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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 166-10 Neg Dec Climate Acion PlanRESOLUTION NO. 166-10 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN ************ ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE CITY OF DUBLIN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN WHEREAS, on July 17, 2007, the Dublin City Council passed Resolution 139-07 approving participation in the Climate Protection Project for Alameda County jurisdictions; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin committed to ICLEI's five milestone methodology for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the City, which includes the development of a Climate Action Plan for reducing GHG emissions; and WHEREAS, in June 2010, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) adopted CEQA air quality thresholds of significance for use within its jurisdiction, which included an emission level threshold and an efficiency threshold for GHG emissions for development projects; and WHEREAS, alternatively, under CEQA and the BAAQMD CEQA thresholds, a City may prepare a qualified GHG Reduction Strategy or Climate Action Plan to evaluate a community's cumulative impact due to GHG emissions from future planned development; and WHEREAS, if a project is consistent with an adopted, qualified GHG Reduction Strategy or Climate Action Plan, the Strategy/Plan can be used as the basis for determining that the project would have a less than significant impact on a community's cumulative GHG emissions under CEQA; and WHEREAS, the Fiscal Year 2010/2011 City Council Goals and Objectives includes as a high priority goal, the creation of a Climate Action Plan; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin has contracted with AECOM to assist Staff in preparing the Draft Climate Action Plan; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act certain projects are required to be reviewed for environmental impacts and when applicable, environmental documents prepared; and WHEREAS, an Initial Study was prepared for the Climate Action Plan; and WHEREAS, upon completion of the Initial Study it was determined that there was no substantial evidence that the Climate Action Plan would have a significant adverse effect on the environment and a Negative Declaration should be prepared; and WHEREAS, an Initial Study/Negative Declaration was prepared and circulated for public review from July 7, 2010 to August 5, 2010; and Page 1 of 3 WHEREAS, the City of Dublin received six comment letters during the public review period, but only one letter (the letter from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District dated August 5, 2010) raised concerns; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin worked cooperatively with BAAQMD and made minor modifications to the Climate Action Plan and Negative Declaration to address the concerns outlined in the BAAQMD letter dated August 5, 2010. The minor modifications to the Negative Declaration do not require recirculation under CEQA Guidelines Section 15073.5; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a properly noticed public hearing on the Draft Climate Action Plan and Negative Declaration on October 26, 2010 and adopted Resolution 10- 50 recommending that the City Council adopt the Negative Declaration; and WHEREAS, the City Council held a properly noticed public hearing on the Draft Climate Action Plan and Negative Declaration on November 16, 2010; and WHEREAS, a Staff Report was submitted recommending that the City Council adopt the Negative Declaration; and WHEREAS, the City Council did review and consider the Initial Study/Negative Declaration and related comments and responses, all said reports, recommendations and testimony herein above set forth and used its independent judgment to evaluate the Negative Declaration; and WHEREAS, the location and custodian of the documents or other material which constitute the record of proceedings for the Climate Action Plan is the City of Dublin City Manager's Office, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568, Attention: Martha Aja. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Resolution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Dublin City Council does hereby adopt the Negative Declaration attached as Exhibit A, based on the following findings: 1. The City Council considered the Negative Declaration together with the comments received during the public review process prior to taking action on the Climate Action Plan. 2. The City Council finds on the basis of the whole record before it that there is no substantial evidence that the Climate Action Plan will have a significant effect on the environment. 3. The Negative Declaration reflects the City's independent judgment and analysis as to the potential environmental effects of the Climate Action Plan. 4. The Negative Declaration has been completed in compliance with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines. Page2of3 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of November 2010 by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Biddle, Hart, Hildenbrand, Scholz, and Mayor Sbranti NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None ~ ~,~. Mayor ATTEST: . ~ City Clerk Reso No. 166-10, Adopted 11-16-10, Item 6.3 Page 3 of 3 ~~ ~~~~~=~~ Public Review Draft Initial Study/ Negative Declaration for the City of Dublin Climate Action Plan October 2010 EXHIBIT A TO ATTAf`uA,rc~rm ~ ~~ ~~.,, ~~ Table of Contents Intro duction . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Contact Person & Sponsor ...............................................................................................3 Project Location and Context .................................... .......................................................3 Project Background ...................................... ..........................................4 Project Description ....................................:.............. ........................................................5 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected ............ ........................................................11 Determination .......................................................... ........................................................11 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts ...................... ........................................................12 Earlier Analyses ....................................................... ........................................................13 Discussion of Checklist ............................................ ........................................................25 l. Aesthetics ......................................... ........................................................25 2. Agricultural Resources ..................... ........................................................26 3. Air Quality ....................................... ........................................................26 4. Biological Resources ........................ ........................................................27 5. Cultural Resources ........................... ........................................................27 6. Geology and Soils ............................ ........................................................28 7. Greenhouse Gas Emissions ........... ...........................................28 8. Hazards and Hazardous Materials .... ........................................................29 9. Hydrology and Water Quality .......... ........................................................30 10. Land Use and Planning .................... ........................................................31 11. Mineral Resources ........................... ........................................................32 12. Noise ................................................ ........................................................32 13. Population and Housing ................... ........................................................33 14. Public Services ................................. .................~---...................................34 15. Recreation ........................................ ........................................................34 16. Transportation/Traffic ...................... ........................................................35 17. Utilities and Service Systems ........... ........................................................36 18. Mandatory Findings of Significance ........................................................37 Initial Study Preparers .............................................. ........................................................38 Agencies and Organizations Consulted ................... ........................................................38 References ................................................................ ........................................................3 8 List of Exhibits Exhibit 1: Regional Context ............................................................................................9 Exhibit 2: City of Dublin Context ....................................................................................10 City of Dublin Page 2 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 ~::~ ~ ~~~ .~ ; City of Dublin Environmental Checklist/ Initial Study Introduction The City of Dublin prepared a Draft Climate Action Plan (Draft CAP) using input from City staff and consultants. This Initial Study has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and assesses the potential environmental impacts 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. Project Sponsor & Contact Person City of Dublin City Manager's Office/Environmental Services 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568 (925) 833-6650 Attn: Roger Bradley, Senior Administrative Analyst Project Location and Context The City of Dublin consists of approximately 14.9 square miles of land area lying in eastern Alameda County, also known as the Livermore-Amador Valley, or the Tri-Valley area. Surrounding jurisdictions include San Ramon and unincorporated Contra Costa County to the north, unincorporated Alameda County to the east and west and the cities of Pleasanton and Livermore to the south. Major features in the community include the Interstate 580 freeway, which forms the southern boundary of Dublin and the Interstate 680 freeway that extends in a north south direction just east of downtown Dublin. The City is also served by the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART), with an existing Dublin/Pleasanton station and a West Dublin station currently under construction and anticipated to be completed in 2011. Exhibit 1 shows the location of Dublin in relation to surrounding communities and other major features. Topographically, the community is generally flat north of the Interstate 580 corridor, transitioning to rolling hillsides in the northern and western portions of Dublin. Major land uses comprising Dublin include the older commercial downtown area north of the Interstate 580 freeway generally located between San Ramon Road and Village Parkway with predominantly low density, single family dwellings surrounding the downtown area. City of Dublin Page 3 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 ~~Tu~~~~ Parks Reserve Forces Training Area (RFTA, also known as Camp Parks) is located in the approximate center of Dublin and is used for military training purposes. The newest portion of Dublin is Eastern Dublin, consisting of approximately 4,200 acres of land located east of Parks RFTA, north of Interstate 580, south of the Alameda County- Contra Costa County line and west of the unincorporated Doolan Canyon area. Eastern Dublin has been urbanizing since adoption of the Eastern Dublin General Plan Amendment and Specific Plan in 1993 and the area now contains a mix of single-family dwellings, multiple-family dwellings, commercial and gavernment facility land uses. Completion of the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station has facilitated development of high-density housing complexes in this portion of Dublin. Project Background California has adopted a wide variety of regulations aimed at reducing the State's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While State actions alone cannot stop global warming, the adoption and implementation of this legislation demonstrates California's leadership in addressing this critical challenge. Assembly Bill (AB) 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, requires California to reduce Statewide GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. AB 32 directs the California Air Resources Board (ARB) to develop and implement regulations that reduce statewide GHG emissions. The Climate Change Scoping Plan (Scoping Plan) was approved by ARB in December 2008 and outlines the State's plan to achieve the GHG reductions required in AB 32. The Scoping Plan contains the primary strategies California will implement to achieve a reduction of 169 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMT C02e), or approximately 30% from the State's projected 2020 emissions level. The Scoping Plan is a functionally equivalent document prepared under CEQA by ARB which meets the criteria for a certified regulatory program. The potential adverse environmental effects and identified mitigation measures of the actions in the Scoping Plan are set forth in Appendix J of the Scoping Plan. In the Scoping Plan, ARB encourages local governments to adopt a reduction goal for municipal operations emission and to move forward with establishing similar goals for community emissions, which parallel the State's commitment to reduce GHG emissions. The specific role local governments will play in meeting the State's AB 32 goals is not established in the Scoping Plan. Dublin's Draft CAP articulates the City's intentions with respect to reducing community- wide GHG emissions to further the goals of AB 32. The City's Draft CAP includes a variety of strategies and policies to reduce GHG emissions within the community. The various reduction measures contained within the Draft CAP have been separated into the following categories: transportation and land use measures, energy measures and solid waste and recycling measures. A program or project would be considered consistent with the Draft CAP if, considering all of its aspects, it would substantially comply with the applicable measures set forth within the Draft CAP and not obstruct their attainment. CEQA allows cities to develop climate action or GHG reduction plans to provide programmatic analysis of the cumulative impacts of GHG emissions for future projects in the City of Dublin Page 4 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 ~ G~'~ ~ ;'~' ~~~ P -:~~ City. CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5 authorizes the use of these Plans for the analysis of the cumulative impacts of projects consistent with the Plan. The BAAQMD adopted CEQA Guidelines and Significance Thresholds for GHGs also authorize the use of these Plans for CEQA review of future projects. This Draft CAP serves as the City's qualified GHG Reduction Plan and programmatic tiering document for the purposes of CEQA for analysis of impacts of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The City has determined that the reduction target under the Plan will reduce the impact from activities under the Plan to less than si~,mificant under CEQA (i.e., the project will not make a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative impact). The substantial evidence to support this determination is set forth in the CAP, documents referenced in the CAP, this IS/ND, and other parts of the record relating to the adoption of the CAP. Therefore, this Plan may be used for the cumulative impact analysis for future projects and development in the City covered by the Plari. Because the CAP has undergone CEQA environmental review and is intended to reduce GHG emissions and climate change impacts in the City to a less than cumulatively considerable level, it may be relied upon to address the cumulative impacts for future projects consistent with the CAP. This approach is consistent with Public Resources Code 21083.3, CEQA Sections 15183.5, 15064 and 15130 and the adopted BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines and Thresholds of Significance, which provide a means for jurisdictions to analyze and mitigate the significant effects of GHGs at a programmatic level by adopting a plan far the reduction of GHG emissions. If a proposed project is consistent with the applicable emission reductian measures identified in the CAP, the project would be considered to have a less than significant impact (i.e. less than cumulatively considerable contribution to significant cumulat:ive impact) due to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change consistent with CEQA. Project Description The proposed project is the adoption of the Draft CAP, a document that provides policies and measures aimed at reducing GHG emissions within the City. The goal of the Draft CAP is to reduce Dublin's community-wide GHG emissions by 20% below the Business-As-Usual projection of GHG emitted by 2020 which results in an efficiency level of 4.22 MT COze per service population per year in 2020. The Draft CAP describes baseline GHG emissions produced in Dublin, and projects GHG emissions that could be expected if the Draft CAP is not implemented. The City expects the reduction goal to be achieved through a combination of efforts at the local, regional and State levels. The reduction measures included within the Draft CAP, which contribute to the City's reduction goal, include locally-focused activities as well as regional and State initiatives under the Scoping Plan, such as the Renewable Portfolio Standard, and implementation of other recent State legislation. The City considers regional efforts as well as the implementation of State legislation to be a significant contributor to GHG reductions within the community as a significant portion of the City's GHG emissions come from State- controlled freeways, which cross or boarder the Dublin community. Emission Inventory, Baseline and Projections Chapter II of the Draft CAP, "Emission Inventory," presents a GHG emissions inventory for 2005, which includes an inventory of both community level and municipal level emissions. The community emissions inventory includes sources of GHG emitted from the residential, commercial/industrial, transportation and waste sectors. The municipal emissions inventory City of Dublin Page 5 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 ~~'-( ~°(~ +=-~ includes those sources that fall under the direct jurisdictional control of the City of Dublin Municipal Corporation, which includes City facilities, the City's vehicle fleet, public lighting, municipal water consumption and municipal solid waste generation. The emission inventory was developed by the City in collaboration with ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability using Clean Air and Climate Protection (CACP) software. Total community-wide emissions were determined to be 357,211 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2005. Government-related emissions were estimated to be 1,573 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2005. Chapter III of the Draft CAP, "Forecast for Greenhouse Gas Emissions," includes projections of emissions in 2020. Under a business-as-usual scenario, it is estimated that the City of Dublin's emissions will grow over the next decade and a half by approximately 31.9% from 357,211 to 471,205 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Dublin's GHG reduction goal is 20% below the Business-As-Usual projection of GHG emitted during 2020 by said year. In other terms, the City projects that emission reduction measures contained within the Draft CAP will lower the projected GHG emissions from 2020 from 471,205 metric tons of carbon dioxide to 376,964. While the City expects significant residential, commercial and industrial growth through 2020, the total amount of GHGs emitted within the community will not be increasing significantly. The impact of the emission reduction measures within the Draft CAP is more clearly demonstrated by comparing per service population emissions (population + employment, which decreases from 5.88 tons per service population in 2005 to 4.22 tons per service population using the projections for 2020, which represents a 28% decrease in GHG emissions between the base year and forecast year. Thus, the City will be growing significantly over the 15-year period covered by the CAP, but during this same time, the City's GHG emissions will be decreasing significantly on a per service population basis, which is not clearly visible when simply inspecting the BAU scenario. Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Measures The Draft CAP identifies a variety of ineasures that contribute to the achievement of the City's GHG reduction target. The inclusion of quantifiable GHG reduction measures is the primary focus of the Draft CAP, with the anticipated emissions reduction of each measure in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent being used to contribute to the overall City GHG reduction goal relative to 2020. Measures that would aid in reducing GHG emissions, but which are not or cannot be quantified, are also included in the Draft CAP and will result in GHG reductions beyond those included in the reductions calculation. The various GHG reduction measures are organized into three categories: transportation and land use, energy (which includes both energy efficiency and renewable energy) and solid waste management. These categories follow the major sources of emissions found in the City of Dublin 2005 GHG emissions inventory. Results of Implementation Implementation of the measures in the Draft CAP would result in annual community-wide GHG emission reductions of approximately 46,737 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (9.92°/o total % reduction relative to 2020). The City-controlled measures include transportation and land use, energy measures and solid waste and recycling measures. The municipal operations and public outreach programs are also included as part of the City-controlled measures. The measures outlined in the Draft CAP represent the City controlled emissions. Additionally, implementation of statewide initiatives (Renewable Portfolio Standard and AB 1493) would result in annual GHG emission reductions of an additional 52,263 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (11.09% total % reduction relative to 2020). The Draft CAP measures combined with the City of Dublin Page 6 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 ,•;~;~ '~''. statewide initiatives would reduce the anticipated emissions in the community by 99,000 metric tons/year of carbon dioxide equivalent and would achieve the City's reduction goal of reducing GHG emission by 20% below the Business-As-Usual projection of GHG emitted during 2020 by said year which results in an efficiency level of 422 MT COze per service population per year in 2020. Potential Environmental Impacts The overall purpose of the Draft CAP is to reduce GHG emissions and the impacts that these emissions will have on global climate change and, therefore, benefit the environment. Therefore, it may not constitute a"project" under CEQA or it may qualify for an exemption under CEQA. However, as with a proposal involving activities relating to development, implementation of the Draft CAP theoretically could potentially result in adverse impacts on the physical environment. Therefore, an Initial Study is being prepared by the City pursuant to CEQA to evaluate whether there are any potential adverse environmental impacts of implementing the Draft CAP. The environmental analysis of the Draft CAP will only focus on the new policies or changes in existing or adopted policies that will be implemented as a result of the Draft CAP. It will not analyze the impacts of existing or approved programs included in the Draft CAP, which have already undergone their own environmental review. In particular, the Draft CAP will not result in any change in land use or permit greater intensity of development than already allowed under the existing City General Plan, Specific Plans and zoning. The environmental impacts from these types of activities are already addressed by the CEQA environmental review adopted by the City relating to these actions. This Initial Study includes an analysis of each potential impact identified in the environmental checklist under Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines beginning on page 15. City of Dublin Page 7 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 ~ t u~~ _.: . 1. Project description: 2. Lead agency: 3. Contact persons: 4. Project location: 5. Project sponsor: 6. General Plan designation 7. Zoning: Adoption of the Draft Climate Action Plan. City of Dublin Roger Bradley, Senior Administrative Analyst, 925-833-6650 City-wide City of Dublin Various V arious 8. Other public agency required approvals: None City of Dublin Page 8 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 ~,~ . , ~~~ ~ Exhibit 1. Regional Context 0 r~ 1fl Miles ~~: ~r~CI~1C C1Cec~C1 City of Dublin Page 9 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 Exhibit 2. City of Dublin context q ~ ~~ ~ ~~~ _ City of Dublin Initial Study/Climate Action Plan Page 10 October 2010 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 - Air Quality Resources - Biological Resources - Cultural Resources - Geology/Soils - Greenhouse Gas - Hazards and - Hydrology/Water Emissions Hazardous Materials Quality - Land Use/ Planning - Mineral Resources - Noise - Population/ - Public Services - Recreation Housing - Transportation/ - Utilities/Service - Mandatory Findings Circulation Systems of Significance Determination (to be completed by Lead Agency): On the basis of this initial evaluation: _X 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 significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project. A Mitigated Negative Declaration will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project may have a significant effect 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 earlier analysis as described on the attached sheets, if the effect is a"potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated." An Environmental Impact Report is required, but must only analyze the effects that remain to be addressed. _ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed on the proposed project. Signature: I Printed Name: City of Dublin Initial Study/Climate Action Plan Date: /a//s~ ~ For. ~ Page 11 October 2010 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts G~ .~~ ~;~: -~ i 1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "no impact" answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parenthesis following each question. A"no impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g. the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A"no impact" answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general factors (e.g. the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis). 2) In some instances, an "LS, Less-than-Significant Impact" response may reflect that a specific environmental topic has been analyzed in a previous CEQA document and appropriate mitigation measures have been included in a previous CEQA document to reduce this impact to a less-than-significant level. In a few instances, some previously analyzed topics have been determined to be significant and unavoidable and mitigation of such impact to a less-than-significant level is not feasible. In approving the previous CEQA document, the City of Dublin adopted a Statement of Overriding Considerations. For existing or approved programs included in the proposed Draft CAP, the CAP will not result in any change. Therefore, since such environmental impacts have been adequately analyzed under prior adopted CEQA environmental documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any new impacts, no further analysis of these impacts axe required under this document. 3) All answers must take account of the whole action, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts. 4) "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect is significant. If there are one or more "potentially significant impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 5) "Negative Declaration: Less-Than-Significant Unless Mitigation Incorparated" implies elsewhere the incorparation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "potentially significant effect" to a"less than significant impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level. Environmental Impacts (Note: Source of determination listed in parenthesis. See listing of sources used to determine each potential impact at the end of the checklist). City of Dublin Page 12 Initial Study/Ciimate Action Plan October 2010 ,,.~'j ;,~ ~3 Earlier Analyses Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to tiering, a program EIR, or other CEQA process, one or more effects have been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or Negative Declaration. Reference CEQA Guidelines Section 15063(c)(3)(d). Portions of the environmental analysis for this Initial Study refer to information contained in one or more of the EIRs or NDs listed below. This Initial Study will not analyze the impacts of existing or approved programs included in the Draft CAP which have already undergone their own environmental review. The Draft CAP does not propose any General Plan or applicable Specific Plan land use changes, any rezoning of properties, or changes in the intensity or density of development. The environmental impacts from these types of activities are already addressed by the CEQA environmentai review approved by the City relating to these actions. The environmental analysis of the Draft CAP will only focus on the new policies or changes in policies that will be implemented as a result of the Draft CAP. • Eastern Dublin General Plan Amendment and Specific Plan EIR (SCH # 91103064), certified by City Council Resolution No. 51-93 on May 10, 1993. • Downtown Core Specific Plan Mitigated Negative Declaration, adopted by City Council Resolution No. 226-00 on December 19, 2000. • West Dublin BART Specific Plan Mitigated Negative Declaration, adopted by City Council Resolution No. 227-00 on December 19, 2000. • Dublin Transit Center Supplemental EIR (SCH # 20011200395), certified by City Council Resolution No. 215-02 on November 19, 2002. • Dublin Ranch West Supplemental EIR (SCH # 2003022082), certified by City Council Resolution No. 42-OS on March 15, 2005. • Fallon Village Project Supplemental EIR (SCH # 2005062010), certified by City Council Resolution No. 225-OS on December 6, 2005 • Mission Peak/Fallon Crossing Mitigated Negative Declaration, adopted by City Council Resolution No. 71-06 on May 16, 2006. • Vargas Project Mitigated Negative Declaration, adopted by City Council Resolution No. 57-OS on May l, 2007. • Casamira Valley/Nloller Ranch Supplemental EIR (SCH # 2005052146), certified by City Council Resolution No. 56-07 on May, 1 2007. • City of Dublin Bikeways Master Plan Mitigated Negative Declaration, adopted by City Council Resolution No. 133-07 on July 17, 2007. City of Dublin Page 13 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 ~...~ ~~t~ ~ These documents are incorporated herein by reference and are available for public review at the Dublin Community Development Department, 100 Civic Plaza, during normal business hours. All these documents are collectively referred to in this Initial Study as "Adopted CEQA Documents." City of Dublin Page 14 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 , ,.. , ,~^,`~,r' s , : , ':,~ Note: A full discussion of each item is found following the checklist. 1. Aesthetics. Woulcl the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? (Sources: 1-9) b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? (Sources: 1-9) c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? (Sources: 1-9) d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? (Sources: 1-9) 2. Agricultural Resources Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance, as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to a non- agricultural use? (Sources: 1-9) b) Conflict with existing zoning for agriculture use, or a Williamson Act contract? (Sources: 1-9) 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? (Sources: 1-9) 3. Air Quality (Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management district may be relied on to make the following determinations). Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? (Sources: 1-9) b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? (Sources: 1-9) Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Miti ation Less than Significant Impact No Impact ' X X X X X X X X X City of Dublin Initial Study/Climate Action Plan Page 15 October 2010 G9' s~ i~ l c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any cnteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors? (Sources: 1-9) d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? (Sources: 1-9) e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? (Sources: 1-9) 4. 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, ar by the California Department of Fish and Game or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? (Sources: 1-9) 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? (Sources: 1-9) c) Have a substantial adverse effect 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? (Sources: 1-9) 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? (Sources: 1-9) e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as tree protection ordinances? (Sources: 1-9) City of Dublin Initial Study/Climate Action Plan Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Miti ation Less than Significant Impact No Impact X X X X X X X X Page 16 October 2010 ~ ~•~~'~ ~` R ~~ + M ' fl Conflict with the provision of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan or other approved local, regional or state habitat conservation plan? (Sources: l-9) 5. Cultural Resources. Would the project a) Cause a substantial adverse impact in the significance of a histarical resource as defined in Sec. 15064.5? (Sources: 1-9) b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archeological resource pursuant to Sec. 15064.5 (Sources: 1-9) c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource, site or unique geologic feature? (Sources: 1-9) d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of a formal cemetery? (1-9) 6. 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 Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist or based on other substantial evidence of a lrnown fault (1-9) ii) Strong seismic ground shaking (Sources: 1-9) iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? ((Sources: 1-9) iv) Landslides? (Sources: 1-9) b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? (Sources: 1-9) 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- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or similar hazards (Sources: l-9) d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? (Sources: 1-9) Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Miti ation Less than Significant Impact No Impact X X X X X X X X X ~ X X X X City of Dublin Initial Study/Climate Action Plan Page 17 October 2010 ~ ' ~~,~j :.~ ' e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or Option wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? (Sources: 1-9) 7. Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Would the project: a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? b) Conflict with any applicable plan, policy or regulation of an agency adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gasses? 8. 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? ((Sources: 1-9) b) Create a signi~cant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? ((Sources: 1-9) c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous materials or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? ((Sources: 1-9) d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Sec. 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? (Sources: 1-9, 11) 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 of public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? ((Sources: 1-9) ~ 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? (Sources: 1-9) g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with the adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? (Sources: 1-9) Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Miti ation Less than Significant Impact No Impact X X X X X X X X X X City of Dublin Initial Study/Climate Action Plan Page 18 October 2010 1~2 U~,Ea ~ h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury ar death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? (Sources: 1-9) 9. Hydrology and Water Quality. Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? (Sources: 1-9) 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? (1-9) c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site ar area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? ((Sources: 1-9) d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or areas, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site? ((Sources: 1-9) 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? (Sources: 1-9) ~ Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? (Sources: 1-9) g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood delineation map? (Sources: 1-9) Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Miti ation Less than Significant Impact No Impact X X X X X X X X City of Dublin Initial Study/Climate Action Plan ' Page 19 October 2010 t~ ~b ~ ~ P. h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? ((Sources: 1-9, 13) I) Expose people ar 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? ((Sources: 1-9) j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami or mudflow? (1-9) 10. Land Use and Planning. Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? ((Sources: 1-9) b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, ar 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? (Sources: 1- 9) c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? (Sources: 1-9) 11. Mineral Resources. Would the project a) Result in the loss of availability of a lrnown mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? (Sources: 1-9) 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? ((Sources: 1-9) 12. Noise. Would the proposal result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? (1-9) b) Exposure of persons or to generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? (Sources: 1-9) c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above existing levels without the project? (Sources: 1-9) City of Dublin Initial Study/Climate Action Plan Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Mitigation Less than Significant Impact No Impact X X X X X X X X X X X Page 20 October 2010 P~~ E~,~P~ ~ d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? (1-9) 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? ((Sources: 1-9) fl For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing ar warking in the project area to excessive noise levels? ((Sources: 1-9) 13. 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)? (Sources: 1-9) b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? (Sources: 1-9) c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement of housing elsewhere? (Sources: 1-9) 14. Public Services. Would the proposal: a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered government facilities; the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in arder to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services? ((Sources: 1-9) Fire protection Police protection Schools Parks Other public facilities Solid Waste Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Miti ation Less than Significant Impact No Impact X X X X X X X X X X x X City of Dublin Initial Study/Climate Action Plan Page 21 October 2010 1~ ~~'=' ~ 15. Recreation: a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated (Sources: 1-9, 12) b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction ar expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? ((Sources: 1-9, 12) 16. Transportation and Traffic. Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e. result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads or congestion at intersections)? (Sources: 1-9) b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the County Congestion Management Agency for designated roads ar highways? (Sources: 1-9) c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? (Sources: 1-9) d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses, such as farm equipment? (Sources: 1-9) e) Result in inadequate emergency access? (1-9) ~ Result in inadequate parking capacity? (1-9) g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans or programs supporting Option transportation (such as bus turnouts and bicycle facilities) (Sources: 1-9) City of Dublin initial Study/Climate Action Plan Potenrially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Miri ation Less than Significant Impact No Impact X X X X X X X X X Page 22 October 2010 l d f.a tS~ 1~ i; 17. Utilities and Service Systems. Would the project a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? (Sources: 1-9) 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? ((Sources: 1-9, 10) c) Require ar result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? (Sources: 1-9) d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing water entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? (Sources: 1-9, 10) 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? (1-9) fl Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? (Sources: 1-9) g) Comply with federal, state and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? (Sources: 1-9) 18. Mandatory Findings of Significance. 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, substantially 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? City of Dublin Initial Study/Climate Action Plan Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Miti ation Less than Significant Impact No Impact X X X X X X X X Page 23 October 2010 1 0"~ Cz''~ ~ ~_ . 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 proj ects, the effects of other current projects and the effects of probable future projects). c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? ' Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant With Miti ation Less than Significant Impact No Impact X X Sources used to determine potential environmental impacts 1) Eastern Dublin General Plan Amendment and Specific Plan EIR 2) Downtown Core Specific Plan Mitigated Negative Declaration 3) West Dublin BART Specific Plan Mitigated Negative Declaration 4) Dublin Transit Center Supplemental EIR 5) Dublin Ranch West Supplemental EIR 6) Mission Peak/Fallon Crossing Mitigated Negative Declaration 7) Vargas Project Mitigated Negative Declaration 8) Casmir Valley/Muller Ranch Supplemental EIR 9) Fallon Village Project Supplemental EIR 10) Dublin General Plan, City of Dublin 11) Final Urban Water Management Plan, 2005 Update 12) California Department of Toxic Substances Control, website, October 2009 13) Parks and Recreation Master Plan, City of Dublin, 2004 update 14) City of Dublin Bikeways Master Plan, City of Dublin, 2007 City of Dublin Initial Study/Climate Action Plan Page 24 October 2010 i~'t`r;• ~} ~4~ ~ / ~ Attachment to Initial Study Discussion of Checklist Legend PS: Potentially Significant LS/M: Less Than Significant After Mitigation LS: Less Than Significant Impact NI: No Impact 1. Aesthetics Project Im~acts a-c) Have a substantial adverse impact on a scenic vista, damage scenic vistas (including a scenic highway) or substantially deg~ade the visual chaYC~cter of a site? LS. Proposed measures in the Draft CAP encourage the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels on homes and businesses in the City to provide alternative sources of energy. PV panels could be placed on rooftops, which could potentially alter scenic views. Installation of these panels would require Building review and approval. Typically PV panels are placed on existing homes, which have undergone a review process to ensure that they don't impact scenic vistas within the City. The impact would be less- than significant. All other potentially significant impacts on scenic views would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. d) Create light or glare? LS. Implementation of the Draft CAP would not result in the development of major light sources, although installation of PV panels on homes and businesses is encouraged to reduce Dublin's dependence on energy sources that produce GHGs. PV panels are specifically designed to absorb, not reflect sunlight. Thus their placement and orientation on individual properties would not adversely affect day o~ nighttime views in the area or create light or glare. All other potentially significant impacts due to light or glare would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environment impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said City of Dublin Page 25 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 \ C. ~.~ ..,~ _ . environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. 2. Agricultural Resources Proj ect Impacts a-c) Convert Prime Farmland, conflict with agricultural zoning or convert prime farmland to a non-agricultural use? LS. All potentially significant impacts on Agricultural Resources would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. 3. Air Quality Project Impacts a) Would the project conflict or obstr-uct implementation of an air quality plan? LS. The purpose of the Draft CAP is to reduce GHG emissions within the City to help contribute to global efforts to reduce the effects of climate change. Measures within the Draft CAP include improving energy efficiency in buildings, using renewable energy, developing bicycle facilities, enhancing public transit and promoting smart growth principles, such as transit-oriented development and mixed-use projects. In addition to reducing GHG emissions, each of the measures noted above would help to reduce criteria air pollutants and would not conflict with or obstruct the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Air Quality Plan. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less- than-significant impact. b,c) Would the project violate any air qualiry or greenhouse gas emission standarcls or result in cumulatively considerable air pollutants? LS. See item (a) above for greenhouse gas emissions. All potentially significant impacts due to emissions of other criteria pollutants would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. However, some of the measures included in the Draft CAP would result in a reduction in the emissions of other criteria pollutants, especially from measures that reduce emissions from vehicles. City of Dublin Page 26 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 ~ ~~r~~'~6 d) Expose sensitive receptors to significant pollutant concentrations? LS. All potentially significant impacts due to exposure of sensitive receptors to pollutants would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. e) Create objectionable odors? NI. The Project does not propose strategies or measures that would directly or indirectly result in the creation of objectionable odors. Therefore, there would be no impact. 4. Biological Resources Project Impacts a-c) Have a substantic~l adverse impact on a canclidate, sensitive, special-status species riparian habitat or wetlc~nds? LS. All potentially significant impacts on Biological Resources would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. d) Interfere with movement of native fish or wildlife species? LS. See items (a-c) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. e, fl Conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources or any adopted Habitat Conservation Plans or Natural Community Conservation Plans? LS. See items (a-c) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. 5. Cultural Resources Project Impacts a) Cause substantial adverse change to significant historic resources? LS. All potentially significant impacts on Cultural Resources would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been City of Dublin Page 27 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 111 ~~~~~ analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. b-d) Cause a substantial adverse impact or destruction to archeological or paleontological resources, oY human remains that may be interred outside of a formal cemetery? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. 6. Geology and Soils Pro~ect Impacts a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse impacts, including loss, injury or death related to ground rupture, seismic ground shaking, ground failure, oY landslides? LS. All potentially significant impacts on Geology and Soils would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. b) Is the site subject to substantial erosion and/or the loss of topsoil? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. c-d) Is the site located on soil that is unstable or expansive and that could result in potential lateral spreading, liquefaction, landslide or collapse? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. e) Have soils incapable of supporting on-site septic tanks if sewers are not available? I~1I. All new structures are required by the City of Dublin to connect to the local sewer system, maintained by the Dublin San Ramon Services District. No impacts would therefore result with regard to septic systems. 7. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Proiect Impacts a) Generate GHGs, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? TII. Implementation of strategies and measures within the Draft CAP would result in annual community-wide GHG emission reductions of approximately 99,000 metric tons COze by 2020, which includes the reduction measures within the Draft CAP as well as implementation of regional and State initiatives such as Renewable Portfolio Standards and AB 1493 (Pavley). Implementation of the Draft City of Dublin Page 28 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 i ~ ~. ~,~ ~.~~_ ~ CAP would therefore directly and indirectly reduce community-wide GHGs, which will have a beneficial impact on the environment. There would be no significant adverse impact due to GHGs. b) Conflict with any applicable plan, policy or regulation of an agency adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHGs? NI. California has adopted a wide variety of regulations aimed at reducing the State's GHG emissions. AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, requires California to reduce statewide GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. AB 32 directs ~1RB to develop and implement regulations that reduce statewide GHG emissions. The Climate Change Scoping Plan (Scoping Plan) was approved by ARB in December 2008 and outlines the State's plan to achieve the GHG reductions required in AB 32. The Scoping Plan contains the primary strategies California will implement to achieve a reduction of 169 MM COze, or approximately 30% from the State's projected 2020 emissions level. In the Scoping Plan, ARB encourages local governments to adopt a reduction goal far municipal operations and move toward establishing similar goals for the community emissions that parallel the State commitment to reduce GHGs. Dublin's Draft CAP articulates the City's intentions with respect to reducing community-wide GHG emissions in a manner to promote AB 32 and to reduce the impact of potential future GHG emissions to less-than significant cumulative impact under CEQA. Implementation of ineasures proposed within the Draft CAP would result in annual community-wide GHG emission reductions of approximately 46,737 MT COae by 2020. Additionally, implementation of statewide initiatives (Renewable Portfolio Standards and Assembly Bill 1493) would result in annual GHG emission reductions of an additional 52,263 MT COze. The Draft CAP measures combined with the statewide initiatives would reduce the anticipated emissions in the community by 99,000 MT C02e and would be consistent with AB 32 Scoping Plan recommendations. As of this writing, there are no adopted regional or local plans, policies or regulations other than the Scoping Plan and the City's Draft CAP which are designed to reduce emissions of GHGs. There would be no impact. 8. Hazards and Hazardous Materials Proiect Impacts a) Create significant hazards to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use or clisposal hazardous materials? LS. All potentially significant impacts on Hazards and Hazardous Materials would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. City of Dublin Page 29 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 1~ ~~~€~. b, c) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accidental conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment or emit hazardous materials or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances or wastes within one-quarter mile of an existing oY proposed school LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. Any impact due to potential hazardous release through retrofit of existing buildings would be reduced to less-than significant through compliance with all applicable regulations regarding hazardous materials. d) Be listed on a site that is included on a list of hazardous materials sites complied on the Cortese List and, as a result, would create a significant hazarcl to the public or environment? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. e, fl Is the site located within an airport land use plan of a public airport or private airstrip? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. g) Interference with an emergency evacuation plan? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. h) Expose people and structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. 9. Hydrology and Water Quality Project Impacts a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? LS. All potentially significant impacts on Hydrology and Water Quality would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. b) Substantially deplete groundwater recharge areas or lowering of water table? 1~I. The primary source of water to development projects is imported surface water supplied by DSRSD and Zone 7. Neither DSRSD nor Zone 7 relies upon local groundwater. There would be no impact with lowering of the water table or reducing the amount of groundwater recharge areas. City of Dublin Page 30 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 1 P ~ t~~'=~ 1 c) Substantially alter drainage patterns, including streambed courses such that substantial siltation or erosion would occur? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. d,e) Substantially alter drainage patterns or result in flooding, either on or off the project site, create stormwater runoff that would exceed the capacity of drainage systems or acld substantial amounts of polluted runoff? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. fl Substantic~lly degrade water quality? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. g-i) Place housing within a 100 year flood hazard area as mapped by a Flood InsuYance Rate Map, or impede or reclirect flood flow, including dam failure? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. j) Result in inundation by seiche, tsunami or mudflows? NI. There are expected to be no impacts with regard to seiche, tsunami or mudflows, since projects would be located inland from major bodies of water. 10. Land Use and Planning Project Impacts a) Physically divicle an established community? 1VI. The programs and policies in the Draft CAP are consistent with the City General Plan. Construction of future projects (including mixed-use development, transit-oriented development and new bike facilities) under the auspices of the Draft CAP would proceed based on the Dublin General Plan and other land use regulatory documents, including applicable Specific Plans and the Dublin Transit Center Stage 1 Development Plan and would not physically divide an established community. Additionally, the Draft CAP includes measures to improve connectivity within Dublin and to promote alternative transportation methods. The Draft CAP does not recommend any measures that would physically divide the community. No impacts are anticipated. b) Conflict with any czpplicable land use plan, policy or regulation? NI. No amendments are required to the Dublin General Plan and no rezonings are required. Future developments anticipated in the Draft CAP are required to obtain the required permits, such as subdivision maps, Site Development Review permits, building permits and potentially other permits from the City of Dublin. c) Conflict with a habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? NI. No such plan has been adopted within the City of Dublin. There would therefore be no impact to a habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan. City of Dublin Page 31 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 11. Mineral Resources ~ 1 J G r-,1,~>4~ tJ Project Impacts a, b) Result in the loss of availability of regionally or locally significant mineral resources? NI. No impacts would occur to any mineral resources, since no such resources are identified in Dublin in the Dublin General Plan. 12. Noise Project Impacts a) Would the pYOject expose persons or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established by the Generc~l Plan or other applicable standards? LS. While the Draft CAP does not recommend any strategy or measure that would generate excessive amounts of noise, construction activity associated with energy efficiency retrofits and installing solar panels in residential and commercial buildings could possibly result in temporary increases in noise. The noise from these activities is expected to be minimal and less than-significant. Construction activities will be required to conform to any applicable project Conditions of Approval and the General Plan policies to reduce noise to ensure that these impacts are less-than significant. All other potentially significant impacts due to noise would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any changes in these policies ar programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. b) Exposure of people to excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? LS. It is unlikely that implementation of ineasures within the Draft CAP to perform energy retrofits on existing homes or install solar panels would result in significant levels of vibration, since normal construction methods would be used. No impacts are anticipated with regard to this topic. All other potentially significant impacts due to groundborne vibration or noise would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. City of Dublin Page 32 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 ~ ~ ~ ~[,~ .. c,d) Substantial permanent or temporary increases in ambient noise levels? LS. Implementation of the Draft CAP could cause a temporary increase in ambient noise levels as a result of construction activities to perform energy retrofits on existing homes or install solar panels. The noise from these activities is expected to be minimal and less-than significant. Construction activities will be required to conform to any applicable project Conditions of Approval and the General Plan policies to reduce noise to ensure that these impacts are less than significant. All other potentially significant impacts on Noise would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. e, fl Be located within an aiYport land use plan area, within two miles of a public or private airport or airstrip? LS. A number of parcels within the City are located in the General Airport Referral Area far Livermore Municipal Airport, located south of Interstate 580 within the City of Livermore. Applicable projects within this area are required to be referred to the Alameda County Airport Land Use Commission for a consistency determination with the Alameda County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. The Alameda County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan adopted the California Office of Noise Control noise exposure standards for residential uses, which is generally consistent with City of Dublin noise standards. All potentially significant impacts due to airport noise would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. 13. Population and Housing Project Impacts a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly or indirectly? LS. Implementation of the Draft CAP would not cause substantial population growth in Dublin, since anticipated dwellings are currently included in the Dublin General Plan. This would be a less-than significant impact. All potentially significant impacts due to population increase would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and City of Dublin Page 33 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 I I `1 c~ ° ~'t programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. b,c) Would the project displace substantial numbers of existing housing units or people requiring replacement housing? LS. The Draft CAP strategies and measures would not result in the displacement of a substantial number of homes or people. This would be a less-than significant impact. 14. Public Services Environmental Impacts a) Fire protection? LS. All potentially significant impacts on Public Services would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. b) Police protection? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. c) Schools? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. d) Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. e) Solid waste generation? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. Also, the Draft CAP contains programs and policies that would reduce solid waste generation. 15. Recreation Project Impacts • a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood or regional parks? LS. All potentially significant impacts on Recreation would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these City of Dublin Page 34 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 ~ r ~ .; ~~ policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction of recreational facilities? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. 16. Transportation/Traffic Proj ect Impacts a, b) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial relative to existing traffic load ancl street; or exceed LOS standards establishecl by the County CMA for designated roads? LS. Implementation of the Draft CAP measures would increase the availability of transit service for Dublin residents, add additional bicycle facilities and discourage single-occupancy vehicle use. Achieving each of these goals would result in a reduction in traffic loads, which would reduce the number of vehicle trips, volume to capacity ratio, and intersection congestion within the City. New mixed-use and transit-oriented development projects would be designed to reduce vehicle trips and place more people within walking distance of commercial uses and public transit. Furthermore, no proposed measure in the Draft CAP would directly increase traffic in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system. Additionally, impacts of local and regional traffic from development projects have been analyzed in the previous CEQA documents adopted by the City and are identified in the Earlier Analysis section of this document. All other potentially significant impacts on Transportation/Traffic would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. c) Result in a change of air traffic patterns? NI. The Draft CAP does not include any strategy ar measure that would directly or indirectly affect air traffic patterns. There would be no impact. d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature or incompatible use? LS. The Draft CAP does not include any strategy or measure that would promote the development of hazardous design features or incompatible uses. Additionally, future projects that would be proposed in Dublin will be reviewed by City of Dublin staff to ensure that City public works and engineering standards are met and no traffic or Gity ot Dublin Page 35 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 Il~ rS~~~ I transportation design hazards would be created. This would be a less-than-significant impact. e) Result in inadequate emergency access? LS. No strategy or measure proposed in the Draft CAP would result in the development of uses or facilities that would degrade emergency access; therefore, the impact would be less-than significant with regard to emergency access. f, g) Inadequate parking capacity or hazards to pedestrians or bicyclists? LS. The Draft CAP includes measures that would reduce the demand for automobile parking in favor of biking, carpooling and public transit. New mixed-use and transit-oriented development projects would be designed to support the use of alternative transit, potentially reducing parking requirements and supply both collectively and within individual prajects. It is unlikely that that future projects pursuant to the Draft CAP would contribute to inadequate parking capacity within the City. This would be a less- than-significant impact. All other potentially significant impacts due to parking capacity or hazards to pedestrians or bicyclists would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. 17. Utilities and Service Systems Project Impacts a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the RWQCB? LS. All potentially significant impacts on Utilities and Service Systems would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document b) Require new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. 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 City of Dublin Page 36 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 1~-J~f'~;~'" environmental effects? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. d) Are sufficient water supplies available? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. e) Adequate wastewater capacity to serve the proposed project? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. f, g) Solid waste disposal? LS. See item (a) above. Implementation of the Draft CAP would result in a less-than significant impact. 18. Mandatory Findings of Significance 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 oY wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, recluce the number of or restrict the range of a rare or endangerecl plant or c~nimal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? LS. The preceding analysis indicates that the proposed Project would not have a significant adverse impact on cultural resources or have the potential to restrict the range of rare or endangered species, beyond impacts previously identified. All potentially significant impacts in this area would result from development or activities in accardance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies ar programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. 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 ofpast projects, the effects of other current projects and the effects of probable future projects). LS. Cumulative impacts of the proposed Project have been analyzed in previous CEQA documents as identified in the Earlier Analysis section of this Initial Study. All potentially significant cumulative impacts would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Document and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. City of Dublin . Page 37 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 I 2 1 ~ ~' =~ ~ c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? LS. Based on the preceding Initial Study, no substantial effects to human beings, either directly or indirectly have been identified. Any potentially significant impacts on human beings would result from development or activities in accordance with existing or approved policies and programs included in the proposed Climate Action Plan. The Draft CAP will not result in any change in these policies or programs. The environmental impacts of these policies and programs were analyzed in the related Adopted CEQA Documents. Since said environmental impacts have been analyzed under the Adopted CEQA Documents and the Draft CAP will not result in any changes to these policies/programs, no further analysis of these impacts are required in this document. Initial Study Preparer Martha Aja, Environmental Specialist Agencies and Organizations Consulted The following agencies and organizations were contacted in the course of this Initial Study: City of Dublin Jeff Baker, Planning Manager Roger Bradley, Seniar Administrative Analyst Tim Cremin, City Attorney's Office Jordan Figueiredo, Environmental Technician Chris Foss, Assistant City Manager Jeri Ram, Community Development Director References Eastern Dublin General Plan Amendment and Specific Plan EIR (SCH # 91103064, May 10, 1993. Downtown Core S~ecific Plan Mitigated Negative Declaration, December 19, 2000. Dublin Transit Center Supplemental EIR (SCH # 20011200395), November 19, 2002 Dublin Ranch West Supplemental EIR, (SCH # 2003022082), March 15, 2005. Final Urban Water Management Plan, 2005 Update, Dublin San Ramon Services District, May 2045 Mission PeaklFallon Crossin~ Mitigated Ne~ative Declaration, May 16, 2006. City of Dublin ~ Page 38 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 l 2 2 r~"b ~ ~; ; Vargas Proiect Mitigated Negative Declaration, May 1, 2007. Casamira Valley/Moller Ranch Supplemental EIR (SCH# 2005052146), May l, 2007. Fallon Villa e Project Supplemental EIR (SCH # 2005062010), March 4, 2008. Dublin General Plan, City of Dublin, Updated through 9/14/06 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, City of Dublin, 2004 update Bikewavs Master Plan, City of Dublin, June 2007 City of Dublin Page 39 Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 i~~~ ;~~ ~ ._. CITY OF DUBLIN NEGATIVE DECLARATION Project Title: City of Dublin Climate Action Plan (CAP) Description of Project: The proposed project is the adoption of the Draft CAP, a document that provides policies and measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the City of Dublin. The goal of the Draft CAP is to reduce Dublin's community-wide GHG emissions by 20% below a business as usual scenario by 2020 which results in an efficiency level of 4.22 MT C02e per service population per year in 2020. The Draft CAP identifies a variety of ineasures to achieve the City's GHG reduction target. The Draft CAP describes baseline GHG emissions produced in Dublin in 2005, and projects GHG emissions that could be expected if the Draft CAP is not implemented. The City expects the reduction to be achieved by a combination of the reduction measures included in the Draft CAP and State initiatives, such as Renewable Portfolio Standard and Assembly Bill 1493 (Pavley). Project Location: City-wide applicability. Name of Proponent: City of Dublin Attn: Martha Aja, Environmental Specialist City Manager's Office/Environmental Services 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568 Determination: I hereby find that although the above project could not have a significant effect on the environment and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION is hereby approved. ~o p Roger Bradley enior Administrative Analyst Date Copies of the Initial Study documenting the reasons to support the above finding are available at the City of Dublin, City Manager's Office, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568, or by calling (925) 833-6650. Attachments Date Published: Date Posted: Date Notice Mailed: _ Considered by: nn: N.O.D. filed: Council Resolution No. City of Dublin Nage 4u Initial Study/Climate Action Plan October 2010 F~UBLiC WORKS _ .. ~~ COUNTY OF ALANIEDA PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT 951 Turner Court, Room 100 Hayward, CA 94545-2698 (510)670-6601 FAX (510) 670-5269 July 27, 2010 Martha Aj a City of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568 Dear Ms. Aja: ~a~ ~s~ ~~i~F =~=-f -°--'~~ +s....i'3 ~.._ G~~ ~~ ~~_;~:r~,.y,~ f-;~~1~ ~ ~ ZQ~i,; ~~E 6 P ~r!.~~iF`tt~v~i F~~C~a h"i~ R~ Subject: Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration for Dublin Climate Action Plan (CAP) Reference is made to your transmittal of a copy of Draft Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the adopiaon of the Draf~ Climate Action Plan, a document that provide policies and measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the City of Dublin. We have reviewed the submitted documents and have no comments to offer at this time. If you have any questions, please call me at (510) 670-5209. Very truly yours, ~-v~/ - R s e De Leon , si E gineer Development Services Departriient /RDL ,- E7~HIB~T B T0 To SERVE AND PRESERVE oUR COMNI[TNITY ATT'ACHIVIEN'T 3 - --- - :: -._---~ -----------~ r. ra~a t ~l 1 la~~=~ ISf Martha Aja From: Diane Lowart S.ent: Wednesday, August 04, 2010 9:43 AM To: Martha Aja Subject: Climate Action Plan Martha: Thank you for the opportunity to review the Negative Declaration for the Dublin ~ Clirnate Action Plan. For the record, I have no comments. Diane Lowart Parks & Community Services Director City of-Dublin 8/4/2010 ,4u~_ ~. 2,:;;ii 4;;,8F'M ~---_-~e DUBLIN SAN RAMON SERVICES DTSTRICT N~~. ~~.1'J~ F'. ~ I~~ ~ 15I 7051 bublin gaulcvard Dublin, California 9456~ Phone: 925 828 0515 [+Ni: 925 829 1180 tv~v~v:dscsd.com Augt~s~ ~, 2010 Martha Aj~, Lnviroiunental Specialist City of Dublin - City Manager's Office '100 Civic P1a.za Dublin, CA 94568 Subject: Notice of Iutent to AdoPt a Negative Decla2•~ttion for the Du[b11u CIinl~te . Action p'ls~u (CAP) Dear Ms. Aja: Tha.nk you for tl~e o~portunity to conunent on the above su~ject doci7ment. Tlle Dublin San Rainon Services District (DSRSD) has reviewed the Draft C1un3te Action Plan (CAP) and Iias the follpwing comment, T1~e acdozZS zzi tlie Dxaft CAP, ~t:vhich prima.rily ~c~cl~esse5 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissioiis, ~vill not materiall~ affect DSRSJa or its operatioxzs, Nevef~theless, bSRSb is in favor of the adoption of the Draft CAP in order to ensure tlie City~ of Dttblin adequatel~ addresses the issue of GHCr emissions. DSRSD will continue to work with the City of Dublin to m~rtu~i7y provide ser~~ices to out customers and residents w~iila protecting our vali~able envu•orunent. 'Thank you fo~ the opport~uuty to review the braft Climate Action 1'Ia~l. rf you have any qtrestions regarding JJSRSD's cozzuuents, pXease contact me at (92S) 875-2253. Sincerel~', STANLEY LODZI Associate ~nguieer S~/st cc; Da~ve Requa DubIIn Snn h'umon Saniwc Dielliu i~ a. %iFlic EniiQ~ H;IENQD~P11CkQA11~t0I to adopt NagD~ for U~e Aubl~ Gimata Aclion plan aug 2olo,doc 0~/05{2010 THU 15: 22 [Thr'R ; FIO 65001 ~ 001 .~~~. ~,~~;;$ BAY AREA I~I R CZUAL I'TY MANAGEMENT D I S T R I C T S INCE 1955 ALAMEDA COLINTY Tom Bates (Vice-Chairperson) Scott Haggerty Jennifer Hosterman Nate Miley CONTRA COSTA COUNTY John Gioia (Secretary) David Hudson Mark Ross Gayle B. Uilkema MARIN COUNTY Harold C. Brown, Jr. NAPA COUNTY Brad Wagenknecht (Chairperson) SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY Chris Daly Eric Mar Gavin Newsom ia-~ ~~ ~S ~. August 5, 2010 ~~~~~~~L~ ~i~ ~~ ~~~~!a@~ Martha A~ a ~ City Manager's Office 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568 Subject: Draft Dublin Climate Action Plan Dear Martha Aja: A~JG ~'~ Za10 ~' 6~;~~° ~~ ~:.~1~ ~~'t~~t~_ra~~~~ ~: ~ ~ Bay Area Air Quality Management District (District) staff reviewed the City's Draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the Draff Negative Declaration. We understand that the project is the adoption of the CAP, a document that provides policies and measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions wifliin tlie City. The goal of the CAP is to reduce the City's communitywide GHG eiriissions by 25% below a business-as-usual scenario by 2020. The CAP describes the baseline GHG emissions produced in Dublin in 2005 and estimates GHG emissions in 2020 that could be expected if the CAP is not implemented. The City expects emission reductions to be achieved by a range of ineasures under the City's control, coupled with state initiatives aimed at reducing GHG errussions The District a~pplauds the City's proactive approach to reducing GHG emissions and supports its efforts in developing the CAP. Further, the District believes a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy, as in this case the eity's CA.P, is an effective and efficient strategy to address GHG emissions. We offer our assistance towards ensuring the CAP meets the City of Dublin's goals and the District's standazd elements of a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy set forth in our recently updated CEQA Guidelines (7une, 2010). The District has the following specific comments on the CAP. SAN MATEO COUNTY Carol Klatt • Carole Groom • SANTA CLARA COUNTY Baseline GHG Emissions Inventorv Susan Gamer ~e ~ethodology used by the City is not consistent with the District's ' Ash Kalra ~iz tcniss recommended methodology for quantifying a plan's GHG emission inventory and Ken Yeage~ ~erefore should not be compared to the District's significance threshold to ~ so~aNO couNTr determine the significance of the CAP's GHG impacts as is stated in the City's James Spering Negative Declaration. (BAAQIvID CEQA Air Quality Guidelines, at page 9-3; Y Draft Negative Declaration at page 6.) To clarify, the CAP should be designed by SONOMA COUNT Shirlee Zane following the District's recommended methodology and thus meet the District's Pamela Torliatt criteria of a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy. Jack P. Broadbent - FXFCUTIVE OFFICER/APCO ~.~;t~ ~~~ ~~*,F.-'i+' ~ The Air District is a Certified Green Business Printed using soy-based inks on 100% post-consume~ recycled content paper '°~~~sraGree~~JSC4 939 ELL15 STREET • SAN FRANCI5C0 CALIFORNLA 94109 • 415.771.6000 • YVYVW.BAAQMD.GOV Martha Aj a ia~~~s~ - Z- August 5, 20 0 The District recommends the CAP's emissions inventory account, at a min;mum, for inunicipal and communitywide emissions froin the following sectors: 1. Transportation 2. Commercial 3. Industrial 4. Residential 5. Solid Waste The CAP's emissions inventory, however, excludes certain emission sources and may laclc sufficient infonnation. First, District staff was unable to determine how the CAP addresses t11e relationslup betiueen ener~y and water. The inveiitory may lack emissions, for exainple, from wastewater treatment processes. The CAP states at page 17, "wc~ter related emissions were not included in the inventory ". While water related emissions are typically embodied in the energy data for residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, emissions associated with wastewater may not be. The District recommends the CAP follow the guidance on quantifying emissions from wastewater treatment processes, located in the District's GHG Plan Level Quantification Guidance at section 1.4.3. This document may be fotuid on the Disirict's web site under CEQA Guidelines, Tools and Methodology. Second, the CAP fiartller states that emissions from uldustrial eleciricity and natural gas use, as well as Direct Access electricity use have not been included in the inventory. (Draft Climate Action Plan, July, 2010, at page 20.) The District can assist local governments in developing and providing non-proprietary GHG einissions data for industrial facilities that are pernutted by the Air District. Reduction Tar~et , It does not appear that the City's GHG emissions reduction target meets any of the three options provided in the District's CEQA Guidelines for establishing a GHG reduction target (BAAQIVID CEQA Air Quality Guidelines, at page 4-10.) The emissions reduction target in the CAP aims to reduce GHG einissions by 25°ro below the City's 2005 business-as-usual inventory by 2020. The District's CEQA Guidelines recommend that a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy, in this case the City's CAP, establish a target that is consistent with the goals of AB 32. The CAP should provide substantial quantitative evidence that tlie City's goal is consistent with AB32. GHG Emissions Forecast The District recommends that the GHG emission projection, or forecast, for communities reflect a business-as-usual approach, in wluch emissions are proj ected in the absence of any policies or actions that would occur beyond the base year. .Emission reductions from policies or actions that take place prior to the base would be accounted for in the business-as-usual forecast. It is unclear whether the City has followed this approach. For example, the CAP states at page 31 that, "The City of Dublin has a high-density ~a~ ~ i~ i Martha Aj a - 3- August 5, 201 residential land use designation, whiclz allows 25.1 + dwelling units per acre ". If this . la.nd use designation was adopted prior to the 2005 base year, then any future developments adhering to it would be considered part of tlie business-as-usual forecast and the CAP should not use this policy as an emission reduction ineasure toward the 25% reduction goal. The District uizderstands tllat the CAP uses population and employment infonnation based on growth-rate projections from tlie Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Projections 2005 report. The District recoinmends the CAP use the most recent demographic information available, which would be from ABAG's Projectio~is 2009 report. GHG Reduction Measures A fundamental purpose of a Qualified GHG Reduction Plan is to evaluate and provide a range of possibilities and outcomes which would allow future projects to select mitigation measures that are most applicable and effective, sparing future projects from perfornzing redundant a.ualysis. The City may have unuztentionally excluded feasible and effective reduction measures applicable to communitywide emission sources other than those listed in tlie CAP's Appendix D. District staff recommends the City expand upon the measures identified in the CAP's Appendix D that, if implemented, would collectively achieve the specified emissions reduction goal. The current measures address only portions of communitywide emissions sources and may only apply to specific types of projects. For example, additional iiieasures could include, but are not limited to, improving water efficiency, implementing additional transportation aud land use measures, and requiring energy efficiency retrofits. See BAAQNID CEQA Air Quality Guidelines: Mitigating Plan-Level Impacts, beginniulg at page 9-8 for a list of specific measures that should be considered to reduce the City's GHG emissions. The CAP repeatedly states that, `Estimating the growth of City infrastructure or services ' was not witlzin the scope of this project, and, therefore, this document does not include a forecast of govern~nent operatioMS emissions. Consequently, the e»aissions reductions for this nzeasure are not included as part of the reduction target. "(Draft Climate Action plan, July, 2010, at page 40.) Einissions from municipal operations are typically embodied in the communitywide inventory and forecast. Therefore, it is not necessary to develop a separate forecast for municipal operations in order to account for the emission reductions from municipal emission reductioiz measures. The District recommends tlie City quantify reductions from municipal operations measures and include those reductions in its accounting towards its GHG reduction target. Iti addition, the District was unable to verify the applicability and effectiveness of some of the reduction measures included in the CAP. 'T11e Green Building Ordinance, as an example, listed under Energy Measures only applies to residential projects with 20 or more units. There is little detail provided as to how .effective this ordinance has been in ~ ~~~~~~~ Martha Aja - 4- August 5, 20 tlie past or as to identifying the types of green building techniques that have been required. Similarly, it is unclear how many prior projects were not required to comply with the ordinance or how many future projects will likely be 19 units or less. While the CA.P does provide some examples of past projects (Id. at page 34), it is uncertain if tliese exainples are representative of the type and scale of new development Dublin can reasonably anticipate occun-ing in the future. The City should clarify how the standards in the Green Building Ordina.nce would apply to new residential development, t11us ensuriug the City is able to justify their estimated reductions credited by tlus strategy. Regarding the CAP's reliance on measures implemented by the State, the einission reduction calculations for the CAP's stated measures are not transparent and verifiable. The emission reduction discussion for each ineasure should cleaxly state which emission sector the measure is targetulg and how the einission reduction was calculated. For exainple, in the discussion on the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard, the CAP assumes diat a 19% reduction uz the City's 2020 electricity use emissions will result 'vi a reduction of 33,594 MTC02E/year in 2020. The CAP's ulventory does not list the GHG einissions for the City's electricity sector for 2005 or 2020, malcing it unclear how the 19% reductioil is being calculated for electricity use. The City's estimated electricity use . reductions cannot be verified with the given information. Lastly, it is unclear how the CAP estiinates emission reductions from AB 1493. The CAP should clearly list the total GHG emissions in the emission inventory's on-road passenger/light duty transportation sector and how a 15.75% emission reduction would result in a 46,034 MTC02e/year reduction. District staff recognizes that the Draft CAP iilcludes valuable analysis and policies, and represents a significant coirunitment by the City. District staff is available to assist the City staff in addressing these comments. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ian Peterson, Environmental Plaruler II, at (415) 749-4783. Su7cerely, : ~4--~~ ~~-~ `° ,~ ~ re Roggenk puty Air Pollution Control Officer cc: BAAQMD Vice-Chairperson Tom Bates BAAQNID Director Scott Haggerty BA.AQMD Directar Jennifer Hosterman BAAQMD Director Nate Miley ~~ ~ , ~ , ~-i~ ~~~ City Manager's Office 1VIEMORANDUM - ~~I~~~I Bonnie Terra Dublin Fire Prevention - U LS~LSLI V L~ DATE: July 7, 2010 JUL 0 7 Z010 TO ~ City.Staff "~ VITY OF DUBLIt~ FROM: " Martha A~a, Environmental Specialist ~'~f`' FIRE PREVENTION sUSJECT: - NOTICE,OF INTENT TO ADOPT A NEGATIVE DECLARATION ~ FO]L~ THE DUBLIN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN The City of Dublin is circulating a. Negative Declaration for public review for the Draft Climate Action Plan (CAP). The goal of the Draft CAP is to reduce Dublin's community-wide GHG emissions by 25% below a business as usual scenario by 2020. The Draft CAP identifies a variety of ineasures to achieve the City's GHG reduction farget. Attached for your review is a copy of the Draft Climate Action Plan and the Initial Study/Negative Declaration. Please forward any comments you may have to me no later than August Sth, 2010. The comment period for the Negative Declaration begins on Wednesday July. 7, 2010 and closes at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday August Sth, 2010. ~ _ cc: Chris Foss, Assistant City Manager Roger Bradley, Administrative Analyst nJ "~ a. ~~- ~. 1R~ (~v' ~ ~~- ~ ~ ` ~~~ ~~~ City Manager's Office IIliIIEMORANDUM[ 13~ ~~r ~ Commander Casey Nice Police Services DATE: 7uly 7, 201 O To: City Staff FROM: Martha Aja, Environmental Specialist ~~~~'~ ~ sUBJEC'I': NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOIPT A NEGATIVE DECLAItATIOlet ~ FOit THE DUBLIN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN The City of Dublin is circulafing a Negative Declaration for public review for the Draft Climate Action Plan (CAP). The goal of the Draft CAP is to reduce Dublin's community-wide GHG emissions by 25% below a business as usual scenario by 2020. The Draft C.AP identifies a variety of ineasures to achieve the City's GHG reduction target. Attached for your review is a copy of the Draft Climate Action Plan and the Initial Study/Negative Declaration. Please forward any comments you may have to me no later than August 5~', 2010. The comment period for the Negative Declaration begins on Wednesday 7uly 7, 2010 and closes at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday August 5~', 2010. . , cc: Chris Foss, Assistant City Manager Roger Bradley, Administrative Analyst o -~PE'~-~~ ~ N ~ ~~~~ ~ ~~~, ~~~~ ~ l~~ ~~ ~ r October 26 2010 ~ ~~ ;~; ;; ~~: - ~~~ ~~ ~ a~~..~;~ ~!_.~~~ Martha Aja ~ City Manager's Office O C T.~ ~ 2 0`I C B A Y A R E A 100 Civic Plaza AIRQUALITY Dublin, CA 94568 ~~~ ~'~p1N~~~~'~ '~~~g~~; MANAGEMENT Subj ect: Draft Dublin Climate Action Plan D[ S T R I C T S iNCE i955 DearMarthaAja: ~ . Bay Area Air Quality Management District (District) staff submitted a comment ALAMEDA COUNTY - igtteT ~dated AUgllSt S, 2010) on the City of Dublin's Draft Cliinate Ac~ion Plan Tom Bates i CAp and Draft Ne ative Declaration. In the letter, the District identified a ( ~ g rperson) (Vice-Cha Scott Haggerty n~ber of instances in which it appeared that the CAP was inconsistent with the Jennifer Hosterman District's 2010 CEQA Guidelines. Subsequently, District staff has met with City Nate Miley of Dublin staff and gained a better understanding of the City's work in developing CONTRA COSTA COUNTY ~e CAP, and of the methods used in calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) John Gioia (Secretary) eT111SS10riS. David E. Hudson Mark Ross A discussion of significant clarifications gained through communications wi Gayle B. Uilkema City staff follows. MARIN COUNTY Harold C. Brown, ~r. gaseline GHG Emissions Inventory NAPA COUNTY Brad Wagenknecht The District's earlier comment letter identified several emission sources that (Chairperson) eared to have been excluded from the baseline GHG inventory. City staff have SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY app clarified that GHG emissions associated with industrial activities, direct access Chris Daly Mar i E and electricity use associated with water conveyance were ~embedde energy use c r Gavin Newsom , ~ data for other sectors in the baseline inventory. A subsequent version of the CAP (October 2010) identifies and discusses emissions from these sources. SAN MATEO COUNTY Carol Klatt Carole Groom Reduction Tar~et SANTA CLARA COUNTY Susan Garner The July version of the CAP included a goal of reducing GHG emissions 25° o Ash Kalra below 2020 business-as-usual levels. As this methodology and target was Liz Kniss Ken Yeager inconsistent with the District's CEQA Guidelines, City staff has decide to use the District's plan level threshold of 6.6 metric tons per service population. sou~.NO cour,rY District staff agrees this is a more appropriate target. James Spering SONOMA COUNTY GAG Emissions Forecast Shirlee Zane Pamela Torliatt The District's earlier comment letter stated that it was unclear if the City was including in its CAP GHG reductions from policies or actions that had taken place Jack P. Broadbent EXECUTIVE OFFICER/APCO s ~ . ~~.~~`~ ~~~ ~~~` ~~ 7he Air District is a Certified Green Business Printed using soy-based inks on 100 % post-consumer recycled conient paper ' ~` 939 ELLIS STREEI' • SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA 94109 • 415.771.6000 ~ iN4VW.BAAQMD.GOV J . °0~ism Gree~6 y . ~ ~ ~~~ i~~ Mrs. Martha Aja October 26,2010 prior to the base year (2005). If so, these emission reductions would be considered part of the business-as-usual forecast and should not be identified as emission reduction measures. City staff has decided to use the District's recommended plan level threshold of 6.6 .metric tons per service population so this is no longer an issue. In addition, the City has added language to the October version of the CAP clarifying that any policies adopted prior to the base year were only included as emission reduction measures if the effect of those policies occurred after 2005.The District also recommends that the GHG emissions associated with the City's Downtown Specific Plan (the draft EIR is currently under public review) be added to the City's GHG emission inventory. Dublin staff indicated that these GHG emissions were omitted from the emission inventory in the CAP. Inclusion of emissions and emission reduction strategies associated with this important downtown planning effort would help assure that that the CAP is as comprehensive as possible. GI~G ReductiQn Meas~tres The District's earlier comment letter stated, "A fundamental purpose of a Qualified GHG Reduction Plan is to evaluate and provide a range of possibilities and outcomes which would allow future projects to select mitigation measures that are most applicable and effective, sparing future projects from performing redundant analysis. The City may have unintentionally excluded feasible and effective reduction measures applicable to communitywide emission sources other than those listed in the CAP's Appendix D." City staff has explained that only existing policies and programs have been included in the draft CAP. While it appears that the City may be able to meet the District's plan-level threshold of significance (6.6 tons per service population) with just these e~sting measures, it is not clear that this is the case when the emissions from the Downtown Specific Plan are accounted for in the City's GHG emissions inventory. If inclusion of these emissions might exceed the plan-level threshold for the CAP, the City may need to include additional policies and programs at the City's disposal that have not been included in the draft CAP. For example, additional measures could include, but are not limited to the following. ^ Expand the City's green building ordinance to apply to all new residential and commercial development projects and redevelopment/remodels, rather than just new residential developments over 20 units; ^ Establish a citywide pricing program for public parking; ^ Unbundle parking space costs from property lease or rental prices; ^ Reduce parking requirements in new developments; ^ Require preferential parking spaces for ridesharing and low emission vehicles in all new office and commercial construction projects; ^ Implement a transportation demand management program such as requiring large employers to offer workers transit subsidies, parking cash-out, guaranteed rides home, telecommuting options, etc.; ^ Implement a citywide car share program; ^ Expand the Bay Friendly Landscaping program to commercial developments; ^ Adopt a water conservation ordinance for new residential and commercial developments and redevelopments/remodels. ~ 2 Mrs. Martha Aja o~tob!32~~o~5I The District commends the City for undertaking the CAP process. The District appreciates the flexibility and openness with which City staff has addressed the issues raised in our earlier comment letter. The City has clearly made a significant commitment to climate protection, through the ~draft Climate Action Plan and the many climate-friendly policies and programs it has implemented to date. The District looks forward to working with the City of Dublin as it moves forward with implementing the Climate Action Plan and other climate protection strategies. District staff is available to assist the City staff in addressing these comments and otherwise assist with developing and implementing the CAP. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Abby Young, Principal Environmental Planner, at (415) 749-4754. Sincerely, ~,,~ /``'_~/~ ~~~ `~ ~~ ~`~ ~: ~ ~~~ Jean Ro~ggenkamp Deputy Air Pollut~on Control Officer cc: BAAQMD Vice-Chairperson Tom Bates BAAQNID Director Scott Haggerty BAAQMD Director Jennifer Hosterman BA.AQMD Director Nate Miley 3