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Appendix-CAppendix C Environmental Section 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 3.0 3.1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Background Project Location Purpose/Objectives Proj ect Goals Alternative Storm Drain Alignment Environmental Procedures Community Outreach Project Sponsors and Contact Persons Existing Site Conditions Overview Project Location Existing Site Conditions Environmental Setting Biological Resources 3.1.1 Regulations Citywide Natural Community Conservation Plan Coastal Zone Management Act Coastal Resource Management District 3.1.2 Jurisdictional Drainages and Wetlands Army Corps of Engineers State Water Resources Control Board California Dept.of Fish and Game Jurisdictional Summary 3.1.3 Existing Biological Setting Plant Communities Grasslands Coastal Sage Scrub Southern Coastal Bluff Scrub Sensitive Biological Resources Aphanisma South Coast Saltscale Davidson's Saltscale Catalina Crossosoma Santa Catalina Island Desert-thorn Island Green Dudleya Small-flowered Morning Glory 2 5 5 8 8 9 9 13 13 13 16 16 16 17 21 21 21 21 22 22 22 22 23 23 24 25 25 25 26 26 28 28 28 28 29 29 30 30 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Proj ect Description Section 3.2 3.3 3.4 TABLE OF CONTENTS,CON'T Coastal Sage Scrub Southern Coastal Bluff Scrub 3.1.4 Sensitive Biological Wildlife Species California Gnatcatcher Cactus Wren 3.1.5 Raptors,Migratory Birds and Habitat 3.1.6 Habitat Fragmentation and Wildlife Movement 3.1.7 Biological Assessment Summary Cultural Resources 3.2.1 Records Search 3.2.2 Regional Archaeological Studies 3.2.3 Cultural Resource Summary 3.2.4 Native American Consultation Geology -Soils -Seismicity 3.3.1 Geologic Setting 3.3.2 Subsurface Conditions Topsoil Resent Alluvium Artificial Fill Older Alluvium Resent Landslide Debris Ancient Landslide Debris Altamire Shale Member,Monterey Fonnation 3.3.3 Groundwater 3.3.4 Faulting and Seismicity 3.3.5 Geologic Hazards Slope Stability Tarapaca Landslide Lower Switchback PVDE Upper Switchback PVDE 3.3.6 Geologic Summary Hydrology/Water Quality/Flood Control 3.4.1 Existing Hydrologic Setting 3.4.2 Local Regulations 3.4.3 Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board Watershed Management Stonn Water Programs MS4INPDES 3.4.4 Flood Control 3 31 31 31 32 32 33 34 34 36 36 36 36 36 38 38 38 38 39 39 39 39 39 40 40 40 40 41 41 41 41 42 43 43 45 45 45 46 47 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description TABLE OF CONTENTS,CON'T Section 3.6 4.0 Air Quality 3.6.1 Climate 3.6.2 Air Quality Management 3.6.3 Ambient Air Quality Source Documents 48 48 48 49 50 Initial Environmental Study and Checklist (UNDER SEPARATE COVER FOR EACH ALTERANITVE) Photos: Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Photo 7 Photo 8 Photo 9 Photo 10 Photo 11 Photo 12 Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 View north up San Ramon Canyon Aerial view of San Ramon Canyon View from PVDE toward Tarapaca Landslide San Ramon Canyon from PVDE Aerial photo of alternative alignments Aerial ofW.25 th Street after San Ramon flood event View north up San Ramon Canyon View south down San Ramon Canyon View north toward tunnel alignment View south toward tunnel alignment View of coastal bluff area Island green dudleya on bluff Inlet structure for Alternative lA Inlet structure for Alternative 1B Inlet structure for Alternative 2A Construction access and permanent maintenance access road Regional Map Vicinity Map Topographic map Jurisdictional drainage Biological Map Hydrology Map Existing hydrologic conditions Flood Insurance Rate Map 4 6 7 7 8 12 16 17 17 18 18 19 30 10 10 11 12 15 15 20 25 27 43 44 47 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Stann Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description Appendices A.GMU Geoteclmical,Inc.Preliminary Geoteclmical Study Report for San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain System,City of Rancho Palos Verdes,CA.Sept.27,2010. B.Harris and Associates,Project Study Report,San Ramon Canyon Drainage System,October 27, 2010. C.Natural Resources Assessment,Inc.,General Biological Resources Assessment and Jurisdictional Delineation,San Ramon Canyon,RPV,CA.,Sept.29,2010. D.South Central Coastal Information Center,Cal.State University Fullerton,Record Search San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain,RPV,CA August.25,2010. E.Native American Heritage Commission,Aug.10,2010,Native American Consultation. F.Community Outreach correspondence. 5 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Background The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has detennined that the existing San Ramon Canyon drainage system does not work effectively.Due to the inadequate size of the existing stonn drain,the inlet can become overwhelmed in moderate rain conditions.The resulting flow of water is forced to cross W.25 th Street/Palos Verdes Drive East (PVDE),carrying with it boulders,mud and other debris across the road and into the mobile home properties to the south.For safety and to protect property,a new "backbone"drainage system for San Ramon Canyon is proposed. Photo 1:View north up San Ramon Canyon from W.2s t 1 Street. Flooding of the W.25 th Street area is primarily due to the clogged and buried stonn drain inlet which collects only a minimal amount of surface water.During a rain event,surface water flowing down the canyon is carried downstream and directly onto the roadway.In addition,erosion of the canyon and slope movement are contributing to the problem,causing mud flows and debris to be washed down the canyon. The Tarapaca Landslide is an active landslide located midway up the east side of San Ramon Canyon.The slide continues to migrate from the east side of San Ramon Canyon to the west side. As such,stOlID events within San Ramon Canyon continue to undercut the slide at its base,which in turn allows the continued creep of the slide westward,toward Palos Verdes Drive East.Alleviating the Canyon of significant storm flows,through one of the proposed drainage solution alternatives, would slow,and eventually halt,the landslide creep. 6 City of Rancho Palos Verdcs San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description Photo 2:Aerial view of San Ramon Canyon Palos Verdes Drive East is a two-laned arterial road in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.It provides access to the coast from inland residents. The severe switch-backs in this road are located at the top of the west side of San Ramon Canyon.Constant erosion of the San Ramon bluff may jeopardize the integrity of the switch-backs.Therefore,reinforcement of the switch backs within the Canyon will help stabilize the road through one of the proposed storm drain alte1l1atives or as a separate interim project if the storm drain solution timeframe take too long. Photo 3:View from PVDE toward the east side of Canyon toward Tarapaca landslide. 7 City or Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description 1.2 Pro;ect Location The proj ect area is located within the eastern portion of the City of Palos Verdes.The site is generally bound by Palos Verdes Drive East on the west,Calle Aventura and Tarapaca Road to the north,the City of Los Angeles boundary to the east,and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Photo 4:San Ramon Canyon from PVDE. 1.3 Purpose/Objectives The objectives of this Expanded Initial Study is to review and address environmental impacts associated with the planning,construction and operation of stonn drain improvements designed to convey the IOO-year stonn flood flows (Alt's 1A and IB)and the 50-year stonn flood flows (Alt's 2A and 2B)from San Ramon Canyon.The adverse impacts associated with each alternative will be reviewed and a preferred alternative selected by the City.The Preferred Alternative will move forward with the appropriate Mitigated Negative Declaration or Environmental Impact Report. In addition to providing needed stonn drain capacity,another major project objective will be to reduce the depth and duration of flooding along San Ramon Canyon thus reducing the need for reoccurring maintenance by City crews to remove sediment and debris from the roadway,which is primarily due to the inadequate size of the existing inlet structure and debris basin,and inadequate size of portions of the existing stonn drain pipe.This will also assist in achieving the project goal of improving both emergency vehicle access and local residence access and safety both during and after storm events. 8 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description 1.4 Project Goals •Protect the health,safety and welfare of the community from flooding events. •Protect area families and property,and leave a better place for future residents. •Improve both emergency vehicle access and local residence access and safety,both during and after storm events for W.25 th Street and from the PVDE switchbacks. •Minimize reoccurring city maintenance by reducing depth and duration of flooding. •Stabilize the Tarapaca landslide. •Stabilize Palos Verdes Drive East switchbacks. •Preserve the coastal bluffs and reduce erosion. •Minimize local community impact during construction. 1.5 Alternatives Storm Drain Alignments This Expanded Initial Study addresses 4 general backbone designs,as well as a no-impact/no-cost and low-impact alternative.The two tunnel designs (Alt'slA and IB)will outlet at a new ocean outfall location.These two backbone systems will augment the existing system which currently drains San Ramon Canyon into the storm drain below W.25 th Street,under the homes and golf course to the south,and discharge out an existing outlet pipe in the bluff.The existing system will remain in place and function as a back-up overflow system.The City anticipates that the existing ocean discharge system will only be needed during very heavy rains as a secondary or back-up device.The two non-tunnel designs (Alt's 2A and 2B)will outlet at the existing outlet pipe in the bluff. •Alternative lA -This alternative proposed a mid-canyon inlet with "tunnel alignment" storm drain.It has a tributary area of 123.7 acres that would outlet to the bluff.In addition,a gravity-type buttress would be constructed within the canyon in order to reduce the potential for future deep-seated movement within the actively failing portion of the canyon (ie,the Tarapaca landslide).Based on the information available,the inlet structure would require approximately 660 cubic yard of cut and approximately 285 cubic yard of fill.This alignment is all within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. •This alternative is estimated to impact 0.04 acres ofjurisdictional waters.Impact area to the bluff face is estimated to be 0.02 acres and extends onto the beach area. 9 City of Rancho Palos Vcrdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description •Alternative IB -This altemative proposed an upper-canyon inlet with "tunnel alignment"storm drain.It has a tributary area of 98 acres that would outlet to the bluffs. This option would consist of connecting the proposed storm drain systems to the existing storm drain system at the head of the canyon. The existing storm drain system currently outlets into the canyon at the toe of the graded cut slope at the head of San Ramon Canyon.This alignment is all within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. \ Figure 2:Inlet structure for Alternative lB. •Alternative 2A -This altemative proposed a mid-canyon inlet with "canyon alignment" storm drain,which would discharge into the existing 25 th Street Storm Drain.This stmcture will collect surface water into a subsurface storm drain system consisting of a 48-inch diameter pipe system with a 12-inch diameter underlying the subdrain system. Constmction of the stonn drain system would include placing fill within the majority of 10 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description the canyon in order to restore the ground surface to "pre-erosion"conditions and to mitigate the over-steepened canyon walls and failing areas.This system would tie into the existing system that underlies W.25 th Street.The tributary area at the proposed inlet is 123.7 acres,whereas the total drainage area at the 25 th Street inlet is 187 acres. ,Alignment is primarily within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,but also partially within the City and County of Los Angeles. This alternative is estimated to impact 0.04 acres ofjurisdictional waters.No impact to the beach bluff will occur with these alternatives. ~~~l ~~::.~~'~"~"" ,.:/-:~\J.:::-"~~"-.::-".T~-"",~:",,::~ c Figure 3:Inlet stmcture for Alternative 2A. •Alternative 2B -This alternative proposes an upper-canyon inlet (similar to Alt lB)with "canyon alignment"storm drain which discharges into the existing 25 th Street Storm Drain.This alternative would have the same canyon impacts as 2A above.The tributary area at the proposed inlet is 98 acres,whereas the total drainage area at the 25 th Street inlet is 187 acres.Alignment is primarily within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,but also partially within the City and County of Los Angeles. Alternatives lA,lB,2A and 2B would require construction of an access and pennanent maintenance road.Construction of this access/maintenance road would require approximately 7,900 cubic yards of dirt.Impacts from these permanent facilities will be mitigated through the City's NCCP. 11 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description ------_.,,£!...,........, ClTY 0>RAACHD PALOS VERDES ~---~ Figure 4:Constmction access and pem1anent maintenance access road. •No ImpactlNo Cost Alternative:This alternative would balance the continued risks associated with flooding,both in tenns of life and property.The alternative would continue to require maintenance after a flood event to clean up the streets. •Low-Cost Alternative:This alternative proposes to upgrade the eXistin~inlet structure and debris basin upstream of the Los Angeles County system at W.2S t Street,and to deliver clear water into the existing stonn drain.This alternative would line the stream bed of San Ramon Canyon to minimize future erosion related to stonn flows and the Trarpaca landslide movement.This alternative would have similar environmental impacts as alternatives 2A and 2B above. Photo 5:Aerial photo of altemative alignments. 12 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description 1.6 Environmental Procedures This Expanded Initial Study Checklist has been prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA),as amended (Public Resources Code,Section 21000, et seq.)and the State Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (California Code of Regulations,Title 14,Section 15000,et seq.),and as amended in 1998. This report also generally complies with the rules,regulations,and procedures for implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act adopted by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.It was prepared by SFC Consultants,an environmental consulting firm under contract to Harris & Associates,the consulting engineers for the project,who is under contract with the City.The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is the Lead Agent for the project as defined by Section 21067 of CEQA. This Expanded Initial Study was prepared under the direction of City staff and represents the independent judgment from the City. Pursuant to the City's guidelines to implement CEQA,an environmental checklist was prepared by SFC Consultants on October 1,2010 for each of the project alignments as part of an Expanded Initial Study (IS).A copy of the Initial Study and its determinations are included in the Appendix. All environmental issues as identified by the City in the Initial Study,and consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act,would be analyzed in a subsequent MND.The Expanded Initial Study for these projects is available at City of Rancho Palos Verdes Public Works Department,City Hall,30940 Hawthorne Blvd.,Rancho Palos Verdes,California,90275. 1.7 Community Outreach Residents located within the surrounding communities and those potentially impacted by any temporary construction impacts along Palos Verdes Drive E,were publicly noticed within the local newspaper and significant signage was places at key intersections near the project area.On the evening of July 21,2010,a community meeting was held at the Mira1este Intermediate School auditorium,to discuss the proposed project and solicit comments from the surrounding residents.A list of those residents/owners and owner representatives present at the meeting are attached to this document in Appendix _.Approximately 75 residents as well as City officials and members of the design engineering and environmental team were in attendance.Comment cards were also distributed at the meeting and have been attached to this document. 1.8 Project Sponsors and/or Contact Persons The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is the applicant and lead agent for the preparation of this Expanded Initial Study.The following agencies,organizations and individuals are associated with this project in the capacities indicated: 13 City of Rancho Palos Vcrdes San Ramon Canyon St01111 Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description Lead Agency/Applicant: Mr.Alan Braatvedt,P.E KOA Corp.,consultant to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Public Works Dept. 30940 Hawthorne Blvd. Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275 (310)544-5253 Environmental Consultant: SFC Consultants 26012 Marguerite Parkway,Suite H424 Mission Viejo,CA 92692 Ms.Saundra Jacobs,R.E.A. (949)348-1233 Design Engineers Harris &Associates 34 Executive Park,Suite 150 Irvine,CA 92614 Contact:Randall Berry,P.E. (949)655-3900 ext.2314 Biological Consultant: Natural Resources Assessment 3415 Valencia Hill Drive Chino,CA Ms.Karen Kirkland (909)686-1141 Geotechnical Engineer GMU Geotechnical Inc. 23241 Arroyo Vista Rancho Santa Margarita,CA 92688 Ms.Lisa Bates-Seabold,PG,CEG 949-888-6513 14 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description San:J MOIlJC38:;Y P a 0 Cluuul.t'l ~.~e:-i¢~~,tl;»-:-:>.~·,~~~C>~l:>Y"l-':'"C'>:>'.~""'''..,~,', Figure 5:Regional Map Project areas Figure 6:Vicinity Map RollitIQHUls. i Oecan 15 Angels" Gale P~lk ClclIcland lIatiol\8l Forest City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description 2.0 Existing Site Condition 2.1 Overview The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is currently designing a stOlm water drainage system to pipe storm water collected from San Ramon Canyon north ofW.25 th Street,to the ocean.In undertaking this design,the City has employed the services of Harris &Associates,the design engineers,who in turn have contracted with SFC Consultants to undertake the environmental component of the project. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is preparing this Expanded Initial Study,pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act on behalf of 4 possible alternative storm drain construction methods beginning either at the top,or midway up San Ramon Canyon,and extending underground to the ocean.The existing facilities and proposed improvement descriptions were derived from review of the proposed storm drain improvements provided by the project engineer,Harris & Associates,and a site visit of the project area.All documented resources have been attached to this Expanded Initial Study as appendices. 2.2 Project Location The project area is located partially within the eastern portion of the City of Palos Verdes,a small portion of the City of Los Angeles,and the County of Los Angeles.The site is generally bound by Palos Verdes Drive East on the west,Calle A ventura and Tarapaca Road to the north,the City of Los Angeles boundary to the east,and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Photo 6:Aerial ofW.25"Street after San Ramon flood event. 16 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description 2.3 Existing Site Conditions The project area is in an undeveloped condition,except for the PVDE roadway to the west,and W. 25 th Street roadways to the south.Residences are located upslope of the upper pOIiions of San Ramon Canyon,and the Palos Verdes Shores mobile home park to the south ofW.25 th Street. The major topographical feature within the project site is San Ramon Canyon,which trends generally nOlih-south.Prior to development,this canyon extended to the Pacific Ocean.However, during construction of 25 th Street,the lower pOIiion of the canyon was buried and the flow of water was collected into a storm drain system that begins at W.25 th Street and extends down to the ocean. Currently,the inlet structure that is the upstream terminus of the system has been buried by debris. Photo 7:View north up San Ramon Canyon. Photo 8:View south down San Ramon Canyon. 17 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description The remaining portions of the project site (Altematives IA and I B)consist of gentle to very steep slopes,with the steeper slopes found within the canyon.The topography of the project site is generally controlled by the large ancient landslide that comprises the majority of the site.This landslide,the South Shores landslide,is considered dormant having no documented movement in 10,000 years. Photo 9:View north toward the tunnel alignment easement area. Photo 10:View south toward the tunnel alignment easement area. IX City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description Photo 11:View of coastal bluff area. 19 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description Figure 7:Topographic map of project area. 20 City of Rancho PaJos Vcrdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description 3.0 Environmental Setting This environmental settings section service to set a bench mark of existing conditions in the Canyon,regardless of the alternative selected.This section will address biological,cultural, geological,hydrological and air quality settings for San Ramon Canyon.The Initial Studies for each alternative storm drain alignment will utilize the same existing settings discussed here.Once a preferred alternative is selected at a later date,a full CEQA document,whether a Mitigated Negative Declaration or Environmental Impact Report,will be prepared. 3.1 Biological Resources A General Biological Resources Assessment and Jurisdictional Delineation was prepared for the San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Improvements on September 29,2010 by Natural Resources Assessment (NRA)of California.General information was gleaned from that report for this Expanded Initial Study.Supplemental information was also reviewed on the City's Natural Communities Conservation Planning Subarea Plan,prepared by DRS and dated July 2004 3.1.1 Regulations Citywide Natural Community Conservation Plan On August 31,2004,the City Council conceptually approved a Citywide Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP)Subarea Plan that identifies Biological Resource Areas and establishes habitat preserves.The Subarea Plan is currently being reviewed by the Resource Agencies (Federal and State).Mitigation provided by the NCCP for impacts caused by City projects would be relied on for impacts from this project. According to the NCCP,the City anticipated the need to repair or improve drainage systems in areas of the City that are not located within the Portuguese Bend Landslide Area or the Palos Verdes Drive East drainage study area.It also anticipated that some of these drainage projects would necessitate work in habitat areas,and estimated that these City projects would result in a cumulative combined loss of 10 acres of CSS habitat and 24 acres of non-native grassland. The development of the NCCP included all the relevant provisions of the Local Coastal Program.Any requirements under the LCP are part of the NCCP. The improvement of San Ramon Canyon was addressed as part of the development of the NCCP.All impacts other impacts to jurisdictional waters are covered by the provision of that document and no additional mitigation for those impacts is required (Mr.Joel Rojas, pel's.comm.). 21 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description There is currently no adopted Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)for the Project area.An adopted HCP exists for the Trump National project (located near the Palos Verdes Drive East switchbacks);however,the HCP does not include the Project area.Therefore,the project would not conflict with the adopted HCP. Coastal Zone Management Act The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA)preserves,protects,develops,restores and enhances coastal zone resources.The CZMA directs the states to develop Coastal Zone Management Programs (CZMP)to protect coastal resources within state borders, including wetlands.In California,the CZMP is overseen by the California Coastal Commission.The Commission has delegated the management of coastal zones to local governmental entities,requiring them to develop a Local Coastal Plan (LCP)for coastal resources within their boundaries. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has developed a Coastal Specific Plan (CSP)per the requirements of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA)of 1972 and the California Coastal Commission requirements.The CSP defines the areas of sensitivity for biological resources and other resources (such as fire)along the coastline and offshore waters. Coastal Resource Management District The proposed storm drain alternatives lie within a Coastal Resource Management (CRM) District with a terrestrial designation of CRM -10.This is an area that contains other natural vegetation areas,meaning that this District has some terrestrial wildlife value. The offshore waters in this CRM are protected under the LCP as a marine preservation area,meaning that all marine resources must be protected against impacts.They include kelp beds,abalone habitat,rock reef habitat and their associated wildlife. 3.1.2 Jurisdictional Drainages and Wetlands Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) The ACOE regulates discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States.These watersheds include wetlands and non-wetland bodies of water that meet specific criteria.The lateral limit of Corps jurisdiction extends to the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM)and to any wetland areas extending beyond the OHWM;thus,the maximum jurisdictional area is represented by the OHWM or wetland limit,whichever is greater. 22 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description Corps regulatory jurisdiction pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act is founded on a connection or nexus between the water body in question and interstate (waterway) commerce.This connection may be direct,through a tributary system linking a stream chamlel with traditional navigable waters used in interstate or foreign commerce,or may be indirect,through a nexus identified in the Corps regulations.The Corps also regulates navigable waters,defined as waters "that are,could be,or were used to transport interstate or foreign commerce"(Cylinder,et al 2004).These waters are regulated under Sections 9 and 10 of the River and Harbors Act. Based on review of the regulations,and the extent of earthwork in the upper portion of the San Ramon Canyon stonn drain inlet structure,the project will likely require an ACOE Section 10 permit.An ACOE Section 10 pennit covers construction,excavation or deposition of fill materials in,over or under a streambed designated as a navigable water of the United States. State Water Resources Control Board San Ramon Canyon is a state water as defined by the SWRCB.The Corps has delegated the authority for use of 404 pennits to each individual state.The State Water Resources Control Board is the state agency that allows the use of a 404 pennit in the state,with the authority in the state being vested in regional offices.The use of a 404 pennit in Rancho Palos Verdes is regulated by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LARWQCB)under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act regulations.In addition,the Board has the responsibility to require that projects address ground water and water quality issues,which would be evaluated as part of the geotechnical and hydrology studies.Their authority extends to all waters of the State (of California).Under the Porter-Cologne Act of 2003,the RWQCB has extended its responsibilities to include impacts to water quality from non-point source pollution. California Department of Fish and Game San Ramon Canyon has a bed and definable banks and would come under the jurisdiction of the CDFG.There are 0.81 acres of jurisdictional streambed,but no riparian habitat. CDFG regulates any alteration of streambeds or lakes through their Code 1600 et seq. program.Any channel area displaying bed and banks falls within CDFG's jurisdiction. Lateral limits ofjurisdiction are not clearly defined,but generally include any riparian resources associated with a stream or lake. The project will likely require a CDFG 1602 permit to address impacts to the maintained drainage channel.It is 110t clear whether the project proponent will have to obtain a 40 I permit from the RWQCB,because no 404 permit is required.However,the project will 23 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description be required to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permit from the RWQCB or as part of the Los Angeles County MS4 permit. Jurisdictional Summary Based on the field visit conducted,there was no riparian plant species,hydric soils or hydrology to support a wetlands habitat.There is no wetland habitat in the canyon. However,the project is a jurisdictional drainage and will come under the jurisdiction of all these agencies listed above.The jurisdictional waters of San Ramon Canyon is 0.81 acres. San Ramon Canyon has a clear connection to the ocean and would come under the jurisdiction of the Corps (as part of the River and Harbors Act),CDFG and RWQCB.The outlet structure will come under the jurisdiction of the Corps (as part of the River and Harbors Act)and the LARWQCB.Permits from these agencies will likely be required. There are two sites where the first alternative (l A)will impact jurisdictional waters.The first site is at the inlet structure and a short stretch of pipeline in the canyon.Based on the information available,the inlet structure is estimated to impact 0.04 acres of jurisdictional waters.The second site is the outlet structure on the coastal bluff.But based on available information,the impact area to the bluff face is estimated to be 0.02 acres and extends onto the beach area. The second alternative (2A)will impact 0.81 acres in the canyon. All construction activity in the canyon and at the bluff would be required to obtain pennits from the Corps,RWQCB and CDFG.We recommend the following be included as part of the application process: • A qualified biologist/plant restoration specialist to retrieve and replant any of the sensitive plant species that may be impacted prior to construction on the bluff. •Recontour the canyon to mimic natural contours to the extent possible. •All spills,leaks or other losses of oils and other hazardous or toxic materials will be immediately cleaned up.Under no circumstances is any hazardous or toxic material to be allowed in or near the maintained drainage channel. •No activity of any kind will take place in the drainage,except for the work necessary to construct the inlet structure.Post construction maintenance activity excluded. 24 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description Figure 8 Jurisdictional drainage 3.1.3 Existing Biological Setting The area south ofW.25 th Street to the top of the bluffs overlooking the ocean is impacted by foot traffic and recreational biking.A maintenance road and foot path area extends from W.25 th Street down to the ocean bluffs.East of the path is a mostly non-native plant community indicative of prior disturbance.West of the path,there is an area that appears to have been revegetated using a mix oflocal and inland native plant species (such as Enceliafarinosa,desert brittlebush,not normally found on the coast). Plant Communities Based on field observations and NCCP information,the project area supports three distinct plant communities. Grassland The upland areas around San Ramon Canyon north ofW.25 th Street support a Grassland plant community.The dominant species at the time of the survey were 25 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description wild oats (Avenafatua)and slender wild oats (Avena barbata).Other annual species in the plant community include shortpod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), ripgut brame (Bromus diandrus)and hare barley (Hordeum murinum).Shrub species found in sparse abundance include coastal brittlebush (En celia californica),California sagebrush (Artemisia cal[fornica)and lemonade berry (Rhus integr[folia).Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus moUe)occurs as scattered individual tree. South ofW.25 th Street,the habitat east of the path is a mix of Grassland and bare earth.Ripgut brame and purple false-brome (Brachypodium distachyon)are common in the Grassland plant community in this area,along with fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum)and cliff aster (Malacothrix saxatilis).West of the path is more Grassland,and to the extreme west,Coastal Sage Scrub,Buckwheat- dominated.Appendix B in the biological report contains a list of all plant species observed.There are a total of 163.48 acres of Grassland shown on Figure 9. Coastal Sage Scrub San Ramon Canyon supports an open stand of Coastal Sage Scrub,Buckwheat- dominated.Plant cover was relatively low along the bottom (main flow area)of the canyon,with most of shrub species concentrated on the canyon's slopes and where the canyon widens out at the bottom.Shrubs in addition to ashyleaf buckwheat (Eriogonum cinereum)include California sagebrush and coastal brittlebush.Found scattered on the canyon bottom near Palos Verdes Drive East is anoyo willow (Salix lasiolepis),Indian tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca)and castor bean (Ricinus communis). There are 26.25 acres of Coastal Sage Scrub,Buckwheat-dominated shown on Figure 9. Southern Coastal Bluff Scrub The coastal bluff supports a stand of Southern Coastal Bluff Scrub.One cactus species observed is coastal prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis).Shrub species observed in this plant community include coastal brittlebush,California sagebrush and white-flowered goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii). 26 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description Sensitive Biological Plant Resources The CNDDB identified nineteen sensitive biological resources recorded on the San Pedro quadrangle.Of these nineteen resources,seven are either found in similar habitat within three miles of the project site,or there is suitable habitat present on site.Three of the six resources were present on site,and one additional species not mapped on the San Pedro topographic quadrangle was also found on site.Following are detailed discussions on the eleven sensitive biological resources present or potentially present in the vicinity of the project area. Aphanisma Aphanisma (Aphanisma blitoides)is an annual herb that occurs only in coastal areas,on bluffs and slopes near the ocean.It prefers sandy or clay soils in coastal bluff scrub,coastal dune and coastal scrub habitats.It blooms from March through June at elevations from one to 305 meters.It is on the Channel Islands and on the mainland,including the Palos Verde Peninsula. Threats to this species are mostly habitat decline from urbanization,residential development and foot traffic along bluff faces.On a few of the Channel Islands, aphanisma is threatened by feral herbivores such as goats.Aphanisma is on List IB.2 of the CNPS inventory.It is not listed by the USFWS or the CDFG. Aphanisma was found on the bluff face. South Coast Saltscale South Coast saltscale is an annual herb that occurs along the coast and in suitable playa habitat away from the coast.It occurs on alkali soils in coastal bluff scrub, coastal dune and coastal scrub on the coast,and in chenopod scrub in playa habitats.South Coast saltscale flowers from March through October at elevations from sea level to 140 meters. Threats to this species include coastal development and recreational use of sand dunes and playas.South Coast saltscale is on List IB.2 of the CNPS inventory.It is not listed by the USFWS or the CDFG.South coast saltscale was not observed during the field survey,but may be present in areas of alkaline soil on the steeper portions of the ocean bluffs.These areas could not be observed in detail because they are too steep to climb. Davidson's Saltscale Davidson's saltscale (Atriplex serenana var.davidsonii)is an annual herb that occurs along bluffs and lower slopes along the coast and in suitable habitats 27 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description inland from the coast.It is found in coastal bluff scrub and coastal scrub habitats on alkaline soils.Davidson's saltscale blooms from April to October at elevations from 10 to 240 meters. Threats to this species include recreational use of coastal areas,urbanization of coastal slopes and channelization and disking of suitable alkaline soil habitats inland.Davidson's saltscale is on List lB.2 of the CNPS inventory.It is not listed by the USFWS or the CDFG.Davidson's saltscale was not observed during the field survey,but may be present in areas of alkaline soil on the steeper portions of the ocean bluffs.These areas could not be observed in detail because they are too steep to climb. Catalina Crossosoma Catalina crossosoma (Crossosoma californicum)is a deciduous shrub that grows on rocky sea bluffs,in wooded canyons and dry open sunny areas on rocky clay. It is found in coastal scrub and chaparral habitats,primarily on the Channel Islands.The mainland populations are mostly limited to the undeveloped areas of the coast,including the Palos Verdes Peninsula.It is present year round,flowering from February through May at sea level to 500 meters elevation. The mainland populations are subject to loss from urbanization.Catalina crossosoma is on List IB.2 of the CNPS inventory.It is not listed by the USFWS or the CDFG.Catalina crossosoma was not observed during the field surveys,but may be present on the steeper bluff face and invisible from the bluff top or the beach level. Santa Catalina Island Desert-thorn Santa Catalina Island desert-thorn (Lycium brevipes vaL hassei)is a deciduous shrub growing on coastal bluffs and slopes along the coast.It occurs in coastal bluff scrub and coastal bluff scrub habitats.This species blooms in June at elevations ranging from ten to 300 meters. The mainland population has very few individuals and is threatened by coastal development in unprotected areas.One population was found in 1992 at the Abalone Cove Ecological Reserve.Santa Catalina Island desert-thorn is on List IB.l of the CNPS inventory.It is not listed by the USFWS or the CDFG. Catalina Island desert-thorn was not observed during the field surveys,but may be present on the steeper bluff face. 28 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description Island Green Dudleya Island green dudleya (Dudleya virens ssp.insularis)is a perennial herb growing on rocky sea bluffs along the coast and on the Channel Islands (Photo 12).It prefers rocky soil in coastal scrub and coastal bluff scrub habitats.This species blooms from April through June from five to 300 meters in elevation. The mainland populations are threatened by coastal development.Island green dudleya is on List 1B.2 of the CNPS inventory.It is not listed by the USFWS or the CDFG.Island green dudleya was observed all along the upper bluff face, apparently growing along a line of substantially rocky soils. Photo 12:Island green dudleya on bluff near project area. Small-flowered Morning Glory Small-flowered morning glory (Convolvulus simulans)is an mmual herb that grows on coastal bluffs and slopes,as well as in inland slopes and flatlands.It is found in chaparral,coastal scrub and valley and foothill grassland habitats.This species grows on clay soils and serpentinite seeps at elevations from 30 to 700 meters.Small-flowered morning glory blooms from March through July. This species is threatened by development along the coast and in inland flatland and shallow slopes areas.It is on List 4.2 of the CNPS Inventory,but is not listed by the CDFG or the USFWS.Small-flowered morning glory was observed on the bluff face. 29 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description Coastal Sage Scrub Coastal sage scrub is a plant community composed of semi-deciduous shrubs such as California buckwheat,California sagebrush and coastal encelia.This plant community was once common through the coastal areas inland areas of southern California,but has been lost to development.It provides habitat for a number of listed and sensitive species,including the California gnatcatcher. This plant community is in decline because of the loss of habitat to development of coastal areas,and the degradation of the remaining stands by recreational use. Coastal sage scrub is present along San Ramon Canyon. Southern Coastal Bluff Scrub Southern coastal bluff scrub is a plant community composed of several scrub species tolerant of coastal salt spray and winds.It is found along the mainland and the Channel Islands on steep bluffs. This plant community is in decline because of increasing coastal development and recreational damage by illegal trail construction and human-created erosion of bluff faces.Southern coastal bluff scrub is present along the entire bluff face. 3.1.4 Sensitive Biological Wildlife Species NRA,Inc.reviewed the available literature and used site photographs to determine what sensitive animal species may use the bluff.The scrub habitat on the bluff and the upland habitat in the drainage may provide habitat for some of these species,such as the house finch,mourning dove and northern mockingbird.The area to be disturbed in the maintained drainage channel does not provide suitable habitat for sensitive wildlife species because of its previously disturbed condition and periodic maintenance and cleaning. Most of the wildlife observed on site were bird species.The most commonly observed were Califomia towhee (Pipilo crissalis),western scrub jay (Aphelocoma cal~lornica), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura),Ana's hummingbird (Calypte anna)and house span'ow (Passer domesticus).Less commonly observed were wrentit (Chamaea fasciata),Bewick's wren (Thryomanes bewickii),and common raven (Corvus corax). The only reptile species observed was the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis). The only mammal species for which sign was observed was the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis).Appendix B of the biological report contains a list of all wildlife species observed. 30 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Projeet Description The project will not extend into the coastal waters,and no impacts to wildlife are expected to occur with the implementation of Best Management Practices. California Gnatcatcher The California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica cal(fornica)is a small songbird that is a year round resident of sage scrub communities.Sage scrub communities preferred by this species are typically dominated by low-growing,drought deciduous and succulent shrubs,as well as sub-shrub species including California sage (Artemisia cal(fornica),California buckwheat (Eriogonumfasciculatum), brittlebush (Enceliafarinosa),sage species (Salvia spp.),and cacti (Opuntia spp.). California gnatcatchers begin nesting in mid to late February.Re-nesting attempts may be made into August.Territory size ranges from 2 to 40 acres.They have a repetitive,kitten-like mewing call and appear to be most vocal in the early morning and evening.Detection is exceedingly difficult if the birds are not vocalizing. The original range for this species included all of the coastal sage scrub communities of southern California,from Ventura County south to San Diego and on into Mexico.This species also occurred in extensive coastal sage scrub habitat in Riverside County.Fragmentation or removal of sage scrub plant communities has reduced the known populations to scattered localities in Los Angeles,Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties.Even these populations are generally found only in the larger open space areas in and around development. On March 25,1993,the California gnatcatcher was listed by the Service as a threatened species pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA),and is a Species of Special Concern by the CDFG.Suitable habitat for the California gnatcatcher exists within the vicinity of the project area.No animals were observed during the survey. Cactus Wren The coastal cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus couesi)is a subspecies of the cactus wren,which occurs throughout the Southwest and California.The coastal cactus wren is confined to coastal areas,breeding in coastal sage scrub that is dominated by extensive stands of prickly pear or cholla cactus (Opuntia spp.) The range of the coastal cactus wren once extended from Ventura to the border with Baja California.However,coastal development and loss of suitable habitat had reduced the population to less than 3,000 pairs as of 1990 (Rea and Weaver, 31 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description 1990).These populations were divided up into colonies of varying size. According to Atwood (1990)the populations on the Palos Verdes Peninsula were relatively stable during the mid-1990s. This species is threatened by development along the coast and in inland.It is listed as a Bird of Conservation Concern by the USFWS,and as a Species of Special Concern by the CDFG.There is no cactus-dominant habitat suitable for the coastal cactus wren within the immediate vicinity of the project area.The NCCP has records of nesting populations east of the canyon in the cactus- dominated scrub on the plateau above San Ramon Canyon.No animals were observed during the survey. 3.1.5 Raptors,Migratory Birds and Habitat Most of the raptor species (eagles,hawks,falcons and owls)are experiencing population declines as a result of habitat loss.As a group,raptors are of concern to state and federal agencies.Some,such as the peregrine falcon,have also experienced population losses as a result of environmental toxins affecting reproductive success,animals destroyed as pests or collected for falconry,and other direct impacts on individuals.Only a few species,such as the red-tailed hawk and bam owl,have expanded their range in spite of or a result of human modifications to the environment.As a group,raptors are of concern to state and federal agencies. Raptors and all migratory bird species,whether listed or not,also receive protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)of 1918.The MBTA prohibits individuals to kill, take,possess or sell any migratory bird,bird parts (including nests and eggs)except in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior Department (16 U. S.Code 703).Additional protection is provided to all bald and golden eagles under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940,as amended.State protection is extended to all birds of prey by the CDFG Code,Section 2503.5.No take is allowed under these provisions except through the approval of the agencies or their designated representatives. The level of human activity along the project alignment has already impacted any nesting activity,and this impact is ongoing.The excavation,tunneling and various construction activities is not expected to significantly impact nesting migratory or raptor species. No suitable raptor nesting habitat occurs in the project area.Portions of the site supporting taller shrubs may provide migratory bird nesting habitat,especially along San Ramon Canyon. The project area may provide foraging habitat for raptors.The available habitat is mostly covered by dense weeds and grasses,but may be somewhat suitable for raptor species that 32 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description hunt from the air.There is no substantial woodland perching habitat for arboreal rapt or species. No significant loss to raptors and migratory birds or their habitats are expected,and therefore no mitigation is required.However,as a Best Management Practice (BMP)we recommend the following measures: •Grading or construction should not be conducted in the breeding season between March 1 and August 31. •If grading or construction must occur between March 1 and August 31,the area should be monitored on a regular basis for 30 days prior to any disturbance to ensure that no nesting is occurring.Monitoring would require a short period of observation (approximately one hour)to ensure that no birds were coming and leaving the next on a regular basis.Ifbirds are using the nest,then we recommend either that construction be rescheduled to after the breeding season or that a qualified biological monitor be present during construction to ensure that nesting birds do not abandon the nest until the young are fully fledged. •The monitoring should be conducted a weekly basis to determine when nesting is completed. 3.1.6 Habitat Fragmentation and Wildlife Movement Wildlife movement and the fragmentation of wildlife habitat are recognized as important wildlife issues that must be considered in assessing impacts to wildlife.In summary, habitat fragmentation is the division or breaking up of larger habitat areas into smaller areas that mayor may not be capable of independently sustaining wildlife and plant populations.Wildlife movement (more properly recognized as species movement)is the temporal movement of species along various types of corridors.Wildlife corridors are especially important for connecting fragmented wildlife habitat areas. Habitat fragmentation has already occurred with the development of this area of the Palos Verdes peninsula.The project will not add to the fragmentation of habitat.There are no substantial wildlife corridors on site.The project will not impede or significantly impact wildlife movement in this area.No significant impacts to habitat fragmentation and wildlife movement are expected to occur,and therefore no mitigation is required. 3.1.7 Biological Assessment Summary The proposed project will have impacts to general biological resources,resulting in a minor loss of upland habitat at the inlet end of the project and a minor loss of southern coastal bluff scrub habitat. 33 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description While specific biological mitigation measures are not required for the minor losses,Best Management Practices (BMP)shall be implemented for the project and are included in the Mitigation Monitoring Program for water quality. 34 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description 3.2 Cultural Resources 3.2.1 Record Search A records search was performed at the South Central Coastal Information Center August 25,2010 to review recorded prehistoric or historic archaeological sites or isolates or historic properties exist within the boundaries of the project area.Nine previously recorded prehistoric archaeological resources were noted within a Yz mile radius of the project.One site is located within the project site.No sites are listed on the Archaeological Determination of Eligibility (DOE)list.No isolates are located within the project site. No National Register of Historic Places are identified (1979-2005 and supplements to date).No California Register of Historic Resources exists (1992,with supplemental inforn1ation to date).No California Historical Landmarks are listed (1995,with supplemental information to date).No California Points of Historical Interest are noted (1992,with supplemental information to date).No State Historic Resources Commission issues are presented (1980-present.Minutes from quarterly meeting).The California Historic Resources Inventory (HR!)lists no properties within the search radius. 3.2.2 Regional Archaeological Studies An overview of the regional archaeological and historical literature provided the background information contained in the cultural resources survey.It summarizes current archaeological knowledge and the cultural traditions represented in the region,as well as unresolved problems of information and interpretation that give significance to the heritage resources that might be encountered.No reference was found to any published archaeological sites or historical landmarks in and adjacent to the project area. 3.2.3 Cultural Resource Summary The project area and the surrounding radius are known to be archaeologically sensitive. Therefore,it is recommended that a qualified cultural resources consultant be retained to formulate a plan for the avoidance of known archaeological resources and the treatment of any new discoveries.Additionally an archaeological monitor should be in place for any ground disturbing activities in known area of sensitivity and in any previously undisturbed soils. 3.2.4 Native American Consultation Attached to this document is evidence that interested patiies associated with the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC)have been consulted.Based on the letter received from Mr.Dave Singleton with the NAHC and dated August 10,20 I 0,a record 35 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description search of the sacred land file has failed to indicate the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate area.SFC was provided a list of Native Americans for consultation for Los Angeles County.This list was compared with the City distribution list for local tribes and Native American interests.Project infonnation was directed to each tribe and/or individual listed.Nine (9)Native American tribes were sent separate correspondences via certified mail and each has been attached to this report. Those tribes with email addresses were also sent the same information electronically. Two responses were received.One from John Tommy Rosas with the Tongva Ancestrial Territorial Tribal Nation,and one from Andy Sala from the Gabrielino Band of Mission Indians.Both recommended monitoring during grading of the inlet structure area. 36 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description 3.3 Geology -Soils -Seismicity GMU Geotechnical Inc.perfonned a geotechnical investigation to evaluate the subsurface soil and bedrock conditions long the drainage system's alignment in order to provide geotechnical recommendations for design and construction. 3.3.1 Geologic Setting The Palos Verdes Peninsula is primarily underlain by Tertiary sedimentary units over basement rock of the Catalina Schist.Large-scale anticline folding and faulting have been uplifted over time and generally trending northwest-southeast.Tectonic uplift in the area may be primarily due to movement on the Cabrillo and Palos Verdes fault zones. Quaternary sediments overlie the Tertiary materials in much of the lower portions of the peninsula due to deposition of sediments by wave action during uplift and through sediment deposition due to gravity,erosion or in-site weathering. The two most significant landslide features in the Palos Verdes area are the Portuguese Bend landslide,located approximately 2 miles west of the project,and the South Shores landslide,located partially within the project area. The South Sores landslide is considered to be approximately 16,200 years old,and failed as a clock glide type failure.Some geologist include the currently active Tarapaca landslide as part of the South Sores landslide,while others map the active landslide as originating upslope of the limits of the donnant landslide mass.Bedding inclinations to the north of the site are generally oriented towards the south.Bedding inclinations to the east of the site are generally oriented to the west.And inclinations to the west of the site are generally oriented to the east.This synclinal geologic structure likely contributed to and controlled the lateral extent of the failure of the South Shores landslide,which dominate the project site. The Tarapaca landslide appears to have failed on a continuous,planar bedding plane surface within the Altamira Shale bedrock east of the South Shores landslide.The most likely scenario for the failure of the Tarapaca landslide is an over-steepening of the canyon walls,resulting in a "daylighted"adverse bedding condition. 3.3.2 Subsurface Conditions Topsoil Topsoil was observed during the geotechnical field investigation.Where observed,the topsoil consisted of dark drown silty clay,dry to damp,with no soil structure. 37 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description Resent Alluvium These materials are generally located within San Ramon Canyon,on the canyon floor and in a relatively thick deposit on the northern side of the intersection of the canyon and W.25 th Street.Where encountered,the recent alluvium generally consisted of dark drown clay with fine to medium grained sand.Generally moist and very soft,to soft with scattered to abundant bedrock fragments and organic materials,the thickest deposit of these recent alluvial materials was found to be about 31 feet thick. Artificial Fill These materials are generally located underlying and adjacent to the paved roadways.PVDE and W.25 th Street,and as such were likely placed during grading of the roads pre-1950s.Where observed,fill materials were dark drown, dry to damp,soft to firm silty clay and sandy silt with fragments of bedrock.The maximum thickness of these fill soils was observe to be about 18 feet. Older Alluvium Deposits of older alluvium were located in the upper portions of San Ramon Canyon.Where observed by the geologist within the canyon bottom and sidewalls,these materials consisted of dark brown clayey silts with scattered to abundant bedrock fragments and rare charcoal fragments.These soils were moderately well-developed,with blocky to columnar structure and local porosity. The maximum thickness is estimated to be less than 50 feet. Resent Landslide Debris Recently failed materials derived from bedrock and ancient landslide debris were observed during the field exploration on the east wall of San Ramon Canyon. These materials are referred to in geologic publications as the Tarapaca landslide. This landslide is considered to be actively moving.The materials of the Tarapaca landslide consist of loose bedrock fragments up to cobble-sized with a soil matrix. Pockets of topsoil with organic debris were observed within the landslide mass. Ancient Landslide Debris These materials,known as the South Shores landslide,underlie the majority of the project site and were encountered within all of the geotechnical boring logs. These materials consisted of remnant blocks of bedrock up to 10 feet think within a silty clay matrix.These materials are varicolored,soft to hard,dry to moist,and contain clocks of siliceous siltstone that can be very hard. 38 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description Altamira Shale Member,Monterey Formation Bedrock of the Altamira Shale member of the Monterey Formation underlies the project site at depth,and is exposed within portion of San Ramon Canyon.The Altamira Shale member consisted of interbedded siltstone and siliceous siltstone with tuffaceous siltstone,bentonitic tuff,and bentonite.These beds are generally thinly to thickly bedded,planar,with some local soft sediment deformation.The materials are generally gray to olive drown,damp to moist,firm to very hard,with scattered fracturing and jointing. 3.3.3 Groundwater Groundwater was not observed during the geologic investigation.However,groundwater encountered at 103 feet appeared to be seepage or a perched zone.No surface water was encountered during the investigation;however,it is likely water flows in this canyon during the winter months. 3.3.4 Faulting and Seismicity The project site is located in the highly seismic Southern California region within the influence of several fault systems that are considered to be active or potentially active. An active fault is defined by the State of California as a "sufficiently active and well defined fault that has exhibited surface displacement within Holocene time (the last 11,000 years)".A potentially active fault is defined by the State as a "fault with a history of movement within Pleistocene time (between 11,000 and 1.6 million years ago)." The site is not within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone and no known active faults are shown on current geologic maps as crossing the site.The nearest known active fault is the Palos Verdes fault,which is located approximately 5.0 kilometers from the site and is capable of generating a maximum earthquake magnitude of 7.3.The site is also located within 15.6 kilometers of the Newport-Inglewood fault,which is capable of generating a maximum earthquake magnitude of 7.1.Given the proximity of the site to these and numerous other active and potentially active faults,the site will likely be subject to earthquake ground motions in the future. 3.3.5 Geologic Hazards The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has developed a Local Coastal Plan (LCP)per the requirements of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA)of 1972 and the California Coastal Commission requirements.In the coastal areas of the City,the LCP defines areas of extreme Geologic and slope hazards associated with the bluff and bluff face. 39 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description The stonn water pipeline lies within several Coastal Resource Management (CRM) Districts with designations of CRM-l Extreme Slope,CRM-2 High Slope and CRM-3 Hazards.These designations are areas for consideration of public health and safety and generally pertain to restrictions to the development in these areas.Any d~velopment within CRM-2 is required to perfonn independent engineering studies conceding the geotechnical,soils and other stability factors,including seismic considerations. Slope Stability Tarapaca Landslide To evaluate how much fill is required in the canyon bottom to act as a gravity buttress,result of the analyses indicate that approximately 10 to 20 feet of fill will be required to obtain a safety factor of approximately 1.23. Approximately 20 to 30 feet of fill placed in the canyon at the toe of the landslide would be required to obtain a safety factor of approximately 1.5. The coastal bluff at the existing outlet structure is in a state of constant erosion and is subject to slope failures due to toppling blocks loosened from the cliff face and rock falls due to over steepened slopes along the coast line.Furthennore,the coastal bluff is located within a Seismic Hazard Zone for Earthquake-Induced Landsliding (CDMG,1999). However,since the tunnel crown at the outlet structure will be a depth of more than 100 feet below the top of the bluff,the tunnel runs perpendicular to the bluff,and the tunnel opening will be small relative to the geometry of the bluff,the proposed tunnel construction will not adversely affect the stability of the slope.Furthennore,engineering controls will be proposed that will mitigate the introduction of water up- gradient of the slope. Lower Switchback PVDE Existing slope stability safety factors for PVDE were estimated at approximately 1.4.The analysis indicates that the existing slope face would have to be eroded back approximately 35 feet before the roadway would be in a state of imminent failure. Upper Switchback PVDE Existing slope stability safety factors for PVDE were estimated at approximately 1.3.The analysis indicates that the existing slope face would have to be eroded back approximately 40 feet before the roadway would be in a state of imminent failure. 40 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description 3.3.6 Geologic Summary The report concluded that the proposed project is geotechincally feasible,provided their recommendations are incorporated into the project design and construction.Those same recommendations would be required as mitigation for impacts to be considered Less than Significant. 41 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expandcd Initial Study Project Description 3.4 Hydrology/Water Quality/Flood Control 3.4.1 Existing Hydrologic Setting The total hydrologic area for San Ramon Canyon is 187 total acres of tributary from which debris-laden flows spill out onto 25 th Street and quickly overwhelm the existing deficient City of Los Angeles storm drain system,which is suffering from dwindling interception capacity due to sediment build up over the last 40-years.The proposed San Ramon Canyon Drainage System will be designed to convey either a 1OO-year storm (debris-laden flows)outletting to the coastal bluff or a 50-year storm (clear water flows) outletting into the CLA owned/maintained stonn drain. Figure 10 Hydrology Map Out of the 187 acres,160 acres is located within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes with the remaining 27 acres being tributary from the County of Los Angeles.The steep watershed naturally concentrates run-off in high concentrations (Ql 00 =262 cfs and Q50 =217 cfs)at high velocity flows for relatively short durations that are capable of conveying a considerable amount of debris. 42 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description Figure II Existing hydrologic conditions The periodic flooding associated with almost every storm event is significantly exacerbated by the Tarapaca Landslide that provides a continuous source for new sediment to the creek bed,which in turn is transported downstream to 25th Street.A vicious circle of undercutting of the toe of the Tarapaca Landslide and subsequent land movement refills the creek bed with newly loosened sediment.Further,the Tarapaca Landslide is redirecting powerful storm flows towards the toe of the slopes of the two PDVE switchbacks resulting in an erosion rate of approximately five feet per year,which could destabilize PVDE ifit is allowed to encroach as little as 35-feet additional towards the switchbacks into the toe of the existing slope. The situation is further impacted by the deficient existing inlet structure at 25th Street that was originally constructed as a 42"eMP culvert crossing under 25th Street resulting in a 25'high imported fill roadway embankment that constricted flows and eventually filled the depression with sediment.Over the past 40 to 50 years,as sediment built up, the original inlet pipe was extended multiple times to the new/raised sediment surface to 43 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description allow at least some of the flow to make it to the culvert crossing.More recently,growing environmental constraints contributed to County of Los Angeles'lack of maintenance for fear of disturbing nesting birds,etc.and/or incurring fines for lack of proper environmental studies and clearances to do the required maintenance work. 3.4.2 Local Regulations The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has developed a Local Coastal Plan (LCP)per the requirements of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA)of 1972 and the Califomia Coastal Commission requirements.In the coastal areas of the City,the LCP defines areas for preservation of natural drainage systems,including hydrologic factors. The proposed storm drain altematives lie west of the Coastal Resource Management (CRM)Districts CRM-7 Flood/Inundation Hazard and CRM-8 Hydrologic Factors. These designations are for areas for preservation and identification of critical natural resources.The Coastal Specific Plan also notes that no grading or structural encroachments are allowed within CRM-7.In addition,activities which create excessive silt,pollutant runoff,increase canyon-wall erosion,or potential for landslides is prohibited in CRM-8. The proposed storm drain altematives will not impact this drainage area or CRM's 7 or 8. Construction of the new storm drain will alleviate much of the flooding potential from the existing storm drain system which currently carries both San Ramon Canyon flows. 3.4.3 Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board Watershed Management The Board has the responsibility to require that projects address groundwater and water quality issues.Their authority extends to all waters of the State (of Califomia).Under the Porter-Cologne Act of2003,the RWQCB has extended its responsibilities to include impacts to water quality from non-point source pollution. The stonn drain project is located within the Santa Monica Bay Watershed Management Area (WMA)of the LARWQCB and encompasses an area of approximately 414 square miles.Its borders reach from the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains on the north and from the Ventura-Los Angeles County line to downtown Los Angeles.From there it extends south and west across the Los Angeles plain to include the area east of Ballona Creek and north of the Baldwin Hills. A considerable number of monitoring programs have been implemented in the Santa Monica Bay WMA,particularly over the last twenty years.Sampling efforts tend to center around assessing urban runoff effects in general along the coastline and reservoirs 44 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description of PCBs and DDT contaminated sediment in the area of the Palos Verdes Shelf.Four statewide monitoring programs,State Mussel Watch,Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup, Coastal Fish Contamination Program and Toxic Substances Monitoring,had focused on biological measurements. The data from these programs indicate that in general the open coastline is much cleaner than the Bay's enclosed waters,except with regards to DDT and PCBs on the Palos Verdes Shelf.Pollutants of particular concern are chlordane,DDT,copper,and zinc. The Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program (BPTCP)has listed the Santa Monica Bay -Palos Verdes Shelf area as a toxic hot spot for DDT and PCBs human health advisories (fishing)and National Academy of Science (NAS)exceedances of DDT levels in fish. Section 303(d)of the CWA requires that the State identify a list of impaired water-bodies and develop and implement Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)for these water- bodies (33 U.S.c.§1313(d)(I )).A TMDL specifies the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water-body can receive,still meet applicable water quality standards and protect beneficial uses. Abalone Cove Beach,located east of the shore line from the proposed storm drain outlet structure,is listed on the Clean Water Act (CWA)303(d)List of Water Quality Limited Segments as having High TMDL for nonpoint source pollutants and beach closures.The same area is also listed with Low TMDL's for DDT and PCB's,also from non-point sources.A fish consumption advisory for PCB's has been listed for Abalone Cove Beach. Storm Water Programs MS4INPDES The Los Angeles County Flood Control District,the County of Los Angeles,and 84 incorporated cities within the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (permitees) discharge or contribute to discharges of storm water and urban runoff from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s),also called storm drain systems.The discharges flow to water courses within the Los Angeles County Flood Control District and into receiving waters of the Los Angeles Region.These discharges are covered under countywide waste discharge requirements contained in Order No.96-054 adopted by the Regional Board on July 15,1996.Order No.96-054 also serves as a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)permit for the discharge of municipal storm water into surface waters.The Report of Waste Discharge (ROWD),for renewal of an NPDES permit,includes a proposed Storm Water Quality Management Program (SQMP) and a Monitoring Program.The proposed SQMP contains programs in the following areas:a)Public Information and Participation;b)Development Planning, c)Development Construction,d)Public Agency Activities and e)Illicit Connection/Illicit Discharge Elimination Program. 45 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description Under the Los Angeles County existing MS4 Permit,the City of Rancho Palos Verdes will require compliance with the NPDES for excavation,trenching,and dewatering adjacent to the ocean and at the proposed inlet structure.A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)should be prepared to address construction storm water runoff. The SWPPP may be incorporated into the City's Water Quality Management Plan.All construction activity will be required to comply with construction site runoff control minimum control measures,as outlined by the LARWQCB. 3.4.4 Flood Control Flood inundation hazards are those associated with major atmospheric events that result in the inundation of developed area,due to overflows of nearby stream courses or inadequacies in local storm drain facilities.The general project area is located within Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)panel 06037C2027F.Within the coastal region and throughout the City,the County Flood Control District and the County Roads Department are responsible for the operation and maintenance of flood control channels,storm drains, and culverts.Flood control and water quality are tied to requirements from the LARWQCB which were previously discussed above. ~Ill !.)C Xf;lif ..-..-..__.,-_.-. CID~_~~ Figure 12 FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map 46 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description 3.6 Air Quality 3.6.1 Climate The climate in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,as in all of Southem Califomia,is controlled largely by the strength and position of the subtropical high-pressure zone over the Pacific Ocean.It maintains moderate temperatures between 67 degrees and 50 degrees Fahrenheit and comfortable humidity's,and limits precipitation to a few storms during the winter "wet"season.Temperatures are normally mild with rare extremes above 100°or below freezing.Daily and seasonal variations above the annual mean temperature are small. Winds in the project area are almost always driven by the dominant land/sea breeze circulation system.Regional wind pattems are dominated by daytime,on-shore sea breezes.At night,the wind generally slows and reverses direction traveling toward the sea.Wind direction will be altered by local canyons,with wind tending to flow parallel to the canyons.During the transition period from one wind pattem to the other,the dominant wind direction rotates into the south and causes a minor wind direction from the south.The frequency of calm winds (less than 5 miles per hour)is less than 15 percent. Therefore,there is little stagnation in the coastal area,especially during busy daytime traffic hours. 3.6.2 Air Quality Management The City is located in the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB).Air quality management planning is the responsibility of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)and the Califomia Air Resources Board (CARB).The SCAQMD sets and enforces regulations for stationary sources in the basin.The CARB is primarily responsible for controlling motor vehicle emissions.The nearest air quality monitoring station is located to the east in Long Beach (Station 72,Los Angeles County,APCD). The SCAQMD in coordination with the Southem Califomia Association of Govemments (SCAG)has developed an Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP)for the air basin.Due to the trough-like nature of the basin,the SCAB has been designated a non-attainment area for ozone,carbon monoxide,nitrogen dioxide,total suspended particulates,and lead. The AQMP has the goal of achieving healthfullevels of air quality and is mandated by State and Federal laws.Included in the plan are new stationary and mobile source controls,and controls on indirect sources such as shopping centers or stadiums which attract large number of vehicles.The AQMP is designed to accommodate a moderate amount of new development and growth throughout the basin.The AQMP projections and mitigations are based on the SCAG Growth Forecasts. 47 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description The proposed project would not adversely affect the AQMP.As stated previously,the AQMP is designed to accommodate new development and growth based on SCAG Growth Forecasts.Since the proposed storm drain construction would not directly generate new population or growth,and is being considered primarily due to the condition of the existing San Ramon Canyon area drainage pattern,the criteria and issues of the AQMP are not applicable to the project,and are not anticipated to be affected. 3.6.3 Ambient Air Qualitv Air quality within the Rancho Palos Verdes area is dependent on the regional air quality and local pollutant sources.Regional air quality is determined by the release of pollutants throughout the air basin.The data indicates that mobile sources are the major source of regional emissions.Motor vehicles account for 46 percent of reactive hydrocarbon emissions,59 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions,and 87 percent of carbon monoxide emISSIOns. As indicated above, the AQMP is designed to accommodate new development and growth based on SCAG Growth Forecasts.The proposed storm drain construction would not directly generate new population or growth and therefore would not impact ambient air quality standards in Rancho Palos Verdes. 48 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description 4.0 Source Document 1.0 Natural Resources Assessment,Wetlands Delineation,Biological Report,Sept. 2010. 2.0 South Central Coastal Information Center,August 25,2010.Native American Heritage Commission and Native American Consultation. 3.0 Harris &Associates,Hydrology and Hydraulics Study for San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain.Pending Final. 4.0 GMU Geotechnical,Inc.Preliminary Geotechnical Study Report for San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain System,City of Rancho Palos Verdes,CA.Sept.27,2010. 5.0 Rancho Palos Verdes Local Coastal Program. 6.0 Santa Monica Bay Watershed Management Area,and 303(d)lists. 7.0 City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan. 8.0 Rancho Palos Verdes Citywide NCCP 49 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Description 50 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study Project Dcscription Initial Environmental Study and Checklist Form ALTERNATIVE 1 A Project Title:San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Improvements,Alternative lA Lead Agency Name and Address:City of Rancho Palos Verdes Public Works Dept. 30940 Hawthorne Blvd. Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275 Contact Person and Phone Number:Mr.Alan Braatvedt,P.E.,(310)544-5253 Project Location:San Ramon Canyon,north and south ofW.25 th Street/Palos Verdes Drive East,City of Rancho Palos Verdes,Los Angeles County,California. General Plan Designation:Natural Environment/Hazard Zoning:OH Open Space Hazard Description of the Project:This alternative proposed a mid-canyon inlet with "tunnel alignment" storm drain.It has a tributary area of 123.7 acres that would outlet to the bluff.In addition,a gravity-type buttress would be constructed within the canyon in order to reduce the potential for future deep-seated movement within the actively failing portion of the canyon (ie,the Tarapaca landslide).Based on the information available,the inlet structure would require approximately 660 cubic yard of cut and approximately 285 cubic yard offill.This alignment is all within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Alternatives 1A,1B,2A and 2B would require construction of an access and permanent maintenance road.Construction of this access/maintenance road would require approximately 7,900 cubic yards of dili. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting:Surrounding land uses are generally residential. Other public agencies whose approval may be required (e.g.pennits,financing approval,or paIiicipation agreement): •U.S.Fish and Wildlife Services •U.S.Army Corp of Engineers •California Department ofFish and Game •Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board DETERMINATION:On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment,and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment,there X will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project and revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent.A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment,and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact"or "potentially significant unless mitigated"impact on the environment,but at least one effect (I)has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards,and (2)has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets.An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required,but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a)have been analyzed in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DEC LARATION pursuant to applicable standards,and (b)have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION,including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project,nothing further is required. Signature Mr.Alan Braatvedt,P.E. Name 2 Date City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 1 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document·Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated 1.AESTHETICS Would the project: a)Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic X vista? The proposed project will not have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista.Mitigation would be proposed to camouflage the new storm drain outlet structure at the beach. The inlet structure will be camouflaged to the greatest extent possible while maintaining the integrity of the new design. b)Substantially damage scenic resources,including,X but not limited to,trees,rock outcroppings or historic buildings within a scenic highway? The proposed project will not substantially damage scenic resources,including,but not limited to,trees,rock outcroppings or historic buildings within a scenic highway.Mitigation would be proposed to camouflage the new storm drain outlet structure at the beach. The inlet structure will be camouflaged to the greatest extent possible while maintaining the integrity of the new design. c)Substantially degrade the existing visual character X or quality of the site and its surroundings? The proposed project will not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings.Mitigation would be proposed to camouflage the new storm drain outlet structure at the beach. The inlet structure will be camouflaged to the greatest extent possible while maintaining the integrity of the new design. d)Create a new source of substantial light or glare,X which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? The proposed project is not anticipated to create a new source of substantial light or glare,which would adversely affect day or nighttime views of the area. 2.AIR QUALITY (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: a)Violate any air quality standard or contribute to X an existing or projected air quality violation? The proposed project is not anticipated to violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation. 3 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated b)Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant X concentrations? The proposed project,after construction,is not anticipated to expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations.Short term construction related dust will use construction dust reduction measures.These measures include but are not limited to:maintaining construction equipment in good working condition,avoiding construction equipment idling in residential areas and utilizing low-sulfur burning fuels. c)Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase X of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? The proposed project is not anticipated to result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors). d)Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial X number of people? The proposed project,after construction,is not anticipated to create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people.Short term construction related dust will use construction dust reduction measures.These measures include but are not limited to:maintaining construction equipment in good working condition,avoiding construction equipment idling in residential areas and utilizing low-sulfur burning fuels. e)Conflict with or obstruct the implementation of X any applicable air quality plan. The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with or obstruct the implementation of any applicable air quality plans. 3.BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Would the project: a)Have a substantial adverse effect,either directly 1 X or through habitat modifications,on any species identified as a candidate,sensitive or special stahls species in local or regional plans,policies, regulations,or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service? The proposed project is not anticipated to have substantial adverse effects,either directly or through habitat modifications,on any species identified as a candidate,sensitive or special status species in local or regional plans, policies,and regulations or by the CDFG or USFWS.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP, impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. 4 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 1A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document·Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated b)Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian 1 X habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans,policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service? The proposed project is not anticipated to have substantial adverse effects on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans,policies,and regulations or by the CDFG or USFWS.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. c)Have a substantial adverse effect on federally 1 X 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? The proposed project is not anticipated to 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.The project will be required to obtain the necessary permits for the jurisdictional drainage as outlined in the biological report.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. d)Interfere substantially with the movement of any 1 X 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? The proposed project will not 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.Based on the biological report,impacts are anticipated to be less than significant. e)Conflict with any local policies or ordinances 1 X protecting biological resources,such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? The proposed project will not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources,such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. 5 City of Raneho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated f)Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat 1 X Conservation Plan,Natural Community Conservation Plan or other local,regional or state habitat conservation plan? The proposed project will not conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan,Natural Community Conservation Plan or other local,regional or state habitat conservation plan.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be miti~ated to less than si~nificant levels. 4.CULTURAL RESOURCES Would the project: a)Cause a substantial adverse change in the 2 X significance of a historical resource as defined in Section 15064.5 of the State CEQA Guidelines? The proposed project will not cause substantial adverse change in any significance of a historical resource defined in Section 15064.5 of CEQA.Cultural resource monitors will be recommended during construction. b)Cause a substantial adverse change in the 2 X significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15064.5 of the State CEQA Guidelines? The proposed project will not cause substantial adverse change in any significance of an archaeological resource defined in Section 15064.5 of CEQA.Cultural resource monitors will be recommended during construction.Native American monitoring during excavation will be recommended. c)Directly or indirectly destroy a unique 2 X paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? The proposed project will not destroy any unique paleontological resources or unique geologic features. d)Disturb any human remains,including those 2 X intelTed outside of formal cemeteries? The project will disturb any human remains,including those interred outside of formal cemeteries.Cultural resource monitors will be recommended during construction.Native American monitoring during excavation will be recommended. 6 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNA TIVE 1 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document·Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated 5.GEOLOGY-SOILS-SEISMICITY Would the project: a)Expose people or stmctures to potential substantial adverse effects,including the risk of loss,injury or death involving: i)Rupture of a known earthquake fault,as 4 X delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? The site is not currently located within an Earthquake Fault Zone as designated by the County or State.In addition, there are no known active or potentially active faults that pass directly through or project towards the site. Therefore,the likelihood of ground surface rupture due to primary faulting from known faults is considered to be remote.Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. ii)Strong seismic ground shaking?4 X Seismic settlement is not anticipated to affect the proposed project.Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed pro.iect is anticipated to have a less than significant impact. iii)Seismic-related ground failure,including 4 X liquefaction? Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have a less than significant impact from IiQuifaction. iv)Landslides?4 X The Tarapaca landslide is located within the proposed project area.Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed storm drain project will help alleviate continued failure of the landslide. b)Result in substantial soil erosion or loss of 4 X topsoil? Normal weathering processes occur at the canyon and bluff area.Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed proiect will not result in substantial soil erosion or loss of topsoil. c)Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is 4 X unstable,or that would become unstable as a result of the project,and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide,lateral spreading, subsidence,liquefaction or collapse? Based on the geotechnical report,impacts are anticipated to be less than significant with mitigation incorporated as outlined in the geotechnical report. d)Be located on expansive soil,as defined by the 4 X Uniform Building Code,thus creating substantial risks to life or property? Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 7 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document·Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated e)Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the 4 X use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? Based on the geoteehnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 6.HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Would the project: a)Create a significant hazard to the public or the X environment through the routine transport,use or disposal of hazardous materials? The proposed project is not anticipated to create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport,use or disposal of hazardous materials. b)Create a significant hazard to the public or the X environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? The proposed projeet is not anticipated to create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release or hazardous material in to the environment. c)Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or X acutely hazardous materials,substances or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? The proposed project is not antieipated to emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,substanees or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school. d)Be located on a site which is included on a list of X hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and,as a result,would create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? Impacts are considered less than significant.If hazardous materials are encountered during excavation,the City will contract with the appropriate hazardous materials contractor. 8 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated e)For a project within an airport land use plan or,X where such a plan has not been adopted,with 2 miles of a public airport,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? The proposed project is not located within an airport land use plan or,where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. £)For a project within the vicinity of a private X airstrip,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. The proposed project is not located within the vicinity of a private airstrip,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. g)Impair implementation of,or physically interfere X with,an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. The proposed project is anticipated to Impair implementation of,or physically interfere with,an adopted emergency response plan or emerj?;ency evacuation plan. h)Expose people or structures to a significant risk X of loss,injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intennixed with wildlands? The proposed project is anticipated to have less than significant impacts with the implementation of fire safety measures to avoid overheating of construction equipment during the summer fire season. 7.HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Would the project: a)Violate any water quality standards or waste 3 X discharge requirements? Under the Los Angeles County existing MS4 Permit,the City of Rancho Palos Verdes will require compliance with the NPDES for excavation,trenching,and dewatering adjacent to the ocean.A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)should be prepared to address construction storm water runoff.The SWPPP may be incorporated into the City's Water Quality Management Plan.All construction activity will be required to comply with construction site runoff control minimum control measures,as outlined by the LARWQCB.Impacts are considered less than significant with mitigation incorporated. 9 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Stann Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 1 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated b)Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or 3 X interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. c)Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of 3 X the site or area,including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river,in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? While the project will alter the existing drainage pattern of the site,it will not alter the course of a stream or river,in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on-or off-site. d)Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of 3 X 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 off- site? While the project will alter the existing drainage pattern of the site,it will not alter the course of a stream or river,in a manner which would result in substantial flooding on-or off-site.Construction of the storm drain will help to alleviate flooding of San Ramon Canyon.Impacts are considered less than significant. e)Create or contribute runoff water which would 3 X exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted JUnoff? The proposed project is not anticipated to create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff. Impacts are considered less than significant. £)Otherwise substantially degrade water quality.3 X The San Ramon Canyon storm drain project will not otherwise substantially degrade nor alter water quality.The storm drain is intended to serve a necessary drainage purpose to prevent potential degradation of topsoil,property damage,and potentially avoid a hazard to public safety.The quality of water entering the new drain remains the same.Construction Best Management Practices will prevent construction related erosion.Impacts are considered less than significant. g)Place housing within a I OO-year flood hazard area,3 X as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate map or other flood hazard delineation map? 10 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated The proposed project will not place housing within a lOO-year flood hazard area,as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate map or other flood hazard delineation map.Impacts are considered less than significant. h)Place within a IOO-year flood hazard area,3 X structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? The project will not place within a lOO-year flood hazard area,structures which would impede or redirect flood flows. The new storm drain pipe will help to direct the storm flows in a controlled manner.Therefore,impacts are considered less than significant. i)Expose people or stmctures to a significant risk 3 X of loss,injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? The project will not 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.Therefore,less than significant impacts are anticipated The project will create a beneficial impact from the improvement. j)Expose people or property to inundation by X seiche,tsunami,or mudflow? The project will not expose people or property to inundation by seiche,tsunami,or mudflow.Therefore,less than significant impacts are anticipated. k)Have constmction impact on storm water runoff?X I1 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNA T1VE I A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Sign ificant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated BMP's during construction wiII be required as part of the NPDES permit for the City.The tunnel outlet point to the beach wiII be required to be fully lined and bordered with sandbags so that absolutely no debris or construction water of any kind is allowed to the ocean.There wiII be stiff penalties imposed upon the contractor for any accidental violation.The tunneling operations will be required to use conveyors or other means other than hydraulic slurry pumping to convey the spoils so as to prevent a potential spill onto to the beach. I I)Have post construction activity impact on stonn 3 X water runoff? The proposed project will not have post construction activity impact on storm water runoff.After construction,the new storm drain will help alleviate flooding. 8.LAND USE AND PLANNING Would the project: a)Conflict with any applicable land use plan,policy 7,8 X or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project including,but not limited to a general plan,specific plan,local coastal program or zoning ordinance? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with any applicable land use plan,policy or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project including,but not limited to a general plan,specific plan,local coastal program or zoning ordinance. Impacts are considered less than significant. b)Conflict with applicable environmental plans or 7,8 X policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with applicable environmental plans or policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project.Impacts are considered less than significant.I c)Be incompatible with existing land use in the 7,8 X vicinity? The proposed project is not anticipated to be incompatible with existing land use in the vicinity.Impacts are considered less than significant. d)Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation 7,8 X plan or natural community conservation plan? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan.Impacts are considered less than significant. e)Disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of an 7,8 X established community (including a low-income or minority community)? The project wiII have no such impact. 12 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 1 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated 9.ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES Would the project: a)Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans.X The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. b)Use non-renewable resources in a wasteful and X inefficient manner. The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. c)Result in the loss of availability of a known X mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents ofthe state? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. d)Result in the loss of availability of a locally-X important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan,specific plan or other land use plan? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 10.NOISE Would the project result in: a)Exposure of persons to or generation of noise 7 X levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance,or applicable standards of other agencies? After construction,the project will not expose persons to or generate noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance,or applicable standards of other agencies. Short-term construction-related noise will be generated during construction.Sources of noise during construction include truck road-noise,backup alarming and motorized construction equipment.While the short-term noisc levels will not be in excess of standards established in the City General Plan or City Noise Ordinance,the construction duration of 4 to 6 weeks will require noise mitigation.The noise impacts during construction could be mitigated to less than significant levels by limiting hours of construction and maintaining construction equipment in good working Iorder. b)Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive 7 X groundbome vibration or groundborne noise levels? After construction,the project wiII not expose persons to or generate excessive ground-borne vibration or ground- borne noise levels.The proposed project may create short-term construction vibration.These impacts are considered to be less than significant. 13 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 1 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated c)A substantial pem1anent increase in ambient 7 X noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? The long-term noise levels which may occur during maintenance events of the storm drain,will not be in excess of standards established in the City General Plan or City Noise Ordinance.Therefore,impacts arc considered less than significant. d)A substantial temporary or periodic increase in 7 X ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? After construction,the project will not create a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project. Short-term construction-related noise will be generated during construction.Sources of noise during construction include truck road-noise,backup alarming and motorized construction equipment.While the short-term noise levels will not be in excess of standards established in the City General Plan or City Noise Ordinance,the construction duration of 4 to 6 weeks will require noise mitigation.The noise impacts during construction could be mitigated to less than significant levels by limiting hours of construction and maintaining construction equipment in good working order. 14 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNA TlVE I A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated e)For a project located within an airport land use 7 X plan or,where such a plan has been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or a public use airport,would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. f)For a project within the vicinity of a private 7 X airstrip,would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 1l.POPULAnON AND HOUSING Would the project: a)Cumulatively exceed official regional or local X population projects? The proposed project is not anticipated to cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projects. b)Induce substantial growth in an area,either X directly or indirectly (for example,through projects in an undeveloped area of major infrastructure )? The proposed project is not anticipated to induce substantial growth in an area, either directly or indirectly. c)Displace housing,especially affordable housing?X The proposed project is not anticipated to displace housing,especially affordable housing. d)Displace substantial numbers of people,X necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? The proposed project is not anticipated to displace substantial numbers of people,necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere. 15 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated 12.PUBLIC SERVICES 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 public services: i)Fire protection?X During construction,the proposed project is anticipated to have less than significant impacts. ii)Police protection?X During construction,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. iii)Schools?X The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. iv)Parks?X The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. v)Other public facilities?X The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 13.RECREATION a)Would the project increase the use of existing X neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration ofthe facility would occur or be accelerated? The proposed project is not anticipated to 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. b)Does the project include recreational facilities or X require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? The proposed project does not include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. 16 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document·Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated 14.TRANSPORTAnON /TRAFFIC Would the project: a)Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in X relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system? During construction,short-term related traffic impacts may result.Mitigation measures will be implemented which requires a minimal number of construction vehicles on the street at one time,traffic control measures,construction timin!!and construction phasin!!to avoid peak hours. b)Exceed,either individually or cumulatively,a X level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? The proposed project is not anticipated to exceed,either individually or cumulatively,a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways. c)Result in inadequate emergency access or X inadequate access to nearby uses? After construction,the proposed project is not anticipated to result in inadequate emergency access or inadequate access to nearby uses.During construction,short-term access impacts may result.Mitigation measures will be implemented which requires a minimal number of construction vehicles on the street at one time,traffic control measures,construction timin!!and construction phasin!!to avoid peak hours. d)Result in insufficient parking capacity on-site or X off-site? After construction there will be no long-term parking impacts.During construction,short-term related parking impacts may result.Mitigation measures will be implemented which requires a minimal number of construction vehicles on the street at one time,traffic control measures,construction timing and construction phasing to avoid peak hours. e)Result in change in air traffic patterns,including X either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks. Short-term construction related parking issues will result without short-term parking mitigation for the construction vehiclcs. 17 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated f)Conflict with adopted policies,plans or programs X supporting alternative transportation (e.g.,bus turnouts,bicycle racks)? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with adopted policies,plans or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g.,bus turnouts,bicycle racks). g)Substantially increase hazards due to a design X figure (e.g.sharp curve or dangerous intersections)or incompatible uses (e.g.farm equipment)? The proposed project is not anticipated to substantially increase hazards due to a design figure (e.g.sharp curve or dangerous intersections)or incompatible uses (e.g.farm equipment). 15.UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Would the project: a)Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the X applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? The proposed project is not anticipated to exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board. b)Require or result in the construction of new water X or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities,the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? The proposed project is not anticipated to 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. c)Require or result in the construction of new storm X water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities,the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? The San Ramon Canyon storm drain project is intended to serve a necessary drainage purpose and to prevent potential degradation of topsoil,property damage,and potentially avoid a hazard to public safety.The existing San Ramon Canyon storm drain will remain in place as act as an "over-flow"during significant storm events. Construction of the storm drain will have short-term mitigate-able environmental effects on traffic,air quality and noise.Long-term environmental effects after construction are considered less than significant and will create a beneficial impact from the improvement of storm flows. 18 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated d)Have sufficient water supplies available to serve X the project from existing entitlements and resources,or are new or expanded entitlements needed? The proposed storm drain project is anticipated to have no such impact. e)Result in a determination by the wastewater X 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? The proposed storm drain project is anticipated to have no such impact. f)Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted X capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? The project will generate additional waste from regular maintenance and cleaning of the catch basins.Based on information from the City's public works dept,the local landfills have sufficient disposal capacity.Therefore,the proposed project is anticipated to have a less than si2nificant iml act. g)Comply with federal,state and local statutes and X regulations related to solid waste? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 19 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I A 16.MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE 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?. Construction of the project will not significantly impact 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 strict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. Based on the findings outlined in the Biological Report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts to riparian habitats or other sensitive natural communities less than significant. The San Ramon Canyon storm drain project is intended to serve a necessary drainage purpose to prevent potential degradation of topsoil,property damage,and potentially avoid a hazard to public safety.The project will not violate any water quality standards. 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 the past projects,the effects of other current projects,and the effects of probable future projects.) The proposed project will have no such cumulatively considerable impact. c)Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings,either directly or I indirectly? The proposed project will have no such impact.The project will create a beneficial impact from the improvement. 20 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNA TIVE I A Initial Environmental Study and Checklist Form ALTERNATIVE 1 B Project Title:San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Improvements,Alternative I B Lead Agency Name and Address:City of Rancho Palos Verdes Public Works Dept. 30940 Hawthorne Blvd. Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275 II Contact Person and Phone Number:Mr.Alan Braatvedt,P.E.,(310)544-5253 Project Location:San Ramon Canyon,north and south ofW.25th Street/Palos Verdes Drive East,City of Rancho Palos Verdes,Los Angeles County,California. General Plan Designation:Natural Environment/Hazard Zoning:OH Open Space Hazard Description of the Project:This alternative proposed an upper-canyon inlet with "tunnel alignment" storm drain.It has a tributary area of 98 acres that would outlet to the bluffs.This option would consist of connecting the proposed stonn drain systems to the existing storm drain system at the head of the canyon.The existing storm drain system currently outlets into the canyon at the toe of the graded cut slope at the head of San Ramon Canyon.This alignment is all within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Alternatives lA,IB,2A and 2B would require construction of an access and pennanent maintenance road.Construction of this access/maintenance road would require approximately 7,900 cubic yards of dirt. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting:Surrounding land uses are generally residential. Other public agencies whose approval may be required (e.g.pelmits,financing approval,or participation agreement): It U.S.Fish and Wildlife Services ED U.S.Army Corp of Engineers It California Depariment ofFish and Game ED Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board DETERMINATION:On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment,and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment,there X will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project and revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent.A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment,and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact"or "potentially significant unless mitigated"impact on the environment,but at least one effect (1)has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards,and (2)has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets.An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required,but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a)have been analyzed in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards,and (b)have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION,including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project,nothing further is required. Signature Mr.Alan Braatvedt,P.E. Name 2 Date City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 1 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated 1.AESTHETICS Would the project: a)Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic X vista? The proposed project will not have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista.Mitigation would be proposed to camouflage the new storm drain outlet structure at the beach. The inlet structure will be camouflaged to the greatest extent possible while maintaining the integrity of the new design. b)Substantially damage scenic resources,including,X but not limited to,trees,rock outcroppings or historic buildings within a scenic highway? The proposed project will not substantially damage scenic resources,including,but not limited to,trees,rock outcroppings or historic buildings within a scenic highway.Mitigation would be proposed to camouflage the new storm drain outlet structure at the beach. The inlet structure will be camouflaged to the greatest extent possible while maintaining the integrity of the new design. c)Substantially degrade the existing visual character X or quality of the site and its surroundings? The proposed project will not substantially degrade the e~isting visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings.Mitigation would be proposed to camouflage the new storm drain outlet structure at the beach. The inlet structure will be camouflaged to the greatest extent possible while maintaining the integrity of the new design. d)Create a new source of substantial light or glare,X which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? The proposed project is not anticipated to create a new source of substantial light or glare,which would adversely affect day or nighttime views of the area. 2.AIR QUALITY (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: a)Violate any air quality standard or contribute to X an existing or projected air quality violation? The proposed project is not anticipated to violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation. 3 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated b)Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant X concentrations? The proposed project,after construction,is not anticipated to expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations.Short term construction related dust will use construction dust reduction measures.These measures include but are not limited to:maintaining construction equipment in good working condition,avoiding construction equipment idling in residential areas and utilizing low-sulfur burning fuels. c)Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase X of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? The proposed project is not anticipated to result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors). d)Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial X number of people? The proposed project,after construction,is not anticipated to create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people.Short term construction related dust will use construction dust reduction measures.These measures include but are not limited to:maintaining construction equipment in good working condition,avoiding construction equipment idling in residential areas and utilizing low-sulfur burning fuels. e)Conflict with or obstruct the implementation of X any applicable air quality plan. The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with or obstruct the implementation of any applicable air quality plans. 3.BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Would the project: a)Have a substantial adverse effect,either directly 1 X or through habitat modifications,on any species identified as a candidate,sensitive or special status species in local or regional plans,policies, regulations,or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service? The proposed project is not anticipated to have substantial adverse effects,either directly or through habitat modifications,on any species identified as a candidate,sensitive or special status species in local or regional plans, policies,and regulations or by the CDFG or USFWS.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP, impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. 4 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated b)Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian 1 X habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans,policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service? The proposed project is not anticipated to have substantial adverse effects on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans,policies,and regulations or by the CDFG or USFWS.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. c)Have a substantial adverse effect on federally 1 X 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? The proposed project is not anticipated to 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.The project will be required to obtain the necessary permits for the jurisdictional drainage as outlined in the biological report.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. d)Interfere substantially with the movement of any 1 X 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? The proposed project will not 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.Based on the biological report,impacts are anticipated to be less than significant. e)Conflict with any local policies or ordinances 1 X protecting biological resources,such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? The proposed project will not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources,such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. 5 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 1 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated f)Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat 1 X Conservation Plan,Natural Community Conservation Plan or other local,regional or state habitat conservation plan? The proposed project wil1 not conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan,Natural Community Conservation Plan or other local,regional or state habitat conservation plan.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,imoacts wil1 be miti~ated to less than si~nificantlevels. 4.CULTURAL RESOURCES Would the project: a)Cause a substantial adverse change in the 2 X significance of a historical resource as defined in Section 15064.5 of the State CEQ A Guidelines? The proposed project wil1 not cause substantial adverse change in any significance of a historical resource defined in Section 15064.5 of CEQA.Cultural resource monitors will be recommended during construction. b)Cause a substantial adverse change in the 2 X significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15064.5 of the State CEQA Guidelines? The proposed project will not cause substantial adverse change in any significance of an archaeological resource defined in Section 15064.5 of CEQA.Cultural resource monitors will be recommended during construction.Native American monitoring during excavation will be recommended. c)Directly or indirectly destroy a unique 2 X paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? The proposed project will not destroy any unique paleontological resources or unique geologic features. d)Disturb any human remains,including those 2 X interred outside of formal cemeteries? The project will disturb any human remains,including those interred outside of formal cemeteries.Cultural resource monitors will be recommended during construction.Native American monitoring during excavation will be recommended. 6 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATlVE I B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated 5.GEOLOGY-SOILS-SEISMICITY Would the project: a)Expose people or stmctures to potential substantial adverse effects,including the risk of loss,injury or death involving: i)Rupture of a known earthquake fault,as 4 X delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? The site is not currently located within an Earthquake Fault Zone as designated by the County or State.In addition, there are no known active or potentially active faults that pass directly through or project towards the site. Therefore,the likelihood of ground surface rupture due to primary faulting from known faults is considered to be remote.Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. ii)Strong seismic ground shaking?4 X Seismic settlement is not anticipated to affect the proposed project.Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed proiect is anticipated to have a less than significant impact. iii)Seismic-related ground failure,including 4 X liquefaction? Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have a less than significant impact from Iiquifaction. iv)Landslides?4 X The Tarapaca landslide is located within the proposed project area.Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed storm drain proiect will help alleviate continued failure of the landslide. b)Result in substantial soil erosion or loss of 4 X topsoil? Normal weathering processes occur at the canyon and bluff area.Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project will not result in substantial soil erosion or loss of topsoil. c)Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is 4 X unstable,or that would become unstable as a result of the project,and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide,lateral spreading, subsidence,liquefaction or collapse? Based on the geotechnical report,impacts are anticipated to be less than significant with mitigation incorporated as outlined in the geotechnical report. d)Be located on expansive soil,as defined by the 4 X Uniform Building Code,thus creating substantial risks to life or property? Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 7 City ofRaneho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Stann Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated e)Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the 4 X use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 6.HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Would the project: a)Create a significant hazard to the public or the X environment through the routine transport,use or disposal of hazardous materials? The proposed project is not anticipated to create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport,use or disposal of hazardous materials. b)Create a significant hazard to the public or the X environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? The proposed project is not anticipated to create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release or hazardous material in to the environment. c)Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or X acutely hazardous materials,substances or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? The proposed project is not anticipated to emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,substances or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school. d)Be located on a site which is included on a list of X hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and,as a result,would create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? Impacts are considered less than significant.If hazardous materials are encountered during excavation,the City will contract with the appropriate hazardous materials contractor. 8 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated e)For a project within an airport land use plan or,X where such a plan has not been adopted,with 2 miles of a public airport,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? The proposed project is not located within an airport land use plan or,where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. £)For a project within the vicinity of a private X airstrip,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. The proposed project is not located within the vicinity of a private airstrip,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. g)Impair implementation of,or physically interfere X with,an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. The proposed project is anticipated to Impair implementation of,or physically interfere with,an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. h)Expose people or structures to a significant risk X of loss,injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intem1ixed with wildlands? The proposed project is anticipated to have less than significant impacts with the implementation of fire safety measures to avoid overheating of construction equipment during the summer fire season. 7.HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Would the project: a)Violate any water quality standards or waste 3 X discharge requirements? Under the Los Angeles County existing MS4 Permit,the City of Rancho Palos Verdes will require compliance with the NPDES for excavation,trenching,and dewatering adjacent to the ocean.A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)should be prepared to address construction storm water runoff.The SWPPP may be incorporated into the City's Water Quality Management Plan.All construction activity will be required to comply with construction site runoff control minimum control measures,as outlined by the LARWQCB.Impacts are considered less than significant with mitigation incorporated. 9 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San RamQn Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated b)Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or 3 X interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. c)Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of 3 X the site or area,including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river,in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? While the project will alter the existing drainage pattern of the site,it will not alter the course of a stream or river,in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on-or off-site. d)Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of 3 X 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 off- site? While the project will alter the existing drainage pattern of the site,it will not alter the course of a stream or river,in a manner which would result in substantial flooding on-or off-site.Construction of the storm drain will help to alleviate flooding of San Ramon Canyon.Impacts are considered less than significant. e)Create or contribute runoff water which would 3 X exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? The proposed project is not anticipated to create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff. Impacts are considered less than significant. £)Otherwise substantially degrade water quality.3 X The San Ramon Canyon storm drain project will not otherwise substantially degrade nor alter water quality.The storm drain is intended to serve a necessary drainage purpose to prevent potential degradation of topsoil,property damage,and potentially avoid a hazard to public safety.The quality of water entering the new drain remains the same.Construction Best Management Practices will prevent construction related erosion.Impacts are considered less than significant. g)Place housing within a I DO-year flood hazard area,3 X as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate map or other flood hazard delineation map? 10 City ofRaneho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated The proposed project will not place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area,as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate map or other flood hazard delineation map.Impacts are considered less than significant. h)Place within a I DO-year flood hazard area,3 X structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? The project will not place within a 100-year flood hazard area,structures which would impede or redirect flood flows. The new storm drain pipe will help to direct the storm flows in a controlled manner.Therefore,impacts are considered less than significant. i)Expose people or structures to a significant risk 3 X ofloss,injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? The project will not 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.Therefore,less than significant impacts are anticipated The project will create a beneficial impact from the improvement. j)Expose people or property to inundation by X seiche,tsunami,or mudflow? The project will not expose people or property to inundation by seiche,tsunami,or mudflow.Therefore,less than significant impacts are anticipated. k)Have construction impact on storm water runoff?X II City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated BMP's during construction will be required as part of the NPDES permit for the City.The tunnel outlet point to the beach will be required to be fully lined and bordered with sandbags so that absolutely no debris or construction water of any kind is allowed to the ocean.There will be stiff penalties imposed upon the contractor for any accidental violation.The tunneling operations will be required to use conveyors or other means other than hydraulic slurry pumping to convey the spoils so as to prevent a potential spill onto to the beach. I)Have post constmction activity impact on storm 3 X water runoff? The proposed project will not have post construction activity impact on storm water runoff.After construction,the new storm drain will help alleviate flooding. 8.LAND USE AND PLANNING Would the project: a)Conflict with any applicable land use plan,policy 7,8 X or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project including,but not limited to a general plan,specific plan,local coastal program or zoning ordinance? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with any applicable land use plan,policy or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project including,but not limited to a general plan,specific plan,local coastal program or zoning ordinance.Impacts are considered less than significant. b)Conflict with applicable environmental plans or 7,8 X policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with applicable environmental plans or policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project.Impacts are considered less than significant. c)Be incompatible with existing land use in the 7,8 X vicinity? The proposed project is not anticipated to be incompatible with existing land use in the vicinity.Impacts are considered less than significant. d)Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation 7,8 X plan or natural community conservation plan? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan.Impacts are considered less than significant. e)Dismpt or divide the physical arrangement of an 7,8 X established community (including a low-income or minority community)? The project will have no such impact. 12 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE J B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated 9.ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES Would the project: a)Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans.X The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. b)Use non-renewable resources in a wasteful and X inefficient manner. I The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. c)Result in the loss of availability of a known X mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. d)Result in the loss of availability of a locally-X important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan,specific plan or other land use plan? The proposed project is.anticipated to have no such impact. 10.NOISE Would the project result in: a)Exposure of persons to or generation of noise 7 X levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance,or applicable standards of other agencies? After construction,the project will not expose persons to or generate noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance,or applicable standards of other agencies. Short-term construction-related noise will be generated during construction.Sources of noise during construction include truck road-noise,backup alarming and motorized construction equipment.While the short-term noise levels will not be in excess of standards established in the City General Plan or City Noise Ordinance,the construction duration of 4 to 6 weeks will require noise mitigation.The noise impacts during construction could be mitigated to less than significant levels by limiting hours of construction and maintaining construction equipment in good working order. b)Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive 7 X groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? After construction,the project will not expose persons to or generate excessive ground-borne vibration or ground- borne noise levels.The proposed project may create short-term construction vibration.These impacts are considered to be less than si~nificant. 13 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I 8 Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated c)A substantial permanent increase in ambient 7 X noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? The long-term noise levels which may occur during maintenance events of the storm drain,will not be in excess of standards established in the City General Plan or City Noise Ordinance.Therefore,impacts are considered less than significant. d)A substantial temporary or periodic increase in 7 X ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? After construction,the project will not create a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project. Short-term construction-related noise will be generated during construction.Sources of noise during construction include truck road-noise,backup alarming and motorized construction equipment.While the short-term noise levels will not be in excess of standards established in the City General Plan or City Noise Ordinance,the construction duration of 4 to 6 weeks will require noise mitigation.The noise impacts during construction could be mitigated to less than significant levels by limiting hours of construction and maintaining construction equipment in good working order. 14 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATlVE 1 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated e)For a project located within an airport land use 7 X plan or,where such a plan has been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or a public use airport,would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. f)For a project within the vicinity of a private 7 X airstrip,would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 11.POPULA nON AND HOUSING Would the project: a)Cumulatively exceed official regional or local X population projects? The proposed project is not anticipated to cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projects. b)Induce substantial growth in an area,either X directly or indirectly (for example,through projects in an undeveloped area of major infrastmcture)? The proposed project is not anticipated to induce substantial growth in an area,either directly or indirectly. c)Displace housing,especially affordable housing?X The proposed project is not anticipated to displace housing,especially affordable housing. d)Displace substantial numbers of people,X necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? The proposed project is not anticipated to displace substantial numbers of people,necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere. 15 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated 12.PUBLIC SERVICES a)Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered govemmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities,the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts,in order to maintain acceptable service ratios,response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: i)Fire protection?X During construction,the proposed project is anticipated to have less than significant impacts. ii)Police protection?X During construction,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. iii)Schools?X The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. iv)Parks?X The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. v)Other public facilities?X The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 13.RECREATION a)Would the project increase the use of existing X neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? The proposed project is not anticipated to increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that su bstantial physical detedoration of the facility would occur or be accelerated. b)Does the project include recreational facilities or X require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? The proposed project does not include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. 16 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Stann Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated 14.TRANSPORTATION /TRAFFIC Would the project: a)Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in X relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system? During construction,short-term related traffic impacts may result.Mitigation measures will be implemented which requires a minimal number of construction vehicles on the street at one time,traffic control measures,construction timin!!:and construction phasin!!:to avoid peak hours.I b)Exceed,either individually or cumulatively,a X level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? The proposed project is not anticipated to exceed,either individually or cumulatively,a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways. c)Result in inadequate emergency access or X inadequate access to nearby uses? After construction,the proposed project is not anticipated to result in inadequate emergency access or inadequate access to nearby uses.During construction,short-term access impacts may result.Mitigation measures will be implemented which requires a minimal number of construction vehicles on the street at one time,traffic control measures,construction timin~and construction phasin~to avoid peak hours. d)Result in insufficient parking capacity on-site or I X off-site? After construction there will be no long-term parking impacts.During construction,short-term related parking impacts may result.Mitigation measures will be implemented which requires a minimal number of construction vehicles on the street at one time,traffic control measures,construction timing and construction phasing to avoid peak hours. e)Result in change in air traffic pattems,including X either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks. Short-term construction related parking issues will result without short-term parking mitigation for the construction vehicles. 17 City ofRaneho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated f)Conflict with adopted policies,plans or programs X supporting alternative transportation (e.g.,bus turnouts,bicycle racks)? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with adopted policies,plans or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g.,bus turnouts,bicycle racks). g)Substantially increase hazards due to a design X figure (e.g.sharp curve or dangerous intersections)or incompatible uses (e.g.farnl equipment)? The proposed project is not anticipated to substantially increase hazards due to a design figure (e.g.sharp curve or dangerous intersections)or incompatible uses (e.g.farm equipment). 15.UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Would the project: a)Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the X applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? The proposed project is not anticipated to exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board. b)Require or result in the construction of new water X or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities,the constmction of which could cause significant environmental effects? The proposed project is not anticipated to 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. c)Require or result in the construction of new storm X water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities,the constmction of which could cause significant environmental effects? The San Ramon Canyon storm drain project is intended to serve a necessary drainage purpose and to prevent potential degradation of topsoil,property damage,and potentially avoid a hazard to public safety.The existing San Ramon Canyon storm drain will remain in place as act as an "over-flow"during significant storm events. Construction of the storm drain will have short-term mitigate-able environmental effects on traffic,air quality and noise.Long-term environmental effects after construction are considered less than significant and will create a beneficial impact from the improvement of storm flows. 18 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated d)Have sufficient water supplies available to serve X the project from existing entitlements and resources,or are new or expanded entitlements needed? The proposed storm drain project is anticipated to have no such impact. e)Result in a determination by the wastewater X 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? The proposed storm drain pro.ject is anticipated to have no such impact. f)Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted X capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? The project will generate additional waste from regular maintenance and cleaning of the catch basins.Based on information from the City's public works dept,the local landfills have sufficient disposal capacity.Therefore,the proposed project is anticipated to have a less than significant imJ act. g)Comply with federal,state and local statutes and X regulations related to solid waste? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 19 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE I B 16.MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE 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? Construction of the project will not significantly impact habitat of a fish or wildlife species,eause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels,threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community,reduce the number or strict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. Based on the findings outlined in the Biological Report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts to riparian habitats or other sensitive natural communities less than significant. The San Ramon Canyon storm drain project is intended to serve a necessary drainage purpose to prevent potential degradation of topsoil,property damage,and potentially avoid a hazard to public safety.The project will not violate any water quality standards. 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 the past projects,the effects of other current projects,and the effects of probable future projects.) The proposed project will have no such cumulatively considerable impact. c)Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings,either directly or I indirectly? The proposed project will have no such impact.The project will create a beneficial impact from the improvement. 20 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNA TIVE I 8 Initial Environmental Study and Checklist Form ALTERNATIVE 2 A Project Title:San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Improvements,Alternative 2 A Lead Agency Name and Address:City of Rancho Palos Verdes Public Works Dept. 30940 Hawthorne Blvd. Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275 Contact Person and Phone Number:Mr.Alan Braatvedt,P.E.,(310)544-5253 Project Location:San Ramon Canyon,north and south ofW.25 lh Street/Palos Verdes Drive East,City of Rancho Palos Verdes,Los Angeles County,California. General Plan Designation:Natural Environment/Hazard Zoning:OH Open Space Hazard Description of the Project:This alternative proposed a mid-canyon inlet with "canyon alignment" storm drain,which would discharge into the existing 25 th Street Storm Drain.This structure will collect surface water into a subsurface storm drain system consisting of a 48-inch diameter pipe system with a 12-inch diameter underlying the sub drain system.Construction of the stonn drain system would include placing fill within the majority of the canyon in order to restore the ground surface to "pre-erosion"conditions and to mitigate the over-steepened canyon walls and failing areas.This system would tie into the existing system that underlies W.25 th Street.The tributary area at the proposed inlet is 123.7 acres,whereas the total drainage area at the 25 th Street inlet is 187 acres.Alignment is primarily within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,but also partially within the City and County of Los Angeles. Alternatives 1A,1B,2A and 2B would require construction of an access and permanent maintenance road.Construction of this access/maintenance road would require approximately 7,900 cubic yards of dirt. SUlTounding Land Uses and Setting:Surrounding land uses are generally residential. Other public agencies whose approval may be required (e.g.permits,financing approval,or participation agreement): •U.S.Fish and Wildlife Services •U.S.Army Corp of Engineers o California Department of Fish and Game •Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board •City of Los Angeles •County of Los Angeles DETERMINATION:On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment,and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment,there X will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project and revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent.A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment,and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact"or "potentially significant unless mitigated"impact on the environment,but at least one effect (I)has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards,and (2)has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets.An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required,but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a)have been analyzed in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DEC LARATION pursuant to applicable standards,and (b)have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DEC LARATION,including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project,nothing further is required. Signature Mr.Alan Braatvedt,P.E. Name 2 Date City ofRaneho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNAT1VE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated 1.AESTHETICS Would the project: a)Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic X vista? The proposed project will not have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista.The inlet structure will be camouflaged to the greatest extent possible while maintaining the integrity of the new design. b)Substantially damage scenic resources,including,X but not limited to,trees,rock outcroppings or historic buildings within a scenic highway? The proposed project will not substantially damage scenic resources,including,but not limited to,trees,rock outcroppings or historic buildings within a scenic highway.The inlet structure will be camouflaged to the greatest extent possible while maintaining the integrity of the new design. c)Substantially degrade the existing visual character X or quality of the site and its surroundings? The proposed project will not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings.The inlet structure will be camouflaged to the greatest extent possible while maintaining the integrity of the new design. d)Create a new source of substantial light or glare,X which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? The proposed project is not anticipated to create a new source of substantial light or glare,which would adversely affect day or nighttime views of the area. 2.AIR QUALITY (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: a)Violate any air quality standard or contribute to X an existing or projected air quality violation? The proposed project is not anticipated to violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation. I b)Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant X concentrations? The proposed project,after construction,is not anticipated to expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations.Short term construction related dust will use construction dust reduction measures.These measures include but are not limited to:maintaining construction equipment in good working condition,avoiding construction equipment idling in residential areas and utilizing low-sulfur burning fuels. 3 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNA TIVE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated c)Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase X of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? The proposed project is not anticipated to result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors). d)Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial X number of people? The proposed project,after construction,is not anticipated to create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people.Short term construction related dust will use construction dust reduction measures.These measures include but are not limited to:maintaining construction equipment in good working condition,avoiding construction equipment idling in residential areas and utilizing low-sulfur burning fuels. e)Conflict with or obstruct the implementation of X any applicable air quality plan. The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with or obstruct the implementation of any applicable air quality plans. 3.BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Would the project: a)Have a substantial adverse effect,either directly 1 X or through habitat modifications,on any species identified as a candidate,sensitive or special status species in local or regional plans,policies, regulations,or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service? The proposed project is not anticipated to have substantial adverse effects,either directly or through habitat modifications,on any species identified as a candidate,sensitive or special status species in local or regional plans, policies,and regulations or by the CDFG or USFWS.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. 4 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Stom1 Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document·Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated b)Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian 1 X habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans,policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service? The proposed project is not anticipated to have substantial adverse effects on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans,policies,and regulations or by the CDFG or USFWS.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. c)Have a substantial adverse effect on federally 1 X 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 intenllption or other means? The proposed project is not anticipated to 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.The project will be required to obtain the necessary permits for the jurisdictional drainage as outlined in the biological report.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. d)Interfere substantially with the movement of any 1 X 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? The proposed project will not 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.Based on the biological report,impacts are anticipated to be less than significant. e)Conflict with any local policies or ordinances 1 X protecting biological resources,such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? The proposed project will not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources,such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. 5 City ofRaneho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated t)Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat 1 X Conservation Plan,Natural Community Conservation Plan or other local,regional or state habitat conservation plan? The proposed project will not conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan,Natural Community Conservation Plan or other local,regional or state habitat conservation plan.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be mitigated to less than silmificant levels. 4.CULTURAL RESOURCES Would the project: a)Cause a substantial adverse change in the 2 X significance of a historical resource as defined in Section 15064.5 of the State CEQA Guidelines? The proposed project will not cause substantial adverse change in any significance of a historical resource defined in Section 15064.5 of CEQA.Cultural resource monitors will be recommended during construction. b)Cause a substantial adverse change in the 2 X significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15064.5 of the State CEQA Guidelines? The proposed project will not cause substantial adverse change in any significance of an archaeological resource defined in Section 15064.5 of CEQA.Cultural resource monitors will be recommended during construction.Native American monitoring during excavation will be recommended. c)Directly or indirectly destroy a unique 2 X paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? The proposed project will not destroy any unique paleontological resources or unique geologic features. d)Disturb any human remains,including those 2 X interred outside of fOffi1al cemeteries? The project will disturb any human remains,including those interred outside of formal cemeteries.Cultural resource monitors will be recommended during construction.Native American monitoring during excavation will be recommended. 6 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated 5.GEOLOGY-SOILS-SEISMICITY Would the project: a)Expose people or stmctures to potential substantial adverse effects,including the risk of loss,injury or death involving: i)Rupture of a known earthquake fault,as 4 X delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? The site is not currently located within an Earthquake Fault Zone as designated by the County or State.In addition, there are no known active or potentially active faults that pass directly through or project towards the site.Therefore, the likelihood of ground surface rupture due to primary faulting from known faults is considered to be remote.Based on the 2eotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. ii)Strong seismic ground shaking?4 X Seismic settlement is not anticipated to affect the proposed project.Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have a less than si2nificant impact. iii)Seismic-related ground failure,including 4 X liquefaction? Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have a less than significant impact from IiQuifaction. iv)Landslides?4 X The Tarapaca landslide is located within the proposed project area.Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed storm drain project will help alleviate continued failure of the landslide. b)Result in substantial soil erosion or loss of 4 X topsoil? Normal weathering processes occur at the canyon and bluff area.Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed pro.iect will not result in substantial soil erosion or loss of topsoil. c)Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is 4 X unstable,or that would become unstable as a result of the project,and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide,lateral spreading, subsidence,liquefaction or collapse? Based on the geotechnical report,impacts are anticipated to be less than significant with mitigation incorporated as outlined in the geotechnical report. d)Be located on expansive soil,as defined by the 4 X Uniform Building Code,thus creating substantial risks to life or property? Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 7 City ofRaneho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated e)Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the 4 X use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 6.HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Would the project: a)Create a significant hazard to the public or the X environment through the routine transport,use or disposal of hazardous materials? The proposed project is not anticipated to create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport,use or disposal of hazardous materials. b)Create a significant hazard to the public or the X environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? The proposed project is not anticipated to create a significant hazard to the pUblic or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release or hazardous material in to the environment. c)Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or X acutely hazardous materials,substances or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? The proposed project is not anticipated to emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,substances or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school. d)Be located on a site which is included on a list of X hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and,as a result,would create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? Impacts are considered less than significant.If hazardous materials are encountered during excavation,the City will contract with the appropriate hazardous materials contractor. 8 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document·Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated e)For a project within an airport land use plan or,X where such a plan has not been adopted,with 2 miles of a public airport,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? The proposed project is not located within an airport land use plan or,where such a plan has not been adopted,within 2 miles of a public airport,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. f)For a project within the vicinity of a private X I airstrip,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. The proposed project is not located within the vicinity of a private airstrip,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. g)Impair implementation of,or physically interfere X with,an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. The proposed project is anticipated to Impair implementation of,or physically interfere with,an adopted emergency response plan or emerl!encv evacuation plan. h)Expose people or structures to a significant risk X of loss,injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? The proposed project is anticipated to have less than significant impacts with the implementation of fire safety measures to avoid overheating of construction equipment during the summer fire season. 7.HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Would the project: a)Violate any water quality standards or waste 3 X discharge requirements? Under the Los Angeles County existing MS4 Permit,the City of Rancho Palos Verdes will require compliance with the NPDES for excavation,trenching,and dewatering adjacent to the ocean.A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)should be prepared to address construction storm water runoff.The SWPPP may be incorporated into the City's Water Quality Management Plan.All construction activity will be required to comply with construction site runoff control minimum control measures,as outlined by the LARWQCB.Impacts are considered less than significant with mitigation incorporated. 9 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated b)Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or 3 X interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. c)Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of 3 X the site or area,including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river,in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? While the project will alter the existing drainage pattern of the site,it will not alter the course of a stream or river,in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on-or off-site. d)Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of 3 X 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 off- site? While the project will alter the existing drainage pattern of the site,it will not alter the course of a stream or river,in a manner which would result in substantial flooding on-or off-site.Construction of the storm drain will help to alleviate flooding of San Ramon Canyon.Impacts are considered less than significant. e)Create or contribute runoff water which would 3 X exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted nmoff? The proposed project is not anticipated to create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff. Impacts are considered less than significant. f)Otherwise substantially degrade water quality.3 X The San Ramon Canyon storm drain project will not otherwise substantially degrade nor alter water quality.The storm drain is intended to serve a necessary drainage purpose to prevent potential degradation of topsoil,property damage,and potentially avoid a hazard to public safety.The quality of water entering the new drain remains the same.Construction Best Management Practices will prevent construction related erosion.Impacts are considered less than significant. g)Place housing within a lOa-year flood hazard area,3 X as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate map or other flood hazard delineation map? 10 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated The proposed project will not place housing within a lOO-year flood hazard area,as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate map or other flood hazard delineation map.Impacts are considered less than significant. h)Place within a I DO-year flood hazard area,3 X stmctures which would impede or redirect flood flows? The project will not place within a 1OO-year flood hazard area,structures which would impede or redirect flood flows. The new storm drain pipe will help to direct the storm flows in a controlled manner.Therefore,impacts are considered less than significant. i)Expose people or stmctures to a significant risk 3 X of loss,injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? The project will not expose people or structures to a significant risk ofloss,injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam.Therefore,less than significant impacts are anticipated The project will create a beneficial impact from the improvement. j)Expose people or property to inundation by X seiche,tsunami,or mud flow? The project will not expose people or property to inundation by seiche,tsunami,or mudflow.Therefore,less than significant impacts are anticipated. k)Have constmction impact on storm water runoff?X II City of Rancho Palos V crdcs San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expandcd Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document·Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated BMP's during construction will be required as part of the NPDES permit for the City.The tunnel outlet point to the beach will be requircd to be fully lined and bordered with sandbags so that absolutely no debris or construction water of any kind is allowed to the ocean.There will be stiff penalties imposed upon the contractor for any accidental violation.The tunneling operations will be required to use conveyors or other means other than hydraulic slurry pumping to convey the spoils so as to prevent a potential spill onto to the beach. I)Have post construction activity impact on storm 3 X water runoff? The proposed project will not have post construction activity impact on storm water runoff.After construction,the new storm drain will help alleviate flooding. 8.LAND USE AND PLANNING Would the project:I a)Conflict with any applicable land use plan,policy 7,8 X or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project including,but not limited to a general plan,specific plan,local coastal program or zoning ordinance? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with any applicable land use plan,policy or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project including,but not limited to a general plan,specific plan,local coastal program or zoning ordinance.Impacts are considered less than significant. b)Conflict with applicable environmental plans or 7,8 X policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with applicable environmental plans or policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project.Impacts are considered less than significant. c)Be incompatible with existing land use in the 7,8 X vicinity? The proposed project is not anticipated to be incompatible with existing land use in the vicinity.Impacts are considered less than significant. d)Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation 7,8 X plan or natural community conservation plan? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan.Impacts are considered less than significant. e)Disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of an 7,8 X established community (including a low-income or minority community)? The project will have no such impact. 12 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated 9.ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES Would the project: a)Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans.X The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. b)Use non-renewable resources in a wasteful and X inefficient manner. The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. c)Result in the loss of availability of a known X mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. d)Result in the loss of availability of a locally-X important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan,specific plan or other land use plan? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 10.NOISE Would the project result in: a)Exposure of persons to or generation of noise 7 X levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance,or applicable standards of other agencies? After construction,the projcct will not expose persons to or generate noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance,or applicable standards of other agencies. Short-term construction-related noise will be generated during construction.Sources of noise during construction include truck road-noise,backup alarming and motorized construction equipment.While the short-term noise levels will not be in excess of standards established in the City General Plan or City Noise Ordinance,the construction duration of 4 to 6 weeks will require noise mitigation.The noise impacts during construction could be mitigated to less than significant levels by limiting hours of construction and maintaining construction equipment in good working order. b)Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive 7 X groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? After construction,the project will not expose persons to or generate excessive ground-borne vibration or ground- borne noise levels.The proposed project may create short-term construction vibration.These impacts are considered I to be less than significant. 13 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document·Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated c)A substantial pem1anent increase in ambient 7 X noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? The long-term noise levels which may occur during maintenance events of the storm drain,will not be in excess of standards established in the City General Plan or City Noise Ordinance.Therefore,impacts are considered less than significant. d)A substantial temporary or periodic increase in 7 X ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? After construction,the project will not create a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project. Short-term construction-related noise will be generated during construction.Sources of noise during construction include truck road-noise,backup alarming and motorized construction equipment.While the short-term noise levels will not be in excess of standards established in the City General Plan or City Noise Ordinance,the construction duration of 4 to 6 weeks will require noise mitigation.The noise impacts during construction could be mitigated to less than significant levels by limiting hours of construction and maintaining construction equipment in good working order. 14 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document·Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated e)For a project located within an airport land use 7 X plan or,where such a plan has been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or a public use airport,would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. f)For a project within the vicinity of a private 7 X airstrip,would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 11.POPULATION AND HOUSING Would the project: a)Cumulatively exceed official regional or local X population projects? The proposed project is not anticipated to cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projects. b)Induce substantial growth in an area,either X directly or indirectly (for example,through projects in an undeveloped area of major infrastructure )? The proposed project is not anticipated to induce substantial growth in an area,either directly or indirectly. c)Displace housing,especially affordable housing?X The proposed project is not anticipated to displace housing,especially affordable housing. d)Displace substantial numbers of people,X necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? The proposed project is not anticipated to displace substantial numbers of people,necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere. 12.PUBLIC SERVICES 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 ofthe public services: i)Fire protection?X During construction,the proposed project is anticipated to have less than significant impacts. 15 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated ii)Police protection?X During construction,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. iii)Schools?X The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. iv)Parks?X The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. v)Other public facilities?X The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 13.RECREATION a)Would the project increase the use of existing X neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? The proposed project is not anticipated to 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. b)Does the project include recreational facilities or X require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? The proposed project does not include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. 14.TRANSPORTATION /TRAFFIC Would the project: a)Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in X relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system? During construction,short-term related traffic impacts may result.Mitigation measures will be implemented which requires a minimal number of construction vehicles on the street at one time,traffic control measures,construction timing and construction phasing to avoid peak hours. b)Exceed,either individually or cumulatively,a X level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? The proposed proJect is not anticipated to exceed,either individually or cumulatively,a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways. 16 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated c)Result in inadequate emergency access or X inadequate access to nearby uses? After construction,the proposed project is not anticipated to result in inadequate emergency access or inadequate access to nearby uses.During construction,short-term access impacts may result.Mitigation measures will be implemented which requires a minimal number of construction vehicles on the street at one time,traffic control measures,construction timing and construction phasing to avoid peak hours. d)Result in insufficient parking capacity on-site or X off-site? After construction there will be no long-term parking impacts.During construction,short-term related parking impacts may result.Mitigation measures will be implemented which requires a minimal number of construction Ivehiclesonthestreetatonetime,traffic control measures,construction timing and construction phasing to avoid peak hours. e)Result in change in air traffic pattems,including X either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks. Short-term construction related parking issues will result without short-term parking mitigation for the construction vehicles. f)Conflict with adopted policies,plans or programs X supporting altemative transportation (e.g.,bus tumouts,bicycle racks)? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with adopted policies,plans or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g.,bus turnouts,bicycle racks). g)Substantially increase hazards due to a design X figure (e.g.sharp curve or dangerous intersections)or incompatible uses (e.g.farm equipment)? The proposed project is not anticipated to substantially increase hazards due to a design figure (e.g.sharp curve or dangerous intersections)or incompatible uses (e.g.farm equipment). 15.UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Would the project: a)Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the X applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? The proposed project is not anticipated to exceed wastewater treatment requirements ofthe applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board. 17 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNA T1VE 2 A Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated b)Require or result in the construction of new water X or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities,the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? The proposed project is not anticipated to 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. c)Require or result in the construction of new storm X water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities,the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? The San Ramon Canyon storm drain project is intended to serve a necessary drainage purpose and to prevent potential degradation of topsoil,property damage,and potentially avoid a hazard to public safety.The existing San Ramon Canyon storm drain will remain in place as act as an "over-flow"during significant storm events. Construction of the storm drain will have short-term mitigate-able environmental effects on traffic,air quality and noise.Long-term environmental effects after construction are considered less than significant and will create a beneficial impact from the improvement of storm flows. d)Have sufficient water supplies available to serve X the project from existing entitlements and resources,or are new or expanded entitlements needed? The proposed storm drain project is anticipated to have no such impact. e)Result in a deten11ination by the wastewater X 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 commi tments? The proposed storm drain project is anticipated to have no such impact. f)Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted X capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? The project will generate additional waste from regular maintenance and cleaning of the catch basins.Bascd on information from the City's public works dept,the local landfills have sufficient disposal capacity.Therefore,the proposed project is anticipated to have a less than sienificant im act. g)Comply with federal,state and local statutes and X regulations related to solid waste? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 18 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 A 16.MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE 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? Construction of the project will not significantly impact 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,rcduce the number or strict thc range of a rarc or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. Bascd on the findings outlined in the Biological Report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts to riparian habitats or other scnsitive natural communities less than significant. The San Ramon Canyon storm drain project is intended to serve a necessary drainage purposc to prevent potential degradation of topsoil,propcrty damage,and potcntially avoid a hazard to public safety.The project will not violate any watcr quality standards. 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 the past projects,the effects of other current projects,and the effects of probable future projects.) The proposed project will have no such cumulatively considerable impact. c)Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings,either directly or I indirectly? The proposed project will have no such impact.The project will create a beneficial impact from the improvement. 19 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 A II Initial Environmental Study and Checklist Form ALTERNATIVE 2 B Project Title:San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Improvements,Alternative 2 B Lead Agency Name and Address:City of Rancho Palos Verdes Public Works Dept. 30940 Hawthorne Blvd. Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275 II Contact Person and Phone Number:Mr.Alan Braatvedt,P.E.,(310)544-5253 Project Location:San Ramon Canyon,north and south ofW.25 th Street/Palos Verdes Drive East,City of Rancho Palos Verdes,Los Angeles County,California. General Plan Designation:Natural Environment/Hazard Zoning:OH Open Space Hazard Description of the Project:This alternative proposes an upper-canyon inlet (similar to Alt lB)with "canyon alignment"storm drain which discharges into the existing 25 th Street Stonn Drain.This alternative would have the same canyon impacts as 2A above.The tributary area at the proposed inlet is 98 acres,whereas the total drainage area at the 25 th Street inlet is 187 acres.Alignment is primarily within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,but also partially within the City and County of Los Angeles. Alternatives lA,lB,2A and 2B would require construction of an access and permanent maintenance road.Construction of this access/maintenance road would require approximately 7,900 cubic yards of dirt. Sun-ounding Land Uses and Setting:Surrounding land uses are generally residential. Other public agencies whose approval may be required (e.g.permits,financing approval,or participation agreement): ED U.S.Fish and Wildlife Services ED U.S.Anny Corp of Engineers •California Department of Fish and Game •Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board • City of Los Angeles •County of Los Angeles DETERMINATION:On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment,and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment,there X will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project and revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent.A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment,and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact"or "potentially significant unless mitigated"impact on the environment,but at least one effect (I)has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards,and (2)has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets.An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required,but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a)have been analyzed in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DEC LARATION pursuant to applicable standards,and (b)have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION,including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project,nothing further is required. Signature Mr.Alan Braatvedt,P.E. Name 2 Date City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 28 Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated l.AESTHETICS Would the project: a)Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic X vista? The proposed project will not have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista.The inlet structure will be camouflaged to the greatest extent possible while maintaining the integrity ofthe new design. b)Substantially damage scenic resources,including,X but not limited to,trees,rock outcroppings or historic buildings within a scenic highway? The proposed project will not substantially damage scenic resources,including,but not limited to,trees,rock outcroppings or historic buildings within a scenic highway.The inlet structure will be camouflaged to the greatest extent possible while maintaining the integrity of the new design. c)Substantially degrade the existing visual character X or quality of the site and its surroundings? The proposed project will not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings.The inlet structure will be camouflaged to the greatest extent possible while maintaining the integrity of the new design. d)Create a new source of substantial light or glare,X which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? The proposed project is not anticipated to create a new source of substantial light or glare,which would adversely affect day or nighttime views of the area. 2.AIR QUALITY (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: a)Violate any air quality standard or contribute to X an existing or projected air quality violation? The proposed project is not anticipated to violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation. I b)Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant X concentrations? The proposed project,after construction,is not anticipated to expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations.Short term construction related dust will use construction dust reduction measures.These measures include but are not limited to:maintaining construction equipment in good working condition,avoiding construction equipment idling in residential areas and utilizing low-sulfur burning fuels. 3 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document·Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated c)Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase X of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? The proposed project is not anticipated to result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors). d)Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial X number of people? The proposed project,after construction,is not anticipated to create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people.Short term construction related dust will use construction dust reduction measures.These measures include but are not limited to:maintaining construction equipment in good working condition,avoiding construction equipment idling in residential areas and utilizing low-sulfur burning fucls. e)Conflict with or obstmct the implementation of X any applicable air quality plan. The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with or obstruct the implementation of any applicable air quality plans. 3.BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Would the project: a)Have a substantial adverse effect,either directly 1 X or through habitat modifications,on any species identified as a candidate,sensitive or special status species in local or regional plans,policies, regulations,or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service? The proposed project is not anticipated to have substantial adverse effects,either directly or through habitat modifications,on any species identified as a candidate,sensitive or special status species in local or regional plans, policies,and regulations or by the CDFG or USFWS.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. 4 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated b)Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian 1 X habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans,policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service? The proposed project is not anticipated to have substantial adverse effects on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans,policies,and regulations or by the CDFG or USFWS.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. c)Have a substantial adverse effect on federally 1 X 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? The proposed project is not anticipated to 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.The project will be required to obtain the necessary permits for the jurisdictional drainage as outlined in the biological report.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. d)Interfere substantially with the movement of any 1 X 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? The proposed project will not 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.Based on the biological report,impacts are anticipated to be less than significant. e)Conflict with any local policies or ordinances 1 X protecting biological resources,such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? The proposed project will not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources,such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will bc mitigated to Icss than significant levels. 5 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated f)Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat 1 X Conservation Plan,Natural Community Conservation Plan or other local,regional or state habitat conservation plan? The proposed project will not conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan,Natural Community Conservation Plan or other local,regional or state habitat conservation plan.Based on the biological report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts will be mitigated to less than significant levels. 4.CULTURAL RESOURCES Would the project: a)Cause a substantial adverse change in the 2 X significance of a historical resource as defined in Section 15064.5 of the State CEQA Guidelines? The proposed project will not cause substantial adverse change in any significance of a historical resource defined in Section 15064.5 of CEQA.Cultural resource monitors will be recommended during construction. b)Cause a substantial adverse change in the 2 X significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15064.5 of the State CEQA Guidelines? The proposed project will not cause substantial adverse change in any significance of an archaeological resource defined in Section 15064.5 of CEQA.Cultural resource monitors will be recommended during construction.Native American monitoring during excavation will be recommended. c)Directly or indirectly destroy a unique 2 X paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? The proposed project will not destroy any unique paleontological resources or unique geologic features. d)Disturb any human remains,including those 2 X interred outside of fomlal cemeteries? The project will disturb any human remains,including those interred outside of formal cemeteries.Cultural resource monitors will be recommended during construction.Native American monitoring during excavation will be recommended. 6 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated 5.GEOLOGY-SOILS-SEISMICITY Would the project: a)Expose people or stmctures to potential substantial adverse effects,including the risk of loss,injUlY or death involving: i)Rupture of a known earthquake fault,as 4 X delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? The site is not currently located within an Earthquake Fault Zone as designated by the County or State.In addition, there are no known active or potentially active faults that pass directly through or project towards the site.Therefore, the likelihood of ground surface rupture due to primary faulting from known faults is considered to be remote.Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. ii)Strong seismic ground shaking?4 X Seismic settlement is not anticipated to affect the proposed project.Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have a less than significant impact. iii)Seismic-related ground failure,including 4 X liquefaction? Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have a less than significant impact from liquifaction. iv)Landslides?4 X The Tarapaca landslide is located within the proposed project area.Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed storm drain pro.iect will help alleviate continued failure of the landslide. b)Result in substantial soil erosion or loss of 4 X topsoil? Normal weathering processes occur at the canyon and bluff area.Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project will not result in substantial soil erosion or loss of topsoil. c)Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is 4 X unstable,or that would become unstable as a result of the project,and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide,lateral spreading, subsidence,liquefaction or collapse? Based on the geotechnical report,impacts are anticipated to be less than significant with mitigation incorporated as outlined in the geotechnical report. d)Be located on expansive soil,as defined by the 4 X Uniform Building Code,thus creating substantial risks to life or property? Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 7 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated e)Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the 4 X use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? Based on the geotechnical report,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 6.HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Would the project: a)Create a significant hazard to the public or the X environment through the routine transport,use or disposal of hazardous materials? The proposed project is not anticipated to create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport,use or disposal of hazardous materials. b)Create a significant hazard to the public or the X environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? The proposed project is not anticipated to create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release or hazardous material in to the environment. c)Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or X acutely hazardous materials,substances or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? The proposed project is not anticipated to emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,substances or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school. d)Be located on a site which is included on a list of X hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and,as a result,would create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? Impacts are considered less than significant.If hazardous materials are encountered during excavation,the City will contract with the appropriate hazardous materials contractor. 8 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated e)For a project within an airport land use plan or,X where such a plan has not been adopted,with 2 miles of a public airport,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? The proposed project is not located within an airport land use plan or,where such a plan has not been adopted,within 2 miles of a public airport,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. f)For a project within the vicinity of a private X airstrip,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. The proposed project is not located within the vicinity of a private airstrip,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. g)Impair implementation of,or physically interfere X with,an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. The proposed project is anticipated to Impair implementation of,or physically interfere with,an adopted emergency response plan or emerj?;ency evacuation plan. h)Expose people or structures to a significant risk X of loss,injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? The proposed project is anticipated to have less than significant impacts with the implementation of fire safety measures to avoid overheating of construction equipment during the summer fire season. 7.HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Would the project: a)Violate any water quality standards or waste 3 X discharge requirements? Under the Los Angeles County existing MS4 Permit,the City of Rancho Palos Verdes will require compliance with the NPDES for excavation,trenching,and dewatering adjacent to the ocean.A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)should be prepared to address construction storm water runoff.The SWPPP may be incorporated into the City's Water Quality Management Plan.All construction activity will be required to comply with construction site runoff control minimum control measures,as outlined by the LARWQCB.Impacts are considered less than significant with mitigation incorporated. 9 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon StOlll1 Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated b)Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or 3 X interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. c)Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of 3 X the site or area,including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river,in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? While the project will alter the existing drainage pattern of the site,it will not alter the course of a stream or river,in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on-or off-site. d)Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of 3 X 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 off- site? While the project will alter the existing drainage pattern of the site,it will not alter the course of a stream or river,in a manner which would result in substantial flooding on-or off-site.Construction of the storm drain will help to alleviate flooding of San Ramon Canyon.Impacts are considered less than significant. e)Create or contribute runoff water which would 3 X exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? The proposed project is not anticipated to create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff. Impacts are considered less than significant. f)Otherwise substantially degrade water quality.3 X The San Ramon Canyon storm drain project will not otherwise substantially degrade nor alter water quality.The storm drain is intended to serve a necessary drainage purpose to prevent potential degradation of topsoil,property damage,and potentially avoid a hazard to public safety.The quality of water entering the new drain remains the same.Construction Best Management Practices will prevent construction related erosion.Impacts are considered less than significant. g)Place housing within a I DO-year flood hazard area,3 X as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard BoundalY or Flood Insurance Rate map or other flood hazard delineation map? 10 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document·Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated The proposed project will not place housing within a IOO-year flood hazard area,as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate map or other flood hazard delineation map.Impacts are considered less than significant. h)Place within a I DO-year flood hazard area,3 X structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? The project will not place within a IOO-year flood hazard area,structures which would impede or redirect flood flows. The new storm drain pipe will help to direct the storm flows in a controlled manner.Therefore,impacts are considered less than significant. i)Expose people or structures to a significant risk 3 X of loss,injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? The project will not expose people or structures to a significant risk ofloss,injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam.Therefore,less than significant impacts are anticipated The project will create a beneficial impact from the improvement. j)Expose people or property to inundation by X seiche,tsunami,or mudflow? The project will not expose people or property to inundation by seiche,tsunami,or mudflow.Therefore,less than significant impacts are anticipated. k)Have constlllction impact on stoml water nmoff?X II City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNA TIVE 2 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document·Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated BMP's during construction will be required as part of the NPDES permit for the City.The tunnel outlet point to the beach will be required to be fully lined and bordered with sandbags so that absolutely no debris or construction water of any kind is allowed to the ocean.There will be stiff penalties imposed upon the contractor for any accidental violation.The tunneling operations will be required to use conveyors or other means other than hydraulic slurry pumping to convey the spoils so as to prevent a potential spill onto to the beach. I)Have post construction activity impact on storm 3 X water nmoff? The proposed project will not have post construction activity impact on storm water runoff.After construction,the new storm drain will help alleviate flooding. 8.LAND USE AND PLANNING Would the project: a)Conflict with any applicable land use plan,policy 7,8 X or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project including,but not limited to a general plan,specific plan,local coastal program or zoning ordinance? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with any applicable land use plan,policy or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project including,but not limited to a general plan,specific plan,local coastal program or zoning ordinance.Impacts are considered less than significant. b)Conflict with applicable environmental plans or 7,8 X policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with applicable environmental plans or policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project.Impacts are considered less than significant. c)Be incompatible with existing land use in the 7,8 X vicinity? The proposed project is not anticipated to be incompatible with existing land use in the vicinity.Impacts are considered less than significant. d)Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation 7,8 X plan or natural community conservation plan? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan.Impacts are considered less than significant. e)Dismpt or divide the physical arrangement of an 7,8 X established community (including a low-income or minority community)? The project will have no such impact. 12 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated 9.ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES Would the project: a)Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans.X The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. b)Use non-renewable resources in a wasteful and X inefficient manner. The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. c)Result in the loss of availability of a known X mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. d)Result in the loss of availability of a locally-X important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan,specific plan or other land use plan? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 10.NOISE Would the project result in: a)Exposure of persons to or generation of noise 7 X levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance,or applicable standards of other agencies? After construction,the project will not expose persons to or generate noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance,or applicable standards of other agencies. Short-term construction-related noise will be generated during construction.Sources of noise during construction include truck road-noise,backup alarming and motorized construction equipment.While the short-term noise levels will not be in excess of standards established in the City General Plan or City Noise Ordinance,the construction duration of 4 to 6 weeks will require noise mitigation.The noise impacts during construction could be mitigated to less than significant levels by limiting hours of construction and maintaining construction equipment in good working order. b)Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive 7 X groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? I After construction,the project will not expose persons to or generate excessive ground-borne vibration or ground- borne noise levels.The proposed project may create short-term construction vibration.These impacts are considered to be less than significant. 13 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document·Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated c)A substantial permanent increase in ambient 7 X noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? The long-term noise levels which may occur during maintenance events of the storm drain,will not be in excess of standards established in the City General Plan or City Noise Ordinance.Therefore,impacts are considered less than significant. d)A substantial temporary or periodic increase in 7 X ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? After construction,the project will not create a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project. Short-term construction-related noise wiII be generated during construction.Sources of noise during construction include truck road-noise,backup alarming and motorized construction equipment.While the short-term noise levels wiII not be in excess of standards established in the City General Plan or City Noise Ordinance,the construction duration of 4 to 6 weeks will require noise mitigation.The noise impacts during construction could be mitigated to less than significant levels by limiting hours of construction and maintaining construction equipment in good working order. 14 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated e)For a project located within an airport land use 7 X plan or,where such a plan has been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or a public use airport,would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. t)For a project within the vicinity of a private 7 X airstrip,would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 11.POPULATION AND HOUSING Would the project: a)Cumulatively exceed official regional or local X population projects? The proposed project is not anticipated to cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projects. b)Induce substantial growth in an area,either X directly or indirectly (for example,through projects in an undeveloped area of major infrastructure )? The proposed project is not anticipated to induce substantial growth in an area,either directly or indirectly. c)Displace housing,especially affordable housing?X The proposed project is not anticipated to displace housing,especially affordable housing. d)Displace substantial numbers of people,X necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? The proposed project is not anticipated to displace substantial numbers of people,necessitating the construction of Ireplacementhousingelsewhere. 12.PUBLIC SERVICES 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 public services: i)Fire protection?X During construction,the proposed project is anticipated to have less than significant impacts. 15 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNA TlVE 2 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated ii)Police protection?X During construction,the proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. iii)Schools?X The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. iv)Parks?X The proposed pro.iect is anticipated to have no such impact. v)Other public facilities?X The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 13.RECREATION a)Would the project increase the use of existing X neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? The proposed project is not anticipated to 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. b)Does the project include recreational facilities or X require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? The proposed project does not include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. 14.TRANSPORTATION /TRAFFIC Would the project: a)Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in X relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system? During construction,short-term related traffic impacts may result.Mitigation measures will be implemented which requires a minimal number of construction vehicles on the street at one time,traffic control measures,construction timing and construction phasing to avoid peak hours. b)Exceed,either individually or cumulatively,a X level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? The proposed project is not anticipated to exceed,either individually or cumulatively,a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways. 16 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated c)Result in inadequate emergency access or X inadequate access to nearby uses? After construction,the proposed project is not anticipated to result in inadequate emergency access or inadequate access to nearby uses.During construction,short-term access impacts may result.Mitigation measures will be Iimplementedwhichrequiresaminimalnumberofconstructionvehiclesonthestreetatonetime,traffic control measures,construction timing and construction phasing to avoid peak hours. d)Result in insufficient parking capacity on-site or X off-site? After construction there will be no long-term parking impacts.During construction,short-term related parking impacts may result.Mitigation measures will be implemented which requires a minimal number of construction vehicles on the street at one time,traffic control measures,construction timing and construction phasing to avoid peak hours. e)Result in change in air traffic patterns,including X either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks. Short-term construction related parking issues will result without short-term parking mitigation for the construction vehicles. f)Conflict with adopted policies,plans or programs X supporting alternative transportation (e.g.,bus turnouts,bicycle racks)? The proposed project is not anticipated to conflict with adopted policies,plans or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g.,bus turnouts,bicycle racks). g)Substantially increase hazards due to a design X figure (e.g.sharp curve or dangerous intersections)or incompatible uses (e.g.fanl1 equipment)? The proposed project is not anticipated to substantially increase hazards due to a design figure (e.g.sharp curve or dangerous intersections)or incompatible uses (e.g.farm equipment). 15.UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Would the project: a)Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the X applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? The proposed project is not anticipated to exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board. 17 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 B Issues and Supporting Information Source Potentially Less than Less Than No Impact Document-Significant Significant SignificantSourcesAppendixImpactWithImpact Mitigation Incorporated b)Require or result in the construction of new water X or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities,the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? The proposed project is not anticipated to 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. c)Require or result in the construction of new storm X water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities,the constmction of which could cause significant environmental effects? The San Ramon Canyon storm drain project is intended to serve a necessary drainage purpose and to prevent potential degradation of topsoil,property damage,and potentially avoid a hazard to public safety.The existing San Ramon Canyon storm drain will remain in place as act as an "over-flow"during significant storm events. Construction of the storm drain will have short-term mitigate-able environmental effects on traffic,air quality and noise.Long-term environmental effects after construction are considered less than significant and will create a beneficial impact from the improvement of storm flows. d)Have sufficient water supplies available to serve X the project from existing entitlements and resources,or are new or expanded entitlements needed? The proposed storm drain project is anticipated to have no such impact. e)Result in a detemlination by the wastewater X 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? The proposed storm drain proiect is anticipated to have no such impact. f)Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted X capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? The project will generate additional waste from regular maintenance and cleaning of the catch basins.Based on information from the City's public worl<s dept,the local landfills have sufficient disposal capacity.Therefore,the proposed project is anticipated to have a less than significant im act. g)Comply with federal,state and local statutes and X regulations related to solid waste? The proposed project is anticipated to have no such impact. 18 City of Rancho PaJos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 B 16.MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE 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? Construction of the project will not significantly impact 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 strict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. Based on the findings outlined in the Biological Report and the Citywide NCCP,impacts to riparian habitats or other sensitive natural communities less than significant. The San Ramon Canyon storm drain project is intended to serve a necessary drainage purpose to prevent potential degradation of topsoil,property damage,and potentially avoid a hazard to public safety.The project will not violate any water quality standards. 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 the past projects,the effects of other current projects,and the effects of probable future projects.) The proposed project will have no such cumulatively considerable impact. c)Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings,either directly or I indirectly? The proposed project will have no such impact.The project will create a beneficial impact from the improvement. 19 City of Rancho Palos Verdes San Ramon Canyon Storm Drain Expanded Initial Study ALTERNATIVE 2 B