TMDCI T-1003 Native Re-vegetation Project May 2018 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 1 Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians P.O. Box 1160 Thermal, CA 92274 ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Project Title: Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians-Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Native Revegetation and Tamarisk Removal Project Lead Agency Name and Address: Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians (TMDCI) P.O. Box 1160 Thermal, CA 92274 Applicant: Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (CVMC) 73-710 Fred Waring Drive #112 Palm Desert, CA 92260 Representative: Peregrine SEMS, LLC 159 Alfalfa Avenue Twentynine Palms, California 92277 Phone: (760) 362-4683 (o) (702) 830-1149 (c) Contact Person: Daniel Tirado-Lopez, [email protected]And Phone Number: Phone: (760) 578-5525 Project Location: T-1003, TMDCI Reservation, East and adjacent to Johnson Street, south of State Highway 111 in the Community of Mecca, Riverside County, California (APN 729-110-024-8) General Plan Designation: IND (Federal reservation) Zoning Designation: W-1
Conservancy Native Revegetation and Tamarisk Removal Project Lead Agency Name and Address: Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians (TMDCI)
P.O. Box 1160 Thermal, CA 92274
Applicant: Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (CVMC)
73-710 Fred Waring Drive #112 Palm Desert, CA 92260 Representative: Peregrine SEMS, LLC 159 Alfalfa Avenue Twentynine Palms, California 92277 Phone: (760) 362-4683 (o) (702) 830-1149 (c) Contact Person: Daniel Tirado-Lopez, [email protected] And Phone Number: Phone: (760) 578-5525 Project Location: T-1003, TMDCI Reservation, East and adjacent to Johnson Street, south of State Highway 111 in the Community of Mecca, Riverside
County, California (APN 729-110-024-8) General Plan Designation: IND (Federal reservation) Zoning Designation: W-1
PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Tribe, herein referred to as TMDCI, and the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, herein referred to as CVMC (applicant), are proposing to rehabilitate long exposed Salton Sea playa on TMDCI reservation land which has reverted to a status of degraded salty soil (combination of clay, silty clay and silty clay loam) containing sparse to dense patches of saltbush, pickleweed, and invasive tamarisk. The project site is located immediately east of Johnson Street and approximately 0.25 miles south of State Highway 111 in the unincorporated community of Mecca, Riverside County, California. The TMDCI proposes to mitigate that increased risk of unhealthy air for its Tribal members and other residents in the area through the establishment and propagation of native desert trees and shrubs on the exposed playa as the Sea continues to recede. The Tribe envisions the use of small constructed rain harvest basins with biodegradable paper pulp containers with the capacity to hold 7 gallons of water that will allow a 1 gallon-sized tree to receive the requisite amount of sunlight and specifically directed water (using cotton pegs). This innovative technology, developed by the Land Life Company, has proven successful for growing trees and shrubs in over 23 countries with similar arid and harsh environments as the Salton Sea playa. On about 6 acres of the project area, the TMDCI plans to eradicate invasive non-native tamarisk that has grown onto the previously exposed playa. The tamarisk will be removed by the cut stump and drill method, applying herbicide into the drilled stump hole to kill the root system, after which the dead trees will be mechanically removed. The site will then be planted with a mixture of 7,350 native Mesquite, Palo Verde, Ironwood, and Desert Smoke trees that will be cultivated in the 350 constructed rain harvest basins. Water to irrigate the planted trees will come from either the Johnson Street drainage canal, owned and operated by the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), under an agreement between CVWD and TMDCI, or from water trucked in from wells owned and operated by the TMDCI on other parts of the reservation. The tree planting labor for this project is anticipated to be through support of 12 members of the California Conservation Corps, which will take place over a 2-week period after basins have been constructed and the cultivated trees are ready for planting. CEQA-Plus The project may be financed, in whole or in part, by a CVMC grant, administered by the TMDCI. Future additional revegetation work may be funded by various Federal agencies, and would therefore be subject to Federal environmental review (National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)) requirements. Applicants seeking CVCC financing must comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and provide sufficient information so that they can document compliance with Federal environmental laws: The State of California calls this Federal compliance “CEQA-Plus.” This Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) has been prepared to address the CEQA-Plus requirements of which to be eligible for potential Federal funds. These requirements include documentation of compliance with applicable federal regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Federal Clean Air Act, Environmental Justice, Farmland Protection Policy Act, Flood Plain Management, National Historic Preservation Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Protection of Wetlands/Clean Water Act (Sec 404), and Safe Drinking Water Action, Sole Source Aquifer Protection.
PURPOSE AND NEED The proposed project is a key component of the TMDCI’s goal to preserve and maintain desert habitat critical for the entire Salton Sea ecosystem, as well as redevelopment, upgrading and expansion of TMDCI reservation lands for the health (air quality) benefit of tribal members, area residents, and associated socio-economic opportunities, such as residential and recreational areas. PROJECT LOCATION AND LIMITS The project site is located immediately east of Johnson Street and south of State Highway 111, in the community of Mecca, Riverside County, California. The project site is located within the APN 729-110-024-8. Please see Exhibits 1, 2, and 3, and 4. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND SURROUNDING LAND USES The subject property is in the unincorporated community of Mecca, Riverside County, California. The site is partially developed (dirt roads, canals), relatively flat, and contains sparse native and pre-dominantly non-native (tamarisk/salt cedar) vegetation. Land uses nearby and adjacent to the site include irrigation discharge canals and trailer park residential areas. The balance of lands in the immediate vicinity are mainly vacant or fallow agricultural lands. The nearest residential development is located approximately 0.07 miles southwest of the project site, on the west side of Johnson Street. Highway 111 is located a short distance to the northeast and the urbanized portion of the community of Mecca is located approximately one-half mile to the northwest. North: Vacant agriculture/fish and ponds, small mobile home park South: Undeveloped desert land/former playa of Salton Sea East: Vacant agriculture/fish ponds, Unpaved access road, undeveloped former playa West: CVWD’s Johnson Street Drain, vacant agriculture/undeveloped desert land
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? X
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
X
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings?
X
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare, which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
X
Setting The project site is located in the Coachella Valley, a gently sloping desert valley between the Little San Bernardino, Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountain ranges. To the east, the Mecca and Indio Hills border the valley. The Little San Bernardino, Santa Rosa, San Jacinto Mountains, as well as Mecca and Indio hills have a significant rise over the valley floor. The project site generally has views of the Santa Rosa, San Jacinto, Little San Bernardino Mountains to the west, and Mecca and Indio Hills to the east. Implementation of the project is expected to have no negative impact on aesthetic resources. Discussion of Impacts
No impact. The project site is located approximately 3 miles west of the Little San Bernardino Mountains and approximately 6 miles east of the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains on the valley floor in the community of Mecca. The Little San Bernardino and Santa Rosa Mountains, as well as the San Jacinto Mountains to the northwest, are considered scenic vistas for much of the Coachella Valley, including the community of Mecca. From the subject property, scenic views of the Little San Bernardino Mountains are to the north, east, and southeast with views of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains to the west, northwest, and southwest. Currently, the site is occupied by sparse to dense vegetation, and dirt roads. Vacant lands and mobile homes, consistent with the surrounding
development in the area in scale and height, are in proximity of the site. Views of the lower elevations of the mountains are blocked by intervening development; however, middle and upper elevations of the mountains are visible above these structures. The mountains are also visible in all the directions, but are more distant, so their immediate scenic value is diminished. Construction of the proposed project will include excavation activities to build rainwater retention swales, removal of invasive tamarisk trees, planting of native vegetation, and will have no negative visual impacts on the surrounding properties.
Temporary visual impacts will include the presence of construction equipment and personnel, the movement of construction vehicles on area roadways and at vehicle staging areas, vehicle safety barriers, and material stockpiling. However, these activities will be temporary and short-lived, and they will end once construction is complete. Therefore, no significant impact is anticipated.
b) No Impact. The subject site is not located within a state scenic highway or locally designated scenic corridor. It does not contain scenic resources such as rock outcroppings or trees. Therefore, there will be no impact to scenic resources.
c) No Impact. The project area is currently vacant and the revegetation of native trees will
have no negative impact to the existing visual character and quality of the site. d) No Impact. No new sources of light and/or glare are proposed as part of the project.
Therefore, nighttime views will not be affected by the project. No impact is anticipated. Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program None required. Sources: “County of Riverside General Plan, Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan,” 2012; Google Earth Pro (7.1.5.1557), accessed May 2018; “California Scenic Highway Mapping System,” accessed May 2018.
In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project:
Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than Significant
With Mitigation Incorporate
d
Less Than Significant
Impact No
Impact
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?
X
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?
X
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))?
X
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project:
Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than Significant
With Mitigation Incorporate
d
Less Than Significant
Impact No
Impact
e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
X
Setting: The proposed project site is located within the eastern Coachella Valley. The project site is designated as “Other Land” on the Riverside County Important Farmland 2010 (Sheet 2 of 3) and is defined as land which is not included in any other mapping category. The site is not located immediately adjacent to any actively cultivated farmland and lies in an area where on-going irrigation has raised salt levels in the soil to a significant extent making productive agriculture more difficult. None of the subject or surrounding lands is under a Williamson Act contract. Discussion of Impacts a-e) No Impact. According to mapping provided by the Department of Conservation, the
proposed site is designated as “Other Land.” The site is not in agricultural use nor is it designated for agricultural use, per the Riverside County Parcel Report for APN 729-110-024-8, the 160 acre parcel which is Federal reservation land held in trust for the TMDCI.
The proposed project is the revegetation of native plant species at the subject site. The proposed revegetation will not encroach onto lands used for agriculture nor will it induce the conversion of any agricultural lands to non-agricultural use. Therefore, the project will not convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland) into non-farmlands and will not conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract. The subject site is not zoned or designated as farmland thus there will be no conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses. No impact is anticipated.
Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program None required. Sources: “Riverside County Important Farmland 2010 Map,” sheet 1 of 3, California Department of Conservation, published January 2012, Riverside County Parcel Report for APN 729-110-024-8.
Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project:
Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than Significant
With Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than Significant
Impact No
Impact
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? X
b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation?
X
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)?
X
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? X
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? X
Setting The project site is located within the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB), which is under the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). All development within the SSAB is subject to SCAQMD’s 2016 Air Quality Management Plan (2016 AQMP) and the 2003 Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan (2003 CV PM10 SIP). The SCAQMD operates and maintains regional air quality monitoring stations at numerous locations throughout its jurisdiction. The proposed project area is located within Source Receptor Area (SRA) 30, which includes monitoring stations in Palm Springs, Indio, and Mecca. Criteria air pollutants are contaminants for which the state and federal air quality standards have been established. The SSAB exceeds state and federal standards for fugitive dust (PM10) and ozone (O3), and is in attainment/unclassified for PM2.5. Ambient air quality in the SSAB, including the project area, does not exceed state and federal standards for carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxides, sulfur dioxide, lead, sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, or vinyl chloride.
a) No Impact. The proposed project is located near the unincorporated community of Mecca
in Riverside County, California. Riverside County is subject to the provisions of the 2016 SCAQMD Air Quality Management Plan, which describes the SCAQMD’s plan to achieve federal and state air quality standards set forth in federal and state Clean Air Acts.
The project site is located within the SSAB and is subject to the rules and regulations imposed by the SCAQMD, including Rule 403-1, which governs fugitive dust emissions from construction and other anthropogenic sources within the Coachella Valley.
The proposed project is consistent with the goals and policies of the Riverside County General Plan Land Use Element for land rehabilitation. Additionally, the proposed project does not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the SCAQMD Air Quality Management Plan or the Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan. Therefore, the proposed project will not significantly impact air quality nor will it conflict with or obstruct implementation of local or regional air quality management planning.
b-c) Less Than Significant Impact. An impact is considered potentially significant if
concentration of emissions exceed the State or National Ambient Air Quality Standards. National and state air quality standards established for criteria pollutants are designed to protect that segment of the population that is most susceptible to respiratory distress or infection, including the elderly, children, asthmatics, or those who are weak from disease or illness. Table 1 shows the state and national ambient air quality standards.
Table 1 State and National Ambient Air Quality Standards
State Standards National Standards**
Pollutant Averaging Time
Concentration Averaging Time
Concentration
Ozone 1-hour 8-hour
0.09 ppm 0.07 ppm
1-hour 8-hour
0.070 ppm
Carbon Monoxide 1-hour 8-hour
20.0 ppm 9.0 ppm
1-hour 8-hour
35.0 ppm 9.0 ppm
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 1-hour AAM
0.18 ppm 0.030 ppm
AAM
0.10 ppm* 0.053 ppm
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
1-hour 24-hour
0.25 ppm 0.04 ppm
1 & 24 hour AAM
0.075ppm**
Particulate Matter (PM10) 24-hour AAM
50 �g/m3
20 �g/m3 24-hour AAM
150 �g/m3
Particulate Matter (PM2.5) AAM 24-hour
12 �g/m3
35 �g/m3 AAM
24-hour 12 �g/m3
35 �g/m3
Lead 30 day Avg. 1.5 �g/m3 3 month Avg. 0.15 �g/m3
Visibility Reducing Particles 8-hour No standard No federal Standard
No federal Standard
Sulfates 24-hour 25�g/m3 No federal Standard
No federal Standard
Hydrogen Sulfide 1-hour
0.03 ppm
No federal Standard
No federal Standard
Vinyl Chloride 24-hour 0.01 ppm No federal Standard
No federal Standard
Source: California Air Resources Board, 06/04/13 Notes: ppm = parts per million; ppb= parts per billion; �g/ m3 = micrograms per cubic meter of air; AAM = Annual Arithmetic Mean; * Note that this standard became effective as of January 22, 2010. ** Final rule signed June 2, 2010, effective as of August 23, 2010
The two primary pollutants of concern in the Coachella Valley, including the project vicinity, are ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). The SCAQMD operates and maintains three air quality monitoring stations within Source Receptor Area (SRA) 30 (Coachella Valley). SR 30 includes the Indio and Palm Springs monitoring stations, which have been operational since 1985 and 1987, respectively. The Mecca monitoring station has been in operation since 2013; however, monitoring data has not yet been released.
Ozone (O3) is formed when byproducts of combustion react in the presence of ultraviolet sunlight. This process occurs in the atmosphere where oxides of nitrogen combine with reactive organic gases, such as hydrocarbons, in the presence of sunlight. Ozone is a pungent, colorless, toxic gas, and a common component of photochemical smog. Although also produced within the Coachella Valley, most ozone pollutants affecting the Valley are transported by coastal air mass from the Los Angeles and Riverside/San Bernardino air basins, thereby contributing to occasionally high local ozone concentrations. The Coachella Valley has a history of exceeding regulatory ozone standards, although the number of days and months the Federal one-hour standard is exceeded has dropped steadily over the past decade. The table below shows that the Palm Springs monitoring station exceeds the 1-hour and 8-hour federal and state ozone standards more frequently than the Indio site. This exceedance is attributable to the Palm Springs station’s location closer to the San Gorgonio Pass, where ozone is transported into the SSAB from air basins to the west.
Table 2 Ozone Monitoring Data for the Coachella Valley
Source: ARB Annual Air Quality Data Tables. http://www.arb.ca.gov/adam. 1 = > 0.070 parts per million for the 8 hour standard. 2 = > 0.09 and 0.070 parts per million in 1 hour and 8 hour respectively.
Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) consists of fine suspended particles of ten microns or smaller in diameter, and are the byproducts of road dust, sand, diesel soot, windstorms, and the abrasion of tires and brakes. The elderly, children and adults with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular disease are most susceptible to the effects of Particulate Matter. Elevated PM10 and PM2.5 levels are also associated with an increase in mortality rates, respiratory infections, occurrences and severity of asthma attacks and hospital admissions. The SSAB is a serious non-attainment area for PM10 and is classified as attainment/unclassifiable for PM2.5. SCAQMD, in conjunction with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), Riverside County and local jurisdictions, prepared the “2003 Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan,” which includes PM10 control program enhancements and requests an extension of the region’s PM10 attainment date. The Coachella Valley is designated as a serious non-attainment area for PM10 and is subject to the 2003 State Implementation Plan (SIP) and local dust control regulations and guidelines. A SIP that addresses how Southern California will meet federal standards for finer particulate matter (PM2.5) was adopted in 2007. The table below shows that the National 24-hour standard for PM10 has been exceeded more frequently at the Indio station.
Table 3 PM10 Monitoring Data for the Coachella Valley
Source: Annual air quality site monitoring reports per ARB. http://www.arb.ca.gov/adam. 1 = > 150 µg/m3 in 24 hour period; 2 = > 50 µg/m3 in 24 hour period; 3 Federal Annual Average Standard AAM > 50µg/m3 revoked December 17, 2006. State standard is AAM > 20µg/m3 4 State Annual Average Standard = AGM > 20µg/m3 * There are insufficient (or no) data available to determine the value. ** Data may include exceptional events.
As previously discussed, the Coachella Valley is classified as “attainment/unclassified” for PM2.5, based on the state and federal PM2.5 standards, and does not require an implementation plan to demonstrate attainment. Table 6 shows that neither the National 24-hour PM2.5 standard, nor the AAM state standard of >12 µg/m3 were exceeded in the past 10 years at either monitoring station.
Source: Annual air quality site monitoring reports, prepared by ARB. http://www.arb.ca.gov/adam/ .- a = > 35 µg/m3 in 24 hour period, Federal standard as of December 17, 2006. b Federal Annual Average Standard = AAM > 15µg/m3 c State Annual Average Standard = AAM > 12µg/m3 as of July 5, 2003. * Less than 12 full months of data; may not be representative. ** There was insufficient (or no) data available to determine the value.
Air Quality Pollutant Emission Projections Projected Construction Emissions For purposes of air quality analysis, the subject project is assumed to be constructed over a 1-year period, beginning mid 2018 and ending mid 2019. The project’s total area of disturbance is approximately 40 acres. Short-term emissions of pollutants will occur during site preparation/grading, and removal of invasive tamarisk. Sources of construction-related emissions include the operation of construction equipment, soils/materials imports, as well as vehicles transporting workers to and from the project site. Construction emissions were estimated based upon the daily use of
various types of construction equipment to be used throughout the entire construction period. It should be noted that not all equipment will be used every day, and various construction activities generate different quantities of emissions. Construction-related air quality impacts are short-term and will occur only during the construction phase of the project. Construction-related activities for the project are projected to remain below established daily thresholds for all criteria pollutants. Construction PM10 and PM2.5 fugitive dust emissions are minimized through adherence to SCAQMD Rule 403, which requires the application of dust control plan and dust suppression techniques during all phases of construction. Therefore, project construction is not anticipated to violate State or Federal air quality standards or contribute to existing air quality violation in the air basin.
Projected Operational Emissions Operational air emissions impacts associated with the proposed utility project will be negligible because it will not result in the development of habitable structures. Therefore, operational emissions will have less than significant impact to air quality. Conclusion The proposed project will have less than significant impacts on air quality during both the construction and operational phases. Also, results of this air quality analysis demonstrate that localized levels will not violate air quality standards, and therefore do no present a significant cumulative impact. Overall impacts to air quality from project construction and operation are, therefore, expected to be less than significant. Minimization measures have been set forth below to further reduce impacts to air quality.
d) Less than Significant Impact. To determine if the proposed project has the potential to
generate significant adverse localized air quality impacts, the 5-acre mass rate LST Look-Up Table for SRA 30 (Coachella Valley) was utilized. The nearest sensitive receptor to the subject property is the 13-unit Huerta mobile home park located within ½ mile to the northeast. Therefore, the project does not have the potential to generate significant adverse localized air quality impact. Construction emission estimates reflect all phases of construction including grading and excavation. Construction phases will not occur concurrently, and daily emissions will likely be lower than those anticipated.
e) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project is not expected to generate
objectionable odors during any of the phases of construction. The proposed project has the potential to result in short-term odors associated with vehicle exhaust, which is expected to be minimal. In addition, any such odors will be quickly dispersed below detectable thresholds as distance from the construction site increases. Therefore, impacts from objectionable odors are expected to be less than significant.
CEQA-Plus: Supplemental Analysis As noted above, State and National Ambient Air Quality Standards are shown on Table 1.
Federal Air Conformity Rule As previously discussed, the two primary pollutants of concern in the Coachella Valley are ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). The Coachella Valley is considered “severe-15 non-attainment” for 8-Hour Ozone (June 2019 attainment deadline), and “serious-non-attainment” for the PM10 National Ambient Air Quality Standard under CAA Section 107. The Coachella Valley is defined as “attainment/unclassified” for PM2.5, based on the state and federal PM2.5 standards, and does not require an implementation plan to demonstrate attainment. The Federal Air Conformity Rule de minimis thresholds limit construction and operational emissions to 10 tons per year with respect to any criteria pollutant identified in the Federal Clean Air Act (including PM10 and Ozone). If the 10-tons-per-year limit was exceeded, the project proponent would be required to identify mitigation measures to reduce impacts to air quality. Section 3(b-c) of this assessment demonstrates that construction-related and operational criteria pollutant emissions are anticipated to be well below SCAQMD and federal thresholds. In addition, minimization measures are set forth below to further reduce impacts to air quality. Therefore, the proposed project will not exceed the Federal Air Conformity Rule de minimis threshold of 10 tons per year. Minimization Measures 3(b): While project air emissions are projected to have a less than significant impact on air quality, the following measure will be applied:
A fugitive dust plan shall be prepared for the proposed project and shall be approved by the Project Manager. Said plan shall include, but not be limited to, the following best management practices:
� Chemically treat soil where activity will cease for at least four consecutive days; � All construction grading operations and earth moving operations shall cease when winds
exceed 25 miles per hour; • Water the site and equipment morning and evening and during all earth-moving
operations; � Stabilize and re-vegetate areas of temporary disturbance needed to accomplish each
phase of the project. � Wash off trucks as they leave the project site as necessary to control fugitive dust
emissions. � Cover all transported loads of soils, wet materials prior to transport, provide adequate
freeboard (space from the top of the material to the top of the truck) to reduce PM10 and deposition of particulate matter during transportation.
Mitigation Measures: None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting: Monitoring 3(b):
A. Prior to the issuance of grading permits and authorization to proceed, the Project Manager shall review and approve project staging and detailed dust control plans. The dust control plan or equivalent documentation shall also address issues of construction vehicle staging and maintenance, and traffic control, as necessary. Implementation of the minimization measures will ensure that impacts associated with PM10 are mitigated to a less than significant level.
Responsible Parties: Project Manager, General Contractor Schedule: Prior to issuance of grading permits.
Sources: “Air Quality Management Plan 2016,” South Coast Air Quality Management District; “Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan,” 2003; “EPA Green Book Designated Non-Attainment Areas for All Criteria Pollutants,” as of 2017; “Table C-1: 2006-2008 Thresholds for Construction and Operation,” South Coast Air Quality Management District, revised October 21, 2009.
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
X
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service?
X
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
X
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
X
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
X
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
Setting The Coachella Valley is located within the Sonoran Desert region, a subdivision of the Colorado Desert, which contains a wide range of significant biological resources. The biological resources are species of plants and animals that are highly specialized and endemic to the Coachella Valley. The central portion of the valley is predominantly of sand fields divided into three sub-communities: active sand dunes, active sand fields, and stabilized and partially-stabilized desert sand fields. Active sand dunes are located in exposed areas on the valley floor where high wind conditions convey sand and persistently shift the sand dunes, allowing for little or no vegetation to be supported there. Active desert sand fields are located within the Coachella Valley Preserve adjacent to the dunes. Urban development within the valley (e.g. Union Pacific Railroad lines, Interstate 10 and associated windbreaks, upwind development, and the construction of roads) has cut-off many of the areas from fresh sources of sand to form stabilized and partially-stabilized sand fields. Stabilized and partially-stabilized sand fields are areas on the valley floor with an accumulation of sand that is not in dune formation, where important physical processes are interrupted by barriers such as roads, buildings, and landscaping. The project site is located on TMDCI lands located on long-exposed Salton Sea playa proximal to lands within a conservation area (Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel-Whitewater River/Salton Sea Delta Conservation Area) associated with the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). The CVMSHCP is a comprehensive regional plan that balances growth projected in the Coachella Valley with the requirements of federal and state endangered species laws. The CVMSHCP area includes approximately 1.2 million acres in the Coachella Valley and the surrounding mountains. It is comprised of a Reserve System consisting of 21 Conservation Areas and to provide habitat to protect 27 sensitive plant and animal species. The project site is not located within a CVMSHCP Conservation Area or any other biologically-sensitive area. Biological field surveys were conducted at the 160-acre proposed project site on February 21 and May 1, 2018 with assistance from Luke Stowe (Biologist). The tribal lands site is generally flat with a slight grade sloping northwest to southeast, is undeveloped, but disturbed by various dirt roads and some debris disposal on the site. CVWD’s Johnson Street Drain (irrigation run-off) is located along the western boundary of the site. The alkaline soils are laden with surface salt deposits limiting the diversity of habitat and vegetation present. The dominant vegetation on site is sparse-to-dense stands of non-native tamarisk (Tamarix sp.) with cattle saltbush (Atriplex polycarpa), four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), and pickle weed (Salicornica pacifica) scatterings throughout. No species of vertebrate animals besides bird species were observed on the subject site on February 21 and May 1, 2018 likely due to the seasonal timing, short duration of the survey period, and by the nocturnal and fossorial habits of many animals. Coyote (Canis latrans) scat was observed on site.
Bird species observed at the site included black ibis (Pseudibis papillosa), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) osprey (Padion haliaetus), great blue heron (Ardea herodias), lesser nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis), and red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). Western burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) are not listed under federal or state Endangered Species Acts, but are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MTBA) and considered a Species of Special Concern in California. Burrowing owls occupy burrows for the purpose of nesting and commonly use dry-land farming fields throughout western Riverside County. No western burrowing owls were observed or otherwise detected onsite nor on lands immediately adjacent to the site. Follow-up burrowing owl surveys will be conducted at the project site before project construction activities commence. The desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularis), listed as “endangered” under the federal and state Endangered Species Acts, historically occurred in several springs, seeps and streams in the Salton Sink Basin, but are now only found in remnants of their former habitats. The small fish, usually less than three inches in length, is known to occupy habitat along the edges of the Salton Sea and its tributaries, including the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel (Whitewater River) and the Johnson Street Drain. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has coordinated closely with CVWD for many years regarding maintenance of the agricultural drains and minimizing effects on desert pupfish and habitat. Should the TMDCI opt to use Johnson Street Drain water for irrigation of native plantings, in-depth coordination would be required with CDFW, US Fish and Wildlife Service and CVWD to avoid impacts on desert pupfish and habitat. Discussion of Impacts a) Less Than Significant Impact. The project is a habitat enhancement project that proposes mechanical removal of non-native tamarisk vegetation prevalent onsite, installation of rain harvest basins for water collection, and planting of native trees and shrubs throughout the site. The project is not located within a CVMSHCP conservation area, but will complement the habitat conservation goals covered in the CVMSHCP plan. Construction activities will be minimal and limited to these activities. There are no listed species or sensitive habitat present on the project site. Coordination between TMDCI, CDFW, CVWD and US Fish and Wildlife Service will be required should the TMDCI pursue an option using Johnson Street Drain water for irrigation of plantings in order to avoid any potential effects on desert pupfish.
There is a low potential for two sensitive reptile species (Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard (Uma inornata) and flat-tailed horned lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii) to occur in the project site vicinity. Five sensitive bird species that have low potential to occur on site include: burrowing owl, prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), crissal thrasher (Toxostoma crissale), and Le Conte’s thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei). None were observed during the site surveys. There is a low potential for four sensitive plants (Mecca-aster (Xylorhiza cognata), gravel milk-vetch (Astragalus sabulonum), Coachella Valley milk-vetch (Astragalus lentiginosus
var. coachellae), and slender cottonheads (Nemacaulis denudata var. gracilis) to occur on the subject site. No federally listed endangered or threatened species or listed critical habitat was observed or is reported on site. Burrowing owl and pre-construction MBTA surveys will be required to assure that this and other MBTA-protected species do not locate or nest on the site prior to development. The pre-construction surveys required for compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, described below, will address this requirement.
Based on the results of the biological surveys and records to date, it is determined that the proposed project will not have adverse effects on any federally listed endangered or threatened species, proposed endangered or threatened species, federally designated critical habitats, or state designated listed or sensitive species. Adherence to avoidance measures set forth in the MBTA will ensure impacts to nesting birds will be less than significant.
b-c) No Impact. The generally flat project site is located on Salton Sea playa which has reverted
to a status of degraded salty soil (combination of clay, silty clay and silty clay loam) with sparse-to-dense patches of saltbush, pickleweed, and invasive tamarisk. There are no wetland or riparian habitats located onsite; therefore, no impact is expected on any riparian species or habitat, wetlands or other sensitive natural communities, including marshes or vernal pools or through direct removal, filling, or hydrological interruption of a natural drainage.
d) No Impact. The proposed vegetation enhancement project will include removal of non-
native tamarisk vegetation, construction of rain harvest basins, and planting of native trees and shrubs onsite. The habitat as it exists today is considered low quality and dominated by salt-laden soils and tamarisk. Biological surveys revealed little use by wildlife for foraging and nesting. Observed bird species were mostly observed as fly-overs and using the adjacent agricultural drain. Enhancement at the site with native vegetation species is expected to increase species diversity and habitat value at the site. The project, as proposed, will not affect movement of native fish and wildlife species on or near the project site. The project will have no impact on migratory wildlife corridors nor impede the use of wildlife nursery sites.
e-f) No Impact. The proposed project will not conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or an ordinance, nor does it conflict with the provisions of the CVMSHCP/Natural Community Conservation Plan or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.
The project site is proximal to the CVMSHCP planning area, but is not located within or immediately adjacent to a conservation area. The removal of non-native vegetation and establishment of native habitat at the project site is expected to enhance species diversity and habitat protection goals set forth in the CVMSHCP plan.
CEQA Plus: Supplemental Analysis Federally Listed, Endangered, or Threatened Species As described above, two biological surveys were conducted at the project site (February 21 and May 1, 2018). No federally listed, endangered or threatened species were observed on the project site. Peregrine SEMS has determined that no adverse effects will occur to federally-listed Endangered or Threatened species, proposed Endangered or Threatened species, or to state-designated listed or sensitive species. Federally Designated Critical Habitat The project site does not contain any federally-designated critical habitat and, therefore, the subject project will not result in impacts to critical habitat. Wetlands As described in b-c, above, the project site does not contain any wetlands, marshes, vernal pools, or coastal or other riparian habitat. No impacts to wetlands will occur. Mitigation Measures None. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program MBTA and Burrowing Owl To comply with the MBTA, including insuring that the project will not have an adverse impact on burrowing owl, any vegetation removal, grading, or other site disturbance occurring between January 1 and August 31 and having the potential to impact nesting birds shall require a qualified biologist onsite. Construction activities conducted outside the breeding season (September 1 through December 31) may avoid implementation of these measures; however, non-occupied raptor nests are protected under Section 3505.5 of the State Fish and Game Code and permission must be granted by CDFW to remove them. If active nests of any native bird are found on site, they will be avoided until after the young have fledged. 1. The project proponent shall conduct a pre-construction nesting bird survey not more than 30
days or less than 14 days prior to the commencement of construction. 2. A second pre-construction nesting bird survey shall be conducted within 24 hours prior to
the initiation of any ground-disturbing activities. 3. If nesting birds, including burrowing owl, are detected during the take-avoidance surveys,
avoidance and minimization measures shall be required and the need for mitigation for unavoidable impacts triggered. Avoidance and minimization measures include: establishing a buffer zone, installing a visual barrier, implementing exclusion and/or closure techniques, in conformance with CDFW recommendations.
Sources: “Final Recirculated Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan,” September 2007; “County of Riverside Draft General Plan, Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan,” effective March 11, 2014.
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5?
X
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5?
X
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
X
d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? X
Setting The project site is located within the Coachella Valley, which is a northwest-southeast trending desert valley that constitutes the western end of the Colorado Desert. The eastern portion of the Coachella Valley sits on the lakebed of ancient Lake Cahuilla, a large intermittent man-made freshwater lake created by flooding from the Colorado River and the last stand of which was in approximately 1600 AD. Its shorelines have continually changed as the lake has filled and emptied, and when it was full it attracted human settlement with its plentiful resources. Settlement along the lakeshore in the Coachella Valley was particularly intensive, with evidence of large-scale, multi-seasonal occupation. The nearest current community to the project site is the town of Mecca. The project site itself is situated on vacant TMDCI reservation land that has undergone several periods of inundation and drying as the Salton Sea (Sea) shoreline fluctuated since its last (human-caused and inadvertent) filling in 1905-1907. Cahuilla Tribes The Cahuilla Indians are the first known human inhabitants of the Coachella Valley and were a Takic-speaking people consisting of hunters and gatherers who are generally divided into three groups based on their geographic setting: The Pass Cahuilla of the Beaumont/Banning area; the Mountain Cahuilla of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains; and the Desert Cahuilla from the Coachella Valley, as far south as the Salton Sea.
The Cahuilla lived in family groups or clans mainly divided into two main groups. People from one group had to marry people form the other group. Interaction between groups was limited to trade, intermarriage, and performing ceremonies. Individual family groups/clans had villages, or central places, and territories they considered theirs for purposes of hunting game, gathering food and other necessary resources. The Cahuilla had many villages throughout the Coachella Valley. Prior to European contact, population estimates for the Cahuilla’s range from 3,600 to as high as 10,000 persons. During the 19th Century, due to European diseases (e.g. smallpox), the Cahuilla population was decimated. In the mid 1850’s, a number of Indian villages or rancherias were reported in this region during United States Land Survey. Several roads and trails were also discovered later during surveys. The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians (TMDCI) Reservation was first established in 1876 and now consists of 24,024 acres of land in the Imperial and Riverside Counties. Identification and Evaluation of Historic Properties for the Project Site The property associated with the proposed project was surveyed by Peregrine SEMS on May 1, 2018 including the Area of Potential Effects (APE). The APE consists of approximately 40 acres of unoccupied, previously disturbed (multiple inundations of Salton Sea through the 1960s-1980s) land with sparse to dense stands of non-native tamarisk and sparse to dense stands of saltbush and pickleweed, and located on the east side of Lincoln Street between Avenue 67 and Avenue 68, in the northwest quarter of Section 17, T7S R9E, San Bernardino Baseline and Meridian. According to a recent records search at the Eastern Information Center (EIC) at the University of California-Riverside, two previous cultural resource surveys (No. 9111 and No. 9137/9139) were conducted near the APE prior to this study; both were completed in 2014. One of these covered a segment of sewer line alignment, while the other covered an 18 to 20-foot-wide driveway alignment with an adjacent 32 to 36-foot-wide area, both slated for pavement. Other than these limited survey efforts, the APE as a whole had not been surveyed systematically, and no cultural resources had been recorded within or adjacent to the APE boundaries. Discussion of Impacts a) No Impact. Peregrine SEMS prepared an “Identification and Evaluation of Historic
Properties” in May 2018. The study included a cultural resources records search at the Eastern Information Center (EIC), historical research, consultation with Native American representatives, and on-site field survey.
Eastern Information Center (EIC) Record’s Search Based on the Eastern Information Center (EIC) records, two previous cultural resources surveys (No. 9111 and 9137/ 9139) were conducted in 2014 near the project’s APE. EIC records show more than 20 other previous studies on various tracts of land and linear features in the vicinity, all of which dated to the historic period and consisting predominantly of buildings, railroad features, and roadways of historical origin. None of these known cultural resources were found within or adjacent to the APE for the TMDCI
Project, the nearest one being a few hundred feet to the west, and thus none of them required further consideration during the cultural study.
Native American Consultation State of California’s Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) was contacted on October 7, 2015 for a record search in the commission’s sacred lands file for the nearby mobile park sewer improvement project. The TMDCI Tribal Cultural Resource Program Office was contacted in February of 2018 for a record search of their reservation lands, which was negative for any findings. Field Survey Results During the May 1, 2018 field survey of the subject site, the Peregrine SEMS archaeologist and TMDCI site monitor surveyed the property using 33±-foot parallel transects. The field survey produced negative results for potential “historic properties,” and no buildings, structures, objects, sites, features, or artifact deposits more than 50 years of age were encountered. It was noted during the survey that most of the APE was at varying times throughout the past several decades inundated in varying degrees by the Salton Sea, which created opportunities for duck hunters, who built duck blinds, minor debris of which remain. Scattered modern refuse was noted throughout the APE, but none of the items is of any historical or archaeological interest. During the site investigation, no “historic properties,” as defined by Section 106 regulations, were encountered within or adjacent to the APE, and the subsurface sediments within the vertical extent of the APE appear to be low in archaeological sensitivity. Pursuant to 36 CFR 800.4(d)(1), Peregrine SEMS presents a number of recommendations, which are added as minimization measures under mitigation monitoring and reporting program.
c) No Impact. The project site is not known to contain unique paleontological or geologic features. The site is widely disturbed from past agricultural activities and infrastructure (drains), periodic inundation by the Salton Sea, and other disturbances. No adverse impacts to unique paleontological or geological resources resulting from the project’s development.
d) No Impact. No cemeteries or human remains are known to occur onsite. The entire site
has previously been extensively disturbed, and it is unlikely that human remains will be uncovered during project development. Should remains be uncovered during excavation or grading of the site, California law requires that all activity stop, that the County Coroner be notified, and that he or she determine the nature of the remains, and whether Native American consultation will be required. This requirement of law assures that there will be no impact to cemeteries or human remains. Because the APE is within the boundaries of the TMDCI reservation, all requirements of the TMDCI Tribal Cultural Resource Program will be met with regards to the inadvertent discovery of human remains and associated funerary objects and/or other objects of cultural patrimony.
Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program A. A tribal monitor was present during the initial pedestrian survey and a copy of the results
shall be provided to the tribe as soon as it can be made available. Sources: “Identification and Evaluation of Historic Properties,” prepared by Peregrine SEMS on May 2018.
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent AlquistPriolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines & Geology Special Publication 42.
X
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? X
iii) Seismicrelated ground failure, including liquefaction? X
iv) Landslides? X
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? X
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on or offsite landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
X
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 181B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property?
X
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the
Setting The Coachella Valley is in the northwestern portion of the Salton Trough, a tectonic depression roughly 130 miles long and 70 miles wide that extends from the San Gorgonio Pass to the Gulf of Mexico. The valley is bounded by the San Bernardino Mountains on the northwest, San Jacinto Mountains on the southwest, Santa Rosa Mountains on the south, and Little San Bernardino Mountains to the northeast. The Salton Sea is located 3± miles to the south. The valley’s geologic composition is directly related to its proximity to the San Andreas Fault, which passes through the northeasterly portion of the valley, as well as other active faults. The region is susceptible to a range of geologic hazards, including ground rupture, major ground shaking, liquefaction, slope instability, and collapsible and expansive soils. Episodic flooding of major regional and local drainages in the valley conveys sands and gravel from the surrounding mountains onto the valley floor. Strong sustained winds emanating predominantly from the San Gorgonio Pass cause winds that transport sand and dust down valley. Regional soils range from rocky outcrops within the mountains bordering the valley to coarse gravels of mountain canyons and recently laid fine- and medium-grained alluvial (stream deposited) and aeolian (wind deposited) sediments on the central valley floor. On-site soils are typical of those found in the southeastern margin of the valley, and are dry, finely granulated, sandy soils. Discussion of Impacts a.i) No Impact. The subject property is not located in an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault
Zone. The nearest earthquake fault (approx. 4± miles northeast) is a segment of the San Andreas Fault Zone, capable of generating a maximum probable quake of approximately 7.4. Other local faults within the San Andreas Fault Zone include the Eagle Canyon, Painted, and Platform Faults (Mecca Hills Fault Zone), capable of generating earthquakes of magnitude > 5.5. Fault rupture is not expected on the project site.
a.ii) No Impact. The project site is in a seismically active region where earthquakes
originating on local and regional seismic faults can produce severe ground shaking. Based on the earthquake potential analysis of the San Andreas Fault Zone, the site is in an area where significant ground shaking will occur during a sizable earthquake. This intensity range (IX – XI) can result in partial or complete collapse of buildings, their foundations, and underground pipelines on and off site. However, because the project
will not consist of buildings or other potentially vulnerable infrastructure, no impact to the project is anticipated.
a.iii) Less Than Significant Impact. The project site is in an area that has a high susceptibility to liquefaction (Riverside County General Plan; Figure 4.5-5). Onsite underlying soils consist of Salton silty clay loam and Indio very fine sandy loam, wet, which are basically Quaternary alluvium (Ql/Qa) that are soft and expansive, and could be susceptible to liquefaction. In addition, the depth to groundwater in the area is less than 50 feet below the ground surface. For liquefaction to occur, groundwater levels must be within 50 feet of the ground surface. Therefore, the soft Salton silty clay loam and Indio very fine sandy loam in this region are prone to liquefaction under building loads and severe ground shaking.
a.iv) No Impact. The project site lies on Coachella Valley floor and is located well removed
from landslide and rockfall hazard areas (Riverside County General Plan; Figure 4.5-6). The site consists of, and is surrounded by, relatively flat terrain; therefore, no impacts associated with landslides or rockfalls are anticipated.
b) Less Than Significant Impact. The Coachella Valley floor, including the subject
property, is susceptible to wind erosion (Riverside County General Plan; Figure S-8). The proposed project will require mechanical removal of non-native tamarisk, and development of rain swales with which to facilitate the successful revegetation of native trees. Associated site disturbance could result in the loss of some topsoil and generate suspended particulate matter. Construction is expected to require limited grading and primarily trenching for rain swales. Standard dust control methods approved by Riverside County will ensure that soil erosion is avoided and minimized. Therefore, project-related soil erosion is expected to be less than significant.
The project will be required to implement measures to control fugitive dust (see Air
Quality, Section III), which will minimize potential adverse impacts associated with soil erosion. Overall impacts associated with soil erosion will be less than significant.
c) Less Than Significance Impact. Surface soils consist of older lake and distal deposits
(clay, silt, and fine-grained sand) (Riverside County General Plan Draft EIR 2015; Chapter 4). As described in Section VI.a.iv, above, the site is high susceptibility to liquefaction due to groundwater levels less than 50 feet below the ground surface. The site is also susceptible to lateral spreading, which is associated with the shallow water table. The site is not susceptible to landslides due to its relatively flat terrain and distance from mountainous slopes. Although tectonic subsidence has been documented in the Coachella Valley due to down-dropping of the geologic block between parallel strands of the San Andreas Fault, it is not known to occur in the project vicinity. Project-related impacts associated with unstable soils and down-dropping of the geologic block are less than significant.
d) Less Than Significant Impact. Expansive soils typically contain large amounts of clay that expand when water is absorbed and shrink when they dry. As described in Section VI-a.iv, above, the site’s underlying soils consist of Salton silty clay loam and Indio very fine sandy loam (Ql/Qa; Quaternary alluvium), which have a moderate-high shrink-swell potential (“Soil Survey of Riverside County, California, Coachella Valley Area,” U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, 1980). Moderate-high shrink-swell potential would expose people and property to hazards such as liquefaction and ground failure. However, there will be no buildings associated with the project, and therefore the potential for such is less than significant.
e) No Impact. The project consists of the mechanical removal of non-native tamarisk and
the revegetation of native trees. Therefore, there will be no impact associated with soils and septic systems.
Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program None required. Sources: “County of Riverside Draft General Plan, Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan,” effective March 11, 2014; County of Riverside Draft General Plan EIR, 2015.
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have significant impact on the environment?
X
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
X
Setting Air pollution is a chemical, physical or biological process that modifies the chemistry and other characteristics of the atmosphere. The primary contributor to air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels used in transportation, power and heat generation, and industrial processes. The byproducts from the combustion of fossil fuels can contain a number of air polluting substances. These emissions are responsible for the poor air quality that is evident in industrial centers worldwide. The associated increases in greenhouse gases (GHGs) has also contributed to a modification of the chemistry of the atmosphere increasing its ability to hold heat (especially infrared) and prevent its re-radiation back into space. The generation of greenhouse gas emissions is produced by both moving and stationary sources, including motor vehicles, the production of electricity and natural gas, and other similar processes. Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas that has raised the most concern of atmospheric scientists due to current atmospheric levels, current and projected emission levels, and the highly-correlated temperature regression curve that has been observed, predicting a future path of rising carbon dioxide levels. Currently (2015), carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere are exceeding 400 parts per million (ppm). Comparatively, prior to the Industrial Revolution, about 250 years ago, CO2 levels were 278 ppm. Over the past 650,000 years, carbon dioxide levels have fluctuated between 180 and 300 ppm, making present day atmospheric CO2 levels substantially greater than at any point in the past 650,000 years.1 California was the first state to establish regulations that require the reduction of emissions of GHGs from motor vehicles. On September 24, 2004, the California Air Resources Board adopted a bill that requires all motor vehicles of 2009 vintage or later to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by about 30% by the year 2016. On June 1, 2005 Governor Arnold
1 “Working Group III Contribution to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report,
Climate Change 2007: Mitigation of Climate Change,” prepared by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, May 2007.
Schwarzenegger issued executive order S-3-05, which calls for reduction in GHG emission to 1990 levels by 2020 and for an 80 percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2050. The California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) was adopted by the state legislature in 2006. It sets forth a program to achieve 1990 emission levels by 2020 and requires CARB to proclaim 1990 GHG emissions and develop a Scoping Plan, which sets forth GHG reduction methods. CARB has reported that 1990 GHG emissions totaled 427 million metric tons (MMT) for the state of California; CARB adopted a GHG scoping plan on December 11, 2008. The Scoping Plan includes a cap and trade program, green building strategies, recycling and waste reduction, and Voluntary Early Actions and Reductions. More recently, Governor Brown issued Executive Order B-30-15 on April 29, 2015 establishing a new California goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 ensuring the state will continue its efforts to reduce carbon pollution. California SB 375 was signed by the Governor in September 2008 and is intended to at least in part implement greenhouse gas reduction targets set forth in AB 32. The bill encourages regional land use planning to reduce vehicle miles traveled and requires jurisdictions to adopt a sustainable communities’ strategy. Discussion of Impacts a, b) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project will produce greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions during the mechanical removal of non-native tamarisk vegetation and the construction of rain swales. Determinations of significance for construction-related and operational greenhouse gas emissions were based on the comparison of project-generated emissions to applicable SCAQMD thresholds. The SCAQMD currently has one GHG threshold of 10,000 metric tons per year of CO2e for operation of industrial facilities. SCAQMD does not have a threshold for construction GHG emissions. Because the project includes construction of rain swales, project-related operational greenhouse gas emissions were compared to the SCAQMD threshold of 10,000 metric tons per year of CO2e. The significance of construction-related GHG impacts are also based on the SCAQMD threshold of 10,000 metric tons per year of CO2e, along with the project’s consistency with adopted State and local GHG reduction measures. Further, SCAQMD recommends that construction emissions be amortized over a 30-year project lifetime, so that GHG reduction measures would address construction GHG emissions as part of the operational GHG reduction targets (SCAQMD 2008).
All construction related GHG emissions will be temporary and will end once the non-
native vegetation removal project is completed. There will be no operational emissions associated with the revegetation of native trees.
All components of construction, including equipment, fuels, materials, and management practices, would be subject to current and future SCAQMD rules and regulations related to greenhouse gases. Applicable SCAQMD rules include, but are not limited to, source specific standards that reduce the greenhouse gas content in engines and limit equipment idling durations. In addition, total project construction GHG emissions would be well below the adopted SCAQMD operational threshold of 10,000 metric tons of CO2e per
year. Therefore, since construction-related and operational GHG emissions are below established SCAQMD thresholds, this GHG impact would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program None required
VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Would the project:
Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than Significant
With Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than Significant
Impact No
Impact
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
X
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment?
X
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one quarter mile of an existing or proposed school?
X
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?
X
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area?
X
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area?
X
g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Would the project:
Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than Significant
With Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than Significant
Impact No
Impact
h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands?
X
Discussion of Impacts a-b) Less Than Significant Impact. Impacts associated with the use, transport, or disposal of
hazardous materials will be less than significant. Construction of the proposed project will involve the use of excavation, hauling and other construction equipment and vehicles that will use limited quantities of oil, fuel, and other potentially flammable or toxic substances. Minor maintenance and/or repair of equipment may be required and could result in fuel or oil spills if not properly managed. During the construction phase, contractors will be required to use an approved staging area for storing material and equipment, and implement best management practices to assure that any spills are captured, limited and immediately and properly remediated. The project contractor will be required to adhere to applicable local, state, and federal laws pertaining to occupational safety and disposal of hazardous materials. No adverse long-term impacts associated with hazardous materials are anticipated.
c) No Impact. No schools are located within one-quarter mile of the project site. The
nearest school is Saul Martinez Elementary School located approximately 1.2 miles northwest of the proposed site. There will be no hazardous materials-related impacts to schools.
d) No Impact. The subject property is not included on a list compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.3. The proposed project will not create a significant hazard to the public or environment. In addition, a pedestrian survey of the site was conducted on May 1, 2018 and no hazardous material or waste was found to be present.
e-f) No Impact. The Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport is located approximately 6 miles
northwest of the subject property. The site is not located within the boundaries of the airports’ land use compatibility plan, nor located in the vicinity of a private airstrip. The
project will not result in safety hazards for people living or working in the area. g) No Impact. The proposed project will not alter the existing circulation pattern in the
project area or adversely impact evacuation plans. The primary project access point is on Johnson Street and State Highway 111. Johnson Street is currently not developed and is a dirt road. As the project is limited to construction of onsite rain swales, revegetation of native trees, and mechanical removal of non-native tamarisk, improvements to Johnson Street will not be required as part of the project.
No parking and circulation plans will be required for this project; therefore, it would not be necessary for the project plans to be reviewed by the Fire and Police Departments. The project will not affect any emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan in the project vicinity.
h) No Impact. The project site is not located in a wildland fire hazard zone and is not
susceptible to wildfires. Therefore, the proposed project will not expose people or structures to significant risks associated with wildfires. No related impact is expected.
Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program None required. Sources: “County of Riverside Draft General Plan, Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan,” effective March 11, 2014; California Department of Toxic Substances Control Hazardous Waste, https://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Would the project:
Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than Significant
With Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than Significant
Impact No
Impact
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? X
b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of preexisting nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)?
X
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner that would result in substantial erosion or siltation on or offsite?
X
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on or offsite?
X
e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff?
X
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? X
VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Would the project:
Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than Significant
With Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than Significant
Impact No
Impact
g) Place housing within a 100year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? (Source:
X
h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows?
X
i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam?
X
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? X
Discussion of Impacts a) No Impact. The project site is located within the Whitewater River watershed. All water
providers in the watershed are required to comply with Regional Water Quality Control Board standards for the protection of water quality, including the preparation of site-specific Water Quality Management Plans for surface waters.
The proposed project will not adversely impact the flow of groundwater or groundwater
quality. The construction phase of the project will require the use of water to facilitate soil consolidation and compaction, and to minimize fugitive dust emissions. This will be conducted using best management practices (BMP) to assure that groundwater is not contaminated. The project contractor will ensure that adequate construction BMPs are implemented for the project and satisfy federal, state and local standards. The project will not violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements.
b) Less Than Significant Impact. The project will not utilize groundwater at or near the site.
During construction, the proposed project will require limited, temporary use of water to facilitate soil consolidation and compaction, and to manage fugitive dust. An on-site water truck will address all construction water needs. At buildout, the project will not require additional water nor will it adversely affect groundwater recharge. The project will have a less than significant impact on groundwater supplies and recharge.
c-d) No Impact. The subject site is generally flat and contains no rivers or streams.
Development of the proposed project will not increase impermeable surfaces on site, and therefore will not increase on-site storm flows.
A CVWD agricultural drain is located immediately west of the subject property, between it and Johnson Street, which conveys agricultural runoff and sub-surface drainage to the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel (CVSC) and ultimately the Salton Sea. The nearest “stream” is the CVSC, approximately 1.09 miles southwest of the project site. Existing drainage patterns in the project area are sheet flows generally to the south, with intervening obstructions to surface flows including Johnson Street among others. The drainage pattern will not be disturbed or otherwise impacted by the project.
e) No Impact. The project will not contribute to off-site storm water runoff or have a
significant adverse effect on local or regional flood control capabilities or regional ground water quality or quantity. The project includes the construction of rain swales that will temporarily capture stormwater runoff for the benefit of the revegetation of native trees. Stormwater runoff associated with project construction will be confined within the subject site. A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) will be prepared and implemented during construction activities at the site. No impacts are anticipated.
f) No Impact. The project includes the construction of rain swales that will temporarily
capture stormwater runoff for the benefit of the revegetation of native trees. No impacts associated with flood control and regional ground water quality are anticipated.
g-h) No Impact. The project site is not located in the 100-year floodplain and will not place
structures in an area that would impede or redirect flows. According to Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the site is located in Zone X, which represents “other flood areas defined as areas of 0.2% annual chance flood,” (FIRM Map No. 06065C2950G, Produced in August 2008).
i, j) Less Than Significant. The proposed project site is not located in the immediate vicinity
of a body of water, geological formation, debris dam/basin or similar source of mud and /or debris that may produce a tsunami, or generate a mudflow. There will be no significant impact and no mitigation is required.
CEQA-Plus: Supplemental Analysis Watershed and Water Quality The project site is located within the Colorado River Basin Region (Region 7) watershed, as designated by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB). CRWQCB implements and enforces federal and state regulations throughout the region to assure that water quality standards are met. Water quality (within Johnson Street Drain) is also monitored by CVWD through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit process. These requirements assure that runoff leaving the site during and after construction, if any, is not polluted and does not contain silt or other materials. The TMDCI and the County of Riverside will require that the project contractor use best management practices (BMP) to assure that project-related water percolating into the ground is not contaminated. The principal domestic (non-agricultural) water sources for the project area and the Coachella Valley are groundwater and imported Colorado River water. Direct precipitation makes a very limited contribution to valley groundwater supplies. All potable water is pumped from groundwater sub-basins, and imported supplies are used for agriculture and landscape irrigation, and groundwater recharge. The Whitewater River sub-basin underlies the project area and has the largest storage capacity of all Coachella Valley groundwater basins. According to CVWD’s Urban Water Management Plan, the quality of local groundwater and treated and untreated Colorado River water is characterized as “good” and meets state and federal drinking water quality standards. These standards are projected to be met over the long-term. 100-Year Floodplain As described above, the project site is located within Zone X on Flood Insurance Rate Map No. 06065C2950G prepared by FEMA in 2008. Zone X represents areas of 0.2% annual chance flood; areas of 1% annual chance flood with average depths of less than 1 foot or with drainage areas less than 1 square mile; and areas protected by levees from 1% annual chance flood. Also, per the Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan (Riverside County General Plan), the project site is not located within a 100-year flood zone. Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program None required. Sources: Flood Insurance Rate Map No. 06065C2950G, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2008; “County of Riverside Draft General Plan, Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan,” effective March 11, 2014; Riverside County General Plan (2008).
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?
X
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan?
X
Setting The project site is governed by the policies and land use designations of the TMDCI, as the entire 160 acre parcel is owned by the Tribe as reservation land. Discussion of Impacts a) No Impact. The project includes construction of rain swales, removal of non-native
tamarisk vegetation, and on-site native revegetation in an uninhabited upland area of tribal lands formerly inundated by the Salton Sea.
b) No Impact. The subject property occurs in an area designated IND and zoned W-1. The
project includes construction of rain swales, native trees revegetation and removal of non-native tamarisk and will be consistent with the goals, policies, and programs of the Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan of the Riverside County General Plan to serve the subject site. It does not violate the provisions or regulations of the County’s Zoning Ordinance. No adverse impacts to land use are anticipated.
c) No Impact. As described in Section IV, Biological Resources, the project site is located
within the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) boundaries, but not within a conservation area. The proposed project will actually complement the habitat conservation goals presented in the plan.
CEQA-Plus: Supplemental Analysis Formally Classified Lands The proposed project will occur within historically-disturbed lands that were inundated by the Salton Sea from approximately the 1960s through the 1980s. Surrounding lands in the project area are designated for agricultural and various residential uses; much of the agricultural land in the area is currently fallow. None of the lands in the immediate project vicinity are formally classified lands, such as national parks or landmarks, and none are federally administered. No direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts to formally classified lands will occur as a result of the proposed project. Coastal Management Zone The Coachella Valley, in which the project is located, is an inland low-elevation desert region and is not in a Coastal Management Zone. The project will not result in environmental consequences to a Coastal Management Zone. Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program None required. Sources: “Final Recirculated Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan,” September 2007; “County of Riverside Draft General Plan, Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan,” effective March 11, 2014, Riverside County Parcel Report for APN 729-110-024-8.
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state?
X
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan?
X
Setting Existing or potential mineral resources in the region include sand and gravel, clay, oil and gas, and geothermal. The project site is designated as “IND” on the County’s General Plan Land Use Map. Mineral resource extraction in the Coachella Valley is limited to sand and gravel, which the subject property cannot supply. No sand or gravel operations occur in the vicinity of the project site. Discussion of Impacts a-b) No Impact. The project site is located on TMDCI reservation land, previously inundated
by the Salton Sea. The planning area is not known to contain important mineral resources and is not available for mineral extraction operations. No project-related impacts to mineral resources are anticipated.
Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program None required. Sources: Riverside County General Plan (2008); Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan,” effective March 11, 2014, Riverside County Parcel Report APN 729-110-024-8.
a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?
X
b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?
X
c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project?
X
d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project?
X
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?
X
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?
X
Discussion of Impacts
a) Less Than Significant Impact. The principal noise sources in the project area are vehicular traffic on adjacent and nearby roadways (State Highway 111 and State Route 195/Lincoln Street), and the lines of the Union Pacific Railroad located approximately ½
mile to the northeast. Sensitive receptor nearest to the project site is the 13-unit Huerta mobile home park located about ½ mile northeast of the project site. According to Riverside County Ordinance No. 847, which sets standards for noise-generating activities, exterior sound levels for the surrounding residential lands are limited to 55 dB from 7am-10pm and 45 dB from 10pm-7am. In addition, this ordinance makes exceptions for construction and other temporary sources of noise.
Project-Generated Construction Noise Site preparation, excavation and grading, and the mechanical removal of non-native
tamarisk vegetation will generate the loudest noise levels during project construction. Even so, all construction noise will be intermittent and temporary, and contractors are required to abide by the Riverside County’s noise standards, which exempt construction activities within the permitted time frames. Although these activities could result in higher noise levels than the 65 dBA that is the allowable noise level, the impacts will be short-term and temporary, and will occur during the least sensitive time of the day. As a result, the temporary construction noise would be classified as less than significant levels.
Project-Generated Operational Noise Once completed, post-construction noise levels will be substantially the same as those
prior to project construction; there will be no new noise source associated with this facility. Therefore, impacts will be less than significant and no exterior noise abatement measures will be necessary.
b) Less Than Significant Impact. Construction of the proposed project could produce
temporary ground-borne vibration and/or ground-borne noise that may be felt by adjacent land uses. The primary source of ground-borne disturbances will be operation of heavy equipment during construction of rain swales and removal of non-native tamarisk. On-site soils are easy to work and neither rocky outcroppings or boulders are expected to be encountered during required site work. Any ground-borne impacts will be limited and temporary, and will end once construction is complete. Long-term operation of the project will not generate any noticeable ground-borne vibrations or noise, and impacts will be less than significant.
c) No Impact. As described in item “a” above, there will be no permanent increases in
ambient noise levels as a result of the project. Ambient noise levels will be the same as those prior to project construction. No impact is anticipated.
d) Less Than Significant Impact. As also described in XI-a above, temporary noise
generated during the construction phase of the proposed project may exceed typically acceptable noise levels, particularly during grading and site preparation. Primary noise sources will be the operation of heavy equipment and installation activities, some of which will occur in proximity to sensitive receptors, including mobile homes near the site. However, these impacts will be temporary and are permitted in the County Noise Ordinance as long as they are construction-related and occur during specified (least-
sensitive) daytime hours. Adherence to Riverside County standards will assure that impacts remain less than significant.
e-f) No Impact. The proposed project will not expose people residing or working in the
project area to excessive aircraft-related noise. The Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport is located about 6 miles from the subject property, and the property is outside of airport noise contours. The subject property is not located in the vicinity of a private airstrip, and no impacts will occur.
Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program None required. Sources: Riverside County General Plan (2008); Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan,” effective March 11, 2014, Riverside County Parcel Report APN 729-110-024-8.
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)?
X
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
X
c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
X
Setting As of 2016, Riverside County had a population of 2,347,828 with an average annual percent change of 1.3. The project site is in a rural, predominantly agricultural area. The area project vicinity is comprised of vacant and fallow agricultural lands, mobile homes, Highway 111 and vacant desert lands. The unincorporated community of Mecca is located approximately one-half mile north of the subject property The proposed project will include construction of rain swales, mechanical removal of non-native tamarisk, and revegetation of native trees. Discussion of Impacts a) No Impact. The proposed project will include construction of rain swales, revegetation
of native trees, and mechanical removal of non-native tamarisk. There are no homes or infrastructure improvements proposed at the site as part of the proposed project. No growth-inducing impacts are anticipated.
b-c) No Impact. Currently, the subject site is uninhabited; therefore, the proposed project
will not displace people or residential units. The site will be enhanced by the planting of native trees and the removal of non-native vegetation. No impacts are anticipated in reference to displacement of people on or near the project site.
CEQA Plus: Supplemental Analysis Socio-Economic/Environmental Justice Impacts to Minority or Low-Income Areas The proposed project will not result in disproportionate adverse environmental justice, socio-economic, or safety impacts to a minority or low-income population. Construction noise and other temporary impacts will be less than significant. The project will result in substantial long-term improvements in the quality of life (air quality, aesthetics, recreational opportunities) for tribal members and authorized area residents. In reference to residents living in the nearby Huerta Mobile Home Park, the proposed project will also support better air quality, something that area residents currently do not enjoy. The project, therefore, is expected to result in substantial direct long-term benefit to the local population. Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program None required. Sources: Riverside County General Plan (2014); Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan,” effective March 11, 2014; Project materials.
XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES Would the project result in:
Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than Significant
With Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than Significant
Impact No
Impact
a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the Services:
X
Fire protection? X
Police protection? X
Schools? X
Parks? X
Other public facilities? X
Setting Fire Protection: The Riverside County Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency services in unincorporated Riverside County areas, including the project site. The nearest fire station to the project area is Station 40 located approximately 0.53 miles northeast at 91350 Avenue 66 in Mecca. The subject property is located within a 5-minute response time of this station. Police Protection: The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department provides law enforcement services in the project area. The nearest police station to the proposed project is located approximately 6.8 miles to the northwest at 86625 Airport Boulevard in Thermal. The County provides an officer-to-population ratio of approximately 1 per 1,000 population with stated goal of reaching 1.2 officers per 1,000 population by 2018. Schools: The Coachella Valley Unified School District provides public school services in the project area. The nearest school to the project site is Saul Martinez Elementary School located approximately 0.92 miles northwest.
Parks Riverside County owns and maintains a wide range of parks and community facilities in the project area. The nearest park to the project site is Riverside County’s Mecca Sports Complex with tennis courts, a large swimming pool and open space areas. The planning area is also served by the Coachella Valley Parks and Recreation District, one of the largest in the country. Discussion of Impacts
a) No Impact. Fire Protection The proposed project will not increase the demand for fire service in Riverside County because it will not induce any population growth in the region. No impact is anticipated. Police Protection The proposed infrastructure project has a limited potential to attract theft of construction materials; no impact to police protective services is anticipated. Schools The proposed project does not involve the construction of any residential or habitable structures that would increase the demand for school services or require the construction of a new school. No impact is anticipated. Parks The project does not include any residential or habitable structures and will not induce population growth, that could affect demand for park facilities. The development of this project could support on-site recreational and open space amenities. Therefore, no impact is anticipated on the county’s park and related facilities.
Other Public Facilities No impact is anticipated on other public facilities.
Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program None required. Sources: Riverside County General Plan (2008); Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan,” effective March 11, 2014.
a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?
X
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities, which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?
X
Setting Within the Eastern Coachella Valley, there are traditional parks, school’s parks, recreational facilities, additional recreational services and trails. In the General Plan, approximately 735 acres of land in the Eastern Coachella Valley is designated as “Open Space-Recreation.” Riverside County owns and maintains a wide range of parks and community facilities in the project area. The nearest park to the project site is Riverside County’s Mecca Sports Complex with tennis courts, a large swimming pool and open space areas. This facility is located approximately 0.75 miles north of the subject property. The planning area is also served by the Coachella Valley Parks and Recreation District, one of the largest in the country. Discussion of Impacts a-b) No Impact. The proposed project would not directly or indirectly induce population
growth that would increase the demand for recreational facilities or result in substantial physical deterioration of existing park facilities. Additionally, impacts during the construction phase will be contained within the project site and minimized through best management practice in order to limit and avoid potential annoyances related to air quality and noise.
Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program None required.
a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non-motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit?
X
b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways?
X
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks?
X
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
X
e) Result in inadequate emergency access? X
f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities?
Setting The project site is located approximately one-quarter of a mile southwest of State Highway 111, immediately west of Johnson Street, which will be used to access the project site, in the unincorporated community of Mecca in Riverside County. During construction, the proposed project will take access from Highway 111 and Johnson Street. The same streets will be used for emergency routes during construction. The proposed project improvements include construction of rain swales, revegetation of native trees, and removal of non-native tamarisk. Once constructed, the project will not generate any new traffic. For analysis purposes, traffic data from the 2014 update to the County of Riverside General Plan, Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan, and Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Active Transportation Plan (2016) were used to help analyze the potential impact on the circulation in the project vicinity, and is discussed below. It is important to note that the project traffic will be limited to construction crews, trucks and construction equipment, and material deliveries. These activities are expected to be most intensive during initial staging and site decommissioning following completion of construction. Initial trips associated with staging and first phase materials deliveries will be on the range of 20 trips per day. Once construction is underway, the construction projected is projected to generate approximately 12 trips per day. Discussion of Impacts
a-b) Less than Significant. The project site is currently not developed and very few trips are currently being generated by on-site uses. Access to the subject property is currently from State Highway 111 and Johnson Street. Other nearby streets include Avenue 68 to the east and Avenue 66 to the north, neither of which have direct connections to the site. Traffic volumes on the subject segment of Johnson Street are very low. This is the only location where project construction could affect the local roadway network. Overall, due to the nature of the project, there will be no impacts to or conflicts with an applicable transportation plan, ordinance or policy, or to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit in the project area. Impacts associated with this project will be negligible and less than significant.
c) No Impact. The Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport is located about 6 miles northwest
of the subject property. The development of the proposed project will have no impact on the facilities or operations of regional airports, and will not result in a change in air traffic patterns, including an increase in traffic levels. It will also not create substantial safety risks. No project related impact is anticipated.
d) No Impact. The property will be developed in accordance with CVWD and Riverside
County Health Department design standards and guidelines, and will not create a substantial increase in hazards due to a design feature. No impact is anticipated.
e) Less than Significant Impact. During construction, the workers would use existing
roadways to access the project site. In case of an emergency, existing surrounding
roadways will be used to access the subject site, which would not be significantly encumbered by the project.
Once construction and installation activities are complete, area roads will continue to function at pre-project levels. Less than significant impacts are anticipated.
f) No Impact. Nearby Lincoln Street, 68th Avenue, and Grapefruit Boulevard are
designated as future Class II bike lanes in the CVAG’s Active Transportation Plan, whereas, State Highway 111 is designated as “Bike Route.” (CVAG Active Transportation Plan; Figure 4-35d). Therefore, there will be bicycle facilities in proximity to the project site in the future.
SunLine Transit Agency provides bus transit services within the Coachella Valley, including the project site. SunLine operates an existing bus route on 66th Avenue with a bus stop located approximately one mile northeast of project site. Project construction workers will have reasonable access to this existing bus service during construction activities, but the TMDCI anticipates that workers will neither need nor utilize public transportation. The proposed project will not conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities. No project related impact is anticipated.
Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program None required. Sources: Riverside County General Plan (2008); Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan,” effective March 11, 2014; Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CAVG) Active Transportation Plan (2016).
XVII TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
Potentially Significant
Impact
Potentially Significant
Unless Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than Significant
Impact No
Impact
a) Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or
X
b) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe.
X
Setting As discussed in the Section V, Cultural Resources, the oldest documented human settlers in the Coachella Valley are the Cahuilla Indians, a Takic-speaking people who are generally divided by anthropologists into three groups, according to their geographic setting: the Pass Cahuilla of the San Gorgonio Pass-Palm Springs area, the Mountain Cahuilla of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains and the Cahuilla Valley, and the Desert Cahuilla of the eastern Coachella Valley. Today, Native Americans of Pass or Desert Cahuilla heritage are mostly affiliated with one or more of the Indian reservations in and near the Coachella Valley, including Cabazon, Augustine, Torres Martinez, Twentynine Palms, Agua Caliente, and Morongo. Discussion of Impacts a-b) No Impact. As discussed in Section V, Cultural Resources, no “historic tribal cultural
resources” listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section
5020.1(k) have been identified on or in proximity to the subject property and that would be considered as “significant” pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. No impacts are anticipated.
Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program None required. Sources: “Identification and Evaluation of Historic Properties,” prepared by Peregrine SEMS on May 2018; Riverside County General Plan (2008); Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan,” effective March 11, 2014.
XVIII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Would the project:
Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than Significant
With Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than Significant
Impact No
Impact
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board?
X
b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects?
X
c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects?
X
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed?
X
e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments?
X
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs?
X
g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid X
XVIII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Would the project:
Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than Significant
With Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than Significant
Impact No
Impact
waste?
Setting Wastewater Treatment The project does not propose improvements onsite that will produce wastewater; therefore, no wastewater facilities are required for the project and no impact on wastewater treatment plants in the project vicinity. Domestic Water The project does not propose improvements onsite that require domestic water facilities and/or infrastructure; therefore, the project will not impact any existing domestic water facilities or infrastructure in the project vicinity. Storm Water Management Storm water drainage infrastructure within the subject vicinity consists of a network of regional and local drainage systems, which convey surface runoff and agricultural tail water to the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel (Whitewater River) and ultimately to the Salton Sea. Solid Waste The project does not propose improvements onsite that will produce solid waste; therefore, no impacts regarding solid waste generation, transport, or solid waste facilities. All green waste material generated by non-native vegetation removal will be transported to a green waste recycling facility in the project vicinity. Discussion of Impacts
a) No Impact. The project will have no impact on nor will it cause treated discharge to exceed wastewater treatment requirements of any regulatory agency. No impact is anticipated.
b) No Impact. The project will not require or result in the construction of new water
or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities.
c) No Impact. The project does not include the construction of any curbs, gutter or stormwater drainage facilities. The project will have no effect on existing stormwater management in the area. No impact is anticipated.
d) Less Than Significant Impact. Groundwater is the principal source of the Coachella Valley’s domestic water supply. It is currently replenished via natural recharge and with Colorado River water conveyed to the valley via the Coachella Branch of the All-American Canal and the Colorado River Aqueduct. Local water resources are further supplemented with recycled/reclaimed wastewater. CVWD’s Urban Water Management Plan indicates that it will have sufficient water supplies to serve the Coachella Valley population in year 2035. The region’s water supplies are protected by a variety of water delivery entitlements and contracts. CVWD has committed sufficient capital resources and planned investments in various water programs and facilities to serve existing and future customers. Its UWMP and annual Engineers Reports detail water supply and demand, and provide information on groundwater recharge and replenishment activities, conservation, and water quality. During construction, the proposed project will require the application of water for soil compaction and fugitive dust control. Water trucks may deliver water to native vegetation and/or newly constructed rain swales once construction activities are completed. Project water demand will be limited and temporary and have a less than significant effect.
e) No impact. There will be no impact to wastewater facilities or wastewater
treatment capacities associated with the proposed project, as it only consists of rain water basins, native tree planting, and removal of non-native tamarisk.
f) Less Than Significant Impact. The project does not propose improvements onsite that will produce solid waste; therefore, no impacts regarding solid waste generation, transport, or solid waste facilities. All green waste material generated by non-native vegetation removal will be transported to a green waste recycling facility in the project vicinity.
g) No Impact. Solid waste will not be produced by the proposed project; therefore,
no impacts on any local, state or federal solid waste regulations. Mitigation Measures None required. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program None required. Sources: Riverside County General Plan (2008); Eastern Coachella Valley Area Plan,” effective March 11, 2014.
XIX. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE NOTE: If there are significant environmental impacts which cannot be mitigated and no feasible project alternatives are available, then complete the mandatory findings of significance and attach to this initial study as an appendix. This is the first step for starting the environmental impact report (EIR) process.
Does the project:
Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than Significant
With Mitigation Incorporate
d
Less Than Significant Impact
No Impact
a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory?
X
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)?
X
c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly?
The proposed project is limited to the construction of rain swales, revegetation of native trees, and the mechanical removal of non-native tamarisk. A variety of resource surveys have been conducted on-site and in the vicinity, which indicate that the proposed project will not have a significant adverse effect on these resources.
Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment,
substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory?
Biological Resources The existing site does not provide important habitat for any fish or wildlife
species, plant or plant community. The proposed project will not degrade the environment or substantially reduce the habitat of fish, wildlife or plant species at the project site. Should the proposed project pursue the Johnson Street Drain as a water source during project construction or thereafter, the TMDCI will continue consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service regarding any potential effects related to the endangered desert pupfish known to occupy areas within the Johnson Street Drain. Removal of non-native tamarisk vegetation and establishment of native vegetation at the project site will enhance the habitat and complement the goals established within the CVMSHCP plan.
Cultural Resources As noted throughout this IS and as shown on the accompanying exhibits, the
subject property has been in a disturbed state for several decades, being previously in agriculture and inundated by the Salton Sea. On-site surveys have determined that there is a low probability of encountering archaeological resources, and there are no historic structures on this site. Therefore, less than significant impacts are anticipated.
b) Less Than Significant Impact. The project will not make a cumulatively
considerable contribution to any environmental impacts in the project area or the region. The project is designed to specifically support air quality and future recreational and potential residential needs of the TMDCI and area residents.
c) Less Than Significant Impact. The project will not cause substantial adverse
effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly. During construction, the project may result in temporary inconveniences, including limited traffic delays, noise, and visual impacts. However, these impacts will be less than significant and temporary.
