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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 15-7556-Negative Declaration for Lakewood Rosemead at Telegraph IntersectionRESOLUTION NO. 15 -7556 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD AT TELEGRAPH ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT WHEREAS, the city intends to improve the Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road intersection by reconstructing said intersection as a concrete intersection as well as enhancing the capacity of the intersection by constructing additional through and turn lanes; and WHEREAS, a Negative Declaration attached here in as Exhibit "A ", was prepared for this project in accordance with Sections 15070 -15075 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and WHEREAS, the Negative Declaration disclosed no significant environmental impacts resulting from the implementation of the project; and WHEREAS, said Negative Declaration was published in the Downey Patriot on April 30, 2015 and on May 7, 2015 and was circulated for public comment from March 30, 2015 through April 20, 2015; and WHEREAS, no comments were received on the Negative Declaration from the public during the public comment period. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The City Council has carefully reviewed and considered the Negative Declaration for the Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road Intersection Improvement Project and hereby adopts the Negative Declaration for said project, dated March 25, 2015, in compliance with CEQA guidelines. SECTION 2. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution which shall be effective upon its adoption. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 12th day of May, 2015. i LUIS H. MARQ Z, ayo ATTEST: 6 D . ; &,Q ADRIA M. JIMENEZ, MC City Clerk RESOLUTION NO. 15 -7556 PAGE 2 HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the City Council of the City of Downey at a regular meeting held on the 12th day of May, 2015, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Council Members: Ashton, Brossmer, Vasquez, Saab, Mayor Marquez NOES: Council Members: None. ABSENT: Council Members: None. ABSTAIN: Council Members: None. ADRIA M. JIMENEZ, C C City Clerk Exhibit "A" INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS INITIAL STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND PROPOSED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD/ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS) (Applicant: CITY OF DOWNEY) INTRODUCTION The project involves the design and construction management of truck - related intersection improvements at Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road. The project is located within the City of Downey and City of Pico Rivera limits near the north end of the City of Downey. The project is funded by the Truck Impacted Intersection Program Phase 2 through the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG) and Measure R funds as part of the 1 -605 Congestion Hot Spots Study. The project will be a joint effort between the cities of Downey and Pico Rivera combining two funding sources and completing the intersection improvements as one comprehensive project. The project includes reconstruction of the intersection with Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavement and widening to its ultimate width to include additional through and turn lanes. The applicant filed the following entitlement requests to implement the development proposal: • Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead BoulevardlTelegraph Road Intersection Improvements. Construct intersection and street improvements and extend the right -of -way on Telegraph Road for additional travel and turn lanes and replace existing pavement with PCC. This Initial Study and proposed Negative Declaration were prepared in accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as amended. The environmental documents were prepared to determine whether the proposed Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road intersection improvements will produce a significant adverse impact(s) and if so, assess the extent of the identified impact(s). Organization and Content of Initial Study The Initial Study contains analyses and other supportive evidence by which the Lead Agency, the City of Downey, can determine whether the proposed street improvements at Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road will create a significant adverse environmental effect(s). Its format and structure reflects the City's Initial Study Checklist provided herein (Section 3). The following discussion outlines the contents of the Initial Study. Section 9. Introduction: Provides the procedural context surrounding the preparation of the Initial Study and insight into its composition. Section 2. Pralect Location /Descri tion: Describes the development of the proposed Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard and Telegraph Road intersection improvements, its location and the surrounding setting. Section 3. Initial Study Checklist: Summarizes the contents of the two sections that follow, City of Downey Page 1 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS particularly with regard to the issue -by -issue determination of a significant impact. It also serves as the document where the Lead Agency's determination is formally declared and signed. Section 4. Discussion of Environmental Evaluation: Describes the environmental effects that are anticipated to result from implementing the development proposal. Section 5. Mandatory Findings of ShOnificance: Provides a discussion of how, or in what way, if any, the project may adversely impact one of the Checklist's environmental areas. PROJECT LOCATION /DESCRIPTION The City of Downey is a built -out, urbanized community in the southeastern portion of Los Angeles County, located about 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Downey is one of the largest suburban cities in the region with a population of over 110,000 and an employment base exceeding 55,000 jobs. It is bounded by Telegraph Road and the San Gabriel River on the north and east, respectively, while the Rio Hondo River borders it on the west and Gardendale Street and Foster Road define its southerly boundaries. Cities bordering Downey include: Pico Rivera on the north, Santa Fe Springs on the northeast, Norwalk on the east, Bellflower and Paramount on the south, South Gate on the southwest and the City of Commerce on the northwest. In addition to these cities, Downey has access to fourfreeways: the Glenn Anderson freeway (Interstate 105) and the Long Beach freeway (Interstate 710) serve as its southerly and westerly boundaries, respectively, while the Santa Ana freeway (Interstate 5) borders it on the north and the San Gabriel River freeway (Interstate 605) roughly defines its easterly boundary. Figure 1 is a regional map showing the location of the City of Downey within southern California. The Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road intersection and 100 feet of all approaches to the intersection is shown specifically in Figure 2. Figure 3 is an aerial photograph of the Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road intersection and the area surrounding the intersection. 2.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The "Project" encompasses the entire Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road intersection and up to 500 feet of all four approaches to the intersection, and the acquisition of seven feet of additional right of way from a former Mobil gas station for street widening along Telegraph Road. The project proposes to rehabilitate the roadway pavement, and provide capacity- enhancing improvements (i.e., right -of -way [R/W] acquisition and construction of additional through and turn lanes). The pavement rehabilitation project will include complete pavement reconstruction utilizing Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavement for the intersection and all approaches in all four directions. The project is anticipated to widen the eastbound Telegraph Road approach at the intersection to provide a right turn lane, three through lanes, and two left turn lanes. The westbound approach will be widened to provide three through lanes and two left turn lanes. The northbound approach of Lakewood Boulevard will be widened to provide a right turn lane, three through lanes and two left turn lanes. On the southbound approach of Rosemead Boulevard, the existing single left turn lane will be converted to a dual left turn pocket. North of Telegraph Road, the northbound alignment of Rosemead Boulevard will be widened by 2' by reducing the nose width of the street median at this location. These widening improvements will require appropriate curb transitions to join existing improvements and will require reconstruction of the curb returns at the Lexington City of Downey Page 2 March 25, 2015 'S f Y Phil Martin & Associates, Inc. LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD/ TELEGRAPH ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS CITY OF DOWNEY ' l ialet7dal� "•" �w,L, rm Rreai'Trru Gle I;fl`Ii�0 d AAf 91as San Gabriel "� Covin Le Brea nnleray We9t �{YViff a LosPark Clry n ntet }ell, w Soot LOS � 'g IC`S r;r Hru�P�.Cif L'Ct Location wi Cy 5 lwnwnntl La Habra y' Fullerton akownn Nls Anahern} Cypress _ y y 4 Ci ICtI iL� - '# #J Beach Wenlnma:ler Sant r i i i i r Source: Phil Martin 'Associates, Inc. " Figure 1 Regional Map =Phil Martin & Associates, Inc. LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD/ TELEGRAPH ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS CITY OF DOWNEY .V1tad to urx Rve S�auSO�1 Avw �D t, Olin Ido S /a�SQrr 41,, Q�c 4'�ti+D o Rivera Park a �a Project m Location Downey rN /�� %111 a 19 0-%.0 rrrrlran Par,, V `mob aC MVP @ ai �D a O P o b sc 0 3i� nCe'Pv P At, Wilderness ri-4 Park r s O PIH Health Rio San" Gabridr'ark Source: Google Maps, 2014 N 4 Slauson Ave ti It �a c� T� ' 4- AMA r F 0 a Lakeview U Pork m x x F. Figure 2 Local Vicinity Map { t s • � / ~/ � � r � .r oJhy,. , 1 �• � r•l � � ..i �• '? , LLI 4r 00 LL mu Ln jt. 11 m Li F- Ln l x 1 i TL +' f F r • r° i• i3 w m �� ♦ 7 K � f 1.46 INITIAL STUDYMEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS Avenue /Lindell Avenue and Arrington Avenue intersections in addition to those at Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard and Telegraph Road. The widening improvements will require additional R/W acquisition and modification to the existing traffic signal on the northbound and eastbound approaches, and other upgrades and relocations as appropriate. The projectwill require the relocation of five Southern California Edison (SCE) overhead power poles along the south side of Telegraph Road from west of Lakewood Boulevard to west of Arrington Avenue to accommodate the widening of Telegraph Road. The power poles proposed to be relocated are shown in Figure 4. The relocation of the five SCE power poles will require overhead utility easements from the six affected properties. The SCE power poles will be moved to the back of the sidewalk at a distance that varies between 8 and 23 feet from the existing pole locations along the south side of Telegraph Road. The proposed street improvement plans are shown in Figure 5. 2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING City of Downey. Downey is a built -out community that was mostly developed in the 1950s and 60s and is considered part of the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. The land area comprising the city totals about 12.8 square miles and its topography is nearly level. Elevations range from approximately 90 feet above sea level in the southern part of the community to about 140 feet in the northernmost portion. Approximately 61 % of the city is developed with residential uses, while the commercial and manufacturing areas make up about 20 %. Open space accounts for about 8 %. The balance of the City's land area is devoted to schools and public uses (11 %). As of January 1, 2014, the California Department of Finance estimated Downey's population was 112,829. Protect Site. As noted above, the project includes the full Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road intersection and up to 500 feet of all approaches to the intersection. 2.3 DISCRETIONARY APPROVAL AUTHORITY The Initial Study and proposed Negative Declaration will be used in consideration of the projectthat includes intersection improvements approval and right -of -way acquisition. The applications' approval process involves the Planning Commission and City Council and includes the following steps: • The Planning Commission will have to make a General Plan conformity finding prior to the City Council taking action for the street improvements and right -of -way acquisition. • The City Council will consider the application and street improvement plans, including the right -of -way acquisition of the former Mobil gas station. City Council is the decision - making body for the street improvements and right -of -way acquisition. 2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2.4.1. Background 24.2. Project Title: Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road Intersection Improvements. 2.4.3, Lead Agency Name and Address: City of Downey Public Works Department 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA 90241 City of Downey Page 6 March 25, 2015 1 I '•! !: • 9 •'i� r� '������♦ -�� � , �: y • •fir ti yyy� _ f r, .f Y too ■ �' -AW AV w LL LU Noe cr im LU Ap +� dal L ,yam ti sd ., .�'F r i• ti a ti .# •�• � �� w Y AtI % 1. V- 4. *vlf rill Q O 31 � Q W CC 0 Z W 3 J O W Q LL oc O LU J V mZ C) W w w LU O Ln O � O ww M� N WLU W O Z 2 I LU Y Q J V N M Q V N N Q a g a CZ.r. �.I 4; V s re k� s I lie�ry -11 ��'�e - ,, r 1'+ISr tl t �' �•. �;1 �r Ln IA L Cw 'Y LLa c w _E a+ a� a, N � z INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS 2.4.4. Contact Person and Phone Number: Edwin Norris, Deputy Director of Public Works (562) 904 -7109 2.4.5. Project Location: Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road intersection, Downey and Pico Rivera, CA 2.4.6. Project Sponsors' Name and Address: City of Downey Edwin Norris, Deputy Director of Public Works 11111 Brookshire Avenue Downey, CA 90241 (562) 904 -7109 2.4.7. General Plan Designation: Public 2.4.8. Zoning District: Public 2.4.9 Description of Environmental Document and Project: This Initial Study and proposed Negative Declaration were prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970, as amended, and State CEQA Guidelines Section 15063. Project Description: The project includes the design and construction management of truck - related intersection improvements at Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road. The project is located within the City of Downey and City of Pico Rivera limits near the north end of the City of Downey. The project is funded by the Truck Impacted Intersection Program Phase 2 through the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG) and Measure R funds as part of the 1 -605 Congestion Hot Spots Feasibility Study. The project will be a joint effort between the cities of Downey and Pico Rivera combining two funding sources and completing the intersection improvements as one comprehensive project. The project includes reconstruction of the intersection with PCC pavement and widening to its ultimate width to include additional through and turn lanes. 2.5.0 Environmental Determination: The City of Downey has determined a Negative Declaration will be prepared for the project. 2.5.1 Disposition of Initial Study: As indicated previously, the City of Downey, serving as the Lead Agency, has determined a Negative Declaration will be prepared for the project, which involves: the design and construction management of truck - related intersection improvements at Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road. The project is located within the City of Downey and City of Pico Rivera limits near the north end of the City of Downey. The proposal is considered to be a project, pursuant to the Guidelines of CEQA. Certain projects or actions undertaken by a Lead Agency may require oversight, approvals, or permits from other public agencies. These agencies are referred to as "Responsible" and "Trustee" Agencies; and are defined, pursuant to Sections 15381 and 15386 of the state CEQA Guidelines as follows: City of Downey Page 9 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS "Responsible Agency is a public agency which proposes to carry out or approve a project, for which a Lead Agency is preparing or has prepared an EIR or Negative Declaration. For purposes of CEQA, the term "Responsible Agency" includes all public agencies other than the Lead Agency which have discretionary approval over the project." "Trustee Agency is a state agency having jurisdiction by law over natural resources affected by a project which are held in trust for the people of the state of California" (such as the California Department of Fish and Game). 3. INITIAL STUDY CHECKLIST OF POTENTIALLY AFFECTED AREAS: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact' as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. DETERMINATION: (To be completed by the Lead Agency) On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. City of Downey Page 10 March 25, 2015 Aesthetics —T Land Use and Planning Agriculture and Forestry Resources Mineral Resources Air Quality Noise Biological Resources Population and Housing Cultural Resources Public Services Geology and Soils Recreation Hazards & Hazardous Materials Transportation/Traffic Hydrology & Water Quality Utilities & Service Systems Greenhouse Gas Emissions Mandatory Findings of Significance DETERMINATION: (To be completed by the Lead Agency) On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. City of Downey Page 10 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. 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, find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately 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 project, nothing further is required. Date: March 25, 2015 Printed Name: Edwin Norris, Deputy Director of Public Works City of Downey Page 11 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDY /NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ASSESSMENT Potentially Significant Potentially Significant Less Than Significant No Impact p Unless Impact p Impact Mitigated I. AESTHETICS. Would the project: a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? X b. Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and X historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? X d. Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views X in the area? II. AGRICULTURE AND FOREST RESOURCES. In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state's inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project: a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the X California Resources Agency, to non - agricultural use? b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson act contract? X c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government X Code section 51104(g))? d. Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non - forest use? X City of Downey Page 12 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ASSESSMENT Potentially Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant Unless Significant Impact i Impact Mitigated Impact e. Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non - agricultural use or X conversion of forest land to non - forest use? III. 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. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the X applicable air quality plan? b. Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality X violation? c. Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non - attainment under an applicable federal or X state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant X concentrations? e. Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial X number of people? IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or X regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish X and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? City of Downey Page 13 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ASSESSMENT Potentially Significant Potentially Significant Less Than Significant No Impact p Unless I act p Impact Mitigated c. Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other X means? d. Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory X wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree X preservation policy or ordinance? f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, X regional, or state habitat conservation plan? V. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in X Section 15064.5? b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource X pursuant to Section 15064.5? ' c. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique X geologic feature? d. Disturb any human remains, including those X interred outside of formal cemeteries? VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the project: a. Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: City of Downey Page 14 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYMEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ASSESSMENT Potentially Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant Unless Significant Impact impact P Mitigated Impact p 1) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as 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? Referto X Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. 2) Strong seismic ground shaking? X 3) Seismic - related ground failure, including X liquefaction? 4) Seismic X b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of X topsoil? c. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on -or off -site X landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18 -1 -B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), X creating substantial risks to life or property? e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available X for the disposal of waste water? VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS: Would the project: a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on X the environment? b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions X of greenhouse gases? VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Would the project: City of Downey Page 15 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ASSESSMENT Potentially Significant Potentially Significant Less Than Significant No Impact p Unless Impact p Impact Mitigated a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or X disposal of hazardous materials? b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of X hazardous materials into the environment? c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one - quarter mile of an existing or proposed X school? d. Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the X public or the environment? e. For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for X people residing or working in the project area? f. For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for X people residing or working in the project area? g. Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or X emergency evacuation plan? h. Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with X wildlands? IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project: a. Violate any water quality standards or waste X discharge requirements? City of Downey Page 16 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYMEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ASSESSMENT Potentially Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant Unless Significant Impact Impact Mitigated Impact b. Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table X level (e.g., the production rate of pre- existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of stream or river, in a manner which X would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off -site? d. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially X increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off -' site? e. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned X stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f. Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? X g. 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 X delineation map? h. Place within a 100 -year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood X flows? i Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including X flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j. Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? X X. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project: a. Physically divide an established community? X City of Downey Page 17 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYMEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ASSESSMENT Potentially Significant Potentially Significant Less Than Significant No Impact Unless Mitigated Impact Impact b. Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning X ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? C. Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation X plan or natural community conservation plan? XI. MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a. Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and X the residents of the state? b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally - important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land X use plan? XII. NOISE. Would the project result in: a. Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the X local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b. Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise X levels? c. A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing X without the project? d. A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above X levels existing without the project? City of Downey Page 18 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ASSESSMENT_ Potentially Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant Unless Significant Impact Impact p Mitigated Impact p e. For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, X would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f. For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or X working in the project area to excessive noise levels? XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project: a. Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, X through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b. Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement X housing elsewhere? c. Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement X housing elsewhere? XIV. 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 levels of service, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: 1) Fire protection? X X 2) Police protection? 3) Schools? X City of Downey Page 19 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ASSESSMENT Potentially Significant Potentially Significant Less Than Significant No Impact Unless Impact Impact Mitigated 4) Parks? X 5) Other public facilities? X XV. RECREATION a. Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical X deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b. Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse X physical effect on the environment? XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC. Would the project: a. Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non - motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and X freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit? b. Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county X congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c. Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in X location that results in substantial safety risks? d. Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous X intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? City of Downey Page 20 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS w� Potentially Potentially Less Than No ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ASSESSMENT Significant Signless t Unless Significant Impact Impact Mitigated Impact e. Result in inadequate emergency access? X f. Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian X facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities? XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: a. Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the X applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? b. Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of X existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c. Require or result in the construction of new stormwater drainage facilities or expansion of X existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and X resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e. Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the X project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? f. Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste X disposal needs? g. Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and X regulations related to solid waste? City of Downey Page 21 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD and TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS XVIII. 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 X community, reduce the numberor restrictthe range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? 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 X when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? c. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human X beings, either directly or indirectly? 4. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION This section analyzes the potential environmental impacts which may result from the proposed project. For the evaluation of potential impacts, the questions in the Initial Study Checklist (Section 3) are stated and answers are provided according to the analysis undertaken as part of the Initial Study. They include: 1. No Impact. Future development arising from the project's implementation will not have any measurable environmental impact on the environment and no additional analysis is required. 2. Less Than Si nificant hn act. The development associated with project implementation will have the potential to impact the environment; these impacts, however, will be less than the levels or thresholds that are considered significant and no additional analysis is required. 3. Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigated. The development will have the potential to generate impacts which will have a significant effect on the environment; however, mitigation measures will be effective in reducing the impacts to levels that are less than significant. 4. Potentially+ Significant impact. Future implementation will have impacts that are considered significant, and additional analysis is required to identify mitigation measures that could reduce these impacts to less than significant levels. The following is a discussion of potential project impacts as identified in the Initial Study Checklist. Explanations are provided for each item. City of Downey Page 22 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDY /NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS 4.1 AESTHETICS. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? No Impact. According to the City of Downey General Plan, none of the properties adjacent to Lakewood Boulevard, or Telegraph Road, or the streets themselves are within a designated scenic vista. Similarly, none of the properties adjacent to Rosemead Boulevard, Lakewood Boulevard, or Telegraph Road, or the streets themselves are within a designated scenic vista per the City of Pico Rivera General Plan. As a consequence, the project will not impact any existing designated scenic vistas. b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to trees, rock outcroppings and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? No Impact. The City of Downey's General Plan does not designate any of the roadways, including Rosemead Boulevard, Lakewood Boulevard, or Telegraph Road, as a scenic highway. Similarly, none of the streets within the City of Pico Rivera are designated scenic highways by the City of Pico Rivera General Plan. There are no scenic resources, including trees and rock outcroppings, or historic buildings within or adjacent to any of the affected roadways that would be impacted by the proposed improvements. As such, the project would not have any scenic or historic resource impacts. (Source: City of Downey, Downey Vision 2025 General Plan Cultural Resources Element, City of Pico Rivera General Plan, August 16, 1993). c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? No Impact. The project will not degrade the visual character of any of the existing roadways proposed for street improvements. In addition, the project will not degrade or significantly impact the visual character of any properties adjacent to the project roadways. The proposed street improvements are anticipated to have a positive visual impact to the affected streets and properties adjacent to the streets with the construction of new curb and gutter, pavement, and median improvements. The construction of new pavement and street improvements at the intersection and the approaches, including median landscaping, is anticipated to have positive aesthetic impacts to the immediate area. The five existing SCE overhead power poles will be relocated and moved between 8 and 23 from their existing pole locations to the back of the sidewalk to accommodate the proposed widening of Telegraph Road. Although the power poles will be moved up to 23 feet closer to the existing commercial buildings along the south side of Telegraph Road, their relocation will not have a significant visual character impact to the existing surrounding properties. The same existing overhead power facilities will remain with the relocation of the power poles and no new overhead power lines or additional power poles will be constructed. The project will not have any significant visual character or quality impacts. d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? No Impact. The project does not propose any street improvements that could generate a new source of light or glare. The proposed street improvements will not generate glare and the project does not propose to install any new traffic signals that would generate new City of Downey Page 23 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS sources of light and glare. (Source: City of Downey Zoning Ordinance Section 9520.06.) 4.2 AGRICULTURE RESOURCES. In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non - agricultural use? No Impact. The proposed street improvements do not involve converting any farmland to non - agricultural uses. In addition, the project site is not identified on any state Agricultural Preserve map and is not mapped as prime or unique farmland or farmland of local importance. According to maps prepared by the California Department of Conservation, it is designated as urban and built -up land. Thus, the project will not impact farmland. (Source: California Department of Conservation Website — Important Farmland Maps in California 2010) b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson act contract? No Impact. The project proposes to improve existing streets in Downey and Pico Rivera and does not include any construction on agricultural property. Thus, the project will not conflict with any zoning that allows agricultural use. None of the streets proposed for construction are in a Williamson Act contract. (Source: California Department of Conservation Website — Williamson Act Maps) c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code Section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code Section 51104(g)? No Impact. The proposed improvements to existing city streets will not conflictwith existing zoning for forest land or timberland zoned Timberland Production. The project, as noted above, includes improvements to existing streets and do not include construction of or disturbing any forest resources. The cities of Downey and Pico Rivera do not have any land that is zoned for timberland production. The project will not have any impacts to forest land. d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non - forest land? No Impact. The project includes improvements (widening, curb and gutter, median improvements) to existing streets and will not result in the loss of any forest land or the conversion of forest land to non - forest land. The project will not have any forest impacts. City of Downey Page 24 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of farmland, to non - agricultural use? No Impact. As mentioned above, there are no aspects of the proposed street improvements that will impact any farmland. The project will not have any farmland impacts. 4.3 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) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? An air quality assessment was prepared for the project and is attached in Appendix A. No Impact. The project site is within the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB), which is a geographic area designated by the state of California for the purpose of air quality management. The SCAB encompasses the non - desert regions of Los Angeles County, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and all of Orange County. And because the SCAB does not comply with the ambient air quality standards for several criteria air pollutants, the Federal Clean Air Act (i,e., 1977 amendments) requires the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the regional agency responsible for maintaining air quality in the SCAB, to prepare an air quality management plan, or clean air plan for the basin (air quality standards are established to safeguard the public's health and welfare with specific emphasis on protecting those individuals who are susceptible to respiratory distress, such as asthmatics, the young, the elderly, and those with existing conditions which may be affected by increased pollutant concentrations). The AQMP identifies the steps the SCAQMD will take to bring the basin into compliance with ambient air quality standards. The SCAMD is also responsible for formulating the rules and measures that will bring the basin into compliance with air quality standards. To determine the project's potential effects on local air quality during construction, an air quality analysis was prepared to determine the level of construction emissions that would be generated and if the emissions would exceed AQMD thresholds. The project's potential localized air quality construction impacts were assessed by examining the onsite generation of pollutants and their resulting downwind concentrations; then comparing the estimated pollutant concentrations to the Air District's significance thresholds for the following air pollutants: fine particulate matter (PM25 and PM,o), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Existing levels of ambient air quality and historical trends and projections in the City of Downey are well documented from measurements made by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The closest South Coast AQMD air monitoring station is the Pico Rivera air quality monitoring station and it monitors regional air pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ultra -fine particulate matter (PM25). Respirable particulate air pollution (PM,o) is not monitored in Pico Rivera, but is available from the Central Los Angeles monitoring station. Many pollutants require time to transform from a more benign form to a more unhealthful contaminant. Their incremental regional impact is minute on an individual basis and cannot City of Downey Page 25 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS be quantified, except through complex photochemical computer models. Because of the chemical complexity of primary versus secondary pollutants, the SCAQMD has designated significant emissions levels as surrogates for evaluating regional air quality impact significance independent of chemical transformation processes. Projects with daily emissions that exceed any of the emission thresholds in Table 1 are recommended by the SCAQMD to be considered significant under the CEQA guidelines, Table 1 Daily Emissions Thresholds Pollutant Construction Operations ROG 75 55 N Ox 100 550 55 550 CO PM -10 150 150 PM -2.5 55 55 Sox 150 150 1 3 Lead 3 Source: SCAQMD CEQA Air Quahty Handbook, November, 1993 Rev Sensitive Receptors The project air quality impacts are analyzed relative to those persons with the greatest sensitivity to air pollution exposure and are referred to as "sensitive receptors." Sensitive population groups include young children, the elderly and the acutely and chronically ill (especially those with cardio- respiratory disease). The proposed project is surrounded by commercial uses. The closest sensitive receptors are residents west of the site and more than 150 feet from the project. Construction Activity Impacts Dust is typically the primary concern that is generated during construction. Because such emissions are not amenable to collection and discharge through a controlled source, they are called "fugitive emissions." Emission rates vary as a function of many variables (soil silt, soil moisture, wind speed, area disturbed, number of vehicles, depth of disturbance or excavation, etc.). Average daily PM10 emissions during site grading and other disturbance are shown estimated to be about 10 pounds per acre. This estimate presumes the use of reasonably available control measures (RACMs). The SCAQMD requires the use of best available control measures (BACMs) for fugitive dust from construction activities. Estimated construction emissions for the project were modeled using CaIEEMod2013.2.2 to identify maximum daily emissions for each pollutant during project construction. Construction emissions include all emissions associated with the construction equipment, worker trips, and supply truck deliveries. The modeled prototype construction equipment fleet and schedule is shown in Table 2. City of Downey Page 26 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDY /NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS Table 2 Construction Activity Equipment Fleet Phase Name and Duration Equipment Demolition ( 20 days) 1,000 tons debris Grading (20 days) Concrete Saw _.1 1 Dozer 2 Loader /Backhoes 1 Concrete Saw 1 Grader 1 Dozer 1 Loader /Backhoe 3 Mixers Paving (40 days) 1 Paving Equipment 1 Mixer 1 Roller Based on the equipment fleet shown above, the following worst case daily construction emissions are calculated by CaIEEMod and shown in Table 3. The peak daily construction activity emissions in Table 3 are calculated to be below the SCAQMD CEQA thresholds. The project will not have any significant construction emission thresholds. Table 3 Construction Activity Emissions Maximal Construction ROG NOx CO SOZ PM -10 PM -2.5 CO2 (e) Emissions 2015 3.6 32.3 22.0 0.0 2.3 2.0 3,222,4 SCAQMD 75 100 550 150 150 55 - Thresholds Localized Significance Thresholds The SCAQMD has developed analysis parameters to evaluate ambient air quality on a local level in addition to the more regional emissions -based thresholds of significance. These analysis elements are called Localized Significance Thresholds (LSTs). Forthe project, the primary source of possible LST impact will be during construction. LSTs are applicable for a sensitive receptor where it is possible that an individual could remain for 24 hours such as a residence, hospital or convalescent facility. LST screening tables are available for 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 meter source - receptor distances. For this project, the nearest sensitive use is the residential development approximately 150 feet west of the project. Therefore, 50 meters was selected for this analysis. LSTs are only applicable to the following criteria pollutants: oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM -10 and PM -2.5). LSTs represent the maximum emissions from a project that are not expected to cause or contribute measurably to an exceedance of the most stringent applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard, City of Downey Page 27 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDY /NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS and are developed based on the ambient concentrations of that pollutant for each source receptor area and distance to the nearest sensitive receptor, The SCAQMD has issued guidance on applying CaIEEMod to LSTs. LST pollutant screening level concentration data is currently published for 1, 2 and 5 acre sites for varying distances. Since CaIEEMod calculates construction emissions based on the number of equipment hours and the maximum daily soil disturbance activity possible for each piece of equipment, Table 4 is used to determine the maximum daily disturbed - acreage of the project for comparison to LSTs. Table 4 Maximum Daily Disturbed Acreage per Equipment Type E ui ment Tye Acres /8 -hr day Crawler Tractor Based on Table 4, the project is estimated to disturb 1 acre /day during peak construction grading activity as shown: (1 dozer x 0.5 + 1 grader x 0.5 = 1 acre disturbed). City of Downey Page 28 The thresholds and estimated project emission levels are shown in Table 5. As shown, the project construction emissions are below the LST thresholds. Thus, the LST emission impacts are less- than - significant. Table 5 LST and Project Emissions (pounds /day) LST 1 acres/ 50 meters SCAQMD Threshold Max On -Site Emissions Microscale Impact Analysis CO I NOx PM -10 735 s 81 13 22 32 2 PM -2.5 4 _ 2 There is a direct relationship between traffic /circulation congestion and CO impacts since exhaust fumes from vehicular traffic are the primary source of CO. CO is a localized gas that dissipates quickly under normal meteorological conditions. Therefore, CO concentrations decrease substantially as the distance from the source (intersection) increases. The highest CO concentrations are typically found in areas directly adjacent to congested roadway intersections. These areas of vehicle congestion have the potential to create pockets of elevated levels of CO which are called "hot spots ". Micro -scale air quality impacts have traditionally been analyzed in environmental documents when the air basin was a non - attainment area for carbon monoxide (CO). However, the SCAQMD has demonstrated in the CO attainment redesignation request to EPA that there are no "hot spots ", i.e., locations where emission concentrations expose individuals to elevated risks of adverse health effects, anywhere in the SCAB. March 25, 2015 0.5 Graders 0 0.5 Rubber Tired Dozers f f 0 0.5 Scra erg_ 1 1 The thresholds and estimated project emission levels are shown in Table 5. As shown, the project construction emissions are below the LST thresholds. Thus, the LST emission impacts are less- than - significant. Table 5 LST and Project Emissions (pounds /day) LST 1 acres/ 50 meters SCAQMD Threshold Max On -Site Emissions Microscale Impact Analysis CO I NOx PM -10 735 s 81 13 22 32 2 PM -2.5 4 _ 2 There is a direct relationship between traffic /circulation congestion and CO impacts since exhaust fumes from vehicular traffic are the primary source of CO. CO is a localized gas that dissipates quickly under normal meteorological conditions. Therefore, CO concentrations decrease substantially as the distance from the source (intersection) increases. The highest CO concentrations are typically found in areas directly adjacent to congested roadway intersections. These areas of vehicle congestion have the potential to create pockets of elevated levels of CO which are called "hot spots ". Micro -scale air quality impacts have traditionally been analyzed in environmental documents when the air basin was a non - attainment area for carbon monoxide (CO). However, the SCAQMD has demonstrated in the CO attainment redesignation request to EPA that there are no "hot spots ", i.e., locations where emission concentrations expose individuals to elevated risks of adverse health effects, anywhere in the SCAB. March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDY /NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS To verify this conclusion, a CO screening analysis was performed at the Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard and Telegraph Road intersection utilizing peak hourly traffic volumes and maximum likely congestion. The one -hour CO concentration was calculated on the edge of pavement adjacent to the intersection. The significance of localized project impact is if the project would cause substantial concentrations of CO. A project is considered to have significant impact if the project - related mobile- source emissions exceed the California one -hour and eight -hour CO standards, which are: ➢ 1 -hour = 20 ppm ➢ 8 -hour = 9 ppm Calculations were made for the existing traffic and a near -term buildout (2020) evening peak traffic hour period. The results of the microscale impact analysis are shown below in Tables 6 and 7. As shown, the project will not have any CO "hot spot" formation concentration impacts. Table 6 One -Hour CO Concentrations (ppm)'" Lakewood and Telegraph Intersection PM Peak Hour Existing Conditions 4.4 Future 2020 No Pro'ect 3.7 Future (2020) with Pro ect 4.0 "including 2.7 ppm background concentration Table 7 Eight -Hour CO Concentrations (ppm)" Lakewood and Telegraph Intersection 8 -Hour Existing Conditions 3.4 Future 2020 No Project 3.0 Future 2020 with Project 3.2 '`including 1.0 ppm background concentration The air quality analysis concludes the project's construction air emission will not exceed adopted AQMD emission thresholds. Therefore, the project will not conflict with the implementation of the 2012 AQMP because construction emissions will not exceed or impact the air district's established significance thresholds. The project's air impacts from construction activities (e.g., pavement removal /asphalt paving) will not exceed the district's significance thresholds. The air emissions from the project's day -to -day long -term vehicle trips will not exceed the air district's significance thresholds for PM10 or PM 25, NO2 or CO. The project's air emission impacts will be less- than - significant. b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? No Impact. As noted previously, estimated emissions generated by the project's construction and operational activities, i.e., vehicle emissions, will not violate the SCAQMD's significance thresholds for criteria air pollutants, or contribute substantially to an existing air quality standard, including PM2 5, PM1o, CO (carbon monoxide) and NO2 (nitrogen dioxide). City of Downey Page 29 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS c) 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) ? No Impact. Please refer to the response in Section 4.3 b). d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? No Impact. Please refer to the response in Section 4.3 b). e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? No Impact. There may be some objectionable odors generated during project construction associated with the exhaust of the motorized construction equipment. However, the odors from construction equipment exhaust will be the same as and not greater than the exhaust of the mix of motor vehicles that currently exists in the area and will occur during and after construction. Any construction generated odors will cease once the two month construction period is completed. The project will not have any significant odor impacts, 4.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? No Impact. The project proposes improvements to existing streets in the cities of Downey and Pico Rivera and the acquisition of seven feet of additional right -of -way from an existing gas station. None of the proposed street improvements include any undeveloped or biologically sensitive land. Thus, the project will not impact any special status species or species identified as a candidate in a local or regional plan or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The project will have no candidate or special status species impacts. b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian 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? No Impact. The project site includes existing city streets that are part of the city's transportation system and right -of -way acquisition of seven feet of private property associated with an existing gas station. The proposed street improvements are restricted to existing streets and private developed property and will not include the disturbance to any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community. The project will not impact any riparian habitat or natural communities. c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? City of Downey Page 30 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS No Impact. There are not wetlands within or adjacent to the streets and private property that are proposed for improvements. The project will not impact wetlands. d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? No Impact. The project site is restricted to existing city streets and a private property (Mobil gas station). Neither the streets nor the private property adjacent to the streets are within a wildlife corridor or wildlife nursery site. The project will not impact any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species, migratory wildlife corridors, or native wildlife nursery sites. e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? No Impact. The project will not impact any biological resources, including existing trees. There are no existing trees that will be removed or impacted by the project. (Source: Downey Vision 2025 Genera Plan Conservation Chapter, Pages 4 -10 through 4- 16.) f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? No Impact. None of the streets or private property that are proposed for street improvements are within the jurisdiction of any adopted habitat conservation plan, a natural community conservation plan or any other kind of habitat conservation plan. The project will not impact any conservation plans. 4.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5? No Impact. Section 15064.5 defines historic resources as resources listed or determined to be eligible for listing by the State Historical Resources Commission, a local register of historical resources, or the lead agency. Generally, a resource is considered to be historically significant if it meets one of the following criterion: t) Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California's history and cultural heritage; ii) Is associated with the lives of persons important to our past; iii) Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values; or iv) Has yielded, or may likely to yield, information important to prehistory or history. City of Downey Page 31 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDY /NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS None of the streets or private property proposed for street improvements is listed as a National Register of Historical Resource or a California Register of Historic Resource nor are they eligible as a historic resource, including the Mobil gas station. The proposed project will not have any historical impacts and none of the streets nor the Mobile Gas station satisfies any of the above - listed criteria to be considered historically significant. (Source: Downey Vision 2025 General Plan Chapter Design Chapter, Pages 8 -12 through 8 -16.) b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5? No Impact. The project will not cause any adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource since the ground under the existing streets and the Mobil Gas station was graded and disturbed in the past to construct the existing roadways and the Mobil gas station. Since the project site has been graded and disturbed in the past to construct the existing streets and development, the project will not impact any existing archaeological resource. c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? No Impact. No paleontological resources or unique geological features are known to exist in the project vicinity. The existing soils were disrupted previously (i.e., grading activities) to construct the existing streets and the Mobil gas station. Due to previous grading and construction activities, it is highly unlikely any paleontological resources or geological features will be uncovered during the construction of the proposed street improvements. Thus, the project will not impact any unique paleontological or geologic feature. d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? No Impact. The project construction will be limited to the right of way of the existing streets, with the exception of the Mobil gas station where seven feet of additional right of way will be acquired for street widening. It is highly unlikely and not anticipated the project would disturb any human remains since none are anticipated to be present. The project will not disturb or impact any human remains. 4.6 GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the project: A Subgrade Investigation and Pavement Recommendations report was prepared for the project. A copy is attached in Appendix B. a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: 1) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as 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? Refer to the Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. City of Downey Page 32 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS No Impact. There are no known faults at the ground surface in Downey, according to the Safety Chapter of the City's General Plan. Likewise, the project site is not located in a state - designated Alquist- Priclo Earthquake Fault Zone. The closest active or potentially active faults, include the Norwalk fault (five miles to the northeast), the Whittier - Elsinore fault (10 miles to the northeast) and the Newport- Inglewood fault (5 miles to the southeast). Given the distances of the site to the closest known active and potentially active faults, surface rupture is not considered to be a significant potential impact to the proposed street improvements. Fault rupture in the region is not anticipated to have any ground surface impacts to the project. (Sources: Downey Vision 2025 General Plan Safety Chapter, Pages 5 -17 through 5 -18; Fault- Rupture Hazard Zones in California, California Geological Survey, Figure 4E.) 2) Strong seismic ground shaking? No Impact. Although the City of Downey does not have any earthquake faults or fault traces traversing the city, it, like the rest of Southern California, is located in a seismically- active region. Major active fault zones are located southwest and northeast of the city. Active and potentially active faults located close to Downey, include the Newport- Inglewood Fault, the Compton -Los Alamitos Fault, the Whittier - Elsinore Fault, the Elysian Park Seismic Zone, and the Palos Verdes Hills Fault. The two faults with the greatest potential to impact the City are the Newport- Inglewood and Compton -Los Alamitos Faults, located about six and ten miles southwest of the City, respectively. Policies and programs in the General Plan will help ensure that adverse effects caused by seismic and geologic hazards, such as strong seismic ground shaking are minimized. For example, Policy 5.5.1 requires the City to minimize damage in the event of a major earthquake. Programs affiliated with this policy, include public education about earthquake safety and requiring the submission of geotechnical reports for developments to address soil liquefaction hazards. To minimize the effects of ground shaking, the design and construction of the proposed public street improvements must meet and adhere to all applicable seismic requirements for public streets. Street improvements in public right -of -way in Downey, including the proposed project, are subject to and must comply with the latest edition of the Standard Plans and Specifications for Public Works Construction (SSPWC) and the City of Downey Standard Drawings. Thus, the potential seismic ground shaking impact to the street improvements will be no impact. (Source: Downey Vision 2025 General Plan Safety Chapter, Page 5 -20.) 3) Seismic - related ground failure, including liquefaction? Less Than Significant Impact. According to figure 5.5 -2 (Liquefaction Hazard Zone Map — State Division of Mines and Geology) in the General Plan Safety Chapter, the entire city of Downey is located within a liquefaction zone. Therefore, the project site has the potential to undergo soil liquefaction when a seismic event occurs. Soil liquefaction is a seismically - induced form of ground failure by which water - saturated minerals (including soil, sediment, and types of volcanic deposits) lose strength and fail when the ground shakes. Research and historical data indicate that loose granular materials situated at depths of less than 50 feet with fine silt and clay contents and saturated by a relatively shallow groundwater table, are most susceptible to liquefaction. According to the City's General Plan (Downey Vision 2025), liquefaction occurs when certain soil types and high groundwater levels combine with intense ground shaking, causing soil to react in a manner similar to the properties commonly City of Downey Page 33 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS associated with liquids. Although such effects are temporary during an earthquake, the potential for damage to structures is extreme. The existing street improvements and the Mobil gas station have withstood numerous seismic events in the past without any significant liquefaction impacts to those existing improvements. The construction of the proposed street improvements in compliance with the latest edition of the Standard Plans and Specifications for Public Works Construction (SSPWC) and the City of Downey Standard Drawings will minimize and reduce to less than significant any property damage impacts caused by an earthquake. The project will not expose buildings or the public to substantial adverse liquefaction impacts. The impacts to people and structures that would result from liquefaction are less than significant. (Source: Downey Vision 2025 General Plan Safety Chapter, Page 5 -19 Figure 5.5 -2, Liquefaction Hazard Zone Map,) 4) Landslides? No Impact. The likelihood of landslides impacting the project site is negligible. The topography of the affected streets as well as the adjacent Mobil gas station is essentially flat. Furthermore, the site is not located near any existing slopes so the possibility of landslides from an adjacent slope is nil. Given the site's level topography and the surrounding properties are also flat, the project site is not subject to landslides or mudflows. The project will not be impacted by landslides. b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? No Impact. The construction of the proposed street improvements, including the expansion of Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard approximately seven feet onto the existing Mobil gas station, will not result insubstantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil. Forthe most part the project includes relocation and replacement of existing curbs and gutters. The expansion of the width of Telegraph Road by seven feet onto the Mobil gas station will require grading of approximately 20 cubic yards of dirt to allow the expansion of Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard. Since most of the proposed street construction includes restriping and minimal expansion onto the Mobil gas station, the project will not have the potential for any substantial soil erosion or loss of topsoil. The construction contractor will be required to comply with Downey Municipal Code Section 8730 Grading Regulations that requires implementation of erosion - control measures during street construction. The compliance by the contractor with the city regulations and the most recent NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) storm water regulations will control erosion impacts associated with construction activities. (Source: City of Downey Municipal Code Section 8730.) c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on -or off -site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? Less Than Significant Impact. The project site, including the entire city, is located in the south central portion of the Los Angeles Basin, between the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo Rivers. This land area is generally characterized by alluvium and associated deposits, which City of Downey Page 34 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS belong mainly to the Recent Alluvium, the Older Alluvium and other formations of Recent to Pleistocene Age. This alluvium is characterized by sedimentary deposits ranging in grain size from sand to silt to clay. According to Figure 5.5 -2 in the Safety Chapter of the 2005 General Plan Update (Vision 2025), the entire city is located within a liquefaction hazard zone, as designated by the State Division of Mines and Geology. Therefore, the soil instability of the site is the same as the rest of the community. The construction of public streets in Downey is constructed in compliance with the latest edition of the SSPWC and the City of Downey Standard Drawings. The compliance with SSPWC and Downey Standard Drawings will ensure that any potential impacts from unstable soils will be corrected to reduce impacts involving soil instability to less than significant. d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18 -1 -B of the Uniform Building Code (1997), creating substantial risks to life or property? No Impact. As noted previously, the project site is situated in the south central portion of the Los Angeles Basin, between the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel Rivers. This area is typically characterized by alluvium and associated deposits, which mainly belong to the Recent Alluvium, the Older Alluvium and other formations of the Recent to Pleistocene age. This alluvium features sedimentary deposits ranging in grain size from sand to silt and clay. It is highly likely the alluvium underlying the project site has a low to moderate expansion potential. Since the majority of the proposed street improvements, including restriping with minimal new construction (curb, gutters, and pavement) the potential for anyexpansive soils that may exist to significantly impact the street improvements is less than significant. The project will be required to comply with the recommendations in the Subgrade Investigation and Pavement Recommendations report', thus any potential expansive soil impacts must be reduced to a negligible level. Because the project will be required to comply with the recommendations in the Subgrade Investigation and Pavement Recommendations report regarding expansive soil, no expansive soil impacts are anticipated. e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? No Impact. The project proposes to reconstruct existing streets and does not include the construction of a septic tank or alternative waste water disposal system. Therefore, the project will not have any impacts in regards to the construction of a septic tank or an alternative waste disposal system. 4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. Would the project: a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, eitherdirectly orindirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? b) Conflict with any applicable plan, policy or regulation of an agency adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? 1 Subgrade Investigation & Pavement Recommendations, Truck Impacted Intersection Recommendations, Lakewood /Rosemead Blvd. at Telegraph Rd., Cities of Pico Rivera and Downey, California, P.A. & Associates, Inc., January 17, 2014. City of Downey Page 35 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS a) -b) No Impact. The following discussion addresses Sections 4.7 a) and 4.7 b) for the greenhouse gases discussion. "Greenhouse gases" (so called because of their role in trapping heat nearthe surface of the earth) emitted by human activity are implicated in global climate change, commonly referred to as "global warming." These greenhouse gases contribute to an increase in the temperature of the earth's atmosphere by transparency to short wavelength visible sunlight, but near opacity to outgoing terrestrial long wavelength heat radiation in some parts of the infrared spectrum. The principal greenhouse gases (GHGs) are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and water vapor. For purposes of planning and regulation, Section 15364.5 of the California Code of Regulations defines GHGs to include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride. Fossil fuel consumption in the transportation sector (on -road motor vehicles, off - highway mobile sources, and aircraft) is the single largest source of GHG emissions, accounting for approximately half of GHG emissions globally. Industrial and commercial sources are the second largest contributors of GHG emissions with about one -fourth of total emissions. AB 32 is one of the most significant pieces of environmental legislation that California has adopted. A unique aspect of AB 32, beyond its broad and wide - ranging mandatory provisions and dramatic GHG reductions are the short time frames within which it must be implemented. Major components of the AB 32 include: Require the monitoring and reporting of GHG emissions beginning with sources or categories of sources that contribute the most to statewide emissions. • Requires immediate "early action" control programs on the most readily controlled GHG sources. • Mandates that by 2020, California's GHG emissions be reduced to 1990 levels. • Forces an overall reduction of GHG gases in California by 25 -40 %, from business as usual, to be achieved by 2020. Must complement efforts to achieve and maintain federal and state ambient air quality standards and to reduce toxic air contaminants. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Significance Thresholds In response to the requirements of SB 97, the State Resources Agency developed guidelines for the treatment of GHG emissions under CEQA. These new guidelines became state laws as part of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations in March, 2010. The CEQA Appendix G guidelines were modified to include GHG as a required analysis element. A project would have a potentially significant impact if it: • Generates GHG emissions, directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment, or, • Conflicts with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted to reduce GHG emissions. Section 15064.4 of the Code specifies how significance of GHG emissions is to be evaluated. The process is broken down into quantification of project - related GHG emissions, making a determination of significance, and specification of any appropriate mitigation if impacts are found to be potentially significant. At each of these steps, the new GHG guidelines afford the lead agency with substantial flexibility. City of Downey Page 36 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYMEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS Emissions identification may be quantitative, qualitative or based on performance standards. CEQA guidelines allow the lead agency to "select the model or methodology it considers most appropriate." The most common practice for transportation /combustion GHG emissions quantification is to use a computer model such as CaiEEMod, which was used for the proposed project. The significance of the emissions then must be evaluated; the selection of a threshold of significance must take into consideration the level of GHG emissions that would be cumulatively considerable. On December 5, 2008 the SCAQMD Governing Board adopted an Interim quantitative GHG Significance Threshold for industrial projects where the SCAQMD is the lead agency (e.g., stationary source permit projects, rules, plans, etc.) of 10,000 Metric Tons (MT) CO2 equivalent/year. While the proposed intersection improvements are not considered to be an "industrial" project, the industrial threshold is the only value formally adopted by the SCAQMD. Therefore, the 10,000 MT /year recommendation is used as the guideline for the proposed project. Construction Activity GHG Emissions The CalEEMod computer model calculates the construction activities will generate the annual CO2(e) emissions shown in Table 8. Because the SCAQMD GHG emissions policy from construction activities is to amortize emissions over a 30 -year lifetime, the amortized annual total is also presented. The emissions in Table 8 show that project GHG impacts from construction will be less- than - significant. Table 8 Construction Emissions (Metric Tons CO2(e)) _ Year 2015 57.1 30 Year Annual Amortized Rate 1.9 Significance Threshold 10,000 The proposed project is not anticipated to generate GHGs, thus it will not conflict with the implementation of the programs and regulations to achieve the statewide GHG emission reduction goal established under Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32). 4.8 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Would the project: A Phase I Environmental Site Assessmentz (ESA) was prepared for the project. A copy is attached in Appendix C. a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? 2 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Report, An Approximate 1,751 square foot area of 9000 Telegraph Road, Downey, California 90242, Leymaster Environmental Consulting, LLC, February 5, 2014. City of Downey Page 37 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS No Impact. The project will not involve the transportation, use or disposal of any hazardous materials. The project proposes to reconstruct and repair existing streets and widen Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard approximately seven feet onto the Mobil gas station site and does not require the use or disposal of any hazardous materials. The project will not create any hazardous material impacts. b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? No Impact. The Mobil gas station has been out of service since December 2012 and the gas pumps previously removed. However, the building, gas pump islands and gas pump canopies still remain. Based on the Phase I ESA, there are no hazardous materials on the Mobil gas station site. None of the proposed street improvements, including the widening of Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard approximately seven feet onto the Mobil gas station, will create any hazards associated with the release of any hazardous materials into the environment. c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one - quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? No Impact. The project proposes to construct new street improvements including striping and the widening of Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard approximately seven feet onto the Mobil gas station site. The construction of the proposed street improvements will not require the use of any hazardous materials other than fuel to operate the motorized construction equipment. The schools within one - quarter mile of the construction site include Magee Elementary School that is approximately 2,500 feet to the northeast, Edith Unsworth Elementary School approximately 1,500 feet to the southeast, and Gallatin Elementary School that is approximately 2,600 feet to the southwest. At this time, no new schools are proposed within one - quarter mile of the proposed construction site. There are no activities associated with the proposed street improvements that will have any hazardous emissions or hazardous material impacts to any schools. d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? No Impact. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was conducted for the portion of Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard that are proposed to expand onto the Mobil gas station site. Based on the ESA, there are no records involving hazardous materials or underground storage tanks associated with the proposed expansion of Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard onto the Mobil gas station. None of the area of the Mobil gas station that is proposed for street improvements is on the Hazardous Waste Control and Substances Site List (i.e., Cortese List). The construction of the proposed street improvements will not create any significantly hazards to the public or the environment. e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? City of Downey Page 38 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS No Impact. There are no airports located within two miles of the project site. Compton/Woodley Airport is a general aviation airport and located approximately 9 miles southwest of the site. The City of Downey is not located within the boundaries of an Airport Environs Land Use Plan. The project will not have hazard impacts to any area airports. (Source: Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Commission Website, Airport Maps.) 0 For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? No Impact. As discussed above in Section 4.7 e), Compton/Woodley Airport is approximately 9 miles to the southwest and the closest airport to the project. The project site is not located within the vicinity of a private airstrip. Thus, the proposed street improvements will not have any airport- related hazards or impacts. g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? No Impact. During street construction, traffic delays and congestion can occur, which could affect emergency response times. The construction contractor will be required to submit a traffic control plan to the cities of Downey and Pico Rivera that identifies the measures that will be incorporated during construction to minimize and reduce traffic congestion and delays, especially for emergency vehicles and an emergency evacuation situation. Once completed, the project will not physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or evacuation plan. The city's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) establishes objectives and safety procedures in the event of a disaster or emergency. During a disaster, the City will implement the EOP, which includes setting up the Emergency Operations Center. The city also maintains mutual aid agreements with surrounding cities to augment emergency response. The project will, through the Fire Department, be reviewed so that all appropriate emergency access plans in accordance with the requirements of the Downey Fire Department are readily available and implemented as necessary during construction. The project is not anticipated to have any significant emergency response impacts. (Source: Downey Vision 2025 General Plan Safety Chapter, Page 5 -2 through 5 -5.) h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? No Impact. The project is restricted to improvements to developed properties including existing streets and approximately seven feet of an existing Mobil gas station. There is not undeveloped or vacant land adjacent to the project site that could expose people or structures to a wildland fire. The project will not have any potential for a wildland fire. 4.9 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? No Impact. The construction of the proposed street improvements and the long -term operation of the completed street improvements will not violate water quality standards or City of Downey Page 39 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS waste discharge requirements. The City's Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan ( SUSMP) was developed with the goal of reducing the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable from new development. The SUSMP contains a list of the minimum required best management practices (BMPs) that must be implemented during project construction. The construction contractor will be required to implement the City approved BMP's during construction. Runoff from the project site will be managed by implementing the selected BMPs, as directed by the city's stormwater protection requirements to prevent discharges of polluted stormwater from entering stormwater drains. b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e, g., the production rate of pre- existing nearby well would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted ?) No Impact. The project will not substantially deplete groundwater supplies because the project will require minimal quantities of water during construction. The only water required by the project will be to periodically water the site to reduce dust and to wet the soil for optimum soil moisture for construction purposes. The project will not impact groundwater recharge because the project will not reduce the amount of open space that is currently available for rainfall percolation. Because the project will not substantially deplete groundwater supplies or recharge, the project will not have any groundwater impacts. c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on -or off -site? No Impact. The project will not directly alter or impact any existing stream or river since there are no rivers or streams in the project vicinity. The existing drainage patterns of the streets proposed for construction will not be altered or changed. Once the street improvements are completed, the surface water in the reconstructed streets will continue to flow in the same direction as the present conditions and will not be changed or altered. Thus, the project will not indirectly affect the course of any downstream river or stream and have no erosion or siltation impacts. The implementation of the project's stormwater management program will control erosion during construction by implementing best management practices to control stormwater erosion. d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off -site? No Impact. As noted above, the proposed street improvements will not modify the existing drainage pattern of the streets to be improved. As a result, the project will not alter or increase the rate or amount of surface runoff from the construction site. The project will not result in any flooding impacts. e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of pollutant runoff? City of Downey Page 40 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS No Impact. The project will not increase the amount of impermeable surface area or increase the amount of stormwater runoff compared to the existing condition. In addition, the project will not generate any sources of pollutant runoff. The project will not have any stormwater capacity or pollutant runoff impacts. t) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? No Impact. Please see the response to Section 4.9 a) above. g) 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? No Impact. The proposed street improvements do not involve the construction or development of any residential units. In addition to not developing housing, the project site is outside of the 100 -year flood hazard area, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The project will not have any flood hazard impacts to existing housing. (Source: FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map Number 06037C1830F, dated September 26, 2008.) h) Place within a 900 -year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? No Impact. As stated in Section 4.9 g) above, the project does not include the construction of any structures and in addition the project site is outside a 100 -year flood hazard area. The project will not have any flooding impacts to existing structures. i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? No Impact. Please see Section 4.9 h) above. j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? No Impact. The proposed construction area is not adjacent to a hillside or body of water. Thus, the project will not be inundated by a seiche or mudflow. The project is approximately 18 miles east of the Pacific Ocean and 140 feet above sea level. Therefore, the project will not be impacted by a tsunami. 4.10 LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project. a) Physically divide an established community? No Impact. The proposed street improvements will occur to existing streets and will not physically divide any existing communities in the project vicinity. b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? City of Downey Page 41 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS No Impact. The proposed street improvements will occur within existing street rights -of -way, with the exception of the Mobil gas station at the southeast corner of Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard where approximately seven feet of additional right -of -way will be acquired from the Mobil gas station along the Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard frontages of the gas station site. The acquisition of the additional property from the Mobil gas station will not conflict with any applicable land use plan or policies. The Mobil gas station will comply with all applicable building standards for the site consistent with development in the C -2 zone as stated in Downey Municipal Code Section 9314.06 (a), Table 9.3.6. The project will not require a general plan amendment, zone change or any other plan or policy change or revision to allow construction as proposed. The project will meet and comply with all general plan policies and not have any land use impacts, c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? No Impact. The City of Downey is not subject to any habitat or natural community conservation plans. Therefore, the project will not conflict with any habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan or have any conservation impacts. 4.11 MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and residents of the state? No Impact. The proposed street improvements will not remove or impact any mineral resources. The area where the street improvements are proposed is developed with existing commercial and residential development and no known mineral resources exist. Furthermore, there are not any state designated mineral resources in Downey. Therefore, the project will not result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state. The project will not have any mineral resource impacts. b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally - important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? No Impact. The area proposed for street improvements is developed with existing streets, commercial and residential development and not delineated on the City's General Plan or on any specific plan or land use plan as a locally important mineral resource recovery site. The project will not have any mineral resource impacts. 4.12 NOISE. Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? Less Than Significant Impact. Project - related construction would result in short -term increases in noise levels. Project construction would consist of removing existing pavement and curbs, gutters and sidewalk to construct new curbs, gutters, sidewalk and pavement. The project will also require the expansion of Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard approximately seven feet onto the existing Mobil gas station at the southeast corner of City of Downey Page 42 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDY /NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard. The widening of Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard will require the removal of existing pavement and site improvements on the Mobil gas station to allow the widening of these streets. The street construction activities will be limited to the hours of construction as allowed by the Downey Municipal Code Section 4606.53 that restricts construction to the hours of 7 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday, except State and National holidays. Construction - generated noise levels are restricted to and shall not exceed the City's permissible construction noise threshold for transmitting construction - related noise across property lines: 85 decibels (see Municipal Code Section 4606.5). In addition, the city's Noise Ordinance exempts construction - related noise impacts, provided the applicant has obtained a valid construction permit and the construction activity does not transmit noise across a property line that exceeds 85 (decibels) dBA. Moreover, the impacts would be temporary, given the nature of construction, and cease once construction is completed. In this case project construction is anticipated to be completed within two months after the start of construction. Upon completion of construction, the traffic noise levels within the immediate area of the street improvements will be similar to the existing condition. Noise that will be generated by traffic on the approaches to and at the Telegraph Road at Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard intersection will not increase and result in any incremental noise level increases. Therefore, the traffic noise levels adjacent to the proposed construction area will not increase or impact existing land uses. Downey's standard for a maximum permissible noise impact prohibits a noise event that exceeds 5 decibels above the ambient noise level (any time during the course of a 24 -hour period) to cross an adjoining boundary [see Municipal Code Section 4606.3(a)]. The noise generated during project construction is not expected to cause an exceedance of the City's noise standard, nor would any incremental noise level increase during construction be audible above the existing traffic noise levels at the project site. The dominant noise source at and within the vicinity of the project is traffic. The existing traffic noise during project construction would overshadow noise levels generated during construction. There are no noise sensitive land uses (residences, hospitals, libraries, senior care facilities) adjacent to the construction site. Therefore, no noise sensitive land uses would be impacted during construction or once construction is completed. The project will not have any significant noise impacts. b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? Less Than Significant Impact. The vibration environment in the vicinity of the project is generated by traffic. In particular, heavy trucks using Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard and Telegraph Road generate groundborne vibration of varying magnitude, depending on vehicle type and weight. Some of the construction activities necessary to construct the required street improvements will generate groundborne vibration during the operation of some of the construction equipment, including graders and backhoes. The time 3 Downey Municipal Code, Section 4606.5. CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. Construction, repair or remodeling equipment and devices and other related construction noise sources shall be exempted from the provisions of this chapter provided a valid permit for such construction, repair, or remodeling shall have been obtained from the City. In any circumstance other than emergency work, no repair or remodeling shall take place between the hours of 9:00 p.m. of one day and 7:00 a.m. of the following day, and no repair or remodeling shall exceed eighty -five (85) db(A) across any property boundary at any time during the course of a twenty -four (24) hour day. City of Downey Page 43 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYMEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS of construction is anticipated to take approximately two months and once construction is completed the groundborne vibrations will cease. There are no vibration sensitive land uses (residences, hospitals, libraries, senior centers) adjacent to or within close vicinity of the site that would be impacted during construction. The restriction of construction to comply with Downey Municipal Code Section 4606.54 will reduce potential vibration impacts to area businesses and commercial uses to less than significant. At this time, the project is not anticipated to have any significant vibration impacts. c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels without the project? No Impact. As discussed in Section 4.11(a) above, once the street improvements are completed, the project will not generate a substantial permanent increase in noise along the sections of streets proposed for construction. The project will not have any permanent noise level impacts. d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels without the project? Less Than Significant Impact. Please see the discussion in Section 4.11 a) above. e) For a project located within an airport land use plan, or where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? No Impact. The project site is not located within an airport land use plan nor is there a public airport within two miles of the site. Thus, the construction workers will not be exposed to excessive noise levels associated with any area airports. fl For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? No Impact. Please see the discussion in Section 4.11 e) above. The project construction workers will not be exposed to noise impacts from a private airstrip. 4.13 POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? No Impact. The construction of the proposed street improvements will not induce a growth in the population of Downey or any other city. The project includes the construction of needed street improvements to improve the flow of traffic at the intersection of Telegraph Road at Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard and short stretches of the streets in 4 Downey Municipal Code, Section 4606.5. CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. Construction, repair or remodeling equipment and devices and other related construction noise sources shall be exempted from the provisions of this chapter provided a valid permit for such construction, repair, or remodeling shall have been obtained from the City. In any circumstance other than emergency work, no repair or remodeling shall take place between the hours of 9:00 p.m. of one day and 7:00 a.m, of the following day, and no repair or remodeling shall exceed eighty -five (85) db(A) across any property boundary at any time during the course of a twenty -four (24) hour day. City of Downey Page 44 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS advance of the intersection and will not induce any population growth either directly or indirectly. b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? No Impact. The project is confined to an existing intersection and street approaches to the intersection. As a result, the project will not displace any people or require the construction of replacement housing. The project will not have any housing impacts. c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? No Impact. The project is confined to an existing intersection and street approaches to the intersection. As a result, the project will not displace any people or require the construction of replacement housing. The project will not have any housing impacts. 4.14 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 levels of service, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: 1) Fire Protection No Impact. The proposed street improvements will have short -term emergency response impacts to the Downey Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department (City of Pico Rivera) during construction. Because the project will require construction within the existing street rights -of -way of Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard and Telegraph Road, some traffic delays and congestion will occur. Due to the short-term traffic delays and congestion, fire personnel that are responding to emergencies could experience some minimal short-term delays at this intersection compared to normal response times. The construction contractor will be required to implement an approved traffic congestion management plan during construction to minimize any delays for Fire Department personnel that respond to emergency service calls. Once completed, the proposed street improvements will shorten and improve emergency response times for Downey Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department (City of Pico Rivera) personnel that travel through the Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard and Telegraph Road intersection and, hence, will have a positive impact on the Fire Department. The project will have a positive impact on the Downey Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department (City of Pico Rivera) upon completion of the proposed street improvements. 2) Police Protection? No Impact. Police protection for the project site is provided by the City of Downey Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (City of Pico Rivera). The proposed street improvements will have short -term emergency response impacts to the Downey Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (City of Pico City of Downey Page 45 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS Rivera) during construction. Due to the short -term traffic delays and congestion, police personnel that are responding to emergencies could experience some minimal short-term delays at this intersection compared to normal response times. Because of the delays and congestion, there could be a short-term increase in vehicle accidents at this location that could increase the number of service calls to the Downey Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (City of Pico Rivera). The construction contractor will be required to implement an approved traffic congestion management plan during construction to minimize any delays for the Downey Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department (City of Pico Rivera) personnel that respond to emergency service calls. Once completed, the proposed street improvements will shorten and improve emergency response times for the Downey Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (City of Pico Rivera) that travel through the Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard and Telegraph Road intersection and have a positive impact on the Downey Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (City of Pico Rivera). The project will have a positive impact on the Downey Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (City of Pico Rivera) upon completion of the proposed street improvements. 3) Schools? No Impact. The project will not generate any students to area schools. Therefore, the project will not have any impacts to schools. 4) Parks? No Impact. The proposed street improvements will not impact any existing park facilities or generate any additional demand for new park facilities. 5) Other public facilities? No Impact. The proposed street improvements will not impact any public facilities within the cities of Downey or Pico Rivera, 4.15 RECREATION a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occuror be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? a -b) No Impact. As discussed in Section 4.14. a) 4) above, the project will not increase or generate any need for park or recreational facilities. The project will not have any park or recreational facility impacts. 4.16 TRANSPORTATION /TRAFFIC. Would the project: a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance or the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation City of Downey Page 46 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS including mass transit and non - motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit? No Impact. The proposed street improvements will meet the intent of the Circulation Chapter of the Downey General Plan for the ultimate right of way at the proposed intersection. A portion (approximately seven feet) of additional right -of -way will be required along the south side of Telegraph Road and the east side of Lakewood Boulevard from the Mobil gas station to allow the widening of Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard for additional travel lanes. The proposed street improvements and widening of Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard would meet and not impact the Circulation Chapter of the Downey General Plan. b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? No Impact. The Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard and Telegraph Road intersection is one of the designated monitoring intersections within the Congestion Management Program (CMP); the CMP network is administered by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The project, however, will not impact the intersection's level of service since the proposed improvements will not generate traffic. Moreover, since it will not generate traffic, a CMP analysis is not required; a CMP traffic analysis is required when a project directs 50 or more trips to a CMP intersection during either the AM or PM peak hour, c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? No Impact. The construction of the proposed street improvements to the Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard and Telegraph Road intersection will not impact the air traffic patterns at any area airports. The closest airport to the site is the Compton - Woodley airport that is approximately 9 miles southwest of the project, The project will not impact any existing air traffic patterns at this or any other airport. d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? No Impact. The completion of the proposed street and intersection improvements will, once completed, improve the movement of motor vehicles at the Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard and Telegraph Road intersection. As a result, the project will reduce existing hazards and features to improve the movement of motor vehicles to and through the intersection. Overall, the project will not increase, but rather decrease existing hazards and, therefore, will have a positive impact on traffic safety. The city Traffic Engineer has approved the design of the proposed intersection and street improvements to comply with and meet all applicable city engineering standards. The completion of the proposed street and intersection improvements will have a positive impact on traffic circulation and safety by reducing existing traffic hazards and congestion at the intersection and the streets approaching the intersection. City of Downey Page 47 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDYlNEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS e) Result in inadequate emergency access? No Impact. The proposed street and intersection improvements have been reviewed by and designed in accordance with the Downey Fire Department to ensure that the proposed improvements meet all requirements of the Downey Fire Department in terms of sight distances, travel lane widths, turning radius, etc. The proposed improvements have also been reviewed by the Los Angeles County Fire Department (City of Pico Rivera) to ensure the improvements meet the requirements of the Los Angeles County Fire Department (City of Pico Rivera) in terms of sight distances, travel lane widths, turning radius, etc. The construction of the proposed improvements, as proposed, will not have any emergency access impacts. fl Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities? No Impact. The proposed street and intersection improvements will meet and account for pedestrian and handicap access to and across the Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard and Telegraph Road intersection both during and after construction. The intersection improvement plans have been reviewed by both the cities of Downey and Pico Rivera for compliance with their respective cities' policies, plans and programs for public transit, bicycle and pedestrian access to public facilities. The proposed improvements, once constructed, will not have any conflicts with any city policies or programs for public transit, bicycle or pedestrian access to and through the intersection. 4.17 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? No Impact. The construction and completion of the proposed street and intersection improvements will not exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). The project does not have the potential to exceed any wastewater requirements of RWQCB. b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing farilifies, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? No Impact. Since the project will not generate any wastewater, no new or expanded wastewater treatment facilities will be required. The project will not impact any wastewater treatment facilities. c) Require or result in the construction of new stormwater drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? No Impact. The proposed street and intersection improvements will not require the construction of any new stormwater facilities or the expansion of existing facilities. The proposed improvements will incorporate the existing storm drain facilities within the limits of construction, which include curbs, gutters and catch basins, into the plans. The only new City of Downey Page 48 March 25, 2015 INITIALSTUDYINEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARDIROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS stormdrain facilities that will be constructed will be new curbs and gutters along the south side of Telegraph Road and the east side of Lakewood Boulevard where these streets will be widened to accommodate additional travel lanes. Since the construction of new curbs and gutters along these sections of Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard will occur on property that is disturbed and developed, their construction will not have any environmental impacts. d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? No Impact. The only water that will be required by the project is during project construction. Water will be used for dust control periodically throughout the day as required by South Coast Air Quality Management District (Rule 403). Once construction is completed no water will be consumed by the project. Due to the small amount of area necessary for the construction of the proposed street improvements, the amount of water consumed for dust control will be minimal and will not impact existing water supplies. The project will not have any water supply impacts. e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider, which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? No Impact. The project will not generate any wastewater. Therefore, it will not impact the facilities (sewer mains; treatment plant) of the wastewater treatment provider (Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, District No. 2) that serves the project site. Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? No Impact. The project will generate minimal amounts of solid waste. The solid wastes that will be generated include existing pavement and curbs, gutters and sidewalk that will be removed to allow construction of the new street improvements. Some dirt and other improvements will be removed from the Mobil gas station to allow the widening of Telegraph Road and Lakewood Boulevard. Most of the materials, such as asphalt pavement and concrete, can be hauled to recyclers that will recycle these materials. The project is not anticipated to generate a significant amount of solid waste that will have to be hauled to a local landfill. The project will not impact any landfills. g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? No Impact. Please see response to Section 4.17 f) above. 5.0 MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE The following findings have been made regarding the mandatory findings of significance setforth in Section 15065 of the CEQA Guidelines, based on the results of this environmental assessment. 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 City of Downey Page 49 March 25, 2015 INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD /ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD @ TELEGRAPH ROAD - INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS number or restrict the range of rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? No Impact The proposed streets improvements are limited to the Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard and Telegraph Road intersection and the streets leading to this intersection. The project is located in an urbanized area that is completely developed. Neither the streets that are proposed for construction or the adjacent properties have or include any biological or cultural resources that would be affected by the project. The project does not 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 since none of these resources exist in the area. b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ( "Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects) ? No Impact. The project would not have any impacts that would be cumulatively considerable. There are no individual project impacts that along with other project impacts in the area would result in any cumulative impacts. Thus, the impacts associated with the proposed project would not be cumulatively considerable. c) Does the project have environmental effects, which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? No Impact. There are no aspects of the proposed project that will have any direct or indirect adverse effects on humans working or residing in the vicinity of the project site. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION SHALL BE PREPARED FOR The Lakewood Boulevard /Rosemead Boulevard at Telegraph Road Intersection Improvements. City of Downey Page 50 March 25, 2015