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Home My WebLink AboutReso 133-07 Bikeway Master Plan RESOLUTION NO. 133 - 07 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN ********************* ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE BIKEWAYS MASTER PLAN WHEREAS, in 2005, as part of the Dublin City Council's Goals and Objectives the City Council adopted as a high priority the development of a City-wide Bikeways Master Plan; and WHEREAS, in response to this high priority goal, the Public Works Department initiated a Capital Improvement Program project to develop a Bikeways Master Plan and to evaluate existing bicycle conditions and access to parks and open space areas throughout the City; and WHEREAS, in order to maximize public input in developing the Bikeways Master Plan, the City held three public meetings on February 22, 2006, March 31, 2006, and July 19, 2006, and invited City residents, public agencies, businesses and other stakeholders to attend; and WHEREAS, the Bikeways Master Plan contains goals and policies for developing and implementing a bikeway system that: 1) provides a viable transportation alternative to the automobile and thus improves transportation choices for Dublin residents; 2) improves safety for bicyclists; and 3) provides residents with access to open space, trails, and other recreational amenities; and WHEREAS, the Dublin General Plan sets forth a blueprint for a system of bikeways in Dublin and the Bikeways Master Plan builds upon that blueprint by creating a comprehensive plan that includes an evaluation of existing conditions, a prioritized list of recommended improvements for both on- and off- street facilities and recommendations pertaining to bicycle parking, safety, education and enforcement; and WHEREAS, the Dublin General Plan was originally adopted on February 11, 1985, and has since been amended numerous times; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Impact Report for the original General Plan was prepared and adopted in 1984 and subsequent environmental reviews have been undertaken in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the various General Plan Amendments which have been approved over the years; and WHEREAS, in accordance with CEQA, a Mitigated Negative Declaration, attached hereto as Exhibit "A,"_has been prepared to evaluate the potential environmental effects of implementing the proposed Bikeways Master Plan; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin Planning Commission ("Planning Commission") held a public hearing on the Mitigated Negative Declaration and General Plan Conformity for the Bikeways Master Plan on June 26, 2007; and WHEREAS, a Staff Report was submitted recommending that the Planning Commission recommend City Council adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did hear and consider the foregoing reports, recommendations and testimony and used its independent judgment to evaluate the project; and WHEREAS, following the public hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution 07-33 recommending that the Council adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Bikeways Master Plan which is incorporated herein by reference; and WHEREAS, on July 17,2007, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on the project, including the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration, at which time all interested parties had the opportunity to be heard. The City Council considered a Staff Report dated July 17,2007 and incorporated herein by reference, and all written and oral testimony; and WHEREAS, following the public hearing, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 133 - 07 adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Dublin City Council does hereby find that: A. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this resolution. B. The Mitigated Negative Declaration has been completed in compliance with CEQA, the CEQA Guidelines and the City of Dublin Environmental Guidelines. c. The Mitigated Negative Declaration is complete and adequate and reflects the City's independent judgment and analysis as to the environmental effects of the Bikeways Master Plan as described in the Mitigated Negative Declaration. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Dublin City Council does hereby adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Bikeways Master Plan. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of July, 2007, by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Hildenbrand, Oravetz, Sbranti, Scholz and Mayor Lockhart NOES: None ABSENT: None ATTEST: ABSTAIN: None G:CC-MTGS/7-17-07/Reso 133 Bikeways Neg Dee (Item 6.6) G:\CIP\City Bicycle Master Plan\CC Reso MND Bikeways.doc The City of Dublin Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration Planning Application File No. PA 06-032 d' n.,\:). <'f1.""\.J ~ u . ,- ?OS 111 ~ . f\)ent _ \C~1E O~'J 01 \\\1.5 6?CU Ct\., C' 't;RlZ' ~;:?~~~lJ' t'O"\ ,1 ;'~:i\~l\r":;', oay,land, ,lo< \ \~,. l"'"'{ ,<(;,.t. ~., . n, . 2. ,.>C.... Rc('\)' ..... l....e\;. . ,,: t'\C - . '()" ".i, ,.. . , "'o,~\e.(\ ,..,. . -r.ne,i \',' . "L~Rh. ..'''5 I' " ,..\ n,'''se,,'- . . .,.-.,. t ...' V'I""'~ . ....~f'jU t.:~\J-' .-\'i '\~' \ ...... for the pel.', 0" I . .,,,\ ~-( . \\Cl' " F.;t-eC\ cpo. Del>ut)' oak\and;~~ .vt/~ B)' Date~ Lead Agency City of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568 August 25, 2006 Public review period: August 29, 2006 - September 29, 2006 EXHIBIT A To the Resolution TABLE OF CONTENTS Environmental Checklist...................,......................................... ........................,............"............................3 Project Description/Environmental Setting.. ..... ...................... ........,.... ............, .... .... ........ ...... ...... ..................4 Exhibit 1: Regional Context............................. .......... .................................................................................... 7 Exhibit 2: Existing and Proposed Bikeways ....... .............. .......................................... ......................... .......... 8 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected .......... ,..... .......... ........ ........,. ...... ......... ..... ... .......... .... ........ ..........9 Determination...............................,.....,................................,..,....,.........................................",. .....................9 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts with Discussion .................................................................................10 Aesthetics.......... ......... .............................. ...........................,............................................... .................. 11 Agricultural Resources ,.......... ...,.. ...... ...,...... ....... ........... .... ............ ,...... ..... ... ,... ......... ... ......... ........ ....... 13 Air Quality....... ....... ...... ............ .......... ......... .......... .......... .................... .....,..... ................ ........, ............ ...14 Biological Resources .... ,... ........ ........... ....... ...,. ......... ........ ........ ................. ...... ...................,.................. 16 Cultural Resources ......, ............ .......... ............... ................. ............................... ............ ...... ....... ........... 18 Geology and Soils............... .....'... .................. ...............,......... ........ .............. ..... ....... ...... ............... .......19 Hazards and Hazardous Materials ......... .......... ....... ......... ......... ........... ................ ...... ......... .......... ........21 Hydrology and Water Quality ........ ............................... ........ .... .... ........... ......... .... ... ,.......................... ....23 land Use and Planning .......... ......... ........... .............................. ......... ..'.. .......... ,.. ............ ......... ........... ..25 Mineral Resources. ,............. ..... .... ................... ............... .... ,. ...... .... ........, .....,..... ,.............,....... ........ ..... 26 Noise..........,............................................................................................................... ......."..................26 Population and Housing.................................................. ..................,........................... ........................28 Public Services ... ,.., ....'...., ....., .,................ ..... .............. ..... ...... ............ ,.. ..... ........, ... ............ ......... .......... 28 Recreation.. ........ ..... ........ ............. ........ ......... .................,...,.... ...................... ......... ............. ........ .......... 29 Transportation and Traffic,.. ...... ............................ ... ......., .......... ........... ........ ......... ....... ......... ....... ........29 Utility and Services Systems...... ............................. ..................... ...................... ..... ................. .............. 30 Mandatory Findings of Significance...........................................,............ ............... .......... ....................... ..... 31 Background Information................................................. ..........................,.....,.................. .......,...............,...33 CLEH'.K'S CERTIFICATE OF POSTING, Pub. Res. 2 [ I :~2 ; .::on(f':' rh:}\' ,\ copy of Ihb document was POSI.(:t! All!!;;. HV:I'I'dc.,\ Ofiice.. OilkiJnd. CA, for the puiod pr;~scrineo ;J~' .;lW. Executed ell Oakland. CA Date 9-~(-&'& By COUNTY CLERK Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August25,2006 /LJ:r-- , Deputy Page 2 of 33 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM -INITIAL STUDY This Initial Study has been prepared in accord with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to assess the potential environmental impact of implementing the proposed project described below. The Initial Study consists of a completed environmental checklist and a brief explanation of the environmental topics addressed in the checklist. 1. Project Title: 2. Lead Agency Name and Address: 3. Contact Persons and Phone Number: 4. Project Location: 5. Project Sponsor's Name and Address: 6. General/Specific Plan Designation: 7. Zoning: 8. Surrounding land uses and setting: 9. Public Agency Required Approvals: City of Dublin Bikeways Master Plan City of Dublin Community Development Department 100 Civic Plaza Dublin. CA 94568 Jeff Baker, Senior Planner City of Dublin Community Development Department (925) 833-6610 Citywide City of Dublin Public Works Department Attn: Ferd Del Rosario, Senior Civil Engineer 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568 Various, Citywide Various, Citywide Various, Citywide None 10. Actions to which this Initial Study may be applied (including but not limited to): Adoption of the Bikeways Master Plan (City of Dublin) General Plan Amendment (City of Dublin) Specific Plan Amendments (City of Dublin) Parks & Recreation Master Plan Amendment (City of Dublin) ~LERK'S CPRTiFtC:ATE OF POS'TING, Pub. ;e"71 i ~,,') 'i'::~;',1if\'-lb:!.:) ,':;:~\, of rbi,. document ,.... .,. - I. 'I' ",',," ,."'... ,',. {;"l""",. O"KI""d CA ",'as postl":t. .::;\" ~~!~: ~-;'i.~:.-t~f,;...::-;_ :', ~__J.~i...~.. ." ~t. ~4'. , -' , (or th(- I1":i \U;_J preScrH!~Aj, l'.Y ',~; '-."j Executed 1: Oakl.wd. CA C:XJNTY CLERK Date g-~~J- ;r. By IU;-- Deputy Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration Augus125,2006 Page 3 of 33 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The City of Dublin has prepared a Bikeways Master Plan for use as a planning tool to guide the creation of a comprehensive bikeway system for both commuting and recreation within the City limits and sphere of influence. The Bikeways Master Plan establishes goals and policies for developing and implementing this bikeway system. The Master Plan also evaluates existing on-street and off-street facilities, includes a prioritized list of improvements for both on-street and off-street facilities, and recommends bicycle support facilities, safety, education programs, and enforcement throughout the City. Exhibit 1 depicts the regional location of the project and surrounding communiti~s in the Tn-Valley Region. The Bikeways Master Plan relies on guidelines and design standards established by Caltrans and included in the Highway Design Manual to identify the types of proposed bikeway facilities. Caltrans standards provide for three distinct types of bikeway facilities which include Class I (Bike Path), Class II (Bike Lane), and Class III (Bike Route) facilities. Class I bike paths have completely separate right-of-way and are designated for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians with minimal vehicle and pedestrian cross-flow minimized, Class II bike lanes are restricted right-of-way and are designated for the use of bicycles with a stripped lane on a street. Class III bike routes have right-of-way designate with signs or pavement markings for shared use with pedestrians or motor vehicles. Existing Facilities The City of Dublin currently has approximately 21 miles of bikeway facilities and a partial network of paved and unpaved trails. This includes 13 miles of Class I bike paths, 8 miles of Class II bike lanes, and 1/3 mile of Class III bike routes, Exhibit 2 illustrates existing facilities and proposed facilities within the City. Recommended Facilities The Bikeways Master Plan identifies a bikeways system that provides links to existing and future employment centers, transit facilities, and recreation areas. The creation ofthis bikeway system would require improvements to existing city streets; existing parks, open space, and public land owned by Zone 7 and the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD); incorporation of design concepts in-to future development plans for currently undeveloped areas of the City where development has already been anticipated to occur; and potential freeway crossing locations within the Caltrans right-of-way. Exhibit 2 identifies existing and proposed bikeway facilities. The Bikeways Master Plan includes recommendations regarding the general location of proposed bikeways and trail facilities throughout the City of Dublin. The proposed facilities may be constructed through the CIP program or when private development projects occur. Therefore, the timing and exact location of such facilities is not known at this time, Bikeway Facilities within Existing Right-of-Way The proposed Bikeways Master Plan includes Class I, Class II, and Class III facilities within existing right-of-way. New Class I facilities will require construction of bike paths that are separated from vehicle traffic. Proposed Class II and Class III facilities will require striping and signage within the roadway to identify the path for bicyclists and motor vehicles. The construction of such bikeway facilities within existing right-of-way would need to be Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August25,2006 page 4 of 33 incorporated into the City of Dublin Capital Improvement Program adopted by the City Council. Therefore, the timing of such improvements is not known at this time, Bikeways and Trails within Existing Parks, Open Space, and Public Land Future bikeway paths, open space trails, and related facilities such as trailheads and rest areas are proposed with in existing parks, open space, and on public land owned by Zone 7 and DSRSD. The exact location of such facilities has not been determined. Bikeways, Trails, and Related Facilities within Undeveloped Areas of Dublin The Bikeways Master Plan includes recommendations for Class I, Class II, and Class III bikeways, and trails and related facilities within currently undeveloped areas of the City of Dublin where development has already been planned to occur. New Class I facilities will require construction of bike paths that are separated from vehicle traffic, Class II and Class III facilities will require striping and signage within future right-of-way to identify the path for bicyclists and motor vehicles. Trails would be constructed within proposed parks and open space area. These facilities would be incorporated into the overall development application for the property where they area located and constructed as part of the development project. Bikeways that Cross 1-580 within Caltrans Right-of-Way The Bikeways Master Plan recommends bicycle connections across 1-580 to bicycle facilities within the City of Pleasanton. These potential crossings have been identified as future study areas and will require further review and coordination with Caltrans and the City of Pleasanton. These links could include freeway under crossings, over crossings, or bicycle paths on existing vehicle over crossings. Relationship of the Bikeways Master Plan to Other Planning Documents The Bikeways Master Plan is but one of the City of Dublin's land use planning documents. The Bikeways Master Plan will be used in conjunction with the General Plan, the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan, the Village Parkway Specific Plan, the Downtown Core Specific Plan, the West Dublin BART Specific Plan, the San Ramon Road Specific Plan, and other applicable documents. The Bikeways Master Plan will be used as the primary document to implement the General Plan goals and policies related to bicycle circulation, Environmental Analysis The City of Dublin, as the Lead Agency, has prepared this Initial Study to assess the potential environmental effects of the adoption of the Bikeways Master Plan. This analysis is intended to satisfy the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and to provide the City with accurate information for project review, The Bikeways Master Plan covers the entire City of Dublin, and includes recommendations for facilities in a variety of different environmental settings, Throughout this Initial Study for the Bikeways Master Plan, we will examine potential environmental impacts as they occur in the following settings: 1. Existing right-of-way: Right-of-way that has already been dedicated and improvements constructed. 2, Existing parks, open space, and public land: Existing park and open space area, and land owned by Zone 7 and the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August2S,2006 Page 5 of 33 3. Undeveloped land: Undeveloped land where development has already been planned to occur within the hills of western Dublin and within the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan area. 4. Freeway crossings: Areas identified as future study areas tor bikeways that cross 1-580 on Caltrans right-ot-way and provide connections to bikeways to the south of 1-580 outside the 9ity of Dublin. Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25. 2006 Page 6 of 33 EXHIBIT 1: REGIONAL CONTEXT Castro Valley Project · DUBLIN Site '\ . · . 1/ Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Negative Declaration August22,2006 Page 7 of 33 EXHIBIT 2: EXISTING AND PROPOSED BIKEWAYS II '" ,"'''' . I{: ..M';Z.......I~.H'.....t~ i!' ~\:.5i:~"r"-I_ _~ I::.. .c!>.~:..."........t....'" . 19'~'r ~i . . . , :...........\......Ji - ..' "...~.. ' '\ Lf ~ ~ , l. '-/ ~ ': : a J Lf! ~ L 3 . .' . ..'........ ..-., , (~,. \ : f......!I.~ ."t;<< ) ... . : ...... , ....-::-:::-.::~::...... -1"'11 ' .. ..... ". -............... . , .: ..} ...~.~.........B .~--...:'"~~ ..' ...,.. t~~_.~_. .. ., '. ~ ~ . ~\ ~ . '\11 " \. ~ .....\ . I '_. ~. 7'1r(..;..... : ( /'..;_.l'~' I' ~/. ,~1 ~ ;1, A ~ ,j/'~<"j:,,;~,R1fjt ! ; t. . : ~-.- - \' Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Negative Declaration August22,2006 ..~ l! .fl f i lu ~ f II ! [ ! liJ 111111 '....86 0 j U I i I 1l IIi lid!ll1 I.. qh 11 11 iJj!BS !jf A!~ . Ii H! H .~ -;' ,;:I .. ii. . fA: IA- ;j i=! ;: 8.. oSJJ~51 UHif If j I ; i j Iii i~fij \~~ en >. ca ~ Q) -" -- m " Q) en o Q.. e Q. " c ca C) c -- .... (I) -- >< W Page 8 of 33 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a .potentially significant impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. - Aesthetics - Agricultural Resources - Air Quality - Biological Resources - Cultural Resources - Geology/Soils . Hazards and Hazardous - Hydrology/Water Quality - Land Use/ Planning Materials - Mineral Resources - Noise - PopulationlHousing - Public Services - Recreation - Transportation/ Circulation . Utilities/Service Systems - Mandatory Findings of - SiQnificance DETERMINA liON: On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment. there will not be a X significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.' I find that the proposed project MAY have a 'potentially significant impact" or .potentially significant unless mitigated. impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project. nothing further is required. SignabJreq /:; /\= Date: August 25,2006 Printed Name: Jeff J2:: Senior Planner For: City of Dublin Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25. 2006 Page 9 of 33 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Scope of the Environmental Assessment This environmental assessment addresses the potential impacts of the Bikeways Master Plan in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The scope of review includes only potential impacts resulting from development of the facilities described in the Bikeways Master Plan. Any potential site- specific environmental impacts not anticipated during this environmental review will need to be addressed as part of that application submittal consistent with CEQA requirements, The method of environmental analysis includes a review to determine whether the impact related to the City's evaluation criteria would be: potentially significant; less than significant if mitigation is incorporated; less than significant; or no impact. The analysis includes a summary of the affected environment and a review of the threshold for determining significance. The evaluation of potential impacts applies the threshold, determines significance and, if necessary, includes recommended mitigation measures. Sources used to determine potential environmental impacts: All of the following sources were used for each determination and are not noted individually: 1. Determination based on the Draft Bikeways Master Plan 2. Determination based on the City of Dublin General Plan (1985, updated to 2005) 3. Determination based on the Final Schaefer Ranch Environmental Impact Report (SCH 95033070) ( 1996) 4. Determination based on the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan/General Plan Amendment Environmental Impact Report. (SCH 91103064) (1994) 5. Determination based on the East Dublin Properties. Stage 1 Development Plan and Annexation DSEIR (2002) 6. Determination based on the Fallon Village Project Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SCH 2005062010)(2005) Copies of all the documents referenced above are available for public review at the City of Dublin Community Development Department, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568. Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25. 2006 Page 10 of 33 Aesthetics Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse impact on a scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Potentially Less than Less than No Impact Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Mitiaation X X X X a-c) Have a significant impact on scenic vista, damage to scenic resource, degrade visual character of the site? Existino RiQht-of-Wav: Less than SiQnificant Impact. Proposed facilities .involve existing right-of-way in previously developed area. Improvements for Class I facilities include sidewalks or pathways along existing right-ot-way. The exact design and location of such facilities has not yet been determined. However, such improvements could result in the need tor additional right-of-way or impact existing landscaping, including street trees, Therefore, additional environmental review will be necessary to evaluate potential impacts once a design and location for these facilities has been determined. Improvements tor Class II and Class III facilities typically include striping and signs within the right-ot-way. These improvements are not anticipated to impact the aesthetic quality ot the project area. Existinq Parks. Ooen Space. and Public Land: Less than siQnificant. Future bikeways, trails, and related facilities are proposed within existing parks, open space, and public land. The exact location of such facilities has not been determined but some facilities may not have been previously considered at these locations. The proposed facilities are consistent with the type of uses typically found in parks, open space, and public land. Therefore, these facilities are anticipated to have a less than significant impact. However, additional environmental analysis may need to be done once the exact location of bikeways, trails, and ancillary facilities are known. For facilities within the Schaefer Ranch development, adherence to Mitigation Measures 5.A.1 (Grading Plan), 5.C.3 (Tree Replacement), and 5.F.1 (Regional Trail) of the Schaefer Ranch E1R. in particular, will ensure that impacts to views are addressed as the open space trails are finalized and fully developed. Undevelooed Land: Less than siQnificant. The undeveloped land within the City of Dublin is primarily vacant except for some residences and scatter agricultural buildings. Any development would have an impact on the visual character of the area and the area's scenic resources, The Schaefer Ranch EIR and the EDSP EIR concluded that alteration of visual character of the hillsides and flatland areas are significant and unmitigatable impacts, and were included in the Statement of Overriding Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25. 2006 Page 11 of 33 Considerations adopted by the City Council for the Schaefer Ranch EIR and the EDSP EIR. However, Implementation of Mitigation Measures 3.8/3.0, 3.8/4.0-4.5, 3.8/5.0-5.2, 3.8/6,0, 3.817.0, and 3.817,1 of the EDSP EIR will encourage preservation of important visual resources, minimize grading for development, preserving natural contours in grading and building, prohibit development along identified ridgelines, and preserving views of designated open spaces. No impacts not previously analyzed in the Schaefer Ranch EIR and the EDSP EIR and Supplemental EIRs are expected to occur as a result of the implementation of the Bikeways master Plan, and therefore no additional environmental review or analysis is necessary. Freewav Crossinas: Less than siqnificant. 1-580 is designated as a scenic highway. Development along this scenic highway is subject to Caltrans standards and the "Eastern Dublin Scenic Corridor Policies and Standards.. These policies would be applied to freeway crossings so impact to aesthetics should be less than significant. However, the design and location of such crossings have not been determined. Therefore, not enough information is available at this time regarding to reach conclusions on potential environmental issues, Additional environmental analysis will be necessary once the crossings have been studied and a project recommendation has been prepared. d) Create a new source of substantia/light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Citywide: Less than sionificant: Proposed facilities include on and off-street bicycle paths, trails, rest area and two trailheads. On street facilities would rely on existing street lights. Off-street facilities do not typically require lighting. However, two trailheads for East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) facilities are planned. One trailhead is proposed as part of the Schaefer Ranch development and the other is for the Tassajara Creek Trail within the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan area. Parking lot lighting may be required for these trailheads. This lighting would introduce a new source of light that would be visible from adjacent properties. This additional source of lighting could be perceived as a negative aesthetic impact from the "spill-aver" of additional lighting onto adjacent residential area. Mitigation Measure 5.1.1 of the Schaefer Ranch EIR is designed to ensure that night lighting of public facilities does not affect future area residents: "Lighting for proposed public facilities shall be reviewed by the City, with adjustments as needed to minimize any impacts on nearby residential areas, using shields, orientation, and appropriate fixtures,. Careful siting along with compliance with the City's lighting regulations will be required for any lighting of the parking area for the Tassajara Creek trailhead. This will ensure that the light impacts from lighting are less than significant. ' Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August25,2006 Page 12 of 33 a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance, as showing on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to a non:agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agriculture use, or a Williamson Act contract? c) Involve other changes in the existing environment, which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of farmland to a non-agricultural use? , Potentialfy Less than Less than No Impact Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Mitigation X X X Agricultural Resources Would the project: a . c) Convert prime farmland, conflict with agricultural zoning or convert prime farmland to a non- agricultural use? ExistinQ RiQht-of-Way: No Impact. The existing right-of-way is not located in an agricultural zone or on farmland. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated with regard to the loss of prime farmland or loss of agricultural production. ExistinQ Parks, Open Space, and Public land: No Impact. The existing parks, open space and public lands do not .have agricultural zoning and are not used as farmland. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated with regard to the loss of prime farmland or loss of agricultural production, Undeveloped land: Less than SiQnificant Impact. The undeveloped areas in the hills of west Dublin have primarily been used for hay production, cattle grazing, and other ranching operations are the main uses in the area. Minor cattle production land would be lost when the greater Schaefer Ranch project is developed, but no prime farmland will be lost. Historically, the property in the east Dublin area has been used for grazing, dry land farming and other agricultural endeavors. The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan/General Plan Amendment EIR found that discontinuance of agricultural operations is an insignificant impact based on the large number of non-renewal notices being filed on Williamson Act Agreements within the Eastern Dublin area. Similarly, loss of farmland of local importance in the area would be considered a less-than-significant impact due to the fact that on-site soils are not prime agricultural soils. In 2001, the firm of Berlogar Geotechnical Consultants conducted a prime agricultural/and evaluation study in the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan area for the Eastern Dublin Property Owner's (EDPO) Stage 1 Development Plan and Annexation EIR and concluded that no properties within the area are classified as prime agricu/turalland. Therefore, no bikeway facilities or trails would result in the conversion of any prime farmlands, unique farmlands or farmlands of local or statewide importance to non-agricultural uses. For future trails that are proposed in the western hills outside of the Schaefer Rahch Development, additional environmental analysis may be necessary once the exact location of the trail and any ancillary facilities are known. At this time, not enough information is available regarding the future trails to reach conclusions on potential environmental impacts. Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August25,2006 Page 13 of 33 No impacts to agricultural resources not previously analyzed in the Schaefer Ranch EIR and EDSP EIR and SEIRs are expected to occur as a result of the implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan, and therefore no additional environmental review or analysis is necessary. Freewav Crossinos: No Impact. 1-580 is an existing freeway within the City of Dublin and the surrounding land does not have agricultural zoning and is not used as farmland, Therefore, no impacts to agricultural resources are anticipated as a result of the proposed freeway crossings. b) Conflict with existing zoning for agriculture use, or a Williamson Act contract? ExistinQ Riqht-of-Wav: No Impact. Lands with existing right-of-way where bikeway facilities are proposed do not have agricultural zoning and are not subject to Williamson Act contracts. Therefore, no conflicts existing. Existing Parks, Open Space. and Public Land: No Impact. The existing parks, open space and public land does not have agricultural zoning and is not subject to Williamson Act contracts. Therefore, no conflict exists. Undeveloped Land: No Impact. Under the Williamson Act, the landowner agrees to limit the use of land to agricultural and compatible uses for a minimum period of ten years. In turn, the county in which the land is located taxes the property at a lower rate based upon the agricultural use rather than its real estate market value. Four properties in the undeveloped Fallon Village area of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan are under Williamson Act contract and these sites include proposed bikeways, trails, and related facilities. The 2002 Eastern Dublin Properties SEIR noted that notices of non-renewal have been filed on all four parcels in the area, with contracts expiring in 2006,2009, and 2010. The property owners of the four parcels could request cancellation of these contracts prior to their expiration, but the likelihood of this is unknown at this time. Proposed bikeway facilities and trails on sites with Williamson Act contracts would not be developed until the contracts have expired. No impacts to Williamson Act contracts not previously analyzed in the EDSP EIR and SEIR are expected to occur as a result of the implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan, and therefore no additional environmental review or analysis is necessary. Freewav Crossinos: No Impact. Caltrans right-of-way. does not have agricultural zoning and is not subject to Williamson Act contracts. Therefore, no conflicts existing and no additional environmental review or analysis is necessary , Air Quality (Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management district may be relied on to make the following determinations). Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? x Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August25,2006 Page 14 of 33 b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions that exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? x X X X a.b & d.e) Would the project conflict or obstruct implementation' of an air quality plan, violate any air quality standards, expose sensitive receptor to substantial pollutants, or create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? Air quality impacts result from two main sources: temporary impacts due to project construction and long-term impacts due to project operation. Generally, air quality impacts from project operation are based on vehicular emission from traffic, and bikeway facilities and open space trails are typically not large traffic generators. Existinq Riqht-of-Wav: Less than Sionificant Impact. Construction related impacts from implement ting the Bikeways Master Plan within the existing right-of-way is anticipated to be less than significant. The operation of these bikeways could improve air quality by reducing the number of motor vehicles on the road. Impacts to air quality would be less than significant. ExistinQ Parks, Open Space, and Public land: Less than Sionificant Impact. Potential impacts include construction related dust and emissions impacts to surrounding residences. However, at this time, not enough information is available regarding the future facilities to reach conclusions on potential environmental impacts. For future bikeway facilities and trails that are proposed in existing parks, open space, and public land. additional environmental analysis may need to be done once the exact location of these facilities are known. Undeveloped land: Less than Sionificant Impact. Air quality impacts from construction of bikeway facilities and trails could have a potential impact. Adherence to the Schaefer Ranch EIR mitigation measures 12.A.1, 12.B,1, and 12.G.1, and the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan/General Plan Amendment EIR Mitigation Measures 3.11/1.0, 3.11/3.0, and 3.11/4.0 which address potential impacts to air quality such as construction emissions and dust control will ensure that potential air.quality impacts are alleviated. For future off-street trails that are proposed in the western hills outside of the Schaefer Ranch development, additional environmental analysis will be necessary once the exact location of the trail and any ancillary facilities are known. At this time, not enough information is available regarding the future trails to reach conclusions on potential environmental impacts. Freewav Crossinos: No Impact. Construction emissions and dust could impact air quality. However, adherence to the Public Works Department standards for dust control should result in a less than significant impact. Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study arid Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25, 2006 Page 15 of 33 c) Would the project result in cumulatively considerable air pollutants? Citywide: No Impact. Implementing the Bikeways Master Plan will not generate significant amounts of traffic because bikeways, trails and related facilities are typically low traffic generators. Vehicular emissions are estimated to be minimal and no cumulatively considerable air pollutants are expected to be generated, Therefore, implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan would have no impact. Biological Resources Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies or regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse impact on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including but not limited to marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as tree protection ordinances? n Conflict with the provision of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan or other approved local, regional or state habitat conservation plan? Potentially Less than Less than No Impact Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Mitiaation X X X X X X a-~ Have a substantial adverse impact on special-status species, riparian features, movement of fish or wildlife species, or conflict with Habitat Conservation Plan? ExistinQ RiQht-of-Wav: Less than SiQnificant Impact: The right-of-way has previously been developed and is located in urbanized areas of Dublin. Improvements typically include re-stripping travel lanes which would have minimal impact on biological resources because they involve existing developed conditions. ExistinQ Parks, Open Space. and Public Land: Less than SiQnificant Impact. The Bikeways Master Plan includes future bikeways. trails, and related facilities within existing parks, open space, and publicland. The exact location Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25, 2006 Page 16 of 33 of such facilities has not yet been determined and there is not enough information available to reach conclusions on potential environmental impacts. However, potential impacts include construction related dust and emissions impacts to surrounding residences. Additional environmental analysis will need to be completed once the exact location of these facilities are known. Undeveloped Land: Less than SiQnificant Impacts. The Western Extended Planning Area is home to a variety of habitat, including annual grassland, northern coastal scrub, coast live oak woodland, riparian woodland, fresh water emergent wetland, and aquatic biomes in the stock ponds in the area. A number of special status plant and animal species also have geographic ranges which include the Western Extended Planning Area, as explained in detail on pages 6-1 through 6-11 of the Schaefer Ranch. EIR. The Schaefer Ranch EIR identified several potential impacts to biological resources that will result from the development of the greater Sch aefer Ranch project, including loss of a willow riparian/emergent wetland complex, aquatic habitat and jurisdictional wetlands, grassland, and loss of oak woodland and heritage class trees. A number of special status plant and animal species also have geographic ranges which include the Schaefer Ranch project area. A majority of these impacts will result from the residential and commercial development, but it is possible that minor impacts resulting from the development of the off-street facilities could occur. Adherence to Mitigation Measures 6.A.1 (Emergent Wetland Complex), 6,B.1 (Aquatic Habitat), 6.C.1 (Grassland Revegitation and Habitat Survey), 6.0.1 (Tree Survey and Project Redesign), 6.0.2 (Tree Protection), 6.0.3 (Tree Replacement), 6.E.1 (Plant Materia!), and 6.F.1 (Herbicide Restrictions) will ensure that impacts to biological resources resulting from the implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan are less than significant. For future trails that are proposed in the western hills of Dublin outside of the Schaefer Ranch development. additional environmental analysis may need to be done once the exact location of the trail and any ancillary facilities are known. At this time, not enough information is available regarding the future trails to reach conclusions on potential environmental impacts. The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan EIR identified twelve special status plants species, seventeen special status amphibians, reptile, bird and mammal species and ten special status invertebrate species which could potentially occur within the entire planning area. Potential impacts to rare, threatened or endangered species have been addressed in the EOSP EIR (1993), the Eastern Dublin Properties SEIR (2002), and the Fallon Village SEIR (2005). Several additional studies have been conducted since the EIRs were certified, including rare plant surveys, wetlands jurisdictional studies, and studies regarding sensitive-species and endangered species, including the San Joaquin kitfox, fairy shrimp, golden eagle and a variety of amphibians and reptiles, which provide a better understanding of the biological resources present in the area. However, no impacts are anticipated with regard to wetlands, wildlife corridors, or riparian features from implementing the Bikeways Master Plan. The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan contains twenty-three policies which address the protection of biological resources, and development of any future park sites, trails, or recreational facilities in the Specific Plan area and the facilities proposed within the Bikeways Mater Plan will need to comply with the policies and programs of the Specific Plan. This will ensure that impacts to these valuable resources are minimized. Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25, 2006 Page 17 of 33 No impacts to biological resources not previously analyzed in the Schaefer Ranch EIR and the EDSP EIR and SEIR are expected to occur as a result of the implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan, and therefore no additional environmental review or analysis is necessary. Freewav CrossinQs: Less than SiQnificant Impacts. Construction of future bikeway facilities at freeway crossings will require additional environmental analysis once the exact location of these facilities are known. However, at this time, not enough information is available regarding the future facilities to reach conclusions on potential environmental impacts. Cultural Resources Potentially Less than Less than No Impact Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Mitiaation X X , X X Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse impact in the significance of a historical resource as defined in Sec. 15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archeological resource pursuant to Sec. 15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or unique geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains. including those interred outside of a formal cemetery? a-d) Cause substantial adverse change to significant historic, archeological or paleontological resources or human remains? ExistinQ Rioht-of-Wav: No Impact. The existing right-of-way has previously been disturbed by development of roadways and surrounding development. Improvements for bikeway facilities are not anticipated to generate additional impacts to cultural resources. ExistinQ Parks, Open Space, and Public land: Less than Siqnificant Impact. The location of bikeways, trails, and related facilities within the existing parks, open space, and public land have not been identified in the Bikeways Master Plan. Therefore, there is not enough information available regarding these proposed facilities to reach conclusions on potential environmental impacts. Additional environmental analysis will need to be done once the exact location of these facilities are known. No known cultural resources are known to exist that would be impacted by such facilities. Undeveloped land: Less than siqnificant. The Schaefer Ranch EIR identified potential impacts to these resources, including possible impacts to prehistoric resources, rock walls, historic settlement areas, and historic structures. A majority of these impacts will result from the residential and commercial development of Schaefer Ranch, but it is possible that minor impacts resulting from the development of the off-street trails could occur. Adherence to Mitigation Measures 14.A.1 (Notification Procedures), 14.8.1 (Rock Walls), and 14.C.1 (Historic Resources) will ensure that development of off-street facilities will be mitigated to have a less than significant impact on any significant historic, archeological or paleontological resources or human remains in the area. Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Dedaration August25,2006 Page 18 of 33 EDSP was written to ensure that the necessary mitigation programs are formulated prior to development. In addition to these policies, Mitigation Measures 3.9/5.0 and 3.9/6.0 will ensure that all construction activity will cease if any new historic or cultural sites are found, and Mitigation Measures 3.9/7.0 through 3.9/12.0 will ensure that adequate research is done to assess the historical significance of any resources, encourage adaptive re-use of any historic facilities, and encourage the City to develop a preservation program for historic sites. Adherence to the above mitigation measures adopted with the Schaefer Ranch EIR and the EDSP EIR and SEIRs will ensure that any potential impacts to cultural and historical resources are mitigated to a less than significant level. No impacts to cultural and historical resources not previously analyzed in the Schaefer Ranch EIR and the EDSP EIR and SEIRs are expected to occur as a result of the implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan, and therefore no additional environmental review or analysis is necessary. Freewav CrossinQs: No Impact. Freeway crossing would involve improvements to existing Caltrans right of way that was disturbed during construction of the freeway. No cultural resources are known to existing in the Caltrans right-of-way, No impacts to cultural resources are expected to occur as a result of the implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan, and therefore no additional environmental review or analysis is necessary. Geology and Soils Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist or based on other known evidence of a known fault? ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? iv) Landslides? b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project and potentially result in on- and off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence. liquefaction or similar hazards? d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 13-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils capable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste? Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitiaation Less than Significant Impact No Impact x x X X X X X X a-e) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse impacts, including loss, injury or death related to ground rupture, seismic ground shaking, ground failure, landslide, substantial erosion, unstable soils, or liquefaction? Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25. 2006 Page 19 of 33 The project area is located in the central portion of the Coast Ranges geomorphic province. The Coast Ranges are characterized by a series of parallel, northwesterly trending, folded and faulted mountain chains. Mt. Diablo is located approximately nine miles north of the City of Dublin. Active earthquake faults within the region that influence earthquake susceptibility include the San Andreas, Hayward, Calaveras and the Greenville Faults. No future trails, parks sites, or recreational facilities identified in the Master Plan are within an Alquist-Priolo Special Study Zone. Similar to many areas of California, the project area is subject to ground shaking caused by the regional faults identified above. Under moderate to severe seismic events, which are probable in the Bay Area over the next 20 years, bikeways facilities would be subject to damage caused by ground shaking. Therefore, implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan will not increase the potential for ground rupture in the project area. ExistinQ Riqht-of-Wav: Less than Sionificant Impact. The proposed bikeway facilities within the existing right-of- way will require little or no disturbance of soil or existing geotechnical hazards. Therefore,' these facilities will have less than significant impacts. ExistinQ Parks, Open Space, and Public Land: Less than Sionificant Impact. The Bikeways Master Plan contains recommendations for bikeways, trails and related facilities within existing parks, open space, and public land. However, the exact location of such facilities has not been determined. Therefore, additional environmental analysis will need to be done once the exact location of these facilities are known. However, construction of these facilities within existing parks, open space, and public land is anticipated to have minimal impacts on soils and geotechnical hazards that may exist. Undeveloped Land: Less than SiQnificant Impact. The main impacts from implementing the Bikeways Master Plan within undeveloped areas of the City will be the disturbance of the soil resulting from mass grading of the area. A majority of these impacts will result from the residential and commercial development, but it is possible that minor impacts resulting from the development of the facilities proposed in the Bikeways Master Plan may occur. Potential impacts may include mass grading, slope stability, erosion, fill settlement, expansive and corrosive soil. seismic hazard, groundwater, and excavation impacts. However, adherence to Mitigation Measures 9.A to 9.H.1 of the Schaefer Ranch EIR and 3.6/17,0 to 3.6/26.0, and 3.6/27.0 and 3.6/28.0 of the EDSP will reduce the effects of development in the area to less than significant. For future trails that are proposed in the western hills outside of the Schaefer Ranch development, additional environmental analysis may need to be done once the exact location of-the trail and any ancillary facilities are known. At this time, not enough information is available regarding the future trails to reach conclusions on potential environmental impacts. Freewav Crossinos: Less than Sionificant Impact. Construction of future freeway crossings for bikeways will require additional environmental analysis once the exact location of these facilities is known. At this time, not enough information is available regarding the future facilities to reach conclusions on potential environmental impacts to soils and geology. Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August25,2006 Page 20 of 33 Hazards and Hazardous Materials Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites complied pursuant to Government Code Sec. 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan Of, where such plan has not been adopted, would the project result in a safely hazard for people residing or working in the project area? D For a project within the vicinity of private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with the adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? 11) Expose people or structures to a significant risk ofloss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitiqation Less than Significant Impact No Impact x x x x x x x x a-d) Create a significant hazard through transport of hazardous materials or release or emission of hazardous materials, and/or listed as a hazardous materials site? CityWide: Less than Sionificant Impact. Adoption of the plan would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials or through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. Development of bikeways, trails, and related facilities would not involve production of hazardous emissions or require the handling of acute hazardous materials, substances or waste. The location of future bikeways, trails, and related facilities have primarily been used for grazing and ranching activities over the years. There could be some hazardous materials present on future sites that are typical for rural properties engaged in agricultural businesses. Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August25,2006 Page 21 of 33 Adherence to Mitigation Measures 15.A.1 through 15.A.4 of the Schaefer Ranch EIR for future facilities in Schaefer Ranch project area ensure that any potential impacts from hazardous materials, transformers, wells, and septic systems are mitigated to a less than significant level. For future trails that are proposed in the western hills outside of the Schaefer Ranch development, additional environmental analysis will need to be done once the exact location of the trail and any ancillary facilities are known. At this time, not enough information is available regarding the future trails to reach conclusions on potential environmental impacts. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment has been completed for the undeveloped portions of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan (EDSP) area, Any organicides, pesticides, and petroleum-based products typical of agricultural uses that have been discovered in the area are at levels that are considered less than significant Adherence to the above Mitigation Measure will ensure that any potential impacts resulting from hazards and hazardous materials are mitigated to a less than significant level. No impacts resulting from hazards and hazardous materials not previously analyzed in the EDSP EIR and SEIRs, or Schaefer Ranch EIR are expected to occur as a result of the implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan. e,~ Is the site located within an airport land use plan of a public airport or private airstrip? Citywide: No Impact. Potential bikeways, trails and related facilities are not located within an airport land use plan or within the immediate vicinity of a public airport; therefore no impacts are anticipated regarding airport noise or crash hazards zones. No impacts to an airport land use plan or airport not previously analyzed in the EDSP EIR and SEIRs, or the Schaefer Ranch EIR are expected to occur as a result of the implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan, and therefore no additional environmental review or analysis is necessary. g,h) Interference with an emergency evacuation plan, expose people and structures to a significant risk involving wildland fires, including risks nearby residences intermixed with wildlands? Existinq Rioht-of-Wav: No Impact. Improvements to the existing right-of-way would be fairly limited. and therefore there will be less than significant impacts to emergency services as a result of implementing the Bikeways Master Plan. No additional environmental review or analysis is necessary. Existino Parks, Open Space, and Public Land: No Impact. There are limited new facilities proposed within existing parks, open space and public land, and therefore there will be less than significant impacts to emergency services as a result of implementing the Bikeways Master Plan. Undeveloped Land: Less than Sionificant Impact. The Schaefer Ranch EIR contains Mitigation Measures 7.3.1 (Fire Response Time Mitigation), 7.3.2 (Fire Protection Measures), 7.3.3 (Water Supply and Fire Hydrants). and ,7.3.4 (Construction Materials) to ensure that any potential impacts involving wild land fires will be mitigated to a less than significant level. Additionally, adherence to EDSP EIR Mitigation Measures 3.4/6.0 through 3.4/13.0 ensure that new safety and service facilities are constructed to coincide with new service demands, and will also require that fire trails and fire breaks are incorporated into the open space and trail system. Adherence to the Mitigation Measure will ensure that any potential impacts to emergency service and safety are mitigated to a less than significant level. Page 22 of 33 Bikeways Master Plan IniUal Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration 'August 25, 2006 For future trails that are proposed in the western hills outside of the Schaefer Ranch development area, additional environmental analysis may need to be done once the exact location of the trail and any ancillary facilities are known. At this time, not enough information is available regarding the future trails to reach conclusions on potential environmental impacts. Freeway Crossinqs: No Impact. Improvements to the existing Caltrans right-at-way would be fairly limited, and therefore there will be less than significant impacts to emergency services as a result at implementing the Bikeways Master Plan. The proposed crossing locations are not located within wildlands and therefore pose a less than significant risk. Hydrology and Water Quality Potentially Less than Less than No Impact Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Mitiaation X X X X X X X X X X Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g. the production rate of existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the aeration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on or off-site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or areas, including through the alteration of a course or stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner that would result in flooding on- or off-site? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? g) Place housing within a 1 DO-year flood hazard area as mapped on a Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood delineation map? h) Place within a 1 DO-year flood hazard area structures which impede or redirect flood flows? i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, and death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche. tsunami or mudflow? Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration Augus125,2006 Page 23 of 33 a-j) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements, deplete groundwater resources, alter drainage patterns, effect surface or subsurface water quality, result in placing housing in a floodplain? The facilities proposed in the Bikeways Master Plan would conform to Alameda county Flood Control and Water Quality District, Zone 7 Requirements, and will meet the water quality standards of the City of Dublin's NPDES permit and the Alameda County Urban Runoff Clean Water Program. Additionally, the development of properties in any areas of Dublin will be required to prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). listing Best Management Practices which reduce the potential for water quality degradation during construction and post construction activities. ExistinQ RiQht-of-Wav: Less than Siqnificant Impact. The existing right-of-way is located within urbanized areas of Dublin that have previously been developed. Development of facilities within the existing right-of-way as identified in the Bikeways Master Plan would require limited construction activities and therefore there will be less than significant impacts to hydrology as a result of implementing the Bikeways Master Plan. ExistinQ Parks, Open Space. and Public Land: Less than Siqnificant Impact. Bikeways, trials and related facilities would not have a significant impact on the hydrology of existing parks, opens space, and public land. However, the exact location of facilities within these areas has not been identified. Therefore, additional environmental review of new facilities within existing parks, open space, and public land will be required with each project Undeveloped Land: Less than SiQnificant Impact. Although bikeways, trails, and related facilities themselves would not have a significant impact on the hydrology of undeveloped areas of Dublin, the project area as a whole will change drastically as a result of overall development in the area. Adherence to Mitigation Measures 8.1,1 through 8.2.4 of the Schaefer Ranch EIR and 3.5/1.0, 3.5/4.0, 3.5/5.0,3.5/12.0, 3.5126.0, 3.5/47.0, 3.5/53.0, 3.5/54.0, and 3.5/55,0 of the EDSP EIR will ensure that any impacts relating to grading and drainage, surface water quality, runoff, and ground water quality resulting from the implementation of the Bikeways master Plan will be mitigated to a less than significant level. No impacts to hydrology not. previously analyzed in the Schaefer Ranch EIR and EDSP EIR are expected to occur as a result of the implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan, The exact location of trails and related facilities in the western hills outside of the Schaefer Ranch development are not known. Therefore, there is not enough information is available at this time regarding the future trails to reach conclusions on potential environmental impacts. Additional environmental analysis will need to be done once the exact location of the trail and any ancillary facilities are known. Freewav CrossinQs: Less than SiQnificant Impact. ' The exact location and type of freeway crossing has not yet been determined. However, potential crossings include and an underpass where the Alamo Creek passes under 1-580. Crossings such as this may have the potential to impact hydrology. Therefore, construction of future bikeway facilities at freeway crossings will require additional environmental analysis once the exact location of these facilities is known. At this time, not enough information is available regarding the future facilities to reach conclusions on hydrology and water quality impacts. Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25, 2006 Page 24 of 33 land Use and Planning Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? a) Physically divide an established community? Potentially Less than Less than No Impact Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Mffiaation X X X Citywide: No Impact. The Bikeways Master Plan is consistent with the Circulation Element ofthe General Plan~ The General Plan's guiding policies require the City to provide safe bikeways consistent with the maps depicting the anticipated Bicycle Circulation System. No disruption of any established community would result as the proposed facilities are designed to serve existing and new residential and commercial development through out the City of Dublin. Therefore, there will be no impacts associated with the development of any new bicycle facilities. b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy or regulation? Citywide: No impact. Guiding policies of the General Plan encourage the development of bicycle facilities throughout all planning areas of the City. The Bikeways Master Plan is the principal policy document addressing future bikeways facilities within the City of Dublin. The Bikeways Master Plan is consistent with the goals and policies contained in the General Plan. Therefore, there are no impacts or conflicts with the applicable land use plans and policies. c) Conflict with a habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? Citywide: No impact. No such plan has been adopted within the project area. There would, therefore, be no impact to a habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan. Mineral Resources Would the project a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general Plan, specific plan or other land use plan? Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August25,2006 Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant Impact No Impact Less than Significant with Miti ation x x Page 25 of 33 a, b) Result in the loss of availability of regionally or locally significant mineral resources? Citywide: No impact. The Conservation Element of the General Plan does not reference any significant mineral resources in the City. The Bikeways Master Plan does not identify any of the proposed bicycle facilities as being in areas designated by the California State Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology J as having deposits of minerals. Additionally, no mineral resources are shown on the State of California's maps of such resources within the sites identified by the Bikeways Master Plan. Noise Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above existing levels without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels without the project? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working n the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Potentially Less than Less than No Impact Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Mitiaation X X X X X X a-f) Would the project expose persons or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established by the General Plan or other applicable standard, expose people to groundborne vibration, result in permanent increases in ambient noise levels? There are two possible noise impacts resulting from the implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan: construction noise and operational noise. Construction noise is anticipated when a new bikeway, trail, or related facility is being built. Operational noise occurs when the bikeway, trail, or related facility is completed and is being used by the public. ExistinQ RiQht-of-Wav: Less than SiQnificant Impact. Noise generated from proposed bikeways can impact neighboring residences in close proximity. However, operational noise is not generally considered compatible with a residential neighborhood environment. In addition, bicycling is permitted on City streets even in the absence of the Bikeways Master Plan and designated bikeway facilities. Therefore, implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan is anticipated to have less than significant environmental impact. Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25, 2006 Page 26 of 33 Existino Parks, Open Space, and Public Land: Less than Sionificant Impact. Noise generated from proposed bikeways, trails, and related facilities can impact neighboring residences in close proximity. Noise disturbances could include construction related noise and operational noise. Construction related noise would be temporary basis'and can be controlled with existing Public Works Department policies. Operational noise could be on going, however, such noise is generally considered less than significant because it is compatible with a residential neighborhood environment. The exact location of facilities within existing parks, open space, and public land is not known at this time, Additional environmental analysis may need to be done once the location of proposed bikeways, trails and related facilities are known. Therefore, possible noise impacts cannot be adequately evaluated at this time. Undeveloped Land: Less than Sionificant Impact. The Schaefer Ranch EIR and the EDSP EIR and SEIR contemplated noise impacts from urbanization of undeveloped area. As identified in these EIRs, overall development that is going to take place in the undeveloped areas of Dublin will result in a permanent increase in ambient noise levels due to the change of land uses from agricultural uses to urban type uses. However, implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan will not be a significant contributor to the ambient noise level. Operational noise from new bikeways, trails, or related facilities is not expected to be a significant impact because such noises are compatible with a residential and commercial neighborhood environment. The location of the bikeways, trails and related facilities will be known well in advance of the time that future residents move into the area so that future residents who might be concerned about living adjacent to such facilities because of potential noise concerns can avoid doing so, Adherence to Mitigation Measure 11.A.1 of the Schaefer Ranch EIR and Mitigation Measures 3.10/4.0 and 3,10/5.0 of the EDSP EIR will ensure that construction impacts to surrounding residents are mitigated to a less than significant level. For future trails that are proposed in the western hills outside of the Schaefer Ranch development, additional environmental analysis will need to be completed once the exact location of the trail and any ancillary facilities are known. At this time, not enough information is available regarding the future trails to reach conclusions on potential noise impacts. No additional noise impacts beyond those previously analyzed in the Schaefer Ranch EIR and the EDSP EIR and Supplemental EIRs are expected to occur as a result of the implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan, therefore no additional environmental review or analysis is necessary. Freewav Crossinos: Less than Sionificant Impact. .Construction noise and operational noise as a result of implementing the Bikeways Master Plan is not anticipated to exceed the ambient noise level adjacent to 1-580. Therefore, noise impacts are anticipated to be less than significant. ' Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25. 2006 Page 27 of 33 Population and Housing Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the replacement of housing elsewhere? Potentially Less than Less than No Impact Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Mitigation X X X Significant population growth is anticipated for the community based on planned residential growth in Dublin. According to the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) projections for the current population numbers for the City of Dublin and (projections conducted by Staff) the total population of Dublin at buildout is expected to be approximately 60,000 by the year 2025. a-c) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly or indirectly, or would the project displace substantial numbers of existing housing units or people? Citywide: No impact. Implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan will not induce additional growth in Dublin. The Bikeways Master Plan recommends the improvement of bicycle facilities on existing roads and within existing parks and open space areas or within such roads, parks and open space that have been planned well in advance to serve residential units. Therefore, no population growth impacts are anticipated that have not already been assessed in the Master Plan. Public Services a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Fire protection? Police protection? Schools? Parks? Other public facilities? Potentially Less than Less than No Impact Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Mitigation X X X X X Citywide: No Impact. Implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan will not create a need for new public services or facilities. All proposed bicycle and open space facilities will be required to meet the requirements of the Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25, 2006 Page 28 of 33 Alameda County Fire Department, Dublin Police Department, Dublin Unified School District, and other applicable governmental agencies during the construction review phase. Bicycle paths and recreational facilities do not typically generate many calls for police or fire service, and since they do not generate an increase in population. no impacts to schools are anticipated as a result of the implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan. Recreation " Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Miti ation Less than Significant Impact No Impact a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood or regional facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities that might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? x x Citywide: No Impact. A key goal of both the General Plan and the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan is to preserve and enhance existing and future recreational facilities. The Bikeways Master Plan includes goals to create a bicycle system that meets the needs of commuters and recreational uses. The Bikeways Master Plan also includes goals to enhance access to open space and sets forth policies intended to accomplish these goals and thereby providing better access to recreational opportunities for Dublin residents. No impacts would result from the implementation of this plan. Would the project: a) Cause an' increase in traffic that is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (Le. result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads or congestion at intersections)? b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the County Congestion Management Agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic pattems, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards duelo a design feature (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses, such as farm equipment? e) Result in inadequale emergency access? f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? Potentially Less than Less than No Impact Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Mitiaation X X X X X X Transportation and Traffic Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25,2006 Page 29 of 33 g) Conflict with adopted poRcies. plans or programs supporting I alternative transportation (such as bus turnouts and bicycle facilities)? I x Citywide: No impact. Implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan would not cause a significant increase in traffic or provide for inadequate emergency vehicle access, inadequate parking, or provide hazards to alternative transportation modes. Bicycle facilities are typically not large traffic generators. In fact, bicyclist are permitted on any public roadway regardless of the Bikeways Master Plan. Any new on-street bicycle facilities will be designed to meet Public Works standards for roadway improvements. Utilities and Service Systems Would the project a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilitIes, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing water entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the providers existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? Potentially Less than Less than No Impact Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Mftiaation X X X X X X X a.g) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the RWQCB, require new or expanded water or wastewater treatment facIlities, require new storm drain facilities, require additional water supplies, require new or expanded wastewater treatment facilities, or require new solid waste facilities? Citywide: No Impact. The following service providers serve the project: . Electrical and natural gas power: Pacific Gas and Electrical Company . Water supply and sewage treatment: Dublin San Ramon Services District . Storm Drainage: City of Dublin Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August25,2006 Page 30 of 33 . Solid waste disposal: Dublin-Livermore Disposal Company The bicycle facilities will have limited demand for water and wastewater services for potable water. Service has already been provided to adjacent properties, so the extension of such services will not be significant. If the proposed rest area is constructed, then construction drawings will be submitted for review by City Departments and other governmental agencies in accordance with adopted regulations to determine feasibility and suitability. a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number of or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects and the effects of probable future projects). c) Does the project have environmental effects that will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Potentially Less than Less than No Impact Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Mitiaation X X X Mandatory Findings of S ig n ificance. a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environmen~ substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self. sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number of or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? No. The preceding analysis indicates that the proposed project will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment. The implementation of all previously-adopted Mitigation Measures will ensure that any potential impacts are mitigated to a less than significant level. b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ('Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects and the effects of probable future projects). Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25, 2006 Page 31 of 33 No. Although incremental increases in certain areas can be expected as a result of the implementation of the Bikeways Master Plan, the implementation of all previously-adopted Mitigation Measures will ensure that any potential impacts are mitigated to a less than significant level. c) Does the project have environmental effects that will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? No such impacts have been discovered in the course of preparing this Initial Study and adherence to the following mitigation measure will ensure that the project does not have environmental effects that will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings. MitiQation Measure 1: To ensure that all future projects to construct bikeways, trails, and related facilities included in the City of Dublin Bikeways Master Plan do not have environmental effects, all projects shall be subject to environmental review in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEOA). Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25, 2006 Page 32 of 33 BACKGROUND INFORMATION INITIAL STUDY PREPARER Jeff Baker, Senior Planner, City of Dublin Community Development Department AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS CONSULTED The following agencies and organizations were contacted in the course of this Initial Study: City of Dublin, Community Development Department City of Dublin, Parks and Community Services Department City of Dublin, Public Works Department Dublin San Ramon Services District REFERENCES City of Dublin General Plan (1985, updated to 2002) Eastem Dublin Specific Plan Downtown Core Specific Plan West Dublin BART Specific Plan Village Parkway Specific Plan San Ramon Road Specific Plan Eastem Dublin Scenic Corridor Policies and Standards Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update (2004) City of Dublin Zoning Ordinance Final Eastern Dublin Specific Plan/General Plan Amendment Environmental Impact Report. (SCH 91103064) (1994) East Dublin Properties Stage 1 Development Plan and Annexation DSEIR (2002) Fallon Village Project Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SCH 2005062010)(2005) Final Schaefer Ranch Environmental Impact Report (SCH 95033070) (1996) Bikeways Master Plan Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration August 25. 2006 Page 33 of 33 CITY OF DUBLIN 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, California 94568 Website: http://www.ci.dublin.ca.us MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Project Title: PA # 06-032 City of Dublin Bikeways Master Plan Project Description: The City of Dublin has prepared a Bikeways Master Plan for use as a planning tool to guide the creation of a comprehensive bikeway system for both commuting and recreation within the City Limits and Sphere of Influence. The Bikeways Master Plan establishes goals and policies for developing and implementing this bikeway system. The Master Plan also evaluates existing facilities, recommends a prioritized list of improvements for both on-street and off-street facilities, and includes recommendations for bicycle support facilities, safety, education programs, and enforcement. Exhibit 1 depicts the regional location of the project and surrounding communities in the Tn-Valley Region. Project Location: Citywide Applicant: Ferd Del Rosario, Senior Civil Engineer, City of Dublin, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568 Mitigation Measures: To ensure that all future projects to construct bikeways, trails, and related facilities included in the City of Dublin Bikeways Master Plan do not have environmental effects, all projects shall be subject to environmental review in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEO\). Determination: I hereby find that the above project WILL NOT have a significant effect on the environment with adherence to the proposed mitigation measures. :;hsl,* Dat I A copy of the Initial Study documenting the reasons to support the above finding is available at the City of Dublin, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568, or by calling (925) 833-6610. Date NOI Mailed: Date Posted: Date Published: Comment Period: Considered by: On: N.O.D. filed: City Council Resolution No. August 25, 2006 August 29, 2006 August 29, 2006 August 29-September 29, 2006 Dublin City Council November 7, 2006 (T entativeJy Scheduled) XX-06