HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 130-04 NegDecDoughtyRdImp
RESOLUTION NO. 130 - 04
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
**********
ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM, AND
AUTHORIZE STAFF TO PROCEED WITH CIP NO. 96852, DOUGHERTY ROAD
IMPROVEMENTS - HOUSTON PLACE TO 1·580
WHEREAS, the City of Dublin proposes to improve the traffic operations at the existing
Dougherty Road and Dublin Boulevard intersection by constructing additional through and turning lanes
as part of the Dougherty Road Improvements trom Houston Place to 1-580 capital improvement project;
and
WHEREAS, the project limits are Dougherty Road between Houston Place on the north and
Interstate 580 on the south, and Dublin Boulevard between Dublin Court on the west and Scarlett Drive
on the east; and
WHEREAS, the City prepared an Initial Study to evaluate the potential environmental impacts
of improving the traffic operations at the intersection. Based on the Initial Study, the City prepared a
Mitigated Negative Declaration dated April 8, 2004 (attached as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by
reference) and circulated it for public review trom April 15, 2004, through May 14, 2004; and
WHEREAS, the City did not receive any letters commenting on the Mitigated Negative
Declaration.
WHEREAS, the proposed intersection improvements was among the CIP projects reviewed by
the Planning Commission and found consistent with the General Plan pursuant to Government Code
sections 65401 and 65402 through Resolution No. 04-47, dated June 22,2004; and
WHEREAS, a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, as required by CEQA, is contained
in attached Exhibit B, and is incorporated herein by reference; and
WHEREAS, the location and custodian of the documents which constitute the record of
proceedings for the project is the City of Dublin Public Works Department, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA
94568, Artn: Steven Yee.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby finds as follows:
A. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this resolution.
B. The potential environmental effects of the intersection improvements have been analyzed in
the Initial StudyIMitigated Negative Declaration, which determined that the project would not have a
significant effect on the environment with the application of mitigation measures identified in the
Mitigated Negative Declaration. The mitigation measures are also reflected in a Mitigation Monitoring
and Reporting Program, which ensure that they will be implemented through the project. There is no
substantial evidence in light of the whole record before the City that the project as mitigated could have a
significant effect on the environment.
1
C. The Mitigated Negative Declaration has been completed in compliance with CEQA, the CEQA
Guidelines and the City of Dublin Environmental Guidelines.
D. The Mitigated Negative Declaration is complete and adequate and reflects the City's
independent judgment and analysis as to the environmental effects of the proposed intersection
improvements.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that based on the aforementioned findings, the City Council
hereby adopts the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Dublin BoulevardJDougherty Road intersection
improvement project, consisting of Exhibits A and B, as described heretofore and incorporated herein by
reference.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby adopts the Mitigation Monitoring
and Reporting Program set forth in Exhibit B, which is incorporated herein by reference.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of July, 2004.
AYES:
Councilmembers McCormick, Oravetz, Sbranti and Zika, and Mayor Lockhart
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
A~~
~~
Deputy City Clerk
O:\CC-MfGS\2004-qtr3\July\07-o6-o4\reso- MND.doc (Item 6.3)
2
INITIAL STUDY &
MITIGA TED
N EG A T I V E DEe L A RAT I ON
DUBLIN BOULEVARD I
DOUGHERTY ROAD
INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT
City of Dublin
100 Civic Plaza
Dublin, CA 94568
(925) 833..6630
April 8, 2004
......,~~
-to -Yte. íf..e~o /rd /0/1
CITY OF DUBLIN
100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, California 94568
Website: http://www.cLdublin.ca.us
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Pursuant to Division 13, Public Resources Code, State of California
Project Title: Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road Intersection Improvements
Description of Project: The proposed project will widen Dublin Boulevard and Dougherty
Road intersection for the purpose of constructing additional traffic
lanes to improve traffic operations.
Project Location: Project limits on Dublin Boulevard will be Dublin Court on the west
and Scarlett Drive on the east. Project limits on Dougherty Road
will be Houston Place on the north and the 1-580 ramps on the
south.
Name of Proponents: City of Dublin, Public Works Department
Determination: I hereby find that although the above 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 and incorporated into the project, and because a
Mitigated Negative Declaration will be adopted that mitigates any
project-related impacts of this project to a level of insignificance
through the adoption of mitigation measures.
Copies of the Initial Study documenting the reasons to support the above finding are available at
the City of Dublin, Public Works- Department, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568, or by calling
(925) 833-6630.
~h¿~}'~7lfik) .
Meliss Morton, Public Wo s Director
Date: April 12, 2004
Date Published: April 15, 2004
Date Notice Mailed:
Considered by:
On:
Resolution No.
N.O.D Filed:
Area Code (925) -City Manager 833-6650 . City Council 833-6650 . Personnel 833-6605 - Economic Development 833-6650
Finance 833-6640 . Public Works/Engineering 833-6630 . Parks & Community Services 833-6645 . Police 833-6670
Planning/Code Enforcement 833-6610 . Building Inspection 833-6620 . Fire Prevention Bureau 833-6606
T.A B L E
OF
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1
1.1 Project Overview and Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1
1.2 Project Purpose and Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1
1.3 Detailed Project Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1
1.4 Right-of-Way Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7
SECTION 2 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9
2.1 Existing Traffic Conditions .......................................... 9
2.2 Existing Land Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10
2.3 Existing Biotic Resources ........................................., 10
2.4 Existing Floodplains and Hydrology ................................... 10
2.5 Existing Geology ................................................ 10
2.6 Existing Air Quality .............................................. 11
2.7 Existing Noise .................................................. 13
2.8 Existing Cultural Resources ......................................... 13
2.9 Existing Hazardous Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13
2.10 Existing Visual/Aesthetic Setting ..................................... 15
SECTION 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17
SECTION 4 DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ................. 28
4.1 Aesthetic Impacts ................................................ 28
4.2 Air Quality Impacts. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 29
4.3 Cultural Resources Impacts ......................................... 30
4.4 Hazardous Materials Impacts ........................................ 30
4.5 Land Use Impacts. .. . . . . . . . . . . .'. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 31
4.6 Noise Impacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 33
4.7 Traffic Impacts . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 34
SECTION 5 LIST OF PREP ARERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 35
Dublin BlvdJDougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Regional Project Location Map .................................. 2
Vicinity Project Location Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3
Aerial Photograph ........................................... 4
Site Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5
Comparison of Existing and Proposed Conditions ..................... 6
Right-of-Way Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. Intersection Peak Hour Operating Conditions .... 9
Ambient Air Quality at the Livermore Monitoring Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12
Sites with Hazardous Materials/Contamination in the Project Area . . . . . . . .. 15
Summary of Street Trees to be Impacted by the Project ................ 28
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
ii
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
SECTION 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT
1.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW AND LOCATION
The City of Dublin proposes to improve traffic operations at the existing Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty
Road intersection by constructing additional through and turning lanes. The intersection is located
in the City of Dublin, just north of Interstate 580 (I-580), as shown on Figures 1 and 2. An aerial
photograph of the project area is depicted on Figure 3.
1.2 PROJECT PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The Dublin BoulevardJDougherty Road intersection is located in an area where substantial
development has occurred and additional development is planned. The purpose of the proposed
project is to improve this intersection so that it will have adequate capacity to accommodate projected
peak hour traffic from this growth. Adequate capacity is defined as achieving level of service (LOS)
"D", in accordance with the policies of the City's General Plan.
For a discussion of peak hour traffic operations at the DublinJDougherty intersection, please see
Section 2.1 of this Initial Study.
1.3 DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed project wil1 widen the Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection for the purpose
of constructing additional traffic lanes, which will have the effect of increasing the intersection's
capacity. A comparison of traffic lanes between existing and proposed conditions is contained in
Table 1. Project limits on Dublin Boulevard will be Dublin Court on the west and Scarlett Drive on
the east. Project limits on Dougherty Road will be Houston Place on the north and the 1-580 ramps
on the south. Specific components of the project are shown on Figure 4 and are described as fol1ows:
Northbound Dougherty Road Approach The northbound Dougherty Road approach to the
intersection will be widened from four lanes to eight lanes consisting of three left-turn lanes, three
through lanes, and two right-turn lanes.
Southbound Dougherty Road Approach The southbound Dougherty Road approach to the
intersection wi]] be widened from five lanes to six lanes consisting of two left-turn lanes, three
through lanes, and one shared through/right-turn lane.
Eastbound Dublin Boulevard Approach The eastbound Dublin Boulevard approach to the
intersection will be widened from four lanes to seven lanes consisting of two left-turn Janes, three
through lanes, and two right-turn lanes.
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
1
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
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REGIONAL MAP
FIGURE 1
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Section 1 - Project Description
TABLE 1
COMPARISON OF EXISTING AND PROPOSED CONDITIONS
[Number of Traffic Lanes]
Existing Proposed
Northbound Dougherty Road Approach 4 8
. Southbound Dougherty Road Approach 5 6
Eastbound Dublin Boulevard Approach 4 7
Westbound Dublin Boulevard Approach 5 6
Number of traffic lanes includes left-turn lanes, through lanes, right-turn lanes, and shared
lanes. See text for details.
Source: City of Dublin, 2004.
Westbound Dublin Boulevard Approach The westbound Dublin Boulevard approach to the
intersection will be widened from five lanes to six lanes consisting of three left-turn lanes, two
through lanes, and one shared through/right-turn lane.
Dublin Boulevard/Scarlett Court Intersection Under existing conditions, turns at the Dublin
Boulevard/Scarlett Court intersection are limited to right-turns to/from Scarlett Court. The widening
of the adjacent Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection will preclude right-turns from Dublin
Boulevard to Scarlett Court in the future. As an alternative, the City may eliminate this intersection
by constructing a cul-de-sac on Scarlett Court approximately 500 feet south of Dublin Boulevard.
Depending upon which option is selected, future access to/from Scarlett Court will either be primarily
or completely via Scarlett Drive.
Sidewalks, Curbs, Gutters, Utilities, Medians The proposed widening will require the relocation
of existing sidewalks, curbs, gutters, utilities, and medians - as necessary - to accommodate the
widening of the intersection.
Landscaping Most of the landscaping that is present at the intersection will need to be removed in
order to accommodate the proposed widening. The project includes replacement landscaping, in
accordance with City standards and practices. Tree species proposed to be planted will be Flowering
Pear along Dougherty Road and Sycamore Yarwood along Dublin Boulevard, to match the species
of the existing landscaping.
Dublin Blvd.lDougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
6
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Section ,] - Pro;ect Descrivtion
1.4 RIGHT-OF-WAY REQUIREMENTS
Construction of the proposed project will require additional right-of-way from a number of adjacent
parcels. Anticipated right-of-way requirements are summarized in Table 2.
TABLE 2
RIGHT-OF-W AY'REQUIREMENTS
Approximate
Intersection Parcel Nmbr. Existing Right-of-Way Description
Quadrant Site Address Use(s) Required of Impacts
SW 941-550-9-11 commercial: service 5,500 sq. ft. landscaping along roadway
6400 Dublin BI. station
SW 941-550-10-15 commercial: equip. 4,500 sq. ft. landscaping along roadway
6457 Dublin Ct. rental
SW 941-205-36 commercial: 10,000 sq.ft. 26 parking spaces impact-ed;
6500 Dublin BI. restaurants net loss of 11 spaces after
reconfiguration
SW 941-205-37 commercial: tire 130 sq.ft. 1 parking space lost
6450 Dublin BI. company
SE 941-550-12-8 commercial: auto 30,000 sq.ft. full take - acquire 3
6380 Scarlett Ct. repaIr businesses
SE 941-550-10-22 commercial: auto 25,000 sq.ft. full take - acquire 1 business
6500 Scarlett Ct. repaIr
SE 941-550-12-11 commercial: auto 3,700 sq. ft. landscaping along roadway
6451 Scarlett Ct. dealership "
SE 941-550-13-04 conarnercial: auto 4,700 sq.ft. landscaping along roadway
6391 Scarlett Ct. repair, concrete plant,
!
landscape supply
SE 941-550-14-02 conarnercial (vacant)! 630 sq.ft. landscaping along roadway
6363 Scarlett Ct.
NW 941-205-9-8 commercial (mostly 11,000 sq. ft. 33 parking spaces impact-ed;
6617 Dublin BI. 2 landscaping along roadway
vacant)
NW 941-205-10-3 commercial: service 2,000 sq. ft. 1 parking space lost;
6401 Dublin BI. station landscaping along roadway
J Application submitted to City for proposed total demolition and new car dealership.
Application submitted to City for proposed total demolition and new commercial/residential use.
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty. Rd.
Intersection Improvement ProjeCt
7
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Section 1 - Project Description
The City will compensate property owners - at fair market value - for the loss of parking spaces due
to the proposed intersection widening.
As noted in Table 2, the right-of-way required for the proposed project will require the removal of
four businesses located in the southeast quadrant of the Dublin BoulevardIDougherty Road
intersection. These businesses are as follows:
1. Miracle Auto Painting
6500 Scarlett Court
2. Gil's Body Works
6392 ScaBett Court
3. All Glass
6386 Scarlett Court
4. Smog Station
6380 Scarlett Court
The City will purchase the affected properties at fair market value and will provide relocation
assistance to the business owners. The City's relocation program, which complies with Federal
relocation requirements, provides assistance to affected business owners. The assistance, which varies
on a case-by-case basis, can be both financial (e.g., moving costs, rent subsidies, relocation costs,
personal property losses, reestablishment expenses, etc.) and technical (e.g., providing information
regarding suitàble replacement sites, providing referrals, assisting with lease negotiations, assisting
with moving logistics, etc.). Business owners also have the option of receiving a fixed payment in
lieu of relocating.
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
8
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
SECTION 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
[Introductory Note: This section of the Initial Study describes the existing environmental setting at,
and in the vicinity of, the Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection. Per the CEQA Guidelines,
the discussions in this section focus on those subject areas which are germane to the Project. Subject
areas not relevant to this Project (e.g., farmlands, population, and housing), are, therefore, not
discussed.]
2.1 EXISTING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
Dublin Boulevard is a major east-west arterial in the City of Dublin. Dougherty Road is a major
north-south arterial; south of 1-580, Dougherty Road becomes Hopyard Road in the City of
Pleasanton.
The Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection currently handles a high volume of traffic,
especially during the a.m. and p.m. peak commute hours. As shown in Table 3, the existing level
of service at this intersection is "E" during the a.m. peak and "D" during the p.m. peak.l
TABLE 3
DUBLIN BL VDJDOUGHERTY RD. PEAK HOUR OPERATING CONDITIONS
5- Year Planning Horizon
Existing Conditions No Project With Project
Average Average Average
Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS
A.M. Peak Hour 58.2 E 117.1 F 53.9 D
P.M. Peak Hour 54.8 D 114.1 F 53.2 D
Average delay is expressed in seconds.
Source: City of Dublin, 2003.
ILevel of service (LOS) is a concept used to describe traffic operations. LOS uses the letters A through
F to describe operations, with "A" representing free-flow conditions, "B" representing minimal delays, "C"
representing acceptable delays, "D" representing tolerable delays, "E" representing significant delays, and "F"
representing jammed conditions with excessive delay. LOS is computed based upon a number of factors
including the traffic demand, the number of traffic lanes, and traffic signal timing.
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
9
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Section 2 - Environmental Setting
As noted in Section 1.2, the area in the vicinity of the Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection
has experienced, and is experiencing, a substantial amount of growth. Within an approximately 5-
year timeframe, the City is projecting that this growth will cause traffic operations at this intersection
to deteriorate to LOS "P" during both the a.m. and p.m. peak hours (Table 3). Without improvements
to the intersection, there will be significant queuing, congestion, and delay.
2.2 EXISTING LAND USE
All of the existing land use immediately adjacent to the Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road
intersection is commercial. Specific uses include auto dealerships, auto service and repair, retail
stores, a motel, restaurants, and equipment rental.
2.3 EXISTING BIOTIC RESOURCES
As shown on Figure 3, the Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection and the adjacent properties
are developed with buildings and paved parking lots. With the exception of urban landscaping (i.e.,
street trees), the immediate project area is devoid of vegetation and any biotic resources.
2.4 EXISTING FLOODPLAINS AND HYDROLOGY
The project site is not located within any 100-Year Floodplains.2
The project limits do not include any streams or creeks. The closest waterways to the Dublin
Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection are Alamo Creek, which is approximately 0.5 miles west of
the intersection, and the Chabot Canal, which is approximately 0.3 miles east of the intersection.
The project site is covered by impervious surfaces. However, the project will investigate ways to
implement Best Management Practice (BMP) measures to improve the water quality of storrnwater
runoff at this location.
2.5 EXISTING GEOLOGY
The topography of the project area is flat. The site elevation is approximately 330 feet above mean
sea level (ms!).
2Source: Federal Insurance Rate Map for the City of Dublin, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
September 1997.
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
10
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Section 2 - Environmental Setting
Although the Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection is not located within any fault zones,3
it is located in the seismically-active San Francisco Bay Area. As such, the area is expected to
experience strong groundshaking in the event of a major earthquake on one of the region's active
faults.
2.6 EXISTING AIR QUALITY
Gaseous pollutants are principally emitted in the combustion of fossil fuels: in engines, in industrial
,
processes, and in the generation of electrical power. Small particles are among the products' of
combustion processes, but tire wear and "re-suspension" of roadway dust account for most airborne '
particulate matter. In the greater Dublin area, vehicular emissions are the predominant source of air
pollutants.
The Federal and California Clean Air Acts mandate that concentrations of certain air pollutants that
are commonly found in urban areas be reduced. Under the Acts, acceptable air quality is attained in
an air basin if concentrations of the specified pollutants do not exceed certain levels more than once
each year. Since these select pollutants set the criteria for attainment of good air quality, they are
referred to as "criteria" pollutants. Ozone, carbon monoxide (CO) and airborne particles (particulates)
are among the criteria pollutants. Concentrations of these three pollutants have exceeded standards
in the San Francisco Bay Area, although air quality has been improving. In addition to the principal
standards for ozone, CO, and particulates, there are several other Federal and State ambient air quality
standards summarized in this section. These other standards have not been featured in this discussion
because they are not now and are not likely to be exceeded in the Dublin area.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified the San Francisco Bay Area as a
"nonattainment" area for ozone. In 1998, the Bay Area was reclassified from a nonattainment area
to a "maintenance" area for CO. With regard to State standards, the Bay Area does not meet the
standards for ozone or for particulates.
Concentrations of the criteria pollutants and some others are monitored by the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District (BAAQMD), The closest monitoring station to the project site is located in
Livermore. The number of exceedances of California standards and the highest levels of major
pollutants recorded in Livennore in recent years are shown in Table 4.
3Source; Alquist~Priolo Maps for the City of Dublin, October 2003.
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
11
Initial Study
A pril8, 2004
Section 2 - Environmental Setting
TABLE 4
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY AT THE LIVERMORE MONITORING STATION
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Ozone
Maximum (ppm, I-hour average) .13 .16 .14 .11 .15 .15 .15 .11 .16
Exceedances (days per year) 5 20 22 3 21 14 7 9 10
Carbon Monoxide
,Maximum (ppm, 8-hour average) 3.4 2.3 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.9 2.7 3.2 2.5
Exceedances (days per year) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Particulates
Maximum (ug/m3, 24-hour avg.) n.a n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 87 71 109 64
Exceedances (days per year) n.a n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 18 12 18 12
Notes:
1. Data for other pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide are not shown in
this table because the County is already well in attainment of all of the standards which
apply to them.
2. The California I-hour standard for ozone is 0.09 parts-per-nùllion (ppm). The Federal
I-hour for ozone is 0.12 ppm. The primary objective of ozone standards is to prevent
eye initation and breathing difficulties.
3. Both the California and Federal 8-hour standards for carbon monoxide are 9.0 ppm. The
primary objective of carbon monoxide standards is to prevent levels of
carboxyhemoglobin greater than two percent.
4. The California 24-hour standard for particulates (PM-lO) is 50 micrograms per cubic
meter (ug/m3). The Federal 24-hour standard for PM-'lO is 150 ug/m3. The primary
objectives of particulate standards are to prevent health effects and to improve visibility.
5. The number of exceedances shown in this table pertain to the California standards.
Source: Bay Area Air Quality Management District, 2003.
Dublin Blvd.IDougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
12
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Section 2 ..; Environmental Setting
2.7 EXISTING NOISE
The predominant source of noise in the project area is vehicular traffic, especially in the vicinity of
major roadways such as Dublin Boulevard, Dougherty Road, and 1-580. Along these roadways,
traffic-generated noise levels are relatively high, typically ranging between 60-70 decibels CNEL.4
These noise levels are compatible with the adjacent land uses in the vicinity of the Dublin
Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection because there are no sensitive noise receptors. [Note: A
sensitive noise receptor is one where elevated noise levels are considered detrimental to the activities
that typically take place at that location. Residences and schools are examples of a sensitive noise
receptor. ]
2.8 EXISTING CULTURAL RESOURCES
Based on a review of the locations of known archaeological resources, the project is not located in
an area of archaeological sensitivity (Janet Harbin, City of Dublin, personal communication, January
2004). In addition, there are no structures or buildings of his~orical significance in the immediate
vicinity of the project and the project site does not contain undisturbed soils since it has been
developed with urban uses, including underground utilities.
2.9 EXISTING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
A hazardous materials data base search was conducted for the purpose of providing an indication of
the likelihood of encountering contamination from hazardous materials on property from which right-
of-way may be required and/or during project construction.s The data base search yielded numerous
sites within a I-mile radius of the Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road iptersection where hazardous
materials are generated, used, or stored and/or where some type of spill/leakage/contamination has
occurred. For most locations where soil orgroundwateJi contamination has been found, the source
of the contamination was leaking storage tanks. In virtually all of these cases, the leaking tanks have
been removed and remediation has occurred (or is occurring) under the supervision of various
governmental entities.
4CNEL stands for Community Noise Equivalent Level. The CNEL is a 24-hour average of noise levels,
with 5-Db penalties applied to noise occurring between 7 PM and 10 PM, and with lO-Db penalties applied
to noise occurring between 10 PM and 7 AM.
5Environmental Data Resources, Inc., "Hazardous Materials Data Base Search for Dougherty Road/Dublin
Boulevard", January 2004.
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
13
Initial Study
April 8, 20n4
Section 2 - Environmental Setting
The sites adjacent to the intersection where hazardous· materials are known to be used or stored,
and/or where contamination has been reported are listed in Table 5. Those locations from which
right-of-way for the project is expected to be required are shown in bold type. The presence of these
sites indicates that follow-up investigation may be required to ensure that the City does not acquire
contaminated right-of-way and/or the public is not exposed to unacceptable levels of hazardous
materials due to construction of the proposed project. See Section 4.4, Hazardous Materials Impacts,
on page 29 for details.
2.10 EXISTING VISUAL/AESTHETIC SETTING
The area in the immediate vicinity of the Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection consists of
conunercial buildings such as shopping centers, gas stations, auto dealerships, and retail stores. There
are no scenic resources/vistas at this location, and neither Dublin Boulevard nor Dougherty Road are
designated as scenic highways. However, the project area does include urban landscaping and street
trees that serve as visual amenities.
Photos 1 and 2 on page 16 depict the existing setting at the intersection.
The City of Dublin identifies certain trees as important visual/aesthetic resources. These trees, known
as "Heritage Trees", are defined any oak, bay, cypress, maple, redwood, buckeye, or sycamore tree
having a trunk diameter of 24 inches or more, as measured at 4'6" above natural grade.6 There are
no Heritage Trees located within the project limits. For a list of trees to be impacted by the project,
please see Section 4.1, Aesthetic Impacts.
6Dublin Municipal Code Section 5.60, "Heritage Trees", adopted 5-7-02.
Dublin BlvdJDougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
14
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Section 2 - Environmental Setting
TABLE 5
SITES WITH HAZARDOUS MA TERIALS/CONT AMINA TION
DUBLIN BOULEV ARDIDOUGHERTY ROAD INTERSECTION
I Quadrant I Site Namel I Address I Comments I
NE Shell 5933 Existing underground storage tanks; no known contamination.
Dougherty Rd.
NE Stefan, Borcher 5965 Currently Agorra Bldg. Supply; fonner leaking underground
Bros. Dougherty Rd. storage tank; case closed 12/95.
NW Amador 6000 Two underground storage tanks removed in 1999; no
Automotive Dougherty Rd. soil/groundwater contamination; case closed 5/00.
Leaking underground storage tank; discontinued remedial efforts
NW Unocal/ 6401 in Feb. 03; quarterly groundwater monitoring program;·
Circle K Dublin Blvd. groundwater impacted by TPHg and MTBE; contaminated
groundwater in the existing r/w along Dublin Blvd.
Leaking underground storage tank; quarterly groundwater
SW Tosco, BP, 6400 sampling program; no remedial activities; groundwater flow is
Mobil, Conoco Dublin Blvd. SE parallel to Dougherty Rd.; site contaminated with MTBE
and appears to be contained onsite.
Dublin Toyota 6450 Leaking underground storage tank; ongoing quarterly
SW groundwater monitoring and site investigation; contaminated
Pontiac Dublin Blvd. groundwater not expected to reach the project boundaries.
SW Rental World 6457 No known contamination; user of hazardous materials.
Dublin Ct.
SE Miracle Auto 6500 No known contamination; user of hazardous materials; wastes
Scarlett Ct. consist of thinners and non-hazardous solids from filters.
SE Gil's Body 6392 No known contamination; user of hazardous materials; wastes
Works Scarlett Ct. consist of paints, thinners, and used motor oil.
Tri~Valley 6384 Currently All Glass (auto repair); radiator repair closed in 1998;
SE also formerly occupied by The Old lee House Workshop
Radiator Scarlett Ct. (furniture restoration).
SE Smog Station 6380 Not listed in databases; however, existing auto repair business
Scarlett Ct. may use hazardous materials.
Leaking underground storage tank; fonner Dolan Rental
Dublin Rock & 6393 Property; groundwater contaminated with TPHg and BTEX;
SE Ready Mix Scarlett Ct. groundwater flow is SE; site under investigation; impacted
groundwater may have migrated offsite and encroached into the
project boundaries.
1 As listed in the various databases; current name/land use may be different.
Bold Type indicates properties from which right-of-way for the project will be required.
Sources: Environmental Data Resources, Inc: "Hazardous Materials Data Base Search for
Dougherty Road/Dublin Boulevard" (January 2004) and GeoCon Environmental.
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
15
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Photo 1 - View of existing intersection looking east along Dublin Boulevard.
Photo 2 - View of existing intersection looking north along Dougherty Road.
PHOTOS 1 AN D 2
SECTION 3.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
This checklist was used to identify environmental impacts that could occur if the proposed project is
implemented. The right-hand column in the checklist lists the source(s) for the answer to each
question. The sources cited are identified at the end of the checklist. Discussions of the basis for
each answer except ''No Impact" are found in Section 4 of this Initial Study. In some instances,
where a "No Impact" determination needs explanation, a discussion can also be found in Section 4.
Less Than
Potentially Significant Less Than Benencial Information
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Significant With Significant No Impact Impact Source(s)
Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporated
I. AESTHETICS
Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic
vista? 0 0 0 · 0 1
b) Substantially damage scenic resources,
including, but not limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings within a
state scenic highway? 0 0 0 · 0 1
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual
character or quality of the site and its
surroundings? 0 0 . 0 0 p.28
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare
which would adversely affect day or nighttime
views in the area? 0 0 0 · 0 1
II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES
Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Fannland, or
Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland),
as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the
Fannland Mapping and Monitoring Program of
the California Resources Agency, to non~
agricultural use? 0 0 0 · 0 1
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural
use, or a Williamson Act contract? 0 0 0 · 0 1
c) Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their location or
nature, could result in conversion of Farmland,
to non-agricultural use? 0 0 0 · 0 1
III. AIR QUALITY
Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan? 0 0 0 · 0 1
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
17
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Less Than
Potentially Significant Less Than Beneficial Information
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST S ignitÏcant With SignitÏcant No Impact Impact Source(s)
Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporated
III. AIR QUALITY (continued)
Would the project:
b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute
substantially to an existing or projected air
quality violation? 0 . 0 0 . p.29
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for which the
project region is classified as non~attainment
under an applicable federal or state ambient air
quality standard (including releasing emissions
which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone
precursors)? 0 0 0 · 0 1
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations? 0 0 0 · 0 1
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a
substantial number of people? 0 0 0 · 0 I
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly
or through habitat modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special
status species in local or regional plans, policies,
or regulations, or by the California Department
ofFish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service? 0 0 0 · 0 I
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional plans,
policies, regulations, or by the California
Department ofFish and Game or U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service? 0 0 0 · 0 I
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? 0 0 0 · 0 I
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? 0 0 0 · 0 1
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
18
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Less Than
Potentially Significant Less Than Beneficia] Information
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Significant With Significant No Impact Impact Source(s)
Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporated
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES (continued)
Would the project:
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance? [J [J 0 · 0 1
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local,
regional, or state habitat conservation plan? 0 0 0 · 0 1
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an historical resource as defined
in §15064.5? 0 0 0 · 0 1
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to §15064.5? 0 0 . 0 0 p.30
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site, or unique
geologic feature? 0 0 0 · 0 1
d) Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of formal cemeteries? 0 [J 0 · 0 1
VI. 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
described on the most recent Alquist-
Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map
issued by the State Geologist for the area
or based on other substantial evidence of a
known fault? (Refer to Division of Mines
and Geology Special Publication 42.) 0 0 0 · 0 3
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? 0 0 0 · 0 1
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction? 0 0 0 · 0 1
iv) Landslides? 0 0 0 · 0 1
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil? 0 0 0 · 0 1
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
19
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Less Than
potentially Significant Less Than Beneficia! Information
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Significant With Significant No Impact Impact Sourec( s)
Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporated
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS (continued)
Would the project:
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 collapse? 0 0 0 · 0 I
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? 0 0 0 · 0 1
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting
the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater
disposal systems where sewers are not available
for the disposal of wastewater? 0 0 0 · 0 1
VII. 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? 0 0 0 · 0 1
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable
upset and accident conditions involving the
release of hazardous materials into the
environment? 0 0 0 · 0 ]
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous
or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or
waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or
proposed school? 0 0 0 · 0 I
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list
of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant
to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a
result, would it create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment? 0 . 0 0 0 5,p.30
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 result in a safety
hazard for people residing or working in the
project area? 0 0 0 · 0 1
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
20
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Less Than
Potentially Significant Less Than Beneficial Information
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Significant With Significant No Impact Impact Source(s)
Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporated
VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS (continued)
Would the project:
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip, would the project result in a safety
hazard for people residing or working in the
project area? 0 0 0 · 0 1
g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere
with an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan? 0 0 0 · 0 1
h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk
of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires,
including where wildl¡mds are adjacent to
urbanized areas or where residences are
intermixed with wildlands? 0 0 0 · 0 I
VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER
QUALITY
Would the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements? 0 0 0 · 0 1
b) Substantially deplete grouridwater 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 pre- existing nearby wells would drop to
a level which would not support existing land
uses or planned uses for which permits have
been granted)? 0 0 0 · 0 1
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern
of the site or 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? 0 0 0 · 0 1
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern
of the site or area, 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? 0 0 0 · 0 I
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
21
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Less Than
Potentially Significant Less Than Beneficial Information
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Significant With Significant No Impact Impact Source(s)
Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporated
VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER
QUALITY (continued)
Would the project:
e) Create or contribute runoff water which would
exceed the capacity of existing or planned
storrnwater drainage systems or provide
substantial additional sources of polluted
runoff? 0 0 0 · 0 1
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? 0 0 0 · 0 1
g) Place housing within a 1 DO-year flood hazard
area as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard
Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other
flood hazard delineation map? 0 0 0 · 0 1
h) Place within a lOO-year flood hazard area
structures which would impede or redirect flood
flows? 0 0 0 · 0 4
i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk
ofloss, injury, or death involving flooding,
including flooding as a result of the failure of a
levee or dam? 0 0 0 · 0 1
j) Be subject to inundation by seiche, tsunami, or
mudflow? 0 0 0 · 0 1
IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING
Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established community? 0 . 0 0 0 p.31
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan,
policy, or regulation of an agency with
jurisdiction over the project (including, but not
limited to the general plan, specific plan, local
coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted
for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental effect? 0 0 0 · 0 2
c) Corflict with any applicable habitat
conservation plan or natural community
conservation plan? 0 0 0 · 0 I
X. MINERAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to the
region and the residents of the state? 0 0 0 · 0 1
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
22
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Less Than
Potentially Significant Less Than Benefïcial Infommtion
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Significant With Signifícant No Impact Impact Source(s)
Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporated
X. MINERAL RESOURCES (continued)
Would the project:
b) Result in the loss of availability of a 10cally~
important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific plan
or other land use plan? 0 0 0 · 0
XI. NOISE
Would the project 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? 0 0 0 · 0 1
b) Exposure of persons to, or generation of,
excessive groundbome vibration or
groundbome noise levels? 0 0 0 · 0 1
c) A substantial pennanent increase in ambient
noise levels in the project vicinity above levels
existing without the project? 0 0 . 0 0 p.33
d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in
ambient noise levels in the project vicinity
above levels existing without the project? 0 0 0 · 0 1
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 in the project area to
excessive noise levels? 0 0 0 · 0 1
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels? 0 0 0 · 0 1
XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING
Would the project:
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area,
either directly (for example, by proposing new
homes and businesses) or indirectly (for
example, through extension of roads or other
infrastructure )? 0 0 0 · 0 I
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing
housing, necessitating the construction of 1
replacement housing elsewhere? 0 0 0 · 0
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
23
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Less Than
Potentially Significant Less Than Beneficial Information
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Significant With Significant No Impact Impact Sourcc(s)
Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporated
XII. PO PULA TION AND HOUSING
(continued) ,
Would the project:
c) Displace substantial numbers of people,
necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere? 0 0 0 · 0 1
XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES
Would the project:
a) Result in substantial adverse physical impacts
associated with the provision of new or
physically altered governmental facilities, the
need for new or physically altered governmental
facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental impacts, in order to
maintain acceptable service ratios, response
times or other performance objectives for any of
the public services:
Fire Protection? 0 0 0 · 0 1
Police Protection? 0 0 0 · 0 1
Schools? 0 0 0 · 0 1
Parks? 0 0 0 · 0 1
Other Public Facilities? 0 0 0 · 0 1
XIV. RECREATION
a) Would the proj ect increase the use of existing
neighborhood and regional parks or other
recreational facilities such that substantial
physical deterioration of the facility would
occur or be accelerated? 0 0 0 · 0 1
b) Does the project include recreational facilities
or require the construction or expansion of
recreational facilities which might have an
adverse physical effect on the environment? 0 0 0 · 0 1
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
24
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Less Than
Potentially Significant Less Than Beneficial Information
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Significant With Significant No Impact Impact Source(s)
Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporated
XV. TRANSPORTATIONITRAFFIC·
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 of
roads, or congestion at intersections)? 0 0 0 0 . p.34
b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a
level of service standard established by the
county congestion management agency for
designated roads or highways? CJ 0 0 · CJ 1
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns,
induding either an increase in traffic levels or a
change in location that results in substantial
safety risks? 0 0 0 · 0 1
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design
feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible land uses (e.g.,
fann equipment)? 0 0 0 · 0 1
e) Result in inadequate emergency access? CJ 0 0 · D 1
f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? 0 0 0 · 0 1
g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or
programs supporting alternative transportation
(e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? 0 0 0 · 0 1
XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE
SYSTEMS
Would the project:
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of
the applicable Regional Water Quality Control
Board? D 0 D · 0 1
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? 0 0 D · 0 1
c) Require or result in the construction of new
stonnwater drainage facilities or expansion of
existing facilities, the construction of which
could cause significant environmental effects? 0 0 0 · D 1
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
25
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Less Than
Potentially Significant Less Than Beneficial Information
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Significant With Significant No Impact Impact Source(s)
Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporated
XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE
SYSTEMS (continued)
Would the project:
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to
serve the project from existing entitlements and
resources, or are new or expanded entitlements
needed? D D D · D I
e) Result in a detennination 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
provider's existing conullitments? D D D · D 1
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient pennitted
capacity to accommodate the project's solid
waste disposal needs? D D D · D 1
g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes
and regulations related to solid waste? D D D · 0 1
XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF
SIGNIFICANCE
a) Does the project have the potential to degrade
the quality of the enviromnent, substantially
reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species,
cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below
self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a
plant or animal community, reduce the number
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? D D D · 0 1
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)? D 0 0 · D 1
c) Does the project have environmental effects
which will cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or indirectly? D 0 0 · 0 1
_ Dublin Blvd.lDougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
26
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
CHECKLIST INFORMATION SOURCES
1. Professional judgement and expertise of the environmental specialist preparing this
Initial Study, based upon a review of the site and surrounding conditions, as well as
a review of project plans.
2. City of Dublin General Plan, as amended.
3. Alquist-Priolo Maps for City of Dublin.
4. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Flood Insurance Rate Maps for City of
Dublin.
5. EDR Hazardous Materials Database Search for DublinIDougherty Intersection
(January 2004).
[Note: The above documents are available for review during normal business
hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) at the Community Development Department,
Dublin Civic Center, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA]
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
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Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
29
g. Limit traffic speeds on unpaved areas to 15 mph.
f. Enclose, cover, water twice daily, or apply non-toxic soil binders to exposed stockpiles
(debris, dirt, sand, etc.) to control dust.
e. Sweep daily (preferably with water sweepers) all paved access roads, parking areas, and
staging areas at construction sites. Sweep streets daily (preferably with water sweepers) if
visible soil material is canied onto adjacent public streets.
d. Apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers on all unpaved access roads, parking areas, and staging areas
at construction sites.
c. Cover all trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose materials or require all trucks to maintain
at least two feet of freeboard.
b. Apply water as necessary to suppress dust during building demolition.
a. Water alJ disturbed construction areas as required to control dust.
Mitigation Measure I:
During the construction of the project, various activities will have the potential to generate substantial
dust (i.e., particulates). Such activities will include the demolition of buildings on Scarlett Court,
removal of existing concrete, and minor grading. Elevated levels of dust are considered both a
potential health hazard and a nuisance. To minimize the potential for such impacts to occur, the
project will undertake the following mitigation measures during construction:
Short· Term
As discussed below in Section 4.7, Traffic Impacts, the proposed project will improve traffic
operations in the immediate vicinity of the Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection. This
improvement in traffic operations will have the secondary benefit of lowering vehicle-related
emissions since congestion/idling wi11 be reduced. This would be a benefièial air quality impact.
Long· Term
4.2 AIR QUALITY IMPACTS
Conclusion: The project will not result in any significant aesthetic impacts since
it would not substantially degrade the area's existing visual character or quality.
Section 4 ~ Environmental Impacts
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
28
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
TABLE 6
SUMMARY OF STREET TREES TO BE REMOVED BY THE PROJECT
Tree Species Number Tree Diameter Number
London Plane 66 .
Crape Myrtle 14
Bradford Flowering Pear 10 1 to 3 inches 41
Washington Hawthorn 8 4 to 6 inches 35
Oak 8 7 to 9 inches 11
Plum 3 10 to 12 inches 16
Pine 3 13 to 15 inches 8
Poplar 2 16 to 19 inches 7
Redwood 2 Total: 118
Birch 2
Total: 118
The project would result in the removal of approximately 118 trees located in the median of Dublin
Boulevard and adjacent to the sidewalks along Dublin Boulevard and Dougherty Road, as summarized
in Table 6. None of the trees are considered a significant visual resource, as defined by Dublin's
Heritage Tree Ordinance. Nonetheless, the project is proposing to plant approximately 73 new trees
along the sidewalks in the vicinity of the intersection. Further, although not part of the project,
additional trees are Hkely to be planted in the immediate area if and when the proposed
redevelopment of several adjacent properties occurs.
The proposed widening of the existing Dublin BoulevardIDougherty Road intersection would not
block any scenic views or vistas. Although it will result in the removal of two I-story commercial
buildings on Scarlett Court, the aesthetic quality of the area - a conunercial/retail zone - would remain
essentially unchanged from existing conditions.
4.1 AESTHETIC IMPACTS
[Introductory Note: This section discusses the potential environmental impacts (~l the
Project, based upon the responses to the environmental checklist on the previous pages.
Seven subject areas where impacts may occur were identified, all of which are discussed
below.]
DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
SECTION 4.
Section 4 - Environmental Impacts
Conclusion: The project will result in long-term beneficial air quality impacts.
Potentially significant short-term air quality impacts will be avoided by measures
included in the project.
4.3 CULTURAL RESOURCES IMPACTS
As described in Section 2.8, the project is not located in an area of archaeological sensitivity.
Further, the project site does not contain undisturbed soils since it has been developed with urban
uses, including underground utilities. For these reasons, the project is unlikely to encounter buried
archaeological resources of significance.
The above conclusion notwithstanding, in the unlikely event that cultural artifacts are encountered
during construction of the intersection improvements, the following standard procedures for the
protection of such resources will be undertaken:
a. If buried archaeological resources are discovered during project construction or excavation
activities, work within 8 meters (25 feet) of the find will be halted.
b. The City will retain an archaeologist to evaluate the significance of any such discovery and
make recommendations.
c. The recommendations of the archaeologist regarding such discoveries shall be implemented.
Conclusion: The project will not result in any significant cultural resources
impacts.
4.4
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IMPACTS
'.
As discussed in Section 2.9, there are sites in the immediate ViCInIty of the Dublin
Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection where hazardous materials are known to be used or stored,
and/or where contamination has been reported. Further, groundwater contamination associated with
previously-removed leaking underground storage tanks at the service station located at 6401 Dublin
Boulevard extends into the existing right-of-way. The extent of contaminated groundwater at 6393
Scarlett Coùrt is not completely defined and may extend to the proposed property acquisition parcels
along Scarlett Court. '
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
30
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Section 4 - Environmental Impacts
In order to ensure that the City does not acquire contaminated right-of-way and/or the public are not
exposed to unacceptable levels of hazardous materials, the following mitigation measure will be
implemented as a part of the project:
Mitigation Measure 2:
a. The City will follow its standard property acqUISItIOn procedures regarding hazardous
materials. These procedures involve a follow-up investigation at each site from which right-
of-way will be required. Onsite inspections are part of the follow-up work, as is a review of
all relevant hazardous materials files/reports at· applicable regulatory agencies. In certain
cases, onsite sampling of soil/groundwater is necessary to detennine if contamination is
present. If contamination is found, remediation/cleanup occurs prior to the property being
acquired by the City. Remediation is overseen by one or more governmental agencies,
dependent upon the nature and extent of contamination.
b. Where groundwater contamination has extended into the existing right-of-way, the City will
undertake an investigation to confinn contaminant concentrations. The results and
recommendations of the investigation will be provided to the contractor so that measures can
be implemented (if appropriate) to ensure worker safety and proper material handling.
Conclusion: The project may result in significant hazardous materials impacts.
However, mitigation IS included in the project to reduce these impacts to a less-
than-significant level.
4.5 LAND USE IMPACTS
As listed in Table 2, the project will require additional right-of-way in order to widen the Dublin
BoulevardIDougherty Road intersection. The land to be acquired will be converted to a
transportation-related use (i.e., lane(s) of traffic, street curb, or sidewalk). The land use effects of the
widening would fall into three categories: impacts on businesses, impacts to off-street parking, and
impacts to landscaping.
Impacts on Businesses
As shown in Table 2, the project will necessitate the full acquisition of two parcels located in the
southeast quadrant of the intersection. There are four auto-repair businesses located on these parcels:
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
31
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Section 4 - Environmental Impacts
Miracle Auto Painting, 6500 Scarlett Court
Oil's Body Works, 6392 Scarlett Court
All Glass, 6386 Scarlett Court
Smog Station, 6380 Scarlett Court
The project will remove these four businesses from this location, which would be a significant land
use impact. This conclusion is based on the fact that projects that directly result in the
removal/relocation of businesses and/or residences are typically considered to have a significant land
use impact. However, the project includes the following mitigation that wi11 reduce this impact to
a less-than-significant level:
Mitigation Measure 3
a. The City will purchase the affected properties at fair market value and will provide relocation
assistance to the business owners. The City's relocation program, which complies with
Federal relocation requirements, provides assistance to affected business owners. The
assistance, which varies on a case-by-case basis, can be both financial (e.g., moving costs,
rent subsidies, relocation costs, personal property losses, reestablishment expenses, etc.) and
technical (e.g., providing information regarding suitable replacement sites, providing referrals,
assisting with lease negotiations, assisting with moving logistics, etc.). Business owners also
have the option of receiving a fixed payment in lieu of relocating.
Impacts to Off-Street Parkin !
As shown in Table 2, a number of off-street parking spaces will be lost due to the proposed project,
as follows:
One of the five eXlstmg parking spaces at the Union 76 Service Station located at the
northwest corner of the intersection wi11 be lost.
One of the 70 existing parking spaces at a retail auto tire store located in the southwest
quadrant of the intersection will be lost.
Twenty-six of the 85 existing parking spaces at a shopping center located in the southwest
quadrant of the intersection will be impacted. However, with a reconfiguration of the parking
layout, the net loss will be 11 parking spaces.
Thirty-three parking spaces from the mostly-vacant commercial use located in the northwest
quadrant of the intersection will be lost. However, the property owner has filed an application
with the City for demolition of the existing improvements on the site and a new commercial
use. The proposed site plan for this property will accommodate the intersection widening.
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
32
Initial Study
April 8,2004
Section 4 - Environmental Impacts
The loss of one parking space .at the service station and tire store would be inconsequential with
regard to the viability of these businesses. The loss of the 11 parking spaces at the shopping center
would not cause a shortage of parking, based on an informal parking survey conducted by the City's
consulting design engineers. The survey found the parking lot at the shopping center to be
substantially underutilized even during peak hours.7 This conclusion is consistent with staff's
observations. Therefore, the loss of off-street parking spaces would not be significant.
The City will compensate property owners - at fair market value - for the loss of parking spaces due
to the proposed intersection widening.
Impacts to Landscapin2
In many locations, the effect of the widening would be the loss of landscaping and street trees along
Dublin Boulevard or Dougherty Road, as noted in Tables 2 and 6. This would not cause a change
in land use, and therefore would not be a significant land use impact.
Conclusion: The project will result in significant land use impacts. However,
mitigation is included in the project to reduce these impacts to a less-than-
significant level.
4.6 NOISE IMPACTS
The project will widen the intersection of Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road. The widening will
increase traffic-related noise levels at the adjacent land uses since traffic will be moved closer to those
uses. However, as described in Section 2.7, there are no noise sensitive land uses located within or
adjacent to the project limits. Existing land uses are commercial, which are not noise sensitive.
Therefore, the increase in noise due to the project would not be significant.
Conclusion: The project will not result in significant noise impacts.
7Source: BKF Engineers, December 2003.
Dublin BlvdJDougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
33
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
Section 4 - Environmental Impacts
4.7 TRAFFIC IMPACTS
Unlike most development projects that generate traffic, the proposed project is one that is designed
to accommodate traffic and implements mitigation measure 3.3/6.0 of the certified 1993 Eastern
Dublin EIR.8 By adding lanes to the Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection, the project will
increase the capacity of the intersection, which will directly improve traffic operations at this location.
Benefits will include shorter queuing and less delay. This would be a beneficial traffic impact.
The improvement to the peak hour operation of the intersection that will result from construction of
the project has been quantified and compared to "no project" conditions. As shown in Table 3, the
project will improve the projected a.m. and p.m. peak hours operation of the intersection to LOS "D",
as compared to LOS "F" under "no project" conditions. The project will reduce the average delay
per vehicle by approximately one-half, as compared to "no project" conditions.
The project will result in changes to traffic circulation at the Dublin Boulevard/Scarlett Court
intersection. This intersection, which has low traffic volumes, will either be closed or will be limited
to right-turns from Scarlett Court to Dublin Boulevard. [Note: Existing movements are limited to
right-turns to/from Scarlett Court.] Traffic that uses this intersection will utilize the nearby Dublin
Boulevard/Scarlett Drive intersection.
If the option to construct a cul-de-sac on Scarlett Court is chosen (see text on page 6), a driveway
to the property located at the southeast comer of the Dublin Boulevard/Scarlett Court intersection will .
be eliminated. Access to this property would be via the existing driveway on Dublin Boulevard.
Conclusion: The project will result in beneficial traffic impacts.
8Dublin City Council Resolution 53-93, dated 5/1 0/93, and incorporated herein by reference.
Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
34
Initial Study
April 8, 2004
SECTION 5.
LIST OF PREPARERS
The following individuals were principally responsible for preparing this Initial Study and/or the
technical studies upon which the Initial Study is based:
David J. Powers & Associates, Inc.
Environmental Consultants & Planners
San Jose, California
John M. Hesler, Senior Environmental Specialist, IS Author
Stephanie Grotton, IS Graphic Artist
Geocon Consultants, Inc.
Geotechnical & Environmental Consultants
Livermore, California
Matt Hanko, Hazardous Materials Project Manager
City of Dublin
Dublin, California
Ray Kuzbari, Traffic Engineer
DublinBlvd./Dougherty Rd.
Intersection Improvement Project
35
,Initial Study
April 8, 2004
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
DUBLIN BOULEV ARD/
DOUGHERTY ROAD INTERSECTION
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
CITY OF DUBLIN
JUNE 2004
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PREFACE
a Mitigation Monitoring and
to adopt
Quality Act (CEQA) requires a Lead Agency
of the California Environmental
Section 21081
Reporting Program whenever it approves a project for which measures have been required to mitigate or avoid significant effects on
is to ensure compliance with the mitigation measures during
The purpose of the monitoring and reporting program
project implementation.
the environment.
Improvement
The City of Dublin adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road Intersection
effects
significant
document lists
III
would not result
implementation of the Project
Declaration concluded that the
Mitigated Negative
Project.
on the environment because
The
of the
all
This
impacts are included in the Project.
mitigation measures to avoid such
mitigation measures, and describes:
implemented
implemented
the measures
be
Who will implement
When the will be
will
measures
How the measures
from implementation of the
June 2004
Page 1
impacts
for which the Initial Study concluded that the
those subjects
Project would be less-than-significant.
DublinIDougherty Intersection Improvements
Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting Program
This document does not discuss
Oversight for
Implementation
Responsibility for
Implementation
Timeframe for
Implementation
Description of Measure
Public Works Department
inspectors
Contractor
Construction phase
QUALITY
To control construction-related dust, implement the following:
1) Water all disturbed construction areas as required to control
dust; 2) Apply water as necessary to suppress dust during
building demolition; 3) Cover all trucks hauling soil, sand, and
other loose materials or require all trucks to maintain at least two
feet of rreeboard; 4) Apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers on all
unpaved access roads, parking areas, and staging areas at
construction sites; 5) Sweep daily (preferably with water
sweepers) all paved access roads, parking areas, and staging
areas at construction sites; 6) Sweep streets daily (preferably
with water sweepers) if visible soil material is carned onto
adjacent public streets; 7) Enclose, cover, water twice daily, or
apply non-toxic soil binders to exposed stockpiles (debris, dirt,
sand, etc.) to control dust; and 8) Limit traffic speeds on
unpaved areas to 15 mph.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
AIR
Public Works Department
June 2004
Page 2
Works Department
Public
Final designlright-of-way
acquisition phase
The City will follow its standard property acquisition procedures
regarding hazardous materials. These procedures involve a
follow-up investigation at each site rrom which right-of-way will
be required. Onsite inspections are part of the follow-up work,
as is a review of all relevant hazardous materials files/reports at
applicable regulatory agencies. In certain cases, onsite sampling
of soil! groundwater is necessary to detennine if contamination is
present. If contamination is found, remediation/cleanup occurs
prior to the property being acquired by the City. Remediation is
overseen by one or more governmental agencies, dependent
upon the nature and extent of contamination.
DublinIDougherty Intersection Improvements
Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting Program
Investigation: Public Works
Department
Investigation: Public Works
Department
Investigation: Final design phase
Recommendations: Contractor I Recommendations: Public
Works Department inspectors
Recommendations: Construction
phase
Where groundwater contamination has extended into the
existing right-of-way, the City ",'ill undertake an investigation to
confion contaminant concentrations. The results and
recommendations of the investigation will be provided to the
contractor so that measures can be implemented (if appropriate)
to ensure worker safety and proper material handling.
Public Works Department
Works Department
Public
Final design/right-of-way
acquisition phase
USE
The City will purchase the affected properties at fair market
value and will provide relocation assistance to the business
owners. The City's relocation program, which complies with
Federal relocation requirements, provides assistance to affected
business owners. The assistance, which varies on a case-by-case
basis, can be both financial (e.g., moving costs, rent subsidies,
relocation costs, personal property losses, reestablishment
expenses, etc.) and technical (e.g., providing infonnation
regarding suitable replacement sites, providing referrals,
assisting with lease negotiations, assisting with moving logistics,
etc.). Business owners also have the option of receiving a fixed
LAND
payment in lieu of relocating.
June 2004
Page 3
SOURCR
City of Dublin, Initial Stud)' for the Dublin BoulevardJDougherty Road Intersection Improvement Project, April 2004.
DublinIDougherty Intersection Improvements
Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting Program