mercury or ACMs are . identified, proper precautions should be taken during demolition activities. Additionally, the contaminants should be remediated in compliance with California environmental regulations and policies. 8) The project construction may require soil excavation and soil filling in certain areas. Appropriate sampling is required prior to disposal of the excavated soil. If the soil is contaminated, properly dispose of it rather than placing it in another location. Land Disposal Restrictions (LDRs) may be applicable to these soils. Also, jf the project proposes to import soil to backfill the areas excavated, proper sampling should be conducted to make sure that the imported soil is free of contamination. 9) Human health and the environment of sensitive receptors should be protected due to any soil contamination. A study of the site overseen by the appropriate government agency might have to be conducted to determine if there are, have been, or will be, any releases of hazardous materials that may pose a risk to human health or the environment. I 10) If it is determined that hazardous wastes are, or will be, generated by the proposed operations, the wastes must be managed in accordance with the B-50 Ms. Terri Rahhal December 24, 2004 Page 4 California Hazardous Waste Control Law (California Health and Safety Code. Division 20, chapter 6.5) and the Hazardous Waste Control Regulations (California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4.5). 11) If it is determined that hazardous wastes are or will be generated and the wastes are (a) stored in tanks or containers for more than ninety days, (b) treated onsite, or (c) disposed of onsite, then a permit from DTSC may be required. If so; the facility should contact DTSC at (818) 551-2171 to initiate pre application discussions and determine the permitting process applicable to the facility. 12) If it is determined that hazardous wastes will be generated, the facility should obtain a United States Environmental Protection Agency Identification Number by contacting (800) 618-6942. 13) Certain hazardous waste treatment processes may require authorization from the local Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA). Information about the requirement for authorization can be obtained by contacting your local CUPA. 14) lfthe project plans include discharging wastewater to storm drain, you may be required to obtain a wastewater discharge permit from the overseeing Regional , Water Quality Control Board. 15) If during construction/demolition of the project, soil and/or groundwater contamination is suspected, construction/demolition in the area should cease and appropriate health and safety procedures should be implemented. If it is determined that contaminated soil and/or groundwater exist, the EIR should identify how any required investigation and/or remediation will be conducted, and the appropriate government agency to provide regulatory oversight.- 16) If the site was used for agricultural activities or if weed abatement occurred, onsite soils may contain pesticides, and agricultural chemical residue. If the site was used for dairy and cattle industry operations, the manure-rich soils might have to be removed from the property. If so, activities at the site may have contributed to other soil and groundwater contamination. Proper investigation. confirmation samples and remedial actions, if necessary, might have to be conducted at the site prior to construction of the project. DTSC provides guidance fQr cleanup oversight through the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP). For 'additional information on the VCP, please visit DTSC's web site at www.dtsc.ca.gov. B-51 Ms. Terri Rahhal December 24, 2004 Page 5 If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact me at (714) 484-5461 or by amaH at gholmes@dtsc.ca.gov. Sincerely, t'Yf .,1', ;;t7////;;;~-Z?C? Greg Holmes Unit Chief Southern California Cleanup Operations Branch - Cypress Office cc: Governor's Office of Planning and Research State Clearinghouse P.O. Box 3044 Sacramento, California 95812-3044 Mr. Guenther W. Moskat, Chief Planning and Environmental Analysis Section CEQA Tracking Center -, Department of Toxic Substances Control P.O. Box 806 Sacramento, California 95812-0806 CEQA #1020 B-52 ,,;,;,;, I' , ~-~--:'..: ~~.~ ''''@ .,1..':;; D 'i w, ;' . ~ , ~. ~ \. . ':"~: ~'A:" ":","dr) ", :-~ iJ:~::';~ ; ,j;T~r . II (', :~:'t I r December 27,2004 Ms. Terri Rahhal Principal Planner City of San Bernardino 300 North "D" Street San Bernardino, CA 92418-0001 RE: C~ty of San Bernardino General Plan Update and Arrowhead Springs and University District Specific Plans Dear Ms. Rahhal: Thank. you for giving us the opportunity to review the Initial Study for the above stated projects. The update of the General Plan .and Specific Plans are germane to creating .a vision for future development within the City. Currently, Omnitrans provides both fixed-route service and demand-response service within the City boundaries. Several Omnitrans projects are currently taking place within the City that will help improve these services for the residents of San Bernardino. The first project is the development of a Downtown Transcenter that will facilitate better transfer connections between Omnitrans service as well as other transit agencies such as the Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA), Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority (MARTA), and Metrolink Commuter Rail service. The preferred location for a transcenter is located on HE" Street and Rialto Avenue which is adjacent to Metrolink's one-mile rail extension and Omnitrans' future "E" Street Transit Corridor. Omnitrans is also currently working on a Major Investment Study (MIS) for the "E" Street Transit Corridor. As part of this study, Omnitrans, San Bernardino City staff, and Parsons Transportation Group as well as other key stakeholders have been working to identify the corridor's aligrnnent and opportunities for integrating land-use decisions with an improved public transportation system. In addition, other corridors have been identified in the MIS through the System~Wide Transit Corridor Plan for the San Bernardino Valley prepared by Parsons in July 2004 and formally adopted by the Omnitrans Board of Directors on September 1, 2004. This plan identifies several corridors as potential candidates for enhanced transportation service within the City and throughout the region. This document is available online at www.estreet-sbx.com and by clicking on the Information Library tab. Omnitrans . 1700 West Fifth Street. San Bernardino, CA 92411 Phone: 909-379-7100. Web site: www,omnitrans,org . Fax: 909-889-5779 It S3' ..... . ..... '. Serving the communities of Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, County of San Bernardino, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Montclair, Ontario, RanChO Cucamongo, Realands, Rialto, San Bernardino, Upland and Yucaipa, Ms. Terri Rahhal December 27,2004 - Page 2 As part of the Draft Environmental Impact Report, please consider the benefits of providing enhanced public transportation service as a potential mitigation measure for automobile traffic generated from the proposed land uses identified in the General and Specific Plans., Also, please consider aesthetic treatments of the public rights-of-way to include features that support and promote the use of alternative modes of transportatjon (i.e. pedestrian, bicycle, and public transportation). We would like to continue to work with City Staff to ensure that enhanced public transportation service is available for the residents of the City. Thank you again for allowing us to provide comments. If you have any questions, please call me at 909.379.7256 or email mervin.acebo@omintrans.org. Sincerely, I l-.r -- C ,0: - -,-"-- Mervin Acebo Associate Planner cc: Rohan Kuruppu, Director of Planning B-54 Ii' , -/~ . .~'~.:-\ , ':..'.'D\ _0', I )}l) ~ .'" I" ' ., , -<oJ Terri Rahhal Principal Planner City of Son Bernardino, Development Services Department 300 Narth kD" Street, 3rd Floor Son Bernardino, CA 92418-0001 December 28,2004 RE: Response to the Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft Enviranmental Impact Report (DEIR) far the City af San Bernardino General Plan Update (GP Update) Deal" Ms. Rahhal, Thank you for the appartunity to. pravide input as to. what issues and concerns should be addressed in the DEIR far the GP Update. As you are well aware af, the GP Update represents the City's intended Mblueprint" far future develapment. The Draft ErR should pravide a detailed, autharitative, and impartial assessment af the potential environmental impacts that may result from implementatian af the GP Update. Because the .life" of the General Plan extends far into the future (buildout), the GP Update (and its companion EIR) must consider not anly potential environmental impacts that may result in the near-term, but also those cumulative impacts that may result up to. the buildout year identified in the GP Update_ Listed as follows, are my specific cancerns: '- 1) It is difficult to assess the required scape of analysis in the NOP withaut knawing of the nature of the changes that will occur in the General Plan Update. The review of the DEIR, in the absence of the updated General Plan could lead to. the significant withholding af valuable information necessary for an adequate review of the DEIR. To. ensure commentars have adequate opportunity to. simultaneously review both the DEIR and GP Update, I respectfully request that the GP Update and the DEIR (as well as any supporting technical studies) be provided electronically on the City's website. Recent review af the documents published on the City's website (e.g. Lakes and Steams DEIR) lead me to believe that the City has the ability to post large. complex documents an its website. To preclude publishing of the GP Update and the DeIR an the City's website, in light of the City~wide importance af these dacuments, would be a seriaus lapse af judgment and would, I believe, represent an effart to circutnvent the public review process tnQ.ndated by the Cc.!ifornia Envil"onmelitd Quality Act CEQA.; 2) The City has proven to. be woefully outmatched in their dealings with the San Manual Band af Mission Indians (Tribe.) Past transfers of land into Trust status and Tribal development will result in the soon-ta-be apened casino and entertainment complex, which happens to. sit amidst single-family neighborhoads. The residents who make their homes within the Barton, Belvedere, and Amber Hill Neighborhoads Associations areas must be assured the City will pravide an adequate level of protection from the impacts that result from the operation of the casino and other Tribal development. While the develOPment that occurs on Tribal land is outside the jurisdiction of the City. it is painfully obviaus that the casino patrons must pass through the City to. reach this gatning Mecca. As the City has been unwilling to demand the Tribal government to consider the opinions af local residents, it falls upon the City to provide the mitigation necessary to reduce casina-reloted impacts. Any GP Update or DEIR that fails to recognize, cansider, aI'" mitigate for these off-reservation impacts would be considered not only incamplete, but grassly flawed. B-55 1 3) I believe the GP Update must include an area-specific consideration of those portions of City that have unique development potential, jurisdictional conflicts, and/or environmental constraints. The NOP states the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan and University District Specific Plan are to be considered during the DEIR process. I respectfully request that the area encompassing the Barton, Belvedere, and Amber Hills Neighborhood Associated be assigned a "Special Policy Area" designation (or whatever the City is willing to call it). The GP Update I1IUSt recognize the special problel1ls and challenges (e.g. casino impacts) that occur in this area, the jurisdictional conflicts with the Tribal government and their development plans, and the adverse effects of continued large-scale commercial development in dose proximity to residential areas. Policies to deal with the uni"que situations that occurring within these so-called . Special Policy Areas" must be identified in the GF Updat~ and DEIR. Other 'Sped:11 Policy ,ll.r'eos" could include the area surrounding the Airport and the Santa Ana River wash, the unincorporated islands of County territory scattered throughout the City, and the Devore/Verdemont area, 4) The DEIR and GP Update must include clear and up-to-date demarcations of lands within the City, within its Sphere of Influence, and within the GP Area. The jurisdiction limits of other municipalities, special districts (e.g., SBCUSD, EVWD), and San Manual Tribal lands must not only be described within the text of the dotuments, but must be concisely depicted on any graphiC representation prepared to support the GP.~nd/or DEIR. 5) The DEIR must include a thorougn and realistic analysis of the cumulative effects that will result from the proposed GP Update. The DIER must consider those projects that potentially may contribute to future environmental effects. Because the City does not exist in isolation, the City must solicit data from adjacent jurisdictions as the level of development projected to occur within their areas of control, and determine if impacts from these developments (e.g., the Boulder/Highland Avenue commercial development, the proposed SR-30/Victoria Avenue Interchange, and other Tribal developl1lent) will significantly il1lpact the quality of the physical and human environment in the City. 6) The City must enSure that it has prepared the GP Update and DIER in consultation with the applicable local, Regional, State, and federal agencies. The supporting data cited in the GP Update and DEIR must represent the best and ,most recent information available. Efforts should be made to solicit detailed information from all affected groups, public entifies, and organizations, So 1hat all potential areas of concern are adequately addressed in the GP Update and the DEIR. I could probably continue this letter for l1Iany more pages, but hesitate. The NOP process is meant to provide an initial airing of areas of concern to the general public, and not an exhaustive accounting of what the DIER should include. I look forward to reviewing a comprehensive, objective, accurate, progressive, and insightful analysis of the many potential environmental il1lpacts that face our City. I respectfully request to be notified of any future action related to the either the GP Update and/or the DEIR. Thank you for your consideration of my concerns. Sincerely, .. '~h11t-d1.{f.:J9I-ft~ Mitchell F. Harrison B-56 2 Jan 18 05 oe:5ep CQMMISSIONE~S VAc:MIT atV'M"mI1er PAUL fiIANE- VJc., Ch~k B_rd fII SI<P........:on; BDSQOLYJ:'" SPl!!(~1 DI:nr1c't l(IMBERI,V COX tl'pccl.'!ll Dlatn~ Il:laww P'Il'EAASQN e>UOIlC M ..ml;l~r .oIANE WILLIAMS O~ MemDer VACAPtT 1l000rd or S~P\lNl~~ ~\.TeRNATCS JAMES v.. OJ~ATM.O cCI'!(ltIl O,llII1c;t; DENNIS fiAHSdl;J;:CER ROlan! or SVPtlnrt\lOl":l VACANT eu:y Mcmller ".R. "TONY- SEO,QNO l'uIIl1( M cmf>c:r ~"AFF KATH~elll ROWI'ICS,Mc\)OItAlD [XOCU12Ve aI'I'Icer SAMU(l MARllNEZ LAFCO Analy'<ll:' DEIJ8Y OiAM8ERUN a.."" roo lh.. ec..nml;glQll A/lJIXl.A M. S01I;Ll Oepu~ CerY. 1:0 ~c COmmI:l:/'k)n LECJAl OOVI1SEl Q.ARl( H_ AlSOP LAFCO 80S 387-:5871 p.e LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION 175 We.~ Fifth Street, Sec.ona Floor . san Befnaralno. CA 92415-0490 (90S) 387-SQG6 - Fex (909) 387-5871 E-maI7: lafco(a)l"fc;o.st:Jcovnty.90V · Wl/lMl.~/)ClafCo.org Esr::m/~d lly t'J'IIi' Sfat9 (>1' c:Jftfon1l11 tQ wrve the Cltmm:;, '1tf(Jf. specral DrtrrlCts ::JI){$ tNL' COW1l:V<>r~" geJ'nQrclmo January 14,2004 Ms. Terri RahhaJ, PrinCipal Planner City of San Bernardino Dl3velopment Services Department 300 North 1'0" Street San Bernardino, CA 92418-0001 RE: Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report Dear Ms. Rahhal: The Local Agency Formation Commission has received a Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the City of San Bernardino General Plan Update. After reviewing the submitted document, LAFCO has the following comments: · The proposed project includes an update of the City's General Plan as well as tv.ro speoific plan studies - the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan and the University District Specifio Plan. However. the Project Title does not explicitly identify these specific plans as part of the project. Is the intent to incorporate the specific plans in the General Plan Update? Shouldn't this be clearly spelled-out in the title? Will these plans be individually addressed in the General Plan EIR? · A discussion on the City's Sphere~of-influence shoUld be comprehensively undertaken since the City is planning to annex areas within its sphere such as the Arrowhead Springs area. The City of San Bemardlno has historically pre-zoned all of its unincorporated sphere of influence. As part of the General Plan Update process, if the City is pre-zoning its sphere. it is important that pre-zoning be specificallY addressed in the text. In addition, the specific prooess of pre-zoning should be a part of the environmental evaluation of the General Plan Update. Received J~n-lg-Z00S 03:62pm From-SOS 887 sm B-57 To-CITV O~ SAN BERNARDI Paie CoZ Jan is 05 02:52p LAFCO 909 367-5871 p.3 CITY OF g^N BERNARDINO GEN. PLAN UPDATE Nop. J)JjIR }<llluary 14,200:5 . The Geology and Soils Section (Item I on page 37) discuss the City's wastewater treatment and collection system. However, the document failed to Identify also the East Valley Water District (EVWD) as a sewer service provider overlaying portions of the City and portions of its unincorporated sphere. In discussing the availability of sewer fOf all new development, it might be worthwhile to also include the availability of sewer (through the City) for areas in the unincorporated sphere - by means of the City's sewer service contracts, pursuant to the Municipal Code. The discussion also indicates that there is an on-site wastewater treatment facility services in Arrowhead Springs, Since this treatment faoility is not in the City. who is handling and maintaining the facility? It was also discussed in pages IS..37 and JS-57 that the wastewater treatment facility in Arrowhead Springs would require expansion to accommodate the future development planned for the area. Will this facility expansion be addressed in the EIR? Further discussiotl on page IS-57 indicates that the development of Arrowhead Springs would meet the basic engineering design guidelines established by the City of San Bernardino Wastewater Master Plan_ This statement is inconsistent with the indication that the wastewater facility will require an expansion. . The Land Use and Planning Section (Item A on page 45) identify specific areas (such as the RedJands Opportunity Area, Southeast Industrial Opportunity Area, and Southeast Opportunity Area) that are unfamiliar to the reader. Are these areas identified in the old General Plan? If so. the document ShOUld make the distinotion and indicate that they are not changing these area boundaries. However. if these areas are new to the update, their boundaries should be identified. This same section ('tern E, on page 46) identifies the FoOthill Fire Zones overlaying portions of the City and the Specific Plan area. However, there is no mention that these areas are also designated as State Responsibility Area (SRA) for wildland fire protection. Since the City is proposing to annex portions overlaid by this SRA designation, it is important to discuss the temoval of the SRA designation from these lands upon annexation since the financial responsibility for State support in a wildland fire situation is transferred to the City. . Utilities and Service Systems (Item D. page 57) did not identify the EWJD as a water service provider overlaying portiOns of the City and portions of its unincorporated sphere. Also. the document did not indicate thai E\N\IO also provides wastewater collection (refer to discussion on Geology and SOils). 2 Reeaivea Jan-19-Z00S Oi:S2pm From-90g 397 Si11 B-58 To-CITY OF SAN BERNARDI P~ie COS Jan 1S 05 02:53p LRFCO 80S 387-5871 p.~ ...~,~~, n_..........._ ,,,...-,,............, .... ..~ . .""'",,',,'..,,._._~". .., ,,"..'--''''.'''.''-- .-- <':l'fV OF SAN UET<NARIJINO GEN. PLAN UPDATr-; NOr" -- DEm Junul1ry J 4,2005 If you have any questions regarding the information outlined above, please do not hesitate to contact me at (909) 387-5866. Please maintain LAFCO on your distribution list to receive further information related to this process. We look forward to working with the City in the future. Sincerely, Q, ~;.-.i~~.j/I ~CNY ROLLINGS-McDONALD Executive Officer cc: Tom Dodson, Tom Dodson & Associates. LAFCO Environment~1 Consultant :; Receivea Jan-tg-ZOO; Qi:62pm F rom-gOS 381 5811 B-59 Tc-CITV OF SAN BERNARDI Paie 004 TJ-,z.~ o California Regional Water Quality Control Board Santa Ana Region Alan C. Lloyd, Ph.D. Agency Secretary 3737 Main Street, Suite 500, Riverside, California 92501-3348 Phone (951) 782-4130. FAX (951) 781-6188 http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/santaana Arnold Schwanenegger rD~@~DW~D IJd FEB 25 2lJ/l5 @ February 24,2005 Terri Rahhal, Principal Planner City of San Bernardino Planning Department 300 North D Street, 3rd Floor San Bernardino, CA 92418-0001 CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT INITIAL STUDY FOR DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT, CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO GENERAL PLAN UPDATE, SCH#2004111132 Dear Ms. Rahhal: Staff of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Region (RWQCB), has reviewed the City of San Bernardino's Initial Study (IS) for a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for its pending General Plan Update (project). The project will cover the City's corporate area, including the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan, and the University District Specific Plan, and its Sphere of Influence (SOI)(project area). Although we may have more detailed comments on the DEIR once it is 'distributed, we request that the following general comments be considered during DEIR development so that future projects in the planning area are carried out in a manner that protects water quality standards (that is, water quality objectives, beneficial uses, and an applicable anti-degradation policy) identified in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin {Basin Plan): 1. The IS shows that expansion of a city carries incremental effects that are "cumulatively considerable" and pose a "potentially significant impacf' on the environment. There is widespread experience that urbanization .of previously undeveloped areas contributes to pollutant loading and impairment of water quality standards. Project alternatives leading to decisions that are most protective of water-quality beneficial uses are preferred, such as those that limit development in urban fringes where surface water beneficial uses, such as those supporting aquatic habitat and wildlife, persist. These alternatives should be fully evaluated in the DEIR in terms of how they impact water quality standards arid exhibited with large-scale maps of the affected project areas. Alternatives that fully protect and support existing water quality standards-should be selected. Consideration of antidegradation policies, such as the State- Water Resources Control Board's (SWRCB) Resolution No. 68-16) and the federal antidegradation policy (40 CFR 131.12) should be part of the alternatives evaluation and discussed in the DEIR. 2. The City must incorporate the requirements of Order No. R8-2002-0012, the Regional Water Quality Control Board's waste discharge requirements for the San Bernardino County Flood Control District, the County of San Bernardino, and the Incorporated Cities of San Bernardino County within the Santa Ana Region Area-Wide Urban Storm Water Runoff (NPDES Permit No. CAS618036), (also known as the San Bernardino County municipal separate storm sewer system, or "San Bernardino County MS4" permit), into the General Plan to the extent necessary to ensure consistent implementation of the MS4 permit within the City and its SOl. The City is a co-permittee in this permit. In accordance with Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 303(d), Santa Ana California Environmental Protection Agency ""- 1S-1tfI ~J RecycteJ'Paper Terri Rahhal -2- February 24, 2005 River Reach 4 (from the San Jacinto Fault at the 1-1 O/SR-215 interchange south to the Mission Avenue Bridge, Riverside) is listed as impaired by pathogens and therefore TMDLs must be established for discharges to this reach. The DEIR should fully reflect that implementation of the MS4 controls on urban runoff and other measures will be necessary and required to comply with pending pathogen Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for discharges to this reach of the river. Regional Board action on a pathogen TMDL for Santa Ana River Reach 4 is projected for 2006. 3. Appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs) must be developed and implemented to control the discharge of point source and non-point source pollutants both during construction and for the life of development projects. Post-construction BMPs must address all pollutant loads carried by dry weather runoff and first-flush storm water runoff from an entire project. The DEIR should reflect that the Water Quality Management Plan required by the San Bernardino County MS4 permit is now in effect and that all development must conform to the Plan's provisions. The DEIR should encourage BMPs that utilize the principles of low impact development (LID). 4. The EIR must include provisior,ls to advise the City's development, construction and business communities of the need to comply with several permit programs, including: a. The General Permit for Discharges of Storm Water Associated with Construction Activity (Construction General Permit. 99-0B-DWQ) for individual projects occurring on an area of one or more acres. A Notice of Intent (NOI) with the appropriate fees for coverage of the project under this Permit must be submitted to the SWRCB at least 30 days prior to the initiation of construction activity at the site. Information about this permit program can be found at http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/stormwtrtconstruction.html. b. A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and waste discharge requirements for projects iliat will have dewatering or other wastewater discharges to surface waters of the state. RWQCB Order No. RB-2003-0061, NPDES No. CAG99B001, a regional general de minimus permit, is available for most such discharges. Order No. R8.2003-0061 may be reviewed at http://www.swrcb.ca.aov/rwacbB/odf/03-61. Waste discharge requirements (WDRs) may also be required for discharge of wastes to land. Further information can be obtained by contacting the RWQCB Regulations Section staff at (951) 782-4130. c. A Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Qualitv Standards Certification from the Regional Board for any project that causes material to be dredged from or filled into waters of the United States, Le., surface waters or tributaries thereto, where these waters fall under the jurisdiction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and a CWA Section 404 permit is required. Early consultation with Regional Board staff concerning potential Section 401 certification issues is strongly suggested. Information concerning Section 401 certification can be found at the Regional Board's website, www.swrcb.ca.gov/rwacbB/html/401.html. Where the ACOE determines that a surface water body is isolated and does not fall under the Section 404 permit program, the Regional Board may determine that waste discharge requirements are necessary for protection of water quality standards if filling or dredging Of an isolated water is proposed. \ 5. The DEIR should emphasize that an underlying, guiding premise that all future development must follow is that impacts to water quality standards of all surface California Environmental Protection Agency o k~J Paper Terri Rahhal - 3 . February 24, 2005 waters, including ephemeral drainages, must first and foremost be avoided, whenever possible. Where avoidance imposes unreasonable constraints on development, unavoidable impacts to water quality standards must be minimized, and generously mitigated. Mitigation requires, at a minimum, replacement of the full function and value of the impacted water's beneficial uses that existed prior to impact. Merely indicating that project proponents will be required to obtain environmental permits does not constitute mitigation for impairment to water quality standards. 6. Acceptable mitigation for unavoidable direct and cumulative impacts on water quality beneficial uses must be determined through consultation with the responsible agencies that likely will be issuing permits for the project, including ACOE (Section 404 permit), the Regional Board (Section 401 Certification or waste discharge requirements), and/or the California Department of Fish and Game (Fish and Game Code Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement). The Lead Agency for a project should not finalize its CEQA process until mitigation agreed to between the project proponent and all Responsible Agencies can be incorporated into the final CEQA document. 7. The DEIR should consider how: the project can seek opportunities to restore beneficial uses to previously impacted waters. 8. Groundwater beneath parts of San Bernardino has been historically shallow and has been impacted by several contaminant plumes from known sources. The DEIR must emphasize protection of the beneficial uses of groundwater. 9. We note that the proposed Lakes and Streams Project will be exposed to a variety of non-point source contaminants. To protect the future water quality standards of this project, aggressive BMPs must be implemented and maintained. 10. We believe that the DEIR should lead to a General Plan that restricts development that proposes to rely on onsite subsurface'disposal systems for waste disposal, in deference to extending sanitary sewers to all future development projects. The DEIR should make note that on-site subsurface disposal systems (OSDS), Le., septic tank installations, within the project area must observe the Santa Ana RWQCB's minimum lot size requirements of one-half acre per subsurface disposal system. 11. The IS states that the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan will utilize and expand the wastewater treatment plant at the site. Under current WDRs issued by the Regional Board, the operator may spray secondary treated wastewater on an adjacent greenbelt or discharge to percolation ponds adjacent to Twin Creek (that were washed out during the winter of 2003-04)_ While the disposal site itself does not overlie a groundwater basin that has been assigned water quality standards, it is tributary to Waterman Canyon Creek and to the "Bunker Hill A" Groundwater Management Zone (GMZ). Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentrations in the discharge from the treatment plant, largely attributable to the area's geothermal supply water, have commonly exceeded the 310 mg/I GMZ TDS objective. To minimize or prevent additional salt loadings to the GMZ, we request that the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan also include evaluation of the option of connecting the existing and future facilities to the sanitary sewer system serving the San Bernardino area. The proponent should be directed to submit to this office a Report of Waste Discharge (ROWD) for continued and future operation of the existing wastewater treatment plant. California Environmental Protection Agency ~ B-62 ~J Recycled Paper Terri Rahhal - 4 - February 24, 2005 12. The DEIR should recommend development and construction project guidelines designed to protect, and if possible improve, the quality of underlying groundwater subbasins and management zones. An increase in the amount of impervious area covered with pavement, parking lots, or structures will alter the rate and volumes of groundwater recharge and surface water runoff. In areas of new construction, such as the project area for the University District Specific Plan, we encourage the use of grassed swales and pervious materials for runoff channels and parking areas in order to capture and infiltrate more storm water runoff into underlying groundwater aquifers. Studies have shown that such swales filter total suspended solids and reduce the concentration of nutrients and metals in impacted runoff. For parking areas, we encourage the use of porous pavement systems that contain an underlying stone reservoir to temporarily store surface runoff, thereby allowing it to infiltrate into the subsoil. 13. The. DEIR should recommend that areas of native vegetation be preserved and protected to the maximum extent possible and that clearing should be strictly limited. Among other water quality and environmental benefits, native vegetation is effective at reducing slope erosion, filtering runoff, and providing habitat for native animal species. Therefore, we encourage the proactive replanting and hydroseeding of native vegetation in most operations. Established native riparian vegetation along and within broad flood plains and drainage systems, flanked by adequately vegetated upland buffer are;:iS, will capture storm flows and thereby lessen erosion and sedimentation, and consequently protect water quality standards. 14. The DEIR should reflect that the preservation of natural drainage systems, water bodies, and slopes reduces impacts to water quality and may lessen development's impact on water quality standards. To avoid impeding wildlife movement, roadways or pipelines should be carried over ravines, arroyos, and slope drainages by bridges or wide, "soft- bottomed" arched culverts. A policy of.-9_onsidering wildlife corridors should be supported by measures that require generous mitigation for construction impacts to natural drainages and other surface waters of the-state and of the United States. By facilitating wildlife movement through riparian corridors, the Basin Plan's wildlife habitat beneficial uses are served. This policy support may lead to streamlining the issuance of CWA 401 water quality standards certifications, or waste discharge requirements. Further, this policy support may aid the City's compliance with any future Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) as acknowledged b'y the IS. If you have any questions, plea&e contact me at (951) 782-3234, or Glenn Robertson of my staff at (951) 782-3259. Sincerely, ~---- ~)~> Mark G. Adelson, Chief Regional Planning Programs Section cc: Scott Morgan - State Clearinghouse Q: Planning/Groberts/LetterslCEQAlDEIR.~ City of San Bemardino- General Plan Jan 2005 California Environmental Protection Agency ~ B-2:! ~e1 Recyc ed Paper