2011-022 - Addendum to the FInal Environmental Impact Report No. 2004-02

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d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18 -1 -B of the Uniform Building Code (1994) creating substantial risks to life or property? As analyzed in the FEIR, the project is located on a graded and urbanized site where no unique geologic features are present. No changes have occurred in this area and, therefore, the FEIR remains adequate and complete. 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 wastewater? (No Substantial Change from Previous Analysis) As analyzed in the FEIR, the project will not include the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems. No changes have occurred in this area from the previous analysis and therefore, the FEIR remains adequate and complete. VII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions In accordance with the CEQA Guidelines Amendments that were adopted on March 18, 2010, the CEQA Guidelines Initial Study Checklist now includes impact determination criteria for Greenhouse Gas Emissions. However, there are currently no adopted GHG thresholds. The Amendments require quantification and mitigation of GHG, where possible. Qualitative factors used in determining significance include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. the extent to which the project may increase or reduce greenhouse gas emissions as compared to the existing environmental setting, 2. whether the project emissions exceed a threshold of significance that the lead agency determines is applicable to the project, and 3. the extent to which the project complies with regulations or requirements adopted to implement a statewide, regional or local plan for the reduction or mitigation of GHG emissions. To comply with the current Guidelines, the updated Air Quality Assessment included an analysis of GHG emissions. The analysis presents a quantitative GHG emissions assessment using South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) localized significance thresholds (LSTs), the California Air Resources Board (GARB) Preliminary Draft Report on Recommended Approaches for Setting Interim Significance Thresholds for GHG under CEQA and modeling programs including the Urban Emissions Model (URBEMIS 2007), which is one of the most consistently used models for emissions estimates, CALINE 4 and the emissions inventory program Emfac. The URBEMIS model was developed and approved by the GARB to assess COz (GHG) emissions statewide to assure consistency for various project types. The following information is based on the updated Air Quality Assessment which is included herein as Appendix B. a) Would the project generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? The proposed project includes the construction of a six level parking structure during which heavy equipment will be used. Short term impacts in the area of greenhouse gases will be due to the use of such equipment. The FEIR considered emissions for excavation, finish work and hauling and provided mitigation measures to reduce impacts. The addition of 24 residential units will not result in additional significant impacts since the residential buildings are approximately the same size and configuration as was previously analyzed. Since greenhouse gas emissions were not required to be addressed in the CEQA Guidelines at that time, specific analysis was not included in the FEIR. MacArthur Place South EIR — 2011 Addendum 27