2025-023 - Addendum to Transit Zoning Code Environmental Impact Report

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significance of the find. Impacts to any significant resources shall be mitigated to a less-than- significant level through data recovery or other methods determined adequate by the archaeologist and that are consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Archaeological Documentation. Any identified cultural resources shall be recorded on the appropriate DPR 523 (A-L) form and filed with the SCCIC. (Impact 4.4-1) MM4.4-2(a) Prior to any earth-disturbing activities (e.g., excavation, trenching, grading) that could encounter undisturbed soils, the project applicant shall retain a professional paleontologist to determine if the project could directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature. The investigation shall include, as determined appropriate by the paleontologist and the City of Santa Ana, a paleontology records check and a pedestrian survey of the area proposed for development. The results of the investigation shall be documented in a technical report or memorandum that identifies the paleontological sensitivity of the development area and includes recommendations and methods for eliminating or avoiding impacts on paleontological resources or unique geologic features. The technical report or memorandum shall be submitted to the City for approval. As determined necessary by the City, environmental documentation (e.g., CEQA documentation) prepared for future development within the project site shall reference or incorporate the findings and recommendations of the technical report or memorandum. The project applicant shall be responsible for implementing methods for eliminating or avoiding impacts on paleontological resources or unique geologic features identified in the technical report or memorandum. Projects that would not encounter undisturbed soils and would therefore not be required to retain a paleontologist shall demonstrate non-disturbance to the City through the appropriate construction plans or geotechnical studies prior to any earth-disturbing activities. Projects that would include any earth disturbance (disturbed or undisturbed soils) shall comply with MM4.4-3(b). (Impact 4.4-2) MM4.4-2(b) Should paleontological resources (i.e., fossil remains) be identified at a particular site during project construction, the construction foreman shall cease construction within 100 feet of the find until a qualified professional can provide an evaluation. Mitigation of resource impacts shall be implemented and funded by the project applicant and shall be conducted as follows: 1. Identify and evaluate paleontological resources by intense field survey where impacts are considered high 2. Assess effects on identified sites 3 Consult with the institutionallacademic paleontologists conducting research investigations within the geological formations that are slated to be impacted 4. Obtain comments from the researchers 5. Comply with researchers' recommendations to address any significant adverse effects where determined by the City to be feasible In considering any suggested mitigation proposed by the consulting paleontologist, the City of Santa Ana staff shall determine whether avoidance is necessary and feasible in light of factors such as the nature of the find, project design, costs, applicable policies and land use assumptions, and other considerations. If avoidance is unnecessary or infeasible, other appropriate measures (e.g., data recovery) shall be instituted. Work may proceed on other parts of the project site while mitigation for paleontological resources is carried out. (Impact 4.4-2) MM4.4-3 Prior to development activities that would demolish or otherwise physically affect buildings or structures 50 years old or older or affect their historic setting, the project applicant January 2025 29 Environmental Analysis Resolution No. 2025-023 Page 37 of 65