HomeMy WebLinkAbout55C - ALTON AVE OVERCROSSING @ SR 55
REQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
OCTOBER 17, 2005
TITLE:
CERTIFY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT/ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
NO. 95-03 FOR THE ALTON AVENUE
OVER OSS~T SR;55
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CITY MA
APPROVED
D As Recommended
D As Amended
D Ordinance on 1 st Reading
D Ordinance on 2nd Reading
D Implementing Resolution
D Set Public Hearing For
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
CONTINUED TO
FILE NUMBER
1. Adopt a resolution certifying Final Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Assessment (EIR/EA) No. 95-03 and approve the
mitigation monitoring program and statement of overriding
considerations for the Alton Avenue Overcrossing Project at SR-55.
2. Approve Alternative 2 as the build alternative for the project.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
A public hearing was held on March 8, 2004 to receive public comments for
the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (EIR/EA)
No. 95-03.
DISCUSSION
The cities of Santa Ana and Irvine, in cooperation with Caltrans, propose
to construct the Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55. The lead agencies
for this environmental analysis are the City of Santa Ana for the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The project area is located along Alton Avenue between Main Street in
Santa Ana and Red Hill Avenue in Irvine, approximately two miles in
length. In addition, the project includes a segment of SR-55 from
MacArthur Boulevard to just south of Warner Avenue in Santa Ana (Exhibit
1) .
The City of Santa Ana has developed two alternatives for this project.
Alternative 1 is a no build and Alternative 2 is the preferred build
alternative. The preferred build alternative assumes that a new
overcrossing would be constructed at Alton Avenue connecting the cities
of Santa Ana and Irvine. One of the unique design features of the
project will be the construction of high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) direct-
55C-1
Certify Environmental Impact Report No. 95-03
October 17, 2005
Page 2
access drop ramps, which will allow motorists to enter and exit the
freeway from the bridge.
The project also consists of an addition of a signalized intersection
with HOV drop ramps, and widening Alton Avenue on the north side between
Maple Street and Halladay Street in Santa Ana. The widening of Alton
would upgrade this portion of the roadway to secondary arterial
standards consistent with the remainder of Al ton Avenue between Main
Street and SR-55.
Construction of the HOV direct-access drop ramps will necessitate
widening SR-55 to accommodate the median ramps. The following elements
are integral to the widening of SR-55: Relocating an existing drainage
channel; relocating two sections of Pullman Avenue; widening the Dyer
Road undercrossing structure; and, modifying existing ramps at MacArthur
Boulevard and Dyer Road to connect with the widened freeway.
Overcrossing improvements are within the existing Caltrans right-of-way
and the Cities of Santa Ana and Irvine. Property acquisitions will be
needed to widen Alton Avenue in Santa Ana to accommodate two travel
lanes in each direction, a dedicated left turn lane, and sidewalks.
The estimated project cost in millions (2004 dollars) for Alternative 2
is shown in the table below:
Phase 1
Phase 2
Total
Construction
$17.5
$41. 1
$58.6
Right-of-Way
$17.6
$ 3.6
$21. 2
Design
$3.4
$0.0
$3.4
Total
$38.5
$44.7
$83.2
As indicated in the table, the cities may construct the improvements in
phases based on demand and funding availability. The project will be
constructed using federal, state and local grant funding. The initial
phase will include construction of the overcrossing and local street
improvements to address current deficiencies. The freeway widening and
the HOV direct access drop ramps could be added as a second phase.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Alternative 2 as the
preferred build alternative for the following reasons:
. This alternative consists of constructing a new roadway link across
SR-55 to support the circulation network needed to accommodate
future development in the Irvine Business Complex (IBC) in Irvine,
MacArthur place and MacArthur Place South/Hutton Center in Santa
Ana.
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Certify Environmental Impact Report No. 95-03
October 17, 2005
Page 3
. The resulting cross section would be consistent with both cities
General Plan Circulation Elements and the Orange County Master Plan
of Arterial Highways.
. Alternative 2 will relieve existing traffic congestion on MacArthur
Boulevard and Dyer Road.
. This al ternati ve would also provide HOV direct access to and from
SR-55 from the Alton Avenue Overcrossing. These HOV ramps will be
integrated into the Orange County Transportation Authority's
Transitway project which will provide freeway-to-freeway HOV
connections within the I-405/SR-55 interchange.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The FEIR represents an informational document that is intended to inform
public decision makers, other responsible and trustee agencies, and the
general public of the potential effects of the proposed project.
The City of Santa Ana distributed a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an EIR
and an Initial Study (IS) for the Draft Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Assessment (DEIR/EA) No. 95-03 on June 30, 1997. The
NOP/IS was distributed to the State Clearinghouse Office of Planning and
Research, public agencies, utility and service providers, homeowners'
associations in the project area, nearby property owners, and other
individuals that may have an interest in the project. The initial study
identified those potential impacts that could be significant and issues
that would require additional analysis. The environmental issues analyzed
in the DEIR/EA include:
l.
2 .
3 .
4.
5.
6.
Air Quality
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources
Geologic Resources
Hydrology/Water Quality
Hazards/Risk of Upset
7. Land Use
9. Noise
10. Population and Housing
11. Public Services and Utilities
11. Traffic and Circulation
12. Visual Resources
The City of Santa Ana held a public scoping meeting for the Alton Avenue
Overcrossing Project to identify concerns or issues from the community,
with the release of the Notice of Preparation for the Draft EIR/EA.
Comments consisted of concerns about removal of on-street parking,
traffic flow around the project, and the potential displacement of
businesses.
The DEIR/EA was released on February 2, 2004 for a 45-day public review
period from February 2, 2004 to March 17, 2004. A community meeting was
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Certify Environmental Impact Report No. 95-03
October 17, 2005
Page 4
held in the City of Irvine on February 25, 2004, and a public hearing was
held in the City of Santa Ana on March 8, 2004. During the public review
period, the City received comments from one state agency, one regional
agency, one utility, and five businesses. The majority of the comments
related to establishing future parking sites within the project area
using remnant parcels, concerns regarding project impacts on traffic
circulation at or near their businesses, and construction related issues
such as dust, noise and access to businesses.
Additionally, the DEIR/EA identified potentially contaminated properties
within the project area. Therefore the FHWA requested that a Phase II
Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) for hazardous waste be conducted as
part of the environmental review process. The Phase II analysis
consisted of taking soil samples from each of the identified partial and
full acquisition properties. The Phase II analysis delayed the
completion of the environmental phase of the proj ect for approximately
one year.
Written responses to those comments were provided in the Responses to
Comments (RTC) Report. The RTC Report documents all written and oral
comments received during the public review period and contains the City's
response to those comments (Exhibit 2). Additionally, comments received
from the public and from the public agencies did not require any new
analysis, or result in major changes in the FEIR/EA.
Further, the FEIR/EA identified ten environmental categories that may
result in significant or potentially significant environmental impacts.
All of these significant impacts can be avoided through the adoption of
feasible mitigation measures. The attached findings and facts (Exhibit 3)
summarizes the evidence relied upon by the City in making these findings.
This evidence is drawn from the Notice of Preparation, the FEIR/EA, the
comments and responses to comments on the DEIR/EA, and other evidence
presented to the City, including all other information in the
administrative record. Additionally, a Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Program has been prepared for this project and is found in
Appendix L of the FEIR/EA.
After the FEIR/EA is certified, staff will proceed with the final design
of the proj ect. The design phase is being funded by the Orange County
Transportation Authority's (aCTA) Regional Interchange Program with a 50
percent local match from the cities of Santa Ana and Irvine. During the
design phase, staff will aggressively seek all available federal, state
and local funding for the right-of-way acquisition and construction of the
project. In addition, staff is working to have the project listed for
inclusion of the Measure M reauthorization. This project is also included
in the aCTA Draft Long Range Transportation Plan Candidate List.
55C-4
Certify Environmental Impact Report No. 95-03
October 17, 2005
Page 5
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
~12;' ,', 1/
L'~j 4.~<t]~oJ},eL{
:r1James G. Ross
! Executive Director
Public Works Agency
~Vino
Executive Director
Planning and Building Agency
55C-5
Project Location
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Alton Avenue Overcrossing Project
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LEGEND
NEWPORT BEAC
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- - - City BOIJII&rlH
EXHIBIT 1
SANTA ANA
City Council
Agenda Date
Title:
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT/
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO.95-03
FOR THE ALTON AVENUE OVERCROSSING
PROJECT.
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I PW A I
OCTOBER 17, 2005
PI.lb4icWoO\S~C'J
55C-6
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-099
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA CERTIFYING AND APPROVING THE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT, APPROVING A
MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM, AND ADOPTING
CERTAIN FACTS, FINDINGS AND A STATEMENT OF
OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE ALTON
AVENUE OVERCROSSING AT THE SR-55 FREEWAY
PROJECT
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines
and declares as follows:
A. The City has prepared a Draft and Final Environmental Impact Report, in
conjunction with the United States Department of Transportation, Federal
Highway Administration, and in cooperation with CalTrans and the City of
Irvine, for the proposed Alton Avenue Overcrossing of the SR-55 Freeway
Project.
B. The Project can be described as follows: The Cities of Santa Ana and Irvine
propose to build an overcrossing structure over the Costa Mesa State
Route 55 (SR-55) Freeway between the eastern terminus of Alton Avenue in
the City of Santa Ana and the western terminus of Alton Parkway in Irvine,
Orange County. The proposed project includes SR-55 from 0.1 kilometer
(0.06 mile) north of MacArthur Boulevard to 0.1 kilometer (0.06 mile) south
of Warner Avenue and Alton Avenue from Main Street (City of Santa Ana) to
0.1 kilometer east of Red Hill Avenue (City of Irvine). The City of Santa Ana
is the project proponent and the Lead Agency with the primary responsibility
for preparing and certifying the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
compliance documents. The lead agency for the environmental analysis for
the proposed project under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is
the Federal Highway Administration (FHW A). The California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) acts as a liaison on behalf of FHWA.
C. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana held a duly noticed meeting
regarding this Project on this date, and at that time considered all testimony,
written and oral.
D. Due to the size of the Project and the impacts to the environment, a Draft
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared for this project. In
addition to soliciting comments from concerned citizens, impacted
neighborhoods, state resource and trustee agencies, a community
meeting was held in the City of Irvine on February 25, 2004, and a public
55C-7
hearing was held in the City of Santa Ana on March 8, 2004. Following
close of the public comment period on March 17, 2004, a document was
prepared formally responding to all comments received, making minor
clarifications to the Draft EIR and proposing a written mitigation monitoring
plan. The Draft EIR and this supplemental document together comprise
the Final EIR for this Project.
E. All attached documents, including the mitigation monitoring plan, the
findings and approvals, the Request for Council Action, and the record of
proceedings are incorporated herein by this reference as though fully set
forth. This resolution incorporates by reference, as though fully set forth
herein, the ordinance and resolutions referenced above and said Final
Environmental Impact Report, Mitigation Monitoring Program, and Statement
of Overriding Considerations, and all of their respective facts, findings and
conclusions in support of this resolution and the findings made herein.
Section 2. The City Council has reviewed and considered the information
contained in the Final EIR prepared with respect to this Project. The City Council has,
as a result of its consideration of the record as a whole and the evidence presented at
the hearings on this matter, determined that, as required pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") and the State CEQA Guidelines, the Final EIR
meets all requirement of CEQA, including but limited to: finding that the Final EIR
adequately addresses the impacts of the project; that it identifies and through the
mitigation monitoring plan imposes all feasible mitigation measures which will reduce all
of the significant environmental impacts of the Project to a level of insignificance, except
those unavoidable impacts described more specifically in the statement of overriding
considerations; discusses a reasonable range of alternatives to the Project; identifies
the environmentally superior alternative; and based upon all of which and the record as
a whole the Council chooses to approve the Project. The City Council hereby certifies
and approves the Final EIR, and (a) the mitigation monitoring plan, and (b) the facts,
findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations attached to this Resolution as
Exhibits "A" and "B" respectively and incorporated herein by this reference, and directs
that a Notice of Determination be prepared and filed with the County Clerk of the County
of Orange in the manner required by law.
Section 3. The City Council approves EI R Alternative 2 as the preferred build
alternative for the following reasons:
1. This alternative consists of constructing a new roadway link
across SR-55 to support the circulation network needed to
accommodate future development in the Irvine Business Complex
(IBC) in Irvine, MacArthur Place and MacArthur Place South/Hutton
Center in Santa Ana.
55C-8
2. The resulting cross section would be consistent with both cities
General Plan Circulation Elements and the Orange County Master
Plan of Arterial Highways.
3. Alternative 2 will relieve traffic on MacArthur Boulevard and
Dyer Road.
4. This alternative would also provide HOV direct access to and
from SR-55 from the Alton Avenue Overcrossing. These HOV ramps
will be integrated into the Orange County Transportation Authority's
Transitway project which will provide freeway-to-freeway HOV
connections within the 1-405/SR-55 interchange.
Section 4. Pursuant to Title XIV, California Code of Regulations ("CCR")
9 735.5(c)(1), the City Council has determined that, after considering the record as a
whole, there is no evidence that the proposed project will have the potential for any
adverse effect on wildlife resources or the ecological habitat upon which wildlife resources
depend. The proposed project exists in an urban environment characterized by paved
concrete, roadways, surrounding buildings and human activity. Therefore, pursuant to Fish
and Game Code 9 711.2 and Title XIV, CCR 9 735.5, the payment of Fish and Game
Department filing fees is not required in conjunction with this project.
ADOPTED this _ day of
,2005.
Miguel A. Pulido
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Joseph W. Fletcher
City Attorney
By:
Benjamin Kaufman
Chief Assistant City Attorney
AYES:
Councilmembers
NOES:
Councilmembers
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers
NOT PRESENT:
Councilmembers
55C-9
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, PATRICIA E. HEALY, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify the
attached Resolution 2005-099 to be the original ordinance adopted by the City Council
of the City of Santa Ana on , and that said ordinance was published
in accordance with the Charter of the City of Santa Ana.
Date:
Clerk of the Council
City of Santa Ana
55C-1 0
State Clearinghouse
No. 1997071010
ALTON AVENUE
OVERCROSSING AT SR-55
Draft Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program
12-0RA-55 KP 11.21/13.44
PM R6.97/R8.35
EA 12209-005500
Prepared for:
City of Santa Ana
City of Irvine
Prepared by:
E<<MJg~1 A
April July 2005
Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas
55C-12
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Assembly Bill (AB) 3180 [California Public Resources Code (PRC), Section 21081.6] became law in
California on January 1, 1989. This bill requires all public agencies to adopt mitigation or reporting plans
when they approve projects with Mitigated Negative Declarations or Environmental Impact Reports
which identify significant environmental impacts. The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
(MMRP) must be adopted when a public agency makes its findings pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) so that the program can be made a condition of project approval.
The program must be designed to ensure project compliance with mitigation measures during project
implementation. If certain project impacts extend beyond the project implementation phase, long-term
mitigation monitoring must be provided in the monitoring plan.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEP A) does not specifically require substantive mitigation for
project impacts; direct, indirect, or cumulative [Robertson v. Methow Valley Citizens Council, 490 U.S.
332, 350 (1989)]. However, the CEQ regulations require that the Environmental Assessment include
consideration and discussion of possible mitigation for project impacts (40 CFR SS 1502.14((f),
1502.16(e-h), 1505.2(c), 1508.25(b)(3)). 40 CFR Section 1502.14(f) requires that agencies shall include
appropriate mitigation measures not already included in the proposed action or alternatives.
1.1 PURPOSE
This Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) has been developed to track compliance
with mitigation measures and conditions of approval outlined in the Final Environmental Impact
ReportJEnvironmental Assessment (FEIR/EA) prepared for the Alton Avenue Overcrossing at State
Route 55 (SR-55) Project. This MMRP has been prepared in conformance with PRC, Section 21081.6
and CEQA Guidelines Section 15097.
1.2 MITIGATION MATRIX
In order to effectively track and document the status of each mitigation measure, a MMRP matrix (Table
1) has been prepared and includes the following components:
. FEIR/EA Section, Page Number
. Description of Potential Environmental Impact
. Mitigation Measure
. Timing Implementation
. Performance Objective
· PersonlParty Responsible (usually Resident Engineer or City representative)
· Compliance Verification (signature and date)
. Comments
The timing for implementing each mitigation measure has been apportioned into several specific timing
increments;
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
Mitigation Monitoring Plan.
L-1
February July 2005
55C-13
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
. During Final Design;
. Prior to Construction;
. During Construction; and
. Post Construction.
Table 1 refers to the Preferred Alternative only. Alternative 1 (No Build Alternative) is not included in
Table 1 because no mitigation is proposed for this alternative. The project impacts and the measures to
mitigate or minimize the impacts are further discussed in Section 4.0 of the FEIR/EA.
2.0 MITIGATION MONITORING PROCEDURES
2.1 MANAGEMENT
The City of Santa Ana, as Lead Agency for the Alton Avenue Overcrossing project, is also responsible
for approving the MMRP, verifying that all mitigation measures are completed, accepting written
documentation that meets the performance objective for each mitigation measure, and keeping all records
for public inspection. The City of Santa Ana Planning Division will be responsible for overseeing
implementation and administration of the MMRP for the Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55 project.
The City of Santa Ana, in cooperation with the City of Irvine, is responsible for review of all monitoring
reports, enforcement actions, and documentation. The City will rely on information provided by the
responsible parties as accurate and up-to-date and to ensure mitigation measure status.
2.2 MONITORING PROCEDURES
1. The City of Santa Ana Planning Division, will be responsible for reviewing the project plans, grading
plans and activities, construction sites and/or long term operations to ensure mitigation measures are
properly and thoroughly implemented during the design, construction and operation of the Alton
Avenue Overcrossing project.
2. Written documentation that the mitigation measures in Table 1 are implemented shall be maintained
by the City of Santa Ana Planning Division. Documentation of these activities must clearly indicate
the schedule for implementation, whether the measure has been implemented, or in the case of on-
going measures, that a process has been developed to ensure continued implementation of the
measure.
2.3 REPORTING PROCEDURES
1. The City of Santa Ana Planning Division will be responsible for reviewing and coordinating the
MMRP (Table 1) with the key personnel implementing the project, including the City project
manager, construction and demolition contractors, and all other key staff and contractors associated
with the project.
2. The City of Santa Ana Planning Division will update the MMRP (Table 1). The City will document
the completion of all mitigation measures for the project phases consistent with the timing shown in
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
Mitigation Monitoring Plan.
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February July 2005
55C-14
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Table 1. Information pertammg to compliance with mItIgation measures, or any necessary
modifications or refinements, will be documented in the comments portion of the matrix.
3. Until all mitigation measures have been completed, the City of Santa Ana, as the Lead Agency, is
responsible for ensuring that implementation of the mitigation measures occur is in accordance with
the program [see CEQA Guidelines Section 15097 (a)].
4. The MMRP is a public document to be made available to interested members of the public, interested
groups, and responsible agencies.
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
Mitigation Monitoring Plan.
L-3
February July 2005
55C-15
State Clearinghouse
No.1997071010
ALTON AVENUE
OVERCROSSING AT SR-55
Draft
Findings of Fact
and
Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program
Submitted Pursuant To:
California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13, Public Resources Code)
12-0RA-55 KP 11.21/13.44
PM R6.97/R8.35
EA 12209-005500
Prepared for:
State of California Department of Transportation
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration
City of Santa Ana
~~tltB
City of Irvine
Prepared by:
Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas
April July 2005
55C-17
Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
Pa2;e
1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................ .................... .................... 1
2.0 Project Description ................................ ............................... .................................. ....................... 2
3.0 CEQA Preparation and Processing ............... ....... ................ ......... .... ..... ........... ........... ................... 3
4.0 Record of Proceedings ......................................................................................... ............. ......... ..... 4
5.0 Findings of Fact ............................................................................................................................. 5
6.0 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program ............................................................................. 7
7.0 Significant Effects, Mitigation Measures, and Findings ............................................................... 8
8.0 Findings Regarding Project Alternatives .... ........... ..... ........... ......... ............... ..... ................ ..... .....31
9.0 Statement of Overriding Considerations ..... ...... ........... ..... ............ ...... .... ...... ........ ......... ...............33
10.0 Independent Review and Analysis ... ....... .......... ............ ...... ..... ............ ..... ...... ........... ....... ......... ....34
11.0 Acronyms ................................................................................................... .............. ......................35
APPENDIX A: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP)
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
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April July 2005
55C-18
Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Cities of Santa Ana and Irvine , in cooperation with the California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHW A), propose to build an
overcrossing structure over the Costa Mesa State Route 55 (SR-55) Freeway between the eastern
terminus of Alton Avenue in the City of Santa Ana and the western terminus of Alton Parkway in
Irvine, Orange County. The proposed project includes SR-55 from 0.1 kilometer (0.06 mile)
north of MacArthur Boulevard to 0.1 kilometer (0.06 mile) south of Warner Avenue and Alton
Avenue from Main Street (City of Santa Ana) to 0.1 kilometer east of Red Hill Avenue (City of
Irvine). The City of Santa Ana is the project proponent and the Lead Agency with the primary
responsibility for preparing and certifying the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
compliance documents. The lead agency for the environmental analysis for the proposed project
under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEP A) is the Federal Highway Administration
(FHW A). The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) acts as a liaison on behalf of
FHW A.
In accordance with Section 15150 of the State CEQA Guidelines, the certified Final
Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (FEIR/EA) is incorporated by
reference. The Final EIR/EA comprises the Draft EIR/EA (September 2003), letters received
commenting on the Draft EIR/EA, and the Response to Comments (May 2004).
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
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April July 2005
55C-19
Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed action would include the construction of an overcrossing on Alton
Avenue/Parkway with high-occupancy vehicle (HaY) direct access drop ramps over connecting
to SR-55, addition of a signalized intersection with the HaY ramps, widening the SR-55 to
accommodate median ramps, widening Alton Avenue, relocating an existing drainage channel,
relocating two sections of Pullman Avenue, widening the Dyer Road undercrossing structure,
and modifying existing ramps at MacArthur Boulevard and Dyer Road to connect with the
widened freeway. Overcrossing improvements are within the existing Caltrans right-of-way and
the Cities of Santa Ana and Irvine. Some property acquisitions would be needed to widen Alton
Avenue to accommodate two travel lanes in each direction, dedicated left turn lane, and
sidewalks. The proposed improvements would conform to Caltrans design standards but would
require some design exceptions for non-standard features. The project has been assigned the
Project Development Processing Category 3 because it would provide a new freeway connection
and would require widening of the freeway.
The total estimated construction cost for the proposed build alternative is $83.4 million dollars.
The proj ect would receive funding from the City of Santa Ana, the City of Irvine, and the Orange
County Transportation Authority (aCTA). This project is programmed for funding in the 2002
State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), the Final 2002 Regional Transportation
Improvement Program (RTIP FY 2004/2005-2009/2010), and the approved Capital Improvement
Programs for the Cities of Santa Ana and Irvine.
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
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April July 2005
55C-20
Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
3.0 CEQA PREPARATION AND PROCESSING
As required under CEQA, a Notice of Preparation (NOP) with the Initial Study Checklist were
mailed on June 30, 1997 to elected officials and local, state, and federal agencies having
jurisdiction or discretionary approval within the project corridor. The NOP indicated that the
proposed project could potentially cause environmental impacts (e.q. land use, geology, water,
air quality, transportation/circulation, energy, mineral resources, hazardous waste, noise, public
services, and utilities impacts), and that these potential impacts would be analyzed in the
DEIRJEA prepared for the project. The NOP is included as Appendix F of the Draft EIRJEA.
The 30-day review period for the NOP ended on July 30, 1997. During this review period,
comments and input were solicited from state and local government agencies, which would affect
or be affected by the proposed project modifications, as well as from private organizations and
individuals that may have an interest in the project.
The written comments received during the review period for the NOP are contained in Appendix
G of the Draft EIRJEA. The City of Santa Ana considered the information in the NOP, along
with all comments made in the response to the NOP, in preparing the Draft EIRJEA.
On February 2, 2004, the City of Santa issued the Draft EIRJEA for public review for a period of
45 days ending on March 17, 2004. The Notice of Availability was published in the Orange
County Register (February 4,2004) and in the Irvine World News (February 5,2004). This legal
notice announced the release of the Draft EIRJEA, described the proposed project modifications,
identified where the Draft EIRJEA was available for review, and stated the period for submittal
of comments on the contents of the Draft EIRJEA. In addition, copies of the Draft EIRJEA were
also made available for public review at the Santa Ana Public Library (26 Civic Center Plaza,
Santa Ana, California, 92701), Irvine Public Works Department (1 Civic Center Plaza, 2nd floor,
Irvine, California, 92623-9575), Irvine Heritage Park Regional Library (14361 Yale Avenue,
Irvine, California, 92604), and Caltrans District 12 Office (3347 Michelson Drive, Suite 100,
Irvine, California, 92612-1692). The City of Santa Ana distributed approximately 24 copies of
the Draft EIRJEA to responsible agencies, trustee agencies, affected public agencies, nearby
property owners and residents, and other interested public groups. The City of Santa Ana
received seven letters commenting on the Draft EIRJEA. In May 2004, the City of Santa Ana
completed the Final EIRJEA for the proposed project, and prepared the Response to Comments
document for comments received on the Draft EIRJEA. It is intended that the City of Santa Ana
City Council would consider the Final EIRJEA at its regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
4.0 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
For purposes ofCEQA and the findings set forth herein, the record of proceedings for the City of
Santa Ana's decision on the proposed project modifications consists ofthe following documents:
· The NOP prepared for the proposed project modifications;
· All public notices issued in conjunction with the proposed project modifications;
· The Draft EIR/EA (September 2003);
· All comments submitted by agencies or members of the public during the 45-day public
comment period on the Draft EIR/EA;
· The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the project;
· All findings and resolutions adopted by the City in connection with the proposed project
and all documents cited or referred to therein;
· The certified Final EIR/EA for the proposed project;
· All reports, studies, memoranda, maps, and other planning documents relating to the
proposed project prepared by the City of Santa Ana, the City's consultants, or
responsible or trustee agencies with respect to the City's compliance with the
requirements ofCEQA, and with respect to City's action on the proposed project;
· All documents submitted to the City by agencies or members of the public in connection
with the proposed project;
· Matters of common knowledge to the City, including, but not limited to federal, state,
and local laws and regulations.
The custodian of the documents comprising the record of proceedings is the City of Santa
Ana (Santa Ana Public Works Agency, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, California,
92701).
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Draft Findings o/Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
5.0 FINDINGS OF FACT
These Findings cite substantial evidence in the record in support of each of these findings and
present an explanation to supply the logical step between the finding and the facts in the record.
(State CEQA Guidelines, S 15091.)
Under CEQA, for each significant environmental effect identified in an EIR for a proposed
project, the approving agency must issue a written finding reaching one or more of three
allowable conclusions:
· "[c]hanges or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which
avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the
final EIR." (State CEQA Guidelines, S 15091, subd. [a][1].)
· "[s]uch changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another
public agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted
by such other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency." (State CEQA
Guidelines, S 15091, subd. [a] [2].)
· "[s]pecific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including
provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the
mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the final EIR." (State CEQA
Guidelines, S 15091, subd. [a][3].)
CEQA requires that the lead agency adopt mitigation measures or alternatives, where feasible, to
avoid or substantially reduce significant environmental impacts that would otherwise occur.
Project modification or alternatives are not required, however, where they are infeasible or where
the responsibility for modifying the project lies with some other agency (State CEQA Guidelines,
S 15091, subd. [a] [3][c]). Public Resources Code Section 21061.1 defines "feasible" to mean
"capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period oftime, taking
into account economic, environmental, social, and technological factors." State CEQA
Guidelines Section 15364 adds another factor: "legal" considerations (see also Citizens of Goleta
Valley v. Board of Supervisors ["Goleta 11"J [1990] 52 Cal.3d 553,565 [276 Cal. Rptr. 410]).
The State CEQA Guidelines do not define the difference between "avoiding" a significant
environmental effect and merely "substantially lessening" such an effect. The City must
therefore glean the meaning of these terms from the other contexts in which the terms are used.
Public Resources Code Section 21081, on which State CEQA Guidelines Section 15091 is based,
uses the term "mitigate" rather than "substantially lessen." The State CEQA Guidelines therefore
equate "mitigating" with "substantially lessening." Such an understanding of the statutory term is
consistent with the policies underlying CEQA, which include the policy that "public agencies
should not approve projects as proposed if there are feasible alternatives or feasible mitigation
measures available which would substantially lessen the significant environmental effects of
such projects." (Public Resources Code, S 21002).
For purposes of these Findings, the term "avoid" refers to the effectiveness of one or more
mitigation measures to reduce an otherwise potentially significant effect to a less-than-significant
level. In contrast, the term "substantially lessen" refers to the effectiveness of such measure or
measures to substantially reduce the severity of a significant effect, but not to reduce that effect
to a level that is less than significant.
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Draft Findings o/Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
Although the State CEQA Guidelines Section 15091 requires only that approving agencies
specify that a particular significant effect is "avoid[ed] or substantially lessen[ed]," these
findings, for purposes of clarity, in each case will specify whether the effect in question has been
reduced to a level that is less than significant, or has simply been substantially lessened but
remains significant.
This document presents the City's findings as required by CEQA, cites substantial evidence in
the record in support of each of these findings, and presents an explanation to supply the logical
step between the finding and the facts in the record (State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15091).
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
6.0 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) will need to be adopted by the City of
Santa Ana pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines (refer to Public Resources Code, S 21081.6). The
MMRP will be used to track compliance with project mitigation measures. This MMRP is fully
described and includes the complete list of measures to be implemented in Appendix AL of the
Final EIRIEA.
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
7.0 SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS, MITIGATION MEASURES, AND FINDINGS
The Draft EIRIEA identified ten environmental categories that may result in significant or
potentially significant environmental impacts. All of these significant impacts can be avoided
through the adoption of feasible mitigation measures.
This section presents in greater detail the City's Findings with respect to the significant and
potentially significant environmental effects of the proposed project. It also summarizes the
evidence relied upon by the City in making these findings. This evidence is drawn from the
Notice of Preparation, the Final EIRIEA, the comments and responses to comments on the Draft
EIRIEA, and other evidence presented to the City, including all other information in the
administrative record.
7.1 GEOLOGY, SOILS, SEISMICITY
Potentially Significant Effects
Permanent Impacts
. The proposed project area is subject to groundshaking from fault activity. Ground
motion could result in structural damage and potential traffic delays. Fault activity is
not considered to be a major constraint to roadway construction in the region.
. Possible consequences to roadway features from soil liquefaction are settlement and
spreading of embankments and cracking of the pavement and structure surface.
. Subsidence, a general lowering of the ground surface, has occurred within various parts
of Santa Ana. This is generally attributed to a lowering of groundwater levels.
Groundwater extraction is regulated by the Orange County Water District to ensure that
groundwater resources are not depleted or that levels are not substantially lowered to
cause land subsidence. The proposed improvements would not be exposed to
substantial impacts from subsidence of the land due to groundwater extraction.
. Soils with a moderate to high expansion potential are found in and near the project area.
The use of highly expansive soils would be unsuitable for use as backfill material
around roadway and freeway structures, as it can result in uplift or result in cracking of
the foundation or other rigid structures.
· Implementation of the Preferred Alternative would result in an increase in impermeable
surfaces in the form of additional street paving and expanded freeway structures. This
increase in paved surfaces has the potential to increase the volume of water runoff
possibly resulting in erosion of adjacent soil surfaces.
Temporary Impacts (Construction)
· Grading activities may result in earth surfaces being exposed to erosive forces.
· Temporary structures used during construction have the potential to be affected by
seismic events.
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
Mitigation: Identified potential impacts are anticipated to be less than significant with the
following measures, which are considered standard industry practices.
Seismic
.
Detailed geotechnical studies will be performed in conjunction with detailed
engineering designs to provide appropriate boring, soil, and fault information.
Hinged restrainers will be used to hold together overcrossing elements during extreme
motion.
Reinforcement in column sections will be increased to assure effective confinement of
concrete, allowing large movements to occur without collapse.
.
.
Liquefaction
. Piles will be used under the overcrossing.
. Tensile reinforcement will be used in embankments.
Expansive Soils
. In construction areas where soils are highly expanSIve, compaction of the highly
expansive soils will occur prior to construction.
Erosion
. Any fills placed near the Orange County Flood Control District (OCFCD) open
trapezoidal channel (Lane Channel), will be suitably protected against erosion,
including culverts to pass the flow uninterrupted.
· Excavated materials will not be deposited or stored in or alongside Lane Channel where
materials can be washed away by high water or storm runoff.
· Permanent erosion control measures, such as hydroseeding, landscaping, and riprap
protection, will be implemented and included on approved construction plans.
. Any off- or on-site drainage facilities affected by the proposed project will be designed
to comply with City of Santa Ana, City of Irvine, and Caltrans design standards.
With Mitigation the Effects are Found to be:
( ) Significant (x) Not Significant
Finding:
1. (x) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which
avoid the significant environmental effect. (Subd. [a][l].)
2. () Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public
agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such
other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. (Subd. [a][2].)
3. ( ) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including
provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the
mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIRIEA (Subd. [a][3].)
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
Rationale: Implementation of these standard industry practices will reduce impacts related to
seismic activity, liquefaction, expansive soils, and erosion to levels less than significant by
ensuring that all construction incorporate Best Management Practices for erosion control and
current Caltrans seismic design criteria. Standard industry practices also address liquefaction
and expansive soils issues. No other mitigation is required.
Reference: The discussion on setting, impacts, and mitigation related to Geology, Soils, and
Seismicity are included in Section 4.1 of the FEIR/EA prepared for the Alton Avenue
Overcrossing at SR-55.
7.2 HYDROLOGY, WATER QUALITY, STORMW ATER RUNOFF
Potentially Significant Effects
Permanent Impacts
. The receiving waters are presently subject to direct runoff from the existing highway, land
immediately adjacent to the highway, and adjacent residential, commercial, and industrial
urbanization. The proposed project is approximately 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) long, with an
average increase in pavement width of approximately 28.0 meters (92 feet), and an increase
in impervious area of 4.78 hectares (11.8 acres). The Preferred Alternative would increase
the rate and volume of runoff slightly. The rate and amount of any dissolvable and
suspended materials would increase slightly. The increased rate of runoff and volume of
runoff would be due to the increase in impervious surfaces. The overall watershed would
not change as a result ofthe project.
· Construction of the HOV direct-access drop ramps, with the associated widening of SR-55
to accommodate the median ramps, would require the modification of the OCFCD Lane
Channel. Modifications would include replacing the channel with an enclosed box culvert
that would cross under the freeway to the east side of SR-55 where it would head south,
running parallel to the freeway under Pullman Street. The box culvert west of SR-55 would
be 10 feet high by 13 feet wide and east of SR-55 the box culvert would be shorter and
wider, 7 feet high and 12 feet wide, in order to accommodate the existing profile of Pullman
Street (double box culvert). These modifications would affect approximately 1,310 square
meters (2.36 acres).
Implementation of the Preferred Alternative would not significantly increase storm water
runoff volumes carried by Lane Channel and velocities of storm runoff after the project
would not vary significantly from the pre-project conditions. All new storm drain
improvements would be protected from any erosive velocities.
Temporary Impacts (Construction)
· Lane Channel would be relocated to cross under SR-55 just south of Dyer Road and
continue parallel to the freeway, under Pullman Street.
· During construction, the activities related to the Lane Channel relocation may have an
impact on the receiving waters. The potential impacts to receiving waters would be
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Draft Findings a/Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
primarily sediment transport and local erosion. Additional impacts may be waste products
of the construction process and contamination from the use and storage of mechanical
equipment.
. The shallowest water table in the project area is 1.8 to 2.4 meters (six to eight feet) deep.
The majority of the planned construction activities for the project would occur above the
water table. Where groundwater may be encountered, such as for drainage facilities and
piles, standard construction practices would include identification of specific groundwater
depth and the use of such methods as sealed courses, and similar methods, where necessary.
Mitigation: Because modification and realignment of the OCFCD Lane Channel would not take
place within the active flood control channel, any potential impacts to receiving waters would be
avoided. The relocated Lane Channel would be constructed per current standards of the OCFCD
and designed to convey 100-year discharges. The City shall implement the following mitigation
measures:
HYD-l
Mitigation of the water pollution impacts of construction activities will be primarily
addressed in the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) prepared for
the project. The SWPPP shall be implemented at the appropriate level to protect
water quality at all times throughout construction. Non-stormwater Best
Management Practices (BMPs) must be implemented year round. The contractor
shall incorporate into the SWPPP the necessary critical temporary, permanent, and
post-construction control measures appropriate for the project.
HYD-2
In order to meet the requirements of the Countywide Drainage Area Management
Plan, the following notes will be incorporated into the construction plan sheets.
· Construction sites shall be maintained in such a condition that an unanticipated
storm does not carry wastes or pollutants off the site.
· Such "discharges" of material other than storm water are allowed only when
necessary for performance and completion of construction practices anywhere
they do not: cause or contribute to a violation of any water quality standard;
cause or threaten to cause pollution contamination, or nuisance; or contain a
hazardous substance in a quantity reportable under Federal Regulations 40 CFR
Parts 117 and 302.
· Materials which may have effects of pollution include but are not limited to:
solid or liquid chemical spills; wastes from paints, stains, sealants, glues, limes,
pesticides, herbicides, wood preservatives and solvents; asbestos fibers, paint
flakes or stucco fragments; fuels, oils, lubricants and hydraulic, radiator or
battery fluids; fertilizers, vehicle/equipment wash water and concrete wash
water; concrete, detergent or floatable wastes; wastes from any
engine/equipment steam cleaning or chemical degreasing; and super-chlorinated
potable water line flushings. During construction, disposal of such materials
shall occur in a specified and controlled temporary area on site, physically
separated from potential storm water run-off, with ultimate disposal in
accordance with local, state and federal requirements.
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
. Dewatering of contaminated groundwater, or discharging of contaminated soils
via surface erosion is prohibited.
HYD-3
The City of Santa Ana and the City of Irvine have each agreed to maintain (clean)
the portion of the relocated channel lying within their respective jurisdictions, while
Caltrans would be responsible for structural maintenance of the section of the box
culvert located under the freeway.
With Mitigation the Effects are Found to be:
( ) Significant (x) Not Significant
Finding:
1. (x) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which
avoid the significant environmental effect. (Subd. [a][1].)
2. () Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public
agency and not the agency making the finding. .Such changes have been adopted by such
other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. (Subd. [a][2].)
3. ( ) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including
provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the
mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIRIEA (Subd. [a][3].)
Rationale: Implementation of these mitigation measures will reduce impacts to hydrology, water
quality, and stormwater runoff to levels less than significant by ensuring that design and
construction of the Preferred Alternative meet the requirements of the Countywide Drainage
Area Management Plan, that a SWPPP is prepared for the project, and that both stormwater and
non-stormwater BMPs are implemented. No further mitigation is required.
Reference: The discussion on setting, impacts, and mitigation related to Hydrology, Water
Quality, and Stormwater Runoff are included in Section 4.2 of the FEIRIEA prepared for the
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55.
7.3 HAZARDOUS W ASTE/MA TERIALS
Potentially Significant Effects
Permanent Impacts
No permanent hazardous waste/materials impacts would occur associated with the operation of
the Preferred Alternative, as it is assumed that any hazardous waste/materials issues would be
remediated prior to construction.
Temporary Impacts (Construction)
The proposed project is not anticipated to pose a substantial risk of an explosion or the release of
hazardous substances in the event of an accident, or to otherwise adversely affect overall public
safety. Based on the analyses performed as part of the Initial Site Assessment (1999),
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
Supplemental Initial Site Assessment (2003), and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment,
(2005) there are numerous facilities located adjacent to the proposed project that handle, use,
and/or store hazardous waste and/or materials. During construction, these facilities could
potentially expose the public and construction workers to hazardous waste/materials.
Acquisition Properties
Based on the Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA, 2005) was performed by Leighton
Consulting, Inc. (Leighton Consulting) for all acquisition properties where there was a potential
for hazardous waste/materials as identified in the ISA (1999) and Supplemental ISA (2003), the
following sites have been identified as potential contaminant sources. The Phase II ESA
involved several activities such as: obtaining and analyzing soil and groundwater samples on
seven full acquisition sites (Sites No. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 17); reviewing a draft
preliminary Endangerment Assessment Report (Site No.9); conducting a site reconnaissance on
three partial acquisitions sites (Sites No. 44, 74, and 77); and reviewing a Phase I ESA for the
final partial acquisition site (Site No. 75) identified in Table 4.3-1. A synopsis of the most recent
hazardous waste/materials information for each of the sites and the hazardous waste concerns for
each site are also provided below. Arsenic was not found in the soil in excess of the expected
background concentration in any of the sites.
· Site No.9 - Santa Ana Plating, 411 East Alton Avenue, Santa Ana (Site No.9) - Full Take
According to the Phase II ESA (2005) prepared by Leighton Consulting, this site is subject to
Consent Order SRPDOll02 sns-4270 with the Environmental Protection Agency, Department
of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC). In lieu of site access, Leighton Consulting was allowed
to copy the draft Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA) Report, which was prepared
in compliance with the consent order. According to the PEA, arsenic was detected in soil
samples, however concentrations were consistent with background concentrations. The
reported concentrations of arsenic, total chromium, molybdenum, nickel, selenium and
vanadium exceed their respective Tap Water Preliminary Remediation Goals (PRG) in one or
more of the groundwater samples. The PEA recommended several tasks to better identify the
source, potential off-site sources, and to evaluate potentially affected groundwater resources,
including development of a groundwater investigation work plan and performance of a soil
gas survey. DTSC may require the owner to implement a remedial action plan for soil and
groundwater at this location. This must be considered in negotiations to acquire this
property to avoid becoming a potentially responsible party and avoid any unwanted liability.
· Site No. 10 - Goodwin International, 3121 South Oak Street, Santa Ana; and Myers Forklift,
3126 South Kilson Drive, Santa Ana - Full Take
According to the Phase II ESA (2005), arsenic was detected in soil samples, however,
concentrations were consistent with background concentrations. Trichloroethylene (TCE)
was detected in groundwater samples collected by Leighton Consulting. The source of
contamination is undetermined.
· Site No. 17 - Magna Engineering, 3122 South Halladay Street, Santa Ana (Site No. 17) -
Full Take
During the Phase II ESA (Leighton Consulting, 2005), arsenic present in the soil was within
the expected background range for soils in the area. Arsenic and vanadium were detected at
concentrations greater than their Tap Water Preliminary Remediation Goals (PRG). The
source of groundwater contamination at this site was undetermined. If dewatering activities
are required at this site, proper disposal of groundwater is required.
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
. Site No. 44 - One Source Distributors, 1021 Duryea Avenue, Irvine - Partial Take
On November 17, 2004, Leighton Consulting conducted a site reconnaissance of the site
(Leighton Consulting, 2005). The usage/storage or hazardous materials and the presence of
underground storage tanks were not observed on the property. There was no indication
hazardous material impact to near-surface soils on the portion of the property to be acquired.
Groundwater beneath the site may have been impacted by migration of contaminants present
in the groundwater in the area. Any project excavation required on this site is expected to be
shallow and not expected to encounter groundwater.
· Site No. 74 - Arte International Furnishings, 17092 Pullman Street, Irvine - Partial Take
On November 17, 2004, Leighton Consulting conducted a site reconnaissance of Arte
International Furnishings located at 17092 Pullman Street (Leighton Consulting, 2005). The
present or past usage/storage of hazardous materials and underground storage tanks were not
observed on the property. There was no indication hazardous material impact to near-surface
soils on the portion of the property to be acquired. Several groundwater monitoring wells
were observed during the site reconnaissance in the right-of-way along Pullman Street in
front of the property site. Groundwater beneath the site may have been impacted by
migration of contaminants present in the groundwater in the area. Any project excavation
required on this site is expected to be shallow and not expected to encounter groundwater.
· Site No. 75 - 3M, 17132 Pullman Street, Irvine - Partial Take
On December 1, 2004, Leighton Consulting received a copy of the completed Phase I ESA
for 3M located at 17132 Pullman Street (Weston Solutions, Inc., 2004). According to the
Phase I ESA, underground storage tanks, vent pipes, dispenser pads, and groundwater wells
were not observed on site. The facility operates under 13 air permits for knitting
operations/coaters and a storm water discharge permit. Hazardous substances (coolants and
oils) are stored in 55-gallon drums in an outdoor covered and locked area. No violations
were found for this site. One release of approximately 30 gallons of hydraulic fluid into the
subsurface soils occurred in 1986, however, the spill and impacted soil was removed. A
Phase II ESA is being prepared for this site to assess soil and groundwater conditions based
on the historic use of chlorinated solvents at the facility between 1975 and 1994. Any
project excavation required on this site is expected to be shallow and not expected to
encounter groundwater.
· Site No. 77 - RicohlLanier Professional Services, 1062 McGaw Avenue, Irvine - Partial
Take
On September 30, 2004, Leighton Consulting conducted a site reconnaissance of the vacant
Ricoh building located at 1062 McGaw Avenue. The site was previously used to assemble
printers and toner cartridges. An aboveground propane storage tank that is no longer in use
is located in the rear of the building. A groundwater investigation conducted by Applied
Geosciences, Inc. in 1993 indicated groundwater contamination was present at the site.
Although the RWQCB has taken the position that the site may have been impacted by
discharges of chlorinated volatile organic compound (CVOC) contaminated groundwater
from the 17482 Pullman Street property, which is a non-acquisition property, any project
excavation required on this site is expected to be shallow and not expected to encounter
groundwater.
· Site No. 19 - ITT Cannon, 666 Dyer Road, Santa Ana - Non-Acquisition
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
Although this site is not being partially or fully acquired by the proposed project, a
groundwater sampling report conducted by Arcadis G&M, Inc. (Arcadis, 2004) for this site
was reviewed due to the proximity of monitoring wells to the project location. Two of the
monitoring wells are within the proposed project right-of-way. Testing results showed that
concentrations of TCE and vinyl chloride exceeded the TCE and vinyl chloride Tap Water
PRG. Acetone, carbon disulfide, and Freon 113 were also detected in groundwater sampling.
Transportation Off-Site of Hazardous Waste/Materials
Hazardous waste/materials that could potentially be located along the proposed project site, such
as aerially-deposited lead (ADL), lead based paint (LBP), asbestos, traffic striping, contaminated
soil, and contaminated groundwater, would be either transported within the project site or
disposed off-site per applicable regulations. The presence of these materials can present a risk to
workers and may increase the cost for handling and disposing of construction debris. The
identification and quantification of materials to be transported (i.e., ADL, LBP, asbestos, traffic
striping, contaminated soil, and contaminated groundwater) will be identified, where possible, as
part of the appropriate evaluations that are included in Section 4.3.6 of the Final EIR/EA.
Mitigation: Phase II testing was performed after the public comment review period for the Draft
EIR/EA for the proposed project (Section 1.3). The following are the updated recommendations
resulting from the ISA (1999), Supplemental ISA (2003), and Phase II ESA (2005):
HAZ-1
HAZ-2
HAZ-3
During final design, the following information shall be developed:
. Final determination of which sites will be fully or partially acquired
. Determination of specific construction activities planned on or near each
potential contaminant source, including any utility work
. Development of site-specific hydrogeologic information, including geology and
groundwater depth and direction
. Additional in-depth review of agency records, and interviews with regulators and
property owners/occupants of potential contaminant sources identified as a
potential impact to the preferred alternative
Dewatering is not expected at any of the of the acqUlslt10n sites with potential
hazardous waste concern for the proposed project. However, if design details change
so that dewatering is required at the sites listed above and once dewatering
requirements have been determined, a study shall be undertaken to determine the
effects of dewatering on groundwater flow pattern. Once these effects have been
determined, the City shall determine if any liability is incurred as a result of the
altered groundwater flow pattern.
The City shall determine which monitoring wells located on Pullman Street, Duryea
Avenue, and McGaw Avenue are within the limits of proposed construction, whether
any monitoring wells can and/or should be relocated, and who is responsible for
relocation of the wells.
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
HAZ-4
HAZ-5
HAZ-6
HAZ-7
HAZ-8
HAZ-9
Soil in unpaved areas next to the traffic lanes or shoulders shall be tested for ADL at
a very early stage of the design phase. If excess soils within the existing or proposed
right-of-way contains greater than 350 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) Aerially
Deposited Lead (ADL), then the soil is considered hazardous and must be disposed
at a Class I disposal site. An ADL investigation shall be conducted after the extent
of excavation has been established, which will occur during final design. Handling
of ADL contaminated soil shall comply with Caltrans ADL Variance number OO-H-
V AR-07, dated September 22,2000, and Caltrans Lead Contaminated Soil Variance
Modification, District 12, dated December 13,2002. An ADL investigation shall be
conducted after the extent of excavation has been established, which will occur
during final design. Other hazardous waste/materials that could potentially be
located along the proposed project site, such as lead based paint, asbestos, traffic
striping, contaminated soil, and contaminated groundwater, would be either
transported within the project site or disposed off-site per applicable regulations.
Prior to construction, a health and safety plan containing specific procedures for
encountering both expected and unexpected contaminants will be developed by a
certified industrial hygienist.
Prior to construction a health and safety plan, construction containment management
plan, and construction contingency plan shall be developed
Testing, removal, and transporting off-site of yellow striping shall be performed
prior to construction and shall follow Construction Program Procedure Bulletin 99-2
(CPB 99-2).
Prior to full or partial demolition any structures to be removed or resold as part of
the proposed project shall include testing for, and proper disposal (including
transporting off-site) of, any asbestos containing materials, lead based paint (LBP),
and/or the presence of residual hazardous materials resulting from their use within
the structure. The presence of these materials can present a risk to workers
demolishing the structure and may increase the cost for handling and disposing of
construction debris. Their presence could also be an issue if the structure is not
completely demolished and/or resold.
Observations should be made during any site work for the occurrence of possible
contamination, such as, but not limited to the presence of underground facilities,
buried debris, waste drums, tanks, and stained or odorous soils. Should any suspect
materials be discovered, the appropriate agencies will be contacted to determine if
any additional investigation may be warranted to assure the issues of exposure
protection and disposal are properly addressed. The appropriate agencies will be
contacted. If additional hazardous materials investigations are required, all
mitigation identified in those investigations will be implemented as prescribed.
All mitigation identified in the required additional hazardous materials investigations will be
implemented as prescribed in the studies.
With Mitigation the Effects are Found to be:
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
K-16
April July 2005
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
( ) Significant (x) Not Significant
Finding:
1. (x) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which
avoid the significant environmental effect. (Subd. [a][l].)
2. () Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public
agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such
other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. (Subd. [a][2].)
3. () Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including
provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the
mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR/EA (Subd. [a][3].)
Rationale: Implementation of these mitigation measures will reduce hazardous waste/materials
impacts to levels less than significant by ensuring that if the improvements proposed for this
project are recommended for implementation, follow-up hazardous material analysis be
performed during PS&E and prior to construction to identify impacts from the known and
unknown sources, and to prescribe specific mitigation to address these impacts. Thus, any
hazardous waste/materials issues would be remediated prior to construction. No further
mitigation is required.
Reference: The discussion on setting, impacts, and mitigation related to Hazardous
Waste/Materials are included in Section 4.3 of the FEIR/EA prepared for the Alton Avenue
Overcrossing at SR-55.
7.4 AIR QUALITY
Potentially Significant Effects
Permanent Impacts - None
. No violations of the federal or state one- or eight-hour Carbon Monoxide (CO) standards are
predicted with the Preferred Alternative. In the Preferred Alternative Phase 1, CO levels are
predicted to slightly increase at both analysis sites. This increase is 0.5 parts per million
(ppm) or less for the eight-hour analysis period. In the Preferred Alternative Phase 2, CO
levels are lower as compared to CO levels predicted in Phase 1.
· There are no indications that the Preferred Alternative would contribute to a particulate
matter less than 10mm (PMIO) hot spot that would cause or contribute to the PMIO National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). This finding is based, in part, on the inclusion of
the project in Southern California Association of Governments' (SCAG's) 2002 RTIP,
which accounted for the regional PMIO State Implementation Plan (SIP) budget compliance.
It is also based on the PMIO concentrations recorded at California Air Resources Board's
(CARB's) Anaheim-Harbor Boulevard Monitoring Station, the closest monitoring station to
the study area, which did not violate the NAAQS for the three-year period from 1999
through 2001. There would be no unusual circumstances, such as high diesel truck
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
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April July 2005
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
percentages, changes in dispersal patterns, roadway sanding, or unpaved shoulders
preparation that would result in a localized PMIO exceedance.
. The project is not predicted to cause or contribute to a new violation of the State or Federal
Ambient Air Quality Standards. It is not predicted to increase the frequency or severity of
any existing violations of these standards. As part of the most recently approved 20024
RTIP the project does not conflict with adopted environmental plans or goals of the
community where it is located. The project is not expected to cause objectionable odors or
expose sensitive receptors to substantial amounts of air pollutants. As such, the project is
considered to not have a significant air quality impact as defined by CEQA.
Temporary Impacts (Construction)
. Construction activities would result in pollutant emissions over the entire course of the
construction period. Air pollutants would be emitted by construction equipment and dust
would be generated during grading and site preparation. At this phase of project planning,
very little information is available regarding the specifics of the project's construction. In
general, construction activities for large development projects are estimated by EP A to add
approximately 2.9 metric tons per hectare (1.2 tons of fugitive dust per acre) of soil
disturbed per month of activity. In some cases, grading activities may occur close to
existing development. Under such circumstances, care should be taken to minimize the
generation of dust. Particulate emissions would represent the largest construction impact
for the Alton Avenue Overcrossing project, and would be generated during the demolition
and grading activities. Common practice for minimizing dust generation is watering prior
to, and during, grading. With watering, dust generation would be reduced to half the
amount that would be generated without watering. Various types of construction emissions
would also be generated from construction equipment, construction-related vehicle travel,
construction-related energy consumption, and release of hydrocarbons from paints,
architectural applications, and asphalt operations.
Mitigation: Airborne asbestos impacts could occur with the demolition of existing structures
that contain asbestos.
AQ-1
An asbestos study of all structures slated for demolition will be conducted.
SCAQMD's Rule 1403 - Asbestos Emissions from Demolition/Renovation Activities
will be followed for all relevant activities.
The City shall implement the following mitigation measures to mInImIZe the amount of
construction dust generated:
AQ-21
During pre-construction and site preparation of the subject site, the contractor shall
use the following measures to minimize dust:
. Minimize land disturbances
. Use watering trucks to minimize dust
. Cover trucks when hauling dirt
. Stabilize the surface of dirt piles, if not removed immediately
. Use windbreaks to prevent any accidental dust pollution
. Limit vehicular paths and stabilize temporary roads
· Pave construction roads and parking areas to road grade where roads and parking
areas exit the construction site
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
AQ-32
During construction, the contractor shall use the following measures to minimize
dust:
. Cover trucks when transferring materials
. Use dust suppressants on traveled paths that are not paved
. Minimize unnecessary vehicular and machinery activities
. Minimize dirt track-out by washing or cleaning trucks before they exit the
construction site
AQ-43
Post-construction, the contractor shall use the following measures to minimize dust:
. Revegetate any disturbed land not used
. Remove unused material
. Remove dirt piles
. Revegetate all vehicular paths created during construction to avoid future off-
road vehicular activities
With Mitigation the Effects are Found to be:
( ) Significant (x) Not Significant
Finding:
1. (x) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which
avoid the significant environmental effect. (Subd. [a][l].)
2. () Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public
agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such
other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. (Subd. [a][2].)
3. ( ) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including
provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the
mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR/EA (Subd. [a][3].)
Rationale: Implementation of these mitigation measures will reduce air quality impacts to levels
less than significant by ensuring that short-term construction-related air pollution is minimized.
No further mitigation is required.
Reference: The discussion on setting, impacts, and mitigation related to Air Quality are included
in Section 4.4 of the FEIR/EA prepared for the Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55.
7.5 NOISE
Potentially Significant Effects
Permanent Impacts
Under the Preferred Alternative, the noise abatement criteria (NAC) would be exceeded at Sites
2 (Adagio Apartment Complex) and 3 (Single-Family Residence at 110 Alton Avenue). For Site
2, the existing noise level is 65 dBA, and the predicted noise level for year 2025 is 69 dBA under
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
the No Build Alternative and under the Preferred Alternative. For Site 3, the existing noise level
is 62 dBA, and the predicted noise level for year 2025 is 67 dBA under the No Build Alternative
and under the Preferred Alternative.
Site 1 (Carriage Stop Motel) would not be substantially impacted. For Site 1, the existing noise
level is 59 dBA, and the predicted noise levels for year 2025 are 62 dBA under the No Build
Alternative and 62 dBA under the Preferred Alternative.
Where future noise levels exceed the applicable NAC, noise abatement must be considered for
reasonableness and feasibility, based on 23 CFR 772 and the Caltrans/FHW A Protocol.
According to this Protocol, the noise abatement must achieve a minimum of five dB of noise
reduction at the impacted receptor in order to be considered feasible. Other factors may also
affect feasibility, including topography, access requirements (driveways, ramps, etc.), local cross
streets, other noise sources, and safety considerations.
Noise abatement, in the form of a property line noise barrier, was evaluated for Site 2, the
Adagio Apartments and for Site 3, the single-family residence located at 110 Alton Avenue. A
noise barrier is not considered reasonable at Site 2 because it would block both vehicle and
pedestrian access to this property from Main Street. A property line noise barrier at Site 3 would
be feasible because it would provide at least a five-dB noise reduction.
Noise abatement, in the form of a property line noise barrier, was evaluated for Site 2, the
Adagio Apartments and for Site 3, the single-family residence located at 110 Alton Avenue. A
noise barrier is not considered reasonable at Site 2 because it would block both vehicle and
pedestrian access to this property from Main Street. A property line noise barrier at Site 3 would
be feasible because it would provide at least a five-dB noise reduction. The recommended noise
abatement for Site 3 is a noise barrier wall that would be located at the property line, and will be
2.4 m (8 ft) high and 22.8 m (75 ft) long.
Temporary Impacts (Construction)
. During the construction phases of the Alton Avenue Overcrossing project, noise from
construction activities may intermittently dominate the noise environment in the immediate
area of construction. Demolition and grading, which require removal of existing structures,
would result in the highest noise levels. Construction noise is regulated by Caltrans'
Standard Specifications Section 7-1.011, "Sound Control Requirements." These
requirements state that noise levels generated during construction shall comply with
applicable local, state, and federal regulations and that all equipment shall be fitted with
adequate mufflers according to the manufacturers' specifications. Because construction
activity would be conducted in accordance with Caltrans' standard specifications (and by
extension with local state and federal regulations), and because the noise would be short-
term, intermittent, and dominated by local traffic noise, no adverse noise impacts from
construction are anticipated.
Mitigation: The City shall implement the following mitigation measures:
NOI-1
All equipment shall have sound-control devices no less effective than those provided
on the original equipment. No equipment shall have an unmuffled exhaust.
NOI-2
As directed by Caltrans or the Cities of Santa Ana and Irvine, the contractor shall
implement appropriate additional noise mitigation measures, including, but not
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
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April July 2005
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
limited to, changing the location of stationary construction equipment, shutting off
idling equipment, rescheduling construction activity, notifying adjacent residents in
advance of construction work, or installing acoustic barriers around stationary
construction noise sources.
NOI-3
A noise barrier is recommended to be included in the project for Site 3 (as described
in the FEIR/EA) and will be subject to the property owner's concurrence.
With Mitigation the Effects are Found to be:
( ) Significant (x) Not Significant
Finding:
1. (x) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which
avoid the significant environmental effect. (Subd. [a][I].)
2. () Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public
agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such
other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. (Subd. [a][2].)
3. ( ) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including
provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the
mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR/EA (Subd. [a][3].)
Rationale: Implementation of these mitigation measures will reduce noise impacts to levels less
than significant by ensuring minimization of short-term construction-related noise and
implementation of a noise wall barrier at Site 3. No further mitigation is required.
Reference: The discussion on setting, impacts, and mitigation related to Noise are included in
Section of the FEIR/EA prepared for the Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55.
7.6 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Potentially Significant Effects
Permanent Impacts - None
Temporary Impacts (Construction)
. Construction activities associated with the Preferred Alternative may promote the spread of
invasive plant species. Equipment operating within the study area where invasive species are
already present would likely spread the species to other areas where construction would
occur, or to areas where the equipment would be cleaned.
Mitigation: The City shall implement the following mitigation measures prior to and during
construction:
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
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April July 2005
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
BIO-1
BIO-2
BIO-3
BIO-4
Invasive weeds shall be removed from the project area under the supervision of a
botanist qualified in the identification of invasive species.
Pursuant to Executive Order 13112 on invasive species, "Mitigation or eradication
measures may include but would not be limited to: cleaning of equipment to prevent
spread of weeds; use of weed-free hay bales for erosion control; prompt revegetation
of exposed soils; and use of native plant materials in new plantings that will resist
introduction or spread of noxious weeds."
Invasive weed removal shall be conducted prior to seed set (as determined by
monthly spring surveys by a qualified botanist) to minimize the spread of invasive
weed seeds in the project area. If it is not possible to remove weeds prior to seed set,
measures to minimize the release of invasive weed seeds during weed removal (e.g.,
manual weed removal while placing weeds in plastic bags) shall be used. If
necessary for erosion-control, only weed-free haybales shall be used.
Mitigation for ACOE Waters of the US shall occur at a mitigation ratio of 1: 1 be
coordinated with ACOE. Mitigation for CDFG jurisdictional waters shall occur at a
mitigation ratio of 1: 1.
With Mitigation the Effects are Found to be:
( ) Significant (x) Not Significant
Finding:
1. (x) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which
avoid the significant environmental effect. (Subd. [a][l].)
2. () Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public
agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such
other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. (Subd. [a][2].)
3. ( ) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including
provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the
mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR/EA (Subd. [a][3].)
Rationale: Implementation of these mitigation measures will reduce impacts to biological
resources, particularly regarding invasive species, to levels less than significant by ensuring that
all activities prior and during construction do not promote spreading of invasive species. No
further mitigation is required.
Reference: The discussion on setting, impacts, and mitigation related to Biological Resources
are included in Section 4.7 of the FEIR/EA prepared for the Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-
55.
7.7 FLOODPLAIN
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
Potentially Significant Effects
Permanent Impacts
Implementation of the Preferred Alternative would require the modification of the OCFCD Lane
Channel. Modifications would include replacing the channel with an enclosed box culvert that
would cross under the freeway to the east side of SR-55 where it would head south, running
parallel to the freeway under Pullman Street (Refer to Figure 3.2-5, Sheets 1 through 4). The box
culvert west of SR-55 would be 10 feet high by 13 feet wide and east of SR-55 the box culvert
would be shorter and wider, 7 feet high and 12 feet wide, in order to accommodate the existing
profile of Pullman Street (double box culvert). The OCFCD Lane Channel is fully concrete-
lined within the project study area and does not represent a naturalized waterway. The relocated
Lane Channel will be designed and constructed to current standards of the OCFCD. The Lane
Channel does not support any adjacent wetlands, sensitive biological or vegetative species or
habitats or other natural or beneficial floodplain values. The proposed project would not
significantly impact the 100-year floodplain.
Temporary Impacts (Construction)
Modifications to the Lane Channel would be designed to OCFCD standards which would
accommodate the 100-year floodplain. The proposed modification of the Lane Channel would be
phased so that the flows within the channel are not impeded.
Mitigation: The City shall implement the following mitigation measures prior to and during
construction:
FLD-1
The proposed modification of the Lane Channel would be phased so that the flows
within the channel are not impeded.
FLD-2
A Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) from FEMA is required in accordance with
Executive Order 11988 Floodplain Management, and will be obtained during final
design.
With Mitigation the Effects are Found to be:
( ) Significant (x) Not Significant
Finding:
1. (x) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which
avoid the significant environmental effect. (Subd. [a][l].)
2. () Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public
agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such
other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. (Subd. [a][2].)
3. ( ) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including
provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the
mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR/EA (Subd. [a][3].)
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
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April July 2005
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
Rationale: Implementation of these mlt1gation measures will reduce impacts to biological
resources, particularly regarding invasive species, to levels less than significant by ensuring that
all activities prior and during construction do not promote spreading of invasive species. No
further mitigation is required.
Reference: The discussion on setting, impacts, and mlt1gation related to Floodplains are
included in Section 4.8 of the FEIR/EA prepared for the Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55.
7.8 PARKING
Potentially Significant Effects
Permanent Impacts
. On-Street Parking: All on-street parking would be precluded on Alton Avenue due to
improvements associated with the Preferred Alternative. The loss of on-street parking
would not be mitigated as there are no requirements for the City of Santa Ana to either
replace on-street parking or to compensate businesses that currently use on-street parking
for either employee or patron parking (P&D Environmental Services, 1994).
. On-Site Parking: Loss of on-site parking can affect the viability of a business. If
implementation of the project results in a business having less parking than is required by
code, that parking would have to be replaced either on-site or on an adjacent parcel. If
replacement parking cannot be found, the responsible City would have to provide a parking
variance, or the business/parcel would have to be acquired. Refer to Table 7.7-1 for on-site
parking acquisitions.
. Equitable Garry Plaza (1700 E. Garry, Irvine): Equitable Garry Plaza would lose 36
parking spaces as a result of the freeway widening necessary to accommodate the HOV
drop ramps from Alton Avenue. There are approximately 350 parking spaces available
and the parking code requires that there be 307 spaces. With the loss of the 36 parking
spaces (approximately 10 percent of the existing parking), there would still remain 314
spaces, which would be sufficient to meet code requirements. No replacement parking
would be necessary or provided for this loss.
· One Source Distributors (1021 Duryea, Irvine): One Source Distributors has
approximately 43 parking spaces on site. However, approximately two-thirds of those
spaces are fenced and being used for storage. Of the total on-site parking spaces, half
would be taken by implementation of the freeway widening portion of the project,
leaving 22 spaces. Code requires 21 parking spaces for the business. No replacement
parking would be necessary or provided for this loss.
· Amberwood Office Park (2933-2953 S. Pullman, Irvine): Amberwood Office Park has
approximately 300 parking spaces. Approximately 8 parking spaces would be taken
under the Preferred Alternative, which corresponds to a loss of 3 percent of existing
parking, which would be sufficient to meet code requirements. No replacement parking
would be necessary or provided for this loss.
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
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April July 2005
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
. 3M (17132 Pullman, Irvine): 3M has approximately 75 parking spaces. Approximately
5 parking spaces would be taken under the Preferred Alternative, which corresponds to
a loss of 7 percent of existing parking. No replacement parking would be necessary or
provided for this loss.
. BNe Mortgage (1063 McGaw, Irvine): BNC Mortgage has approximately 130 parking
spaces. Approximately 8 parking spaces would be taken under the Preferred
Alternative, which corresponds to a loss of 6 percent of existing parking. No
replacement parking would be necessary or provided for this loss.
Mitigation: Three parcels would lose less than 10 percent of their existing on-site parking.
Only two parcels would lose 10 percent or more of their existing on-site parking. However, no
mitigation is required for these two parcels because the remaining parking spaces are sufficient
to meet the code requirements for on-site parking. If necessary, the City shall implement the
following on-site parking mitigation measure:
PAR-1
When necessary, other affected businesses that would lose either landscaping or less
than 10 percent of their on-site parking will require a variance by the City of Irvine.
With Mitigation the Effects are Found to be:
( ) Significant (x) Not Significant
Finding:
1. (x) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which
avoid the significant environmental effect. (Subd. [a][l].)
2. () Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public
agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such
other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. (Subd. [a][2].)
3. ( ) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including
provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the
mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR/EA (Subd. [a][3].)
Rationale: Implementation of these mitigation measures will reduce parking impacts, if any, to
levels less than significant by ensuring that the City of Irvine issues a parking variance to
affected businesses other than the ones evaluated in the FEIR/EA that would lose either
landscaping or less than 10 percent of their on-site parking. No further mitigation is required.
Reference: The discussion on setting, impacts, and mitigation related to Parking are included in
Section 4.12 of the FEIR/EA prepared for the Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55.
7.9 TRAFFIC TRANSPORTATION/PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE FACILITIES
Potentially Significant Effects
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
Permanent Impacts
. The evaluation of project impacts identified four intersections that operate at a worse level
of service (LOS) under the Preferred Alternative, as compared to the No Build Alternative
(volume/capacity [Vie] ratios would be higher for the Preferred Alternative than for the No
Build Alternative). These intersections would operate at unacceptable LOS (E or F) under
the Preferred Alternative. These intersections are Dyer Road/Main Street, Halladay
Street/Dyer Road, Halladay Street/Alton Avenue, and Red Hill Avenue/Alton
Parkway. Transit Impacts: Construction ofthe Alton Avenue overcrossing would provide an
opportunity for new or rerouted bus service between Santa Ana and Irvine. Such rerouting
would result in better service for transit passengers and more efficient transit operations due
to the additional link between Santa Ana and Irvine. Construction of the overcrossing and
HOV ramps is also expected to result in additional regional express bus service. This transit
route would service South Coast Metro, MacArthur Place, and the Irvine Business Complex
(IDC) employment centers. The existence of exclusive HOV ramps would improve transit
accessibility to Alton Avenue/Parkway; without the project, buses would use Dyer Road,
MacArthur Boulevard, or Sunflower Avenue (east ofSR-55).
· Bicycle and Pedestrian Impacts: Construction of the Preferred Alternative would generally
improve opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian circulation by providing a new location for
bicycle and pedestrian crossing of the SR-55. Plans for the overcrossing include painted
Class I bicycle lanes and sidewalks adjacent to the roadway east of SR-55.
Temporary Impacts (Construction)
· Construction activities at SR-55 and on Alton Avenue and Alton Parkway would
temporarily affect traffic on these streets and surrounding local streets. Traffic circulation
would be temporarily disrupted by trucks and heavy machinery during construction.
Construction in Santa Ana along Alton Avenue would result in temporary detours due to the
proposed widening of the arterial. Only a small portion of Alton Parkway in Irvine would
be affected by construction activities, resulting in temporary detours. Bus routes in the
project area may be temporarily affected by construction activities. Temporary detours may
be necessary during construction on both Alton Parkway and Alton Avenue.
Mitigation: Traffic mitigation measures are identified for intersections that would experience
more congestion because of the project. These mitigation measures will increase capacity at the
intersections so that the LOS can be improved to a level at which the project would not create a
significant adverse impact. Because the LOS analysis is a capacity-based analysis, the mitigation
measures involve physical improvements that enhance intersection capacity. These
improvements include intersection approach widening to accommodate additional turn and
through lanes.
Implementation of the Preferred Alternative with mitigation measures would improve or maintain
the same LOS for intersections that would have unacceptable LOS under the No Build
Alternative. Under the No Build Alternative, the intersections that would have unacceptable
LOS are;
· Dyer Road/Main Street: LOS E (AM) and F (PM)
· Halladay Street/Dyer Road: LOS F (AM)
· Red Hill Avenue/Alton Parkway: LOS F (PM)
Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
Under the Build Alternative with mitigation measures, these intersections would have the
following LOS:
. Dyer Road/Main Street: LOS E (AM) and E (PM)
. Halladay Street/Dyer Road: LOS E (AM)
. Red Hill Avenue/Alton Parkway: LOS E (PM)
In addition to the traffic mitigation measures identified below, the City will develop a Traffic
Management Plan prior to construction in order to permit the greatest access to parcels in the
affected area and the least disruption of traffic. Access to all businesses that are not being
displaced would be maintained during business and delivery hours.
The City shall implement the following mitigation measures:
TRA-1 Intersection Of Dyer Road And Main Street
. Phase 1 Mitigation: Main Street shall be restriped to provide an additional left-
turn lane on the northbound and southbound approaches to Dyer Road.
. Phase 2 Mitigation: Dyer Road shall be restriped to add a right-turn lane on the
westbound approach to Main Street.
TRA-2
TRA-3
Intersection Of Halladay Street And Dyer Road
. Phase 1 Mitigation: Halladay Street shall be restriped to provide an additional
left-turn lane on the northbound approach to Dyer Road, and right-turn lane
shall be added to Dyer Road on the eastbound approach to Halladay Street.
. Phase 2 Mitigation: No additional mitigation in Phase 2.
Intersection Of Halladay Street And Alton Avenue
. Phase 1 Mitigation: The intersection shall be signalized. Halladay Street shall
be widened to provide a total of two left-turn lanes and one right-turn lane on its
southbound approach to Alton Avenue.
. Phase 2 Mitigation: No additional mitigation in Phase 2.
Intersection Of Red Hill Avenue And Alton Parkway
. Phase 1 Mitigation: Alton Parkway shall be restriped to convert the right-turn
lane into a through/right-turn lane on the westbound approach to Red Hill
Avenue.
. Phase 2 Mitigation: No additional mitigation in Phase 2.
The proposed project would be implemented in two phases. The overcrossing would be
constructed in the initial phase of construction, along with the improvement of Alton Avenue to
secondary arterial standards to address the current deficiencies in local circulation. The freeway
widening and the HOV direct-access drop ramps could be added as a second phase of
construction. The relocation of two sections of Pullman Street, the widening of Dyer Road
undercrossing, modification of the MacArthur Boulevard ramps, and relocation of the Lane
Channel would also occur in the second phase. Because the project is proposed to be constructed
in two phases, the mitigation will also be implemented in phases, corresponding to the impacts
caused by the construction included in each phase.
TRA-4
With Mitigation the Effects are Found to be:
( ) Significant (x) Not Significant
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
Finding:
1. (x) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which
avoid the significant environmental effect. (Subd. [a][l].)
2. () Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public
agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such
other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. (Subd. [a] [2].)
3. ( ) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including
provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the
mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR/EA (Subd. [a][3].)
Rationale: Implementation of these mitigation measures will reduce impacts to traffic to levels
less than significant. Although the implementation of the Preferred Alternative with mitigation
measures would not improve LOS to acceptable levels at Dyer Road/Main Street, Halladay
Street/Dyer Road, and Red Hill Avenue/Alton Parkway, the deterioration of LOS at these
intersections would not be caused by the proposed project. The traffic analysis described in
Section 4.13 of the FEIR/EA shows that, without the project, LOS would also be unacceptable at
these intersections. The Preferred Alternative would either improve or maintain LOS at these
intersections. No further mitigation is required.
Reference: The discussion on setting, impacts, and mitigation related to Traffic and
Transportation/Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities are included in Section 4.13 of the FEIR/EA
prepared for the Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55.
7.10 VISUAL/AESTHETICS
Potentially Significant Effects
Permanent Impacts
· East of SR-55 on Alton Parkway, removal of vegetation within the existing Alton right-of-
way would decrease the visual unity of views of SR-55.
· On Alton Avenue, west of SR-55, views would improve in newly constructed areas as a
result of increased setbacks and uniform landscaping.
· Views within the area would also improve with removal of on-street parking.
· Views from SR-55 would improve slightly through the introduction of the overcrossing
structure as a unifying element and use of a consistent plant palette to solidify the
improvements.
Temporary Impacts (Construction)
· Temporary construction impacts would include views of construction staging areas,
demolition and grading activities resulting in loss of vegetation and/or existing structures,
falsework associated with the overcrossing, and framework associated with retaining walls
included as part of the proposed improvements.
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
Mitigation: The elements of the proposed proj ect will utilize types of aesthetic treatment which
are similar to the immediate project vicinity in order to promote the continuation of aesthetics
along the SR-55 corridor. The City shall implement the following mitigation measures in order
to reduce visual impacts and improve visual quality:
VIS-1
VIS-2
VIS-3
East of SR-55, revegetation and landscaping of remaining setback areas shall be
implemented as mitigation to restore visual quality. Mitigation shall include planting
vegetation on slopes adjacent to the overcrossing structure to blend in the structure
and increase visual unity. The implementation of this mitigation would restore the
moderately high visual quality of this urban industrial area.
As much as possible, existing landscaping within the state right-of-way shall be
preserved.
West of SR-55, areas affected by right-of-way acquisition shall be reconstructed to
include newly landscaped setbacks. These modifications would increase visual unity
in these areas, beneficially affecting the visual quality of the street. It is
recommended that similar landscape pallets for individually owned and maintained
setbacks be incorporated to improve the quality of the streetscape. Similar sizes,
colors, and textures of vegetation should be used in similar patterns to promote
visual unity.
With Mitigation the Effects are Found to be:
( ) Significant (x) Not Significant
Finding:
1. (x) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which
avoid the significant environmental effect. (Subd. [a][l].)
2. () Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public
agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such
other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. (Subd. [a][2].)
3. () Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including
provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the
mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR/EA (Subd. [a][3].)
Rationale: Implementation of these mitigation measures will reduce impacts to visual and
aesthetic resources to levels less than significant by ensuring that construction of the
overcrossing be accompanied by implementation of landscaping; therefore improving the visual
quality and unity of the proposed project area. No further mitigation is required.
Reference: The discussion on setting, impacts, and mitigation related to Visual/Aesthetic
Resources are included in Section 4.14 of the FEIR/EA prepared for the Alton Avenue
Overcrossing at SR-55.
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
7.11 CULTURAL RESOURCES
Potentially Significant Effects
Permanent Impacts
. There were no archaeological, historic or cultural resources found within the Area of
Potential Effects (APE) that were eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic
Places (NRHP) or the California Inventory of Historic Resources, as documented in the
Historic Property Survey Report (HPSR): Negative Findings. The survey involved
evaluation of archaeological resources, bridges, and architectural structures, as well as
coordination with Native American institutions.
Temporary Impacts (Construction)
. No known impacts, direct or indirect, on cultural resources would result from the
construction of the Preferred Alternative. However, as in all construction requiring grading
and demolition, there is the potential to discover unrecorded archaeological artifacts. If
undocumented and unknown archaeological resources are unearthed during construction,
Caltrans policy states that work must be halted in the vicinity of the find until a qualified
archaeologist can assess its significance.
Mitigation: Mitigation is not required unless undocumented or unknown archaeological
resources are unearthed during construction. If any undocumented or unknown archaeological
resources are unearthed during construction, the City shall implement the following mitigation
measure:
CUL-1
Any archaeological resources encountered must be evaluated by a qualified
archaeologist for eligibility for the NRHP or the California Register of Historic
Places (CRHP). If such resources are determined eligible, they must be preserved or
a data recovery program must be developed and implemented.
With Mitigation the Effects are Found to be:
( ) Significant (x) Not Significant
Finding:
1. (x) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project, which avoid
the significant environmental effect. (Subd. [a] [1].)
2. ( ) Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public
agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such other
agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. (Subd. [a][2].)
3. ( ) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including provision
of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the mitigation measures
or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR/EA (Subd. [a][3].)
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
Rationale: Implementation of this mitigation measure will reduce impacts to cultural resources
to levels less than significant by ensuring that any cultural resources unearthed during
construction are preserved and analyzed by a qualified archaeologist for eligibility for the NRHP
or the CRHP. No further mitigation is required.
Reference: The discussion on setting, impacts, and mitigation related to Cultural Resources are
included in Section 4.15 ofthe FEIR/EA prepared for the Alton Avenue Overcrossing at SR-55.
7.12 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Potential cumulative environmental impacts that may occur as a result of the Preferred
Alternative and other foreseeable projects include impacts to traffic and circulation, parking, air
quality, noise, hazardous waste, socioeconomics, hydrology, water quality, and floodplains.
Section 7.0 of the FEIR/EA discusses the rationale for concluding that each incremental effect on
each of these environmental categories would be less than cumulatively considerable and
therefore, is not a significant cumulative impact. Issues related to geology, soils, seismicity,
archaeology, historic architecture and resources, land use, public services, utilities, visual quality
and aesthetics, biology, and energy were determined to have insignificant impacts and were not
considered in the cumulative analysis.
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8.0 FINDINGS REGARDING PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
Pursuant to Section 15126 of the State CEQA Guidelines, an EIR must address: "... a range of
reasonable alternatives to the project, or to the location of the project, which would reasonably
attain most of the basic objectives of the project but would avoid any of the significant effects of
the project, and evaluate the comparative merits of the alternatives."
As identified in the FEIR/EA, prior to the identification of the Preferred Alternative, a total of
five project build alternatives and a no action project alternative had been considered during the
Project Study Report (PSR) and early environmental review phase of this project. Through
subsequent and continuing meetings with the Cities of Santa Ana and Irvine, Caltrans, and
FHW A, only two alternatives were carried forward into the Project Report/Environmental
Document (PRIED) phase: the No Action Alternative and the Preferred Alternative - Construct
Alton Avenue Overcrossing and HOV Drop Ramps, and Spot Widen Alton Avenue to Secondary
Arterial Standards (Preferred Alternative). Other alternatives considered but rejected during
either the feasibility study, the scoping process, or later analysis include:
. Alternative 3 - Construct Alton Overcrossing and HOV Ramps, Widen Alton Avenue to
Primary Arterial Standards on the North Side.
. Alternative 4 - Construct Alton Overcrossing and HOV Ramps, Widen Alton Avenue to
Primary Arterial Standards on the South Side.
. Alternative 5 - Construct Alton Overcrossing and HOV Ramps, Widen Alton Avenue to
Primary Arterial Standards on North and South Sides.
. Alternative 6 - Construct Alton Avenue Undercrossing and HOV Ramps, Widen Alton
Avenue to Primary Arterial Standards on North and South Sides.
Alternatives 3 through 6 were withdrawn from further consideration earlier in the planning stage,
prior to the FEIR/EA. These alternatives were determined to be either infeasible or cost
prohibitive, and they failed to meet one or all of the following project objectives:
. Provide an additional roadway crossing of SR-55 linking the Cities of Santa Ana and Irvine.
. Provide an additional HOV access at Alton Avenue as identified by OCT A in the Orange
eounty Transitway eoncept Design Study, the ealtrans Route eoncept Report for SR-55, the
2002 State Transportation Improvement Plan, the 2002 Regional Transportation
Improvement Plan (RTIP), and the 2001 Regional Transportation Program (RTP).
. Minimize the amount of property acquisitions, acquisition costs, and right-of-way impacts to
existing businesses along Alton Avenue.
. Minimize disruption to freeway traffic on SR-55 during construction.
. Allow maximum flexibility for phased construction over time as demand warrants and
availability of funding.
. Minimize disturbances to existing and potential contaminant sources from businesses along
or adjacent to Alton Avenue.
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
9.0 STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
In cases in which significant impacts are not at least "substantially mitigated," the lead agency,
after adopting the findings, may approve the project if it first adopts a statement of overriding
considerations setting forth the specific reasons why the agency found that the project's
"benefits" rendered "acceptable" its "unavoidable adverse environmental effects." (State eEQA
Guidelines, SS 15093, 15043, subd. [b].) The California Supreme Court has stated that, "[t]he
wisdom of approving. . . any development project, a delicate task which requires a balancing of
interests, is necessarily left to the sound discretion of the local officials and their constituents
who are responsible for such decisions. The law as we interpret and apply it simply requires that
those decisions be informed, and therefore balanced." (Goleta II, 52 Ca1.3d 553, 576 [276
Ca1.Rptr.401].) Only after fully complying with the findings requirement can an agency adopt a
statement of overriding considerations. (eitizens for Quality Growth v. eity of Mount Shasta
(1988) 198 Cal.App.3d 433,442,445 [243 Cal. Rptr. 727].)
The proposed project does not require a Statement of Overriding Considerations because
proposed mitigation measures would reduce potential impacts to less than significant and there
would be no unavoidable adverse impacts resulting from the proposed project.
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Draft Findings of Fact and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (applies to CEQA only)
10.0 INDEPENDENT REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
Under CEQA, the lead agency must (1) independently review and analyze the EIR, (2) circulate
draft documents that reflect its independent judgment; and (3) as part of the certification of the
FEIR, find that the report or declaration reflects the independent judgment of the lead agency.
(Public Resources Code, S 21082.1, subd. [c].)
The City of Santa Ana circulated the draft document and independently reviewed and analyzed
the FEIR. With the adoption of these findings, the City of Santa Ana finds that the FEIR reflects
its independent judgment.
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11.0 LIST OF ACRONYMS
APE
BMPs
BNSF
Caltrans
CARB
CEQA
CO
dBA
EB
EIR
EIR/EA
EPA
FEIR/EA
FHWA
Fidelity
GEN
HOV
HPSR
IDC
ISA
Leq
LOS
LQG
NAAQS
NAC
NB
NEPA
NFRAP
NOz
NOx
NRHP
OCFCD
Area of Potential Effects
Best Management Practices
Burlington Northern and Santa Fe railroad
California Department of Transportation
California Air Resources Board
California Environmental Quality Act
carbon monoxide
A-weighted decibel
Eastbound
Environmental Impact Report
Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment
Environmental Protection Agency
Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment
Federal Highway Administration
Fidelity Information Systems
Generator
high-occupancy - vehi c Ie
Historic Property Survey Report
Irvine Business Complex
Initial Site Assessment
Equivalent sound level
Level of Service
large quantity generators
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Noise Abatement Criteria
Northbound
National Environmental Policy Act
No Further Remedial Action Planned
nitrogen dioxide
nitrogen oxide
National Register of Historic Places
Orange County Flood Control District
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OCTA
PBQ&D
PM
PMIO and PMz.5
ppm
PS&E
RCRA
RTIP
RTP
RWQCB
SARWQCB
SB
SCAG
SIP
SOz
SQG
SR-55
STIP
SWPPP
TASAS
UST
V/C
VIOL
WB
Orange County Transportation Authority
Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Quade, and Douglas
afternoon
particulate matter
parts per million
Plans, Specifications and Estimates
Resources Conservation and Recovery Act
Regional Transportation Improvement Plan
Regional Transportation Plan
California Regional Water Quality Control Board
Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board
Southbound
Southern California Association of Governments
State Implementation Plan
sulfur dioxide
small-quantity generators
State Route 55
State Transportation Improvement Program
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
Traffic Accident Surveillance and Analysis System
Underground storage tank
Volume/capacity
violators
Westbound
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APPENDIX A
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
55C-55
55C-56