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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 3193 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) RESOLUTION NO. 3193 COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE)ss CITY OF SAN JACINTO ) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JACINTO ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE SAN JACINTO AGRICULTURAL IN-LIEU WATER SUPPLY PROJECT (SCH # 2007011020), APPROVING THE PROJECT, THE FOUR-AGENCY AGREEMENT, AND THE ADDENDUM, AND MAKING RESPONSIBLE AGENCY FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT WHEREAS, the City of San Jacinto (the "City") is a municipality duly created, established and authorized to exercise its powers under and pursuant to California law; and WHEREAS, the City, Eastern Municipal Water District ( the "EMWD"), the City of Hemet, and the Lake Hemet Municipal Water district have agreed to cooperate with each other and share some costs regarding efforts to reduce groundwater pumping from the San Jacinto groundwater basin; and WHEREAS, to facilitate this goal, the EMWD proposed the San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project, a proposal to install approximately 10,775 linear feet of 24-inch recycled water pipeline to deliver recycled water to two dairy farms (the "Project"); and WHEREAS, the EMWD served as lead agency for the environmental review and analysis of the Project pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") (Pub. Res. Code, § 21000 et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.); and WHEREAS, the EMWD determined that a Mitigated Negative Declaration ("MND") should be prepared to analyze the Project's potential environmental effects; and WHEREAS, on January 5, 2007 and as required by CEQA, the EMWD prepared and publicly circulated for 30-days its Notice of Intent to Adopt an MND for the Project and made the MND available to the public and all interested agencies and individuals, including the Governor's Office of Planning and Research; and WHEREAS, the EMWD's Board of Directors, at its regularly scheduled public meeting on March 7, 2007, reviewed and considered the MND, the initial study, a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, the original Project (State Clearinghouse # 2007011020), all oral and written comments received from the public and other interested agencies on the MND, and adopted the MND and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and approved the Project; and WHEREAS, in an Agreement entitled "Four-Agency Agreement Re In-Lieu Project" ("Agreement"), the Agencies agreed to participate in cost-sharing of the Project and to certain arrangements involving construction of Project facilities and the sale, purchase, and delivery of recycled water, among other provisions; RVPUB%MCUSHMAN\749637.1 Page I of WHEREAS, the Agencies subsequently created an Addendum to the Agreement making minor technical changes to the terms of the Agreement; and WHEREAS, pursuant to CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines, the City is a responsible agency for the Project and its implementation, the Agreement, and the Addendum; and WHEREAS, the City Council has independently reviewed and considered the MND, the Project, the comment letters submitted on the Project, the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, other related documents, and the Agreement and Addendum; and WHEREAS, all other legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred; NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of San Jacinto does hereby resolve as follows: SECTION 1. Compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. As the decision-making body for the City of San Jacinto, and in the City's role as a responsible agency under CEQA, the City Council has received, reviewed, and considered the information contained in the EMWD's Final MND, Initial Study, comment letters, and other related, on file with the City and available for review at the City's offices at 595 S San Jacinto Avenue, San Jacinto, CA 92583. The City Council finds that the MND and Initial Study have been completed in compliance with CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines. SECTION 2. Findings on the Agreement and Addendum. In addition to the MND and all related documents, the City Council has received, reviewed, and considered the information contained in the Agreement and Addendum, both of which are on file with the City and available for review at the City's offices at 595 S San Jacinto Avenue, San Jacinto, CA 92583. SECTION 3. Findings on Environmental Impacts. In the City's role as a responsible agency under CEQA, the City Council finds that neither the Project, the Agreement, nor the Addendum will result in any potentially significant environmental effects that cannot be mitigated to below a level of significance. As such, the City Council concurs with the environmental findings made by the EMWD and finds that there is no substantial evidence in the MND, the Initial Study, the comment letters, the Agreement, the Addendum, or other related documents supporting a fair argument that the Project may result in any significant environmental impacts. The City Council further finds that, as to those potential environmental impacts within the City's powers and authorities as responsible agency, that the MND for the Project contains a complete, objective, and accurate reporting of those potential impacts and reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City Council. SECTION 3. Adoption of Mitigated Negative Declaration. The City Council hereby approves and adopts the MND prepared for the Project. RVPUBNCUSHMAN\749637.1 Page 2 of SECTION 4. Adoption of Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. The City Council hereby approves and adopts the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program prepared for the Project and included in the MND. SECTION 5. Approval of Project. As required by State CEQA Guidelines section 15096 and in its role as responsible agency under CEQA, the City Council hereby approves the Project. SECTION 6. Approval of the Agreement and Addendum. The City Council hereby approves and adopts the Agreement and Addendum. SECTION 7. Notice of Determination. The City Council hereby directs City staff to file a Notice of Determination with the Riverside County Clerk and also with the Governor's Office of Planning and Research within five (5) working days of the approval of the Project. SECTION B. Custodian of Records. The documents and materials that constitute the record of proceedings on which these findings are based are located at the City's offices at 248 East Main Street, San Jacinto, CA 92583. SECTION 9. Execution of Resolution. The City's Mayor shall sign this Resolution and the City Clerk shall attest and certify to the passage and adoption thereof. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 3`d day of July, 2008, by the following vote: Ayes: Ayres, Carlson, Mansperger, Stubblefield" Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None City of San Jacinto Ar r��ti���111f Ye. B m Ayr Mayor ftii; r ATTEST: rothy Ch uinard, City Clerk City of San acinto RVPUB MCL SHMAN 749637.1 Page 3 of 4 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE)ss CITY OF SAN JACINTO ) CERTIFICATION I, Dorothy L. Chouinard, City Clerk of the City of San Jacinto, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 3193 was approved, passed, and adopted at a regular meeting of the San Jacinto City Council of the City of San Jacinto, California, held on the 3`d day of July, 2008, by the following vote: Ayes: Ayres, Carlson, Mansperger, Stubblefield Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None WITNESS MY HAND AND OFFICIAL SEAL this 21't day July, 2008. D rothy L. C ouinard, City Clerk u RVPUBIMCUSHMAN1749637.1 Page 4 of 4 FINAL MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM FOR SAN JACINTO AGRICULTURAL IN-LIEU WATER SUPPLY PROJECT State Clearinghouse No. 2007011020 EASTERN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT Prepared by PZL, Inc. With Assistance From Engineering Resources of Southern California February 2007 SUMMARY OF THE FINAL INITIAL STUDY AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION SAN JACINTO AGRICULTURAL IN-LIEU WATER SUPPLY PROJECT This Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project (State Clearinghouse No. 2007011020), has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the guidelines for the implementation of CEQA. The public review period for the Draft IS/MND began on January 5, 2007, and ended on February 4, 2007, covering the CEQA mandated 30-day public review period. A Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration was filed with the State Clearinghouse along with the required number of copies of the document for circulation to various state agencies, published in a newspaper of general circulation in the area affected by the project, and directly mailed to owners of property contiguous to the project. The availability of the Draft IS/MND for review by the general public was noted in the Notice of Intent. The contents of this Final IS/MND are as follows: • The Draft IS/MND dated December 2006, State Clearinghouse No. 2007011020 • Comments on the Draft IS/MND Appendix C of this Final IS/MND contains the comments on the Draft IS/MND and responses to those comments. The primary objective and purpose of the public review process is to obtain comments on the adequacy of the analysis of potential environmental impacts, the mitigation measures presented, and other analyses contained/referenced in the report. CEQA requires Eastern Municipal Water District to evaluate comments on environmental issues received form persons who reviewed the Draft IS/MND and respond to those comments in a level of detail commensurate to the comment (CEQA Guidelines 15088). All comments are included in this section so that the decision-makers know the opinions of the commentors. • Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program is located in Appendix D. The program has been prepared in compliance with the State law to ensure compliance with mitigation measures adopted for the project by EMWD. Assembly Bill 3180 (Publics Code, Paragraph 21081.6, effective January 1, 1989, requires adoption of a reporting or monitoring program for those conditions of approval placed on a project to mitigate or avoid adverse effects on the environment. The monitoring and reporting program has been designed to ensure compliance during project implementation in accordance with State law. • Draft Maximum Benefit Analysis The Draft Maximum Benefit Analysis is located in Appendix E. • Revisions to the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Revisions to the Draft IS/MND are shown as double underline for new text and strikeout (strikeout) for deleted text. The following summarizes minor text revisions to the Draft IS/MND: • Project Description, Page 1-3, bottom paragraph, Line 5, "provided" has been changed to "provide". • Project Description, Page 1-3, bottom paragraph, last sentence has been revised as follows: The Stipulated Judgment will determine the rights to groundwater of EMWD. Lake Hemet Municipal Water District (LHMWD). and the Cities of Hemet and San Jacinto, and provide for replenishment of the groundwater basins. • Biological Resources, Explanation of Checklist Responses, Page 11-15, bottom paragraph, sentence 2 has been deleted as follows: Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project TABLE OF CONTENTS Page PROJECT DESCRIPTION A. General Project Description 1-1 1. General Project Proposal and Alignment 1-1 2. Need for the Proposed Project 1-1 3. Existing Groundwater Conditions 1-2 4. Potential Measures to Improve Groundwater Basins 1-3 5. Proposed Project Characteristics 1-4 6. Environmental Evaluation 1-4 B. Surrounding Land Use and Setting 1-4 C. Agency Contact 1-7 D. Documentation 1-7 1. Previously Completed Environmental Documentation Incorporated by Reference 1-7 2. Recently Completed Environmental Documentation Incorporated by Reference 1-8 3. Individuals Contacted 1-8 4. References 1-8 E. Environmental Factors Potentially Affected 1-10 F. Environmental Determination 1-10 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST AND RESPONSES I. Aesthetics II-1 II. Agriculture Resources 11-5 III. Air Quality II-8 IV. Biological Resources II-13 V. Cultural Resources 11-20 VI. Geology and Soils 11-24 VII. Hazards and Hazardous Materials II-29 VIII. Hydrology and Water Quality II-31 IX. Land Use and Planning II-38 X. Mineral Resources 1140 XI. Noise II-41 XII. Population and Housing 1144 XIII. Public Services 11-46 XIV. Recreation 11-49 Table of Contents Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project XV. Transportation/Traffic II-50 XVI. Utilities and Service Systems II-52 XVII. Mandatory Findings of Significance II-55 List of Exhibits Exhibit No. 1 Regional Map 1-5 Exhibit No. 2 Pipeline Alignment 1-6 List of Tables Table No. 1 Threshold Emission Levels 11-10 Table No. 2 Construction Emission Estimates II-11 Table No. 3 Construction Emission Estimates Modified II-11 Table No. 4 Classification of Expansive Soils II-27 Table No. 5 Soil Shrink-Swell Potential of Existing Soils II-28 Appendices A Biological Habitat Assessment B Air Quality Emissions Calculations C Comments Received and Responses D Mitigation Monitoring Program E Draft Maximum Benefit Analysis Table of Contents Mitigated Negative Declaration EMWD San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project PROJECT DESCRIPTION A. Project Description 1. General Project Proposal and Alignment The proposed project will involve the installation of approximately 10,775 linear feet of 24-inch recycled water pipeline by Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD or District) primarily within private property along existing dirt roads or across agricultural fields that traverse the Rancho Casa Loma Farm, Scott Brothers Dairy Farm, and the San Jacinto River in the unincorporated portion of Riverside County, near the City of San Jacinto. The general pipeline alignment is noted in Figure 2. The proposed pipeline will connect to an existing pipeline at the southeast corner of Warren Road and Ramona Expressway and cross to the north side of the Expressway where it will run parallel to it, extending easterly approximately 2,300 feet to an existing dirt roadway. The pipeline will then extend north within existing dirt roads to the San Jacinto River and traverse the River in a northerly direction. Please refer to Figures No. 1 and 2 for regional and pipeline exhibits. 2. Need for the Proposed Project The purpose of the proposed project is to deliver recycled water to the Rancho Casa Loma and Scott Brothers Dairy Farms in exchange for reduced pumping from the area's groundwater subbasin. According to the Hemet/San Jacinto Water Management Area 2005 Annual Report, of the 47,182-acre feet extracted from the San Jacinto/Hemet area in 2005, about 57 percent was from the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Zone, or approximately 27,000-acre feet. The total production for the Year 2005 is about 4,200-acre feet less than 2004. One of the affects of this pumping is that water table levels have dropped and farmers have experienced increased pumping costs and in some instances wells have gone dry. "If the overdraft condition of the basin is not corrected, ground subsidence will cause structural damages in the surrounding area, and, additionally, the storage of the aquifer would be reduced affecting the groundwater supply availability." (p. 1, Preliminary Design Report, North San Jacinto Agricultural In- Lieu Water Supply Project) Groundwater levels in the Hemet and San Jacinto sub-basins steadily declined during a 40-year span from the early 1940's to the end of the 1970's. The 1987- 1992 drought quickly followed with similar impact. Recent years with below average rainfall and increased groundwater production have caused water levels Project Description Mitigated Negative Declaration Project Description 1-2 Mitigated Negative Declaration EMWD San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project 4. Potential Measures to Improve Groundwater Basins In 2000 the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) alleging that MWD interfered with their groundwater rights. As part of subsequent negotiations on this issue, the parties developed what is referred to as "Principles of Settlement". One of the provisions of the Principles of Settlement was the development of a groundwater management plan. In September 2003 an agreement was adopted between EMWD, Lake Hemet Municipal Water District (LHMWD) and the Cities of Hemet and San Jacinto to prepare a groundwater monitoring program. These same entities also agreed to Interim Principles of Groundwater Management and the final Principles of Groundwater Management in 2003 and 2004, respectively. In 2004 several Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) were also adopted. The first related to "the deteriorating situation in the sub-basins by providing interim stabilization through recharge...". (p. 19, EMWD 2005 Urban Water Management Plan) The second MOU described how funding of the groundwater management plan would occur. According to information found on page 19 of the EMWD 2005 Urban Water Management Plan, the implementation of the Hemet/San Jacinto Water Management Plan will result in the following: • The Hemet/San Jacinto area will have a reliable and adequate source of future water supply. • The settlement claims by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians are facilitated and accommodated. • Existing water production and water services system will be expanded to meet future urban growth. • Water quality in the management plan area will be protected and/or enhanced. • Cost-effective water supplies and treatment by the public agencies is supported. • Groundwater overdraft is eliminated and basin yield enhanced. • A monitoring program is implemented to promote and provide for best management and engineering principles to protect water resources. According to District Staff, the final Water Management Plan will be part of a Stipulated Judgment that should be approved by the courts in 2007 or early 2008. The Plan is intended to be finalized and implemented in 2008. The Plan's ultimate affect will be two (2) fold; It will limit the amount of water being extracted from the basin to a sustainable yield, and; provided for the continued recharge of the basin using imported water. The Stipulated Judgment filed by F=MWD t9 FeqUiFe that the Gities of Hemet and San Jar_,inte ;ind I WAND request that their individual aAd nelleAth 9 Oghts to suFfaGe and gFoundwater he specified will determine the rights to groundwater of EMWD. Lake Hgme Municipal Water District, and the Cities of Hemet and San Jacinto. and provide for replenishment of the groundwater basins. Project Description 1 -3 Mitigated Negative Declaration EMWD San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project 5. Proposed Project Characteristics As previously noted, the proposed project is to install a recycled water line that will attempt to deliver recycled water for agricultural purposes in place of groundwater which would reduce the need for groundwater pumping and its potential adverse affect upon the groundwater basin. The pipeline will be placed underground and connect to an existing system previously installed by the District for dairy users located to the west of this location. Most of the proposed pipeline will be within existing dirt roadways used by local farmers to move equipment or haul harvested crops or public right of way. The existing dirt roadways are well compacted and generally estimated to be about 25 feet in width. One of the exceptions to this location, is if that portion of the alignment located parallel with the Ramona Expressway, east of Warren Road, is installed just north of the Ramona Expressway right of way on private property. That portion traversing the San Jacinto River is intended to be installed utilizing a jack and bore system that will push and/or pull the recycled line under the Riverbed to avoid impacts to potential riparian habitat that could potentially occur through trenching. It is estimated that the area of impact associated with the trenching of the pipeline will be 25 feet in width. As such, most of the installation will occur within previously disturbed areas associated with existing area roadways. 6. Environmental Evaluation The environmental evaluation will focus upon compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) through the preparation of the responses to the checklist items contained in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. Also referenced as a basis for evaluating environmental impacts is the Riverside County Integrated Plan or General Plan, and the City of San Jacinto General Plan and their associated environmental impact reports. The County General Plan is divided into a hierarchy system in which broad County-wide polices are identified within conventional elements and separate Area Plans for certain geographical areas that contain more specific polices based upon the desires/focus of that particular area. B. Surrounding Land Use and Setting The majority of the proposed pipeline alignment will traverse the Rancho Casa Loma and Scott Brothers Dairy Farms. As part of this alignment, the proposed pipeline will also cross the San Jacinto River. A substantial portion of the alignment through the existing farms will be located within compacted dirt roadways that are located adjacent to existing agricultural fields or dairies. That portion located parallel with and near the Ramona Expressway could be within Project Description 1 -4 Mitigated Negative Declaration w U D CL CL j i (13 Z3 m �i O T CL U m Q Ntv Q C dCL m m � � � w e � ! % S* a �°y� . � + . . EMWD San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project private property on the Rancho Casa Loma Farm property that is utilized to harvest crops and generally does not have significant vegetation or other features. If this location is selected the District intends to obtain permanent and/or construction easements over the property to allow for the construction and installation of the pipeline. C. Agency Contact Karen Hackett Eastern Municipal Water District P.O. Box 8300 2270 Trumble Road Perris, CA 92572-8300 (951) 928-3777, ext. 4462 D. Documentation 1. Previously Completed Environmental Documentation Incorporated by Reference The proposed project traverses areas that have had previous environmental evaluations based upon various development proposals. Those documents include the following: • Hemet/San Jacinto Integrated Recharge and Recovery Program, prepared by EMWD. • Identification and Evaluation of Historic Properties, Eastern Municipal Water District Reclaimed Waterlines, prepared by CRM TECH, December 22, 2004. • Biological Habitat Assessment, San Jacinto in lieu Water Pipeline Project in unincorporated Riverside County, prepared by Thomas Olsen Associates, Inc., December 16, 2004. • Preliminary Design Report, North San Jacinto In-Lieu Water Supply Project, prepared by Engineering Resources of Southern California, January, 12, 2005. • San Jacinto Draft General Plan EIR; prepared by Cotton Beland Associates, January 2006. • Riverside County Integrated Plan, Genera/Plan Final Program Environmental Impact Report; prepared by the County of Riverside Transportation and Land Management Agency Planning Department. Project Description Mitigated Negative Declaration EMWD San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project 2. Recently Completed Environmental Documentation Incorporated by Reference Where appropriate, previously proposed mitigation measures from these documents and those listed in the previous section have been extracted and placed within various portions of the checklist responses contained in the subsequent section of this document. These reports and their findings are hereby incorporated by reference into the findings of this material. 3. Individuals Contacted Hackett, Karen; Eastern Municipal Water District, (951) 928-3777, ext. 4462. Jackson, Cecelia; Eastern Municipal Water District, (951) 928-3777, ext. 4412 Joy, Jayne; Eastern Municipal Water District, (951) 928-377, ext. 6241 Kleinman, Danielle; San Jacinto Unified School District (951) 929-7700, ext. 4224 Worthington, Ron; Principal Engineer, Engineering Resources of Southern California, (951) 765-6622. 4. References A Guide to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program, California Department of Conservation, 2004. CEQA Air Quality Handbook, prepared by the SCAQMD, April 1993 and updated November 1993. City of San Jacinto Zoning Ordinance. Guidelines for Classification and Designation of Mineral Lands, California Department of Conservation. Guidelines for the Official Designation of Scenic Highways, California Department of Transportation, on-line version. Hemet/San Jacinto Integrated Recharge and Recovery Program, prepared by EMWD. Hemet/San Jacinto Water Management Area 2005 Annual Report, prepared by Eastern Municipal Water District, June 2006. Lakeview U.S.G.S. Quadrangle Map Project Description 1-8 Mitigated Negative Declaration EMWD San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Preliminary Design Report, North San Jacinto In-Lieu Water Supply Project, January 12, 2005, prepared by Engineering Resources of Southern California, Inc. Resolution No. 68-16, Statement of Policy With Respect to Maintaining High Quality of Waters in California, State Water Resources Control Board, October 28, 1968. Riverside County Important Farmland 2002, Sheet 1 of 3, California Department of Conservation, January 2004. Riverside County Land Information Service web site. Riverside County Multispecies Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). Riverside County Ordinances and Codes. San Jacinto Draft General Plan EIR and Appendices, prepared by P & D, January 2006. San Jacinto General Plan, adopted May 4, 2006. Soil Survey, Western Riverside Area, California, prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, 1971. "The Purple Book", Excerpts from the Health and Safety Code, Water Code, and Titles 22 and 17 of the California Code of Regulations, June 2001, found on the State of California Web site. West San Jacinto Groundwater Management Plan 2005 Annual Report, April 2006, prepared by Eastern Municipal Water District. Western Riverside County, Natural Hazard Disclosure (Fire) Map, State of California, Stephen P. Teale, January 19, 2000. URBEMIS 2002 (Version 8.7.0), air quality software program, South Coast Air Quality Management District. 2003 Air Quality Management Plan, prepared by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Project Description 1 -9 Mitigated Negative Declaration EMWD San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project E. Environmental Factors Potentially Affected The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact' as indicated by the checklist below. ❑ Aesthetics ❑ Agriculture Resources ❑ Air Quality ❑ Biological Resources ❑ Cultural Resources ❑ Geology/Soils ❑ Hazards & Hazardous ❑ Hydrology/Water ❑ Land Use/Planning Materials Quality ❑ Mineral Resources ❑ Noise ❑ Population/Housing ❑ Public Resources ❑ Recreation ❑ Transportation/Traffic ❑ Utilities/Service ❑ Mandatory Findings of Significance Systems F. Environmental Determination On the basis of this initial evaluation: ❑ I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. ❑ 1 find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. ❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact' or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at lease one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed on an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the affects that remain to be addressed. Project Description 1 - 10 Mitigated Negative Declaration EMWD San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project ❑ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. Si6AaturLv Date Joseph B. Lewis Eastern Municipal Water District Printed Name For Project Description Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST RESPONSES Responses to the checklist questions are provided below the checklist matrix. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated I. AESTHETICS.—Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ b) Substantially damage scenic resources,including,but not limited to,trees,rock outcroppings, ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ of the site and its surrounding? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ nighttime views in the area? Existing Setting The proposed project site is located within a portion of a large agricultural area with nearby dairies and farms that harvest crops. No existing structures are located along the alignment. Explanation of Checklist Responses The responses provided below are based upon the Riverside County Integrated Plan (General Plan) and associated General Plan Final Program Environmental Impact Report, and the San Jacinto General Plan and Draft General Plan EIR. a) No Impact. Neither the Riverside County General Plan nor the San Jacinto General Plan identifies the project area as scenic in nature. However, the agricultural nature of the general project area does provide an attractive visual setting, with expansive views of the subject property that extend through the site to the surrounding hillsides. The installation of the underground water line will not change these conditions. On the contrary, the installation of the proposed Environmental Checklist and Responses II - 1 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project water lines will contribute to sustaining existing agricultural uses by helping to ensure adequate water supplies. Riverside County General Plan The Riverside County General Plan policies listed below relate to scenic resources. It should be noted that the District is not required to comply with these policies since it is not required to obtain approval from the County. However, the policies represent a method of establishing a premise upon which potential impacts to scenic resources can be determined. Open Space Element • Policy OS 21.1: Identify and conserve the skylines, view corridors, and outstanding scenic vistas within Riverside County. (Al 79) • Policy LU 18.1: Require that structures be designed to maintain the environmental character in which they are located. • Policy LU 18.2: Cooperate with the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and any other appropriate agencies in establishing programs for the voluntary protection, and where feasible, voluntary restoration of significant environmental habitats (Al 10). As noted above, the proposed pipeline will not create a change in the existing condition, because it will be located underground and support existing agricultural operations, thereby, maintaining the existing land use and current aesthetic conditions. The proposed pipeline will be installed across the San Jacinto River utilizing a boring process to avoid potentially adverse impacts to riparian related habitat. As such, the proposed project will not be contrary to these County policies. City of San Jacinto San Jacinto General Plan EIR Figure 5.1-1, Major Scenic Vistas, identifies various important scenic reference points and associated visual resources. The primary location of scenic vistas is found to emanate from a point south of the Ramona Expressway. None of the scenic views are specifically noted as traversing the proposed pipeline alignment. However, the agricultural area located south of the Expressway is identified as a point from which a scenic vista can be viewed. If this information is extrapolated beyond the notations on the exhibit with the General Plan the subject property would be included within this vista. The General Plan text also notes that development of agricultural areas could significantly affect scenic views. As Environmental Checklist and Responses II -2 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project such, the proposed intent of the project to maintain the existing agricultural areas will not be contrary to identified scenic resources. San Jacinto General Plan The San Jacinto General Plan also contains a number of policies related to scenic resources, including the following: Resource Management Element • Policy 1.1: Conserve important natural resources, such as mature trees, rock outcroppings, hills, ridges, and other prominent land forms, as open space. • Policy 1.6: Discourage grading of hillside areas and on slopes greater than 25 percent. Land Use Element • Policy 6.7: Preserve and enhance public views of the mountains and hillsides and other scenic vistas. • Policy 6.8: Preserve large groupings of trees, rock outcroppings, and other valuable scenic resources. • Policy 6.9: Protect valuable agricultural resources and encourage the continuation of agricultural activities. Although the proposed project is not within the City of San Jacinto General Plan study area or Sphere of Influence, the City limits are in close proximity to the pipeline alignment. The proposed project will not be contrary to these General Plan policies due to the lack of vegetation, rock outcroppings, or hillsides referred in these policies and the fact the project will assist in the maintenance of agricultural uses. b) No Impact. The Ramona Expressway is identified as a County Eligible Scenic Highway on Figure 9 of the San Jacinto Valley Area Plan and Figure C-9, Riverside County Scenic Highways, within the Circulation Element of the Riverside County General Plan. The proposed project will be located parallel with and potentially within the Expressway right of way for a distance of approximately 2,300 linear feet. The County-wide and Area Plan policies related to scenic highways are listed below. Environmental Checklist and Responses II-3 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Riverside County General Plan Circulation Element • Policy C 19.1: Preserve scenic routes that have exceptional or unique visual features in accordance with Caltrans' Scenic Highways Plan. (Al 79) • Policy C 19.2: Wind turbine generators have proven to be a unique tourist attraction. Multipurpose Open Space Element • Policy OS 22.1: Design developments within designated scenic highway corridors to balance the objectives of maintaining scenic resources with accommodating compatible land uses. (Al 3) • Policy OS 22.2: Study potential scenic highway corridors for possible inclusion in the Caltrans Scenic Highways Plan. • Policy OS 22.3: Encourage joint efforts among federal, state, and County agencies, and citizen groups to ensure compatible development within scenic corridors. • Policy OS 22.4: Impose conditions on development within scenic highway corridors requiring dedication of scenic easements consistent with the Scenic Highways Plan, when it is necessary to preserve unique or special visual features. (Al 3) • Policy OS 22.5: Utilize contour grading and slope rounding to gradually transition graded road slopes into a natural configuration consistent with the topography of the areas within scenic highway corridors. (Al 3) San Jacinto Area Plan • Policy SJVAP 12.1: Protect the scenic highways in the San Jacinto Valley Area Plan from change that would diminish the aesthetic value of adjacent properties in accordance with the Scenic Corridors sections of the General Plan Land Use, Multipurpose Open Space, and Circulation Elements. The County General Plan does not clarify the distinction between County Eligible and designated Scenic Highways. Caltrans has published Guidelines for the Official Designation of Scenic Highways that outlines the process necessary to obtain a designated scenic highway. An eligible highway must receive legislative approval to be designated a scenic highway. As such, the Ramona Expressway does not qualify as a scenic highway. However, based upon the above listed policies it would require new development along the roadway to meet identified criteria. Since the proposed pipeline would be placed underground and will not affect the existing land use or nature of existing improvements, it will maintain the existing scenic nature of the area and would not be inconsistent with the above referenced General Plan policies. Environmental Checklist and Responses II -4 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project The City of San Jacinto General Plan and associated EIR do not specifically address scenic highways or corridors, other than to indicate that many roadways provide for scenic views. c) No Impact. Please refer to response to a) above. d) No Impact. No exterior lighting is proposed. Standard Conditions/Measures of Approval No standard conditions are applicable related to the proposed project. Mitigation Measures No impacts have been identified that require the adoption of mitigation measures. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incor orated IL ARGICULTURE RESOURCES: In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects,lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model(1997)prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. 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? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use,or a Williamson Act contract? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Environmental Checklist and Responses II -5 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project 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? Existing Setting The proposed project will traverse an area that consists of existing farmlands. The property is designated Open Space Conservation and Agriculture on the County of Riverside San Jacinto Area Plan Land Use Map and zoned A-2-10 (Heavy Agriculture, 10 acre minimum lot size) according to information on the Riverside County Web Site. Explanation of Checklist Responses Some of the documentation used for this section is based upon material from the Riverside County Important Farmland 2002 Map, Sheet 1 of 3, California Department of Conservation; Soils Survey, Western Riverside Area, prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture; the Riverside County Integrated Plan and General Plan Final Program Environmental Impact Report, and; the San Jacinto General Plan and Draft General Plan EIR. a) No impact. The proposed project alignment will traverse the following four (4) separate farmland designations: • Prime Farmland • Farmland of Statewide Importance • Unique Farmland • Farmland of Local Importance As described in the Project Description, the intent of the proposed project is to provide recycled water in an effort to reduce the pumping of the groundwater basin and assist in the maintenance of existing farmlands. The proposed pipeline alignment will principally follow existing dirt roadways that traverse the affected farms. The only exception could be that portion of the alignment adjacent to and parallel with the Ramona Expressway, if it is placed beyond and north of the existing Expressway right of way, within the boundaries of the Rancho Casa Loma Farm. Even if this occurs, the pipeline will be placed underground and allow future farming to continue subsequent to its installation. 11 soil types have been identified along the proposed project alignment based upon information from the Soils Survey, Western Riverside Area, prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service: Chino Series (Cg), Domino Series (DoA), Grangeville (GvB, GwA, GuB, GxA), San Emigdio (SgC), Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 -6 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Traver Series (Tt2, Tr2, Ts), and Waukena (Wc). Of this total, the following three (3) categories are listed by the State as Prime Farmland: • Dello Series (DoA): Located along the alignment of the San Jacinto River. • Grangeville Series (GwA): Located in several areas south of and generally parallel with the San Jacinto River. • San Emigdio Series (SgC): Located at the northerly end of the pipeline. The following five (5) categories are listed as Farmland of Statewide Importance: • Grangeville Series (GvB, GuB,GxA): Located along a portion of the Ramona Expressway and significant portions of the north/south alignment above and below the San Jacinto River. • Traver Series (Tr2 and Ts); Located along the Ramona Expressway. The proposed project is intended to benefit agricultural uses by providing a water source that is not groundwater dependent. Any trenching within farmland will result in a short-term impact that will not adversely affect on-going agricultural operations or result in a conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses. As such, the proposed project will be beneficial for the existing and future operation of agricultural uses. b) No impact. The proposed project alignment is located within an area Zoned A- 2-10 (Heavy Agriculture, 10 acre minimum lot size) and designated on the Riverside County San Jacinto Area Plan as Agriculture and Conservation. The pipeline will traverse a portion of San Jacinto Agricultural Preserve Number 11, based upon information obtained from the Riverside County Land Information Service web site. As noted previously, the pipeline is intended to provide an alternative water source to assist in the maintenance of the existing agricultural operations located along its alignment. As such, the proposed project will benefit existing agricultural operations and not adversely affect their existence. c) No impact. Due to the type of project proposed and its intent no adverse affect will occur upon existing agricultural operations. The County of Riverside General Plan contains a number of policies related to the preservation of agriculture in the Land Use and Multipurpose Open Space Elements. Due to the extensive number of polices, please refer to those documents for further information. Since the intent of the proposed project is to maintain the existing agricultural operations, which is consistent with existing County policies, a listing of those policies does not further the analysis of this topical issue. Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 -7 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Standard Conditions/Measures of Approval No typical design standards or conditions are employed by the District related to this topical issue. Mitigation Measures No impacts have been identified that require the adoption of mitigation measures. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Ill. AIR QUALITY—Where available,the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ people? Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 -8 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Existing Setting The project area is located within the South Coast Air Basin of Southern California and within the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Impact Evaluation The responses provided below are based upon the 2003 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) adopted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), August 1, 2003, CEQA Air Quality Handbook prepared by SCAQMD, and SCAQMD's Urbemis 2002 8.7 Air Quality Computer Program. a) Less than significant impact. The proposed project is located within the South Coast Air Basin, which is currently a non-attainment area. The current applicable air quality plan is the 2003 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP), the final version of which was adopted August 1, 2003. This most recent version of the AQMP includes the following: • It updates the attainment demonstration for federal standards related to ozone and particulate matter (PM 10). • It replaces the 1997 attainment demonstration for the federal carbon monoxide (CO) standard. • It updates the maintenance plan for the federal nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and provides the basis for a maintenance plan for CO in the near future. • It is consistent with and builds upon the approaches taken in the 1997 AQMP and the 1999 Amendments for the attainment of federal ozone air quality standards. The direct impacts associated with the proposed project are related to the construction of the recycled water line. The potential construction impacts are discussed in the following section. The direct impact of the operation of the pipeline, including the potential use of an electric motor by the farm operator, will be negligible. The indirect impact of the pipelines operation is associated with the availability of an additional water supply for area crops. This potential indirect impact is presumed to be incorporated into the SCAQMD AQMP for the County of Riverside, since the existing land use will be maintained. This premise is based upon the following references contained in the 2003 Air Quality Management Plan prepared by SCAQMD: "The future emission forecasts are based on demographic and economic growth projections provided by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)."(p. 3-1,) Environmental Checklist and Responses II -9 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Demographic growth forecasts for various socioeconomic categories (e.g., population, housing, employment by industries), developed by SCAG for their 2001 RTP [Regional Transportation Plan], were used to estimate future emissions. (p. 3-9) The growth information referenced above is provided to SCAG by the local jurisdictions based upon their future development pattern specified within their respective General Plans. Riverside County adopted their General Plan in October 2003, which was subsequent to the date of the current AQMP. However, the Final Program EIR for the Riverside County General Plan indicated the newly adopted Plan was consistent with "regional air quality plans since population growth is projected to be at the same rate as projected by SCAG. (Section 4.5.3, Consistency with Air Quality Management Plan, Volume 1) As such, their General Plan is consistent with the latest AQMP. b) Less than significant impact. The CEQA Air Quality Handbook prepared by the SCAQMD in April 1993 and modified in the November 1993 update, provide various criteria and thresholds for emissions generated during the construction of a project. The threshold emission levels are noted in Table No. 1. Table No. 1 Threshold Emission Levels Chemical Threshold Emissions Levels for Construction Activities Per Quarter Per Da CO 24.75 tons 550 lbs. ROG 2.5 tons 75 lbs. NOx 2.5 tons 100 lbs. PM10 6.75 tons 150 lbs. Sox 6.75 tons 150 lbs. The focus of this analysis will be the construction affects, since the only operational affects would be limited to the operation of electric pumps that are powered in a manner similar to the farm's existing irrigation system. For the purpose of determining air quality impacts the pipeline installation process is projected to occur using the following parameters: 1. An estimated 150 to 170 feet of trench will be excavated per day or a total of approximately three (3) months. 2. The District will use two (2) backhoes to excavate and install pipe and one (1) front loader to refill the trench. Environmental Checklist and Responses II - 10 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project 3. One (1) truck will be used to deliver pipe to the site and (1) watering truck to provide for dust control. 4. A mobile drill rig will be used to bore under the Ramona Expressway and the San Jacinto River. The estimated emissions for the various pieces of equipment are listed in Table No. 2 Table No. 2 Construction Emission Estimates E NOx CO SO2 PM10 PM10 PM10 Total Exhaust Dust 78.93 110.06 0.00 3.03 2.82 0.21 Comparing the amount of estimated emissions from the pipeline installation, as shown in Table No. 2, to the thresholds established by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, as displayed in Table No. 1, find the level of air emissions to be less than significant for all, except the quarterly levels for NOx, which would total 2.6 tons and exceed threshold criteria. However, these figures include the daily use of a boring rig. Removing the rig from the equation reduces the amount of emissions by approximately 16.76 pounds per day. Therefore, if the bore rig is used for 12 days to push/pull the pipe across the Ramona Expressway and San Jacinto River, then the cumulative total is reduced to approximately 2.15 tons, which is less than quarterly threshold standards. An example of the effect of discounting the use of the boring rig and its other constituent components is displayed in Table No. 3. Table No. 3 Construction Emission Estimates Modified ROG NOx CO SO2 PM10 PM10 PM10 Total Exhaust Dust 9.95 62.17 84.75 0.00 2.56 1 2.35 0.21 During construction activities the District estimated that not more than 10 people would be at the site at any particular time. Due to a flaw in the Urbemis air quality program, the SCAQMD Web site recommends manually inserting site watering three (3) times per day at a 68 percent efficiency rate. This was undertaken, although the efficiency percentage could not be adjusted. However, the District, through their standard conditions of approval requires site watering. Section 3.02 of the General Construction Specifications adopted by the District requires, in part, that "The Contractor shall Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 - 11 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project be responsible for any damage resulting from dust originating from his operations. The Contractor shall also make himself knowledgeable of Southern California Air Quality Management District's Rule 403-Fugitive Dust and comply with these requirements. The dust abatement measures shall be continued until all required resurfacing is completed or until the Contractor has completed arrangements with the proper authorities whereby he is relieved of further responsibility." As such, although site watering is required a mitigation measure has been included to ensure it occurs three (3) times per day. c) No impact. The primary impacts associated with the proposed project are construction related and, therefore, short-term in nature. As noted in section a) above, operational impacts have been incorporated into the AQMP as part of the land use plans of those jurisdictions within the District's service area. d) Less than significant impact. The SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook identifies various sensitive receptors, including residences. In this instance, the amount of air emissions is not significant and the closest residence beyond the affected farm properties is approximately 500 feet to the east. The closest on- site residence is approximately 1,000 feet from the proposed pipeline. As such, construction or operational emissions is not expected to be noticeable. The limited number of vehicle trips occurring during construction will also not cause concentrated pollution levels. e) No impact. No objectionable odors are expected due to the type of project proposed. If any odors did emanate from the site, the distance to surrounding homes would allow them to effectively dissipate and, thereby not affect potentially sensitive populations. Standard Conditions/Measures of Approval The District has standard conditions that relate to this issue. However, due to a specific requirement imposed to reduce the potential for fugitive dust, several mitigation measures have been recommended. Mitigation Measures • Site watering during grading operations shall be provided three (3) times daily. • Grading/trenching operations shall be suspended during the first and second stage ozone episodes or when winds exceed 25 mph, per the PM-10 SIP. Environmental Checklist and Responses II - 12 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incor orated 1V. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES--Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect,either directly or through ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ modifications,on any species identified as a candidate,sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans,policies,or regulations,or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies,regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service? 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? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors,or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ resources,such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 - 13 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project 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? Existing Setting The proposed project site will be located primarily within several existing active crop farming operations. The area contains three (3) drainage courses, including the San Jacinto River. Two (2) of these drainage courses are identified as blue line streams on the Lakeview U.S.G.S Map. An updated biological assessment was conducted to ascertain the potential significance of existing habitat and species along the pipeline alignment. The vegetation found along the pipeline route was the same as the initial survey, except for those portions that were dried up due to the time of year. Vegetation included kochia, Russian thistle, amaranthus, cheesweed, brome grasses, wild oats, bermuda grass, Mexican sprangletop, rabbit's foot grass, annual bur-sage, black willow saplings, mule fat, cocklebur, and annual grasses. Explanation of Checklist Responses Some of the documentation used for this section is based upon material from the Lakeview U.S.G.S. Quadrangle Map, Biological Habitat Assessment, San Jacinto in lieu Water Pipeline Project in unincorporated Riverside County, prepared by Thomas Olsen Associates, Inc., December 16, 2004; Biological Assessment Update prepared by Thomas Olsen Associates, dated September 13, 2006; the Riverside County Integrated Plan and General Plan Final Program Environmental Impact Report, and; the San Jacinto General Plan and Draft General Plan EIR. a) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. Several biological assessments were completed for the proposed project. The first assessment was prepared in December 2004 as part of the preliminary evaluation of the proposed project (Biological Habitat Assessment, San Jacinto in lieu Water Pipeline Project in unincorporated Riverside County, December 16, 2004, prepared by Thomas Olsen Associates, Inc.). Although the first report referenced two (2) proposed alignments that the pipeline may traverse, the second report does not explicitly state the same information. The most recent alignment selected will extend approximately due north across the San Jacinto River and into agricultural lands, rather than traverse the River in a northeasterly direction and then extend north once across the River. A telephone conversation with Mike Misenhelter on October 4, 2006 indicated the vegetation in the area had not changed from that previously indicated and the previous conclusions remain valid. Therefore, this alignment was evaluated as part of the previous assessment. The original report was updated in September 13, 2006 (Biological Environmental Checklist and Responses 11- 14 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Habitat Assessment Update, San Jacinto in lieu Water Pipeline Project in unincorporated Riverside County). The updated report reached the following conclusions: • The "Potential for indirect impacts to burrowing owl exists along the length of the north/south route where it lies adjacent to the dairy and cow pasture..." (p. 8) Noise and ground shaking within a distance of 160 feet can cause a disturbance sufficient enough to dislodge or discourage use of existing nests. To address this issue it is recommended that construction occur outside of the breeding season, approximately between March and September 151h. If construction occurs during this time a focused survey should be conducted "to assure that no birds have moved into the vicinity." (p. 9) To address this condition a mitigation measure has been included. • Suitable habitat for the L.A. pocket mouse was observed along the San Jacinto River. Due to the technique of boring under the San Jacinto River to avoid impacts to the riparian habitat, potential impacts to this species can be avoided. Although it is a component of the proposed project, boring will be identified as a mitigation measure to avoid impacts to the L.A. pocket mouse. • Marginal habitat was identified for the San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Due to the use of boring under the San Jacinto River, potential impacts to this species will also be avoided. Although it is a component of the proposed project, boring will be identified as a mitigation measure to avoid impacts to the San Bernardino kangaroo rat. • Marginally suitable habitat exists along the Ramona Expressway for several plant species, Wright's trichocoronis and the San Jacinto Valley crownscale. These species are federally listed and must be addressed if federal land, funding or permitting is required for the project. CEQA requires that "...where a project has the potential to substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of an endangered, rare or threatened species..." an EIR must be prepared (Section 15065 (b)(2) Mandatory Findings of Significance). However, due to the limited extent of the proposed project and its potential impact upon a very small area of such species that only has been identified as having marginally suitable habitat in that location, the proposed project will not attain the threshold required by CEQA for a mandatory finding of significance. As such, the potential level of impact is less than significant. • Only marginally suitable nesting habitat for the least Bells vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher exists along that portion of the pipeline alignment in the San Jacinto River. I Rf49FmatlGRpF9Y*d9d by the Distrint Is that These species, along with the L.A. pocket Environmental Checklist and Responses II - 15 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project mouse, have not been detected. If installation of the pipeline is to occur during breeding season, between March and September 15th, and the Flood Control District has not undertaken an annual survey, then a survey should be conducted during this period to determine their presence or absence. This has been recommended as a mitigation measure. • Suitable vernal pool habitat does not exist. • Due to the existence of trees along the San Jacinto River and the potential for the nesting of raptors and non-raptors, nesting surveys should be conducted if work is to occur during the nesting season of March through August. To address this potential condition a mitigation measure has been included. As noted in the response to item b) below, impacts to potential California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) jurisdictional areas are not expected due to the proposed boring technique to be utilized to extend the pipeline under the San Jacinto River. However, to ensure that a Streambed Alteration Agreement is not required, it is recommended as a mitigation measure that CDFG be informed of the proposed boring operation once the methods are more precisely known, such as the location where the drilling equipment is to be placed and end point of the pipeline, to ascertain whether actual jurisdictional areas will be affected. b) Less than significant impact. The proposed pipeline alignment will traverse three (3) drainage courses, including the San Jacinto River. These drainage courses are regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) and will be discussed in Section c) below. The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) will also regulate impacts to vegetation within the San Jacinto River. Since the proposed project will bore under the San Jacinto River to avoid potential impacts to vegetation no impact is expected to occur to riparian habitat, as noted above in Section a). Although this is a project component, boring will be identified as a mitigation measure to avoid impacts to potential riparian habitat under the jurisdiction of the CDFG. Most of the proposed project alignment is located within a 100-year flood plain of the San Jacinto River, as identified on Figure 10, San Jacinto Valley Area Plan Flood Hazards. As noted previously, the proposed project area does not contain vernal pools due to the lack of suitable habitat. c) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. As noted previously, the subject property is within a 100-year flood plain and has three (3) separate drainage courses traversing the subject property. The updated biological assessment identified those three (3) courses as being within the jurisdiction of the USACOE since one is the San Jacinto River and the other two (2) are tributary to the San Jacinto River. To avoid impacts to habitat in the San Environmental Checklist and Responses II - 16 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Jacinto River the proposed project will undertake boring to traverse the River rather than trenching. The other two (2) drainage courses consist of the following: The first is located along the Ramona Expressway and is the result of an existing culvert that discharges water from the south to the north side of the roadway. The second drainage course is also represented by a culvert that is under the existing north/south roadway that will be used as the alignment for the proposed recycled water pipeline. The potential affect upon the drainage course near the Expressway will be determined when a precise alignment is determined. If the alignment is within the Expressway right of way then impacts to this would be avoided due to the need to place the pipeline either under or above the existing culvert. Temporary impacts to the drainage course due to trenching should be avoided. If the alignment is on private property then trenching across the drainage course will require approval from the USACOE. Due to the limited nature of the area affected a Nationwide Permit would be suitable through the USACOE. The drainage course along the north/south roadway alignment will not be directly affected by pipeline trenching since this will occur within the dirt roadway area and the culvert can be avoided in the same manner as the one along the Ramona Expressway right of way. However, due to the width of the roadway it is possible that the temporary placement of dirt within the drainage course could result in an adverse affect. As with the Ramona Expressway drainage, temporary impacts to this drainage area should be avoided. If they are expected to occur then approval through the USACOE is required. To address this potential occurrence a mitigation measure has been recommended to obtain such a permit if the pipeline alignment or construction activity affects these drainage courses. d) No impact. The proposed project site is within an area that is actively farmed. Due to the open nature of the project area and the existence of the San Jacinto River, wildlife movement is expected to occur. However, due to the underground placement of the proposed project it will not affect any existing wildlife corridors or change existing land use conditions. e) Less than significant impact. The intent of the proposed project is to primarily follow existing area roadways, with the potential exception of being located north of the right of way for Ramona Expressway. At the San Jacinto River the pipeline is to be installed using a boring process to avoid impacts to vegetation along and within the River. The Riverside County General Plan Multipurpose Open Space Element identifies agricultural resources as a major issue due to its high socioeconomic value to the County. As such, the County has attempted through the Plan to maintain the viability of the agricultural industry and preserve the resource it represents. The proposed project will accomplish these goals. Environmental Checklist and Responses II - 17 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project The Multipurpose Open Space Element also contains policies related to the preservation of vegetation. These policies are listed below. • OS 9.1 Update the Vegetation Map for Western Riverside County in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Game, the Natural Diversity Data Base, the United States Forest Service, and other knowledgeable agencies. The County shall also provide these agencies with data as needed. (Al 11) • OS 9.2 Expand Vegetation mapping to include the eastern portion of the County of Riverside. (Al 11) • OS 9.3 Maintain and conserve superior examples of native trees, natural vegetation, stands of established trees, and other features for ecosystem, aesthetic, and water conservation purposes. (Al 3, 79) • OS 9.4 Conserve the oak tree resources in the County. (Al 3, 78) • OS9.5 Encourage research and education on the effects of smog and other forms of pollution on human health and on natural vegetation. The potential affects of the proposed project upon vegetation based upon the County's adopted Multispecies Habitat Conservation Plan will be addressed in Section f) below. In general the proposed project will avoid existing sensitive vegetation. No oak trees will be affected by the proposed project. f) Less than significant impact. The proposed project is within the boundaries of the Riverside County Multispecies Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). The Plan provides for the preservation/conservation of land for the protection of habitat and associated species. The northern portion of the pipeline alignment traverses two (2) Criteria Cells, 2264, and 2265 within Cell Groups J and K, and near Cell 2171, based upon a reduction in the length of the pipeline since the most recent biological study and which provide for the following: • Cell Group J: "Contribute to assembly of Proposed Core 3 and Existing Constrained Linkage C. Conservation within this Cell Group will focus on chaparral, coastal sage scrub and grassland habitat associated with the Badlands and on riparian scrub, woodland and forest habitat associated with the San Jacinto River. Areas conserved within this Cell Group will be connected to chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitat proposed for conservation in Cell Groups 1 to the west, C to the north, and D to the east, to chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grassland habitat proposed for conservation in Cell Group K also to the east, and to riparian scrub, woodland and forest habitat also proposed for conservation in Cell Group K to the east. Environmental Checklist and Responses II - 18 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Conservation within this Cell Group will range from 20%-30% of the Cell Group focusing in the northern and southern portions of the Cell Group." • Cell Group K: "Contribute to assembly of Proposed Core 3 and Existing Constrained Linkage C. Conservation with this Cell Group will focus on chaparral, coastal sage scrub and grassland habitat associated with the Badlands and on riparian scrub, woodland, and forest habitat associated with the San Jacinto River. Areas conserved within this Cell Group will be connected to chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitat proposed for conservation in Cell Group L to the east, to chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grassland habitat proposed for conservation to Cell Group D to the north and J to the west, and to riparian scrub, woodland, and forest habitat also proposed for conservation in Cell Group J to the west. Conservation within the Cell Group will range from 25%-35% of the Cell Group focusing in the northern and southern portions of the Cell Group". Since the proposed project will result in a temporary impact upon land within existing farms and attempts to avoid disturbance to habitat will be undertaken, such as through the use of boring under the San Jacinto River, the proposed project will not result in a change in land use. As such, it will be consistent with conservation measures established in each Cell area described above and the MSHCP in general. No Natural Community Conservation Plan exists in the area. Standard Conditions/Measures of Approval No typical design standards or conditions are employed by the District related to this topical issue. Mitigation Measures • To avoid impacts to burrowing owls, construction should occur outside of the breeding season, approximately between March and September 15th. If construction does occur during this period a focused survey is to be conducted to assure that no birds have moved into the vicinity. • The proposed pipeline shall be installed across the San Jacinto River using a boring method to avoid potential adverse impacts to the L.A. Pocket Mouse and San Bernardino kangaroo rat. • Once the extent of the boring operations are more precisely known, contact will be made with the California Department of Fish and Game to ascertain whether a Streambed Alteration Agreement must be prepared and filed with the Department, since the intent of the operation is to avoid impacts to River habitat. • If installation of the pipeline is to occur during the breeding season of the Bells vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher, between March and September 15th, and the Flood Control District has not undertaken an annual Environmental Checklist and Responses II - 19 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project survey and found no such species exist, then surveys should be conducted during this period to determine their presence or absence of these species. • Nesting surveys will be conducted for raptors and non-raptors if work is to occur during the nesting season from March through August. • Obtain a permit and/or confirm through the USACOE that standard project measures taken to avoid potentially adverse affects to jurisdictional drainage courses are suitable to mitigate potentially adverse impacts. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incor orated V. CULTURAL RESOURCES--Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ historical resource as defined in Section 15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ site or unique geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ formal cemeteries? Existing Setting As noted previously, the subject property is existing farmland. The proposed alignment will traverse areas that have been disturbed as part of farming operations, including existing dirt roadways that are used by vehicles related to those operations. Explanation of Checklist Responses Some of the documentation used for this section is based upon material from the Identification and Evaluation of Historic Properties, Eastern Municipal Water District Reclaimed Waterlines, dated December 22, 2004, prepared by CRM TECH; Riverside County Integrated Plan and associated General Plan Final Environmental Checklist and Responses II-20 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Program Environmental Impact Report, and; the San Jacinto General Plan Draft EIR, prepared January 2006. a) No impact. A cultural resources study was prepared by CRM TECH at the time a preliminary evaluation of the proposed pipeline alignment was being undertaken in late 2004. The report was prepared consistent with both State CEQA Guidelines and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and included the following methodology: • A records search at the Eastern Information Center at the University of California, Riverside. • Review of literature available at the U.S. General Land Office's land survey plat maps. • Consultation with the State of California Native American Heritage Commission in Sacramento and subsequent contact with 16 Native American representatives via e-mail, standard mail, and facsimile. • A field survey of the alignment. The study found that no that no cultural resources were previously recorded within or adjacent to the Area of Potential Effects (APE). However, within one- mile, six (6) previous studies have been prepared that included 21 archaeological sites and three (3) historic-era features. All 21 sites were Native American in nature. Since they are not located in the immediate vicinity of the APE, no further investigations were conducted. The field investigation identified several drainage ditches that are located near to or extend toward what has been referred to as the Lauda pond. The pond is located on the north side of the existing residence on Rancho Casa Loma Farm, approximately 2,000 feet west of the primary north/south pipeline alignment and approximately 2,900 feet north of the Ramona Expressway. The ditches, one of which traverses under the Ramona Expressway and extends north and the other extends east/west to the pond, "...do not have the distinctive historical quality to be considered potential historical resources, and therefore, require no further study." (p. 10, Evaluation of Historic Properties, Eastern Municipal Water District Reclaimed Waterlines) b) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. As noted previously, no archaeological resources were identified through either the literature research or field investigation. The above listed historic/archaeological study recommended that `...any buried cultural materials unearthed during construction activities are to be examined and evaluated by a qualified archaeologist prior to further disturbance." (p. 12) CEQA Section 15064.5 (f) provides that "...a lead agency should make provisions for historical or unique archaeological resources accidentally discovered during construction. These provisions should include an immediate evaluation of the find by a qualified archaeologist. If the find is Environmental Checklist and Responses II -21 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project area found that the City's Planning Area contained Holocene alluvial valley deposits, they overlay older Pleistocene sediments. Such sediments have a high potential to contain significant paleontological resources. Based upon this finding the City of San Jacinto has adopted a mitigation measure that may require the preparation of a study by a professional paleontologist, if the project involves earthworks. The Riverside County General Plan Environmental Impact Report Volume I has identified the project area as being within an area designated as High Sensitivity B on Figure 4.7.2, Paleontological Sensitivity Areas. This category is defined as: "...a sensitivity equivalent to High A, but is based on the occurrence of fossils at a specified depth below the surface. This category indicates that fossils are likely to be encountered at or below 4 feet of depth, and may be impacted during excavation by construction activities." (Paleontological Sensitivity) Please note that no page number was provided with the on- line version of this document. According to Ron Worthington of Engineering Resources of Southern California, the estimated depth of the proposed pipeline will be 5.5 to 6.0 feet deep. As such, the depth of the pipeline could uncover paleontological resources according to the standard provided by Riverside County. To reduce this potentially adverse impact a mitigation measure has been proposed. d) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The previously referenced historic/archaeological study did not identify such resources in the area. CEQA provides that "In the event of the accidental discovery or recognition of any human remains in any location other than a dedicated cemetery,..." a number of specific actions must be undertaken, including contact with the County Coroner and, if determined appropriate the Native American Heritage Commission. (CEQA 15064.5(e)) As noted previously, the District has a standard procedure within their General Conditions, Section F-22 that provides procedures to ensure historic resources are preserved. Consistent with the determination listed for b) and c) above, the District has also determined that a mitigation measure should be established that will address this issue as well. Standard Conditions/Measures of Approval The District has procedures that respond to this topical issue. However, the District believes that a number of issues should be listed as mitigation measures. Please refer to the Mitigation Measures section below that relates to historic, archaeological, cultural, and paleontological resources. Environmental Checklist and Responses II -23 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Mitigation Measures To reduce the potential level of impact to less than significant, the following measures are proposed: • In the event potential historical, archaeological, or cultural resources (hereinafter cultural resources) are discovered during subsurface excavation at the site of construction, the following procedures shall be instituted: 1. The District shall issue a "Stop Work Order" directing the Contractor to cease all construction operations at the location of such potential cultural resources find. 2. Such "Stop Work Order' shall be effective until such time as a qualified archaeologist designated by the District has been able to assess the value of these potential cultural resources and make recommendations. Any "Stop Work Order" shall contain the following: a) A clear description of the work to be suspended; b) any instructions regarding issuance of further orders by the Contractor for material services; c) Guidance as to action to be taken on subcontractors; d) Any suggestions to the Contractor as to minimization of this cost; e) Estimated duration of the temporary suspension. 3. If the archaeologist determines that the potential find is a bona fide cultural resource, the District shall extend the duration of the "Stop Work Order" in writing, and the Contractor shall suspend work at all locations of the find." • In the event paleontological resources are uncovered during excavation, the District shall institute procedures consistent with those established for cultural resources, except a professional paleontologist shall undertake an evaluation to assess the value of the potential resource. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incor orated V1. 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: Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 -24 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault,as delineated 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. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ iv) Landslides? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable,or that would become unstable as a result of the project,and potentially result in ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ on-or off-site landslide,lateral spreading,subsidence,liquefaction or collapse? 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? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste disposal systems where sewers are ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ not available for the disposal of waste water? Existing Setting The proposed project is located in the San Jacinto Valley which includes a predominance of clay, silt, and fine-grained sand deposits. The proposed project alignment will be located at the approximate elevation of 1450 feet above sea level, based upon a review of the Lakeview U.S.G.S. Quadrangle Map. Environmental Checklist and Responses II -25 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Explanation of Checklist Responses Some of the documentation used for this section is based upon material from the Soil Survey, Western Riverside Area, prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, California; Lakeview U.S.G.S. Quadrangle Map, and; the San Jacinto General Plan Draft EIR, prepared in January 2006. a.i) Less than significant impact. Due to the definitive mapping available from the City of San Jacinto on this issue more emphasis was placed on this document than that provided in the County General Plan. Figure 5.6-1 Seismic Hazards of the San Jacinto General Plan EIR identifies an Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone traversing the proposed pipeline extending from approximately the intersection of Warren Road and Ramona Expressway, one-half the distance between the intersection and the easterly extension of the pipeline along Ramona Expressway. This particular study zone contains the Casa Loma fault. The proposed pipeline is not a critical facility such as a hospital or a pipeline that supplies potable drinking water. Typically the potential for geologic movement does not adversely affect a waterline due to its ability to flex with its existing joints. Should such an occurrence take place that results in a line break, the line can be easily repaired and placed back in operation. a.ii) Less than significant impact. Due to the close proximity of potentially active faults within the San Jacinto Valley the subject property would expect to receive strong ground shaking. The San Jacinto General Plan EIR noted that the City is potentially subject to ground shaking that is moderate to severe. However, seismic events of this nature will not adversely affect the operation of the proposed pipeline. a.iii) Less than significant impact. Figure 3-3: Spring Water Level Contours, West San Jacinto Groundwater Management Plan 2005 Annual Report, prepared by Eastern Municipal Water District identified a groundwater depth of approximately 250 feet. The fact the depth is substantial is consistent with one of the underlying premises of the proposed project, which is to maintain the groundwater basin, which has been over-drafted by agricultural businesses in the area. The depth of the groundwater minimizes the potential for liquefaction to occur. The California Building Code identifies a depth of 50 feet or less as requiring an evaluation to ascertain the potential for liquefaction. a.iv.) No impact. The project site is flat and no significant slopes are located near the property that would result in landslides either on or off-site caused by the installation or operation of the proposed pipeline. b) Less than significant impact. As noted in Section VI BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES a number of drainage courses traverse the proposed project alignment, including the San Jacinto River. No erosion is expected due to the Environmental Checklist and Responses II -26 Mitigated Negative Declaration Environmental Checklist and Responses II -27 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Table No. 5 Shrink-Swell Potential of Existing Soils Soil Type Shrink-Swell Potential DoA; Dello Series: Low GvB, GuB, GxA, GwA; Low Gran eville Series., Tr2, Tt2, and Ts; Traver Series Low, except for Tt2 and Ts at depths greater than 20 inches it is Moderate. S C; San Emi do Series Low C ; Chino Series Moderate Wc; Waukena Series Low, except at depths over 11 inches it is Moderate. J1 In this instance, the existing soils provide a low to moderate potential for shrink- swell and will not be responsible for supporting habitable structures or other types of building foundations. As such, expansion of the existing soils will not affect the use or operation of the pipeline. e) No impact. The proposed project will not involve the use of septic or other type of subsurface disposal systems. Standard Conditions/Measures of Approval The District shall prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), as required by law. No other typical design standards or conditions are employed by the District related to this topical issue. Mitigation Measures No impacts have been identified that require the adoption of mitigation measures. Environmental Checklist and Responses II -28 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incor orated V11. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS-- Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport,use, ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,substances,or ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code section ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ 65962.5 and,as a result,would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan 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? 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? Environmental Checklist and Responses II -29 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ or emergency evacuation plan? 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? Existinq Setting As noted previously, the project area consists of several farms, with existing agricultural fields and access roads. Impact Evaluation Some of the documentation used for this section is based upon material from the Soil Survey, Western Riverside Area, prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, California; Lakeview U.S.G.S. Quadrangle Map; "The Purple Book", Excerpts from the Health and Safety Code, Water Code, and Titles 22 and 17 of the California Code of Regulations; the San Jacinto General Plan Draft E1R, prepared January 2006, and; the Southwest San Bernardino County, Natural Hazard Disclosure (Fire) Map, prepared by the State of California, January 6, 2000, and; Riverside County Integrated Plan and associated General Plan Final Program Environmental Impact Report. a) Less than significant impact. The proposed project will involve the installation of a recycled water pipeline. Once installed, the pipeline will convey recycled water to existing farms for use in irrigating row crops. No hazardous materials will be transported to the site as part of the installation of the pipeline or subsequent operation of the pipeline. A further explanation is provided below in item b). b) Less than significant impact. According to Cecilia Jackson, Recycled Water Program Coordinator for the District, the water delivered to the project site will meet Title 22 standards. Article 3, Uses of Recycled Water, contained in Section 60304 (1) of the California Code of Regulations allows for recycled water to be used for "Food crops, including all edible root crops, where the recycled water comes into contact with the edible portion of the crop" if it meets disinfected tertiary recycled water standards. Since the District provides this level of treatment, the water delivered to the site meets State health standards. Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 -30 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project c) No impact. No school sites exist within one-quarter mile of the proposed project site. d) No impact. The proposed project alignment is through existing agricultural farms. No hazardous materials sites are known to be located along the proposed alignment. e) No impact. The proposed project is not within the boundaries of an airport land use plan nor is an airport located in the area. The closest airport is the Hemet/Ryan Airport located approximately six (6) miles from the closest portion of the pipeline alignment. f) No impact. Please refer to previous response in number e). g) No impact. The proposed project is not intended to change the existing agricultural operation of the affected farms or the area's land use. As such, the installation of the pipeline will not affect an adopted evacuation plan. h) No impact. Based upon the South West San Bernardino County Natural Hazard Disclosure (Map), prepared from information provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and viewed on the Internet, the proposed project site is not located within an area designated as either a "Wildland area that may contain substantial forest fire risks and hazards" or "Very high fire hazard severity zone - AB 337". It should be noted that the area south of the Ramona Expressway is identified as "Very high fire hazard severity zone - AB 337". Figure 11 Wildfire Susceptibility, contained in the Riverside County General Plan San Jacinto Valley Area Plan, does not identify the project area or the area near the project alignment as being potentially susceptible to fire hazards. Similar information is displayed in Figure 5.7-1 Fire Hazards, of the San Jacinto General Plan Draft EIR. Standard Conditions/Measures of Approval No typical design standards or conditions are employed by the District related to this topical issue. Mitigation Measures No impacts have been identified that require the adoption of mitigation measures. Environmental Checklist and Responses II -31 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Inco orated VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY—Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level(e.g.,the production rate ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ of 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)? 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? 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? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 -32 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project 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? h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ flows? 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? j) Inundation by seiche,tsunami, or mudflow? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Existing Conditions The District provides water to a number of jurisdictions with Riverside County, including unincorporated areas of the County. Wastewater treatment is also provided by the District. In this particular instance, the San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility will supply the recycled water that is the subject of this study. Impact Evaluation Some of the documentation used for this section is based upon material from the U.S.G.S. Lakeview Quadrangle Map, the District's 2005 Urban Water Management Plan, and West San Jacinto Groundwater Basin Management Plan 2005 Annual Report. a) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. In response to this issue there are three (3) separate areas of discussion that are applicable. The first is the type of water to be used. The second relates to the discharge of water from the construction area that could result in the off-site release of pollutants or erosion. The third issue is the ability to use recycled water and percolate into the area's groundwater basin. Recycled Water The District operates four (4) regional water reclamation facilities that produce recycled water. Recycled water "means water which, as a result of treatment of waste, is suitable for a direct beneficial use or a controlled use that would not Environmental Checklist and Responses II -33 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project otherwise occur and is therefore considered a valuable resource." (Section 13050, Chapter 2. Definitions, Division 7, Water Quality, California Water Code) Title 22, Division 4 of the California Code of Regulation provides the criteria under which recycled water is to be used, which includes its use for irrigation of food crops, provided certain criteria are met. Ordinance No. 68.2 adopted by the District stipulates the rules and regulations governing the use of recycled water. Under the General Provisions, Section 1.10 Introduction, the District provides that "Uses of recycled water may include, but are not limited to, greenbelt irrigation, agricultural irrigation, industrial processes and commercial uses, landscape or recreational impoundment purposes, wildlife habitat, and groundwater recharge." As such, the use of recycled water for crop irrigation purposes is allowed. According to Cecelia Jackson, Recycled Water Program Coordinator for the District, the District provides treated water to a level that is equal to or better than that allow by the State Water Code for crop irrigation. In addition, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Region, has established criteria through Order No. R9-2006-0007 for the San Jacinto Valley Water Reclamation Facility that both the District and the recycled water user must comply with, including water conveyance systems, water storage, and water use. Compliance with these requirements will reduce any potential adverse affect to less than significant regarding the use of recycled water. Potential Off-Site Release of Pollutants or Erosion Actions must also be undertaken to prevent erosion and the potential discharge of pollutants from the site, in compliance with the Clean Water Act. This will require projects of one (1) acre in size or greater, to prepare and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and/or Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP). At this time the width of the trench excavated for the water line will vary between 36-inches and 42-inches. As such, the proposed project may exceed one (1) acre in size if the amount of trenching necessary is at the 42-inch width. Due to the limited amount of proposed grading and improvements, the potential for erosion or the off-site discharge of pollutants is expected to be minimal. However, since the proposed project will exceed the one (1) acre threshold for the preparation of an SWPPP, compliance with the Clean Water Act will be required. Integration of Recycled Water with the area's Groundwater Basin The State Water Resources Control Board has adopted Resolution No. 68-16, entitled "Statement of Policy With Respect to Maintaining High Quality of Waters in California". One of the provisions of this resolution, listed below, relates to the need to maintain the existing quality of water. Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 -34 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project 1. "Whenever the existing quality of water is better than the quality established in policies as of the date on which such policies become effective, such existing high quality will be maintained until it has been demonstrated to the State that any change will be consistent with maximum benefit present and anticipated beneficial use of such water and will not result in water quality less than that prescribed in the policies." The water quality standards referenced above are based upon the water quality conditions that existed at the time of the adoption of the resolution. The recycled water that will be used as part of the proposed project and which could affect the area's groundwater basin meets all existing health standards, as previously noted. However, the recycled water does not meet the historical native groundwater conditions. Since the use of recycled water could change the groundwater quality as it originally existed, the District is in the process of requesting an increase in the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) and total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) through the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) for the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone. The adopted water quality objectives for the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Zone as set by the RWQCB in Resolution No. R8-2004-0001, are 320 mg/I for TDS and 1.4 mg/I for TIN. For the District to undertake this proposed change and be allowed to proceed with the proposed project, a Maximum Benefit Analysis (referenced in the provision listed above from Resolution 68-16) must be completed by the District and accepted by the RWQCB. This study would include mechanisms that would allow for the use of recycled water by area farmers for crop irrigation and ensure the existing groundwater basin has an assimilative capacity to meet adopted basin objectives. Various mitigation measures could be accepted/adopted by the RWQCB as part of this approval that could include the use of desalters and treatment of the recycled water or groundwater. Should the Maximum Benefit Analysis (see Appendix E) not be accepted by the RWQCB, the District will be unable to deliver recycled water as envisioned by the proposed project. To allow the proposed project to proceed the Maximum Benefit Analysis must be accepted by the RWQCB at a subsequent date. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not allow mitigation to be deferred to a later date, such as in the case of requiring a future study to determine what future impacts may occur and then determine the type of mitigation necessary to proceed with the project. Specifically, Section 15126.4 of the CEQA Guidelines provides that "Formulation of mitigation measures should not be deferred until some future time. However, measures may specify performance standards which would mitigate the significant effect of the project and which may be accomplished in more than one specified way." (emphasis added) In this specific instance, the completion of the Maximum Benefit Analysis and associated mitigation or implementation measures will stipulate the criteria under which the proposed Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 -35 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project project can proceed. However, at this time it is difficult to delineate particular performance standards, since that is the purpose of undertaking the Maximum Benefit Analysis. However, it is reasonable to assume that various measures will be identified in the study that will specify methods of meeting adopted basin objectives and lowering the TDS and TIN levels that affect the basin. Based upon this general performance standard, mitigation can occur subsequent to the completion of future studies. b) No impact. The purpose of the proposed project is to reduce the need to pump water from existing groundwater basins, as provided for with the Preliminary Design Report for the North San Jacinto In-Lieu Water Supply Project: "The purpose of the project is to implement an innovative approach to maintaining and restoring the groundwater basins and enhancing available water supply by integrating an effective recycled water in-lieu program with a comprehensive groundwater management plan." "Project objectives include: 1) Stabilize the San Jacinto groundwater subbasin and eliminate the overdraft through maximizing all available water resources in the watershed; 2) Minimize subsidence thus protecting the integrity of the groundwater aquifer; 3) Provide a cost efficient and reliable alternative water supply to area farmers enabling the long-term viability of agricultural production; 4) Expand recycled water use on farmland throughout the area to establish it as a conservation practice in- lieu of pumping native groundwater while protecting agricultural water rights as envisioned by the groundwater management principles; 5) Increase groundwater supplies through an effective regional reuse strategy; and, 6) Assist transformation of the public's perception of recycled water from a disposal item to one of the building blocks for California's future water supply." (p. 1) Based upon this premise, the proposed project will assist in improving the condition of the groundwater basin and, as such, area groundwater wells. It is not the intent of the proposed project to directly aid the recharge of the groundwater basin through the use of recycled water. It is intended that natural recharge will occur when the amount of groundwater used for irrigation is reduced. c) No impact. Most of the proposed project alignment is located within a 100- year flood plain, based upon Figure 5.7-5 of the San Jacinto Draft General Plan EIR. However, the proposed project will not affect the location of the existing flood plain boundary or the rate of flow or its direction since the line will be located underground. Installation of the pipeline will principally involve trenching and recompaction of fill dirt. However, a boring process will be used for the Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 -36 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project portion traversing the San Jacinto River to ensure existing topography and features will not be affected. d) No impact. As noted previously, the proposed project will not involve the installation of impermeable surface materials. Any trenching undertaken for the project will be recompacted with existing material. As such, no notable increase in the amount of storm water runoff will occur. e) No impact. As noted above in number d), the proposed project will not generate additional runoff due to the underground location of the pipeline and lack of impermeable surface materials. As such, the proposed project will not affect existing storm water drainage systems. 0 No impact. Refer to the response for item a) above. g) No impact. No housing is proposed. h) No impact. As noted, a recycled water pipeline is proposed and will be placed within the boundaries of a 100-year flood plain. However, due to its underground location, it will not cause a change in the existing 100-year flood plain nor will it be damaged by potential flooding. i) No impact. As noted previously, the proposed project is within a 100-year flood plain, but does not involve a risk of loss, injury or death due to the fact it is not a habitable facility and will be unmanned. j) No impact. The proposed project site is not expected to be adversely affected by seiche, tsunami or mudflows since the proposed project will be placed underground. Standard Conditions/Measures of Approval • The District will prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) as required by state law to address potential erosion and the potential off-site flow of pollutants. Mitigation Measures To reduce the potential level of impact to less than significant, the following measures are proposed: • The District shall prepare and submit a Maximum Benefit Analysis to the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), Santa Ana Region, requesting a change in the TDS and TIN standards for the San Jacinto Upper Groundwater Basin. This analysis shall specify the type of measures or Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 -37 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project methods necessary to achieve the revised standards. Such measures could potentially include the use of desalters and treatment of the groundwater. Upon acceptance of these changes and measures/methods by the RWQCB, the District shall undertake the implementation of them consistent with the direction obtained from the RWQCB. Upon implementation of the specified measures or methods, the potential impact of the proposed project will be reduced to less than significant. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incor orated IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING--Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan,policy,or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project(including,but not limited to the general plan,specific ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ plan,local coastal program,or zoning ordinance)adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ plan? Existing Setting The proposed project alignment will traverse two (2) existing farms that represent a relatively small portion of a large agricultural area that extends to the west into Lakeview/Nuevo area and to the east into the City of San Jacinto. The subject property and surrounding parcels are designated for Agriculture and Conservation on the San Jacinto Valley Area Plan, Land Use Plan, Figure 3 in the Riverside County General Plan. Impact Evaluation Some of the documentation used for this section is based upon material from the Riverside County General Plan. Environmental Checklist and Responses II -38 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project a) No impact. As noted above in the Existing Setting description for this section, the proposed project will traverse two (2) existing farms. Once completed the existing land uses will remain and no evidence of the project will exist. b) Less than significant impact. The proposed project is within the boundaries of the Riverside County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). The Plan is intended to conserve identified habitat for the protection of certain biological resources. A portion of the proposed project will traverse or be located near three (3) Criteria Cells within two (2) Cell Groups, as referred to in Section IV BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES, item 0. The purpose of the Cell Groups is, among a number of items, to conserve riparian scrub, woodland and forest habitat in the San Jacinto River. Since the proposed project is not a permanent impact due to its placement underground, it will not represent a change in land use. In addition, the pipeline will be placed primarily within area roadways and will avoid impacts to habitat in the San Jacinto River utilizing a boring process. As such, it will not be contrary to the conservation purposes stipulated for those Cell Groups and will not result in a conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect. c) Less than significant impact. As noted in the previous section, the proposed project is located within the boundary of the adopted Riverside County Multi- Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). The purpose of this Plan is to provide "...a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) focusing on Conservation of species and their associated Habitats in Western Riverside County." (Volume 1, Section 1.0, Introduction, 1.1 Project Location and Scope, Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan). Most of the project alignment is not within a designated Criteria Cell area of the MSHCP. Such a designation identifies areas within which the conservation measures outlined in the MSHCP will be applied, such as assembling properties for conservation. That portion of the pipeline in and around the San Jacinto River has been determined to be within portions of Criteria Cells 2264 and 2265. The northerly end of the pipeline is near Criteria Cell 2171. Due to the underground nature of the proposed pipeline, the proposed use of boring techniques to avoid affecting habitat within the San Jacinto River, and the existing agricultural nature of the project area, no adverse affect will occur that will impair the ability of the County to implement the adopted MSHCP at a later date. It is also important to note that the District is not a permittee of the MSHCP and, as such, is not responsible for the implementation of the MSHCP. Therefore, the District is responsible for meeting the criteria that would exist without the MSHCP. These types of actions would include compliance with the Endangered Species Act and obtaining permits through responsible agencies, such as the USACOE. Due to the nature of the project area and information provided in Environmental Checklist and Responses II -39 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Section IV BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES, no sensitive, threatened or endangered species will be affected by the proposed project. Standard Conditions/Measures of Approval No typical design standards or conditions are employed by the District related to this topical issue. Mitigation Measures No impacts have been identified that require the adoption of mitigation measures. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated 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? b) Result in the loss of availability of alocally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ on a local general plan,specific plan or other land use plan? Existing Setting The project area is part of a broad valley that includes alluvium deposits from the surrounding mountains and historical flooding of the San Jacinto River. No surface mining activities currently exist adjacent to the project site. Impact Evaluation Some of the documentation used for this section is based upon material from the Riverside County General Plan. a) No impact. According to Figure OS-5, Mineral Resources, contained in the Multipurpose Open Space Element of the Riverside County General Plan, the project alignment is located within an area designated as MRZ-3, which is defined as "Areas where the available geologic information indicates that mineral deposits are likely to exist, however, the significance of the deposit is Environmental Checklist and Responses II -40 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project undetermined." (Mineral Resources section of the Multipurpose Open Space Element). According to the Guidelines for the Classification and Designation of Mineral Resources prepared by the State of California pursuant to The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) designations MRZ-3a and MRZ- 3b are known as "Areas of Undetermined Mineral Resource Significance", with MRZ-3a identifying known mineral occurrence and MRZ-3b noting inferred mineral occurrence. (p. 5) The County of Riverside documentation does not distinguish as to which specific category is referred to in the exhibit referenced above. However, due to the limited physical size of the proposed pipeline it will not affect the ability to extract mineral resources from the affected properties at a later date, should that be desired. b) No impact. Refer to the above response. Standard Conditions or Requirements No typical design standards or conditions are employed by the District related to this topical issue. Mitigation Measures No impacts have been identified that require the adoption of mitigation measures. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated 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? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? Environmental Checklist and Responses II -41 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or,where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or pubic use airport,would the ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip would the project expose people residing ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Existing Setting The proposed project alignment will traverse an agricultural area that exhibits rural conditions in the north part of the San Jacinto Valley. A source of noise affecting the project area is the Ramona Expressway, a two (2) lane roadway that traverses the southerly boundary of the proposed project area. According to the Riverside County of Riverside Transportation Department Traffic Count Book, as displayed on the Riverside County web site, the total number of vehicle trips recorded for the Ramona Expressway, west of Warren Road, was 10,949 on September 9, 2001. In addition, farming activities also provide periodic increases in noise levels during the cultivation of crops or the clearing of fields. Impact Evaluation Some of the documentation used for this section is based upon material from the County of Riverside General Plan Noise Element. a) Less than significant impact. The Riverside County General Plan Noise Element contains the following policies related to Temporary Construction N 12.1 Minimize the impacts of construction noise on adjacent uses within acceptable practices. N 12.2 Ensure that construction activities are regulated to establish hours of operation in order to prevent and/or mitigate the generation of excessive or adverse noise impacts on surrounding areas. Environmental Checklist and Responses II -42 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project N 12.3 Condition subdivision approval adjacent to developed/occupied noise-sensitive land uses (see policy N 1.3) by requiring the developer to submit a construction-related noise mitigation plan to the County for review and approval prior to issuance of a grading permit. The plan must depict the location of construction equipment and how the noise from this equipment will be mitigated during construction of this project, through the use of such methods as a. Temporary noise attenuation fences; b. Preferential location of equipment; and c. Use of current noise suppression technology and equipment. N 12.4 Require that all construction equipment utilizes noise reduction features (e.g. mufflers and engine shrouds) that are no less effective than those originally installed by the manufacturer. In addition, County of Riverside Ordinance 457.97, Section 1 G. Construction Noise, provides that "Whenever a construction site is within one-quarter (1/4) of a mile of an occupied residence or residences, no construction activities shall be undertaken between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. during the months of June through September and between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. during the months of October through May. Exceptions to these standards shall be allowed only with the written consent of the building official." The proposed project will be required to comply with these restrictions since an off-site home is within this distance. b) No impact. As noted previously, the construction alignment is located in an agricultural area and no homes, other than those occupied by area farmers, are located near the proposed alignment. The potential depth of the pipeline trench is 5.5 to 6 feet. The area is generally comprised of alluvium and is not expected to require unique construction procedures, such as blasting. As such, no ground vibrations or significant groundborne noise will affect residential areas. The affect upon area farmers would not be greater than the current use of existing farming equipment. c) No impact. Please refer to a) above. d) Less than significant impact. As noted in the response to item a) above, the proposed project will generate noise levels beyond those currently existing during the installation of the water line. The previously identified County of Riverside noise restrictions will be adhered to thereby reducing their potentially adverse affects. Although noise levels along that portion of the alignment under construction will experience a noise increase, the significant distances to habitable structures and limited construction periods will ensure this affect is less than significant. Environmental Checklist and Responses II -43 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project e) No impact. As noted previously in VII e), the project site is not within two (2) miles of an airport. The closest airport is the Hemet/Ryan Airport located approximately six (6) miles from the closest portion of the pipeline alignment f) No impact. Please refer to above response in number e). Standard Conditions or Requirements • Riverside County requires that construction activities will not be permitted between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. during the months of June through September and between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. during the months of October through May, consistent with County of Riverside Ordinance 457.97. Mitigation Measures No impacts have been identified that require the adoption of mitigation measures. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated 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 road or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing,necessitating the construction of replacement ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people,necessitating the construction of replacement ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ housing elsewhere? Existing Setting The proposed project site is located on the north side of the Ramona Expressway, east of Warren Road. The San Jacinto General Plan has identified Environmental Checklist and Responses II -44 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project the Ramona Expressway as a Freeway, with several optional alignments for the mid-valley parkway which is currently under study. Impact Evaluation Some of the documentation used for this section is based upon material from the District's Water Master Plan. a) No impact. Growth-inducing impacts can generally be characterized in three ways: 1) A proposed project includes sufficient infrastructure to result in development pressure being applied to less developed adjacent land; 2) A large project affects the surrounding community by producing a "multiplier effect" which results in subsequent community growth, also referred to as the "Disneyland effect", and; 3) A new type of project is allowed in an area, which subsequently establishes a precedent for additional development of a similar nature. As noted within the Project Description and referenced above in Section VIII a), the purpose of the proposed project is to implement the provisions described in the Preliminary Design Report for the North San Jacinto in-Lieu Water Supply Project and referred to earlier in this report. Since the intent of the proposed project is to maintain the existing agricultural land uses, the proposed project will not induce new development or create development pressure on other properties. b) No impact. The proposed project is to be located on agricultural property for the purpose of maintaining agricultural uses. As such, no housing will be affected. c) No impact. As noted in number b) above, no housing will be affected. As such, no people will be displaced. Standard Conditions or Requirements No typical design standards or conditions are employed by the District related to this topical issue. Mitigation Measures No impacts have been identified that require the adoption of mitigation measures. Environmental Checklist and Responses II -45 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incor orated XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities,the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios,response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Fire protection? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Police protection? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Schools? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Parks? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Other public facilities? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Fire Protection? Existing Setting Fire protection, fire prevention and medical services responsible for serving the proposed project area are provided by the Riverside County Fire Department. Impact Evaluation Some of the documentation used for this section is based upon information obtained from the County of Riverside Web site. Fire Protection —Evaluation Finding: No impact. The closest fire station to the proposed project alignment is Station No. 25, operated by the Riverside County Fire Department. The County has contracted with the State of California to provide the station and personnel at 132 South San Jacinto Street in the City of San Jacinto. The City in turn has Environmental Checklist and Responses I I -46 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project contracted with the County for their services. The station is located approximately six miles southeast of the intersection of Warren Road and Ramona Expressway. Due to the fact the proposed project will not involve a change in the operation of an existing agricultural operation, it is not expected to require emergency medical or fire response services. The County of Riverside has adopted Ordinance 659.6 requiring the payment of development impact fees to offset the cost of new development upon various improvements and facilities. However, the proposed project will not require a building permit or certificate of occupancy through the County and, as such, will not be required to contribute to these fees. In addition, the proposed project will not place an additional demand upon or require the use of the services or facilities that are intended to be financed by these fees. Since the type of land use or its intensity will change, the proposed project will not change the existing conditions under which the proposed project site will operate. Police Protection? Existing Conditions The project area is served by the Riverside County Sheriffs Department. Impact Evaluation No specific documents were referred to in the completion of this section. Police Protection - Evaluation Finding: No impact. The Riverside County Sheriffs Department currently provides local law enforcement services to the project site through responses to service calls and drive-by patrols occurring due to the regional access provided by the Ramona Expressway. The Highway Patrol provides for traffic related incidents along the Ramona Expressway. As noted above, the proposed project will not change the existing land use or its intensity. As such, no change in law enforcement services or payment of development impact fees is necessary. Schools? Existing Conditions The project area is served by the San Jacinto Unified School District. Impact Evaluation Some of the documentation used for this section is based upon information obtained from the San Jacinto Unified School District. Environmental Checklist and Responses II -47 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural in-Lieu Water Supply Project Schools— Evaluation Finding: No impact. As with the other public services previously discussed above the installation of the proposed recycled water line will not result in a change of school services. The State of California has established financial mechanisms to ensure schools are adequately funded. Each affected school district requires the payment of fees for residential and commercial uses. These fees and other measures, such as local and state bonds, will off-set indirect impacts caused by new development and the resulting potential for the establishment of uses that generate students. Parks? Existing Conditions The project site is located within the unincorporated area of Riverside County. Impact Evaluation No specific documents were referred to in the completion of this section. Parks - Evaluation Finding: No impact. As noted previously with the other public services, the installation of the proposed recycled water line will not result in a change of park services. Other Public Facilities? Existing Conditions The proposed project site is primarily located within existing agricultural farms. Impact Evaluation No specific documents were referred to in the completion of this section. Finding: No impact. The proposed project will not affect other public services, beyond the benefit to the District in reducing the affect of agricultural operations upon ground water extraction and those farms utilizing this process. Domestic water, sewer, or roadway facilities will not be affected by the proposed project. Changes in utility services are not required. Environmental Checklist and Responses II -48 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Standard Conditions or Reauirements No typical design standards or conditions are employed by the District related to this topical issue. Mitigation Measures No impacts have been identified that require the adoption of mitigation measures. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated 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? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which have ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ an adverse physical effect on the environment? Existing Setting The proposed project area is located with existing agricultural farms in the unincorporated area of Riverside County. Impact Evaluation No specific documents were referred to in the completion of this section. a) No impact. As noted previously, the proposed project will not result in the demand for recreational facilities or services, since it will not result in a change in existing land use. b) No impact. Please refer to response in number a) above. Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 -49 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural in-Lieu Water Supply Project Standard Conditions or Requirements No typical design standards or conditions are employed by the District related to this topical issue. Mitigation Measures No impacts have been identified that require the adoption of mitigation measures. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incor orated 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 on roads,or congestion at intersections)? b) Exceed,either individually or cumulatively,a level of service standard established by the county ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns,including either an increase in traffic levels or a ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature(e.g.,sharp curves or dangerous intersections) ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ or incompatible uses(e.g.,farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Environmental Checklist and Responses II - 50 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans,or programs supporting alternative transportation(e.g.,bus ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ turnouts,bicycle racks)? Existing Setting The proposed project site is adjacent to the Ramona Expressway, east of the extension of Warren Road. Both roadways are paved, two (2) lane roadways. Impact Evaluation Some of the documentation used for this section is based upon material verbally obtained from the consulting engineer and standard requirements of the District. a) No impact. A number of vehicular trips to the project site will occur during the construction and installation of the water line. Based upon the District's past experience, not more than 10 workers are expected at one time. The operational phase of the site will require very infrequent access by District personnel for monitoring purposes. Neither phase will generate a substantial number of trips in relationship to the number of trips currently occurring on the Ramona Expressway. b) No impact. As noted in the response to number a) above, the number of vehicle trips during construction will not be substantial and are of a limited time period. Due to the nature of the proposed pipeline, operational related trips will be extremely infrequent if not non-existent. c) No impact. The proposed water line will be placed underground and will not affect above ground uses. d) Less than significant impact. The proposed project site will be located underground and within private property, unless placement of a portion of the pipeline within the Ramona Expressway right of way is appropriate for that portion extending east of the intersection of Warren Road and parallel with the Ramona Expressway prior to turning northward toward the San Jacinto River. Should construction activities occur within the Ramona Expressway right of way, the contractor will be required to adhere to standard District practices that require "The Contractor shall provide and maintain barricades, guards, temporary bridges and walkways, watchmen, night lights and danger signals illuminated from sunset to sunrise, and all other necessary appliances and safeguards to protect the work, life, property, the public, excavations, equipment and materials." (Section 3.04 Field Quality Control, General Construction Specifications) Due to these standard requirements, the proposed project will not cause a hazard in its installation or operation. Environmental Checklist and Responses II -51 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project e) No impact. Due to the type of equipment involved in the installation of the pipeline and nature of the project, the potential for fire is limited. Due to the proximity of existing public and private roadways through the project area, access will be readily available to emergency responders. f) No impact. Adequate land is available for maneuvering and parking vehicles, including trucks operated by District and contractors during their construction and operational activities. g) No impact. The proposed project will not change or affect existing City policies related to alternative transportation methods. Standard Conditions/Measures of Approval The District will require adherence to all standard project construction and operational requirements. Mitigation Measures No impacts have been identified that require the adoption of mitigation measures. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incor orated XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS--Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities,the ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities,the construction ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ of which could cause significant environmental effects? Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 -52 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal,state,and local statutes and regulations ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ related to solid waste? Existing Setting The proposed project site is intended to reduce the extraction of groundwater and improve the groundwater basins for the areas located within the Lakeview/Hemet North and the San Jacinto Lower Pressure management areas, as provided for within the West San Jacinto Groundwater Basin Management Plan 2005 Annual Report. In 2005 the District measured wells and found that those in the Lakeview/Hemet North and San Jacinto Lower Pressure areas had a maximum of 48 wells that ranged in depth from 12 to 312 feet. Impact Evaluation Some of the documentation used for this section is based upon material from the District's West San Jacinto Groundwater Basin Management Plan 2005 Annual Report. a) No impact. The proposed project is an extension of an existing recycled water line. The water contained within this line is treated effluent from the San Jacinto Regional Water Reclamation Facility. The proposed project represents a method the District can use to both dispose of treated water and assist in the management of area groundwater basins. b) Less than significant impact. The proposed project will result in the installation of up to approximately 10,775 linear feet of 24-inch pipeline to provide recycled Environmental Checklist and Responses II -53 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project water to area farms. The need for the line is a collaborative process between the District, which is responsible for protecting area groundwater basins, and area farmers to obtain an adequate and cost effective water supply to provide for their crops. No new facilities are required to meet this need. c) No impact. Once the recycled water line is installed the land will be returned to its existing condition. As such, the portion on private property that traverses existing agricultural fields will again be available for the growing of crops and that portion within the Ramona Expressway right of way, if the line is installed in that location, will be returned to its existing graded condition. The portion of the line that aligns with the existing dirt roadways traversing the existing will be recompacted consistent with District standards and available for internal vehicular movement. d) No impact. As noted in Section VIII HYDRODOGY AND WATER QUALITY, item b) the District will utilize treated water from the San Jacinto Valley Regional Reclamation Facility. As such, the recycled water does not represent an additional water resource, but rather one that has been used for a previous purpose and is now being reused for agricultural purposes. e) Less than significant impact. The District is able to supply recycled water based upon availability from the local treatment plant and secured through individual agreements with each user. As such, the District can control the amount of water needed and provided, thereby ensuring adequate supply to each user. f) No impact. The proposed project is not expected generate solid waste during its construction or operational phases. As such, it will not increase demand upon existing landfill capacity. g) No impact. The District is responsible for the removal of any applicable waste materials generated at the site during construction. Since no solid waste is expected to be generated, compliance with local statutes can be met by default. Standard Conditions/Measures of Approval No typical design standards or conditions are employed by the District related to this topical issue. Mitigation Measures No impacts have been identified that require the adoption of mitigation measures. Environmental Checklist and Responses II -54 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incor orated XVIL 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? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited,but cumulatively considerable? ("cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ viewed in connection with the effects of past projects,the effects of other current projects,and the effects of probable future projects.) c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ human beings,either directly or indirectly? Impact Evaluation a) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. A biological assessment has been prepared for the proposed project alignment. This assessment has updated the previous assessment completed during an initial feasibility study of the proposed project. The updated assessment identified the potential for the project to adversely affect various species, including the burrowing owl, L.A. pocket mouse, Bells vireo, and San Bernardino kangaroo rat, due in part to the alignment of the project through three (3) separate drainage courses. For that portion of the project alignment that will traverse the San Jacinto River a boring process is proposed that will allow the pipeline to be Environmental Checklist and Responses I I -55 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project installed under the River without the need to trench across potential habitat areas, thereby avoiding potentially adverse impacts to the L.A. pocket mouse and San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Although this is an intended project component, the boring process has been recommended as a mitigation measure. Potential impacts to the Bells vireo and both raptors and non-raptors within trees along the San Jacinto River can be reduced through the avoidance of their breeding/nesting season. Should construction occur during those periods a survey will need to be conducted to determine whether such species are present. This has been recommended as a mitigation measure. As noted in the Biological Resources Section of this document, it is our understanding that the Riverside County Flood Control District has undertaken annual surveys along the San Jacinto River. If the Flood Control District has undertaken surveys prior to construction for these species and did not identify their existence, no further action is necessary. However, if no annual survey was conducted prior to project initiation, then surveys should be conducted during this period to determine their presence or absence. A similar approach is recommended for the burrowing owl. Although no burrowing owls were identified along the alignment, the potential exists for their occurrence and existing burrows located along a portion of the alignment could become occupied by this species. To ensure that no adverse affects occur due to pipeline installation a mitigation measure has been recommended that construction occur outside of the breeding season, approximately between March and September 15"'. If construction occurs during this time a focused survey is to be conducted to confirm that no birds have moved into the area. Marginally suitable habitat exists along the Ramona Expressway for various plant species, including Wright's trichocoronis and the San Jacinto Valley crownscale. Although these species could be affected by pipeline installation, CEQA identifies a significant impact will occur if"a project has the potential to substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of an endangered, rare or threatened species..." (Section 15065 (b)(2) Mandatory Findings of Significance). However, due to the limited extent of the proposed project and its potential impact upon a very small area of this species that has been identified as having only marginally suitable habitat in that location, the proposed project will not attain the threshold required by CEQA for a mandatory finding of significance. As such, the potential level of impact is less than significant. In addition, suitable vernal pool habitat does not exist along the pipeline alignment. A cultural resources study was prepared by CRM TECH at the time a preliminary evaluation of the proposed pipeline alignment was being undertaken in late 2004. The report was prepared consistent with both State CEQA Guidelines and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. No historic, archaeological or culture resources were identified through both a records search and field survey. However, due to the type of soils along the alignment and the depth of the pipeline trenching, the potential for paleontological resources to be Environmental Checklist and Responses II -56 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project uncovered exists. Although the District has standard measures for dealing with potential cultural and historical resources, as contained in General Conditions, Section F-22, a mitigation measure has been recommended that incorporates historical, cultural, archaeological, and paleontological resources. b) Less than significant impact. The proposed project is intended to address the need to better manage the ground water basin by minimizing pumping from agricultural operations. The ability of the District to supply local agricultural users with an alternative supply of water will also help ensure their continued viability. As such, the proposed project will assist in the maintenance of the existing land use and not result in a cumulative impact. c) Less than significant impact. A geologic fault traverses the proposed project alignment along the Ramona Expressway, east of Warren Road, and most of the balance of the alignment is within a 100-year flood plain. However, the proposed project is not intended for provide structures for human occupancy or use. The recycled water to be used for crop irrigation must meet state health standards. The California Code of Regulation provides criteria that must be met in order to use recycled water for the irrigation of field crops. According to the District, they exceed this requirement. The potential for a break in the proposed pipeline is minimized due to the use of joints that allow the pipe to flex, should a lateral shift occur due to ground movement. Even if the pipeline were to break, the water flow could be stopped by the District and repairs undertaken. As such, the potential for adverse affects upon humans due to the installation of the recycled water line is very low. Environmental Checklist and Responses II -57 Mitigated Negative Declaration Appendix A Biological Habitat Assessment '4 11 t Mr. Michael Stearns October 30, 2006 Engineering Resources of Southern California 3550 East Florida Ave. Hemet,California 92544 Re: Addendum to Biological Habitat Assessment Update,San Jacinto Agricultural in lieu Water Supply Project in unincorporated Riverside County Dear Mr. Stearns Since completion of our previous biological assessment of the San Jacinto in lieu pipeline project on September 13,2006 Thomas Olsen Associates,Inc. (TOA, Inc.)has been informed that the proposed pipeline will begin south of the intersection of Warren Road and the Ramona Expresssway and not north as presented in the previous report. The pipeline will connect to an existing pipeline on the southeastern corner of the intersection,travel east approximately 50 feet before turning north and crossing under Ramona Expressway to the starting point identified in our September report. The pipeline would cross under the roadway through a proposed borehole. Mr. Michael Misenhelter of TOA,Inc. conducted a visit of this site on October 23,2006 in order to examine existing conditions and determine if project impacts at this location would significantly impact sensitive biological resources. The impact area is expected to be contained within a 125 foot by 125 foot area on the southeast corner of the intersection of Warren and Ramona Expressway measured from the edge of the existing pavement(see figure). This should allow for impacts caused by support vehicles used during digging, drilling and installation activities. The project area is dominated by a manmade storm channel running along the edge of both roads. The channel flows downhill to the east where it appears to connect to an agricultural drainage ditch draining north under Ramona Expressway. This ditch is mentioned in the previous report and appears to eventually connect to the San Jacinto River. Along with the ditch,the project area includes the northwestern comer of a large, flat cleared dirt parking area for a truck scale located on the same comer of the intersection. Vegetation within the project area is dominated by annual grasses and forbs. Plants observed here at the time of the site visit were dominated by kochia (Kochia scoparia),Russian thistle(Salsola tragus), and amaranthus(Amaranthus palmeri and A. albus). Other plants observed included cheeseweed(Malva parviflora),brome grasses(Bromus spp.), wild oats(Avena spp.),mustard(Sisymbrium sp.), sow thistle(Sonchus asper), goosefoot (Chenopodium murale),curly dock(Rumex crispus),and puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris). The parking area appears to be periodically scraped and was therefore mostly clear of vegetation except for a few scattered species observed near the road. Engineering Resources of Southern California Thomas Olsen Associates.Inc. San Jacinto in lieu Pipeline Biological Assessment Addendum Soils on this comer of the intersection are mapped by Knecht(USDA, Western Riverside County Soil Survey, 1971) as Traver fine sandy loam(Tt2)which are characterized as being strongly saline-alkali. SENSITIVE SPECIES ACCOUNTS AND ASSESSMENTS The species assessed for this area are the same as those assessed for the September report and include those species identified as occurring or potentially occurring in the project vicinity in the literature search of the California Natural Diversity Database(CNDDB)and western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan(MSHCP). Burrowing Owl(State Species of Concern) No sign of owl use was found in the proposed impact area. Conditions are marginally suitable for this species. The area is flat and open but no burrow sites were observed during the site visit. A more thorough burrow survey should be conducted within 500 feet of the disturbance area along with a subsequent focused survey if suitable burrow sites are found. Rare and listed plant species known for the region include spreading navarretia(Federal Threatened),Wright's trichocoronis(rare), San Jacinto Valley crownscale(Federal Endangered), California Orcutt grass(Federal and State Endangered),Thread-leaved brodiaea(Federal Threatened and State Endangered), Munz's onion(Federal Endangered and State Threatened), San Diego ambrosia(Federal Endangered),many-stemmed dudleya(rare),smooth tarplant(rare), and Coulter's goldfields(rare). As in the previous report, it is our belief that the area is too heavily impacted by roadside and parking lot maintenance for these species to be expected to occur there. Smooth tarplant was detected in the immediate vicinity of the project area in 1991. Howcver,if it does currently exist within the project area, any impacts are expected to be insignificant because of the small area of concern and the temporary nature of the impacts. Rare and listed animal species known for the region include the L.A.pocket mouse(rare), San Bernardino kangaroo rat(Federal Endangered), Stephens' kangaroo rat(Federal Endangered and State Threatened), and coastal California gnatcatcher(Federal Threatened). Suitable habitat for these species does not exist on site. Suitable habitat for listed riparian and riverine avian species including the southwestern willow flycatcher(Federal and State Endngered),yellow-billed cuckoo (State Endangered), and least Bell's vireo(Federal and State Endngered)does not exist within the project area. Suitable habitat for listed fairy shrimp species does not occur within the project area. The flat areas are periodically cleared and showed no sign(shallow depressions or remains of vernal pool plants) of vernal pool presence. Fairy shrimp are not typically found in drainage channels because water found there is most likely flowing and fairy shrimp require still waters to persist. Little suitable nesting habitat exists within the project area. The potential exists within the parking area for nesting killdeer which like to nest in flat open areas. A nesting bird survey should be conducted within 300 feet of the project area if activities are scheduled to start during the nesting season(March through August). No raptor nesting habitat exists near the project site. 26-1716 October 30,2006 2 Engineering Resources of Southern California Thomas Olsen Associates,Inc. San Jacinto in lieu Pipeline Biological Assessment Addendum .JURISDICTIONAL ASSESSMENT The drainage ditch appears to be connected to the San Jacinto River. If so, it is a tributary to Waters of the U.S. and falls under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers. No riparian habitat exists within the drainage and so the drainage is not believed to fall under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Fish and Game. Corps permits are most likely covered by existing Nationwide permits. MSHCP Criteria Cell Issues and Pubtic/Quasi-Public Conserved Lands The site does not he within or adjacent to conservation lands. CRITICAL HABITAT The site does not lie within federally declared Critical Habitat. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this report. r• Michael Misenhelter TOA,Inc. biologist cc: TOA clientfile#26-1617 attachment:site photos, vicinity map 26-1716 October 30,2006 3 Tl* dotted box tridicates proposed pi then cross u Mr. Michael Stearns September 13,2006 Engineering Resources of Southern California 3550 East Florida Ave. Hemet, California 92544 Re: Biological Habitat Assessment Update, San Jacinto Agricultural in lieu Water Supply Project in unincorporated Riverside County Dear Mr. Stearns As requested,Thomas Olsen Associates,Inc. (TOA,Inc.)personnel conducted a visit of the above referenced proposed project site on the Lauda(Rancho Casa Loma)and Scott(Scott Brothers Dairy) farms north of the City of San Jacinto in Riverside County in order to update an existing biological assessment conducted in November/December 2004 by TOA,Inc. The proposed Eastern Municipal Water District(EMWD)project is the installation of an approximately 2.5 mile long underground, water pipeline to transport tertiary treated water to the Lauda and Scott farms from an existing EMWD pipeline located at the intersection of Warren Road and the Ramona Expressway(Figure 1). The impact area is expected to be a swath about 24 feet wide(to accommodate trenching and other work vehicles)along the proposed route. All project impacts would be temporary and site conditions would be returned to their original state after installation. The project would be conducted completely on private lands owned by the two families referred to above except for the stretch along the Ramona Expressway which would could potentially be installed in the public right-of-way and/or within the Lauda property. The proposed project is essentially the same as that covered by the existing biological assessment. The proposed pipeline route would begin at an existing pipeline at the intersection of Warren Road and the Ramona Expressway and travel east on the north side of the Expressway(Figure 2). The earlier proposed project began approximately 800 feet further to the west. As before, the route would head east for approximately 2,300 feet from Warren Road to the intersection of an unnamed dirt road with the Expressway. At this point the route would head north up the center of the dirt road to the San Jacinto River(approximately 6,500 feet). The route would then cross diagonally across the River along an existing dirt road(approximately 800 feet). The river crossing will likely use boring techniques in order to avoid trenching across the river bed. At this point the route would turn to the north-northeast along an existing dirt access road for approximately 1,600 feet and terminate at the intersection with another dirt road. Approximately 2,900 feet north of the Ramona Expressway, a secondary pipeline would branch west from the primary line and run for approximately 2,080 feet along an existing dirt road and end at an existing irrigation storage pond. In addition to the San Jacinto River crossing, the proposed route also crosses three agricultural drainage ditches: once at the San Jacinto River, once near the intersection of the primary and secondary pipeline branch,and finally just north of the San Jacinto River Crossing, P.O. Box 1016 Flagstaff, AZ 86002 928.773.0127 FAX9773.0023 2829 S. State St. Hemet, CA 92543 951•766.4655 FAX•766.4658 Engineering Resources of Southern California Thomas Olsen Associates, Inc. San Jacinto in lieu Water Supply Project Habitat Assessment Update LITERATURE REVIEW The project does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan(MSHCP)because the EMWD is not a signatory to that agreement. However, CEQA requires that potential project impacts to existing or planned conservation areas and any species identified as sensitive by local and regional agencies should be considered. A review of the Riverside County Integrated Plan Conservation Summary Report Generator for the nine parcels (425-200-019,- 020, 430-050-031, 430-060-019, -020,430-080-010, -011, 430-0900-005, and-011)through which the proposed route passes identified the following species for potential occurrence within the project area. The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), spreading navarretia, (Navarretia fossalis), California orcutt grass (Orcuttia californica), Wright's trichocoronis(Trichocoronis wrightii var. wrighth), Munz's onion (Allium munzil), San Diego ambrosia(Ambrosia pumila),many-stemmed dudleya(Dudleya multicaulis), L. A. pocket mouse(Perognathus longimembris brevinasus), and the San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus). Additionally, the County MSHCP stipulates that the presence of any riverine or vernal pool habitats within a project's impact zone be checked for habitat suitable for sensitive fairy shrimp and listed bird species(least Bell's vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, and western yellow-billed cuckoo) associated with riparian habitats. The proposed route passes through three Riverside County MSHCP Criteria Cells (2171, 2264,and 2265). These cells are located within MSHCP Cell Groups J and K. The proposed route lies within the San Jacinto Area Plan of the Western Riverside County MSHCP. The approximate northern one-third of the route lies within Sub Unit 1 (Gilman Springs/Southern Badlands)of the Area Plan in Criteria Cells 2171, 2264, and 2265. The southern portion of the route is not located within a Criteria area. As in the previous report, a search of the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB, July 2006) identified five listed species that have been reported as occurring in the site vicinity though none within the path of the proposed pipeline. The species identified are San Jacinto Valley crownscale (Atriplex coronata var. notatior),thread-leaved brodiaea(Brodiaea filifolia), Stephens' kangaroo rat(Dipodomys stephensi), spreading navarretia, and the coastal California gnatcatcher(Polioptila californica californica). SITE VISIT Michael Misenhelter, staff biologist at TOA,Inc. conducted a new survey of the proposed project route on August 28, 2006 in order to determine if conditions along the proposed route had significantly changed since the earlier assessment conducted in 2004. The site was closely examined during a walking and driving survey of the entire route. Except for the middle portion of the main north/south route through parcel 430-080-010 the entire proposed route was walked. The central portion,flanked on both sides by active agricultural fields, was observed while slowly driving along its length. Species observed during the visit were noted and photographs were taken of typical site conditions. The visit was conducted between 8:45 and 12:40 pm. The sky was clear with temperatures ranging from 79 to 101 (°F). Recent and historic aerial photographs of the proposed project route and vicinity were reviewed prioT to and during the site visit. SITE DESCRIPTION The project route is located just north of the Ramona Expressway northeast of its intersection with Warren Road. It passes through Sections 6, 7, and 18, T4S, R1 W and Section 13, T4S,R2W(San Bernardino Base and Meridian) (Figure 1). Elevations along the route range from 1,450 to 1,470 feet September 13, 2006 26-1617 2 Engineering Resources of Southern California Thomas Olsen Associates,Inc. San Jacinto in lieu Water Supply Project Habitat Assessment Update above mean sea level. The project site is located within the San Jacinto Valley on the flood plain of the San Jacinto River. A small portion of the proposed route crosses the San Jacinto River. The area has long been used for agricultural and dairy uses. The proposed route lies almost entirely within existing dirt farm roads and the Ramona Expressway northern right-of way. It leaves the existing roads briefly just north of the river crossing. A small amount of irrigation runoff was present in one of the drainage ditches(along the west branch) and no water was present at the river crossing. Soils Soils observed during the visit ranged from fine silty soils along the Ramona Expressway to fine sandy soils along the San Jacinto River. Most of the dirt roads along the route are heavily used by farm vehicles and are covered with a layer of decomposed granite. Soils along the pipeline route as mapped by Knecht(USDA, Western Riverside County Soil Survey, 1971) consist of the Chino(Cg), Dello (DoA), Grangeville (GuB,GvB, GwA, and GxA), San Emigdio (SeC2 and SgC),Traver(Tr2, Ts,and TO), and Waukena(Wc)soils series (Figure 3). Traver soils are mapped for the portion of the route along Ramona Expressway. These soils are characterized as being loamy fine sands and fine sandy loams varying in alkalinity from slightly to strongly saline-alkali. The route then crosses an area mapped as Chino silt loam and Grangeville fine sandy loam both moderately to strongly saline-alkali soils. Where the route turns north it crosses over areas mapped as Waukena fine sandy loam,more Grangeville fine sandy loam,and Chino silt loam before reaching the western branch of the proposed pipeline. The western branch heads west for approximately one-third of a mile across an area mapped for Chino and Traver soils. Back at the intersection of the branch line,the pipeline continues north across Grangeville fine sandy loam characterized as being a moderate to strongly saline-alkali soil. At the river crossing, the soils are mapped as being Dello loamy fine sand.(a slightly saline-alkali soil) and Grangeville fine sandy loam(a moderate to strongly saline-alkali soil). North of the river the soils are mapped as being Grangeville fine sandy loam and San Emigdio fine sandy loams. Both soils are moderately to strongly saline-alkali. Note that these soil characterizations were made in the 1960's, or before,and that the actual soil conditions on site today along the proposed route may differ because of agricultural activities and the use of decomposed granite on the main north/south road. Vegetation Vegetation along the proposed project route was the same as observed during the previous assessment in 2004. Except where the route crosses the San Jacinto River,vegetation along the proposed route is dominated by annual subshrubs, forbs and grasses. Much of the annual vegetation was dried up from the summer heat but the species found were the same as those found during the previous biological assessment. Vegetation was mostly nonexistent on the road surfaces, except for along the western branch road which had weeds growing on the road surface. When present the vegetation was the same as that growing along the edges of the road. No sensitive habitat types were found in the project area except for a willow-cottonwood woodland in the San Jacinto River. Crops growing in the fields adjacent to the route included alfalfa(Medicago sativa)and a millet-like grass(probably Panicum miliavemn). Vegetation commonly found along the proposed route included kochia(Kochia scoparia), Russian thistle(Salsola tragus), amaranthus (Amaranthus palmeri and A. albus), cheeseweed(Malva pare flora), brome grasses(Bromus spp.),wild oats(Avena spp.), and bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon). These species plus Mexican sprangletop(Leptochloa uninervia) and rabbit's foot grass (Polypogon September 13,2006 26-1617 3 Engineering Resources of Southern California Thomas Olsen Associates, Inc. San Jacinto in lieu Water Supply Project Habitat Assessment Update monspeliensis) were also found in the drainage ditches where they ran along the roads. Annual bur-sage (Ambrosia acanthicarpa)was abundant on the sandy levees and bed of the San Jacinto River but mostly absent elsewhere. Vegetation along the river crossing was composed of black willow(Salix gooddingii) saplings, mule fat(Baccharis salicifolia),bur-sage, cocklebur(Xanthium strumarium),and annual grasses. Larger black willows and cottonwoods(Populus fremonth) were found along the banks of the river outside of the proposed pipeline route. SPECIES ACCOUNTS AND ASSESSMENTS The species discussed below were identified as occurring or potentially occurring in the project vicinity during the literature search of CNDDB and MSHCP documents. Burrowing Owl (State Species of Concern) The burrowing owl is a small brown owl that lives and nests in burrows in the ground made by other animals but will also use suitable manmade structures (such as small culverts or rock piles)as burrows. They are typically found in habitats characterized by short annual grasses(such as pastures)or sparse shrubland with little or no ground cover. Burrowing owls do not usually dig their own burrows but use abandoned mammal burrows and other suitable sites. The same burrow is typically used by the same pair of birds from year to year. The entire pipeline route was checked for burrowing owl by looking for suitable burrow sites and owl sign. No sign of owl use was found. Conditions seemed less suitable for owl use than during the previous site visit. Few mammal burrows were found along the route and only a few of them were fresh indicating a smaller squirrel population along the route than before. The most likely places for owls to occur are along the berm on the south side of the western branch road and in the cow pasture east of the southern half of the north/south road(Figure 2). Spreading Navarretia(Federal Threatened) Spreading navarretia is found in alkali flood plains associated with the San Jacinto River,Mystic Lake, and the Salt Creek Drainage in Willows, Domino,and Traver soils. Potential habitat is considered to be grasslands on alkali soils associated with playas and vernal pools and among depressions and ditches of old vernal pool sites. This species blooms from April through June. Wright's Trichocoronis(rare) Wright's trichocoronis is found on alkali flood-plains of the San Jacinto River associated with Traver, Domino,and Willows soils. Suitable habitat is considered to include floodplains dominated by alkali playas,vernal pools, and alkali grasslands. This species is associated with the more mesic(drier) portions of these habitat types. This species blooms from May to September. Both of these plants have similar habitat requirements. They are found on alkali soils associated with playas and vernal pools. Soils associated v.:L alkaline habitats in general are tf tl e Traver-Domino- Willows association(White 1994). Specific soils in the region associated with these habitat types are of the Chino,Traver, and Willows soils series(RECON 1995). While the soils in the project area are mapped as being alkaline soils, it is believed that agricultural activities and road maintenance across most of the site have altered the soil leaving conditions along most of the route unsuitable for these species. The only places where the probability of occurrence is sufficiently high enough for concern is September 13, 2006 26-1617 4 Engineering Resources of Southern California Thomas Olsen Associates, Inc. San Jacinto in lieu Water Supply Project Habitat Assessment Update along the Ramona Expressway at the drainage crossing where runoff from crop irrigation and the street along with water from the drainage and the mapped presence of Traver and Chino soils provide marginally suitable conditions for these species (Figures 2 and 3). The area is not as disturbed as the rest of the project area. Soils at the river crossing are Grangeville and Dello soils which are not associated with these species or their typical habitats. No sign of vernal pools or depressions from dried up pools were seen during the site visit or in aerial photos of the site. San Jacinto Valley Crownscale(Federal Endangered) San Jacinto Valley crownscale is known from one extended but fragmented population in the San Jacinto Valley along the western San Jacinto River and along Salt Creek in western Hemet. It grows in alkaline soils of playas and vernal pools. This species blooms from April to August. Like the two plants above, it is only likely to occur in the Ramona Expressway right-of-way at the drainage crossing where conditions are marginally suitable. California Orcutt Grass(Federal and State Endangered) California orcutt grass is found in southern basaltic claypan vernal pools (like that found on the Santa Rosa Plateau)and in alkaline playas and vernal pools like those along Salt Creek west of Hemet. This species blooms from April through June. Suitable habitat does not exist on site for this species. Thread-leaved Brodiaea(Federal Threatened and State Endangered) This perennial herb is known to occur in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties. It has been found in openings in chaparral,coastal scrub, cismontane woodlands,valley and foothill grasslands,playas,and vernal pools often in clayey soil. It normally blooms from March through June. It is threatened by residential development,agriculture, grazing, and off-road vehicles. Suitable conditions for this species do not exist within the project area. Munz's Onion(Federal Endangered and State Threatened) Munz's onion is federally listed as endangered and state listed as threatened. A perennial (bulbiferous) herb,this onion occurs in Riverside County in grassy openings on clayey soils of chaparral,coastal sage scrub, cismontane woodland,pinyon juniper woodland, and valley/foothill grassland communities of approximately 1,000 to 3,000 feet(300-900 meters)in elevation. This onion is known from fewer than ten occurrences and is threatened by urbanization, mining,agriculture and non-native plant invasion. Suitable conditions for this species does not exist within the project vicinity. San Diego Ambrosia(Federal Endangered) This small perennial with gray/green foliage is a member of the sunflower family. Historically it is known to have occurred in much of California but is believed to occur now only in Riverside and San Diego Counties. It is found in disturbed places in chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grasslands, and vernal pools from 65 to 1,400 feet(20 to 415 meters)above mean sea level. In Riverside it has been found in the Aiberhiii area near Lake Street and Nichols Road and in the Skunk Houow area near Temecula. It seems to be associated with sites that are seasonally wet or that have a high water table. Sites will typically be very dry for at least half the year, including the fall portion of its flowering period (pers. comm. Andrew Sanders). The minute flowers of this species bloom from May to September. It is associated with Garretson gravelly fine sandy loam and Las Posas loam soils. This species is not known to occur in the immediate vicinity of the project and the conditions on site are not like those in the three areas of Riverside County where it has been found. September 13, 2006 26-1617 5 Engineering Resources of Southern California Thomas Olsen Associates, Inc. San Jacinto in lieu Water Supply Project Habitat Assessment Update Many-stemmed Dudleya(rare) This dudleya is distributed in Los Angeles, Orange,Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties where it is threatened by development,road building, grazing, and recreation. It is found in heavy, often clayey soils or grassy slopes in chaparral,coastal scrub, and valley and foothill grasslands. It has been found on loamy and cobbly loam soils at Camp Pendleton. The flowering period for this species is from May thru July. Suitable conditions for this species do not exist within the project area. Smooth Tarplant(rare) This annual herb is known from Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. It was previously known from San Diego but has been extirpated from that county. Smooth tarplant grows in alkaline soils of chenopod scrub,meadow,playa,riparian woodland, and valley and foothill grassland habitats below 1,300 feet where it can be locally abundant. It blooms from April through September. This plant is threatened by agriculture, urbanization, and flood control projects. Marginally suitable habitat for this species exists within the project vicinity. California Department of Fish and Game records indicate that this plant has been observed in the fields south of the Ramona Expressway south of the project area in 1991 and north of the proposed pipeline western branch in 1990. This species was recently observed on a nearby property by TOA,Inc.personnel but it has not been observed within the project area for the pipeline project during the recent or previous site visits. If present,project impacts to this species are not expected to be significant. Coulter's Goldfields (rare) This small member of the sunflower family grows in areas with alkali soils; coastal salt marshes,playas, valley and foothill grasslands, and vernal pools. Its historic distribution included the counties of Kem, Los Angeles,Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura. It is now thought to have been extirpated in the first four of these counties and is very rare in the others. The blooming period for this plant is from February to June. This species was also observed in the fields south of the Ramona Expressway in 1991. Except along the Ramona Expressway right of way,this species is not expected to occur within the proposed pipeline route. If present,project impacts are not expected to be significant. L.A. Pocket Mouse(rare) The LA pocket mouse is a small,pink-buff pocket mouse found in grassland and coastal sage scrub habitats. It prefers open ground with fine sandy soils but has also been found in areas with rocky soil. Suitable habitat was not found along the proposed route except in the grassland at the San Jacinto River crossing where there is potential for impact to this species along the road route (Figure 2). The road here is narrower than along the rest of the route and significant potential for impacting grassland habitat along the sides of the road or burrows under the road exists. San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat (Federal Endangered) T lice marl Bernardino kangaroo Iat S;3KR 1J a aub5'"ZCIZS Of i�iclriarn karl-arOG rat. it IS FL111larii. ( )'" a ___ Y Y y found in rocky alluvial fan sage scrub habitat and is known to occur in southwestern San Bernardino and northwestern Riverside Counties. It is most active in hydrological channels, flood plain terraces,and areas of habitat immediately adjacent to flood plain terraces. It is threatened by flood control projects that prevent the natural rejuvenation of its habitat. Like the pocket mouse,this species is most likely to occur along the San Jacinto River portion of the route (Figure 2). However,the habitat here is marginal in that grassy species have overwhelmed the understory plants along the river and the river does not September 13, 2006 26-1617 6 Engineering Resources of Southern California Thomas Olsen Associates,Inc. San Jacinto in lieu Water Supply Project Habitat Assessment Update flood often enough to maintain the supposedly preferred scrub habitat. Suitable habitat does not exist elsewhere along the route. Stephens' Kangaroo Rat(Federal Endangered and State Threatened) Stephens' kangaroo rat(SKR) is a small,nocturnal mammal that is one of several species of burrowing, grain-eating kangaroo rats found in and and semi-arid regions of North America. It primarily occurs in annual or perennial grasslands but is also found in areas of open coastal sage scrub with sparse canopy cover. There is a moderate probability of this species occurring in the grassland habitat at the road edges along the proposed route. Coastal California Gnatcatcher(Federal Threatened) The California gnatcatcher is strongly associated with sage scrub communities in its various successional stages. This species is not expected to be impacted by the project because no sage scrub habitat occurs along the proposed route. Riparian/Riverine Species Along the proposed pipeline route,riparian habitat only exists at the San Jacinto River crossing where a Cottonwood/Willow woodland exists along the river bed. The habitat in the vicinity of the proposed river crossing has a moderately open canopy with little dense undergrowth. This habitat was assessed for its suitability for southwestern willow flycatcher(Federal and State Endngered), yellow-billed cuckoo (State Endangered), and least Bell's vireo(Federal and State Endngered). The most likely of the three species to be found in this area is the vireo with a slightly less possibility for the southwestem willow flycatcher. Suitable habitat for the cuckoo,which requires mature and extensive riparian habitat, does not exist. Vernal Pool Species Suitable fairy shrimp habitat does not exist along the proposed route due to the lack of suitable habitat. If suitable habitat did occur here at one time it has since been obliterated by extensive farming and road maintenance activities. Given the unsuitable soils, continuous farming activities, and the lack of visible vernal pool depressions, it is unlikely that suitable conditions exist along the proposed route for listed species of fairy shrimp. Nesting Birds Federal (Migratory Bird Treaty Act) and State (Section 3503.5 of the Fish and Game Code)regulations exist for the protection of most nesting birds. Except for the burrowing owl and a few others,most raptors nest in tall trees. Potential nesting trees only exist in the trees in the San Jacinto River portion of the proposed project and none of these would be directly impacted by the proposed project(Figure 2). However,nesting failure from indirect impacts (noise or other indirect disturbances)is considered take and should be avoided. Any mature tree within 500 feet of the crossing should be checked for nesting raptors(300 feet for non-raptors) ut udior nubutig birds if project work begins at the crossing during the breeding season(March through August). As discussed above there is potential for nesting burrowing owls along the branch route and in the cow pasture east of the proposed route (Figure 2). Jurisdictional Assessment Three potential jurisdictional drainages exist within the project impact area. The first is the San Jacinto River which most likely falls under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). Impacts to September 13, 2006 26-1617 7 Engineering Resources of Southern California Thomas 01sen Associates,Inc. San Jacinto in lieu Water Supply Project Habitat Assessment Update riparian vegetation within the River is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). The other two potential areas of Corps jurisdiction(though not CDFG due to the lack of vegetation with significant habitat value)are the two channelized drainages crossed by the pipeline route. The fist crossing is a drainage that crosses under the Ramona Expressway the second crossing is at the intersection of the western branch where a drainage ditch crosses the proposed route through a culvert under the existing dirt road. No impacts will occur if the pipeline can be put in place using techniques that do not place(even temporarily) fill in any of these drainages. Corps permits will likely be needed to trench across the two drainages and river crossing. CDFG permits will likely be needed to trench across the river crossing. The two drainages are likely Corps jurisdictional because they ultimately drain into the San Jacinto River which is a jurisdictional water. Corps permits for crossing the two channels is most likely covered by existing Nationwide permits. The San Jacinto River crossing along the dirt road is about 400 feet long and falls within the 500 foot limit set for Nationwide permits and may also qualify for a Nationwide Permit if total project impacts are kept below the limit. The Corps is the final authority for determining questions of jurisdictionality and should be consulted prior to the finalization of project design. All questions of jurisdictionality will likely be avoided by boring under the drainage and river crossings. MSHCP Criteria Cell Issues and Public/Quasi-Public Conserved Lands Most of the site lies outside of County Criteria areas. However the northern end of the proposed route lies within Criteria Cells 2171, 2264 and 2265 in Cell Groups J and K. The purpose of conservation within Cell Group J is meant to "contribute to assembly of Proposed Core 3 [in the Badlands and Mystic Lake areas] and Existing Constrained Linkage C [along the San Jacinto River]. Conservation within this Cell Group will focus on chaparral,coastal sage scrub and grassland habitat associated with the Badlands and on riparian scrub,woodland and forest habitat associated with the San Jacinto River. Areas conserved within this Cell Group will be connected to chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitat proposed for conservation in Cell Groups I to the west, C to the north, and D to the east,to chaparral, coastal sage scrub,and grassland habitat proposed for conservation in Cell Group K also to the east, and to riparian scrub,woodland and forest habitat also proposed for conservation in Cell Group K to the east. Conservation within this Cell Group will range from 20%-30%of the Cell Group focusing in the northern and southern portions of the Cell Group". (Table 3-14, MSHCP) Conservation within Cell Group K will "contribute to assembly of Proposed Core 3 and Existing Constrained Linkage C. Conservation within this Cell Group will focus on chaparral, coastal sage scrub and grassland habitat associated with the Badlands and on riparian scrub, woodland, and forest habitat associated with the Sari Jaciiito River. Areas conserved within this Cell Group will be connected to chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitat proposed for conservation in Cell Group L to the east,to chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grassland habitat proposed for conservation in Cell Groups D to the north and J to the west, and to riparian scrub, woodland, and forest habitat also proposed for conservation in Cell Group J to the west. Conservation within this Cell Group will range from 25%-35% of the Cell Group focusing in the northern and southern portions of the Cell Group". (Table 3-14,MSHCP) September 13, 2006 26-1617 8 Engineering Resources of Southern California Thomas 01sen Associates,Inc. San Jacinto in lieu Water Supply Project Habitat Assessment Update Because the impacts of the Proposed Project are temporary, installation of the proposed pipeline is not expected to adversely impact the conservation goals set out in the MSHCP. CONCLUSION The conclusions of this assessment do not significantly differ from those reached in the previous assessment(TOA,Inc. 2004). Because of the nature of the Project, all project impacts are expected to be temporary. Site conditions shall be returned to their pre-disturbance conditions after installation of the pipeline. Potential exists for direct and indirect impacts to the burrowing owl. The western branch pipeline would follow along a narrow dirt road, a portion of which(approximately 1,300 feet) lies adjacent to a drainage ditch in which mammal burrows (including ground squirrels)were observed. Mammal burrows can be used by burrowing owls and mammal burrows were less obvious during the recent site visit. No sign of burrowing owls was seen during either site visit. Potential for indirect impacts to the burrowing owl exists along the length of the north/south route where it lies adjacent to the dairy and cow pasture (approximately 2,600 feet) (Figure 2). Wildlife agencies, including the California Department of Fish and Game,believe that noise and ground shaking within 160 feet can cause sufficient disturbance at occupied burrows to cause abandonment of nests. If project impacts are scheduled for these areas within the burrowing owl breeding season(approximately March through September 15) focused surveys should be conducted to assure that no birds have moved into the vicinity. Owls are not expected in the other areas because of the lack of suitable burrow sites and heavy agricultural use. They are not expected at the river crossing because of the high density of the vegetation and lack of suitable burrows. Suitable habitat for the L.A. pocket mouse and marginal habitat for the San Bernardino kangaroo rat exist in the San Jacinto River crossing portion of the project area. It is our understanding that the Riverside County Flood Control District conducts ongoing surveys of the River in the project vicinity for these and other species and has not detected either. The proposed project is not expected to impact these two species. The project site lies within the County Stephens' kangaroo rat fee area. Potential impacts to these species could be avoided by boring under the riverbed. Marginally suitable habitat exists within the project impact area for spreading navarretia, Wright's trichocoronis, and San Jacinto Valley crownscale along the Ramona Expressway portion of the proposed route at the drainage crossing(Figure 2). The navarretia and crownscale are federally listed species and if the project has a federal nexus (such as thru permitting or funding)rare plant surveys should be conducted during the blooming period(roughly April through August)to determine their presence/absence. Marginally suitable habitat exist along the Ramona Expressway right-of-way for smooth tarplant and Coulter's goldfields. If present, project impacts to these two species are not expected to be significant. Suitable habitat does not exist for the other plant species assessed above. Suitable nesting habitat or Bells vireo and the southwestern willow iycatclier do not exisi along the proposed route except in the San Jacinto River adjacent to the route. It is our understanding that ongoing surveys are conducted by the Riverside County Flood Control District within the project vicinity. The proposed project is not expected to impact these species if any pipeline work is conducted outside of the nesting season. If pipeline installation occurs during the breeding season(March through September 15),the Flood Control District should be contacted to confirm that no birds have been detected prior to pipeline installation. Surveys should be conducted if they have not been conducted within the last year. September 13, 2006 26-1617 9 Engineering Resources of Southern California Thomas Olsen Associates,Inc. San Jacinto in lieu Water Supply Project Habitat Assessment Update The wildlife agencies typically restrict noise levels within 300 feet of nesting birds to less than 60 dBk. Suitable vernal pool habitat does not exist along the proposed route. Impacts to listed fairy shrimp species are not expected from the proposed project. The potential exists for indirect impacts to nesting raptors at the river crossing if work there begins during the nesting season. The wildlife agencies typically require a 500 foot buffer zone around active raptor nests and sometimes also require 300 foot buffer zone around non-raptor nests. Nest surveys should be conducted prior to any work scheduled to begin during the nesting season(March through August). Impacts to Corps jurisdictional drainages, including the San Jacinto River, should be covered by existing Nationwide Permits. Permits may not be needed if the pipeline is installed under the drainages using boring techniques instead of trenching. The northern portion of the project site is located within MSHCP Criteria Cell Groups J and K. Because of the temporary nature of the project and its impacts,the project is not expected to impact conservation goals set out by the MSHCP. PleaseXn1actif yo:havJantestions;regarding this report. Michael Misenhelter TOA,Inc. biologist cc: TOA client file 026-1617 attachment.-species list,site photos,location map, vicinity map, soils map September 13, 2006 26-1617 10 Engineering Resources of Southern California Thomas Olsen Associates,Inc. San Jacinto in lieu Water Supply Project Habitat Assessment Update Species Observed on Site During Site Visit Scientific Name Common Name PLANTS Amaranthaceae Amaranth Family Amaranthus albus* White tumbleweed Amaranthus palmeri None Asteraceae Aster Family Ambrosia acanthicarpa Annual bur-sage Baccharis salicifolia Mule fat Conyza bonariensis* Flax-leaved fleabane Conyza canadensis Horseweed Helianthus annuus Sunflower Lactuca serriola* Prickly lettuce Sonchus oleraceus* Common sow thistle Xanthtum strumarium Cocklebur Boraginaceae Borage Family Amsinckia menziesii Rancher's fireweed Heliotropium curassavicum Heliotrope Brassicaceae Mustard Family Hirschfeldia incana*(Brassica geniculata) Short-pod mustard Sisymbrium irio* London rocket Chenopodiaceae Goosefoot Family Atriplex suberecta* None Chenopodium murale* Goosefoot Kochia scopria* None Salsola tragus* Tumble weed/Russian thistle Suaeda moquinii Bush sheepweed Convolvulaceae Morning-glory Family Convolvulus arvensis* Bindweed Fabacene Pea Family CercidiumJloridum Blue palo verde Medicago sativa* Alfalfa Mehlotus sp. none Malvaceae Mallow Family Malva parviora* Cheeseweed Poaceae Grass Family Avena sp* Oats Bromus diandrus* Common ripgutgrass Bromus madritensis rubens* Foxtail chess Cynodon dactylon* Bermuda grass Distichlis spicata Salt grass Leptochloa uninervia Mexican sprangle-top Panicum miliaceum* Broom corn millet Polypogon monspeliensis* Rabbit's foot grass Triticum aestivum* Cultivated wheat Polygonaceae Buckwheat Family Polygonum aviculare* Knotweed Rum ex crispus* Curly dock Salicaceae Willow Family Popu/us fremoniii Fremont cottonwood Salix gooddingii Goodding's black willow September 13, 2006 26-1617 11 Engineering Resources of Southern California Thomas Olsen Associates,Inc. San Jacinto in lieu Water Supply Project Habitat Assessment Update Solanaceae Nightshade Family Datura wrightii Jimson weed Nicotiana glauca* Tree tobacco Solanum douglasii White nightshade Zygophyllaceae Caltrop Family Tribulus terrestris* Puncture vine INSECTS Aeshoidae Darner(dragonfly)Family Aeshna multicolor Multicolored damer Formicidae Ant Family Pogonomyrmex californicus California harvester ant Lycaenidae Blue and Hairstreak Butterfly Family Brephidium ezilis Pygmy blue Pieridee White and Sulfur Butterfly Family Colias eurytheme Orange sulfur Artogeia rapae* Cabbage butt Ierfly REPTILES Phrynosomatidae none Ufa stansburiana Side-blotched Lizard BIRDS Ardeidae Herons and Bitterns Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret Accipitriidae Hawks,Old World Vultures,and Harriers Circus cyaneus Northern Hamer Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed Hawk Falconidae Caracaras and Falcons Falco sparverius American Kestrel Columbidae Pigeons and Doves Zenaida macroura Mourning Dove Tyranaidae Tyrant Flycatchers Sayornis nigricans Black Phoebe Sayornis saya Say's Phoebe Tyrannus verticalis Western Kingbird Laniidse Shrikes Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead Shrike Corvidae Jays,Magpies,and Crows Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow Corvus corax Common Raven Alaudidae Larks Eremophila alpestris Homed Lark Motacillidne Wagtails and Pipits Anirius ru'beScdns Aincticau iipii Parulidae Wood Warblers and relatives Dendroica coronata Yellow-rumped Warbler Emberizidae Emberizides Passerculus sandwichensis Savannah Sparrow Melospiza melodic Song Sparrow Icteridae Blackbirds,Orioles&Allies Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged Blackbird September 13, 2006 26-1617 12 Engineering Resources of Southern California Thomas Olsen Associates,Inc. San Jacinto in lieu Water Supply Project Habitat Assessment Update Fringillidae Finches Carpodacus mexicanus House Finch Passeridae Old World Sparrows Passer domesticus* House Sparrow MAMMALS Sciuridae Squirrels,Chipmunks,and Marmots Spermophilus beecheyi California Ground Squirrel Geomyidae Pocket Gophers Thomomys bottae Botta's Pocket Gopher Canidae Foxes,Wolves,and relatives Canis familiaris Domestic dog *introduced species September 13, 2006 16-1617 13 c G Appendix B Air Quality Emissions Calculations Page: 1 12/06/2006 7:48 AM URBEMIS 2002 For Windows 8.7.0 Name: C:\Program Files\URBEMIS 2002 Version 8.7\Frojects2k2\EMWD Recycled Water Line No. 1.urb Project Name: EMWD Recycled Water Line No. I Project Location: South Coast Air Basin (Les Angeles area! On-Road Motor Vehicle Emissions Based on EMFAC2002 version 2.2 SUMMARY REPORT (Pounds/Day - Summer) CONSTRUCTION EMISSION ESTIMATES PM10 PMIO PM10 *** 2007 **` ROG NOx CO S02 TOTAL EXHAUST DUST TOTALS (lbs/day,unmitigated) 12.87 78.93 li0.06 0.00 3.03 2.82 0.21 AREA SOURCE EMISSION ESTIMATES ROG NOx CO S02 PM10 TOTALS {lbs/day,unmitigated) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 OPERATIONAL (VEHICLE) EMISSION ESTIMATES ROG NOx CO S02 PM10 TOTALS (lbs/day,unmitigated) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 SUM OF AREA AND OPERATIONAL EMISSION ESTIMATES ROG NOx CO S02 PM10 TOTALS (lbs/day,unmitigated) 0.00 0.00 0.00 C.00 0.00 Page: 2 12/06/2006 7:48 AM URBEMIS 2002 For Windows 8.7.0 1- - Name: C:\Program Files\URBEMIS 2032 version 8.7\Projects2k2\EMWD Recycled Water Line No. 1.urH Project Name: EMWD Recycled Water Lire No. 1 Project Location: South Coast Air Basin (Los Angeles area) On-Road Motor Vehicle Emissions Based on EMFAC2002 version 2.2 DETAIL REPORT ,Pounds/Day - Sumner} Construction Start Month and Year: June, 2007 Construction Duration: 3 Total Land Use Area to be Developed: 2.2 acres Maximum Acreage Disturbed Per Day: 0.02 acres Single Family Units: 0 Multi-Family Units: 0 Retail/OEfice/Institutional/Industrial Square Footage: 0 CONSTRUCTION EMISSION ESTIMATES UNMITIGATED (lbs/day) PM10 PMIG PMio Source ROG NOx CO SO2 TOTAL EXHAUST DUST *** 2007*=* Phase 1 - Demolition Emissions Fugitive Dust - - - - 0.00 - 0.00 Off-Road Diesel 0.00 0.00 0.00 - 0.00 0.00 0.00 On-Road Diesel 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 worker Trips 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Maximum lbs/day 0.00 0.00 D.00 0.00 0,00 0.00 0.00 Phase 2 - Site Grading Emissions Fugitive Dust - - - - 0.20 - 0.20 Off-Road Diesel. 12.73 78.76 106.77 - 2.81 2.81 0.00 On-Road Diesel 0.00 0.00 0,00 0100 0.00 0.00 0.00 Worker Trips 0.14 0.17 3.29 0.00 0.02 O.Dl 0.01 Maximum lbs/day 12.87 78.93 110.06 0.00 3.03 2.E2 0.21 Phase 3 - Building Construction Bldg Const Off-Road Diesel 0.00 0.00 0.00 - 0.00 0.00 0.00 Bldg Const Worker Trips 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 n.OG 0.00 0.00 Coatings Off-Gas 0.00 - - - - - - Coatings Worker Trips 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0-00 0.00 Ab .ialt Off-Gas 0.00 - - - - - Asphalt Off-Road Diesel 0.00 0.00 0,00 - 0.00 0.00 0.00 Asphalt On-Road Diesel 0,00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0,00 0.00 Asphalt Worker Trips 0.00 O.GO 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Maximum lbs/day 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.n0 0.00 Max lbs/day all phases 12.87 78.93 110.06 0.00 3.03 2.E2 0.21 Phase 3 - Building Construction Assumptions: Phase Turned OFF Phase 2 - Site Grading Assumptions Start Month/Year for Phase 2: Jun '07 Phase 2 Duration: 3 months On-Road Truck Travel (VMTY : 0 Off-Road Equipment No. Type Horsepower Load Factor Hours/Day 1 Bore/Drill Rigs 218 0.750 8.3 Off Highway Trucks 417 0.490 8.0 1 Rubber Tired Loaders 165 • .46`. 8.0 2 Tractor/Loaders/Backhoes 79 G.465 8.0 Page: 3 12/06/2006 7:48 AM A..^'� SOURCE EMISSION ESTIMATES (Summer Pounds per Day, Unmitigated) source ROG NOx CO $02 PM10 _ural Gas 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 0.00 Hearth - No summer emissions Landscaping 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 O.OD Consumer Prdcts 0.00 - - - Architectural Coatings 0.00 - - - - TOTALS(lbs/day,unmitigated) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TIONAL EMISSIONS FLOG NOx CO S02 PM10 TOTAL EMISSIONS (lbs/day) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Does not include correction for passby trips. Does not include double counting adjustment for internal trips. OPERATIONAL (Vehicle) EMISSION ESTIMATES Analysis Year: 2005 Temperature (F) : 90 Season: Summer EMFAC Version: EMPAC2002 (9/2002) Summary of Land Uses: No. Total Unit Type Acreage Trip Rate Units Trips Vehicle Assumptions: Fleet Mix: Vehicle Type Percent Type Non-Catalyst Catalyst Diesel Light Auto 56.10 2.30 97.10 0.60 Light Truck < 3,750 lbs 15.10 4.00 93.40 2.60 Light Truck 3,751- 5,750 15.50 1.90 96.60 1.30 Ned Truck 5,751- 8,500 6.80 1.50 95.60 2.90 Lite-Heavy 8,501-10,000 1.00 0.00 80.00 20.00 Lite-Heavy 10,001-14,000 0.30 0.00 E6.70 33.30 Ned-Heavy 14,001-33,000 1.00 10.00 20.00 70.00 Heavy-Heavy 33,001-60,000 0.80 0.00 12.50 87.50 Line Haul > 60,000 ibs 0.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 Urban Bus 0.10 0.00 0.00 100.00 Motorcycle 1.60 87.50 12.50 0.00 �1 Bus 0.30 0.00 0.00 100.00 Home 1.40 14.30 78.60 '1.10 Travel Conditions Residential Commercial Home- Home- Home- Work Shop Other Commute Noll-Work Customer Urban Trip Length (miles) 11.5 4.9 6.0 10.3 S.5 5.5 Rural Trip Length (miles) 11.5 4.9 6.0 10.3 5.5 5.5 Trip Speeds (mph) 35.0 40.0 40.0 4C.0 40.0 40.0 8 of Trips - Residential 20.0 37.0 43.0 Page: 5 12/06/2006 7:48 AM CN—,ges made to the default values for Land Use Trip Percentages Changes made to the default values for Construction. Phase 2 mitigation measure Soil Disturbance: Water exposed surfaces - 3x daily has been changed from off to on. Charges made to the default values for Area Changes made to the default values for Operations Page: 1 10YO312006 Bt43 PM UR.5EMIS 2002 For Windows 8.7,0 se Name: C:\Program Files\URBEMIS 2002 Version E_7\Praject52k2\EMWU Recycled Water Line No, l.urb Project. Name: EMWD Recycled Water Line No. 1 Project Location: South Coast Air Basin (Los Angeles area) On-Road Motor Vehicle Emissions Based or. ZVFAC2002 version 2.2 SUb:MART REPORT (Poueds/Day - Summer) CONSTRUCTION EMISSION ESTIMATES PM10 FM10 PM10 "** 2007 *"' ROG V0x CO S02 TOTAL EXHAUST- OUST TOTALS fibs/day,unmiti.gatedj 9.95 62,17 54.75 0.00 2.56 2.35 0.2i AREA SOURCE EMISSION ESTIMATES ROG NOx c0 S02 PM10 TOTALS (lbs/day,unm'_tigatedi 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 OPERATIONAL (VEHICLE) EMISSION ESTIMATES ROG NOr co s02 PM10 TOTALS (lbs/day,urmdtigated} 0.00 0.00 0,00 0.00 0.00 SUM OF AREA AND OPERATICNAL EMISSION ESTIMATES ROG NOx CO S02 PMIO TOTALS flb5/day,urm.:tigated) 0.00 D.Co 0.00 0.00 0.OD Page: 2 10/03/2006 8:43 PM URB.EmIS 2002 For Windows 8.7.0 Le ?Same: C:\Program riles\URBETAIS 2002 version 8.7\Pznjec-ts2k2\ZPfRD Recycled Water Line No, 1.urb Proiect Name: EMWD Recycled Water Line No. I Project Location: South Cost Air Basin {Los Angeles area) On-Road Motor Vehicle Emissions Based on EMFAC2002 version 2.2 DETAIL REPORT (Pounds/Day •• Summer) Construction Start Month and 'scar: June, 2007 Construction Duration: 3 Total Land Use Area to be Developed: 2.2 acres Maximum Acreage Disturbed Per Bay: O.02 acres Single Family Units: 0 Multi-ramily Units: 0 Retail/Office/1nstitutional./industrial Square Footage: 0 CONSTRUCTION EMISSION FST_Tur1TE5 0NMITIGATED (1bs/day) PM1.0 PMiD PM10 Source ROG NOx CO Sul TOTAL FXHAJST DUST Phase I - Demolition Emissions Fugitive Dust - - - 0.00 0.00 Off-Road Diesel 0.00 0.00 0.00 - 0.00 O'DO 0.00 Cn-Road Diesel 0,00 0.00 0.00 O.0o 0.00 0.00 0.00 Worker Trips 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.Go 0.00 0.00 0.00 Maximum lbs/dap 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Phase 2 - Site Grading Emissions Fugitive Dust - - - - 0.20 - 0.20 Off-Road Diesel 9.85 62.05 82.28 - 2,35 2.35 0.00 On-Road Diesel 0.0C 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Worker Trigs 0-1,0 0.1.2 2.47 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 Maximum ibs/dav 9.95 62.17 84.75 0,00 2.56 2.35 0.21 Phase 3 - Building Construction Bldq Const Off-Road Diesel 0,00 0.00 0.00 - 0.00 0.00 0.00 Bldg Const Worker 'trips 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 D.00 0.00 0.00 -ch Coatings Off-Gass 0.00 - - - - - - ,'.h Coatings Worker Trips 0.O0 0.00 0.00 0.00 D.00 0.00 0.00 2halt Off-Gas 0.00 - - - - - - Asphalt Off-Road Diesel 0.00 0.DO 0.00 - 0.00 0,00 0.30 Asphalt On-Road Diesel 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0100 0.00 Asphalt Worker Trips 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Maximum 1bs/day 0,00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Max lbs/day all phases 9.95 52.1r R4.75 0.00 2.56 2.35 0.21 Phase 3 - Building Construction Assumptions: Phase Turned OF Phase 2 - Site Grading Assumptions Start Month/Year for Phase 2: Jun '07 Phase 2 Duration: 3 month', On-Road Truck Travel. t'725T) : 0 Off.-'road Equipment No. Type Horsepower Load Factor Hours/Day 2 Of,`. Highway Trucks 417 0.490 8.0 'Robber Tired Loaders 165 0.465 6.0 _ Tr'actcr/Loaders;aackhoes 79 0.465 8.0 Page: 3 1.0/03/2006 8:43 PM ;:P,EA SOURCE EMISSION ESTtMATE3 (Summer Pounds per Day, Unmitigated) t.. Source ROG NOx CO S02 PM10 tura.l Gas 0.00 0.00 O.CO 0 0.00 Hearth - No summer emissions Landscaping 0.00 0.00 0_00 0.00 0.00 Consumer Prdcts 0.00 - - - - Architectural Coatings 0.00 - - - - TOTALS(lbs/day,unmi t i gat ed) 0.00 0.00 5.00 0.00 0.00 Page: 4 10/03/2006 8:43 PM UNMITIGATED OPERATIONAL EMISSIONS ROG NOx CO $02 PM10 TOTA1, EMISSIONS (lbs/day) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Does not include correction for passby trips. Does not include double counting adjustment for internal trips. OPERATIONAL (Vehicle) EMISSION ESTIMATE$ Analysis Year: 2D05 Temperature (F) : 90 seascn: Sumer EMFAC Version: EMFAC2002 '9/2002) S°:mmary of Land Uses: No. Total Unit Type Acreage Trip Rate Units Trips Vehicle Assumptions: Fleet Mix: Vehicle Type Percent Type Non-Catalyst Catalyst Diesel Light Auto 56.10 2.30 97.10 0.60 Light Truck < 3,750 lbs 15.10 4.00 93.40 2.60 Light Truck 3,751- 5,750 15.50 1.90 96.80 1..30 Med Truck. 5,751- 8,500 6.80 1.50 95.E0 2.90 Lite-Heavy 8,501-10,000 1.00 D.00 80.00 20.00 Lite-Heavy 10,001-3.4,000 0.30 0.00 66.i0 33.30 Med-Heavy 14,001-33,000 i.00 10.00 20.00 70.00 Heavy-Heavy 33,001-60,000 0.80 0.00 12.50 87.50 L.i.ne Haul > 60,000 Its 0.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 Urban Bus 0.1.3 D.00 0.00 100.00 motorcycle 1.60 87.50 12.50 0.00 -*:ooi Hus 0.30 0.00 0.00 10G.00 or Some 1.40 14.30 78.60 i.10 Travel Conditions Residential Cor merci.al. Home- Home- Home- Work shop Other Cc=ute Non-Wo--k Customer Urban Trip Length (miles) 3.1.5 4.9 6.0 10.3 5.5 5.5 Rural Trip Length Imilesj 11.5 4.9 6.0 10.3 5.5 5.5 Trip Speeds (mph) 35.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 $ of Trips - Residential 20.0 37.0 43.0 Page: 5 10/03/2006 8:43 PM Changes made to the default values for Land Use Trip Percentages Changes made to the default values for Construction Phase 2 mitigation measure Soil Disturbance: Water exposed surfaces - 3x daily has been changed from off to on. Changes rude to the default values for Area Changes made to the default values for Operations Appendix C Comments Received and Responses P RESPONSES TO COMMENTS San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project The following letters/comments were received during the public review period for the above listed project. The comments received have been summarized below. The full text for all letters/comments are attached for review. Responses to the comments received follow the generalized versions restated below. In instances where strikeout and underlining is provided as part of the responses, strikeout refers to portions of text to be deleted, underlining refers to portions of text to be added. 1. Commenting Agency/Entity: The Gas Company; January 9, 2007, Gilbert Alonzo. Comment: The Gas Company provided the following comments on the proposed mitigated Negative Declaration: • The Gas Company noted that their pipelines require one (1) foot of vertical separation, new parallel facilities must provide two (2) feet of horizontal separation. • The Gas Company requested that signed final plans and profiles be provided to them as soon as they are available. • Provisions outlining an adequate review period are stipulated. • The Gas Company stated that the EMWD contractor is to remove any abandoned facilities. Response: The following response is provided: ✓ The Gas Company comments are noted and will be complied with. No further response is required. 2. Commenting AgencylEntity: Lake Hemet Municipal Water District (LHMWD); January 25, 2007 (received as an e-mail attachment from Arthur Littleworth) Comment: LHMWD provided the following modifications on the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration: • Correct typographical error. I • Modify a portion of the Project Description • Requested that details be provided as they relate to provisions referenced in Maximum Benefit Study. Response: The following response is provided: ✓ The Line 5 of the bottom paragraph on page 1-3, "provided" shall be changed to provide. ✓ The last sentence of the bottom paragraph on page 1-3 shall be modified as follows: The Stipulated Judgment r,ase filed- by EMWD to Faqu!Fe that the Gities Gf Hemet and San will determine the rights to groundwater of EMWD, Lake Hemet Municipal Water District (LHMWD), and the Cities of Hemet and San Jacinto, and provide for replenishment of the groundwater basins. ✓ The Maximum Benefit Study is to be completed in mid-February 2007 and will be available prior to proposed adoption of this document. it will be attached as reference to this proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration. 3. Commenting Agency/Entity: Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (RCFCWCD); January 23, 2007 Comment: RCFCWCD provided the following modifications on the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration: • Any work that involves District rights-of-way, easements or facilities will require an encroachment permit. • The project applicant will need to demonstrate the proposed project is in compliance with applicable portions of the Multi- Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). The proposed project should evaluate potential impacts upon the proposed San Jacinto Valley Master Drainage Plan (MDP). • Page 11-15 of the document incorrectly states that the District conducts annual surveys of the San Jacinto River. Response: The following response is provided: ✓ EMWD acknowledges that an encroachment permit will be required by the District. ✓ The RCFC District identified a variety of sections that EMWD must comply with under the MSHCP. a) Background for Responses to this Issue. EMWD is not a signatory to the MSHCP and, therefore, not bound by its requirements. The Habitat Assessments completed for the proposed project adhere to CEQA, state, and federal requirements. Many of these provisions are included as part of the MSHCP. MSHCP species, for example, are a subset of concerns that EMWD must normally address as part of CEQA compliance. Therefore, in many cases County MSHCP issues overlap those of state and federal regulations. The biological report did address potential impacts upon various biological species, based upon species identified in both the MSHCP Conservation Summary Report Generator and California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), along with determining whether the project will affect MSHCP reserves. It is important to note that EMWD cannot use the mitigation outlined in the MSHCP because EMWD is not a signatory to that document. One of the principle purposes for the MSHCP is to comprehensively address environmental issues, rather than on a case-by- case basis through individual permits. As such, the MSHCP has broad-based mitigation methods that provide for the conservation of habitat and associated species. b) Section 3.2 (Description of the MSHCP Conservation Area and 3.2.1 (The MSHCP Plan Maps These sections generally describe the regional areas of the plan. Section 3.2.1 also notes that Public/Quasi-Public (PQP) land must be replaced at a 1:1 ratio if land is taken by a permittee. The RCFC District is a signatory to the MSHCP and must comply with its provisions. However, the proposed project is not within a PQP area, as depicted on Figure 3-1. c) Sections 6.1.2 (Protection of Species Associated with Riparian/Riverine Areas and Vernal Pools) 6.1.3 (Protection of Narrow Endemic Plant Species). and 6.1.4 (Guidelines Pertaining to the Urban/Wildland Interface). These sections identify various species and survey procedures that must be undertaken in the MSHCP Plan area. EMWD is not a signatory to the MSHCP. However, the Biological Habitat Assessments that have been conducted for the project include the various types of analyses required by the MSHCP, including endemic species, riparian/riverine species, vernal pools, and fairy shrimp. Under the Avoidance and Minimization Section the MSHCP provides that "...Permittees shall ensure that through the CEQA process, project applicants develop project alternatives demonstrating efforts that first avoid, and then minimize direct and indirect effects to the wetlands mapped..." i a Although no wetlands were identified, one of the goals of the proposed project was to avoid potentially sensitive habitat by boring under the San Jacinto River. As such, avoidance is an existing feature of the proposed project. The proposed project will result in a temporary loss of potential habitat near the Ramona Expressway. Permits from the Army Corps of Engineers will be required for this and another drainage course along the alignment. d) Sections 6.3.2 (Additional Survey Needs and Procedures), 7.5.3 (Construction Guidelines), and Appendix C. These sections identify various construction methods and survey requirements for various species. The biological report completed for the proposed project is consistent with the required MSNCP criteria, where applicable. The various construction techniques for protecting environmental resources will be undertaken consistent with the requirements of permitting agencies, such as the Army Corps of Engineers and California Department of Fish and Game. In addition, EMWD has specific construction methods that also must be met, consistent with the requirements for Tier II projects. ✓ According to information obtained from Art Diaz at RCFC District on February 6, 2007, the RCFC District is in the process of updating the San Jacinto Area Master Drainage Plan (MDP). This includes facilities located on the north and south sides of the Expressway, a portion of which will traverse the pipeline alignment. Mr. Diaz indicated the proposed project is to be completed in the Fall of 2007. As such, the proposed amendment is not complete and, therefore, can not be fully evaluated until this occurs. Mr. Diaz also requested that Joseph Caldwell at Webb Associates be contacted for additional information about the proposed Master Planned system expansion and update. In a telephone conversation with Mr. Caldwell on February 6, 2007, he indicated that a 300-foot wide channel is proposed on the north side of the Expressway, as an outlet for a regional detention basin planned to be located for the south side of the Expressway. The location of the proposed channel will be located to the east and west of the existing drainage culvert that traverses the Expressway. According to Mr. Michael Stearns of Engineering Resources of Southern California, who is preparing the In-Lieu Agricultural pipeline design, he has been in touch with and is coordinating with representatives of the RCFC District and, as such, is aware of the proposed improvements. Mr. Stearns indicated that the proposed channel will not conflict with the In-Lieu pipeline. ✓ According to Jason Swenson of the RCFC District in a phone call received on February 5, 2007, the District has not undertaken any recently surveys of the San Jacinto River. He indicated surveys were conducted in the past, although he was not sure when that occurred. He also thought some surveys may have been undertaken as part of the proposed update to the San Jacinto Area Master Drainage Plan. Based upon this information, the following change is to be made on Page II-15: the San jaG'nte RbveF. 4. Commenting Agency/Entity: City of San Jacinto; February 5, 2007 Comment: City of San Jacinto provided the following modifications on the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration: • It appears that the entire project is to be located within the unincorporated area of Riverside County, but the exhibit is not clear. • The City is currently undertaking studies that could potentially conflict with the proposed pipeline. The City requests copies of the final engineering plans for review and comment prior to construction. Response: The following response is provided: ✓ The connection to the existing pipeline is to occur on the southerly side of the Expressway, within the right of way of Warren Road and Ramona Expressway, at the southeast corner of Warren and the Expressway. This connection point is within the City of San Jacinto. The location of the connection point was noted in the Project Description, but the description of the alignment also stated that the pipeline was located within the unincorporated area of the County. As such, the reference is incorrect and will be changed as follows: The proposed project will involve the installation of approximately 10,775 linear feet of 24-inch recycled water pipeline by Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD or District) primarily within private property along existing dirt roads or across agricultural fields that traverse the Rancho Casa Loma Farm, Scott Brothers Dairy Farm, and the San Jacinto River in the unincorporated portion of Riverside County, near the City of San Jacinto, and a very small portion of the City of San Jacinto at the southeast comer of Warren Road and Ramona Expressway within the right of way of both roadways. An evaluation of this connection point was undertaken by a biologist in late October 2006 and found that no resources will be adversely affected. That Addendum to Biological Assessment Update has been added to Appendix A for review. Although the Addendum identifies certain mitigation, such as burrowing owl and raptor surveys, these are already part of the existing mitigation measures. No additional measures are required. ✓ The District will provide final plans to the City when they are available. 5. Commenting Agency/Entity: State Clearinghouse; February 1, 2007 Comment: Terry Roberts, Director, State Clearinghouse stated: • This letter acknowledges that you have complied with the State Clearinghouse review requirements for draft environmental documents, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. Response: The following is provided: ✓ No response is required to this informational document. Page 1 of 2 Hackett, Karen From: Alonzo, Gilbert[GAlonzo@semprautilities.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 9:29 AM To: Hackett, Karen Subject: Proposed 24" recycled water pipeline for Rancho Casa Loma Farm and Scott Brothers Dairy Farm Kam n, Enclosed are .PDF files of our facilities covering the area you hay e requested. the information we have provided was obtained from a search of all our available records and are approximate in nature. If exact locations are required, it will be necessary to physically check the facility in question. We require new facilities that cross our pipelines maintain a minimum one (1) foot of vertical separation and new facilities installed parallel to our pipelines maintain a minimum two (2) feet of horizontal separation. Existing twelve (12) inch and larger gas lines require additional horizontal separation. It is extremely important that you furnish us with "eigned" final plans, including profiles and subsequent plan revisions as soon as they are available. A nunimum of twelve (12) weeks is needed to analyze the plans and design alterations for any conflicting facilities. Depending on the magnitude of the work involved,additional time may be required to clear the conflict. Please keep us informed of construction schedules,pre-construction meetings,etc., so that we can schedule our work accordingly. It is our intention to allow your contractor to remove any abandoned facilities that may be encountered during the course of construction. Upon request,at least two (2) working days prior to the start of construction, we will locate and mark our active underground facilities for the contractor at no cost. Please call Underground Service alert (USA) at 1 (800j 227-2600. If you hay e immediate questions or require additional information,please contact me at (909) 335-" 56 Sincerely, Gilbert Alonzo Planning .kssociate CAUT1v 1,9) 2007 Page 2 of 2 F ,R LOCATING AtND i'd7A iK1NG SERVICE PHONE "UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT' 1-800-422-4133 Gilbert Alonzo Planning Associate South Inland Region-Redlands (909)335-7756 office (909)81M123 pgr GA14,[�E914291e_�Br�lAlliili�4,.G0.t1! 1 92007 Comments from EMWD Arthur Littleworth San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project on behalf of L1*rWD 4. Potential Measures to Improve Groundwater Basins In 2000 the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) alleging that MWD interfered with their groundwater rights. As part of subsequent negotiations on this issue, the parties developed what is referred to as "Principles of Settlement". One of the provisions of the Principles of Settlement was the development of a groundwater management plan. In September 2003 an agreement was adopted between EMWD, Lake Hemet Municipal Water District (LHMWD) and the Cities of Hemet and San Jacinto to prepare a groundwater monitoring program. These same entities also agreed to Interim Principles of Groundwater Management and the final Principles of Groundwater Management in 2003 and 2004, respectively. In 2004 several Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) were also adopted. The first related to "the deteriorating situation in the sub-basins by providing interim stabilization through recharge...". (p. 19, EMWD 2005 Urban Water Management Plan) The second MOU described how funding of the groundwater management plan would occur. According to information found on page 19 of the EMWD 2005 Urban Water Management Plan, the implementation of the Hemet/San Jacinto Water Management Plan will result in the following: • The Hemet/San Jacinto area will have a reliable and adequate source of future water supply. • The settlement claims by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians are facilitated and accommodated. • Existing water production and water services system will be expanded to meet future urban growth. • Water quality in the management plan area will be protected and/or enhanced. • Cost-effective water supplies and treatment by the public agencies is supported. • Groundwater overdraft is eliminated and basin yield enhanced. • A monitoring program is implemented to promote and provide for best management and engineering principles to protect water resources. According to District Staff, the final Water Management Plan will be part of a Stipulated Judgment that should be approved by the courts in 2007 or early 2008. The Plan is intended to be finalized and implemented in 2008. The Plan's , p, ultimate affect will be two (2) fold; it will limit the a ount of water being extracted "` from the basin to a sustainable yield, and; providfjfor the continued recharge of the basin using imported water. The Stipulated Judgment filed re_gidsi e soi:tftett. tv�j 4c % *� lac ! fit WoJ t_ft fhV it C+r9� t�eio Project Description i .3 �w++F ►F,t /irw�riAA/w r, ' �` . Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project 1. "Whenever the existing quality of water is better than the quality established in policies as of the date on which such policies become effective, such existing high quality will be maintained until it has been demonstrated to the State that any change will be consistent with maximum benefit present and anticipated beneficial use of such water and will not result in water quality less than that prescribed in the policies." The water quality standards referenced above are based upon the water quality conditions that existed at the time of the adoption of the resolution. The recycled water that will be used as part of the proposed project and which could affect the area's groundwater basin meets all existing health standards, as previously noted. However, the recycled water does not meet the historical native groundwater conditions. Since the use of recycled water could change the groundwater quality as it originally existed, the District is ' the Rrocess of requesting an increase in the amount of total dissolved solids (T and total i me n en rough the an a na Regional ter Quality Control Board (RWQCB) for the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone. The adopted water quality objectives for the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Zone as set by the RWQCB in Resolution No. R8-2004-0001, are 320 mg/l for TDS and 1.4 mgA for TIN. For the District to undertake this proposed change and be allowed to proceed with the proposed project, a.Maximum Benefit Analysis (referenced in the provision listed above from Resolution 68-16) must t be completed by the District and accepted by the RWQCB. This study would include mechanisms that would allow for the use of recycled water by area farmers for crop irrigation and ensure the existincL,groundwater basin has an assimilative capacity to meet adopted basin objectives. Various mitigation measures could be accepted/adopted by the RWQCB as part of this approval that could include the use 0-desaltem and 7 treatm6?irbTV1U-r6c­y­cre7 water or groundwater. Shou a Maximum Benefit An sts no a accepted y e QCB, the District will be unable to deliver recycled water as envisioned by the proposed project. To allow the proposed project to proceed the Maximum Benefit Analysis must be accepted by the RWQCB at a subsequent date. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not allow mitigation to be deferred to a later date, such as in the case of requiring a future study to determine what future impacts may occur and then determine the type of mitigation necessary to proceed with the project. Specifically, Section 15126.4 of the CEQA Guidelines provides that "Formulation of mitigation measures should not be deferred until some future time. However, measures may specify performance standards which would mitigate the significant effect of the project and which may be accomplished in more than one specified way." (emphasis added) In this specific instance, the completion of the Maximum Benefit Analysis and associated mitigation or implementation measures will stipulate the criteria under which the proposed Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 - 35 Mitigated Negative Declaration WARREN D. WILLIAMS ;Lc�xir ti 1995 MARKET STRFE F General Manager-Chief Fngirim o �na Rl�ERSIDE,CA 92501 g1 951.955.1 200 A J / 951 788.9965 FAX B ©FUG www floodcontroten 6%cmde ca uv Eli RIVERSIDE COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL I HR Wn�al' AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT RECEIVED 1-G January 23,2007 JAN 2 g 2001 za $� EMWD - MAIL ROO Ms. Karen Hackett Eastern Municipal Water District Post Office Box 8300 Perris, CA 92572-8300 Dear Ms. Hackett. --Re: Norio of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply This letter is written in response to the Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MIND) for the San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply. The proposed pipeline will connect to an existing pipeline at the southeast corner of Warren Road and Ramona Expressway where it will run parallel to it, extending easterly approximately 2.300 feet to an existing dirt roadway. The pipeline will then extend north within existing dirt roads to the San Jacinto River and potentially traverse the river in a northerly direction. The proposed project is located near the city of San Jacinto within an unincorporated area of Riverside County, The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District has the following comments/concerns that should be addressed in the Initial Study(IS): 1. The San Jacinto River, an existing District facility, is located within the proposed project area and may be impacted. Any work that involves District right-of-way, easements or facilities will require an encroachment permit from the District. The construction of facilities within road right-of-way that may impact District storm drains should also be coordinated with us. To obtain further information on encroachment permits or existing facilities, contact Ed Lotz of the District's Encroachment Permit Section at 951.955.1266 2. The District is a signatory to the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). For purposes of procuring an encroachment permit from the District, the permit applicant will need to demonstrate that all construction related activities within the District rights-of-way, easements or facilities are in compliance with Sections 3.2, 3.2.1,6.1.2,6.1.3, 6.1.4, 6.3.2, 7.5.3 and Appendix C of the MSHCP. 3. The proposed project is located within the District's preliminary San Jacinto Valley Master Drainage Plan (MDP) boundary. When fully implemented, these MDP facilities will provide flood protection to relieve those areas within the MDP boundary of the most serious flooding problems and will provide adequate drainage outlets. The IS should evaluate any potential impacts to the proposed lti1DP facilities. To obtain more information on the preliminary MDP, please contact Art Diaz of the District's Planning Section at 951.955.1345, Ms. Karen Hackett January 23, 2007 Re: Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply 4_ Page II-15 of the IS incorrectly states that the District conducts annual surveys of the species in the San Jacinto River. Please revise the IS accordingly. Thank you for the opportunity to review the MND. Please forward any subsequent environmental documents regarding the project to my attention at this office. Any further questions concerning this letter may be referred to Jason Swenson at 951,955.8082 or me at 951.955.1233. Very truly yours, "V'O _ .t U TERESA TUNG Senior Civil Engineer c: TLMA Attn: David Mares Ed Lotz Art Diaz JDS:mcv P8\111802 Community Development Department 248 East Main Street San Jacinto,CA 92583 (951)487-7330 Fax(951)487-6779 February 5, 2007 Eastern Municipal Water District Attn: Karen Hackett P. 0. Box 8300 Perris, CA 92572-8300 Re: Mitigated Negative Declaration & Initial Study for proposed San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Dear Ms. Hackett: Thank you for the Notice of Intent and the above referenced document. We have reviewed the Mitigated Negative Declaration & Initial Study, and our comments are included below. 1. A portion of the project in question is to be built within the right of way of the Ramona Expressway. It appears that this construction will be located entirely within unincorporated Riverside County, however the exhibits provided do not make this clear. Exhibit 2 should be revised to clearly indicate the City/County limit, and to show which jurisdiction the pipeline is located within. 2. There are two drainage projects currently being studied by the City of San Jacinto that could potentially conflict with EMWD's pipeline. These are the San Jacinto River Levee Stage IV, and Master Drainage Plan Line 7". To avoid such conflicts, the City Engineer requests that we be provided with the final engineering plans for this project for review and comment prior to construction. This will allow us to recommend any appropriate design changes to mitigate future conflicts with City drainage projects. If you have any questions please call Eric Skaugset. Assistant City Engineer at (951) 487-7342. Sincerely, Asher Hartel, AICP Senior Planner 4 ry • STATE OF CALIFORNIA ��t�or a(gyp�o Governor's Office o f Planning and Research ~ Arnold Schwarzenegger State Clearinghouse and Planning ` Unit �.}. Governor Cynthia Bryant February 6,2007 Director Karen Hackett Eastem Municipal Water District 2210 Trumbie Road P.O. Box 8300 Perris,CA 92572-8300 Subject: San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply SCH#: 2007011020 Dear Karen Hackett: The State Clearinghouse submitted the above named Mitigated Negative Declaration to selected state agencies for review. The review period closed on February 5,2007,and no state agencies submitted comments by that date. This letter acknowledges that you have complied with the State Clearinghouse review requirements for draft environmental documents,pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. Please call the State Clearinghouse at(916)445-0613 if you have any questions regarding the environmental review process. If you have a question about the above-named project,please refer to the ten-digit State Clearinghouse number when contacting this office. Sincerely, y� �w Terry Roberts Director,State Clearinghouse r00 Ti?ti?H STREET (9jG}-{.l5-0613 P.O. 3014 TEL{91 SACRAMENTO, C;ILIFORNIA 95812-3(i•t4 613 FAX(g16)323.3018 w�vuv.opr.ca.gov Document Details Report- State Clearinghouse Data Base SCH# 2007011020 Project Title San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Lead Agency Eastern Municipal Water District Type MN Mitigated Negative Declaration Description D Eastern Municipal Water District(EMW D)proposes to install approximately 10,775 linear feet of 24-inch recycled water pipeline to deliver recycled water to two dairy farms. The recycled water will be used for on-farm irrigation in exchange for reductions in groundwater pumping from the San Jacinto groundwater basin that is currently in a state of overdraft. More than half of the groundwater being pumped from the San Jacinto subbasin is being used for agricultural irrigation,the water table levels have dropped,and some wells have gone dry. The proposed recycled water pipeline will reduce groundwater pumping in the San Jacinto subbasin and help stabilize the subbasin. Lead Agency Contact Name Karen Hackett Agency Eastern Municipal Water District Phone (951)928-3777 x4462 Fax email Address 2270 Trumble Road P.O.Box 8300 City Perris State CA Zip 92572-8300 Project Location County Riverside City San Jacinto Region Cross Streets Warren Road and Ramona Expressway Parcel No. Various Township 4S Range 1 W Secdon Variou Base SBBM Proximity to: Highways 79 Airports Railways Waterways San Jacinto River Schools Land Use Open Space Conservation and Agricultural Project issues Reviewing Resources Agency;Regional Water Quality Control Board,Region 8;Department of Parks and Agencies Recreation; Native American Heritage Commission; Integrated Waste Management Board; Department of Health Services;Department of Fish and Game, Region 6;Department of Water Resources;California Highway Patrol; Caitrans,District 8;State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights;State Water Resources Control Board, Clean Water Program Date Received 01/05/2007 Start of Review 01/05/2007 End of Review 0 2/0 512 0 0 7 Note: Blanks in data fields result from insufficient information provided by lead agency_ Appe dix D Mitigation Monitoring Program SAN JACINTO AGRICULTURAL IN-LIEU WATER SUPPLY MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that when a public agency completes an environmental document which includes measures to mitigate or avoid significant environmental effects, the public agency must adopt a reporting or monitoring program. This requirement ensures that environmental impacts found to be significant will be mitigated. This reporting or monitoring program must be designed to ensure compliance during project implementation (Public Resources Cods 21081.6). In compliance with Public Resources Code Section 21080.6, the attached MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING CHECKLIST has been prepared for the San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply. This Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Checklist is intended to provide verification that all applicable Conditions of Approval relative to significant environmental impacts are monitored and reported. Monitoring will include: 1)verification that each mitigation measure has been implemented; 2) recordation of the action taken to implement each mitigation; and 3) retention of records in the San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply project file. This Mitigation Monitoring Program delineates responsibilities for monitoring the project, but also allows Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) flexibility and discretion in determining how to best monitor implementation. Monitoring procedures will vary according to the type of mitigation measure. Adequate monitoring consists of demonstrating that monitoring procedures took place and that mitigation measures were implemented. Reporting consists of establishing a record that a mitigation measure is being implemented, and generally involves the following steps: s The EMWD distributes reporting forms to the appropriate persons for verification of compliance. Departments/agencies with reporting responsibilities will review the Initial Study/Environmental Checklist, which provides the general background information on the reasons for including specific mitigation measures. s Problems or exceptions to compliance will be addressed to the EMWD as appropriate. s Periodic meetings may be held during project implementation to report on compliance of mitigation measures. s Responsible parties provide the EMWD with verification that monitoring has been conducted and ensure, as applicable, that mitigation measures have been implemented. Monitoring compliance may be documented through existing review and approval programs such as field inspection reports and plan review. s The EMWD or Applicant prepares a reporting form periodically during the construction phase and an annual report summarizing all project mitigation monitoring efforts. s Appropriate mitigation measures will be included in construction documents and/or conditions of permits/approvals. Minor changes to the Mitigation Monitoring Program, if required, would be mad in accordance with CEQA and would be permitted after further review and approval by the EMWD. Such changes could include reassignment of monitoring and reporting responsibilities, program I redesign to make any appropriate improvements, and/or modification, substitution or deletion of mitigation measures subject to conditions described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. No change will be permitted unless the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program continues to satisfy the requirements of Public Resources Code Section 21081.6. MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING CHECKLIST SAN JACINTO AGRICULTURAL IN-LIEU WATER SUPPLY MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING CHECKLIST v W�� MONITORING MONITORING RESPONSIBLE DATE MITIGATION MEASURE — PROCESS TIMING•._ PERSON S COMPLETED 111 AIR QUALITY III-1 Site watering during grading operations shall be provided(3)three times Site Inspection During Construction EMWD Field By: daily. Engineering Inspector or On: ^_ 1 Designee 111-2 Grading/trenching operations shall be suspended during the first and Site Inspection During Construction EMWD Field By: second stage ozone episodes or when winds exceed 25 mph,per the Engineering PM-10 SIP. Inspector or On: Designee ---._.. ____—_,_—________._—C T _ _ IV. BIQLQGICAL RESOURCES IV-1 To avoid impacts to burrowing owls,construction should occur outside of Focused Survey Pre-Construction EMWD Engineering By: the breeding season,approximately between March and September 15u'. Services to initiate If construction does occur during this period,a focused survey is to be contract with On: conducted to assure that no birds have moved into the vicinity, qualified biologist IV-2 The proposed pipeline shall be installed across the San Jacinto River Site Inspection During Construction EMWD Field By:___ using a boring method to avoid potential adverse impacts to the L.A. Engineering Pocket Mouse and San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat. Inspector of On: Designee IV-3 Once the extent of the boring operation are more precisely known, Consultation Pre-Construction EMWD Engineering By:_ contact will be made with the California Department of Fish and Game to Services to consult ascertain whether a Streambed Alteration Agreement must be prepared with CDFG On:---._—_ and filed with the Department,since the intent of the operation is to avoid impacts to River habitat. IV-4 if installation of the pipeline is to occur during the breeding season of the Survey Pre-Construction EMWD Engineering By: Bells vireo and southwestern flycatcher,between March and September Services to Initiate 15`n and the Flood Control District has not undertaken an annual survey contract with On: and found no species exist,then surveys should be conducted during qualified biologist this period to determine the presence or absence of these species. 3 IV-5 Nesting surveys will be conducted for raptors and non-raptors if work is Nesting Survey Pre-Construction EMWD Engineering By: -� to occur during a nesting season from March through August. Services to initiate contract with On: qualified biologist IV-6 Obtain a permit and/or confirm through the USACOE that standard Consultation Pre-Construction EMWD Engineering By: project measures taken to avoid potentially adverse impacts to Services to consult jurisdictional drainage courses are suitable to mitigate potentially with USACOE On: adverse impacts. Y... CULTURAL RESOURCES V-1 In the event potential historical,archaeological,or cultural resources Site Inspection During Construction EMWD Field By: (hereinafter cultural resources)are discovered during subsurface Engineering excavation at the site of construction,the following procedures shall be Inspector or On: instituted: I Designee 1. The District shall issue a"Stop Work Order"directing the Contractor to cease all construction operations at the location of such potential cultural resources find. 2. Such"Stop Work Order"shall be effective until such time as a qualified archaeologist designated by the District has been able to assess the value of these potential cultural resources and make recommendations.Any"Stop Work Order"shall contain the fallowing: I 19 I a) A clear description of the work to be suspended; b) Any instructions regarding issuance of further orders by the Contractor for materials services; c) Guidance as to action to be taken on subcontractors; d) Any suggestions to the Contractor as to minimization of this cost; e) Estimated duration of the temporary suspension. 3. If the archaeologist determines that the potential find is a bona fide i cultural resource, the District shall extend the duration of the"Stop Work Order"in writing,and the Contractor shall suspend work at all locations of the find. V-2 In the event paleontological resources are uncovered during excavation, Site Inspection During Construction EMWD Field By: the District shall institute procedures consistent with those established Engineering for cultural resources,except a professional paleontologist shall Inspector or ! On: undertake an evaluation to assess the value of the potential resource. Designee II Vill HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Vilt-1 The District shall prepare and submit a Maximum Benefit Analysis to the Maximum Benefit Pre-Operation i EMWD By: Regional Water Quality Control Board(RWQCB),Santa Ana Region. Analysis i Environmental& I requesting a change in the TDS and TIN standards for the San Jacinto Regulatory On: Upper Groundwater Basin. This analysis shall specify the type of Compliance measures or methods necessary to achieve the revised standards. Such measures could potentially include the use of desafters and treatment of the groundwater. Upon acceptance of these changes and measures/methods by the RWQCB,the District shall undertake the implementation of them consistent with the direction obtained from the RWQCB. ff -_--------------...._....------._._.... --_...._._—. Appendix E Draft Maximum Benefit Analysis January 29,2007 Mr.Gerard Thibeault Executive Officer Regional Water Quality Control Board 3737 Main Street, Suite 500 Riverside, CA 92501-3339 Subject: Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) pr pos for new total dissolved solids (TDS) and total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) water quali obje ives for the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone based on maximum bene ial us Dear Mr.'Thibeault: The stakeholders in the Hemet/San Jac"San Gr dwate Managetn t Area (Figure 1) (Management Area) developed the Heme nto anagement Plan (Management Plan) to provide a foundation that guides d o re nsr a water management in the future. The local stakeholders invo in e tnc EMWD, the Lake Hemet Municipal Water District (LHMW , the to met nd Jacinto, and Private Water Producers. The EMWD and L W ve Iso orke wt the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians (Soboba Tribe) and the ra r ven t elop a Settlement Agreement that would resolve past issues wi r t triba ater and water management practices in the Management Area. The takeholde de o Stipulated Judgment that will be filed with Riverside County Su or ou The 'pulated Judgment calls for the formation of a Watermaster to implemen e e P hich describes water supply management to maximize the reasonable and be ficr u al waters available to the area,eliminate overdraft, protect prior rights of the Soboba 'Tn and pr ide for the substantial enjoyment of all water rights by recognizing their priorities. As o_the Management Plan, the Watermaster,through the EMWD,is implementing the following pr grams: • Hemet/San Jacinto Integrated Recharge and Recovery, Program (IRRP) — This program is designed to recharge imported water and extract groundwater at a capacity such that the following goats are met: satisfy prior and paramount Soboba Tribe water rights; offset the estimated 10,000 acre-feet per vear (AFY) of overdraft in the Management Area; and provide an additional 15,006 AFY to help meet the projected demand increases. Phase I of the IRRP has been designed and funded, and the necessary environmental permits are being acquired. Phase Il is in the planning stages. Phase I will consist of six recharge ponds within the San Jacinto river bed and provide up to 42 cubic feet per second (cfs) of recharge capacity. Phase I is scheduled to be completed by December 2008. The completion of Phase II has the potential to double the recharge capacity of the IRRP. The San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone is expected to receive a long-term average recharge of about 16.000 AFY of State Water Project(SWP) water with average TDS and TIN values of 250 and 0.6 mg/L,respectively.This recharge is anticipated to occur during wet years when the salinity of SWP water is very low. The recharge of higher-quality SWP water will result in a net benefit to the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone, which has a current (2003) ambient concentration of TDS t f and TIN of 370 and 1.7 mgiL, respectively. The existing water quality objectives for TDS and TIN are 320 and 1.4 mg1L, respectively. Based on the current ambient concentrations of TDS and TIN there is no assimilative capacity for either constituent. • Recycled Water In-Lieu Project—This project will supply recycled water from the San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility for agricultural irrigation in lieu of pumping native groundwater. This project will provide additional recycled water outside of the approximately 5,000 AFY that is currently being served throughout the Management Area. One project that is already in the planning stages could deliver up to 8,540 AFY of recycled water to Rancho Casa Loma and the Scott Brothers Dairy that are located in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone. A mitigated negative declaration is being finalized. The project costs will be split between the EMWD, the LHMWD, and the Cities of Hemet and San Jacinto. Agreements will be made with Rancho Casa Loma and the Scotts Brothers Dairy that set limits on groundwater production and provide for payment of a portion of the operation and maintenance costs. • Hemet Water Filtration Plant—The EMWD is building the 11,000-AFY Hemet Water Filtration Plant to treat SWP WATER for potable suppl is additional supply will be used in lieu of native groundwater. The use of treat imp ed water will reduce the TDS in the recycled water and result in a net decreas in the S concentration in returns from use to groundwater. The commitment to implement these water g t tivt demonstrates that the Management Area is a highly managed,high-val ass for its in- in ducers and the people of the California. The Watermaster and stak of o e Man em t Plan are acting responsibly in exercising their water manage nt an ewards rp obligati o s. Basin Plan Update The TINITDS task force was form in mt 1 s to pe certain investigations that would lead to the establishment o new T d' S obj for groundwater basins in the Santa Ana River Watershed. Re I ter al Control Board (RWQCB), water- recycling agencies, and many a ties participa e Task Force. The TIN/TDS Task Force published a report a tied T S ha 2.4, Final Technical Memorandum (Wildermuth Environmen ,20 e B ise the Water Quality Control.Plan for the Santa Ana River Watershed in ]an 2 Th new TIN and TDS objectives were based on a statistical analysis of well w r q i da for e period of 1954 to 1973 with the resulting well statistics volumetrically averag . to . Id a ew statistic for each water body. The basis for this approach is the first part of State W r Res urces Control Board(SWRCB)Executive Order 68-16. Executive Order 68-16 reads: "I, Whenever the existing quality of water is better than the quality established in policies as of the date on which such policies become effective,such existing high quality will be maintained until it has been demonstrated to the State that any change will be consistent with maximum benefit to the people of the State,will not unreasonably affect present and anticipated beneficial use of such water and will not result in water quality less than that prescribed in the policies. 2. Any activity which produces or may produce a waste or increased volume or concentration of waste and which discharges or proposes to discharge to existing high quality waters will be required to meet waste discharge requirements which will result in the best practicable treatment or control of the discharge necessary to assure that (a) a pollution or nuisance will not occur and (b) the highest water quality consistent with maximum benefit to the people of the State will be maintained. 3. In implementing this policy,the Secretary of the Interior will be kept advised and will be provided with such information as he will need to discharge his responsibilities under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act." The operating concept from Executive Order 68-16 for establishing antidegradation objectives is: "1. Whenever the existing quality of water is better than the quality established in policies as of the date on which such policies become effective,such existing high quality will be maintained..." The new objectives and associated water bodies for the San Jacinto Basins are: Management TDS TIN Zone Objective Objective (mg/L) g/L) Canyon 230 .5 Hemet South 730 4. Lakeview—Hemet North 520 Menifee 10 2.8 Perris North 5 5.2 Perris South 1260 .5 San Jacinto Lower Pressu 1.0 San Jacinto[;peer Pressu 320 These new management zones and it res tiv TI /and TIN ectives were approved by the Regional Board in January 2004 ' the er -2 -000 ecame effective in December 2004. These management zone arer�s ,V tic to a anagement zones adopted by the Hemet/San Jacinto Groundwa ment Area s I ers in the Hemet/San Jacinto Water Management Plan anm d are hown i re th TIN/TDS Study -- Phase 2A, Final Technical Mernorarrdu 4nd i re rei . " e TIN/TDS Task Force report also demonstrated that there wa no sin ati a ty in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone for TDS or T EMWD's Proposal for TDS and TIN V1' r uality Objectives The EMWD proposes to change the water quality objectives for the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone to enable the efficient management of the water resources in the Management Area. Changing the objectives will create assimilative capacity and thereby enable the use of recycled water and will allow the recharge of imported water. This proposal is based on California Water Code section 13241 and other criteria to establish TDS and TIN objectives in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone consistent with Executive Order 68-16. The operating concept from Executive Order 68-16 for establishing maximum benefit objectives is: "Whenever the existing quality of water is better than the quality established in policies as of the date on which such policies become effective,such existing high quality will be maintained until it has been demonstrated to the State that any chance will be consistent with maximum benefit to the people of the State,will not unrcasonabty affect present and anticipated beneficial use of sugh water and will not result in water quality less than that prescribed in the policies." F,mphasis added. 813241 (a)Past,present,and probable future beneficial uses of water. The beneficial uses in the current basin plan for the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone are: MUN -- waters used for community, military, municipal, or individual water systems. These uses include,but are not limited to,drinking water supply. AGR —waters used for farming, horticulture,or ranching. These uses may include,but are not limited to,irrigation,stock watering,and support of vegetation for range grazing. IND . waters used for industrial activities that do not depend primarily on water quality. These uses include, but are not limited to, mining, cooling water supply, conveyance, gravel washing,fire protection,and oil well repressurization. PROC--waters are used for industrial activities that depend primarily on water quality. These uses include, but are not limited to, process water supply and all uses of water related to product manufacturing and food preparation. 'The use impairment threshold concentrations for TDS and TIN for these beneficial uses as listed or inferred from the current basin plan are: Beneficial Use TDS Threshold{ T Threshold m L MUN 500 10 AGR 7 0 IND I PROC nl nl The "nl" listed above means that the bast p is n s the impairment threshold concentration for these uses. For R u e asin tales that 700 mg/L is the beneficial use threshold for irrigat• n. The in Ian is s' it egarding the TIN impairment threshold for the AGR use. Howe er, it's r so ble as ie that this impairment threshold is significantly greater than 10 rn ; t tt ' sho as 10 mg/L. The proposed TDS and TIN objectives are protective f the tcia 51324.1 (b) Environmen 1 ch ris . s f t by rographic unit under consideration, including the quality of wa av 'ab he t . TDS. The EMWD has eonduc s ies to timate future TDS concentrations in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management ne. a ethod and assumptions are described in Exhibit A and are identical to what was used in e B aumont, Chino and Yucaipa Management 'Lone maximum benefit demonstrations. The owing water resources management cases were analyzed: Case I No project scenario: the 1RRP and Recycled Water In-Lieu Project do not occur. Groundwater production is reduced according to the Management Plan and remaining water demand is satisfied by treated imported water. Case 2 The IRRP does not occur and the Recycled Water In-Lieu Project is online starting in 2008. The recycled water TDS concentration is 575 mg/L. Groundwater production is reduced according to the 'Management Plan and remaining water demand is satisfied by treated imported water. Case 3 State Water Project water is used for groundwater replenishment and the Recycled Water In-Lieu Project is online starting in 2008.The Ilemet Water Filtration Plant is constructed and treated imported water is served in lieu of native groundwater starting in 2010. Case 4 Same as Case 3 but TDS concentration in recycled water is 650 mg/L. Each case represents a possible water resources management strategy that could be adopted by the EMWD. Case 1 simulates future conditions without the proposed major facility improvements in the Management Plan. In Case 1 groundwater production must be reduced to the safe yield of the basin. Case 2 is identical to Case 1 except that the Recycled Water In-lieu Project is assumed to come online in 2008. Cases 3 and 4 represent the proposed Management Platt with the IRRP, Recycled Water In-lieu Project, and the Hemet Water Filtration Plant and differ only in the assumption of the TDS concentration in the recycled water used for irrigation in the Recycled Water In-lieu Project. Recall that the Management Plan includes the recharge of up to about 16,000 AFY of SWP water and the Hemet Water Filtration Plant will serve up to 8,000 AFY of treated imported water in lieu of native groundwater. Figure 2 shows the estimated San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone TDS concentration expected through the year 2100 for all four cases. Case 1 results in an ambient TDS concentration of about 800 mg,'L in 2100. The increasing TDS concentration is driven by returns from water applied for irrigation. In Case 2 the TDS concentration increases by about 135 mg/L over Case I in 2100. The estimated TDS concentrations in 2100 for Cases 3 and 4 are about 710 and 740 mg/L, respectively. Case 3 and 4 both resu in be r quality groundwater than the baseline condition. The EMWD will offset the TDS ' puts groundwater from the Recycled Water In-Lieu Project and slow the expected in a th an Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone TDS concentration by impleme ing M e t Plan for the Hemet(San Jacinto area and recharging imported water. s 3 and 4 are e a atives that must be pursued by the EMWD to ensure a reliable supply ' its Ice a. Our proposal is to implement Case 4 and t the' S obj tive at 500 ntg/L. This proposal will allow the EMWD to make the max' m b cia waters available to the region. The 500 mg/1-value corresponds to the drink r se in mum contaminant level for TDS. In past maximum benefit pro po . G o a n er, San Timoteo Watershed Management Authority, and Yuca' a Valle Wa istric th Regional Board set the TDS objective at the projected cone do in 03 — a ri of 0 years from the start of their projects. In all cases the TDS cone trabQh ex 1. in 2038 — a period of 30 years from the start of the propose . an t PI . The projections presented herein do not take into account the trav tiro rou v se e for returns from water applied for irrigation. The TDS cone do of S 'nto pper Pressure Management Zone will not increase as rapidly as suggeSte th D on n on projections shown in Figure 2. The Management Plan, as imple me n C se 4, may result in the management zones surrounding the San Jacinto Upper ressu receiving better quality water than if the Management Plan was not implemented. ost current groundwater flow model for the San Jacinto Watershed assumes there is no outflow from the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone (TechLink Environmental, Inc., 2002). It is believed that there is some outflow to the Hemet South Management Zone,but that this flow is de minimis. With the implementation of the Management Plan groundwater levels will rise in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone and there may be outflow to the Hemet South, Lakeview/Hemet North, and San Jacinto Lower Pressure Management Zones. The TDS objective for these management zones is greater than the proposed objective for the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone. TEN. The Tiiti`r'TDS Task Force detennined that the use protection threshold for TIN in groundwater was 8 mg/L. The proposed objective and ambient TIN concentrations in this management zone are lower than 8 mg/L and are thus protective of current and future beneficial uses. The EMWD produces recycled water with a 12-month average TIN concentration of 10 mg/L. TIN losses in recycled water recharge are assumed to be at least 25 percent in the Basin Plan and a study is currently being conducted that will demonstrate that TIN losses in the San Jacinto tipper Pressure Management Zone are much greater than 25 percent. The EMWD proposes that the TIN objectives for the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone be set at 7 mg/L. This will create assimilative capacity in this management zone, allowing the direct use of recycled water without mitigation,and still protect the beneficial uses in this management zone. S13241 (c) Water quality conditions that could reasonably be achieved through the coordinated control of all factors which affect water quality in the area. The controllable factors that affect TDS and TIN in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone include the recharge of imported water and the use of recycled water. With the implementation of the Management Plan, up to about 16,000 AFY of imported water (TDS -- 250 mglL and TIN < 1 mgtL-N) will be recharged to replenish lower quality groundwater, and the physical recharge capacity for the recharge of supplemental water will increase by at least 30,000 AFY. The recharge of imported water will partially mitigate the effects of recycled water use in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone. The EMWD, in implementing the Plan, is taking extraordinary steps to optimize the management of the :Management Area by improving supply reliability and water quality. Setting the TDS and TIN objectives per the EMWD proposal will reduce the cost of replenishment, which is necessary to ensure that the Management Plan is economically viable S13241 (d) Economic considerations. With the curre TDS d TIN objectives in the Basin Plan, there is no assimilative capacity. As a result there I be TDS and TIN mitigation requirements for the recharge and direct reuse of re d r potentially the recharge of imported water. From the discussion on Seetio 13 (b) ve, it is clear that the TDS concentration in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure` ana me ne in ase regardless of the TDS objective and with or without recycled wa u Santa n Watershed Project Authority Basin Plan Upgrade Task Force( A TF) tained Bill endy and Associates to analyze the economic benefits of various ag nt p including: • Managing groundwater basins to achie b I b tiv for TDS and 11N. • Managing groundwater basi to ma' in t TDS IN concentrations. • Constructing groundwater eatr en ys ms en re t t groundwater can be put to potable uses. The results of Dendy's wor are cc in al re rt Nitrogen and TDS Studies, Upper Santa Ana Watershed(Ja M. tgo I }. summary, the SAWPA BPUTF report concluded that the cost of agl gr d te, to achieve Basin Plan objectives or stop degradation were $6.5 billion 5 . bt 'on r nt worth, 1991 dollars), respectively. The cost of producing potable water thr h ons etion of groundwater treatment plants is more reasonable at about $1.9 billion. 7 SAW A BPUTF report concluded that groundwater treatment for potable use was the best solu ' o manage the future TDS and TIN degradation of groundwater. This is because the TDS and TIN levels in agricultural and urban return flows to groundwater are not regulated, and the TDS and TIN concentrations in groundwater basins are asymptotically approaching the levels in the recharge to these basins. Simply put, the TIN/TDS Task Force proposed management zones and associated TDS and TIN objectives will cause the mitigation expenses to occur without tangible benefits to anyone in the watershed. This needless economic burden will inhibit the maximum use of recycled water and the recharge of imported water planned in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone. Adopting the EMWD proposed TDS and TIN objectives will lower the cost of implementing the Plan and increase the amount of SWP water available throughout the state;a state wide economic and environmental benefit. That said, the Plan commits the EMWD and others to spend about $600 million over the next 30 years to improve water quality and the reliability of groundwater in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone. In addition, with the EMWD proposed TDS and TIN objectives, less recycled water will be discharged to Temescal Creek from the Management Area,which will improve the quality of Temescal Creek and the Santa Ana River. S13241 (e) The need for developing housing within the region; and (f) the need to develop and use recycled water. The cities and counties in the Management Area have determined a need for housing and have adopted general and specific plans that show substantial increases in housing in the Management Area as the land is converted from vacant and agricultural uses to urban uses. All of these plans have been approved and have certified environmental documents. The water supply entities in the Management Area have responded to the water supply challenge posed by these plans by developing water supply plans that depend heavily on local and supplemental supplies. The Plan addresses current and future demands through the development of large-scale recharge, recycled water in-lieu projects,regional conveyance,and conjunctive-use programs. The recently enacted Kuell (SB221) and Costa (SB610) bills require extensive documentation and demonstrations of water supply reliability prior to allowing new housing to occur. The Recycled Water In-Lieu Project will offset the use of 8,W AFY of native groundwater in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone or reduce the overdraft in the Management Area up to 85 percent. Recycled water use in the Management Area is necessary for growth and is necessary to implement the Ptan. Seit the TDS and TIN objectives as proposed by the FMWD will maximize the use of re cle water, thereby, improving the reliability of water supplies for future growth in the regi EMWD Commitments In other maximum benefit proposals,the RWQC has qui d stric ev able commitments to ensure that appropriate actions are taken when trig, re am ' twat ity and other time- certain conditions. The EMWD is a forty nking ater r sources management organization and takes their environmental stewardsh resp 'bill ' s seriously. The EMWD is prepared to enter into an agreement with C titu nalize these commitments along with the EMWD's proposed d V rives. 'MWD's commitments are described below. TDS Effluent Limitation and Iini an em t. he EMWD will limit the volume- weighted average TDS concen tion ' it effluen s an or equal to 650 mg/L by using low TDS source water su ly for t le , elects ely changing its source water, and minimizing the TDS was in ( he in the average TDS increase that occurs through indoor uses, which ' nu ric e a o t average TDS concentration in recycled water minus the average TDS c en io in a ce water supply). The EMWD will use its best efforts to enact ordinances, inc ive gr s and development requirements that minimize the TDS waste increment. The EMWD will always attempt to serve th west TDS supply available for its potable supply. When the volume-weighted TDS concentration in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone rises to within 10 mgl, of the proposed TDS objective of 500 mglL, the EMWD will construct desalting facilities to either reduce the TDS concentration in source water and serve this water to its customers or to reduce the TDS concentration in recycled water. The EMWD will develop a salt management plan to reduce the net salt loading to the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone from EMWD's recharge and recycled water programs to the proposed TDS objective. TIN Effluent Limitation. The EMWD will reduce the TP,4 concentration in its recycled water such that it will produce a recycled water effluent with a 12-month average TIN of 10 mgZ or less. Monitoring. The EMWD is committed to conducting and funding monitoring activities that will enable the determination of ambient TDS and TIN concentrations in groundwater in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone and to cooperating with the RWQCB in the sharing of monitoring data as is consistent with EMWD policies. i The EMWD believes that this proposal,including our proposed objectives and commitments,will promote the maximum beneficial use of the waters of the State and protect downstream water quality. The EMWD respectfully requests that you consider this proposal for inclusion in the Basin Plan.Please call me if you have any questions regarding this proposal. Sincerely, Eastern Municipal Water District Anthony J.Pack General Manager Encl. 0 Exhibit A TDS Budget Tables San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zane Background At the June 2002 maximum benefit breakout group meeting, Regional Water Quality Control Board staff asked for a projection of how fast the TDS would increase in the management zones where TDS objectives based on maximum benefit have been proposed. 'These include the Chino North, Cucamonga, Beaumont, San Timoteo, and Yucaipa 'Management Zones. This memorandum presents estimates for the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone,based on simplified projections using a continuously stirred reactor model (CSRM) approximation and readily available physical and planning data. Note that these projections are order of magnitude estimates. Approach Traditionally,the RWQCB would use its Basin P1 M els PM)to answer this question. In the tnid 1990s, the TIN/TDS Task Force, whit inc s tt R CB, formally determined not to use the BPM for future platming. Ta Fo cc el ed t to develop a new groundwater model that could simulate the fate o TD iv . the ti an cost constraints on the preparation of the TDS projection, Wil uth viro ntal devclo ed a TDS projection tool using a CSRM approximation. In a CSPMT , fluid particles enter the reacto n e t t eo dispersed throughout the reactor volume. The fluid particles 1 ere to ropo ' their statistical population. This approximation is used to stud akes an se oirs wi on uous inputs and outputs(see, for example, Water Quality: Ch acte ist s, ode " g d odifcation, Tchobanoglous and Schroeder, 1987). The extension o s roa o dwater basin is somewhat tenuous and at best provides a first-o er ap t tion a tim ale of TDS degradation. In words,the approach is as ow . • Estimate the volume and volume eraged T S concentration of the subject management zone at the star of the simulation pen (i ' ial condition) For each time step do the following: • Estimate the inflow and outflow volumes • Estimate change in storage • Estimate the TDS concentration for each inflow component • Assume TDS in outflow is equal to the TDS concentration at the end of the previous time step • Estimate the TDS mass in the reactor • Estimate the TDS concentration in the reactor at the end of the time step The initial conditions for the management zones were based on the 2003 ambient groundwater calculations,which are an update of the 1997 estimates from the Phase 2A report. I I Where: li,,tR[,I is thew'inflow during the period t to r+1 Ci j is the TDS concentration for they inflow during the period r to i+1 O w t«; is the 0 outflow from the groundwater basin during the period period r to t+1 VGWt.t is the volume of groundwater in storage at t+1 CGW,.i is the TDS concentration of groundwater at r+1 The TDS mass balanced is solved for CGW,+,after the hydrologic or water volume mass balance is solved. Results The attached tables contain the results for the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone. The TDS projections are shown graphically in Figures A-1 ollowing cases were analyzed: Case 1 No project scenario: the IRRP and Recycl ater n-L, Project do not occur. Groundwater production is reduced ac di o t gement Plan and remaining water demand is satisfied by tr ted i ported wat Case 2 The IRRP does not occur and the Recyc r n- u Proj is o line starting in 2008, The recycled water T eonc tration i 575 mg/ . Groundwater production is reduced accordin tot mana men Plan and remaining water demand is satisfied by treated impo ter. Case 3 State Water Project water is ed for ou ter h t and the Recycled Water In-Lieu Project is ne s g i 10 he Hem ater Filtration Plant is constructed and treated mpo wa i served n of native groundwater starting in 2010. Case 4 Same as Case 3 but on ntration in recy er is 650 mg1L. Each case represents a po i le t so in ement strategy that could be adopted by the EMWD. Case I sim tes to c without the proposed major facility improvements in the Manage men Ian. as 1 groundwater production must be reduced to the safe yield of the basin. Case 2 is ' enucal t Case 1 except that the Recycled Water In-lieu Project is assumed to come online in 20 C ses 3 and 4 represent the proposed .'Management Plan with the IRRP, Recycled Water In lieu oject, and the Hemet Water Filtration Plant and differ only in the assumption of the TDS concentration in the recycled water used for irrigation in the Recycled Water In-lieu Project. Recall that the;Management Plan includes the recharge of up to about 16,000 AFY of SWP water and the Hemet Water Filtration Plant will serve up to 8,000 AFY of treated imported water in lieu of native groundwater. Figure 2 shows the estimated San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone TDS concentration expected through the year 2100 for all four cases. Case I results in an ambient TDS concentration of about 800 mg/L in 2100. The increasing TDS concentration is drir en by returns from water applied for irrigation. In Case 2 the TDS concentration increases by about 135 mg(L over Case I in 2100. The estimated TDS concentrations in year 2100 for Cases 3 and 4 are about 710 and 740 mg/L, respectively. Case 3 and 4 both result in better quality groundwater than the baseline condition. The EMWD will offset the TDS inputs to groundwater from the Recycled Water In-Lieu Project and slow the expected increase of the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone TDS concentration by implementing the Management Plan for the Hemet!San Jacinto area and recharging imported water. Cases 3 and 4 are the alternatives that must be pursued by the EN1WD to ensure a reliable supply in its service area.