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Resolution - 3193 (7)
STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) RESOLUTION NO. 3193 COUNTY OF RIVERS1DE)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 LMWD 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 ublicly 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; RVi'i A3.t<1CliSE IS94N'74u',37.1 Pap I of 4 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 MIND, 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 MIND 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 powors 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. NVPI 13-MC'f HMAN,.741;637 I Page 2 ui-4 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 8. 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 3rd day of July, 2008, by the fallowing vote: Ayes: Ayres, Carlson, Mansperger, Stubblefield" Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None City of San Jacinto t3 ihi Ayre ayor ATTEST: L4, E�orothy Ch inard, City Clerk City of San acinto i2 Vi'LJRL�9C'LISI IMAh°.749d,47_I Page 3 o14 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 3r" 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 21st day July, 2008. C✓�f Do othy L Ch tiinard, City Clerk RVI BAICI SINAiV749637 I Pago 4 of 4 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 (Ca . Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.); and WHEREAS, the EMWD determined that a Mitigated Negative Declaration ("MND") sho:Ald 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 Governors 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' t'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; RVNIR�KICU5,1 `9AN'.749637.1 Page 1 o1 4 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. Findin son 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 EMVVD 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. T he 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. RNP1113,61('UY VAM749637 I Page 2 of 4 SECTION 4. Adoption-ofMitigation 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 MIND. SECTION 5. Approval of Project. As required by State CEQA Guidelines section 15096 and in its role as responsihie agency under CFQA, 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 7 Ayre Vayor ATTEST: orothy Ch inard, City Clerk City of San acinto RVNJ11,MCUSH MAN l745G37.1 Page 3 or4 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`a 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 215t day July, 2008. Aow 1�+ Do othy L. Ch uinard, City Clerk R 1;'N['B'11C1 SH0.t:Ai�17A41(3l f Pagc4oF4 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 (ISIMND) for the San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project (State Clearinghouse No. 2007011020), has been prepared in accordance wit�i the California Environmental Quality Act (Cl and the guidelines for the implementation of Cl The public review period for the Draft ISJMND 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 stale agencies, published in a newspaper of general circulation in the area affected by the project, and directly mailed to owners of proper#y contiguous to the project The availability of the Draft ISIMND for review by the general public was noted in the Notice of Inlent. The contents of this Final ISIMND are as follows: • The Draft ISIMND dated December 2006, State Clearinghouse No. 2007011020 • Comments on the Draft ISIMND Appendix C of this Final ISIMND contains the comments on the Draft ISIMND 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 containedireferenced in rr. the report. CEQA requires Eastern Municipal Water District to evaluate comments on environme,ital issues received form persons who reviewed the Draft ISIMND 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 commenters. • 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 Ill 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 ISIMND are shown as double underline for new text and strikeout (stxlkeeE+t) for deleted text. The following summarizes minor text revisions to the Draft ISIMND: • Project Descr ption, 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 refers to d Gase fried by FMVVQ to FOquire that the will determine the ril�hts to sroundwater of EMWD. Lake Hemet Municipal Water district (LHMWD),and of Hemet and San Jacinto, and provide for replenishment of the groundwater basins. Biological Resources, Explanation of Checklist Responses, Page II-15, bottom paragraph, sentence 2 has been deleted as follows: lI4 rFP-, G1; PFGVid8d by the PgStri.-t iS that the RV@FS,ao GOWI.ty PIPA t Q411trel D SiricA C/1MIACto ARRI Iai S YS 9f tha S R the 9aR laG AW O',..ar vim, Eastern Municipat Water District San Jacinto Agricultura!In-Lieu Water Supply Project TABLE OF CONTENTS P_._age 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 11-1 II. Agriculture Resources 11-5 111. Air Quality 11-8 IV. Biological Resources 11-13 V. Cultural Resources 11-20 VI. Geology and Soils 11-24 VII. Hazards and Hazardous Materials 11-29 Vill. Hydrology and Water Quality II-31 IX. Land Use and Planning it 38 X. Mineral Resources II-40 XI. Noise 11-41 XII. Population and Housing 11-44 XII I. Public Services II-46 XIV. Recreation II-49 Table of Contents i 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 XVIL 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 II-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 ii Mitigated Negative Declaration EMWD San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project NOW 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 HernetiSan 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 1 - 1 Mitigated Negative Declaratron EMWD Sao Jacinto Agricultural to-Lieu Water Supply Project `Mrr to continue to decline." (p. 17, EMWD 2005 Urban Water Management Plan) i able 3.2 of the EMWD 2005 Urban Wafer Management Plan identified the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Zone as decreasing in water storage by 3,000 acre-feet trom 2003 to 2004. If the proposed project is not implemented it could adversely affect the long-term viability of the existing farms to maintain their operations. 3. Existing Groundwater Conditions The proposed project is in the northwestern part of the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Subbasin. This subbasin is one of nine (9) groundwater subbasins defined within the greater San Jacinto Watershed Groundwater Basin. The Canyon, San Jacinto Upper and San Jacinto Lower Pressure Subbasins are part of a northwest/southeast trending valley referred to as the Graben area. This area is a down-dropped fault graben within the regional San Jacinto Fault System. The graben is bounded by segments of the Claremont Fault Zone on the northeast and Casa Loma Fault Zone on the southwest. Over the past several million years, the fault graben has been backfilled with sediments composed of interbedded and intermixed sand, gravel, silt and clay derived from rivers, lakes, swamps and alluvial fans. The depth of water-bearing �- sediments is estimated to exceed 4,000 feet. These sediments and the water they contain comprise the principal groundwater reservoir tapped by local wells. Groundwater is produced from wells ranging in depth from less than 500 to approximately 1500 feet. Individual well yields range from a few hundred gallons per minute (gpm) to greater than 2,500 gpm. Over the past 20 years, well yields have declined as groundwater levels decline. Groundwater flows generally southeast to northwest across the Upper Pressure Subbasin. Large pumping depressions exist in the Intake area of the Upper Pressure Subbasin between Park Hill and the San Jacinto River and in the northern part of the subbasin. These pumping depressions affect local directions and gradients of groundwater flow. Groundwater contained within individual subbasins is interconnected to varying degrees. Limited groundwater inflow occurs into the Upper Pressure Subbasin from the Canyon subbasin to the southeast and tower Pressure Subbasin to the northwest. Some groundwater outflow appears to occur across the Casa Loma Fault from the Upper Pressure Subbasin into adjacent subbasins to the west. Project Description 1 -2 Mitigated Negative Declaration EMWD San Jacinto Agricullura.l 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 filer/ her E MWID to require that the G ties Of Hemet and SaA ja Ginte anrd I 4-1>l WID speetf}ed will determine the rights to groundwater of EMWD. Lake Hemet Municipal Water District, and the Cities of Hemet and San Jacinto, and provide fQrr replenishment of the groundwater basins. Project Description 1 -3 Mitigated Negative Declaration EMWD San Jacinto Agricuitural 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 dai.y 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 � 6 S l.Y h► t Y FMWD San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project private property on the Rancho Casa Lorna 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 andior 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. Sox 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: • FlemetiSan 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, General Plan Final Program Environmental Impact Report prepared by the County of Riverside Transportation and Land Management Agency Planning Department. Project Description 1 - 7 Mitigated Negative Declaration EMWD San Jacinto Agricuitural In-Lieu Water Supply Protect 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. I-IemeflSan 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 EA4 WG San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Nor 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 LIH 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 Plat? 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. 2G03 Air Quality Management Plan, prepared by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. w Project Description 1 -9 Pditigated Negative Declaration EMWD San Jacinto Agricuitural In-Lieu Water Supply Project E. Environmental Factors Potentially Affected The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, invnlving 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 ❑ Gealogy/Soils ❑ Hazards & Hazardous © Hydrology/Water ❑ Land UselPlanning Materials Quality ❑ Mineral Resources ❑ Noise ❑ Population/Rousing ❑ Public Resources ❑ Recreation ❑ Transportation/Traffic ❑ UtilitiesiService ❑ 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. ❑ I 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 addrpssP.d. w Project Desc.,iption 1 - 10 Mitigated Negative Declaration EM,WD San Jacinto Rgrlcuitural to-Lieu Water Suppiy Protect U t 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. Sioatu4 Date Joseph B. Lewis Eastern Municipal Water District Printed Name For .,r F'rn1ectL)esrl�ptiar; f 1', Mytigal'ed Negative Geria,ation Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricuitural In-Lieu Water Supply Project ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST RESPONSES Responses to the checklist questions are provided helow the checklist matrix. Polenlially Less Than Less'Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incor orated 1. AFSTHFTICS.-- Nkould the project: a) HaNc a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? ❑ - 7 ■ h) Substantially damage scenic resources, including,but not limited to,trees,rock outcroppings, n D ■ and historic huildin within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or yualit} ❑ — ❑ ■ of the site and its surrounding? �. d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or C] J ■ 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 11 - 1 !Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municlnal Water District San Jacinto Agricuitural to-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 11 -2 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastem 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 fallowing: 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 tc 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. by 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 Agrricuttural In-Lieu Water Supply Project w. 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 Oesignation 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 rr 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 Incorporated 11. ARGICULTURE RESOURCES: In determining whether impacts to agricultural resoureea are significant cnvinmmental 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 F.I. l l ■ Slatcwidc Importance(Farmland), as shown on the neaps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program ol'the California Resources Agency,to non-agricultural use? Ir) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use,or a Williantson Act contract? ❑ F ❑ ■ Environmental Checklist and Responses II - 5 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastem Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural!n-lieu Water Supply Project c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which,due to n C f ■ their location or nature,could result in conversion of Farmland, to nun-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, G)cA), San Emigdio (SgC), Environmental Checklist and Responses II -6 Mitigated Negative Dec+aration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural to-Lied Wafer Supply Project Traver Series (Tt2, Tr2, Ts), and Waukena (We), 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 uorthisouth 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 II - 7 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project NNW Standard ConditionslMeasures 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'Iban No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated III. AIR QUALITY—Where available,the significance criteria established b%y 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 ohstruct *rr implementation of the applicable ❑ ■ ❑ air quality plan! b) Violme any air quality standard or contribute L ■ substantially ton n existing or projected air quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of anv r i L ❑ ■ 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 ❑ C ■ concentrations? c) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of L L} ■ people? Environmental r:harklist and Responses 11 -8 Mitigated Negatwo Declaration Eastern Municipaf Water District San Jacinto Agricuitural In-Lieu Water Supply Project ExistingSetting etting 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 Qualify 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 .r monoxide (CO) standard. ■ It updates the maintenance plan for the federal nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and provides the basis for a maintenance plan for CC 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, incliding 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 Agricuitura!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 SLAG. (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. r, Table No. 1 Threshold Emission Levels I Chemical h6.75 missions Levels for Construction Activities arter Per Da _ CO tons 550 lbs. ROGons 75 lbs. NOxons 100 lbs. PM10tons 150 lbs- soxtons 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 paramoterss 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. 1=nvironmenta!Checklist and Responses 11 - 10 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lien 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 ROG NOx CO S02 PM10 PM10 PM10 Total Exhaust Dust 12.87 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 S02 PM10 PM10 PM10 Total Exhaust Dust 9.95 62.17 84.75 0.00 2.56 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 Agricukura!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 Eastem Municipal Wafer District San Jacinto Agncuftural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incur oraled IV. BIOLOGICAL ItF.SOURCES--Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effeel,either directly or through ❑ ■ L L modifications,on any species identified as a candidate,sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans,policies,or regulatiuns,or by the California Department of Dish and Game or U.S.Nish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or L..] J ■ L 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 n ■ ❑ L wetlands as defined by Section 404 of tltc Clean Water Act(including,, but not limited to,marsh, vernal pouf,coastal,etc.)through direct removal, tilling,hydrological interruption,or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of anv native resident or ❑ L ■ migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native residenl or migratory wildlife corridors,or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with anv local policies or ordinances protecting biological �� ❑ ■ resources,such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance': Environmental Checklist and Responses II - 13 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project f) Conflict with the pro-,kians of an adopted Habitat Conservation ❑ L ■ Plan,Natural Community Conservation Plan,or other apprmed local, regional,or state habitat conservation plan? Existing Settinq 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, brume 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 ti assessment. The original report was updated in September 13, 2006 (Biological Environmental Checklist and Responses H- 14 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural to-Lieu Wafer Supply Pro;ecl ww. 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. GEQA 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. IRfeF nation previded by the Dist:;st is that the Ro eF6' e r`OU Rty 1=100d GA11491 Dictr'n+ ..fl„rb; onn11al i.neaac of the :„ the San j.,Ginto oiyeF These species, along with the L.A. pocket Environmental Checklist and Responses II - 15 Mitigated Negative Decluration Easters Municipal Wafer District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Wafer Supply Project mouse, have not been detected. If installation of the pipeline is to occur during breeding season, between March and September 151h, 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. I he 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 northisouth 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 .,r 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 11 - 17 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural in-Lieu Water Suppiy 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 preservationiconservation 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. En✓ironmentai Checklist and Responses II - 18 Mitigated Negative Deciaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricuifural 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. Mitipation Measures • To avoid impacts to burrowing owls, construction should occur outside of the breeding season, approximately between March and September 15"'. 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 15ft, and the Flood Control District has not undertaken an annual Environmental Checklist and Responses II - 19 Mitigated Negatrve Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agriculturaf In-Lieu Water Supply Project +Wr. 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 USAGOE that standard project measures taken to avoid potentially adverse affects to jurisdictional drainage courses are suitable to mitigate potentially adverse impacts. Potentially Less'rhan Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated W. CULTURAL. RF.SOUR(TS--Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a ❑ 7 ❑ ■ historical resource as defined in Section 15064,5" b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15(164.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique palmnmlogical resource or ❑ ■ ❑ ❑ site or unique geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of L1 ■ ❑ ❑ 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 r,► Environmental Checklist and Responses II-24 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 eastlwest 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 historiclarchaeological 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 11 -21 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water Ofstrict San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project determined to be an historical or unique archaeological resource, contingency funding and a time allotment sufficient to allow for implementation of avoidance measures or appropriate mitigation should be available. Work could continue on other parts of the building site while historical or unique archaeological resource mitigation takes place." Consistent with this provision the District has a standard procedure within their General Conditions, Section F-22 that provides procedures to ensure cultural resources are preserved. The condition reads as follows: "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: A. 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. B. 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: 1. A clear description of the work to be suspended; 2. Any instructions regarding issuance of further orders by the Contractor for material services; 3. Guidance as to action to be taken on subcontractors; 4. Any suggestions to the Contractor as to minimization of this cost; 5. Estimated duration of the temporary suspension. 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." Even through this is a standard condition, the District has determined that this language should be used as a mitigation measure to address this issue. c) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. As part of the preparation of the preparation of the San Jacinto General Plan Draft E1R a literature review was conducted by the Division of Geological Sciences of the San Bernardino County Museum. The research found that no paleontological resources were identified within a one (1) mile radius of the City's Planning Area. Due to the location of the City Planning Area on the south side of the Ramona Expressway and to the east of the proposed pipeline alignment, most of the proposed alignment is within this above described radius and, thus relevant to the proposed project. While the Draft EIR noted that geologic mapping of the Environmental Checklist and Responses I I -22 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project w.. 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, it 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 6 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 W- potentially adverse impact a mitigation measure has been proposed. d) Less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated. The previously referenced historiclarchaeological 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. .w Environmental Checklist and Responses II -23 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultura!In-Lieu Water Supply Project 4%1W 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. Ibtentially Less Than Less Then No Impact Significant Significant Aith Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Y1. CEOLOCY AND SOILS - -Would the pruject; a} Expose people or structures to potential substantial adierse 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 Agriculturai In-Lieu Water Supply Project it Rupture of a known earthquake fault,as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the Slate Geologist for the area or CJ ❑ ■ ❑ based(in other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ iii) Seimic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? ■ U iv) Landslides" n 71 ❑ ■ ht Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? ❑ ■ C1 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 ❑ U ■ Ll on-or off-site landslide,lateral spreading,subsidence,liquefaction or collapse'! d) Be located on expansive soil,as defined in ]able 18-1-B of the Unifurm Building Code(1994), ❑ ❑ ■ E- 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 I.I L _.l ■ 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 11 -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. aJ) 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 Lorna 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. aJi) 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 Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural in-Lieu Wafer Supply Project installation of the pipeline because of the flat topography of the site, the underground placement of the pipeline, and the fact the pipeline will be bored under the San Jacinto River to avoid adverse impacts to area habitat. Projects of one (1) acre or larger are required to prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and Water Quality Management Plan (WOMP) to address a variety of issues, including erosion control. At this time the District intends on completing an SWPPP for the project due to the potential to disturb over one (1) acre in size. Due to the fact existing law requires the preparation of such a report and the implementation of best management practices to address potentially adverse impacts, the potential impact will be reduced to less than significant. c) Less than significant impact. The San Jacinto General Plan EIR noted that "Areas along the edge of the mountains, along the active Casa Loma fault, and the northern SOI [Sphere of Influence] have had surface fissuring due to non- uniform subsidence as the internal porosity of the sediments collapses during dewatering. The existing ground fissures provide conduits for infiltration and may cause foundation damage if undetected under heavy structures." (p. 5.5-6) Due to the fact the proposed project will not represent significant weight bearing on existing soils, the potential for collapse is minimal. d) Less than significant impact. Table 18-1-B in the most recent version of the building code, the 2001 California Building Code, contains a classification of r.. expansive soils that correlates an expansion index with the potential for expansion, as shown below in Table No. 4. Typically expansive soils are a concern for development due to the potential to crack foundations and its affect on the habitability of structures. Table No. 4 Classification of Expansive Soils Ex ansion Index Potential Expansion 0-20 Very Low 21-50 Low 51-90 Medium 91-130 High Above 130 Ve High As noted in the Agricultural Resources Section of this report, 10 separate soils exist along the alignment and have the following characteristics identified in Table No. 5 Environmental Checklist and Re.spnnses 11 -27 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project rr. Table No. 5 Shrink-Swell Potential of Existing Soils Soil Type Shrink-Swell Potential DOA; t?ello Series: Low GvB, GUB, GxA, Gwk Low Gran eville Series: _ Tr2, Tt2, and Ts; Traver Series Low, except for Tt2 and Ts at depths greater than 20 inches lit is Moderate. S C; San Emi do Series Low C ; Chino Series Moderate Wc; Waukena Series Low, except at depths over 1 inches it is Moderate. 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 .,o 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 end Responses 11 -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 SigFli icant Impact Miligation Impact Incorporated N'll. HAZARDS AND HAAARDOUS MATERIALS-- Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport,use, Cl ■ ❑ or disposal of hazardous materials:' b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions f I ■ I l involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment:' c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,substances,or ❑ C7 © ■ ss aste within onc-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 f7 F_ fl ■ 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 Ll ■ project result in a safety hazard for people residing nr 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? `ar Environmental Checklist and Responses II- 29 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipaf Water Distnct San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project `r. g} Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan L L L ■ or emergency evacuation plan? 11 Ex pow people or structures ._... - -- } p p p to a significant risk of Inns,injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are ❑ L ❑ adjacent 10 urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? Existing 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 Sail Survey, Western Riverside Area, prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, California; Lakeview U_S.G.S, Quadrangle Map; "The Purple Book", w,► 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 EIR, 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 Goordivator 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. Fn✓ironmental Checklist and Responses II - 30 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project r.. 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 Checklisi and Responses it -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 Impacl Incor orated Y111. HYDROLOGY .AND WATF,R 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 wnuld be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level(e.g.,the production rate fl ❑ CJ ■ 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 Li ❑ ■ manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-sile? 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 C� ❑ ❑ ■ 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 ❑ ::1 L7 ■ provide substantial additional sources of polluted ruoofr7 t) Otherwise substantialh degrade water qualit)? ❑ ■ 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 1II0- year flood hazard area as mapped 0o a federal flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Map fir other flood hazard delineation map? h) Place within a lull-rear flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ flows, i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk or loss,injury or death involving flooding,including ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? i) Inundation by seiche,tsunami, or mudflow? ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Existing Conditions The District provides water to a number of jurisdictions with Riverside County, w 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 H -33 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastem 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 II -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/1 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 tl -35 Mdigated Negatrve Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project rr 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 TD5 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- Neu 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. (;) 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 Enwronmentai Checklist and Responses 11 -36 Mitigated Negative Deefaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agncultural 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. r.- 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 desallefs and treatment of the groundwater. Upon acceptance of these changes and measureslmethods 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. Polenlially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING--Would the project: a) Physically divide an eslablished community? rl L ■ h) conflict with any applicable land use plan,policy,or regulation of an agency with j urisdiclion over the project(including,but not limited to the general plan,specific L ■ J plan,local coastal program,or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avuiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation ❑ L ■ LI 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 Aariculturai 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 f). 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 Conservatiun 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 alsu imporl'ant 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 Ww Environ.menfat Checklist and Responses 11 -39 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project rr. 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"i'han Less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated X. MINERAL RESOURCES -- 'Would the project: a) Result in the loss o1 availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and ❑ ❑ n ■ the residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ on a local general plan,specific plan or other land use plan? 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 Wafer 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 MR7- 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. Potentiall% Less Than Less Than No 1 mpact Signiticani Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated X1. NOISE--Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess (7 ] ■ F. 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 Ll ❑ ■ groundhorne vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in ❑ ❑ L ■ 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 suhstantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise ❑ ❑ ■ ❑ levels in the project vicinity ahove levels existing without the project' e) For a projecl 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? i) For a projecl 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 NNW 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 Wafer Supply Project N 12.3 Condition subdivision approval adjacent to developed ioccupied 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 (114) 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 Manic.+pal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Nor 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 Nfi(igation Impact lncor prated 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 ❑ C El ■ (for example,through extension of road or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing,necessitating the construction of replacement ❑ C F ■ housing elsewhere° c) Displace substantial numbers of people,necessitating the construction of replacement F-1 C C ■ 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 Negatrve Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Ziea Water Supply Project wr 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 11 -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 mitikalion Impact Incorporated X111, PUBLIC SERVICES a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated rsith the provision of ncnv or physically altered governmenial facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities,the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order in maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Fire protection! ❑ L L ■ Police protection'! ❑ ■ Schools? ❑ f 1 ❑ ■ Parks" II F-1 F1 ■ Other public facilities? ❑ ❑ U ■ 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 r Environmental Checklist and Responses 11 -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? Existinct 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 If-47 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project wr 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? Existiny 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 11 -48 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, Potcuthdil Less Than Less'1'han No Impart 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 F J substantial physical deterioralion 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 ❑ ❑ Q ■ an adverse physical effect an the envinmrnent� Existing Settinq 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. bj No impact. Please refer to response in number a) above. Environmental Checklist and Responses II -49 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project Standard Conditions or Requirement 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 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(Le., result in a substantial increase in ❑ L f7 ■ either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads,or congestion at intersections)? h) Exceed,either individually or cumulatively,a level of service standard established bvthe county El ElU ■ 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 Ll ❑ ■ change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature(e.g.,sharp curves or dangerous intersectionsj Li ❑ ■ U or incompatible uses(e.g„farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? ❑ f ❑ ■ f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? ❑ - ❑ ■ Environmental Checklisl and Responses 11 -56 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans,or programs supporting alternalive transportation (e.g., bus F L n ■ turnouts,hicvcle 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. �r Potentially Less Than less Than No Impact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated XVIi. UTILITILS AND SERVICE SYSTEMS--Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the appikable Regional Water Quality Control ❑ I n ■ Board? h) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities,the ■ [ J construction of which could cause significant environmental effects`.' e) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities,the construction ❑ C ❑ ■ of"hich could cause significant environmental effeets? Environmental Checklist and Responses II-52 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Suppiy Project d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resnurces, F1 Li ❑ ■ 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 ❑ El ■ Q projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the pr(kiect's solid ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal,state,and local statutes and regulations LI L L ■ 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 .ow 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 Checkirst and Responses 11 -54 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply Project tir Potentially Less Than Less Than No lutpact Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact lucor prated XVII. MAN DAFORY FIN DINGS OF SIGNIFICANCF,— 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 ■ L ❑ 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? ltf Does the project have impacts that are individually limited,but cumulatively considerable" yr ("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 fl f., ■ D 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 w Environmental Checklist and Responses II -55 Mitigated Negative Declaration Eastern Municipal Water District San Jacinto Agricultural to-Lieu Water Supply Project NOW- 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 breedinginesting 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`h. 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 Agricullaral 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 1 ng-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 I%, 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 SI -57 Mitigated Negative Declaration Appendix A Biological Habitat Assessment &�Aol1 { Mr. Michael Stearns October 30,2006 Engineering Resources of Southern California 3550 Fast 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, Steams 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 cast 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 corner 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 fortis. Plants observed here at the time of the site visit were dominated by kochia (Knrhia scoparia), Russian thistle(Saisola tragus),and amaranthus(Amaranthus palmen and.A. albus). Other plants observed included cheeseweed (alva parvillora), brome grasses(Bromus spp.),wild oats(Avena spp.), mustard(Sisymbrium sp.), sow thistle (Sonehus asper), goosefoot (Chenopodium morale), curly dock(Ruenex crisptt.$),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 Sourhern California Thomas Olsen A>.�uciares, Inc. San Jacinto it lieu Pipeline Sioiogical AssessnceW Addendum Soils on this corner 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 ACCOLiNTS A'qn AssussmEN'1'S 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 I labitat Conservation Plan(MSI ICP). 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 Stale 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 Now 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. However, ift 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 Endangcrcd), 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 Fndngered)does not exist within the project area. Suitable habitat for listed fairy shrimp species does net occur within the project area, fhe 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- ,Now 16-17f6 Ocrober 90, 2(J06 E;n£ineeringResuiaccsofSowhernCulifurnia Thomas Olsen 49 saoasea, inc San Jacinto in lieu Pipeline Biological AssessmenrAddendum JURISDICTIONAL.AssEssmENY The drainage ditch appears to be connected to the San 7acinte River. If so, it is a tributary to Waters of the U.S. and falls under the jurisdiction of:he 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 Public/Quasi-Public Conserved Lands The site does not lie 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. Michael Misenhelter TOA,Inc. biologist cc. TOA elien1.Pie f,26,1 l7 rrrmrhmenr sire photas, vlcirrin>map ,law 16-1iI6 Orroher 30. 2606 3 3_ 97 ',r ? r, s M : f i - I EMWO San Jacinto Agricultural In-lieu Water Supply Project rIIARLiVCSY - _ ed(ands _'0 SarneiR+n�:. >^:.. CialcGln�,: Gq;mgr r�un3ap xl.rr= Yucaipa 4) tfirBTld rerrecR C+finrrsw Adhislopr c - Cherry Valley - A�V3ef'Si1�. f9j v Moreno Valley *64�T� ftea+umont g $ Mann J41� Lake 76, Sr.Yr:ir k Waodcr"t Project Site . w4f;#5 S'lale 241 - +ZCY rr.- shn 9ernartllaa- Kacuomw Perris San Jacinto FflreSi' :•:. ltomu.anil .. fTr!rrflt YrEfr V1'iti- ,. a:... IdiAsNi _ iOVal E,Y SunCty W:nrl:esre• ��� "Uktk Elsinore tYtvsram� �'1W�t:tne?rJ':... 1N91dwnar '. w 20(m FAad4 ie-%T Elf. t,'W`+le::tits Exhibit No. 1 Regional Map MapQuest Project Description I - 5 Mitigated Negative Decfaratlon Mr. Michael Stearns September 13,2006 Engineering Resources of Southern California 3550 Fast 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 RTothers 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 andior 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 cast 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 5,500 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) xpressway, 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 existini, 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. F.O. Bc)x 1016 Flag%iff, AZ 86002 928.773•0127 FAX•773.0023 1829 S. State St Iloner, CA 92541 951•;GG•4G`i7i FAH•766•4658 Engineering Resources of Southern California Thomas Olsen Associates, Inc. San Jacinio rn lieu Water Supply Project Habitat Assessment update Naw -- LITERATURE REVIEW The project does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Riverside County Multiple Species I labitat 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 flan 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 -01 1)through which the proposed route passes identified the following species for potential occurrence within the project area. The burrowing owl(Ahhene cunicularia), spreading navarrctia, (A'avarretia fossalis), California orcutt grass(Orcuttia californica), Wright's trichocoronis (Trichocoronis wrightii var. wrighiii), Munz's onion (Ailium munzii), San Diego ambrosia(Ambrosia pumda), many-stemmed dudleya(LWIeya multicaulis), L. A. pocket mouse(Perognathus longimembris hrevina8Lt5),and the San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus), Additionally, the County MSHCP stipulates that the presence of any rivertne or vernal pool habitats within a project's impact zone be checked for habitat suitable for sensitive fairy shrimp and listed bird species (least Beli'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 I (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. rr. 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 vas. notatior), thread-leaved brodiaea(Brodiaeafilifolia), Stephens' kangaroo rat(Dipodomys stephensi), spreading navarretia, and the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica). SITE VISIT Michael Misenhelter, stall'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 ff). Recent and historic aerial photographs of the proposed project route and vicinity were ra_vi.ewes] nrinr in and clurinna 11ie cite 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, 1'45, R1 W and Section 13, 174S, R2W(San Bernardinn Rase and Meridian) (Figure 1). Elevations along the route range from 1,450 to 1,470 feet September 13, 2006 26.1617 2 Engineering Resources oj'Southern Caiifornia Thomas Olsen Associates. Inc. Sun Jacinto in lieu Woler Sully Project Habilui Assessment Update sftw 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 ties almost entirely within existing dirt farm roads and the Ramona Expressway northern right-of way. It leaves the existing roads briefy 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), Grangevillc (GuB, GvB, GwA, and GxA), San Emigdio (SeC2 and SgQ,Traver(Tr2, Ts, and Tt2), and Waukena (We)soils series(Figure 31. Traver.soils are mapped for the portion of the route along Ramona Expressway. Those 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 ]own 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 northfsouth 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, (orbs 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 milict-like grass (probably Panicum rri iii ace urri). Vegetation commonly found along the proposed route included kochia(Kochia scoparia), Russian thistle(Salsola lragus), amaranthus(AmaranthusPalmeri and A. aibus), cheeseweed (,Walva parvijlnra), brume grasses (Bromus spp.), wild oats(Avena spp.), and bermuda grass(C ynodon daet'Won). These species plus Mexican sprargletop (Lepiochioa uninervia) and rabbit's foot grass (Pr)lypogon September 13, 2006 z6-1617 3 L•ngineerfng Re.sourcPs of Southern California Thomas Olsen Associam Inc. Son.larinto in Lieu {Voter SupnlyProject habitat Assessment Update monspelieai is)were also found in the drainage ditcb.es where they ran along the roads. Annual bur-sage (Ambrosia acanlhicarpa)was abundant on the sandy levees and bed of the San Jacinto River but mostly absent elsewhere. Vegetation along the river crossing teas composed of black willow(Salix gooddingii) saplings, mule fat(Baccharis salicifolia),bur-sage, cocklebur(Xanthium slrumarium). and annual grasses_ Larger black willows and cottonwoods (Populus fremoniii) were found along the banks of the river outside of the proposed pipeline route. SPF.cirs AccouN rs 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 Sall 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 floodpluins 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. Roth of these plants have similar habitat requirements. (�They are found on alkali soils associated with playas and vc-mall pools. Jolla"a OVYla Led::ith alai-alii:e 1Aal'iitat1 1.. "r"'e:L',r.".l ..1 of the Tra:'er-1--m n^,- Willows association(White 1994). Specific soils in the region associated with these habitat types are of the Chino, Traver, and Willows soils series(RBCON 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. 1 he only places where the probability of occurrence is sufficiently high enough for concern is September 13, 2006 26-1b17 4 Engineering Resources of Southern Cullorrna Thomas Olsen Associates lnr. San Jacinto in lieu Wuier Supply Project Ifatifat.4ssessmenl 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 Enda)gered) San Jacinto Valley crown-scale 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 oreutt 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 rr 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 Aiberhiil area near Lake Street and Nichols Road and in tire Skunk Hoiiow 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 Gartetsou 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 Thnmas Olsen As.smiofes. Inc. San Jacinto in lieu Warer Supply Projeci Habitat Assessment f,'Pdarc 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, gracing, 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 cohbly 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 previous:y known from San Diego but has been extirpated from that county. Smooth larplaut 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 Kern. 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) Tlie ,1 i;et<<ardino kangaroo rat ("iuiii:) is a subsNzcies ofiviciiiarus kangu oo rat. It iS prin;arily found in rocky alluvial fan sage scrub habitat and is known to occur in southwestem San Bernardino and northwestern Riverside Counties. It is mosi active in hydrological channels, Good 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 undcrstory plants along the river and the river does not September 13, 2006 26-1617 6 Engineering Resources oj:Sarrthern California Thomus Olsen Assariapr. hrc_ .San Jacinto in lieu Water Supply Project Hahitat Assessment Updare NOW 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"I hreatened) 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 Gnatearcher(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 CottonwoodlWillow 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 Encingered), yellow-billed cuckoo (State Endangered),and least l3eWs 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 southwestern 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 he directly impacted by the proposed project(Figure ;). However,ncsting 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 fur hull-lapiuls)yr uihel ncsting birds if project wurk beg'InS at Lhc crossilug during L11c 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 P.esourees ofSosrhern Califurnia Thomas Olsen At scciares.Inc. San Jacinto in het, Waier Supply Pro ecl Habaut Assessmon;Update `rr riparian vegetation within the River is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Garne (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-hat 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'wo 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. I lowever the northern end of the proposed route ties 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 acid 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 San Jaeinto River. Areas conserved within this Cell Group wili be connected to chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitat proposed for conservation in Cell Group L to the cast,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 ll 2006 26-161? 8 Engineering Resources of Sowhern California Thomas Olsen Associates,Inc. San Jacinto it lieu {rater Sa 7h°Project Habitat As.t87.vnent Update Because the impacts of the Proposed Project are temporary, installation of the proposed pipeline is not expected to adversely impact the conscrvat.inn goals set out in the MS11CP. 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 alone 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 prefect site lies within the County Stephens' kangaroo rat fee area. Potential impacts to these species could be avoided by boring under the river bed. 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 tarphin: 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. U p oat I=��as 01 al aVl 1 l:1ip w11GV a1fU lliG �VLLL13Wl'iJtetl7 Wl11UW 13 yl.ail.11G1 ue nui c:xisi aiong tnc proposed route except in the San Jacinto River adjacent to the route. It is our understanding that ongoing surveys are conducted:,)y 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 seuson (March through September 15)1 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 26-16!? 9 Engineering Resources ol.Southern California Thomas Olsen Assoceatea,Inc_ San Jacinto in lieu Water Supply Project Habitat Assessment Gpdote NW The wildlife agencies typically restrict noise levels within 300 feet of nesting birds to less than 60 DA. 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 arounC 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 MSl-ICP 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. Please ontact if yo hav an estions regarding this report. Michael Misenhelter TOA, Inc. biologist ec: TOA client file 426-1617 attachment species list site photos, locution map, vicinity map, soils map Seplemher 13, 2006 26-1617 10 Engmeerrng Resources of Southern California Thomas Olsen Associates,Inc. ,San.lac into in lieu Waler.Supfly Project Hahiral Assessment Updale Species Observed on Site During Site Visit Scientific Name Common Name PLANTS Amaranthaceae Amaranth Family Amaranthus alhus' White tumbleweed Amaronthus palmeri None Asteraceae Aster Family 4mhrosia acanihicarpa Annual bur-sage Baccharis salicifolia Mule fat Conyza bonariensis* Flax-leaved fleabane Conyza canadensis Ilorseweed Hcliamhus annuus sunflower Laciuca.serriola* Prickly lettuce Sonchus oleraceu * Common sow thistle Xanthium strumarium Cocklebur Boraginaceae Borage Family Amstnekia menziesh Ranchers fireweed Ileliotroptum curassavicum Heliotrope Brassicaceac Mustard Family Hirsekfeldia ineana*(Brassicageniculara) Short-pud mustard Sisymbrium irio* London rocket Chenopodinceae Goosetoot Family Atriplex suberecra* None Chenopodium rnrrraie* Goosefoot Kochia s copria* Mane `f Salsola magus* Tumble weedfRussiao thistle Suaeda moauinii Bush sheepweed Convolvulacene Morning-glory Family Con,`olvulus arvensu* Bindweed Fabaceae Pea Family Cercidium floridum Blue Palo verde Medicago sativa* Alfalfa Mehlol us sp. none Imalvaceae Mallow Family !blaiva parvii fora' Cheeseweed Poaceae Grass Family Avena sp* Oats Iiromus diandrus* Common ripgutgrass Bromus madrilensisruhen.s* Foxtail chess Cynodon dactylon* Bermuda grass Oislichlis spicaia Salt grass Leptochloa uninervia Mexican sprangle-top Panicum miiiaceum* Broom Corn millet PolypoRon monspelien.srs* Rabbit's'Dot grass Traicurm acrrivum* Cultivated wheal Polygonaceae Buckwheat Familv Polygonum avicutarc` Kaotweed Rumen crispus* Curly dock Salicacene Willow Family Populus fremonto Fremont cottonwood Salix gooddingii Gooddinvg's black wil low NNW September 13. 2006 26-16I7 I i Engineering Resources of Southern California Thnmas Olsen Associates, Inc. San Jacinic rn lieu Wier Supplv Project Habitat Assessment Update Solanaceae Nightshade Family Dwu.ra vvr ghla limson weed Niroriana glauca Tree tobacco Solanum douglasis White nightshade 'Lygophyllaeeae Caltrop Family Trrhuhts terrestrr.sk Puncture vim INSECTS Aeshnidae Darner(dragonfly)Family Aeyhnu mulbcoior Muiticolored darner Formicidae Ant Family Pogononrvrmex cal yormcus California harvester ant Lvcaenidae Blue and Hairstreak Bulterfly Family Brephidium exihs Pygmy blue Pieridae White and Sulfur Butterfly Family C'ohas ewytheme Orange sulfur Arrogeia rapae Cabbage butt Ierlly REPTILES Phrynusomalidae none Ufa sranshuriana Side-blotched Lizard BIRDS Ardeidae herons and Bitterns Bubulcu.c ihis Cattle ligret Accipitriidae Hawks,Old World Vultures,and Harriers Circus cy'arrem Northern Harricr Buteolamaicensle Red-tailed Hawk Falcunidae Caracaras and Falcons Falco sparverius American Kestrel Columbidae Pigeons and Doves Zenaida macrourn Mourning Dove Tvrannidae Tyrant Flycatchers SayormF rtigricans Black Phoebe Sayornis saga Say's Phoebe Tyrannus vertrcalis Western Kingbird Laniidae Shrikes Lanrus ludovrciamis Loggerhead Shrike Corvidae Jays,Magpies,and Crows Corvus brachyrhvnrhos American Crow Corvus corax Common Raven Alaudidae Larks Eremoohila alpestris Horned Lark Motacillidae Wagtails and Pipits Hui!".Y rrbv�cens Aii,ci iLUll Pipit Parulidae Wood Warblers and relatives Dendroreu rcronala Yellow-ramped Warbler Emherividae EmberiAncs Paverculus sumiudch&ais Savannah Sparrow Wvinspiza melodic Song Sparrow leteridae Blackbirds,Orioles R Allies 'ter Agelaluv pitoenwerrs Red-winged Blackbird September 73, 200E 26-161' 12 Engineering Resources ofSowhern California Thomas Olsen Associates, Inc. ,Sun lacinlo in lieu Water Sur)ply Projerl Hahuat Assessment Update Fringilbdae Finches Carpodacus mericanur House Finch Passeridae Old World Sparrows Passer domeslicus House Sparrow MAMMALS Sciuridae Squirrels,Chipmunks,and Marmots spermophdas beecheyi California Ground Squirrel Gcomyidae Pocket Cophers 1'hom6vnvs botiae Botia's Pocket Gopher Canidae Faxes, Wolves, and relatives Canis fa?ni(iaris Domestic dog *introduced species 'w September 13, 2006 26-161? 13 8 a �S - A. A' aC e x3 i� m a -S„ 's a f'• «.. < lin: lkdlrAW..§ I °y�Ec•�ti�ti,t, IUc`.�,Stf _ 10 y 5 f u as { i s i= i tEi::. Er 'law a i i FIT eNprCss"A . hrit lit -."10 Owl h V �f b st �� r 1 kw KK v 3��y I � T � k 1 � � E• FF 1�x 3 � r Je, Ew � w � 't k ` M 4 Y f.lf N' KJ v_ f� I i � 4! i:. p a, ✓B. is _. 4i Piz ,.w n S I A _ ',1,'`€ ?_. �r, r:'i R-_' I !' '.kl I '.l�,],• }i.Sri: ,!€.I _ ow offN 61 pp i A T l..r a w.q � - ... YyT�+Yh dddd � 4 ,R MNI� :.. a E \� {�/ p g l' l.. ' <�tYeEf EYE .—,_�x.r.�;�: h �f' yy >'4 i.� .. a�n. .i _. ,via.t'.y'S ...i. ... .... W.f f _ /S � i �wt�wert��wn:.... �...i r. .. :.. i .._ �.i'� l�. .,� �i "xr"s i.� ::i H:'..{x'�`- ri `s� .a "1 .. M." i` F.ro 7iW,�� '.�i."ii�! ',{ T'`��: — � .. � __ ..� 7 �;o. '�� y,� E x "... It i, � r �y. Y."✓�' F .. t b, Y a 10 Oct, 11 r m ^^ X . s!My.ib a d n x2x W t •g 'M r _ I. . k rl Appendix B Air Quality Emissions Calculations I r 1 F; d A L. N I t c L S'�XIAAFY FR�,,TT P dz y,-i r..... .TA? j VAM. a•r- f'` -'.IJF�FM1 1' _.- -_ -_.,=�Y 6 _,i .. `., r: r r ri,Lr. FI i .,_ . L1;"._ .....AL 1S .._.. ?tlr,l F.DIIS:;i r,.":'.✓.Y E LI';,;. :';EC 1l ?.� FayttivC Dust Worker --rip, ..A 13 . .. 0? W4 OLKO .:n cFa�� hie ... _ _,00 1.(: J. C... . .i`. r . . [�a:u n:+gym _Csrdad ln..- )? '!I...r:•i 1._. TI rinr: r: _•nn:eX C:_esoi ._,.. 0.:�.. r .. � :.. . -_ ..fr; Lac:: 'r.:.�'k>c '1 r. .. ... . :.f': .-._ . . 70 Fh_aO - FJrJ.l d:"',- ':nr.F-t'j n, Ar Er m�.:'__nr:e: P".dv',i, Torr.cd '.. . P!:t:^e - o_-r c:rn:i l nn i'!7 ur .,::r, PY_ait I`._nth,'?eaT for f=l;ase ... G.`} I F.t':-1 :.L ;..- 1�' FA E'.-�'MATLJ AT 12'OF,/2 0C 6 46 AY. Ij =AL maces not =iudE =rSCt1-,r f)r rLf, 1.r)f_I kjrj� JcLj,;.e CPER,-mTI.'-'NAL Analy.,.;; Year: Unit "vI:& T-- veh.OW Asswamnaw Fleet Mix: Vehicle Type Percent TYT.,e Lnht Anto 16.N 40 Fed T_Uck LitQ-Heavy 2.0 1 ir: eJ'-14 r !Iewfy I J0 J i-HpqvV LLO I '_.CSC Line lta'.:I U,�. wt 0 L.or, :.. .; ;::C -rbax! R a, WC 'K vor=fc'-e F;7.'C 16007 C'Mor'10 E"71- tome H 0 mm�' W., 1-.c P JChP we '-'itan 4.9 .r; 1.11 ,. Rural -rip Lqmql!' .9 6A - 1.3 1.5 5.lj Trip 3,�4-lb et S5.2 414.0 Mo 40.0 43.0 10. f ;f Tr'pE - Ews-dential '.7.0 4 %W Pace: 7: :::eL :9ne t Luc t r'l ;ftf. I 21S, t udr. 1 , I vrr 1' ims .....A .'I. _ I .NW V40W .. -. ... - }.Stir -.. .: ..... TX 'lllw ..i. _.. ..._.. ... _ .., NOW 'rr Appendix C Comments Received and Responses 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 EMW D 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 Agency/Entity: 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 Deciaratiom • Correct typographical error. • Modify a portion of the Project Description • Requested that details be provided as they relate to provisions referenced to 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 Rrovide, ✓ The last sentence of the bottom paragraph on page 1-3 shall be modified as follows: The Stipulated Judgment Gase filed by EMWD 4-_ F-1—re that the Cities of i'eme! n�_v .San ,, _I L-111ASAlh .+.. ,..r 4 that their , d.�e Fights to c„rfaGe and groundwater be rpe ifio++p„_,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 oe 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 NEW Conservation District (RCFCWCD); January 23, 2007 Comment: RCFCWC❑ 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. w. 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 an 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 Maol. 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 POP area, as depicted on Figure 3-1. c) Sections 6-1.2 (Protection of Species Associated with RiparianlRiverine Areas and Vernal Pools), 6.1.3 (Protection of Narrow Endemic Plant Species), and 6.1.4 (Guidelines Pertaining to the UrhanlWildland 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, riparianlriverine 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..." portion of the Ci of San Jacinto at the southeast corner 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/EntRy: 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 ~` Art Response: The following is provided: ✓ No response is required to this informational document. Vow 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 s 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 deeds 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 MSHCP 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 I I projects. ✓ According to information obtained from Art Diaz at RCFC `+- District on February l3, 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 300400t 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. VOW 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 11-15: I�_nf rmation provided by the Uj triot_.'e }ram_hat_thc Riv� �u F-leee` 7 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 sm.alf flow:2 1 o1'_' .r Hackett, Karen From: Alonzo, Gilbert lGAlorizo@sernpmLtilities cam] Sent: Tuesday, .faruary 09, 2007 U9 AM To: Hackett, Karen Subject: Proposed 24" recyc'ed water pipeline for Rancho Casa Loma Farm and Scott BFelhers Dairy Farm I�:lretl, 1'ndo:ed ate .PDF (tics of our face ucs covering the area I rlu Mare 30111csted. t he m f<irm:ln,,il ltie haN c provided 14 tis obtained from , ;rarch of all nor al aihlble records and arc a}lproximate in nature. If exact locations u-e rrquircd, it taill lit! nccessan rr, pht hall check the faclhr, in que5tion- We rcquirc new faclliries that cto1 ,S our plpc'hne-s 111a111taitl a nrurnmunl Mlle 'I j tocq or vertical separation and ocll faalincs tnitalled par:Lllcl to our plpcLnus maltltain a rnimmUm rift) ��� feet or horizontil scparar on. L;xistlllg m Ove i.121 inch arld larger gas lines ftgUirt' additlonal horixorral epiranon. It is cxtrctnt lr important that you lilnlish us a tth "�:igncd" final plans, incluciing profih�s and ,ulscquent Ulan rcvieilalls as ;non as tiler :ttv arulablc. -1 ❑lininium of n cicc + i?.; lrcrks i; ridded to :tnalrzc the plans and dcsign alreratienls for anti conflicting facilities- Dtpcnding on the° magnitude of the cork inv()] eel, additional rimy mat be required to clear the co nflict- Please keep uz iaformrd of eonsrrucrinn schedules, lire construction meetings, crc., so that we ... can schedule our work arcordingh. It is our intention to alloxv tour contractor to remm a an% abandoned faci66" that mat be encountered during tl_e course of construcnorl- L pon rcqucm at ieasr two 12 \corkirig diiv, prior u1 the siart of construction, Ire lcilf locate and mark our ae rit c underground f;ccilirics for the contractor at no cosr. Please call I nckrground 5crc ice Alc rt ,( SA, m 1 '.800: ?_>`_?Gllii, It i ou have inllne(112te ciuesuons nr require addjriamal inn-Onnarion, please contacr me ai >nnccrch, ;illicrr Ahgnf") i'1,3nrline .1����i'tlro 1 9 21 J(T' Nuc 2 ot, 1�22-4133 Gilbad Alonzo Plnrn,Mc)As.Drialc SOLjth Inland 3cg.Oml-Rv(11,wcl4 1909.335-7758-,Niue Cam 1,9 2W7 E'MWD Ai Cliur LiLLLewur Lll San Jarinto Agncultural!n-Lieu Wafer Suppty Project ar. hcL a! f of LH i.,!C 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 EMWV 2005 Urban Water Management flan, 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 a ount of water being extracted from the basin to a sustainable yield, and; prcvid4jfor the continued recharge of the basin using imported water The Stipulated Judgment filed y->sAQWate- and-Sa+ �aeitltaa a-itat►NQ .req�estV that ta�xa��be �► �+-Y��, '�'G 1 i.SAtd' 1 i'Vr �ey�,. �„trgr,�!� ;kr�( �3..4;1; . Prrllect Descoption f 1 - 3 .r.�_g �.r[L ,I d r lrirpted Neag-Vive r7cc.'ar��t�or� Eastern Mmvcipat Water District San Jacinto Agricutturat in-Lieu Water Supply Project `rrr 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 wll 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 process of requesting an increase in the amount of total dissolved solids JUT) an o a i ante n rogen through the Santa na Regions Water Quality Control Board (RWQCS) 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 mg11 for TDS and 1.4 mgll 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 �N RWQCB as part of this approval that could include the use o�ers and 7 treatmen o ecyc a water or group water. Shou h0 Maximum Benefit ' at AnYysis nof accepted by the RWQCB, the District will be unable to deliver {FyJ recycled water as envisioned by the proposed project. To allaw the proposed project to proceed the Maximum Benefit Analysis must be accepted by the RVJQCB at a subsequent date. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not allow mitigation to be deferred to a later elate, 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 Maximurn Benefit Analysis and associated mitigation or wiplernentation measures will stipulate the criteria under which the proposed •,r,,. Err��r-�rrrrr'a�C('E'Gk1is[and R�ish^r^�°:i it _� Vrtr gated Negative rAeclara"o"I WARREN 1). vLlt.l.IAMS �ourtiii� v +� %IA.RKh1 titt21_1I G.:ncr�9�l an agn-f hirf!-rKinar Ply,. n4.o R11-F[t.`,ILW C 'i_' 01 s31 "0 99n5 F;: % rw t �l} OR ? . u,cualp.gi�rnttrelcrit�radcraue Cl 'WIG =c�rEil fia"�w' £ RIVERSIDE C'OUN'fY FLOOD CONTROL 1 N AND WATFR CONSERVATION DISTRICT I WIMAP RECEIVED tiR LG January 23, 2007 1AN 2 g 7001 sl EMWD • MAIL RQO Ms. Karen Hackett Eastern Municipal Water District Post Office Box 8300 Perris, CA 92572-8300 Dear Ms.Hackett: Re. Nmicc of Intent tat 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 (N4\i D) for the San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu A ater Suppl} the proposed pipeline will connect Co an existing pipeline at the southeast corner of Warren Road and Ramona Expressway where it will nun parallel to it, extending easterly approxbnately 2.300 tcet 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, fhe Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation I.)istrict has the following comments/concerns that should be addressed in the Initial Study (IS): I. 'I`he San Jacinto River, an existing District facility, is located within the proposed project area and may be impaeled. Any work that involves District tight-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 ftttther information on encroachment permits or existing fdciltttes, contact Fd Lnt7 of the Ut,;trict's Encroachment Permir `.Section at 14;105S.i7l)O 2. The District is a signatory to the WQstern Riverside. Uounty Multiple Specics Habitat Conservation Plant (NISHCP). 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 arc in compliance pith Sections 3.2, 3.2,I, 6.1.1, 6-1 .3,6.1.4,6.3.2, 7.5.3 and Appendix C of the MSI ICY. 3, l'he proposed project is located within the District's preliminary San Jacinto VaPcy 1vl titer Drainage Plan (MDY) boundary. W hen fully implemented, these MDP facilities will provide flood protection to relieve those areas within the hIDP boundary cif the 111oA serious flooding problems and will proride adequate druinngc outlets, fhc IS should evaluate ;rny potenlinl 1121f)at:ts IU the proposed 10DP facilities. Io obtain llwtc ! tiv.' fr'€i n.n',rti �'rf)h ;:Aw;c iJ tit i(I art Diiij of th,: �!:itr I ti Phnnin2 n�liarinalaon r,r . ;� r � ,_ , 1- ,; 5r•ctiun at '151,9'5' 1345. Ms. Karen Hackett Januan, 23, 2007 Re: Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu Water Supply 4, Pagc II-15 of the IS incorrectly states that the District conducts annual surreys of' Elie species in the San Jacinto River. Please revise the IS accordingly- Thank you for the opportunity to review the NIND. Please forward any subsequent environmental documents regarding the project to my attention at this office. Any further questions concerning this fetter may be referred to Jason Swenson at 951.955.8082 ur me at 951.955.1233. Very truly yours. TERESA TUNG Senior Civil Engineer c: TLMA Attta: David Mares Ed Lutz .Art Diaz JDS:mcv P811 It 802 Community 1)cvc1apmcnt Deparlmcnt 248 Fast Main Streit San lax into,GA u_)<R3 491 1}487-7?30 February 5, 2007 Eastern Municipal Water District AtIm Karen Hackett P. ©. 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 Nutice of Intent and the above referenced document. We have reviewed the Mitigated Negative Declaration & Initial Study, and our comments are Included below. t. 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 CitylCounty 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. 1-hese are the San Jacinto River Levee Stage IV, and Master Drainage Plan Line "Z". 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, t Asher Hadel, AICP Senior Planner STATE OF CALIFORNIAFP Stale Clearinghouse aiid Pialilli JJg t' tilt Fchmarti 6, 701) KiTerl Hdckctt Eastern Municipal Water Dklircl 12-0 1 runihIc Road P.D.flox h i00 Perris,CA 92 5-2-,q 30f) Sub'1ccE San Jacinlo Agriculrural In-Lieu Water SupplyCW " : 2007011020 Dear Karen Hackett: ]'ite State Clearinghouse submitted the above named Mitigated Negative Declaration TO selected stale agencies for review. The review period closed on FehruaiT 5,2007, and no state agencies 5tibmirted continents by that Lidle. This letter acknowledges that you have complied with the Slate Clearinghouse TCV1CNti W(JUirerneirls fur draft trivironnictital docknnerris.pursuant to the Calrliirnia EnvironincMal Quality Adt 111ease call the State Clearinghouse 3t(910)445-0613 if you have any questions regarding the cirvirorimentai rep iew process. If you have a questiuri about the abovu-nairiccl project,please refer to ihc rr ten-digit Slate Clearinghouse number when contacting this office. Sinter:ly, Terry Roberts' Director. Silaze Clearinghouse "1111W Pi,0 3 34j j Document Details Report - State Clearinghouse data Base SCH# 2007011020 Project Title San Jacinto Agricultural In-Lieu beater Supp y Lead Agency Eastern Municipal Water District Type MN Mitigated Negative Deciaratiun Descripflon 0 Eastern Municipal VDater District(EMWD)proposes to install approximately 10,775 linear feet cf 24-inch recycled water pipeline to deliver recycled water to two dairy farms. The recycled water will he used for on-farm irrigatlor 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 heing Pumped from the San Jacinto subbasin is being used for agricultural irrigation,the water table evels have dropped,and same wells}cave 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 rr. Cross Streets Warren Road and Ramona Expressway Parcel No. various Township 4S Range 1 W Section variuu 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 A Agencies Recreation.Native merican Heritage Commission; Integrated Waste Management Board; Department of Health Services; Department of Fish and Game, Region 6;DepaOrent of Water Resources; California Highway Patrol; Callians, District 8: State Water Resources Control Board. Division of Water Rights;State Watef Resources Control Board, Clean Water Program Date Received 01'0512007 SfartofReview 01.65,2007 Endot'Review 02,05;2007 Not?: i31nn� in rtatn fields result from rttsuflir.it:nt information pracided try lead ayeru:y. lqOW Appendix D Mitigation Monitoring Program ( F � SAN JACINTO AGRICULTURAL IN-LIEU WATER SUPPLY MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM The California Environmental duality Act (CEQA) requlres 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 ali 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 protect file This Mitigation Monitoring Program delineates responsibilities for monitoring the project, but also allows Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) flexibility and discretion in determining flow 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' • The EMWD distributes reporting forms to the appropriate persons for verification of compliance. • Depanmentslagencies with reporting responsibilities will review the Initial StudylEnvirenmental Checklist, which provides the general background information on the reasons for including specific mitigation measures. Problems or exceptions to compliance will be addressed to the EMWD as appropriate. • Periodic meetings may be held during project implementation to report on compliance of mitigation measures. • 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, The EMWD or Applicant prepares a reporting form periodically during the construction phase and an annual report summarizing all project mitigation monitoring efforts- . Appropriate mitigation measures will be included in construction documents and;or conditions of permitslapprovals. 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 1 f � 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. � f � MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING CHECKLIST SAN JACINTO AGRICULTURAL IN-LIEU WATER SUPPLY MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING CHECKLIST - — _ ._ --- _ _ -- — T MONITORING MONITORING RESPONSE COMPLETED f DATE MITIGATION MEASURE PROCESS TIMING L PERSON S €If AIR QUALITY :II-1 Site watering during grading operations shall be provided(3)three times Site Inspection During Construction EMWD Field (3y:_. daily. Engineering _ i ! Inspector or On Designee 0-2 GradingArenchtng%)eralions shall be suspended during the first and Site inspection During Construction EMWD Find Hy: _ secend stage ozone episodes or when winds exceec 25 mph,per the Engineering rm-i1 SIP- Inspector or On:. Designee IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES _ 1 .. ... _.. _ .. V t If aonstrduct on does occur vdnrin vthiscredoruca focusedduld occur is to of I Focused Surve. Pre Construction contract es to I ihate By:_.__impacts - g Y The breodin season,a ioximatel between March and September 15' . Services to initiate u 9 p d, surveyOn:_ - conducled to assure that no birds have moved into the vicinity. � ` qualified biologist I IV-2 the proposed pipeline shall be installed across the San Jacinto River Site Inspeclion During Construction EMWD Field ay:_- using a boring method to avoid potential adverse impacts to the I_-A. Fngineering Pocket Mouse and San Eternarcino Kangaroo Rat. Inspector of On:_ _T Designee V-3 Once the extent of the boring operation are more precisely known. Consultation Pre-Construction ! EMWD Eng neering By contact will be made with the California Department of Fish and Game to I Services to consult ascertain whether a Streambed Alteration Agreement must he prepared ! with CDFG i On:--.. And filed with the Department since the intent of the operation is to avoid f f impacts to River habitat. I IV 4 11 WAtlahon of the pipeline is to occur during the breeding season of the Survey ?re-Construction EMWD Engineering By: Bells eo and southwestern flycatcher, between March and September Services to initiate I and the Flood Control District has not undertaken an annual survey contract with i On and found no ,peelers exist,then surveys should be conducted during qualified biologist I this period to determine the presence or absence of these species. j i IV-5 Nesting surveys will be conducted for raptors and non-raptors if work is Nesting Survey Pre-Construction 1 EMWD Engineering By, to occur during a nesting season from March through August. Services to initiate contract with On qual fled biologist V-6 QOtain a permit andlcr confirm through the USACOE that standard Consultation Pre-Construction EMWD Engineenng By project measures taken to avoid potentially adverse impacts to Services to consult I jurisdictional drainage courses are suitable to mitigate potentially with USACOE On adverse impacts. V CULTURAL RESOURCES V-f 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 he Inspector or ! Oil instituted Designee '. The District shall issue a"Stop Work Order"directing the Contractor to cease all construction opefatioris at the location of such potential cultural resuufrxs L-,d 2. Such"Stop Work Order-shall be effective until such time as a qualified archaeo-ogiss designated by the District has been able to assess the value of these polential cultural resources and make recommendations.Any"Stop Work Order shalt contain the ! foilowing: a) A clear description of the work to be suspended', b) Any irs€ruc€ions regarding issuance of further orders by the Contractor for materials services. ! c} Guidance as to action lobe taken on subcontractors: dl Any suggestions to;he Contractor as to minimization of this cost. i e) Estimated duration of the temporary suspension- i 3 if the archaeologist determines that the potential find is a bona fide cultural resource.the District shall oxtend the duration of the"Stop Work Order"in writing.and the Contractor shall suspend work at all locations of the find. `J-2 In the event paleontological resources are uncovered during excavation. Site Inspection During Construction I EMWD Field By the District shall institute procedures consistent with those established I Engineering for cultural resources,except a professional paleontologist shall inspector or On undertake an evaluation to assess the value of the potential resource. Designee 4 VM HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY _ . _. .. ._ ... ._..... .. _..._. VIII-i The district shall prepare and submit a Maximum Benefit Analysis to the Maximum Benefit Pre-Operation EMWD BY Regional Water Quality Control Board(RWQCB).Santa Ana Region. Analysis Environmental& requesting a change ii the TdS and Tlht standards for the San Jacinto Regulatory On: Upper Groundwater Basin- This an ecify analysis shall sp the type of Compliance I measures or methods necessary to achieve the revised standards_ Such measures could polaritiaily include the use of desalters and treatment of the groundwater. Lpon acceptance of these changes and measureslmethods by the RWOCB,the District shall undertake the implementation of them consistent with the direction obtained from the F2WOCE3 I I Appendix E Draft Maximum Benefit Analysis January ?'), 2007 Mr f;erard Thibeault Lsecutive Officer Regional Water Quahiy Control Board 3117 Main Strect,Suitc SOO kri erside.CA 9�^.501-3119 Subject: Easters Municipal Water District {1�,M 5'D) pr poi- for new total dissohed ;Aids (TDSj and total inorganic n trogen (Tlt) water quali obje ivice for the San Jacinto Lpper Pressure Management Lane based nn maximum benef" ial us Dcar Mr. 'I hbcault: fhe stakeholders in the 1TemctrSan lac o (ira rdwatu (anagemc t .Area (Figure II (Manaslcnrent Area) developed the iletne Salr nits 'atcr lanairemc•nt Plan Ovtanaseuxnt Plan) to provide a foundation that cuides d , o re, nsi e uacer management ill th future. 11ta local stakeholders ittvo in e inc 3:MWD, the Lake licnut bturicipal water Uisuzct ILHMIkI the t cs nret lid n Jacinto. and Private Water Producers. The liMWD anti I_ .fti'<'I ve Iso orke wt the Soboha Band of Luis4no l:rdians (Soboha Tribe) and the F �ra vcr • t =Clop a Sctdemem ALiucTtmit that %Hoard resolve past issues wi re t tribal arer n and c%mter lttanagelrtarl practices in the Management Area. 'I Ile takeholders de u - Stipulated Judgment that will be tiled with Riverside County Su or 'ou it ? The kipulawd Judginent calls for the fonnation of a Watertttaster to urplemcn re r nc P. vhich describes water supply mnnat�ente% to maximize the reasonable and he fiel U. all waters available to the area, ehminatc overdraft. protect prior right (it,the Sobubi Fri and pr vide for the substantial enjoyment of all %%arer rights by recopntr.iug their priori lies. A, ri the klanaeonrem Plan,the 14 arermaster.through the LNJWD. is Implfinennjig the fnikm mo pr C rams: • I1emeti5an Jacinto Integrated Recharge and keco%erN Program (IRRP) program is dciigned to rcchartc imported %%dter and c%l:att gloLlndxLler it a c;Spixmr such that the follo%ving goals arc rues: sansCy prior and puramounr Soboha I nbc %cater mom oftscl the cstinr:ned M,000 acre-leer per year (Al Y) of rncrdraft in the 4ianag_crnenl .Area; and pre%ide an additional I1,u(rfi At Y to help meet the pro}ccicd demos] increases. Phase I of the IRRP has been designeai tmd fundcd, and the nccessary eu%LronntcnwJ pi rvnm arc being Jrqun'c-d- Phase 11 IS in the planning stages, Mast i n 111 consist of six rceharuc ponds u-iihin the San Ja:imo rice heel and prn%ide q to S? CLINO tcet per aecon%I (cfs) of rechar e capaaily. phase I is schedukd io he Completed by Drcemher _04 ' The cumplcnon of Phase 11 has lhd pntemi d to double the rerharg!c capacity of the IRRP. the Stan Jacinto 1_'pher Pressure ]lanagemetlt/ore ie ev%,:red.o reCei%e a l f,,OM M Y ar'STatu kS arer Pri?IeLl (S W E') "am wnh average-1 05 andTl\ %d[uc in_'Sri Aral irO mL'f..respecl:cc?y. ['h.,reihaitc is arneipatcd u%oceur during%%Cl years Miur tftc salinity of SWP eater 15%r^: love €'hc recharec Oi higher-quality S LVP rrso!t is a nei bcuFt io the San Jacmnr 1:11per Pressure MWW!gemevt Zone, %vhich has a currem l f1U1} ambient �nncenc atun n'' ''-1]5 ''111111► tend TIN et;70 and I.' ins l , respectivziy_ 'fllr e.cuting water qua;ltp ohjecti"es fur TT)3 and 'TIN arc 320 and 1A Irg.L. :vspecllrely, Bascd on the cartcnt amblenl d6nCdn lYar ills 4i'TDS and 115 the!'d i5110 aSilnlllatl�e CajleCiiy'EtS Cilner�Ull5tltut'Ilt. • Recycled VN ater In-Lieu Project—This project Will supply recycled stater IT-Lim the Sar. 3acinlo 'valley Regional Water Reciama:ion Facility for agnculturai mr-atior, in lie:, i( pump:n,,natne,groindwater. This prOiecla ill pros ice additionalrecycledwaterour,l& of th-, approsimatcly 5,01)0 .AFY !hat is currpttly hciog ;erred throw,houl Ille %lu iai!ciicm Al ca. One project iha.is alreadv in the planning slages could dchrer up to ,�d0 A PY of reevcled water to Rancho('asa Loma:nd the Scou Brothers Dairy that are InCJJCkl nl tFc San Jacinli l.'pper Pressure Vlallalencm /one. A 171111cated nCLaTi�t deciaratior. is being finalized. The prglcct costs will be split hewecn the EMWD. the 11-11%1WD, znd tlic Citics of Heine; and San laxito. Agt"nricwt will be made With Rancho Casa Lima and the Scotts Brothers Dairy that set ;¢mus nn Lrnundwater production and prYmde for pay men[nY a PnlTinn of the nperatmn attd maintenance costs. • Hemet %Rater Filtration Plant—The E%,MD Is building the i I.000 AFY Hemet GVater filtration Plant to treat SWP WATER fur potable suppl his additional supply M.1 be used in lies! of nanve groundwater. The use )t treat mp ed ssxter sniil reduce the IDS in 1he ncycled water and result in net decrcas in ihe' )S coneentnition it..returns T70m use to gro--inclwater. 1hr C'U111t1'itnlCnl to ni1pICItlCIA these water mI iagZ nt zhvi --s denlonstrales that the Management Area is a highly managed,high-vaI rise for its ill-h "in p directs and the people of the California. llle Watermaster and stak old o e 'elan enl t Plan are acting responsibly in exercising their water manage nt an ewards ip obli mllio s Basin Plan Update tie ]'he Cl\ 1D8 task tircci was fnlnl ir, uu 1 s to pe n certain inv :,tigation:• that woul;i lead to thu establishment o new N a d " S ohj for groundwater basins in life Santa Ana River Watershed. T Re n l Lk ter all Control Board (RVdQCB), water- recycling agencies. and many e tics participa t e Task Force. 'The Tl\,TDS "Task Force puhlishcd a -eporY e it led 7' S'1 t Yha. , 2,1. Phial Technical i-lenrnrandims (Wildennuth Imvirennlent I, 30 e B sec the 1k':iter Qualitv Control flan for the Santa aria River Watershed - sin la n 1 It, Ill new TI\ and 'I DS objectives were haled oil d itutx,stwa.l analysis of well W 'r q lily dat' for to period of 1954 to 1973 with fnc restdt ng well stalkiics volumetrically avcrage to y" ld a cw statistic for each water holy, l lie h sit for this approach is the first pe.r1 c7 Stsl: W' •r Res urces C'nnrrnl Board(Sfv R('B) kxecutiv2 Orcler b$-l6. Lxecutiva Drdor 69-16 reads; "I. Whenc%ei the eais[ing quality of waler is hcncr than sac quality Lvtabllshed in policies as of the date or which such policies become cllccrn e,such celsrng high quality Will be -maintained until a has been demOTIStralid to the Stair. that arp change will be eucsrslent with maximum benefit to the people e(the Slate. will not unicasonahl-Y a(iecl present and ::nt:clpated bCneFICIa' uat of such \later ar.d "ill not result in V Qter quaht} icss than tl-.ui prescribed in tht palicic'.i. ?. .Any aetisit, which products or nl p piuducr a +caste or increased vulunie or comentrition Of waNlu clad which dlsehagcs or pn)poscs :n rhsehal,e al cxislinZ h,I,,h ytrditl r.atets will hr reGuircd to meet caste tii schar2e requirements w hicEl well result rn the bcsl practicable rreatnnc;n or control of the disch,ir-e neccssary to;i"ure- that (a) po€ uuon or nuisance will ni! occur and (h) rile h;ohcst urger quality wr:i;teni iruh nilt inn nl xne'rt to the people of the State will be nniiwained. 1. In implcrlwrii»�- thispo'uCy.the tictreiary of [lac Iaterio€ �cdl ;tc kyii akit�Wd and ails he provided tiihh Such infol-Immun as he u:11 need to discha gc his resprntsrbili:ies under the Fuderal 1A ater 110- ion Control An.- Tie operating concept from F.xecurire Order 01,16 forestabhslrmg anudcu adatiun ubjectives is: "I. \1'henCveT the CMStutg quality ai water rs IMI1 T than, the quahry cs:,tblished in policies as)[tile ctite On+trhich Such pp'ueics become efreel.k e,such e\istnie hizh quality tit ill bu maintained The nc%k oh.]ent es and associated water hodics for die San Jncmlo R. asins arc: Mana,enient [Ds IiN 7-onc OhJcrni c Objecttce Can yo-q21Il .7 :lernct 1lXF.lt ?;p �. Lake4-ew -Hemet'north 520 P lI-is\orrh Paris South 1260 5 San Jacinth Lower PreBsu I i I.() San Jacinrq I. pper Pny7u, 220 These new management zones and tl it res tiv 1 nd 'I'11 ectives were approved by the Rcttional Buaid in Januai}, 20(4 the er -? 4-000 a ecame efli:ctive in f cumber 2-004. 'Ibvsc muna.,emeni zone art lc fir I to re anapcment zones adolned b� (he Heriiet:San JaClKto Groundwa . n meat Urea st I crs in the IIemeuSian Jacinto Water Managemem Plan and arc .hmvn m - We -- ' th TIN/TDS S7udr Yhasr ' 1. Final Technical Mernonmdurn rid i re rei I ie FIN,'TDS Task Force report also denionstrated that there wa. no sii aJ% a t) :ti the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zoiie for TT]S o-T . v l E.NIN'D'% Prupusal ror'I'DS xnd'Eli V4 r uality Objectives I he LNIWD propascs to change the water dualny objectives for the San Jacinto Lpper Pressure Vanage,metit Zonc to enuhlu the efficient management oC the water resources in the Managen-tent Area, Changing the objectives yv;ff create assimilative t'apacity and tlicreby cnablt the use ol' recycled w-atci and will allow the recharge ohimportcd water. [his proposal is based on California Water Code section 1.241 and amher criteria to cslahlish TDS and h1S ohjccn%L-s in the San fa.-into t pper Prcasure L9anngemeat Zone Consistent with L'xCautive Order 6h-10, I he operating corccpt irn€n 1 xccutivt' Order os-10 for estahlishing nia.Niniutn bcricflt ohjcetii es is -Whcueycr thc• cm song quality attunc7 Ihcn the qus:rrti t%labilShCd in paliiica as of daie m %% rich such liolicicS'UUCL)I]C eftecti C.such cxi1ti7L'2 Ingh quality i% 1 he maintained gn.ti'i it has heat de onvi tjrrd io ih:- Stave Jim =v ehingr wi!I he cozmi tent irrth maximun€ benelit to the pcupl,r it vi Slarc ic)Il not wue,usonahly a e¢t nrq�s�Cm and ,:n3icipatz3-here is:.;Luse of such Cater an •u�i.l! toff�csult in tcater_-.qu.ilits Irsti-than rh;rt ;we5crilicd iu 11]c olici.c;." Emphasis acided. -- Section 13241 states the criteria that need to he considered in :slablishing water quality objccti�e other than the ❑mumuin reynircmcnt stated in Lxccotire Order 6S-1G. The di.cttsvion that follows avid the commitment jack are structured to demonstrate that implementing the proposed water management strategy alone kith chnngmg the ohjectires will promote the maximum ber.eficlal use of the waters of thr State- Section 13231 states: "Each:egi(m�� hoard shall estabITsh such eater quality obieemL:s in.cater quality control plans as in its judgment %till C-ISUrc the reasonahlc prateenon of betteticial uses a A Ilre preteni:ou of nutsailce; hnut:ker,it is recugniierl that it rnny be possible:or the quality of water to be shamed w sonic degree tisrthoct unrcasonabiy affeciing beneficial use,,. Factors to be considered by a ri�gional board in csialihshing i,aier yuaht% &b :fives shai': ;nclude,but not necessarly be limped 1�1,all of :he folloi%tng. (a)Past,present,and prabaliie fWtTI V bone icial uses of'Antis. (b) Ervironmei,m. chartitituns13cs of the hydtographic rant tinder consideration.indudittg the quality of water a%ai able IhLnto. (c) Water quality conditions Thar enull rcusurr ly eerie ed through the coordinated coutiol of all Ihctors which ftect w ter qu;tl'�n' in the area. (d}Economic considerations. (e)The need for cteveiaping housing pint eeioi . (f)The need ro detelnp ant'us'c rcc ed Iti.. cr. 11rc EM"D proposes that the TDS and 1_ bjccI ' s P the San Jacinto 1Jpper pressure Managcinem ZOO be: Oective Cu„ ilt� Oh •dire_...._ ( unen[ 1.7 The "C'tirrem" estimates listed a %c c c irr es the volume-weighted quality in _003, the last year in which an estimate of am nt 5 an TIN concentmuons are available (Wl:l, 2003). The proposed TDS ohjecme is the dri -Otte w Icr secondary masiirunn contaminant level for TDS that Aas estahlished based on esthetic sidcranons. I he prioposed FIN objective is based Dn VaIUCS that Lail a6COmmr3G2(V llae (j]'W use of recycled water and rccharge.of importecl water in the San Jacinto l:pper Pressure Management Zone without impairing henelici;al uses. The EMMA) proposal includes a series of comiminiews w Cm urc inaxmnitn bench% and projection of benehciai uses dcm nslrcain of the San Jacinto 1-.pper Pressure Manag%mien% Zone, With the F.MW'D proposed ohjcetires. the pLtw1) anticipates that some cterriinrruliration of groundwater or recycled water will he necessary in the future; iherelor:% the E%-I%k D wiH consrnict these facilities when needed to ensure henetictal use of yroundwatcr, meet rcc}sled %rater d1SCJ1arLC }itnits. or both. The PafWD will enndnet Lrouad+eater and surface water monitoring to enable the computation of CDS and TEN concentrations as was rcccntl; done by the R1`i I DS Task Porte, and thus to determine when the later eoriditiota rtoulil occur. I hu proposal was ek-aluatCd uxin Water Code.Section 1'+241 and one other criterion belo%% S13241 (a) Past. present,and probable future beneficial uses of water. Thy beneficial uses in t lie currCmt'lasill plats or the Sall Jacinto I.;pper PresSUFe Manurcme nl Zotle are: �1{:� t+aters used for ennemunity, military, municipal, yr indicidt:n] +tiritcr systems These uses include.bu[are not limited to,drinking venter supply. A G R w'atcrs used filr fanning, horticulture, or ranching_ fhesc uses ma,, mo udc, nut are not limited to.irrigation,stock watering,and support of%egrtatiWI for range granng. 1%1) waters used for mdustrral actn rocs that do rot depend pnruarily on ukxcr quulity. These tics include. but are 1101 limited lu, ruining, cooling atl[Cr suppiv. comevancc, g:a,.el washing,fire protection,and od tav?]rcpressurizntlon. PROC waters are used for industrial acnt•t t:i that dcpend prnnarlp on %cater quu]tty, these usrs include, but are not limited m, pmces> 1+arer supply ant: all uses of+rater [Clated to product maeul'aclunng and ie�nd prcpara7on. J he use impairment threshold concentrations for I DS and FIN for these beltelicial uscs as !istrc or:nferrel from the current hasm plan are: Beneficial LSe I D,S I hrecS:hold[n T[, T_. .Threslluld frneL:_-N, tiiliA 500 i0 A G R 70 �x - 0 Ihd 1 nl PROC nl �J nl fhe -'Ili" listed above Incans that ilic bast p Iti - ❑ the impairrimit threshold concentration for these uses. For 'R u e .asin tales ikwt 700 mg.1- is the bcuefxia1 USC threshold for irrigat n. The sin tan is s •it egarding the 'NN inlpairnlcnt threshold fi,r:he AGR use. Howe er, it s r sot bie as unie that this impairment threshold to si-ni_icantly greater than 10 m=!11, t s, tt shovel a as ,10 mg,L. The proposed TDS and HN objectives arc protective fthes e leia s. S13241 (b) Enrironrnen I ch ris ' s f t by rographic unit under consideration, including the qualitl of wa av ' ab he i . 1I'S. the EMWD has condue st ius to stiniate luture TDS concentration; in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management lie. lie i cthcsd and assumptiouS are deseribed in Frhihil A and are identical to whai was used in ie S ❑ummit, CEno and Yucaipa 'Aanagcmcnl Zonc inammum -lenefit denionstrations, Fhe f owing water resources nianagenwnt cases here an..Iyzcd,. Case ` 'No project scenario: the IKRP and Recycled Water tr)-Lieu Protect do not occur_ Gruunduatti production is reduced accnrdiu11' to the %lanagt.-»cnt Plan and remaminl water demand is satisfied by treated Imported uatcr. C-ass? 'I hr I RRP sloes not na.:ur and the Recedes! Wl ter In-L1n1 PTO:CCI is un{me star:i In 2Ous. the recycled fixer TDS Aincenl.t'alion .s z75 nir 1, Grnunctuater producllol. 1s reduced t:ecnrdrng to the �,tanapernern• Plan and TCIMMiing stater drrtiund is satisfied by teased impvncd t atcr. Lase ti[alc Waler PYojecl ltalri is usrJ tin gNuunduuler :rp;elliehlncnl sod the Rccycied � aiel lr'.-I.'Cir Project is orlllne itarn:l�"III _tOOX, I ID2 IIeITet *4 ftCr I-lill'3aprt Pfdrll 1K eon=_Irucied and treated tnipor[ed stiatcr ;s scned in lieu of nani c grounduatc- s t8rhiifl 311 iU I ri. Case 4 Sal e as Case ',bu[ MS�:onccnnanur'•;n rccvc'icd s%xo is 050Irx.L, Each case represeatts a possible xatcr resource, manatg.ntent strategy that could be adopted by the EN1LVD. Case I simulates future couditiuns k0hout the propn3cd major facility improrenmwi, in the �7anagentettt P13n_ in Case I :groundwater prof€ucritm host he reduced to the s,:fo vied of the hasin. Case 2 is identical to Calve 1 except that the Ptcyeled Water In lieu Prnjecf is a»t[med to come online its 2009. Cases 3, and 4 re-prescm tltc proposed Management Pla;t with the IRRP. Pecyctcci Water its-lieu Pnt lest, and arc Hemet Water I iteration Plant and dieter only in the assumption of the I'DS co.lcenUation in llle recycled eater tlscti for irrigatio:r in the Recycled Water Ir ieu Project. Retail that the Management Plan includes the -echaree ni'up to ahom 16,000 AFY of'.SW'P water and the Hemet Water vibration Plant wil s:ne u}. to SMO At:)' of treated imported water in lieu ofnatira proundwaier Figure 2 shows the estimated San Jacinto tapper Pressure Managenunt lone Il)S concentration expected through the year 21QG for all four cases. Case I results in an ambient IDS concentration of about SOO rngA.: in 2100. The inereasiue Ir)S concentration is driven by returns from water applied For irrigation. In Case 2 the I DS concentration increases by about 135 rn_,I. over Case I to 2100. I fie estimated'IDS concentrations iu r?190 for C&,es 3 and 4 arc shtx:t 710 and 740 n1gi[- respectively. Case 3 and 4 bout resu in he er quality-roundwnier than the baseline condition. The: EM"'D will offset the l't)S puts t groundwater front the Recycled Water fit-Lieu Project and slow the expected in se the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management 'Lane TDS concentration by inlplen c ing It ea it Plan for the Hcntet;San Jacinto area and recharging imported water. C` ses 1 and 4 are c a3)tr1tlatices +hat must be pursued by the L'v WD to ensure a reliable supply i 1 its: tce ea. our proposal is ul implement Case 4 and t the S ohj 'live. at 500 nag L. This proposal will ,allow the F,l'WD to stake toe maxi Ill Ile c-ia se waters available to the rt ion. 'l he 500 m-,1, value corresponds to the drink[ *r r se 1 nn 111i contuatinant Icvcl for TDti. In past maximum benefit propo C to a n \Va er. San I ntlateo Watershed vlanagentent rAuthori[p, and Yt1ca a \allcc- la'a L istric th Regional Board set the IDS objective at the projected cone e tiot to 03 - a eri d of .30 years lions the start of their projects_ In co all cases the TDS ne trat2Fr(1 cx 1 (1 t "t iil 2031 - a period of 30 yeaiN liom the ;tart of the propose Akan n --.t PI 1 he prrsjections presented herein do not take into accmint the tray time rntt_ v Sc re [or returns from warcr applied for irrigation. 'Ilae TDS collet atio of Sa J sin pper Pressure Management Zn1te y.ill not increase as rapidly as suggui L" t Ih. D, on nit oil projections ;}town in I igurc 2. The Management Plan, as implet ate n C se 4, may result nt The management zones Stlrrmindhig the San Jacinto L;pper ressur rece,cin;7 better quality water than iF the Management Plan was not implcntented. , most current groundwtaler flow model I'or the San laen I', 1 rowrshed assumes there is no outflnc+ fiont the San Jacinto I'liper Pr:s,ure Manallcmcm %nne tTc0d,ink E nviranmcntsi. Inc., 2002}- It is helreved that thee. is soma outflow to the Hemet Sdttlh Management Zone.but that this Ilow is do mmim:s With the inrpLntc•ntation of the Management Plan grnundWatcr levca will rise in the San Jacnno Upper Pressure Managemenl Zone and llrerr may be outflow to the Hornet South, t.akcyiew Hemet North. and San Jacinto rower Pressure Management /.,ones. Che I DS objeLnvc for these management /,ones is greater than the proposed objective for the San Jacinto tapper Pressure\1ana, Illent Lone TIN. '('he TI ''IDS Task Force determined that the use protection thre hold for I IN in roundse'ater nos S m_='t.. I'}te propnti d uhjectnc and ambient f[\ c>nc ntrutions in this t:tana,gcmc rt zone are lower than 8 nmg I- and are liars prntectis e of current and liilure beneficial uses. lit EViW't) produces ncycicd seater with a I'_-nlumh ayera_ge 11\ eu�leCn11-360n 01' 10 nog:t.. 'i IN los;cs in recycled scatcr rcchame are assented to he at least 2y percent in the 13as:n Platt and a study is currenilc, beinse conducted that will dc•nuuatrate that 'I io.ec5 :n the San Jaelilto ]:pper pressure Management 'Lone are much greater than ati perccut. the L\1W1) proposes that the 1 IN ohyew cs for the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Managentent lone he set al AMP, NNW "flits will create assinnIarise Capacity in this inartagenient zotw, a]lowinv the direct use of recycled water without mitigation, and still protect the heneticial uses in ibis ntanagCmerll zone. S13241 tc) 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 TITS and TIN in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure ;Ltana..;cmeut Z011e include the recharge of imported water and the use of recycled water. 'kith the impiementatior- of the Managicnient Plan, up to about 16,600 AFY of imported water (TDS 2�6 uig1 and TIN -r mg,L-V) will be recharged to replenish lower quality groundwater, and the p:iysical recharge capacity ]ur [he rcehar,e of supplemental water will increase by at least 30J)Uf AF'Y 1'fie recharge of iniporied water will partially mitigate the effects of recycled water use in the San Jacinto Upper Pre;eure Management Lone. flit FMWD. in implenwnting the Plan_ is taking cxtraordniary steps to optimize the management of the Yfanagcircu Area by inipro-ing supply rcliahility and water quality-- Setting* the TDS and TIN nbjecrives per the F..MWD proposal will reduce the cost of replenishment, which is recessary to ensure tha: 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 '-II he FDS and TIN mitigation requirements for the recharge and direct reuse of'e d er pu%mlially tite recharge of impor.ed '.eater. 1-rom the discussion on Secii 1 132 /hi ove, t is clear that the TITS concentration in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure ana, me Zone n I in asc regardless of the fD5 objective and with or wirhaut recycled wa us T Santa n' Watershed Project Authority Basin Plan Upgrade Task Faro(:' PA TF) tamed Bili •ndy and Associates Io analyze the eeottoniic benefits cf carious tanag '111 p n,a , including: • .Managing groundwater basins to achie b pla b tivc- for TDS and'I IN. ••r. • Managing groundwaierbasi to ma Lain -u i TDS an IN'concentrations. • Constructing groundwater reat eu vs ills en; e t tat groundwater can be put to potable uses. The results of Deudy's wor are col 't in al rc rt Nitrogen and TDS Studies, Upper S'urrta,fna R'aivrshed (Ja s M. tlgu e 1 ). summary, the SAWPA B11UTF repurt conclucicd that the cost of rr. agt S dw e u- 'y to achiev? Basin Phan objectives or stop degradation were S6.5 billion a 5 .a U1 on Pr . tit worth, 1991 dollars). respectively, the cost of prodt,cing potable water thr h t oas coon of Lrnundwarer treaunenu plant, is more reasonablc at about 'U.9 billion, 'l t SAWPA BPI'TF report concluded that groundwater xcatnicru for potable use was the best-so Iu o manage die future HIS and TIN&,gradation of <rroundwa[er. This is because the TDS and TIN levels in agricultural and urban return flows to ,Zroundwater aft: nett regulated, and the i DS and 'I IN concen[raunns in groundwater basins are asymptotically appntaching the levels in the recharge to thew hasiirs. Simply put, [he TINJDS "task Force pt"oposed management •/ones and associated TDS and TIN objectives will cau,e the rning'aticm expense, to occur without tangible benef€€rs to anyone in the watershed. I'his needless ccnnomic burden mill inhibit the maximum uSe of reCvcicd water and the recharge of imported water planned in the Sar Jacinio 1 pper Pressure Managcntent Lone. Adopting the I7\JJX'D proposed '1-DS and 11\ abjectives will lower the Cost of implentcn(in_ rite Plan and increase the amount of SWP water ai'ailable throUglluut the state: a stare wide ectm01111 and envnbrimental benefit. That said, the Plan c:munits the FMWD and others to spend about SOOO imilion over the nest 30 ycars to improve water mlah_v and th-,rcliabdity of groundwater in tits Sao Jacinto I'pper Press.trc Manac,ement Zone. In addition, with the F%M"l) propo ed 1'DS and TIN objectives, ]cs. recyelcd water evill be discharged to Tcmcscal Cre•ck fiom the Managemeat Area,which will improve the gmdity of Tcntescal Creek and the Santa Ana River. S13241 (e) The need for developing housing Aithin the region; and (0 the need to develop and use recycled Crater. The cities and counties in the Matvagemenl Area have deiceinined a need for housmLv, and have adopted general and specific plans that show substantial increases in housing in the Management Area as thr land i� corvem:d from vacant and agriculnir. i uses to urban rises. All ofthese plans have been approved and have tertm icd environmental documents. fhe water supply entities in the Vi¢oay nlent Area ha�'C ru'ponded to the water Supply chin.len-e posed by these plans by cicvclopin,_ water Supply plain that clrpcnd heavily oil local and supplemental supplies. I he Plan addresses current and fulure demands through the dcn o;oprucnt of large-scale rochorlp, recycled water in-lieu projects, repional conveyance,and cunjuneticr-ti;c pro',,rants_ ']lie recently enacted Kucll (SB22l) and Costa iSB6101 HIS requite extensive documentation and demonstrations of water supply reliability prior to allowing new housing to occur. "fhe Recycled water In-Lieu Praject will offset the use of 8,5411 AFY of native ,,roundwater in the San Jacinto I:pper pressure Malla!,*emetlt Zone (lr reduce the overdraft in the Management Area up .o 85 percent. Recyctcd water use in the Management area is necessary }or grrnvth and is necessa y to irnpEemeut the Dian. Sett the '1 DS and TIN objectives as Proposed by the FAIM) will maximize the use of rc cle water. fherebv, ituprt%i31, rile reiiahilitc of water supplies for flmirr growth in the regi 1. EMWI) Commi(ments In other maximum benefit pmposais, the RWQC has qui d stric ev -able commitments in ensure Thal appropriate actions are Laken when trig, ref ❑m -lit u AT ya hty and other time- certain conditions. 'The f: IlU[) is a fom ar nking ater r sex€ices ntana;c€n nt urgsnization mid takes their rnvironrnental swwardsit respc •ibili ''.a seriously. The FMWD is prepared to enter into an agreement with t C stiur nalize these comniitmcnts now along %Nish the FMWD's proposed 1 - d I ti' 1 l 'tivcs _MWD•s Coulmimmits are described below. l'DS Effluent Limitation and - lini an em t. tic EMWD will limit the volume- wei4h:rd average 'IDS concen tirnl 1 €r�`s//efflnen 1� s t an nr equal to 650 mg,`L by usm, low "I Ds source wi;ter sa Iy fur I- tc a . . ciccli cly clian,ing its source water, and mininlizin" the TDS was incr• (f -1 he in the average IDS increase That occurs thrmloh indoor uses, which nu etc ti r la u 1 average I'DS concentration in recycled water minus ncL�average "DS en 'en f nox rn t o s rce uater supply}. The El9WD will u.sc its befit rllorts to enact ordinances. incc iyC Brat s and development requirements lilac ininimizc the'1-DS waste Increment. I lit' FNI14 D will always attempt to serve th west TDS supply availahlc• for its potable suppty. When the volume-weighted TDS concenlralion in the San Jacinto Upper PT-SStrre Vilaa!zenlctct Zone rises to wilhin 10 nig"T of the proposed 'IDS objective of 500 nipt-, fhe F.M%VI) will construct &K:111 L facilities to either reduce tile'I DS coacCuirwion in source water and serve il',is water to its customers or to reduce the TDS concentration in recycled water. 1 is 1.MWD will develop a salt management plan to reduce thc: net salt loading to the San Jacinto U-ppur PressLrc M:lnagcCilicnt Zone: from E1111h'U's i%xharge and recycled etater programs to the prnlxtM:j I'DS objective. TIN' Effluent Limitation. The FAIWD will reduce i1w TIN (7cuiccmralion in its recycled ctiulcr such that it will produce a rccycicd water cflnenl '.%ilh a 1'_-month aticralgc 1 IV' of 10 mg-I-or less. Monitoring. 'Tilt: E%I%Vf.) is cnnlrrtined to concJuctmlo and iunding monitoring activities that %%ill enable the delcnmination of amhiL•u€ I1)S and 'I IN conecutranons in vroundnaier in the San Jacinto Upper Pressure Vtmlapement/one and to Cooperating frith the 1ZWQ(A3 ill c°.c'sh;iiml of monitoring data as is consistent whh EMWI) Inahc€es_ tr- The FILIWC] believtcs that This proposal,including ottr proposed oUjcctives and comntitmenrs,W111 p:umoie die m$ximum buneiicial use of the Nawrs of the State and prot"t downsirnin water quality. The F N1WD respectfully requests that you carsider [his proposal for inclusion in the Basin Plan. Please call❑]e if you have any questions regarding this proposal. sincerely. F,astern Niutticipal Water District Anthony J. Pack General Vtanaiser Fncl. o� 1v Exhibit A TDS Budget Tables San Jacinto Upper Pressure Management Zone Background At dw June 2002 maximum benefit breakout group meeting, Regional Water (Quality Control Raat-d staff asked for a projection of how fast 111C I Ds would increase in the mamigmnc.nt -/_ones where TDS objectiv es based on maximum benefit have been proposed. These include rho China North, Cucamonga, Beaumont. San Timotuo, and Yucaipa vfanaIgcment Zones I'his nrnwranduns presents estimates for the San Jacinto l pper Pressure llana�ymiiew Zone.hayed on simplified prUJectlons usim, a r-mvetuou.clt stirred reacror model {CSRM) approximation anal readity avaifahle physical and planning data. 'tiore that these projections are order of inagnitucl. estimaIes Approach TracfihonaJv, the RWQCB wnuk4 use its Basin Plant Ott CIS p17 1 to answer this question. In the mid 1990s. the TT';:"rDS Task Force.. whit fnc s Ih R� CB, ibrmally determined not to use the BI'M for ftITII e plauaing. F la. Force elc•eel it to develop a new =mundcvater rnodel that coutd simulate the fate o� I'D vt the tin an cast constraints on the preparation of the 'IDS prq;cilion. Wil ntth : virnlut ntal dcvelo ed a TDS projection tool usi itg a CtiR'v1 approxitrtation. In a C'SR'vl, Ilmd particles, enter die react« n e 1 11 CO dispe'scd IhrouLhout the reactor volume. The fluid partictes i c re to t )top o ) their star.stical population. This appruamlation is u:eci nr.,tndv ales an xe con wit] 'on luaus inputs aad output, '>r example, Water Qurtlrtr: .7tt acre fsirc role �rg c id r 4Adificarion, Tehobanoglous and lOIMcdcr, 1957). flit rxtcnsion o is fOae. rou dwater basin is somewhat ICn€loli5 avid at best provides a first-or erapp i •tion . It:tint ale of'I-US degradation. in words_ the appioach k as ou • I-stirnate the.)olurne and aolume eraged F S concentration of ilic s'ufjccI menagemem zone at the star of the simulation pert (:ii - ial condition) For+nett time: Step do the foltowin_y. • B. in:aietheinilou and ciiElowtolmn_s • lisiannte change;n storage • 1=snrnatc the TDS concerirauon i or cacti in?lmu cumporicnt • Assimc•'1 DS in octflov% is equaE tip the TDS ronccntratron.a €ho end o1'rhe pre%ions nmL "cep • psinnatc the fDS mass in the reactor • llsri:nare the I DS cunccrnrauon in the rciiitoi at the Lod o1 the time step The initial conditions for the mattagemen3 /Imes there based on the 2CO3 amhient groutld%atc:r calculations, which arc an update of the 1997 rstoiralc; from the Phaso 2.% ropoil. w.- The inflows consist of the deep percolation of precipitation,the deep percolation of applied n utcr, river recharge, imported water replenishment, incidental revycled water recharge, and subsurface iEtllo%S frnm acljaoent j round"'ater basins. With the exception of the deep percolatiotr ofapp i d water, the inflow terns are independent of groundwater outflow tends and are calculated or assumed values. The deep percolation of applicd %%titer is clnsrl rulatcd to the focal water demand and is deriv:d from the portion oCthe water demand used to sausfy irrigation lines. [t iS calculated as follows: A'�,," - TFY: ,; , *FNS DT3A%V; ; 1 =A« . '(1.0-IFFF) Where A4y'„,i., isthe;Ippiieduawr TE),,,,,-; is.oral demand FINS is the fraction of towl demand that es not tei the son er system )PAW,,,,i.. isthedccppercolauonotapplicd eater iF.FT is(he irrigation ell or11 It o- arei •or]wim'dbythe vtgew ion served by the tip ed w- er. i"oral demands and groundwetcr pumping tr erive nni pi, ring docun grits and cu ineering documents. The traction of total de man that ent the sewer sysrem is 'based on Iristorical data and future estimates frorn piat in ocu its nd ncering reports. Irrigation etPlciency was assumed a> be 75 per The la do c t and e;if inecring documents used to der v e total demands, fracti t nai sc re., am irrig ton ficienc:c are: thn Chino Basin Watenm,wer Optimum Basin L tiger en Prr gran ha. I eport (WE], 1999}; Hemet,,San Jacinto Groundwater Manage tent rea are n em it flan - Draft (WIl ?,()06), FMW"D 2005 IJrhan Water an t Plat -,'vl1 05). LHMWD 2005 1'rhan %later Management Plan fl_Hi v 'D, 2005., i' Water Department l:rhan Watei Management Plan 2005 ( " o Ile t l t De rtmcna, 2005); City of San Jacinto 2005 i than W'arer vianagernen, 1'ia Ste n h it rs 2005): Preliminary Design Report for the San Jacinto Agricultural in-I.ieu at S ippl Project (Engirteenng Re50tIrCi'S of Sc•uthcrn California, Inc.. 2005); Regional Groi dwater ode? liir the Sun Jacinto Watershed (Techl-Ank Fnviromnentai, Inc.. 2002)', Hernet'San . in blatcr Maiias!en)eitt Urea 2005 Annual Report {DvIWD, 2006); Operational YiCld Study emet.San Jacinto Clroundwuter Vanagement Area (W'RIM . 200 ); and Rasiu Assessment i�cparl and Integrated Watcr Managemcm Plan Technical Mon-omiidum No. I Assn.SAIIt:nt of 1-hsioncal and Projected Land and Crater rise 'l he warm'volume artd'I DS mass halance fora eroundti4uter'basin (reactor% is simply: Inflow Ouuli m - (llall'e in Storacc For IDS,an explicit finite-difference appmmInation IS ust•d, tN hich is: [fkl o=l.1 *C"A'i1 1'fi4L-t "('('kb`L I-VCi4�+,*t_ lG hest: a the I" tnfl[nc during die period r to r 1 C., is the I'i1Sci472elluwiun [or the.1°t`ill lloudat in' theperiodrtot-1 is the k"auifloNk 6om the o:ounduarC'r basin during ncc period period r ?o r f V( W. a the solunie of gresunel�atcr instorage at r-1 cc\i , is the TDS concentranon ofrroundsc aier at r fhe 'I'M €aas halaneed js ;oh ed for C'C-rW..:after the hydrologic or natcr taln❑re mass halance is salted. Results The attached tables contain the results for the San Jacinto Upper Presssuic Management 70ne. Ilse TDS projvctions arc shown graphically in Figures A-I T 'ollowing cases were analyzed: Case I No pro,ject scenario: the €RRI' and Recycle aier n•1-1 Project do not occur. !iroundtsater production is reduced ac' rdI o IIA gcmcnt flan and nmainmi;water demand iS;ah;ned by tr to i p vYed uatc' C asc 2 1 he IRRP dries not occur and du' Rccyc V, r n- . •u I'rojc is ❑ line stniT;ng in 200. Tlie recycled avarer T S Cone tratinn i �?S mg- .. Ctrlund%knicr production is reduced accordin. tot �Ianac nar7r Plan and rcmauimg watt demand is satisYIcd by treated impo 'd t 'atcr. Case? State Water Proles[ water is cd for -ou ter E e h nt and the Rectccd Water In-Lieu I'rolect is nr ate sta ';it '0 ltr Hem 'aier Filtra'unrt Plaint is ennstructe.d and treated mp u •r is caned n i of nans•e 4 roundttatcr starting:n 2010, (�/1 Case 4 sarte as Casr 1 but"" on nitration in recy cr is 650 rngrl-- F;ach cu,c rcprescnts a pos 'hie stet -so c mu -emem stiatcLry that could be adopted by the EMIA'lJ_ C'aso I ,'intt les writ a 11:e t s Without ' is Proposed nta]or t'acili[y improventeats in the Vlanagemen lan. n Cas 1 groundwater production must be reduced to the sate yield of the basin. Case 2 is entical t Case 1 except that dic Recy0vel Water In-lieu Project is assumed to conic online in 20 ' C' ses 3 and 4 represent the proposed Manal�r emcnt Plan with the 1RRP. Recycled Water hr-lieu gject, and the 14emet ykrater Filtration Pant and differ only in the assumption of the TDS concentration in the rccycicd water used for imgution in the Recycled Water lit-lieu YrUject. Recall that the Management flan mclu<tes the recharge of up to aboul 16,00tt AFY of SWP water and the Hemet Water Filtration Plant %kill sertie LP to 8.000 AFY oftrea€ed imported seater in lieu of native yround%tiawr. Figure '_ shows the estimated San Jacinto I:pper Pressure ylanas,,vmenl "Lone TDS concentration expected through the year 2100 for .ill tour cases. Case 1 results in au ambient fllS concentrwion of about 900 tnr=;1, in 2100. The incrcaein r I[F> cone titration is driven b% rt:IuntS Irom water applied for irrigation. In Case 2 the I US concenirnon increases by about 1_� mg.1- m er Case I in %loll. The csrimate '1 US cortcentratinus in year 3 L00 for Cases 3 and 4 are about 10 and 'Sri mg;J._ reapccti%ely_ Case 3 and 4 both result in IMICn'quality groundwater than the banelirc co-iditior:. '[he IAt5.' D %613 offset the 1US inputs to groundwater trout the Recycled Water In-Lieu Project and sloe the c:;pec[t'd iircreat,e of the San Jacinto I pper Pressure ylana4ement zom�'I US cw)cenniltwn by implrmcmin<a the ylwiu—entcm ?tan for the Hcrnet:San yr ,lan= area mud recharging imported water. t ases 3 and 4 are the alternatives that must he pursue;3 by the L1MV,'D ro cnsurc a reliable supply in its sctvice area. O