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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6.3 DoughertyRdImprov CITY CLERK File # 600-30 X 330-40 AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: July 6, 2004 SUBJECT: Public Hearing: Adopt Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and Authorize Staff to proceed with Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 96852, Dougherty Road Improvements - Houston Place to 1-580 Report Prepared by: Melissa Morton, Public Works Director ATTACHMENTS: 1) Resolution Adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, along with: Exhibit A. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Exhibit B. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 2) Location Map RECOMMENDATION: //'1) Open Public Heating -~ i Receive Staff Presentation and Public Testimony 23} Question Staff and the Public ) Close Public Hearing and Deliberate 5) Adopt Resolution Adopting the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 6) Authorize Staff to proceed with CIP Project No. 96852, Dougherty Road Improvements - Houston Place to 1-580 FINANCIAL STATEMENT: There is no financial impact to the City' in adopting the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration. This CIP project is funded by developer dedications/contributions and Traffic Impact Fees (TIF). DESCRIPTION: On November 4, 2003, the City Council approved an amendment to BKF Engineers' (BKF) contract to .complete preliminary engineering, surveying and environmental assessment associated with the capital project in the 2004-2009 Capital Improvement Program identified as Dougherty Road Improvements - Houston Place to 1-580 (CIP Project NO. 96852). This project will primarily widen the existing intersection of Dougherty Road and Dublin Boulevard to improve traffic operations by constructing additional through and turning lanes. This intersection is located in an area where substantial development has occurred and additional development is planned. The project limits on Dougherty Road are between Houston Place to the north and 1-580 to the south. The limits on Dublin Boulevard are between Dublin Court to the west and Scarlett Drive to the east (Attachment 2). COPIES TO: Affected Property Owners I(Y~L ITEMNO. & ~ G:WllSCPROJkDougherty Rd Imp - Houston to 1-580kEnvironmental~S adopt MND.doc The City's consultant, BKF, prepared an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (Attachment 1, Exhibit A) for the project in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and guidelines. It was determined that the project will not potentially have any significant~ impacts' to the environment. Three less-than-significant impacts to the environment were identified in the study. Mitigation measures are identified in the Negative Declaration and in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (Attachment 1, Exhibit B) to reduce the impacts of 1) air quality, 2) hazardous materials, and 3) land use. These measures mitigate potential project impacts to a level of no significant impact. A Notice of Intent to adopt the initial study and mitigated negative declaration was posted and mailed to the public and affected agencies, including the State Clearinghouse, on April 15, 2004. The public and affected agencies were given thirty (30) days to review and comment on the study/negative declaration, with the review and comment period ending on May 14, 2004. No written comments were received during this public review period. Staff has reviewed the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration, and no comments were received during the public comment review period for the Mitigated Negative Declaration. Therefore, Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the resolution adopting the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and authorize Staff to proceed with C~ Project No. 96852, Dougherty Road Improvements - Houston Place to 1-580. Page 2 ~_. RESOLUTION NO. - 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 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) PROJECT NO. 96852, DOUGHERTY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS - HOUSTON PLACE TO 1-580 WHEREAS, the City of Dublin proposes to improve the traffic operations at the existing intersection of Dougherty Road and Dublin Boulevard by constructing additional through and turning lanes as part of the Dougherty Road Improvements from Houston Place to 1-580 Project; and WHEREAS, the project limits are Dougherty Road between Houston Place on the north and 1-580 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, and 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 from April 15, 2004, through May 14, 2004; and WHEREAS, the City did not receive any letters commenting on the Mitigated Negative Declaration; and WHEREAS, the proposed intersection improvements project 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 the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), is contained in Exhibit B attached hereto, 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, Attn: 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 Study/Mitigated 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 the mitigation measures 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. 'ZT~ Co, '~ '7/~/i ~ 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 Boulevard/Dougherty 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: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk G:~VlISCPROJ~Dougherty Rd Imp - Houston to 1-580~dEnvironmentalXreso MND.doc 2 ' INITIAL STUDY & MITIGA TED .NEGATIVE DECLARATION DUBLIN BOULEVARD / DOUGHERTY ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT City Of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568 (925) .833-6630 APril 8, 2004 CITY OF DUBLIN 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, California 94568Website: http://www.ci.dublin.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. Melissa"Morton, Public Weeks 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 TABLE 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 PREPARERS ...................................... 35 Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. i Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Figures Figure 1 Regional Project Location Map ............................ · ...... 2 Figure 2 Vicinity Project Location Map ................................... 3 Figure 3 Aerial Photograph ..................................... ' ...... 4 Figure 4 Site Plan .................................................. 5 Tables Table 1 Comparison of Existing and Proposed Conditions ..................... 6 Table 2 Right-of-Way Requirements ..................................... 7 Table 3 Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. Intersection Peak Hour Operating Conditions .... 9 Table 4 Ambient Air Quality at the Livermore Monitoring Station ............... 12 Table 5 Sites with Hazardous Materials/Contamination in the Project Area ......... 15 Table 6 Summary of Street Trees to be Impacted by the Project ................ 28 Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. ii Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project 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 Boulevard/Dougherty 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 Dublin/Dougherty intersection, please see Section 2.1 of this Initial Study. 1.3 DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project will 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 follows: 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 will be widened from five lanes to six lanes consisting of two left-tm lanes, three through lanes, and one shared through/right-mm 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-mm lanes, three through lanes, and two right-turn lanes. Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 1 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Francisco eCt LocatiOn SaF Francisco Bay Pacific Ocean 0 (~ ~) 10 Miles REGIONAL MAP FIGURE 1 5TH STREET DN PLACE BLVD. ""- JOHNSON DRIVE ~ Project Area ~ oWENS Scale: 1" = ± 770' VICINITY MAP FIGURE 2 Section 1 - Project' Description TABLE 1 COMPARISON OF EXISTING AND PROPOSED CONDITIONS [Number of Traffic Lanes] Existing I 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 tex.t 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, tums at the Dublin Boulevard/Scarlett Court intersection are limited to right-tums to/from Scarlett Court. The widening of the adjacent Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection will preclude right-tums 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~Dougherty Rd. 6 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 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-WAY REQUIREMENTS i 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-t0-15 :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 B1. restaurants net loss of 11 spaces after reconfiguration SW 941-205-37 commercial: tire 130 sq.ft. 1 parking space lost 6450 Dublin B1. 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 commercial: auto 4,700 sq,ft, landscaping along roadway 6391 Scarlett Ct. repair, concrete p~ant, landscape supply SE 941-550-14-02 commercial (vacant)I 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. vacant)2 landscaping along roadway NW 941-205-10-3 commercial: service 2,000 sq.ft. 1 parking space lost; 6401 Dublin B1. station landscaping along roadway ~Application submitted to City for proposed total demolition and new car dealership. 2Application submitted to City for proposed total demolition and new commercial/residential use. Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 7 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Section I - 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 Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection. These businesses are as follows: Miracle Auto Painting 6500 Scarlett Court 2. Gil's Body Works 6392 Scarlett 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 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. Dublin BlvdJDougherty Rd. 8 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project 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.~ TABLE 3 DUBLIN BLVD./DOUGHERTY 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. ~Level of service (LOS) is a concept used to describe 'traffic operations. LOS uses the letters A through F to describe o~erations, 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. 9 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project 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 "F" 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? 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 stormwater 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 (msl). 2Source: Federal Insurance Rate Map for the City of Dublin, Federal Emergency Management Agency, September 1997. Dublin Blvd./DoUgherty Rd. 10 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Section 2 - Environmental Setting Although the Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road i. ntersection 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 sevei:al 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 Livermore in recent years are shown in Table '4. 3Source: Alquist-Priolo Maps for the City of Dublin, October 2003. Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 11 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Section 2 - Environmental Setting TABLE 4 AMBIENT AIR QUALITY AT THE LIVERMORE MONITORING STATION 1 1994 ] 19951 1996[ 19971 1998I 1999 1200012001] 2002 Ozone Maximum (ppm, 1-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 1-hour standard for ozone is 0.09 parts-per-million (ppm). The Federal i-hour for ozone is 0.12 ppm. The primary objective of ozone standards is to prevent eye irritation and breathing difficulties. 3. Both the California and Federal 8,h0ur 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-10) is 50 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3). The Federal 24-hour standard for PM-10 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 BlvdJDougherty Rd. 12 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project 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 historical 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.5 The data base search yielded numerous sites within a i-mile radius of the Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection where hazardous materials are generated, used, or stored and/or where some type of spill/leakage/contamination has occurred. For most locations where soil or groundwater, 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. · ~CNEL 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 10-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. 13 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 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 commercial 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 Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 14 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Section 2 - Environmental Setting ~ TABLE 5 SITES WITH HAZARDOUS MATERIALS/CONTAMINATION DUBLIN BOULEVARD/DOUGHERTY ROAD INTERSECTION Quadrant ] Site Name~ I Address I Comments 5933 NE Shell Existing underground storage tanks; no known contamination. Dougherty Rd. Stefan, Borcher 5965 Currently Agorra Bldg. Supply; former leaking undergroun~l Bros. Dougherty Rd. storage tank; case closed 12/95. Amador i6000 Two underground storage tanks removed in 1999; no NW Automotive Dougherty Rd. soil/groundwater contamination; case closed 5/00. Leaking underground storage tank; discontinued remedial efforts Unocal/ 6401 in Feb. 03; quarterly groun.dwater 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. SW Dublin Toyota 6450 Leaking underground storage tank; ongoing quarterly groundwater monitoring and site investigation; contaminated Pontiac Dublin Blvd. groundwater not expected to reach the project boundaries. 6457 SW Rental World No known contamination; user of hazardous materials. Dublin Ct. 6500 No known contamination; user of hazardous materials; wastes SE Miracle Auto Scarlet/Ct. consist of thinners and non-hazardous solids from filters. Gil's Body 6392 No known contamination; user of hazardous materials; wastes SE Works Scarlett Ct. consist of Paints, thinners, and used motor oil. SE Tri-Valley 6384 Currently All Glass (auto repair); radiator repair closed in 1998; also formerly occupied by The Old Ice House Workshop Radiator Scarlett Ct. (furniture restoration). 6380 Not listed in databases; howeVer, existing auto repair business SE Smog Station Scarlett Ct. may use hazardous materials. Leaking underground storage tank; former Dolan Rental Dublin Rock & 6393 Property; groundwater contaminated with TPHg and BTEX; SE groundwater flow is SE; site under investigation; impacted Ready Mix Scarlett Ct. groundwater may have migrated offsite and encroached into the project boundaries. 1 As listed in the various databases; current name/land use maY be diffe?ent, 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. 15 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Photo 1 - View of existing interSection lOoking east alOng Dublin B0uleVal:d. Photo 2 - View of existing intersection looking north along Rc PHOTOS 1 AND 2 SECTION 3. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST This checklist was used to identify environmental impa~ts 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 Beneficial Informatior 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? [21 71 ~ · 71 1 b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? 71 71 [] · 71 1 c) Substantially degrade the existing visUal character or quality of the site and its surroundings? 71. 71 ' · 71 71 p. 28 d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? 71 71 [] · [3 1 II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non- agricultural use? 71 71 71 · [21 1 b) Conflict with.existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? 71 71 71 · 71 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? [21 [3 71 · 71 1 III. AIR QUALITY Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? 71 71 [] · [3 1 Dublin Blvd./DoughertY Rd. 17 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Less Than PotentiallySignificant Less Than Beneficial Information ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST SignificantWith SignificantNo 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? [] · [] [3 · 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)? []21 [] [] · [] 1 d) Expose sensitive receptorsrto substantial pollutant concentrations? [21 [21 [] · 0 1 e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? [21 [3 [21 · 0 1 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 arid Wildlife Service? O CI [] · [] 1 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? [21 [] [] · [] 1 c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defmed 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? [] [21 [] · 0 1 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? [3 [] [] · [] 1 Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 18 Initial StUdy Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Less Than PotentiallySignificant Less Than Beneficial Information ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST SignificantWith 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? O [] [] · [21 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? ' [] vi [] · [] 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? [] [] [] · [] 1 b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to § 15064.5? []. [] · [] [] p. 30 c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site, or unique geologic feature? [] 021 [] · [] 1 d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? vi [] [] · [] 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.) [] [] [] · [] 3 ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? [] [] [] · [] 1 iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? In [] [] · [] 1 iv) Landslides? [] [] [] · [] 1 b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? [~ [] [] · [] 1 Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 19 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Less Than PotentiallySignificant Less Than Beneficial Information ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST SignificantWith Significant No Impact Impact Source(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? O O Vi · Vi 1 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? ~ rn In · Vi 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? ~1- vi vi · vi 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? Vi ~ r~ · Vi 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? [~ Vi vi · Vi 1 c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? Vi Vi ~ · ~ 1 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? Vi · Vi Vi Vi 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? [21 Vi [21 · ~ 1 Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 20 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project' April 8, 2004 Less Than' PotentiallySignificant Less Than Beneficial Informatior ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST SignificantWith SignificantNo Impact Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Inconporated 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? El [] El · El 1 g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? El [] El · El 1 h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? El VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? El [] [] · [] 1 b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of 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)? [] [] El · [] 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? [] ~ [] · El 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? El ~ [] · El 1 Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 21 Initial StudY Intersection ImProvement Project April 8, 2004 Less Than PotentiallySignificant Less Than Beneficial [nformation ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST SignificantWith 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 stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted mnoff? vi vi ~ · [21 1 f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? vi O ' vi · ~ 1 g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? [] [] [] · []21 1 h) 'Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? [] In ~ · ~ 4 i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure, of a levee or dam? 21 [] 21 · ~ 1 j)' Be subject to inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? [] [] vi · vi 1 IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? ~ · ~ vi vi p. 3 1 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? vi [~ [] · [] 2 c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? [] [] 21 · 21 1 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? vi 21 [] · 21 1 Dublin Blvd.fDougherty Rd. 22 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Less Than PotentiallySignificant Less Than Beneficial Information ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST SignificantWith SignificantNo Impact Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated X. MINERAL RESOURCES (continued) Would the project: b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally- important mineral resource recovery site delineated On a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? vi vi vi · ~ 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? [21 vi [21 · [~ 1 b) Exposure of persons to, or generation of, excessive groundborne vibration or groundbome noise levels? [~ ~ [] · []21 1 c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? [] [] 'l [] [] p. 33 d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? ~ [] ~ · O 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? O O [21 · ~ [] 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? [] [] [] / ~ 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)? [] ~ ~ · r~ 1 b) Displace s~ubstantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of 1 replacement housing elsewhere? v~ ~ [21 · [] Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 23 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Less Than PotentiallySignificant Less Than Beneficial Information ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST SignificantWith SignificantNo Impact Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING (continued) Would the project: c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elseWhere? [-I [21 [] · O 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? [] [21 [] · [] 1 Police Protection? [21 [21 [] · [] 1 SchOols? [] [21 Fl · [] 1 Parks? [~ 0 [] · [] 1 Other Public Facilities? [] 021 O · 021 1 XIV. RECREATION a) Would the project 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? O O [] · [] 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? [] [] 021 · O 1 Dublin Blvd.fDougherty Rd. 24 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Less Than PotentiallySignificant Less Than Beneficial Information ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST SignificantWith SignificantNo Impact Impact Source(s) Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio of roads, or congestion at intersections)? [3 [3 [3 [3 · 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? ~3 [] [] · [] 1 c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? [] [] [3 · [3 1 d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible land uses (e.g., farm equipment)? [] [3 [3 · [] 1 e) Result in inadequate emergency access? [21 [3 [] · [] 1 f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? [] [3 [] · [] 1 g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus tumouts, bicycle racks)? [] [] [3 · . [3 1 XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS ..... . · Would the project: ~ "· · a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? [] [] [3 · [3 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? [] [] [] · [] 1 c) Require or result in the construction of new stormwater drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? [3 [] [] · [] 1 Dublin BlVd./Dougherty Rd. 25 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Less Than PotentiallySignificant Less Than Beneficial Information ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST SignificantWith SignificantNo 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? ~1 vi vi · In 1 e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? vi vi rn · vi 1 f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? Q Q ~ · [3 1 g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? ~ ~ vi · ~ 1 XVII. 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, 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? ~ [~ vi · ~ 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)? [21 vi [--I · vi 1 c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? ~ vi vi · Fl 1 Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 26 Initial StudY Intersection Improvement Project 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 Dublin/Dougherty 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. 27 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 SECTION 4. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS [Introductory Note: This section discusses the potential environmental impacts of 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.] 4.1 AESTHETIC IMPACTS The proposed widening of the existing Dublin Boulevard/Dougherty Road intersection would not block any scenic views or vistas. Although it will result in the removal of two 1-story commei:cial buildings on Scarlett Court, the aesthetic quality of the area - a commercial/retail zone - would remain essentially unchanged from existing conditions. 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 likely to be planted in the immediate area if and when the proposed redevelopment of several adjacent properties occurs. 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 Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 28 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Section 4 - Environmental 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. 4.2 AIR QUALITY IMPACTS Long-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 will be reduced. This would be a benefidial air quality impact. Short-Term During the construction of the project, various activities will have the potential to generate substantial dust (i.e., particulates)2 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: Mitigation Measure 1: a. Water all disturbed constrUction areas as required to control dust. b. Apply water as necessary to suppress dust during building demolition. c. Cover all trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose materials or require all trucks to maintain at least two feet of freeboard. d. Apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers on all unpaved access roads, parking areas, and staging areas at construction sites. 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 carried onto adjacent public streets. f. Enclose, cover, water twice daily, or apply non-toxic soil binders to exposed stockpiles (debris, dirt, sand, etc.) to control dust. g. Limit traffic speeds on unpaved areas to 15 mph. Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 29 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 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 Court is not completely d~fined and may extend to the proposed property acquisition parcels along Scarlett Court. Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 30 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project 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 determine 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 confirm 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 Boulevard/Dougherty 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. 31 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Section 4 - Environmental Impacts -- Miracle Auto Painting, 6500 Scarlett Court -- Gil'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 will 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 Parking 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 existing parking spaces at the Union 76 Service Station located at the northwest comer of the intersection will 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. 32 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004 Section 4 - Environmental Impadt~ 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 th~ loss of parking spaces due to the proposed intersection widening. Impacts to Landscaping 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. 7Sotlrce: BKF Engineers, December 2003. Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 33 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project 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 corner 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 5/10/93, and incorporated herein by reference. Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 34 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project 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 Dublin Blvd./Dougherty Rd. 35 Initial Study Intersection Improvement Project April 8, 2004