HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.1 Attch 4 Initial Study/Neg Dec CITY OF DUBLIN
CITY OF NEGATIVE DECLARATION
DUBLIN
100 Civic Plaza Project Title: City of Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
Dublin,California 94568
Phone:(925)833-6650 Description of Project: Consideration of the City of Dublin Bicycle and
Fax:(92S)833-6651 Pedestrian Master Plan that would encourage
walking and bicycling within the community.The
Plan includes recommendations for specific
implementing projects along certain major
roadways in Dublin.The project also includes
Amendments to the Dublin General Plan, Eastern
Dublin Specific Plan, Downtown Dublin Specific
Plan, Dublin Village Historic Area Specific Plan and
Zoning Ordinance to ensure consistency between
these documents and the Plan.
Project Location: City-wide applicability
Name of Proponent: City of Dublin
Attn: Ferd Del Rosario,Senior Civil Engineer
Public Works Department
loo Civic Plaza Dublin,CA 94568
City Council Determination: I hereby find that the above project could not have
(925)833-6650 a significant effect on the environment and a
City Manager NEGATIVE DECLARATION has been re ared.
(925)833-6650 p p
Community Development i
(925)833-6610
Economic Development
(925)833.6650
Finance/Adman Services Gafy Huisingh, Public Works Director Date
(925)833-6640
Fire Prevention
(925)833-6606 The Initial Study documenting the reasons to support the above finding and Draft
Human Resources City of Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan are available for public review on
(925)833-6605
Parks&Community Services the City of Dublin Public Works Department webpage at www.dubl n.ca.gov and at
(925)556-4500 the City of Dublin, Public Works Department, loo Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568
Police
(925)833-6670 during normal business hours.
Public Works/Engineering
(925)833-6630 Attachments
Date Published:_
Dublin Date Posted: _
krAhl Date Notice Mailed:
MAnduft Considered by:
On:
N.O.D. filed:
2011 Council Resolution No.
wvnv.dublin.ca.gov
ATTACHMENT 4
Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan
INITIAL ST UDYI
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Lead Agency:
City of Dublin
Prepared By:
Jerry Haag,Urban Planner
June,2014
Table of Contents
Project Sponsor & Contact Person..............................................................................2
ProjectLocation and Context......................................................................................2
ProjectDescription........................................................................................................2
Environmental Factors Potentially Affected.............................................................12
Evaluation of Environmental Impacts.......................................................................13
Attachmentto Initial Study.........................................................................................26
1. Aesthetics...............................................................................................26
2. Agricultural Resources.........................................................................27
3. Air Quality.............................................................................................27
4. Biological Resources.............................................................................28
5. Cultural Resources................................................................................29
6. Geology and Soils .................................................................................30
7. Greenhouse Gas Emissions..................................................................30
8. Hazards and Hazardous Materials ....................................................31
9. Hydrology and Water Quality............................................................32
10. Land Use and Planning........................................................................33
11. Mineral Resources.................................................................................34
12. Noise.......................................................................................................34
13. Population and Housing......................................................................35
14. Public Services.......................................................................................35
15. Recreation...............................................................................................36
16. Transportation/Traffic.........................................................................37
17. Utilities and Service Systems...............................................................38
18. Mandatory Findings of Significance..................................................38
InitialStudy Preparers .................................................................................................40
Agencies and Organizations Consulted....................................................................40
References ......................................................................................................................40
City of Dublin
Environmental Checklist/
Initial Study
This Initial Study has been prepared in accord 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
Public Works Department
100 Civic Plaza
Dublin CA 94568
(925) 833 6630
Attn: Ferd Del Rosario, PE,Senior Civil Engineer
Project Location and Context
The City of Dublin Planning Area consists of approximately 18.76 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 the City of 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.
Exhibits 1 and 2 show the location of Dublin in relation to surrounding
communities and other major features.
Project Description
The project being considered by the City of Dublin is the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan(to be identified as the "Plan" in this document) dated June 2014. The proposed
Plan would update and replace the City's existing Bikeways Master Plan adopted in
2007.The proposed Plan reflects the recently updated Circulation and Scenic Highways
Element of the General Plan and the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan.
Existing Bikeways Master Plan. The City adopted a Bikeways Master Plan in 2007 that
primarily addressed existing and future bicycle lanes, trails, and related improvements
in the community. The existing Master Plan does not address pedestrian facilities,
which is now required under the state-mandated "Complete Streets" program.
City of Dublin Page 2
Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
Existing Bicycle Facilities. The City of Dublin currently provides an extensive network
of bicycle facilities. These include:
• Class I bicycle grade-separated paths that may include sharing with other
recreational users.
• Class II bicycle lanes, including separated bike lanes on streets.
• Class II bicycle routes, which consist of signed bike routes on existing streets.
The City currently maintains approximately 24 miles of Class I bike paths, 25 miles of
Class II bike lanes and 0.3 mile of Class II routes.
Bicycle lanes and paths are generally located on or adjacent to north-south or east-west
arterial roads,including but not limited to San Ramon Road, Village Parkway,
Dougherty Road, Hacienda Drive,Tassajara Road, Fallon Road, Dublin Boulevard,
Amador Valley Boulevard, Gleason Drive and Central Parkway.
Class I bike facilities are also located along local and regional trail facilities maintained
by the East Bay Regional Park District or the City of Dublin. These include the Iron
Horse Trail, the Alamo Canal trail, the Alamo Creek Trail and the Tassajara Creek Trail.
Existing Pedestrian Facilities. The City of Dublin maintains public sidewalks adjacent to
most major streets, generally eight feet wide in commercial areas.Striped pedestrian
crosswalks are also provided at major roadway intersections. Many larger commercial
developments provide for on-site pedestrian facilities between parking areas and retail
stores.
The same Class I bicycle facilities located within local and regional trails noted above
may also be used by pedestrians.
The Plan notes that pedestrian circulation facilities are generally lacking in the
Downtown Dublin area due to long commercial blocks.
Proposed Plan Vision Statement and Goals. The Plan includes the following Vision
Statement guiding the plaruung for future bicycle and pedestrian facilities:
" The purpose of the City of Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is to provide a
policy and implementation framework for maintaining and improving bicycle and
pedestrian infrastructure in the City to provide safe, comfortable and attractive
facilities that meet the needs of users of all ages and abilities and connect users with
key destinations—schools, residential neighborhoods, parks, shopping areas and job
centers-within the City and adjacent jurisdictions."
The following goals are set forth in the Plan:
• Goal 1: Support bicycling and walking as practical, healthy and convenient
alternatives to automobile use in Dublin.
• Goal 2: Implement a well-connected active transportation system to attract users
of all ages and abilities.
City of Dublin Page 3
Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
• Goal 3: Incorporate the needs and concerns of bicyclists and pedestrians in all
transportation and development projects.
• Goal 4:Support infrastructure investments with targeted bicycle and pedestrian
education, encouragement, enforcement and evaluation programs.
• Goal 5: Maximize multi-modal connections in the transportation network.
• Goal 6: Improve bicycle and pedestrian safety Citywide.
Proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements. Exhibit 3 depicts existing and
proposed bicycle improvements in Dublin.This is also Figure 5-2 contained in the Plan.
Further, the Plan establishes a listing of specific construction projects in the community
that are intended to implement the ultimate bicycle and pedestrian system. These
projects are prioritized as Tier Zero, Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 improvements and are
described below.
• Tier Zero Projects: These projects are those that are assumed to be implemented
in the near future since they generally have been designed and necessary
funding secured and may be under construction.
• Tier One Projects:Bicycle and Pedestrian improvement projects in this
classification are identified as high priority projects proposed to be implemented
following Tier Zero projects. The focus of improvements would be on major
roadways in or adjacent to downtown Dublin. Future specific implementing
projects are anticipated to include enhanced landscaping along these roadways,
adding bicycle lanes and/or shared pathways, widening existing sidewalks,
adding "bulb-outs" at intersections to improve pedestrian usability, pedestrian
lighting improvements and installing wayfinding signs. A bridge overcrossing is
proposed between Clark Street and the Alamo Trail Canal near the Civic Center.
- Amador Plaza Road between Amador Valley Boulevard and St. Patrick
Way/I-580 ramps.Sidewalk and crosswalk improvements,bicycle lanes,
pedestrian-scale lighting and a landscaped median are proposed for the 0.5
mile segment.
- Village Parkway between northern City limits and Clark Avenue/Dublin
Boulevard. A variety of complete streets improvements are proposed on the
1.8-mile segment, including crossing improvements, dedicated bicycle
facilities, and a path connection to the Alamo Canal Trail.
- Downtown Dublin connectivity projects, including pedestrian and bicycle
improvements to Regional Street,Amador Valley Boulevard,Village
Parkway, Amador Plaza Road, St. Patrick Way and Dublin Boulevard.This
project would create a continuous network of dedicated facilities to provide
last-mile connections to Downtown business and transit destinations.The
existing wide bicycle lanes on Amador Valley Boulevard would be restriped
City of Dublin Page 4
Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
to include a buffer area to provide separation between bicyclists and drivers.
Class IIA Bicycle Lanes on St. Patrick Way would provide an east-west
connection connecting Regional Street and Amador Plaza Road. Class IIA
Bicycle Lanes on Regional Street would then provide a north-south
connection through Downtown, connecting to the proposed facilities on St.
Patrick Way and Amador Valley Boulevard.Amador Plaza Road would also
provide north-south bicycle lanes through Downtown. The existing Village
Parkway bicycle lanes north of Amador Valley Boulevard would be extended
south to Dublin Boulevard/Clark Avenue. A Class I Path would extend that
route to the Alamo Canal Trail and Civic Plaza via a bicycle and pedestrian
bridge. To connect the Village Parkway route to the west, widening of the
existing sidewalk on the south side of Dublin Boulevard is proposed to create
a Class I Path connecting to Amador Plaza Road.
In addition to enhancements to other routes Downtown, it is anticipated that
Dublin Boulevard will be striped and signed as a Class HIA Bicycle Route
with sharrows (shared lane markings) in 2015/2016.
• Tiers Two and Three Projects: Bicycle and Pedestrian improvement projects in this
list have been prioritized based on their respective contribution to connectivity to
activity centers and/or off-street paths,resolving safety needs, closure of critical
transportation gaps, feasibility of construction and improving comfort and
access.
The complete list of recommended bicycle and pedestrian projects is contained in
Appendix A of the Plan document.
The Plan also includes performance standards for measuring plan implementation, a
listing of recommended support programs and methods to implement the Plan,
including but not limited to funding sources. As reflected in Plan Chapter 9,
Implementation, completing any of the proposed bike and pedestrian improvements is
highly dependent on funding availability, especially grant funding. It is possible that
identified future projects could change priority if funding became available.
Proposed Implementing General Plan Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance
Amendments. A number of amendments will be required to the Dublin General Plan
and the Downtown Dublin and Eastern Dublin Specific Plans to ensure consistency
among the proposed Plan and these existing City land use regulatory documents.
Preliminarily, actions regarding these documents include:
Dublin General Plan:
• Revise all applicable Figures to reflect existing and proposed bicycle lanes
and trails
• Replace all references to "Bikeways Master Plan" with "Dublin Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan."
• Revise references to the City of Dublin's Design Standards and Standard
Plans to include the "Bicycle and Pedestrian Design Guidelines contained in
the City of Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, as appropriate."
City of Dublin Page 5
Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
• Revise specific references to bicycling to also include walking.
• Update Table 5.1 to include proposed biking and walking facilities.
• Revise implementing policy 5.2.2.B.2 to include a reference to the bicycle and
pedestrian network maps contained in the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian
Master Plan.
• Update implementing policies 5.2.5.B.1 and 5.2.5.B.2 to include a reference to
updating the Downtown Traffic Impact Fee Program for consistency with the
Downtown Dublin Specific Plan and the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian
Master Plan.
• Revise Section 5.5 to summarize and refer to the Bicycle and Pedestrian
Master Plan;remove references to the Dublin Blvd gap closure study;and
include references to Downtown Dublin businesses and the Dublin BART
Station.
• Revise policy 5.5.1.A.1 to include "continuous, comfortable and convenient
bikeways."
• Revise policy 5.5.1.A.2 to include "bikeways,bicycle support facilities and
pedestrian facilities."
• Add the following policy:5.5.1.A.4 Provide comfortable, safe and convenient
walking routes throughout the City and,in particular, to key destinations
such as Downtown Dublin, the BART Stations, schools,parks and
commercial centers.
• Revise policy 5.5.1.B.2 to include "bikeways,bicycle support facilities and
pedestrian facilities in accordance with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan."
• Revise policy 5.5.1.B.3 to include "bikeways,bicycle support facilities and
pedestrian facilities."
Downtown Dublin Speci 'c Plan:
• Replace all references to"Bikeways Master Plan" with "Dublin Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan."
• Revise applicable Figures to reflect bicycle and pedestrian circulation.
• Revise development standards for bicycle parking requirements.
• Revise Section 5.2 (Mobility and Infrastructure Plan,Pedestrian and Bicycle
Circulation) to reflect existing and proposed infrastructure improvements.
Eastern Dublin Speci 'c Plan:
• Replace all references to"Bikeways Master Plan" with "Dublin Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan."
• Revise Policy 5-18 to include support facilities for bicycle parking consistent
with the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
• Revise Action Program 5D consistent with the Dublin Bicycle and Pedestrian
Master Plan.
• Revise Figures 5.3 and 5.3b to reflect bicycle and pedestrian circulation.
• Revise Policy 4-23 to require facilities to be consistent with the Dublin Bicycle
and Pedestrian Master Plan.
• Revise development standards for bicycle parking requirements.
City of Dublin Page 6
Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
Dublin Village Historic Area Speci 'c Plan
Update Section 4.6 Transportation and Circulation to reflect roadway
improvements and existing/proposed bike lanes.
Revise Exhibit 7 to reflect existing and proposed bike lanes.
Additional changes or updates to these documents may also be required.
More information. More information on proposed bicycle and pedestrian
improvements are contained in the draft City of Dublin Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan
document, available for review at the Public Works Department webpage at
www.dublin.ca.gov and at Dublin Public Works Department, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin
CA, during normal business hours.
City of Dublin Page 7
Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
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1. Project description: Consideration of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan
to encourage use of walking and bicycling within the
community. The Plan includes recommendations for
specific implementing projects along certain major
roadways in Dublin. The project also includes
Amendments to the Dublin General Plan, Downtown
Dublin Specific Plan, Dublin Village Historic Area
Specific Plan and zoning ordinance to ensure
consistency between these documents and the
proposed Plan.
2. Lead agency/sponsor: City of Dublin
3. Contact person: Ferd Del Rosario PE, Senior Civil Engineer
4. Project location: City-wide applicability
5. General Plan designation: Includes all General Plan land use designations
within the City
6. Zoning: Includes all zoning districts within the City
7. Other public agency required approvals:
None, although permits from other agencies may be required to implement
individual project components.
City of Dublin Page 11
Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
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
-- Hazards and -- Hydrology/Water -- Land Use/ Planning
Hazardous Materials Quality
-- Mineral Resources -- Noise -- Population/Housin
-- Public Services -- Recreation _ Transportation/
Circulation
--
Utilities/Service -- Mandatory Findings
S stems 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 revisions in the
project have been made or agreed to by the project proponent. A Mitigated Negative
Declaration will be prepared.
_I find that the proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment
and an Environmental Impact Report is required.
I find that although the proposed project may have a "potentially significant
impact" or"potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment,but at
least one effect 1)has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to
applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on
earlier analysis as described on the attached sheets. 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, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed in an
earlier EIR or negative declaration pursuant to applicable standards, and b), have been
avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or Negative Declaration,including
revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed on the proposed project, nothing
further is required.
City of Dublin Page 12
Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
Signature: 5"', Date: `(L3 It Y-d
Printed Name: J�' For: � 4-f 1000
Evaluation of Environmental Impacts
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) 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.
3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur,
then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially
significant,less-than-significant with mitigation, or less-than-significant.
"Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that
an effect may be significant. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant
Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required.
4) "Negative Declaration: Less-than-Significant With Mitigation Incorporated"
applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from
"Potentially Significant Impact" 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 (mitigation measures from Section XVII,
"Earlier Analysis," may be cross-referenced).
5) Earlier analyses may be used where,pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other
CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or
negative declaration. Section 15063 (c) (3) (D).In this case, a brief discussion
should identify the following:
a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for
review.
b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above
checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier
document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such
effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier
analysis.
c) Mitigation Measures.For effects that are "Less-Than-Significant with
Mitigation Measures Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures
City of Dublin Page 13
Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the
extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project.
6) Lead Agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to
information sources for potential impacts (e.g. general plans). Reference to a
previously prepared or outside document should,where appropriate,include a
reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated.
7) Supporting Information Sources. A source list should be attached and other
sources used or individuals contacted should be cited for discussion.
8) This is a suggested form and lead agencies are free to use different formats;
however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist
that are relevant to a project's environmental effects in whatever format is selected.
9) The explanation of each agency should identify the significance criteria or
threshold,if any,used to evaluate each question and the mitigation measures
identified, if any, to reduce the impact to a less than significant level.
City of Dublin Page 14
Initial Study/Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan June 2014
Environmental Impacts (Note: Source of determination listed in parenthesis. See listing of
sources at end of checklist used to determine each potential impact).
Note: A full discussion of each item is found Potentially Less Than Less than No
following the checklist. Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
1.Aesthetics. Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse impact on a scenic X
vista?
b) Substantially damage scenic resources,
including but not limited to trees,rock X
outcroppings and historic buildings within a
state scenic highway? (Source: 1,5)
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual
character or quality of the site and its X
surroundings? (Source: 1,3)
d)Create a new source of substantial light or
glare,which would adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area?(Source: 2,3) X
2.Agricultural Resources. Would the project:
a)Convert Prime Farmland,Unique Farmland or
Farmland of Statewide Importance,as show
on the maps prepared pursuant to the X
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program
of the California Resources Agency,to a
non-agricultural use? (Source: 1,3)
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agriculture
use or a Williamson Act contract?(1) X
c)Conflict with existing zoning for,or cause
rezoning of forestland (as defined by PRC
Sec. 12220(g),timberland (as defined in X
PRC Sec.4526),or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined in PRC
Sec.51104(g)? (Source: 1,5)
d)Result in the loss of forest land or conversion
of forest land to non-forest use?(1,3) X
e) Involve other changes in the existing
environment that,due to their location or
nature,could result in conversion of X
farmland to a non-agricultural use or
conversion of forestland to a non-forest
use? (Source: 1,3)
City of Dublin Page 15
Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
Potentially Less Than Less than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
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 X
the applicable air quality plan? (Source: 1,5)
b)Violate any air quality standard or contribute
substantially to an existing or projected air X
quality violation?(Source: 1,5)
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for which
the project region is non-attainment under an X
applicable federal or state ambient air
quality standard (including releasing
emissions which exceed quantitative
thresholds for ozone precursors?(1,5)
d)Expose sensitive receptors to substantial X
pollutant concentrations?(3)
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a X
substantial number of people?(2,3)
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 X
regional plans,policies or regulations,or by
the California Department of Fish and Game
or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?(1,3)
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional X
plans,policies or regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and Game or
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?(1,3)
c) Have a substantial adverse impact on
federally protected wetlands as defined by
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(including but not limited to marsh,vernal X
pool,coastal,etc.)through direct removal,
filling,hydrological interruption or other
means? (3)
City of Dublin Page 16
Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
Potentially Less Than Less than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
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 X
impede the use of native wildlife nursery
sites?(3)
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances X
protecting biological resources,such as a
tree preservation policy or ordinance?
f) Conflict with the provision of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan,Natural
Community Conservation Plan or other X
approved local,regional or state habitat
conservation plan? (Source: 1,5)
5.Cultural Resources. Would the project
a) Cause a substantial adverse impact in the
significance of a historical resource as X
defined in Sec. 15064.5?(Source: 1,3,5)
b)Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archeological resource X
pursuant to Sec. 15064.5? (Source: 1,5)
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or unique geologic X
feature? (Source: 1,3,5)
d) Disturb any human remains,including those
interred outside of a formal cemetery?(3) X
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 Alquist-Priolo
Fault Zoning Map issued by the State X
Geologist or based on other known evidence
of a known fault? (Source: 1,3)
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? (1,5) X
iii) Seismic-related ground failure,including X
liquefaction? (Source: 1,5)
iv) Landslides? (Source: 1,3) X
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of X
topsoil? (Source: 1,4))
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Potentially Less Than Less than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
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 X
on- and off-site landslide,lateral spreading,
subsidence,liquefaction or collapse? (1,5)
d) Be located on expansive soil,as defined in
Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code X
(1994),creating substantial risks to life or
property?(Source: 1,5)
e) Have soils capable of adequately supporting
the use of septic tanks or alternative
wastewater disposal systems where sewers X
are not available for wastewater disposal?
(2)
7.Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Would the
project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions,either
directly or indirectly,that may have a X
significant impact on the environment?(1,5)
b) Conflict with an applicable plan,policy or
regulation adopted for the purpose of X
reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
8.Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Would
the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, X
use or disposal of hazardous materials? (2.
5)
b)Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable
upset and accident conditions involving the X
release of hazardous into the environment?
(5)
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous materials,substances,or waste X
within one-quarter mile of an existing or
proposed school?(Source: 1,3,5)
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Potentially Less Than Less than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
d) Be located on a site which is included on a
list of hazardous materials sites complied
pursuant to Government Code Sec.65962.5 X
and,as a result,would it create a significant
hazard to the public or the environment?(5)
e) For a project located within an airport land
use plan or,where such plan has not been
adopted,within 2 miles of a public airport or X
public use airport,would the project result in
a safety hazard for people residing or
working in the project area? (Source: 1,5)
f) For a project within the vicinity of private
airstrip,would the project result in a safety
hazard for people residing or working in the X
project area? (Source: 1,5)
g) Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with the adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation X
plan?(Source: 1,4)
h) Expose people or structures to a significant
risk of loss,injury or death involving
wildland fires,including where wildlands X
are adjacent to urbanized areas or where
residences are intermixed with wildlands?
(4)
9.Hydrology and Water Quality. Would the
project:
a)Violate any water quality standards or waste X
discharge requirements? (Source: 1,4,5)
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 X
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)?
(Source: 1,3)
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Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
Potentially Less Than Less than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area,including through
the alteration of the course of a stream or X
river,in a manner which would result in
substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-
site?(Source: 1,4,5)
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or areas,including through
the alteration of a course or stream or river, X
or substantially increase the rate or amount
of surface runoff in a manner which would
result in flooding on-or off-site?(Source: 1,
4)
e) Create or contribute runoff water which
would exceed the capacity of existing or
planned stormwater drainage systems or X
provide substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff?(Source: 1,4)
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water X
quality? (Source: 1,2,3)
g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard
area as mapped on a Flood Hazard Boundary
or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood X
delineation map? (Source: 1,4)
h)Place within a 100-year flood hazard area
structures which impede or redirect flood X
flows? (Source: 1,4)
i) Expose people or structures to a significant
risk of loss,injury,and death involving X
flooding,including flooding as a result of
the failure of a levee or dam?(Source: 1,5)
j) Inundation by seiche,tsunami or mudflow? X
10.Land Use and Planning. Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established community?
(Source: 1,3) X
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Potentially Less Than Less than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan,
policy,or regulation of an agency with
jurisdiction over the project(including but X
not limited to the general plan,specific plan,
or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose
of avoiding or mitigating an environmental
effect? (Source: 1,3)
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat
conservation plan or natural community X
conservation plan?(Source: 1,3)
11.Mineral Resources. Would the project
a)Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to X
the region and the residents of the state? (1)
b)Result in the loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan,specific X
plan or other land use plan? (Source: 1)
12.Noise. Would the proposal result in:
a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise
levels in excess of standards established in
the general plan or noise ordinance,or X
applicable standards of other agencies? (1)
b)Exposure of persons or to generation of
excessive groundborne vibration or X
groundborne noise levels? (Source: 1,3)
c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient
noise levels in the project vicinity above X
existing levels without the project?(1,3)
d)A substantial temporary or periodic increase
in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity X
above levels without the project? (1,3)
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 X
or public use airport,would the project
expose people residing or working n the
project area to excessive noise levels? (1,5)
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Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
Potentially Less Than Less than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip,would the project expose people X
residing or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels? (5)
13.Population and Housing. Would the project
a) Induce substantial population growth in an
area,either directly or indirectly (for X
example,through extension of roads or other
infrastructure)?(1,3)
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing
housing,necessitating the construction of X
replacement housing elsewhere? (1,3)
c) Displace substantial numbers of people,
necessitating the replacement of housing X
elsewhere?(Source: 1,3)
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,the construction of
which could cause significant environmental
impacts,in order to maintain acceptable
service ratios,response times or other
performance objectives for any of the public
services? (Source: 4)
Fire protection? X
Police protection? X
Schools? X
Parks? X
Other public facilities X
15.Recreation:
a) Would the project increase the use of existing
neighborhood or regional parks or other
recreational facilities such that substantial X
physical deterioration of the facility would
occur or be accelerated? (Source: 4,5)
b)Does the project include recreational facilities
or require the construction or expansion of
recreational facilities which might have an X
adverse physical effect on the environment?
(Source: 1,2)
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Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
Potentially Less Than Less than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
16.Transportation and Traffic. Would the
project:
a) Conflict with an applicable plan,ordinance
or policy establishing measures of
effectiveness for the performance of the X
circulation system,taking into account all
modes of transportation,including mass
transit and all non-motorized travel and
relevant components of the circulation
system,including but not limited to
intersections,streets,highways and
freeways,pedestrian and bicycle paths and
mass transit? (Source: 1,4)
b) Conflict with an applicable congestion
management program,including but not
limited to,level of service and travel X
demand measures,or other standards
established by the county congestion
management agency for designated roads or
highways?-(Source: 1,4)
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns,
including either an increase in traffic levels X
or a change in location that results in
substantial safety risks? (Source: 1,5)
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design
feature (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous X
intersections) or incompatible uses,such as
farm equipment? (Source: 4)
e)Result in inadequate emergency access?(4) X
f) Conflict with adopted policies,plans or
programs regarding public transit,bicycle or
pedestrian facilities or otherwise decrease the X
performance of safety of such facilities?(1)
17.Utilities and Service Systems. Would the
project
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of
the applicable Regional Water Quality X
Control Board? (Source: 4)
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Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
Potentially Less Than Less than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
b) Require or result in the construction of new
water or wastewater treatment facilities or
expansion of existing facilities,the X
construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?(4)
c) Require or result in the construction of new
storm water drainage facilities or expansion
of existing facilities,the construction of X
which could cause significant environmental
effects? (4)
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to
serve the project from existing water X
entitlements and resources,or are new or
expanded entitlements needed? (4)
e) Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider which serves or may
serve the project that it has adequate X
capacity to serve the project's projected
demand in addition to the providers existing
commitments? (Source: 4)
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient
permitted capacity to accommodate the X
project's solid waste disposal needs?
g) Comply with federal,state and local statutes X
and regulations related to solid waste? (5)
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 X
eliminate a plant or animal community,
reduce the number of or restrict the range of
a rare or endangered plant or animal or
eliminate important examples of the major
periods of California history or prehistory?
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Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
Potentially Less Than Less than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
b) Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited,but cumulatively
considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" X
means that the incremental effects of a
project are considerable when viewed in
connection with the effects of past projects,
the effects of other current projects and the
effects of probable future projects).
c) Does the project have environmental effects
which will cause substantial adverse effects X
on human beings,either directly or
indirectly?
Source used to determine potential environmental impacts
1. Dublin General Plan and General Plan CEQA document
2. Draft Pedestrian &Bicycle Master Plan
3. Site Visit
4. Discussion with City staff or service provider.
5. Other Source
XVII.Earlier Analyses
Earlier analyses used. Identify earlier analyses and state where they are available for
review.
None have been used in the preparation of this document.
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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 Impacts
a) Have a substantial adverse impact on a scenic vista? LS. . Implementation of the
proposed Plan would facilitate bicycle and pedestrian improvements on major
streets and on grade-separated paths within Dublin. These improvements would
generally occur within existing public rights-of-way, either on roadways (such as
Amador Plaza Road, Village Parkway and others) or within other public rights-of-
way. Many of the projects, such as new bicycle lanes, bicycle paths and similar
improvements, would be at-grade and would not significantly change any existing
scenic vistas. The Plan could facilitate a number of new above-grade structures
such as a proposed pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Alamo Canal, new
wayfinding signs and similar features. Most of these proposed improvements
would be minor and would generally blend into surrounding developments. The
proposed Alamo Canal bridge may require future environmental review at the
time a specific design is proposed,but preliminarily, this structure is anticipated to
have minor and less-than-significant impact in terms of creating a significant
impact to a scenic vista. Overall, there would be a less-than-significant impact with
respect to any substantial impacts on a scenic vista.
The proposed Alamo Canal bridge is proposed as part of the Village Parkway
priority project. Preliminary plans call for a 10'bike and pedestrian path with the
bridge extending approximately 0.10 mile across the Alamo Canal Trail.The trail is
located on a maintenance road along Alamo Canal, which is channelized in this
area. The new bridge would be located on City property near the Civic Center and
the new Public Services facility(See Plan Figure 6-8). The design details of the
bridge have not been established;however,based on the preliminary location,
developed nature of the area, including the existing trail and canal, and nearby
multi-story structures,no significant aesthetics impacts are expected as to scenic
vistas. The bridge may require future environmental review at the time a specific
design is proposed,but based on the above factors, this structure is anticipated to
have minor and less-than-significant impact to a scenic vista.
Overall, implementation of the Plan would be a less-than-significant impact with
respect to any substantial impacts on a scenic vista.
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b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to trees, rock
outcroppings and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?NI. Implementation
of the Plan would facilitate limited new construction within existing public rights-
of-way. No major stands of trees,large rock outcroppings or other significant
natural features exist adjacent to any of the roadways that could be affected by
approval of the Plan and no impact would result.
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its
surroundings? NI. Future construction of pedestrian and bicycle improvements
would be located within existing rights-of-way and within largely urbanized areas.
Therefore, there would be no degradation of the visual character of properties
adjacent to major roads that would be improved with new or enhanced bicycle and
pedestrian facilities. No impact would result with respect to this topic.
d) Create light or glare?LS. Implementation of the Plan could facilitate new lighting
adjacent to new bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths. It is anticipated that any new
lighting fixtures would be in existing developed areas. The lighting would
generally the same type as presently exists in the community and new lighting
could represent a minimal increase in the amount of overall light within the City of
Dublin. This impact is therefore expected to be less-than-significant.
2. Agricultural and Forestry Resources
Project Impacts
a-e) Convert Prime Farmland, conflict with agricultural zoning, convert prime farmland to a
non-agricultural use or impact forest or timberland. Nl. Proposed improvements that
could be facilitated by the Plan would be located within urbanized areas within
the City of Dublin. Therefore no impacts would result in terms of loss of
agricultural lands, agricultural operations,Williamson Act contracts or any
timberland or forests.
3. Air Quality
Project Impacts
a-c) Would the project conflict or obstruct implementation of an air quality plan,violate any air
quality standards or result in cumulatively considerable air pollutants?LS. Approval of
the Plan and construction of individual pedestrian and bicycle improvements
pursuant to the Plan could create minor and less-than-significant short-term air
quality impacts related to restriping of roadways for new bicycle lanes, demolition
of portions of damaged sidewalk and other similar construction activities. These
improvements would occur over a number of years and would fall below the level
of significance identified by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District
(BAAQMD) (see BAAQMD Guidelines, May 2012). There would also be limited
short-term use of vehicles for construction activities. The purpose of the project is
to encourage non-automotive trips in Dublin by constructing improvements that
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Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
promote walking and bicycling rather than relying on traditional vehicle trips.
These activities that would be promoted as part of the project are cited by the
BAAQMD and other regional agencies, such as the Metropolitan Transportation
Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), as
methods to reduce project-level and cumulative air pollutants.
No air quality plan would be violated and no air quality standards, including
cumulatively considerable standards,would be exceeded. This impact would
therefore be less-than-significant.
d,e) Expose sensitive receptors to significant pollutant concentrations or create objectionable
odors? NI. The proposed project would not exceed proposed Bay Area Air Quality
Management District risks and hazards thresholds of significance since it would
not generate any long-term air pollutants. The project would also not involve any
industrial or similar activities that would create objectionable odors. No impacts
would result with respect to this topic.
No impacts are anticipated with regard to significantly objectionable odors, since
the proposed project involves a Plan to encourage non-automotive transportation.
4. Biological Resources
Project Impacts
a) Have a substantial adverse impact on a candidate,sensitive,or special-status species? LS.
The Plan would generally result in pedestrian and bicycle improvements within
public rights-of-way in the City of Dublin and would have no impact on
candidate, special-status or other protected plant or wildlife species or their
respective habitats. The proposed Alamo Canal Trail bridge to provide improved
pedestrian and bicycle access near Downtown Dublin would span Alamo Canal.
The creek in this area has been channelized and located in a developed area.As
such, the bridge is not expected to affect special status species. Once the final
location and design of the bridge is established, additional environmental review
of potential effects of the proposed bridge on special-status or protected species
may be required. No significant stands of trees would be removed that provides
nesting and roosting habit for bird species. Impacts to candidate, special-status
or other sensitive plant or wildlife species would be less-than-significant.
b, c) Have a substantial adverse impact on riparian habitat or federally protected wetlands?
LS.Impacts to wetlands or other waters of the U.S. could occur only in the area
where the Alamo Canal Trail bridge is proposed. As noted above, the bridge
would span concrete channelized canal in a developed area, so any potential
impacts are expected to be less-than-significant. Construction of the bridge
would be subject to existing City and other regulations for erosion control.Once
the final location and design of the bridge is established, additional
environmental review of potential effects of the proposed bridge construction to
wetlands and other waters may be required.No other components of the Plan
would be expected to have an impact on wetlands or other water is expected
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Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
since these improvements would generally occur within or immediately adjacent
to public rights-of-way.
d) Interfere with movement of native fish or wildlife species?NI. No major structures
would be constructed as part of implementing the Plan in undeveloped areas
that could block or interfere with native fish or wildlife species and no impact
would result.
e,f) Conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources or any adopted
Habitat Conservation Plans or Natural Community Conservation Plans?NI. The
project site lies within the Eastern Alameda County Conservation Strategy
(EACCS) planning area. The City of Dublin utilizes the Conservation Strategy as
guidance for environmental permitting for public projects, and private
development projects are encouraged to use the EACCS as a resource as well.
The Conservation Strategy embodies a regional approach to permitting and
mitigation for wildlife habitat impacts associated with land development,
infrastructure, and other activities.The Conservation Strategy is neither a
Habitat Conservation Plan nor a Natural Community Conservation Plan,but is a
document intended to provide guidance during the project planning and
permitting process to ensure that impacts are offset in a biologically effective
manner. No impacts would therefore result.
5. Cultural Resources
Project Impacts
a) Cause substantial adverse change to significant historic resources? NI. Future
pedestrian and bicycle improvements envisioned as part of the Plan would be
located within public rights-of-way that contain no structures. No impacts are
therefore anticipated with regard to historic structures.
b, c) Cause a substantial adverse impact or destruction to archeological or
paleontological resources? LS. Limited subsurface excavation would occur as a
result of constructing pedestrian or bicycle improvements envisioned in the Plan.
This would include excavating for sidewalk and bicycle path improvements,new
lights and for structural footings for the proposed Alamo Creek overcrossing. All
grading and excavation will be subject to City of Dublin General Plan
Conservation Element Guiding Policy 7.7.1.2 that requires grading operations
within the City to follow State regulations regarding stop-work and other
procedures upon discovery of archeological and historic sites as set forth in the
California Public Resources Code. Less-than-significant impacts would result
with respect to this topic.
d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of a formal cemetery? NI.
There would be minimal ground disturbance as a result of constructing
pedestrian and bicycle improvements since most of the improvements would be
along in or along existing roadways. Consistency with CEQA Guidelines Section
15064.5 (f), as required by the General Plan,will ensure that stop-work and
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Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
appropriate review procedures would be followed in the unlikely event that
human remains were discovered during project implementation. No impacts are
anticipated with respect to disturbance of human remains.
6. Geology and Soils
Project 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, or landslides?
NI. None of the proposed improvements envisioned in the Plan would include
structures that would accommodate residents, employees or visitors that could be
affected by seismic events or landslides. Proposed bicycle paths and pedestrian
improvements would not significantly expose users to future seismic impacts. No
impacts would therefore occur with respect to this topic.
b) Is the site subject to substantial erosion and/or the loss of topsoil? LS. There could be
limited potential for soil erosion as a result of constructing new walking and
bicycle improvements,including but not limited to trails, structures, drainage
improvements and similar improvements. Adherence to normal and customary
City of Dublin requirements of installing erosion control features near graded
areas during the rainy season will ensure that less-than-significant impacts would
occur with respect to soil erosion or loss of topsoil.
c-d) Is the site located on soil that is unstable or expansive or result in potential lateral
spreading, liquefaction, landslide or collapse?LS. Locations for pedestrian and bicycle
projects that could be facilitated under the Plan are primarily paved and/or
already developed for roadway or pedestrian use. Potential implementing projects
generally consist of surface-level, at-grade improvements in existing developed
areas and would not result in any increases of risk for landslide, lateral spreading,
ground subsidence, liquefaction or other soil hazards. Proposed improvements
would be constructed to City of Dublin public works standards to ensure this
impact would be less-than-significant.
e) Have soils incapable of supporting on-site septic tanks if sewers are not available?NI. No
dwellings or other structures would be constructed as a part of this project that
would require septic service. There would therefore be no impact with respect to
this topic.
7. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Discussion:
a,b) Generate greenhouse gas emissions,either directly or indirectly, that may have a
significant impact on the environment or conflict with an applicable plan,policy or
regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?LS.
Proposed project improvements that could be facilitated by approving the Plan
would slightly and incrementally increase greenhouse gas emissions in the short-
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Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
term due to construction activities to stripe bike lanes on selected streets, repair of
sidewalks and similar actions. Such impacts would be less-than-significant and
would occur over a period of time. There would be no long-term increases in
greenhouse gas emissions, since the purpose of the Plan is to promote non-
automotive modes of transportation as an alternative to vehicle use. The effect of
implementing the Plan would therefore be to slightly reduce the emission of
greenhouse gasses over the long-term.
8. Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Project Impacts
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport,
use, or disposal of hazardous materials? NI. The proposed project would not involve
the routine transport,use or disposal of significant amounts of hazardous
materials since it would include non-auto transportation improvements with
minimal use of any chemicals. No impacts would result.
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable
upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous material into the
environment?NI. There would be minimal disruption of existing ground surfaces in
order to construct planned pedestrian and bicycle improvements envisioned in the
Plan. Generally, planned improvements would be at existing topographic grades
and within public rights-of-way in developed areas. No impacts are expected to
occur with respect to this topic.
c) Emit hazardous materials or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,substances,
waste within one-quarter mile of a school? NI. The proposed project is not anticipated
to emit or handle hazardous materials or substances since it would involve bicycle
and pedestrian transportation improvements. No impacts would occur with
respect to this topic.
d) Is the site listed as a hazardous materials site?NI.The project area is not listed on the
State of California Department of Toxics Substances Control list(the Cortese List)
as of January 15, 2014 (see www.calepa.ca.gov/Site.Cleanup/Cortese_List.cfm).
No impacts are therefore anticipated with respect to this topic.
e,f) Is the site located within an airport land use plan of a public airport or private airstrip? NI.
Although portions of Eastern Dublin are located within the Airport Influence Area
of Livermore Municipal Airport, the Plan would not result in the construction of
new residential or non-residential buildings so that no impacts would result.
g) Interference with an emergency evacuation plan?NI. Transportation improvements
associated with the Plan would occur within public rights-of-way and would
improve the ability of residents, visitors and employees to evacuate portions of
Dublin in the event of an emergency.Proposed improvements would therefore not
interfere with an emergency evacuation plan and no impact would result with
respect to this topic.
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Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
9. Hydrology and Water Quality
Project Impacts
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? LS. Most of the
pedestrian and bicycle improvements anticipated as part of the implementation of
the Plan would be located on currently paved areas, such as proposed bicycle lanes
on existing roads and sidewalks.Future ground disturbing activities that could be
undertaken to implement the Plan, such as replacement of damaged sidewalk
sections, could result in erosion of unprotected graded areas during the rainy
season. However, this potential impact would be less-than-significant by
adherence to City of Dublin standard requirements of implementing erosion
control features adjacent to graded areas during the rainy season.
b) Substantially deplete groundwater recharge areas or lowering of water table? NI. Project
elements associated with the Plan would include both pedestrian and bicycle
improvements and would not require substantial quantities of water that would
deplete the local water table. Proposed pedestrian and bicycle improvements
would generally be constructed on existing paved surfaces so that significant
quantities of new impervious,paved surfaces would not be created.No impacts
would result with respect to this topic.
c,d) Substantially alter drainage patterns, including streambed courses such that substantial
siltation or erosion would occur or substantially alter drainage patterns or result in
flooding,either on or off the project site?NI. Pedestrian and bicycle transportation
improvements that could be facilitated by approval of the Plan would generally be
located on currently paved areas,primarily roadways, so that significant amounts
of new impervious surfaces would not be created. Therefore, existing drainage
patterns would not be significantly altered, including streambeds such that a
significant amount of erosion could occur. No significant amount of new flooding
is similarly anticipated with respect to proposed non-automotive transportation
improvements. No impacts are anticipated with respect to this topic.
e) Create stormwater runoff that would exceed the capacity of drainage systems or add
substantial amounts of polluted runoff? LS. Proposed pedestrian and bicycle
improvements envisioned in the Plan would generally occur on existing paved
roadways in currently developed areas of the community so as not to significantly
increase the amount of impervious surfaces that would increase stormwater flows.
Existing municipal drainage facilities are expected to be adequate to accommodate
expected slight increases in stormwater flows Adherence to the Alameda County
Clean Water Program, as enforced by the City of Dublin for all development
projects, will ensure that the quantity of polluted stormwater would not
significantly increase. These programs require installation of vegetated bioswales
adjacent to paved areas, covering of solid waste dumpsters and similar features.
Overall, the amount of increased stormwater and polluted stormwater would be
less-than-significant.
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f) Substantially degrade water quality? NI. As noted in the above response, all specific
development projects constructed as envisioned in the draft Plan would be subject
to surface water pollution controls as mandated by the Alameda County Clean
Water Program to ensure that no impacts would result with respect to this project.
Under the Clean Water Program,project contractor(s) for pedestrian and bicycle
improvements constructed under the auspices of the Plan will be required to
install silt fencing, hay bales and similar features to minimize polluted runoff
during the annual rainy period of each year. No impacts would therefore occur.
g-i) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped by a Flood Insurance Rate
Map, or impede or redirect flood flow, including dam failure? NI.No residences would
be constructed as part of the proposed project, so no impacts would result with
respect to this topic.
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 the project site is
located significantly east of San Francisco Bay that would be affected by a seiche or
tsunami.Proposed pedestrian and bicycle improvements constructed pursuant to
the Plan would generally be located in the flatter portions of Dublin so as not to be
significantly impacted by mudflows. No impacts are anticipated with respect to
this topic.
10. Land Use and Planning
Project Impacts
a) Physically divide an established community?NI. A majority of project-related
improvements would occur within existing public rights-of-way so as not to
divide any existing communities. In addition, one of the purposes of the proposed
project is to increase connectivity within Dublin by providing non-automotive
modes of transportation to link various areas of the community. No impacts would
occur with respect to this topic.
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan,policy or regulation? NI.The proposed
project would comply with a number of goals and policies contained in the
Circulation and Scenic Highways and the Community Design and Sustainability
Elements of the Dublin General Plan as well as other regional policy planning
documents as noted in the Plan. A number of amendments are being proposed to
the Dublin General Plan and the Downtown Dublin and Eastern Dublin Specific
Plans as noted in the Project description section;however, there would be for the
purpose of ensuring consistency between the proposed Plan and the General and
Specific Plans. No impacts would occur with respect to this topic.
c) Conflict with a habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? NI.
The City of Dublin lies within the Eastern Alameda County Conservation Strategy
(EACCS) planning area. The City utilizes the Conservation Strategy as guidance
for environmental permitting for public projects, and private development projects
are encouraged to use the EACCS as a resource as well. The Conservation Strategy
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Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
embodies a regional approach to permitting and mitigation for wildlife habitat
impacts associated with land development,infrastructure, and other activities. The
Conservation Strategy is neither a Habitat Conservation Plan nor a Natural
Community Conservation Plan,but is a document intended to provide guidance
during the project planning and permitting process to ensure that impacts are
offset in a biologically effective manner. There is no existing habitat conservation
plan or natural community conservation plan for major pedestrian and bicycle
improvements. There would therefore be impacts with respect to this topic.
11.Mineral Resources
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 have
been identified within the project area.
12.Noise
Project Impacts
a) Would the project expose persons or generation of noise levels in excess of standards
established by the General Plan or noise ordinance or applicable standards of other
agencies? LS. Proposed pedestrian and bicycle improvements envisioned in the
Plan would not generate vehicle tri ps that could increase local noise levels or that
would generate operational or mechanical noise.Noise affecting or generated by
users of the bike and pedestrian facilities would blend in to background traffic or
other noise. This would be a less-than-significant impact.
b) Exposure of people to excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?NI.
Pedestrian and bicycle projects that could be constructed pursuant to the Plan
would be limited in scale and use normal construction methods. Construction
activities would not require installation of piles to anchor building foundations
or retaining walls that would generate vibration and/or groundborne noise
(source: Ferd Del Rosario, City of Dublin 2/4/14). No impacts would result with
respect to this topic.
c) Substantial permanent increases in ambient noise levels? NI. Since the long-term
operation of proposed pedestrian and bicycle facilities that would be constructed
under the auspices of the Plan would not require use of motorized vehicles or
similar mechanical equipment, there would be no increases in permanent noise
and no impact would result.
d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project
vicinity above levels without the project?LS. Limited and less-than-significant
increases in short-term noise generation would result from implementation of
the Plan. Sources of noise could include use of grading, compacting and paving
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new bicycle lanes, painting trucks to restripe roadways, adding bike lanes,
remove of damaged sidewalks and replacing sidewalks and similar noises. Any
short-term noise would generally be located within a public right-of-way and
would blend in with existing noise generated by vehicles. Future construction
activities would also be limited to normal construction hours by the City of
Dublin that would restrict late evening,nighttime or Sunday construction
activities.
e,f) Be located within an airport land use plan area,within two miles of a public or private
airport or airstrip? NI Although portion of Eastern Dublin lie within the Airport
Influence Area of Livermore Municipal Airport,no significant noise contours
from the airport extend north of the I-580 freeway no impact would result with
respect to this topic(source: Livermore Municipal Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan, 2012).
13. Population and Housing
Project Impacts
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly or indirectly? NI. The
project would include a number of pedestrian and bicycle improvements within
the City of Dublin that would be facilitated by the Plan. No structures would be
built or other facilities constructed that could induce population growth within
Dublin, either directly or indirectly.
b,c) Would the project displace substantial numbers of existing housing units or people? All
construction work that could be facilitated under the Plan would occur within
public rights-of-way or currently vacant land. No existing housing or populations
would be displaced as a result of approving and implementing the proposed
project. No impacts would occur with respect to this topic.
14.Public Services
Environmental Impacts
a) Fire protection?LS. Pedestrian and bicycle improvements that could be constructed
under the auspices of the Plan would primarily be installed within public rights-
of-way and would not result in new fire hazards or increase the number of calls for
service for fire service. While proposed non-automotive transportation
improvements could change existing circulation routes and add bicyclists and
pedestrians to local roadways, such changes would not substantially impair
emergency access.
The Dublin Fire Department staff states that installation of certain traffic calming
features noted in the Plan could increase the response times for emergency
vehicles. Installation of these improvements will require Fire Department approval
prior to installation. However, no new or expanded Fire Department facilities
would be required to serve the proposed project, (Bonnie Terra, Alameda County
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Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
Fire Department, l/21/14) and impacts to fire protection would be less-than-
significant.
b) Police protection? LS. The Plan would facilitate pedestrian and bicycle modes of
transportation primarily within public rights-of-way. Although there could be a
potential for pedestrian and bicycle incidents, the number of any future accidents
is anticipated to be less-than-significant. Increased use of non-automotive transit
could somewhat reduce the number of vehicle accidents that are responded to by
the Dublin Police Department.The Dublin Police Department staff notes that
approval and implementation of the Plan would not require expansion of existing
police facilities or the construction of new police facilities to serve project
components (Tom McCarthy, Public Police Services Department, 1/16/14). This is
anticipated to be a less-than-significant impact.
c) Schools? NI. There would be no impact to the Dublin Unified School District, since
no dwellings would be constructed that generates school-aged children.
d) Other governmental service, including maintenance of public facilities?LS. There would
be minimal and less-than-significant impacts with respect to maintenance of public
facilities. Long-term impacts could include repair of bicycle route signs, striping of
bicycle lanes by the City of Dublin and similar actions. The need for maintenance
would be minimal, since the originally installation of improvements would not
require maintenance for a number of years.
e) Solid waste generation? LS. Construction of facilities that would be facilitated by the
draft Plan would generate minor and less-than-significant amounts of solid waste
in terms of construction debris and similar material from construction of
pedestrian and bicycle improvements.
15. Recreation
Project Impacts
a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood or regional parks? LS.
Implementation of the Plan would not significantly increase local or regional park
use in Dublin since the total population of Dublin would not be increased.There
could be small, incremental use in local park usage since improved pedestrian and
bicycle linkages to parks would be provided;however, this increased use is
anticipated to be less-than-significant.
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction of recreational
facilities? NI. The draft Plan includes provision for new pedestrian and bicycle
facilities that could be used for recreational purposes as well as for non-recreational
uses, so impacts are anticipated with respect to this topic.
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15. Transportation/Traffic
Project Impacts
a,b) Conflict with applicable plans related to the effectiveness of the circulation system,
including all modes of travel, including intersections, streets,highways and other
components or conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including
level of service standards, travel demand measures and other applicable standards? NI.
The Plan does not include any recommended components that would generate
permanent vehicle trips or increase existing volumes of motorized vehicles on
local roads, regional roads or CMA-designated roads. Instead, approval and
implementation of the Plan would improve the City's non-automotive
transportation infrastructure, enhance pedestrian safety and encourage both
walking and bicycling as alternative modes of local transportation. Use of
automobile traffic could be slightly reduced as individuals may choose alternative
modes of transportation constructed pursuant to the Plan. No impacts are
anticipated with respect to increasing motorized traffic volumes on local,regional
and CMA designated roadways.
c) Result in a change of air traffic patterns? NI. The proposed project would have no
impact on air traffic patterns, since it involves consideration of a Plan to guide
future pedestrian and bicycle improvements within the community and no
changes to air traffic patterns would occur.
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature or incompatible use?NI.Based on
discussions with the City of Dublin Public Works Department, the design of
future transportation improvements that could be facilitated under the Plan will
be consistent with City of Dublin public works and engineering design standards
and standards contained in the Plan to ensure that no impact would occur with
respect to any design hazard.
e) Result in inadequate emergency access? NI. Proposed pedestrian and bicycle
improvements that could be constructed under the auspices of the Plan would
generally occur within public rights-of-way and would not require emergency
access. No impacts would occur with respect to this topic.
f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans or programs supporting alternative transportation
modes? NI. As documented in the text of the Plan, the Plan would be consistent
with a number of local and regional plans to improve and enhance non-
automotive transportation modes,including the Circulation and Scenic Highways
Element of the Dublin General Plan and others. Therefore, no impact would occur
with respect to this topic.
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Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014
16. Utilities and Service Systems
Environmental Impacts
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the RWQCB? NI. No impact would result
with respect to this topic, since no structures would be constructed that would
generate any wastewater flows.With respect to surface water quality standards,
the City of Dublin will ensure that any grading or trenching operations
undertaken under the auspices of the Plan will comply with the Alameda County
Clean Water Program and other applicable water quality regulations. If necessary,
installation of erosion control facilities will be required for construction during the
rainy season, consistent with standard City requirements.
b,d,e) Require new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities,
are sufficient water supplies available and is adequate wastewater capacity available to
serve the project? NI. No impacts would result with respect to these topics, since
no structures that use water or generate wastewater would be constructed as part
of the Plan. Staff of the Dublin San Ramon Services District(DSRSD) confirms
that there would be no impact with respect to water or wastewater use (source;
Stan Kolodzie, DSRSD, 1/22/14).
c) Require new storm drainage facilities?Refer to Item "c"in Section 9, Hydrology.
f,g) Solid waste disposal? LS. Small and less-than-significant quantities of solid waste
would be generated by construction activities of transportation improvements
envisioned in the Plan. No long-term contributions to solid waste would occur,
since no uses would be approved that would generate solid waste.
17. 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? No. The preceding analysis indicates that there would be no potential
impacts to fish and wildlife habitats,fish and wildlife populations,rare or
endangered plant or wildlife species threaten or eliminate a plant or animal
community, restrict the range of any rare or endangered species or eliminate any
important examples of California history or prehistory.
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited,but cumulatively considerable?
("Cumulatively considerable"means that the incremental effects of a project are
considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the
effects of other current projects and the effects of probable future projects).No
such cumulatively considerable impacts have been identified in the Initial Study.
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c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or indirectly? No. No such impacts have been
discovered in the course of preparing this Initial Study.
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Initial Study Preparers
Jerry Haag, Urban Planner, project manager and author
Jane Maxwell, exhibits
Agencies and Organizations Consulted
The following agencies and organizations were contacted in the course of this Initial
Study:
City of Dublin
Gary Husingh, PE, Public Works Director
Andrew Russell, PE, City Engineer
Ferd Del Rosario,PE,Project Manager
Mamie Delgado, Senior Planner
Kathleen Faubion, AICP, Assistant City Attorney
Fehr&Peers Associates
Carrie Neilson,Project Planner
References
Downtown Dublin Specific Plan City of Dublin, December 2010
Dublin General Plan, City of Dublin, Updated through June 2013
Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and General Plan Environmental Impact Report
Wallace Roberts &Todd, 1994
Eastern Dublin Comprehensive Stream Restoration Program Sycamore
Associates, 1996
Livermore Municipal Airport Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan ESA
Associates, August 2012
Parks and Recreation Master Plan City of Dublin, 2006 update
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Initial Study/Bicycle& Pedestrian Plan June 2014