Item 26 - Public Hearing Vista Heritage Charter School (601 North Fairview Street)

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We Make e Difference INTERNATIONAL IAltaAllei :1-1110 MIJAlI To: City of Santa Ana Vista Charter Public Schools From: Frances Yau, AICP, Michael Baker International Alan Ashimine, Michael Baker International Date: December 8, 2023 Subject: Response to Comment Letter on Vista Heritage Charter Public Schools District Office and Outdoor Space Project A comment letter prepared by Angie and Levi Cano, dated December 6, 2023, was sent to the Civic Center Business Park Owners Association Board opposing the Vista Heritage Charter Public Schools District Office and Outdoor Space Project (project) and raising several concerns regarding the proposed development. Michael Baker International (Michael Baker) was retained by Vista Charter Public Schools to prepare the environmental documentation under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the proposed project. Given our role as environmental consultants, the focus of this memorandum is on Item #5 of the comment letter, as it pertains to potential air quality impacts; refer to attachment. The commenter raises concerns regarding potential health risks to students in the proposed outdoor play field and play yard area from existing operational activities associated with a tile and marble business within the same business park. The commenter states that the business involves the use of chemicals that are hazardous and can include silica dust generated during cutting or grinding tiles, which can lead to health problems for the students. The existing business, NG (New Generation) Tile & Marble, is located at 563 North Fairview Street and is the north end unit within the industrial building to the south of the project site and west of the Vista Heritage Global Academy building. Based on our research and project understanding, operational activities associated with the business would not result in adverse health impacts to future students playing in the proposed outdoor play areas. Specifically, potential marble grinding and cutting activities are performed indoors (i.e., no open air activities in the business park). Therefore, the amount of dust and odor traveling outdoors would be nominal. Moreover, Vista Heritage Global Academy students would spend time outdoors for a limited period of time per day, likely up to one to two hours per day. Health risk is highly dependent on the time exposed to the toxics and one to two hours per day is short-term compared to 24 hours per day considered for typical health risk assessments. Additionally, South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) rules apply to the existing business, including Rule 1113 regulating coatings and tile and stone sealers, and Rule 403 regulating fugitive dust. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also has regulations on silica exposure for workers. Standard 29 CFR 1926.1153 requires employers to limit worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica and to take other steps to protect workers. Although this regulation is to protect workers, the best practices reduce overall 5 Hutton Centre Drive, Suite 500, Santa Ana, CA 92707 Mice: 472.8373 MBAl<E0Jt L�&KCII 26 — 609 7