11-26-18_AGENDA PACKET - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

November 26, 2018 Comment on Environmental Impact Report, 2525 N. Main Street Multi-Family Residential Project (aka Magnolia at the Park) SCH 2018021031, DP No. 2017-34 page 5 The responses to comments on a draft EIR must state reasons for rejecting suggested mitigation measures and comments on significant environmental issues. “Conclusory statements unsupported by factual information” are not an adequate response. (14 CCR §15088(b, c); Cleary v. County of Stanislaus (1981) 118 Cal.App.3rd 348) The need for substantive, detailed response is particularly appropriate when comments have been raised by experts or other agencies. (Berkeley Keep Jets v. Bd. of Port Comm’rs (2001) 91 Cal.App.4th 1344, 1367; People v. Kern (1976) 72 Cal.app.3d 761) A reasoned analysis of the issue and references to supporting evidence are required for substantive comments raised. (Calif. Oak Found. v. Santa Clarita (2005) 133 Cal.App.4th 1219) The FEIR abjectly fails to meet these legal standards, as it is riddled with conclusory statements lacking any factual support or analysis. DISCUSSION 1. The EIR Fails to Analyze Indoor Air Quality Impacts. We submit herewith the comments of indoor air quality expert, Francis Offermann, PE, CIH. (Exhibit A). Mr. Offermann, a Certified Industrial Hygienist, concludes that it is likely that the Project will expose future residents to significant impacts related to indoor air quality, and in particular, emissions for the cancer- causing chemical formaldehyde. Mr. Offermann is one of the world’s leading experts on indoor air quality and has published extensively on the topic. Mr. Offermann explains that many composite wood products typically used in modern home construction contain formaldehyde-based glues which off-gas formaldehyde over a very long time period. He states, “The primary source formaldehyde indoors is composite wood products manufactured with urea- formaldehyde resins, such as plywood, medium density fiberboard, and particle board. These materials are commonly used in residential building construction for flooring, cabinetry, baseboards, window shades, interior doors, and window and door trims.” Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. Mr. Offermann states that there is a fair argument that residents of the Project will be exposed to a cancer risk from formaldehyde of approximately 180 per million. This is far above the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) CEQA significance threshold for airborne cancer risk of 10 per million. Even if the Project uses modern “CARB-compliant” materials, Mr. Offermann concludes that formaldehyde will create a cancer risk of 126 per million, which is